Thank you for the reviews and the support. I recently traveled back to my hometown for a few days and deal with personal issues. I'm a bit jetlagged today after a came back last night. I half-dreamt a portion of the ending of this multi-fic and it got me thinking about some things I have yet to write. I dreaded the ending of a series, and at the same time, I wanted this to end soon. But rest assured, we are not there yet. We still have a lot of chapters to go.
Recently, I am preoccupied with my research on how colleges/universities work in Japan, what's the process of entrance exams are like, what do students do after they graduate from high school and they have successfully entered the university of their choice? Do they give themselves a break or continue studying? I am using these info for another work I am doing, so if you have info to share, do PM me. :)
Title: Shirayuki, the Noble Pharmacist
Inspired by: Chapter 46 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works
"Why are you not joining the guests?" I could barely tamp down my anger.
She whirled around, eyes huge with surprise.
"Your Highness!" she stammered, nervously smoothing down her skirts, avoiding my eye.
I took in a good look at her. Shirayuki wore a simple gown of pale lavender. I could see that it was not one of those gowns the palace seamstress made for her; the stitching was not impeccably done. Come to think of it, the gown looked like it was hand-made with one of the fabrics she bought while we were out on a market trip.
She did an acceptable work of cutting the fabric and adding flounces in layers at the bottom, decorated by tiny purple silk flowers; the boat neckline looked modest and emphasized the slender shape of her shoulders and neck. Shirayuki completed her look with a wide headband of silk, tied at her nape, and her short hair was framing her face in soft curls. She wore no jewelry, except for the tiny earrings adorning her earlobes and the garnet stones fastened on her wrist.
She may not look like royalty but she succeeded in presenting herself in a simple and tasteful manner-she looked like a fair maiden waiting for her lover.
"I am not suitably dressed, Prince Izana," She finally answered, fidgeting fingers clutching her skirts.
My gaze slowly shifted from the bottom and up to her bodice until our eyes meet.
"You looked like what I expect the Lady of Lunels to be."
She gave a faint smile of appreciation before lowering her gaze, a blush rising on her cheeks. Taking a step back, she huddled close to one corner, beside a column, offering a perfect hiding place for her as she continues to watch the ongoing revelry below where we stood.
"Why are you not joining them?" I quietly approached her, careful to give her the space she needs. Shirayuki looked a little skittish–-like a tigress impatient to escape in the wild.
"Balls are not my cup of tea," She replied absentmindedly, her eyes giving a lighted recognition. Garack Gazelt mingled with the crowd. She did not even bother to wear a gown; instead, she donned a clean set of a lab uniform and could be seen chugging glass after glass of wine at one of the tables. Ryuu, meanwhile, was being fed beside her by two local girls curious about his identity.
Shirayuki's eyes wandered towards the gallery where Zen disappeared. It seemed as if Obi and Mitsuhide went outside to follow him as well. They stood near the tall column posts, like a pair of stern sentinels, ignoring the curious looks thrown by guests mingling a little too long near the doors and windows. The matchmaking-mamas are still determined to make use of the remaining hours to try and introduce their daughters.
"I heard… rumors…" she paused in hesitation.
I waited for her to continue, I could see her blending into the shadows, as if wanting to hide from my person.
".. that Prince Zen is meeting a marriage prospect tonight."
I frowned a little. She does not know it was Lady Kiki?!
And then it hit me. She was unsure of what to feel about the whole situation, suddenly confronted that Zen is still a prince, and expected to marry someone of equal standing.
My chest tightened with the unexpected perspective she presented. Of course, I always knew that Shirayuki was of a totally different background-a common-born woman employed by the palace to serve the royal family. She knows nothing about politics; she was not educated to be charming towards other people that we regularly liaise with, and she lack the social graces needed to govern a country, let alone be a royal consort. But she suddenly felt the realness of how low she is even with the special title bestowed to her by the Prince of Tanbarun. There will come a time where Zen might even be forced to sever ties with her when he marries.
With the frequency of our interactions with her, it is quite common to forget what position we occupy, and she was mortified to find out tonight that she has also quite forgotten about it. And terribly ashamed about what she feels.
"Shirayuki," I started, reaching out to her.
She drew away, looking a little hurt, a little defiant. Ah, my little walking contradiction crackled with electricity.
"Forgive me, Your Highness. I-I should see about some last-minute preparations before the ball ends." She tried to dart her way around my person.
My free hand caught her at the waist. "Not so fast, Miss Pharmacist," I murmured, setting her aright.
Bright green eyes gazed back into mine, unshed tears threatening to betray the lack of confidence she felt.
"You are doing a poor service to the dress. It deserves at least one dance or two."
"But..."
I made a stern expression. We both stared at each other until she finally relented. She let out a resigned sigh. "Very well, Prince Izana. As you wish."