FIVE – How Selfish
Shirayuki walked in with her head down, relying on Obi to be her eyes. She clung onto her guard respectively, as he made her feet move towards the long table set up in the ballroom.
It was a large, oak table that was coated with a white silk important from islands that Shirayuki couldn't even pronounce. The table was ornate with beautiful china including metallic utensils and cotton napkins. Candles were also decorated all around, lit to spread the lovely scent of passionfruit and lavender.
Obi found Ryu and the two pharmacy mentors by him, Garak and Yatsufusa. They were sat near the end of the long table, close to the door in which the two entered. Obi bit his tongue on that one, slightly annoyed that Shirayuki would have an easier time to look up at the balcony and see her white haired lover. But, to Obi's delight, Shirayuki kept her head down. It bothered Obi to see her in pure discomfort as he led her to their seats. But, as they walked slowly over, Obi bothered to look up to see the balcony.
He saw his friends, Mitsuhide and Kiki stood up in the balcony. They were dressed in their usual attire, Mitsuhide with his special leather attire while Kiki had her gentle violet-dyed clothing. They both stood straight and tall, but their pairs of eyes stared down at Obi and Shirayuki. Obi blinked at them, having the two give him a small smile before diverting their eyes to Shirayuki.
She refused to meet their gaze.
Obi then noticed the Prince. Zen was sitting in his throne, with an empty one beside him. Probably for his new fiancé. But, as Obi watched, he noticed those azure eyes widen at the red-haired girl. Shirayuki always managed to catch everyone's attention without even trying with those abnormal locks of hers. Obi noticed how desperate the Prince seemed, as he clenched the armrests tightly in his hands. Obi couldn't help but laugh coldly to himself. The Prince probably wasn't restraining himself due to the sight of her.
He was restraining himself from choking Obi for holding Shirayuki so close.
"Let me get that for you, Miss," Obi began, letting her gentle arm go in order to pull out the seat next to Ryu. Shirayuki smiled kindly, barely tilting her head up as she took her seat. Obi pushed her in slowly, ensuring not to harm her in any way.
"Thank you, Obi," Shirayuki said quietly as Obi took his seat beside her. She took the napkin set before her and placed it on her lap, rubbing away the wrinkles coming with it. As she did, Garak and Yatsufusa couldn't help but frown. They, too, saw the spark between her and the Prince, and they knew that this newly wed situation must be breaking Shirayuki.
"Shirayuki," Garak began quietly, the fairly young-looking woman began, her expression full of sympathy. Everyone was at the ceremony after all, having her with the rest of the staff give Shirayuki soft eyes. "We're here for you if you need anything."
"I'm okay, thank you." Shirayuki painfully uttered, feeling her stomach churn from the lie. Garak couldn't blame her, frowning at the pained girl who couldn't even meet her or anybody's eyes. Her eyes were kept diverted down to her lap, which was now covered with the white cloth. Ryu frowned with her, having Obi feel his heart throb. It pained many to see the usually optimistic red-head completely down and unable to smile like she always did.
While that had occurred down below, Prince Zen was practically seething. It pained him to see the girl he hurt refusing to meet his gaze. He knew she was avoiding it. He was practically itching to just hop off the rail and rush over to her. He wanted nothing more than to pick her up and take her away from the castle and everyone. Especially Obi.
"That idiot is supposed to be up here with us," Zen hissed through his teeth, revealing his immense energy over the fact that Obi was by Shirayuki at all times. "What the hell is he doing down there?"
"Bear in mind that he was the one who ran into the woods to find her," Kiki recited to the young Prince. She was to his left, with Mitsuhide being attentive to the right. "You assigned him as her body guard and he's being as supportive as he can to her."
"Yeah, but he doesn't have to all the time so long as she's in the castle," Zen muttered.
"Says a lot about his character, doesn't it?" Kiki said with a soft smile. The way Obi was caring for her, and the way he was watching her now, it was obvious. Even those evil, amber cat-eyes can soften up at the very sight of the girl.
"He's just trying to piss me off," Zen growled, rolling his eyes a bit.
"I doubt it, Prince Zen," Mitsuhide spoke respectfully. "He's only following his constant order to make sure she's alright. And even then, Obi has always been fond of Shirayuki. Their bond is pretty strong, it's easy to see."
Zen didn't like those words one bit. Even though he felt beyond thankful that Obi watched over Shirayuki, Zen felt as though he crossed a line. Even though Zen is now engaged, he can't let go of Shirayuki at all, whether he wanted to or not. As selfish as it was, Shirayuki was his and nobody will be able to replace her.
"She's not yours anymore, you know." Kiki's words stopped Zen's heart from beating instantly. How dare she say something of that sort of manner? To him especially? "Even if you loved her first, Obi isn't doing anything wrong. You're engaged now, so your priority is your fiancé."
"Yes, but you guys know why I had to do it!" Zen huffed, keeping his voice low but stern. Kiki couldn't be bothered to stare at Zen. Though she respected him greatly, he was acting very selfish. Mitsuhide seconded that, staring worriedly down at the white-haired boy. As much as he cared for Zen, he knew he was completely wrong in his thoughts.
Before the two can attempt to scold him, a maid runs over to them and bows graciously.
