I wrote a few new chapters for this, and I am not super happy with what I wrote that I am tempted to rewrite it. Also, for the past 3 days, I was thinking if I should wrap this thing up soon, so I can focus on writing other stuff.
Writing even a few hundred words takes a lot of time out from me. Sometimes putting in a sentence takes a lot of effort and research, and I would spend three hours trying to come up with a better word, or a better description, or even watch and/or read some wikipedia entry on castles and military warfare. Seriously? Yes.
Thank you for the reviews and support.
Title: Sleeping Princess
Inspired by: Chapter 48 of the Manga Akagami noShirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by RyuuNoOkaasan. Please check out her profile and support her works
In that chilly evening breeze, the person I least expected to see, is sleeping peacefully on top of a stone bench. Alone.
For weeks, I tried to avoid her as much as I could. I told myself countless times that it is for the best that I do not see her. I might not have the resolve to continue my duty of proposing to a suitable bride that befits my title. I know I am deceiving myself with these excuses. It is the only way I could counter the growing attraction and yearning I have for her. I wanted to give my brother his chance to win her over. And even as I encouraged him wholeheartedly, my feelings continue to defy me.
And fate is a cruel mistress for always throwing her before my path, tempting me greatly.
"Shirayuki?" I knelt down on one knee, brushing a forefinger against her cheek. I can see the deep, purple shadows underneath her eyes; the expression on her face a little too tense for my ease of mind. She lost some weight. Again.
What is Zen doing? I wondered. If Shirayuki continues to overwork, she will end up getting sick. He should be here instead me. He should be the one chasing her worries away. Why else did he move her to the East Wing? Under his name? Under his protection?
Smoothing out her red hair, I found myself being soothed by her gentle snores. She must have stopped to take a rest.
"You ought to be taking care of yourself more." I scolded her in a low voice, even though she's too far gone in her slumber to hear me. Watching her sleep brought back memories I keep close to my heart; before she left for Tanbarun, when she came back injured, and when she contracted the disease in Lyrias. Those precious times that I guard in my thoughts and which haunt my dreams.
Why do some of the important things we want seem so near, and yet so far out of reach? Why do I feel so much hurt with someone I don't even have the privilege of calling mine?
I stood up and leaned against one of the marble pillars, sighing a little. The Rose gallery is strangely empty of guards patrolling. There's no way I can leave her alone now. Someone ought to come by and bring her back to her room.
I raised my hand, about to snap my fingers to summon my shadow guard so he could bring her to the East Wing.
Shirayuki mumbled incoherently in her sleep, turning her head to one side, seeking comfort. My hand lowered to touch her soft hair.
I love you.
For a few minutes, or maybe what seemed like an eternity, I waited beside her. Thoughts about other issues plaguing me deserted my mind, as I stood there inhaling her faint scent of crisp apples and herbs. How I wish I could be like this every night, I would content myself standing guard over her, a male Selene watching a female Endymion in her sleep- ready to chase away the shadows lurking around us, shadows that instill doubt in me. Before Shirayuki, I had resigned myself to a life dedicated to duties. Now, I continue to wage wars with my own person, my own personality, my duty to this Kingdom. And I am waging a silent war with my own brother for a love that is impossible.
Beneath the chilly, bright moon, I removed my coat and covered her person with it, and she snuggled closer, pulling the collar to cover her mouth and nose. Her furrowed brow seemed to relax a little, and I was filled with the urge to pick her up and deposit her into my own bed – watch her sleep until morning. Such yearnings that cannot be fulfilled.
I suddenly straightened up. This feeling of intrusion made the hairs at the back of my neck wary. My right hand drifted down to the short sword strapped at my waist and waited.
A few seconds later, footsteps resounded on the floor. A young man, no older than Zen himself, turned one corner and halted when he saw Shirayuki. He frowned instantly, before turning his gaze to meet my eyes.
His eyes widened in recognition.
"Your Highness, forgive my intrusion!" he immediately knelt down and I saw one of his hands tremble a little.
"Lord Yuuha. What brings you to this side of the castle?" I inquired, a little suspiciously, my right hand curled about the hilt of my sword.