Title: Circumvention

Inspired by: Chapter 50 of the Manga Akagami ni Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki, Garack Gazelt, Obi

Rating: General, Romance, Comfort

Status: Beta-ed by RyuuNoOkaasan. Please check out her profile and works.

Obi's tired face drifted from the shadows.

My hand relaxed a little from the dagger hilt strapped to my waist. "Why are you still up?"

"Because she is."

I frowned at this. "Did any complications arise from the birthing she assisted with?"

Her bodyguard nodded. I could see dark shadows underneath his gray eyes; the stubble on his chin indicates it's been days since he last shaved.

"You look worn out," I commented.

"So are you, Prince Izana," he countered, a little sleepily.

"Very well." I pivoted and changed direction towards the Healing and Pharmaceutical wing. Obi followed close at my heels. "Has she been very busy this week?"

"Very, Your Highness. Pharmacy work, assisting the healers, the wardrobe fittings, princess lessons from Lord Haruka, not to mention she's been spending extra hours at the plant nursery - the white falloway plants were infested with pests and she needed to replant the entire plot."

I'm reminded that the falloway plants are important ingredients for antidotes for a certain poisonous plant. I'm also reminded of how Shirayuki carefully labels each plant with her neat, cursive handwriting.

"I requested to see her." It took me a few more steps before I realized that Obi was falling behind. I turned, waiting for him to catch up.

He was looking at me a little strangely. "She went to see you yesterday. Or did you forget, Your Highness?"

I frowned. "Obi, I have yet to celebrate my 30th birthday in a few more years. Are you suggesting I am going senile?"

"But…," he scratched his chin, "She went to your office yesterday. I even asked what she was carrying when she came out. Shirayuki warned me not to disturb you, so I assumed you gave her some instructions. It was rather a short meeting. Well, that was about the time I was called away to do errands for your brother."

I stood rooted there, trying to think why in the world Shirayuki would mislead Obi to think that she had seen me after I summoned for her. I remember distinctly that I was pre-occupied with receiving an important diplomat from another country. When I came back, I resumed the tasks I left behind and did not see even her shadow.

I paused. There's something I am missing here. Something vital.

When we reached the healing wards, one of the night nurses pointed us to one of the operating rooms. This side of the ward looked like it was in the middle of a battle: a couple of night nurses hurried to and fro, bringing fresh linens and medical supplies.

I spied Garack Gazelt emerging from a set of double doors looking like a tornado had just deposited her from somewhere. It took her a moment to even register us until we were practically standing face to face.

"Prince Izana," she croaked, before waving a hand at Obi and telling him, "I suggest you get a nap first. Shirayuki is still inside."

"How's the birthing?" I queried, concerned.

Garack shook her head. "We lost the second baby. Its umbilical cord was wrapped around the throat, strangling him."

"There are more?" I asked.

She nodded, "We are trying to deliver the 3rd baby out. Shirayuki is inside applying - "

A watery, crying noise interrupted Garack, and she turned, hurrying back inside from whence she came.

Curious, Obi and I intended to follow her, but as Obi reached out to push the doors open, someone wrenched it open on their side. We could hear a small cheer. Shirayuki trudged out, exhausted and bleary-eyed. Her green eyes looked dull from lack of sleep. Her gaze scarcely even registered my presence. I felt irritated that she would push herself to the point where she can barely move.

"Your Highness." Her eyes flickered away from my face, her right hand reaching out to the person beside me. "Obi-!"

I caught her first before Obi could react. Shirayuki collapsed in my arms, dead on her feet.

"Your Highness, let me-"

"Shhh!" I silenced him in a low tone. "Hush, I can carry her myself."

I noted how light she felt. She's lost weight. Again. How many times do I need to tell her to take care of herself?

Gathering her close to my chest, I secured her comfortably.

"Was it a success?" I asked, nudging her to turn her face towards me.

I could hear her mumble something inaudible and caught the words, "healthy boy", "thank goodness", and "mother will be fine."

It was enough news for me. I let out a resigned sigh. Shirayuki let out a soft snore.

"Come, Lady of Lunels. Your bed beckons." I nodded at Obi, who led the way before us.

AN: Hello. I know it's been years since I last posted. I'm sorry. Updates are still sporadic, but today, I opened my files and reviewed them, deciding to upload one chapter, perhaps a couple or so more in the following weeks. I am struggling to accept some of the changes I made, unsure of my confidence if my direction for this story is still doable - though I am resigned that my journey with this work is always a work in progress. Reviewing this series, I noticed a lot of character changes that made me cringe a little - please forgive this writer.

I would like to mention that future chapters may not be beta-ed; I have lost contact with RyuuNoOkaasan, for I have been silent for more than two years. I am not sure if she will welcome my future works; but I am very, very grateful for the time she set aside to correct my works. Between us, there are several chapters she has diligently corrected previously, and I will continue to cite her help for those.

But enough about me, how about you? I hope all of you are well. Tell me how life has been treating you? Thank you for still being here. Always take care, and see you in the next chapters.