"Sir Mitsuhide, Miss Kiki, if I may," the maid began quietly, tilting her head just a bit to see them. The two nodded, giving her permission to speak. "Prince Zen, Miss Elizabeth is taking a few more minutes to get ready. So the dinner may be slightly delayed. I'm terribly sorry!"
"No, no, it's alright!" Zen assured. "We can give her all the time she needs. And, seeing as my brother has yet to arrive, I suppose we can wait a little longer." The maid nodded, giving another curtsy bow before escaping the prince's sight. "I guess we can start some ball music, yeah? I still want this to be a celebration."
Kiki complies, walking away to get the players to begin playing some gentle ball music. As she did, Zen stood up from his throne and leaned against the railing of the balcony. His azure eyes were set on Shirayuki, whose eyes remained down on her lap. Zen clenched onto the rail, frustrated and desperate for the poor girls attention.
"Everyone!" Zen calls out to everybody, having Shirayuki and the others turn and face towards the balcony. But she remained her eyes down, feeling Zen flourish with frustration. All he wanted was to meet her gaze—to reassure her without any words. "Due to my fiancé caught up with preparation, a bit of music shall be played if you'd like to dance."
Maids and butlers sprawled off their seats to the dance floor. They enjoyed dancing with one another, especially rejoicing for the young Prince's 'happiness.' Shirayuki and a few remained, Obi being one of them. It made him sad to see his Little Miss appear so depressed. Obi pondered as to what he could do to see that beautiful smile of hers…
"Little Miss?" Obi began softly, having her look at Obi in the face. Zen was fuming, noticing that her emerald eyes were now locked with the amber ones. Obi gave her a soft smile before offering her his hand. "May I have this dance?"
"O-Obi…" Shirayuki stuttered, uncertainty in her tone. But, her hand was still placed in his. "I suck at dancing, you know this."
"Just stand on my feet and I'll lead completely," Obi assured, smiling his kind smile. Shirayuki smiled softly, nodding slightly as she rose from her seat. Obi felt better from this gesture, seeing as she was willing to toss her napkin on the table and join him in dance. As he did, he looked over at Ryu and smirked.
"Hey, half pint," Obi called out to the young prodigy, having him turn over to stare at the ninja. "Give Miss Garak a dance, will you?" The young prodigy revealed horrified eyes, receiving many laughs from the adults as Obi guided Shirayuki with all the other dancers.
Zen watched attentively as Obi helped Shirayuki stand. The Prince watched as the red head removed her shoes, only to see her petite feet swallowed up by egg-white socks. Tossing it aside, Obi offered her his hands. She smiled softly, taking the tough hands as she slowly put her toes on his feet.
"O-Obi-!" Shirayuki began nervously as Obi began moving them in a slow, 2-step dance. Her fear quickly dissolved into light laughter as Obi guided the two. She kept bending back a little bit, but Obi continuously grabbed her closer to him without pressing her body against his. And it made Obi feel a little better to see Shirayuki smiling.
"You got it, Miss!" Obi encouraged, smiling widely at her as he held her smooth hands. He loved her skin, and the strawberry scent she always emitted. Her smile made everything warm again with her beautiful laughter fitting the gentle music perfectly. Obi felt elated to see this girl happy. It's all he really wishes for.
"This is insane, Obi!" Shirayuki shrieked, giggling happily as Obi slowly twirled them in a circle. She felt pretty happy at this moment, even with this throbbing heartbreak. Obi has been there for her, treating her kindly and attempting to make her happy. Even if it's just been a day, it's like Obi has been supporting her for years.
"Are you okay?" Shirayuki had asked Obi after a few minutes of him swaying them to the gentle music. "I mean, is my weight hurting your feet?"
"You're like a feather, Miss," Obi humored, giving her a reassuring grin as he spun them around once more. Shirayuki let out soft laughter, having Obi's heart bounce from just the sound. Those cherry lips slightly parted, painting a lovely smile on such a beautiful face. Her emerald eyes glistened for a moment, seeing that sparkle that had always made Obi feel like home. Everything was perfect.
Almost.
"May I?" A voice, low and gentle, froze time for the two dancing souls. Shirayuki felt her heart race, those words making her pale up instantly. Her eyes escaped down the ground once more as Obi let her off his feet. He looked away from the herbalist, leering at the sight of the interrupter.
"Of course, Master," Obi murmured, gritting his teeth as his hands parted ways with his Miss, already yearning for those soft hands. He wanted nothing more than to deny his request and run away with his Miss as far as he can get her from the castle. But he was of royal blood, and Obi is nothing but a previously-rogue assistant.
Ambar eyes glared at the azure ones, having Zen frown as Obi handed Shirayuki her shoes. He gave Zen one last look before strolling back to the table. Zen had studied the girl before him, seeing as she refused to meet his gaze. It hurt his heart, seeing as Shirayuki didn't even want to face the man she loves. Zen offered the girl his hands.
Shirayuki was also experiencing pain, one in which she wanted nothing more than to push Zen away from her. Her mind yelled for Obi's return, but no words can be conjured from her mouth. She bit her tongue and hesitantly placed her hands on his. Gulping harshly, Shirayuki moved closer to Zen and allowed him to lead her into the dance of heartbreak between two lost souls.