I hope you guys are not affected by the two hurricanes/typhoons that made landfall in various parts of the world. My family lives in one of the affected areas, but they are safe and located in high ground, though I am sad that many people may not be as lucky as my family. Please stay safe!

Thanks for the reviews. To date, I am still mulling over things. My writing progresses at a snail's pace, and I feel a little restless at my speed. I am also about to return for work this week, so scheduling may be erratic once in a while.

Title: To be or not to be, that is the question

Inspired by: Chapter 48 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia

Rating: General

Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works

Weeks went by. With the end of the holiday celebrations, the country was preparing itself for spring season. The farmlands have requested for extra hands for the planting of crops, the border checkpoints are in the midst of changing of troops so that the guards and soldiers can go home and spend time with their families for a month or two before they are re-assigned again to other posts. The Pharmacology and Healing Department is busy with birthing mothers, and Zen came back from his southern patrol, dealing with bandits plaguing the small villages of Valis region. The bandits have been pestering small time merchants and pilgrims who are using the region as a pit stop before continuing their journey to the neighboring kingdom of Lothrien-a close ally of Clarines.

I sent Zen and his aides to investigate, and if need be, neutralize the illegal activity. Lothrien has sent messengers, seeking assistance to protect the victims and give a small reward for information about the bandits.

All this time, I kept quiet and observed the comings and goings of the castle's inhabitants. Maruko informed me that the residents of the East Wing seemed to be settling in nicely. I took that as a sign that the gossip is probably dying down, now that Zen is back. He probably dealt with the rumormongers himself. Or rather, his presence alone silenced the gossip.

I get regular reports that Zen, continues to be a model resident, never crosses his boundaries, and acts accordingly with his status. It seems he is really taking his intention to woo Shirayuki very seriously. Much as I wanted to know what he is up to, I do not wish to jeopardize his plans. He has earned my respect that he would handle himself with the proper grace and candor. Although I must admit, I am very curious to know if my brother has made any progress with Shirayuki.

Meanwhile, I am making my own preparations as well. I see no point in delaying my intention to propose to Lady Haki. Her Majesty, the Queen, has extended her blessing with my intention to unite with the House of Allulion.

I have assigned Lord Haruka and Maruko to prepare an envoy to Lyrias. Along with my letters and a small cedar box in which I readied an engagement present, the group departed immediately. In two to three weeks time, The House of Allulion will either accept or refuse my offer. But to my knowledge, no one ever refuses an offer from the Royal Family of Wistalia. It would be mean alienation from the rest of the nobility, and support from the Royal family would cease.

In short, Lady Haki has no choice but to accept or else risk social standing suicide.

When the envoy left, I dismissed Iyasu early that late afternoon. Even if my paperworks has been piling up, I felt the need to take a break again. Perhaps a quick sneak to the city markets is in order. I needed something to distract my mind with my impending engagement to a northern beauty. I should be glad about it. The future succession of this family is secure.

A flash of Shirayuki in a white gown, walking down the aisle, stopped me in my tracks. I will never be that man who will be waiting at the end of the aisle. All these battles I waged with myself are futile. It is time to face the reality of my country's expectations and the future of the royal family.

There's the respect
that makes Calamity of so long life:
For who would bear the Whips and Scorns of time

My feet faltered at the finality that the weeks will bring. I lost the will to explore the market.

Instead, I found myself in the palace library, pulling random books and tomes which I blindly read while my mind continues to wander, my hands touching my throat-an invisible noose tightening. Pretty soon, the library's polished timber floor was stacked with thick books which I never intend to read.

By the time I stopped pretending that everything is fine, the candles burned low, and my aide, Miyoshi, snored a few feet away from me. The library was empty, almost melancholic in its stillness.

I strode out of the library.

Am I to always allow myself to be resigned to my inevitable fate? I thought, as I walked slowly in the palace grounds towards the direction of my private apartments. The clock chimed midnight some fifteen minutes ago. I ought to be tired from all the thinking I've done. But sleep eluded me, leaving me in the dust.

I turned to the left, about to enter the Rose gallery when my eyes landed on a red-haired beauty sleeping in the moonlight. The person I always try to avoid time and time again.

Shirayuki?

Notes:

The title and the small excerpt at the end was taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet (Prince Hamlet's soliloquy, Act 3 Scene 1). I love Shakespeare's works, and although I was too far away to watch Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Hamlet in London, I managed to watch a live recording session. Benedict was brilliant as Hamlet.