I am very sorry for disappearing for several weeks. My past few weeks are certainly eventful and I would like to take this opportunity to just let you guys know- all of you have been very patient with me when it comes to my updates.
I was down with a nasty flu virus and was home for about a week. In the midst of my recovery period, my immune system was down, and I got food poisoning - a first for me. :( Anyway, that food poisoning episode really delayed my recovery. I could barely eat proper foods for about a week. I just reported for work this week, where I have to give my resignation notice to my Department director. As you all are aware, I will be relocating to another country soon, and I will be busy transferring my duties to my replacement colleague. That, and packing my stuff, cancelling my work visa, paperworks, etc. Again, I will ask you (my readers and followers), to be patient with the very slow progress of this work. I will be posting when I can - I still have several chapters written that is pending beta-review. The last few chapters I wrote is up for a revision, and I hope to find time for that as well.
Thank you for following my works, and I hope to continue to see you guys in future chapters.
Title: Disquieting Thoughts
Inspired by: Chapter 50 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime
Character: Izana Wistalia
Rating: General
Status: Beta-ed chapter by RyuuNoOkaasan. Please check out her profile and support her works.
"Iyasu, has Shirayuki been informed that she is required to play hostess for the Prince of Tanbarun?"
"As per your instructions, it has been carried out, Your Highness. I believe she is receiving her refresher course as we speak."
"Lord Haruka oversees it?"
"Yes, Your Highness." I frowned a little at this information. Didn't I mention a few days ago that I wished to speak to her personally? Or was it just a passing thought? I chewed the bottom of my lip absentmindedly, before moving on to the next item on my list.
The last few days, I've had this nagging feeling that I seem to be missing something - I'm not sure what it is. Once again, I begin a methodical check on all the things we've accomplished over the past four months. In three weeks' time, the coronation ceremony will be upon us.
"Is the Head seamstress overseeing the necessary wardrobe for her?" I queried, dipping my quill in the bottle of ink and scribbling more items at the bottom of the parchment paper I'm holding.
"She has been informed, Prince Izana."
"Good." Maybe I should arrange to have a private audience with her at the end of the week to inquire about her progress and the things she can discuss with Prince Raj. Nodding to myself, I moved on to the next item and forgot about Shirayuki.
The week went by as fast as I ever don't want them to be. By the time my head hit the pillow at the end of the week, I was still mentally going over the list of tasks we've accomplished over the week. I glanced at the ornate clock sitting on the mantlepiece to the left side, noting the lateness of the hour. Perhaps I have time to read a book before I sleep.
But even as I grabbed the tome placed on the table next to my bed to flip through the pages, my fingers hovered in the air as I remembered that I requested Shirayuki's presence and was not able to see her.
Twice.
"Your Highness, the royal pharmacist, Mistress Shirayuki sends her sincere apologies for not coming at the appointed time. She has been called upon to assist a childbirth and may take hours before she finishes." Maruko bent down and placed folders on top of my desk- reports from Garack Gazelt.
I barely acknowledged Maruko's report. "Fine. Have my brother come later before the day is over."
"Yes, Prince Izana."
I frowned with the flashback. Shirayuki did not send any word after that episode. And I did recall that I requested her presence again this afternoon, but Maruko gave me some vague answer I could not recall while I waved his reply away dismissively and moved on to discussing the seating arrangements inside the cathedral.
Snapping the book shut, I tossed it on the other side of the bed and jammed my foot back into the leather boots I discarded earlier and began to dress myself with whatever clothes I could grab from the closet. Ten minutes later, I emerged from my room, noting the guards' posts. They are in double duty tonight with the security measures being tightened as the coronation ceremony looms closer. Darting past a corridor I frequently used, I made a mental check where my brother would be. Asleep in his room- I would guess.
Down the Rose gallery I went. It would take me some time to navigate my way towards the East Wing. I paused midstep, after I turned to the right. The portraits of our ancestors were illuminated dimly along the walls with wax candles. I could see my great-great Uncle Raleigh, resting his right hand on the hilt of an ornate dagger - the very dagger which I am now clutching with surprising calmness.
"If you are looking for Mistress, Your Highness, that would be the wrong direction."