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Title: Permission
Inspired by: Chapter 49 of the Manga Akagami no Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia, Zen Wistalia
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by RyuuNoOkaasan. Please check out her profile and support her works.
"Brother!"
"Thank the Gods you are finally here. I was beginning to think that you would make me wait forever."
Sunrise has barely skimmed the deeply colored horizon. The first day of the week was promising, as I inhaled the clean scent of morning dew, while I pulled my coat tightly around my shoulders. Winter is already over, and yet the crisp air reminds me of the long winters that will come ahead.
I let my brother catch his breath before turning to acknowledge him.
"Good morning, dear brother of mine. I trust that you have had a good night's rest?" I inquired.
"Don't ask to see me, and then have me look all over the castle for you." Zen grumbled.
I glanced about at the colonnade formal garden in the west part of the castle. The palace gardeners have done an excellent job of preparing the hedges and the flower beds; they would be in full bloom in two month's time and fill the air with their scent. Just in time for the coronation.
"How did you find me, then?" I grinned at my brother, noting the mismatched buttons on his starched, white shirt.
He caught where I was looking, eyes bulging, before he looked down.
I heard a few mumbled expletives under his breath as he quickly unbuttoned and re-buttoned his shirt and set himself in order. I chuckled.
"Here."
Zen took the folded parchment, his expression puzzled. "What is this?"
I took a step back, leaning against the column behind me. "It would be better if you read it."
He smoothed the parchment open and read the contents.
"Two months!" he blurted.
"My sentiments exactly." I replied dryly, "Glad that you appreciated the urgency."
"So soon.. There will be a lot of preparations to do, letters to send out, envoys to send to neighboring countries," he babbled, ticking of the list of things to do, realizing the enormity of his responsibilities.
I snapped my fingers to catch his attention. "Focus, brother. Things can be overwhelming, I know. But try to take a step back and breathe. We cannot afford mistakes." Absentmindedly, I touched the collar of my coat.
The gesture was not lost on my brother, whose expressions of panic turned to a little bit of remorse. "I am sorry. I should be focusing on making things less burdensome for you, brother. Two months is such a short time to prepare for the coro-."
I held out my hand to stop him. "I have not informed the ministers and the palace advisers yet. Allow me a couple of days to give them the news."
Zen pursed his lips, looking a little contrite. "I understand." He eyed me with concern.
"Do not look at me as if I am about to jump off a cliff." I scolded gently, taking a step to smooth the edges of his collar. "As the eldest, it is my birthright to see that this country moves progressively forward."
"You never seemed to want anything that is not within your reach. I know I have caused you too much trouble with my selfishness-" he started.
I held up my hand to stop him. "If you continue with your dramatic sentiments, you are going to make me sick," I chided him.
But my brother seemed determined to air things out. The reality of I becoming the King he wanted me to be is now upon us, and he looked overwhelmed with emotion.
"I wish I could take much of the burden you carry, brother, to ease your mind and soul. I know you always wanted to support mother and make this country a nation we could be proud of. And in return, the reward is to be tied up in the rigid life of the monarchy, unable to decide who to love, live the life that you wish, or even be carefree."
"Hush now, Zen. 'Tis unlike you to be sentimental." I took a step back and studied my brother. I have resigned myself to my fate. My entire life is to be dictated by rules and tradition - never earning a respite. If only I can find a lifemate who I can love without restraint, and who can support me with my burden; perhaps, my life as a monarch won't be so bad.
But of course, I cannot afford to be selfish and greedy. I already have a brother whose loyalty and support is incomparable. My mother is still alive, and is supporting me as well. And soon, I would be uniting with the House of Allulion, whose influence and power would certainly ensure that my sovereignty is absolute.
"Truth be told, my opinion is that, as King, you need not follow the rules so strictly. This is the modern century; changes are inevitable, and so are choices. You can have friends, real friends, not friends who are only there because they are convenient. And you can marry a woman of your own choosing." Zen's voice trailed off, mind deep in thought.
"I have set aside my personal wants for my goals. I have everything I need to complete my transformation as King." I reassured Zen. "Besides, I will marry a woman of my own choosing."
"I don't mean a woman chosen who compliments your title. I meant a woman who will love you for who you are, a woman who is not afraid to face her critics even if her background is simple. A woman who is intelligent and passionate, caring and kind." He argued.
"Someone like Shirayuki?"
My brother paused. "Yes, someone like her."
The corners of my mouth tugged into a semblance of a smile. "Hmm. When your courtship fails, do I have your permission to try my luck with her then?"
Silence.
"Stop your joking," he growled.
Ahh. Now there's my answer.