im gonna be gone for over a week, so i made this extra long until i return. xx
TWENTY-ONE – Let's Get A Move On
Izana hadn't said a word to Zen after the 3 aides left that day.
It was the proceeding morning, and Zen was completely dazed in the clouds. He was recalling his brother, the way he simply leered his younger brother with those dark blue orbs. There was no hint of any sort of shame or future scolding. His brother just kept a stern stare before returning the book he had interacted with and left the office. It left Zen a bad feeling in his stomach.
"Zen, if you keep staring into space, you won't get anything done." The voice of his female aide pulled him back into reality. But it made him wince to listen to her tone of voice. Even though it was always low and monotonous, it held a more disappointed reflection in it. He knew Kiki was rather upset, and he couldn't blame her.
"Kiki, Mitsuhide," Zen muttered, placing his quill down as he stared down at one of the wedding invitations. He clenched his fists, anger surging through his body as he let out a sigh. "I'm sorry about everything you heard yesterday."
He took in their silent responses, knowing they had no words for the boy. Zen glanced over to Mitsuhide, who held an expression of uneasiness. His mocha eyes looked distantly on the floor, seeing his body position as rather uncomfortable. His azure eyes shifted to Kiki, to see as her face was still stern and faced down into a lavender-colored book. Zen took another sigh before nervously allowing words to flow from his mouth.
"Everything that Obi said was correct," Zen began, confirming everything they probably didn't want to believe. "I had come into Shirayuki's bedroom every night and had my way with her. Not to that far extent, but just being near her and stealing the small, soft comforts that were owned by her lips. And I know that's completely wrong, given the situation I'm in, but you guys—I love her. I love her so, so much, I do. And I just…"
Zen allowed his words to trail off, emitting the hurt he feels within the silence distilled yet again. But Mitsuhide was quick to break it by patting the boy's white hair with his hand. Zen glanced up, a little in awe from the simple action.
"It's okay, we're not mad," Mitsuhide assured, giving him his signature kind smile. Zen felt gracious for this small interaction with his most trusted aide and friend. But that's when Zen glanced over at the blonde woman, who refused to even falter. "At least, I'm not mad anyways…"
Zen gently grabbed Mitsuhide's wrist and relieved it from his head before rising from his chair. He walked around his desk and stood in front of Kiki. She noticed his presence but hadn't dared divert her eyes from the literature. Letting out a nervous sigh, Zen quickly bent down and got on his knees. Weaving his fingers together, he clenched them tightly and looked up at Kiki with plead in his azure orbs.
"I know you're extremely furious with me, Kiki," Zen muttered, having Kiki remain still. "But I know what I did to Shirayuki was not okay and I don't blame you for being disappointed in me. I won't do any of that again, but I can't promise to stay away from her. I just can't."
Kiki closed the book and held it in one before allowing her arms to fall to her sides. She quickly bent down, staying on her feet as she looked into her Prince's eyes. She could see the sincerity in the deep oceans of them, seeing how awful he truly felt. Kiki lightly smirked before also patting his white wisps of hair.
"You're still learning, Zen. I can't blame you," Kiki said simply. Her smile then quickly dropped to a stern, straight line. "But understand that Shirayuki is too much of a good person to deserve this. You should try and befriend her, but anything further would just contradict your feelings for her."
"Elaborate?"
"Meaning," Kiki began, placing her index and middle finger under Zen's chin. Tight together, she began rising and took Zen up with her, the two lifting up to stand straight once more. "No more kisses, no more marking, and no more declaring her as yours. As Obi said, this girl is not property. Don't ever treat her as such. If you love her, you'd let that poor girl go."
Zen nodded, taking in his aide's words. It stung him, really, to hear them. He loves Shirayuki. He loves her more than words can describe. More than the sun that comes out after all the rain has fallen. More than the wind that allows the nature surrounding him to dance with glee. More than what his position can give him.
As extreme as it may sound, Zen would give up his position just to be with Shirayuki.
"Also, don't be angry with Obi, okay?" Kiki began, having Zen look into her eyes curiously. It's not like Zen actually hated Obi. He was just inexplicably jealous of him. "He's only like this because you assigned him as Shirayuki's guard and he's developed to be incredibly fond of her."
"Who wouldn't be?" Zen muttered quietly, smiling warmly at the thought of the girl. "Shirayuki truly is an amazing girl."
"But now you're an engaged man," Mitsuhide came from behind, clasping his hands on the young Prince's shoulders. He squeezed them, knowing Zen always felt a little sick when recalling his engagement. "We have to take priority in your wedding."
"Which," Kiki joined, walking over to Zen's desk to lift up one of the incomplete wedding invitation. "Requires these to be done very soon."
"I'm on it, I'm on it," Zen groaned as he shook Mitsuhide off to attend to his duties at his desk. The two smiled down at the boy as he picked up his quill and continued his invitations. A few moments later, though, a gentle knock on the door came.
"Come in," Zen called, watching the doors slowly open to reveal his fiancé. Elizabeth came in a puffy, sky blue dress. Gold jewelry was ornate all over her fingers and ears, seeing them glimmer from the suns light. Her brunette hair was loosely curled at the ends, having them bounce with each step she took into the room from her loud heels. "Hello, love. How're you today?" Zen rose from his chair once more and walked over to the kind girl.
"Good morning, my love," Elizabeth said softly before planting her rouge lips upon Zen's. Nothing like Shirayuki's. Zen felt like a complete swine for diverting his thoughts to the herbalist, but he couldn't help it. He missed it when it was okay to lock lips with her and just her. Before this woman showed up, and before this ring became a constant in his life.
"How're you today?" Zen asked, his hands sneaking down to weave his fingers between hers. They were so smooth, so petite. They were nothing like Shirayuki's, always somewhat rough with few scars or bumps from burns. They always represented the extreme things she's done for others, and it always reminds Zen just how amazing the girl really is.
"I'm well," Elizabeth said simply. "Though, my toast was a little burned. But it was nonetheless delicious!"
"That's good, I'm glad," Zen said warmly, attempting not to express his annoyance at her pickiness. Zen could also tell that his aides were just as agitated at such a statement.
"How about you?"
"Nostalgic," Zen said simply, having Elizabeth stare at him briefly before painting a smile on her lips. "Is there anything you need, love?"
"Yes, actually. I had a request," Elizabeth muttered quietly, glancing over at the pile of papers and invitations over at Zen's desk. Zen looked at her with wonder, curious as to what went on past her blue eyes and into her mind. He then felt her squeeze his hands gently. "Can we change the wedding date?"
"Well, I mean," Zen began with an embarrassed cough. "We never actually scheduled a date, so yes you may." The two shared a laugh before Elizabeth looked up at him in anticipation.
"D'you reckon we can do it in 3 weeks from now?" Elizabeth asked. Zen widened his eyes a bit, surprised at how soon she would like the wedding to happen.
"I mean, anything for you, but," Zen gave her hands a squeeze. "Why so immediately?" Elizabeth bit her lip, her blue eyes slightly glowing while staring into his. As much as he found this cute, he was much more preoccupied in her reason than her face.
"I just want us together already," Elizabeth whispered warmly. "To call you my husband, and spend much more time with you. I want to be by your side through it all. Kingdom affairs, travelling meetings, extremely vital dinners. I want to be right by your side as your wife."
Her words of sincerity and kindness really took a toll on Zen's heart. This lovely girl, the daughter of a King, was immensely kind for an arrogant, spoiled Princess. The way she wanted nothing more than for the wedding to hurry so she can be by Zen's side forever stung Zen. Not only because she was not the girl he wanted, but he simply did not love her initially. He still pictured Shirayuki beside him, and he doubts that'll ever change.
"I… okay," Zen said, forcing a small smile to see the girls' expression brighten up. "In 2 weeks then, love. We take this path together, as a team." He did feel for the girl, considering he's been using his time either cooped up in the office or tailing after Shirayuki in pure desperation. But now he had to confront the obligation he has, and that is to marry with a girl on his level.
"Yay!" Elizabeth was quick to jump into his arms, hugging him happily in the process. Zen held her tightly, feeling her tiny waist seem like paper in his arms. The Prince felt his heart pound, unsure as to how this was going to play out. The finishing of invites, the delivery of them, preparing an entire catering crew to have the food done for dozens of guests. Just the thought of it was stressing Zen out beyond belief.
"Kiki," Zen began, letting go of his fiancé to turn to the blonde. Her eyebrow rose slightly to divert her eyes to the boy. "Get a stamp ready for the dates. Also get the bird keepers to prepare the messenger birds. Tell Lord Haruka to prepare his men to guard the wedding." Kiki nodded, placing the book back on the shelf before taking out a stamp and blocks of engraved letters to prepare it.
"What do you need me to do, sir?" Mitsuhide began, stepping close to eagerly await his order. Zen lifted his hand up to pause him, indicating contemplation over what the turquoise-haired boy should do. Zen then felt arms wrap around his waist lovingly.
"Can you get Shirayuki for me, love?" Elizabeth asked contently, having Zen wince a bit at her name before giving her eyes of curiosity. "I want to look for the perfect flower for our wedding, and Shirayuki must have a lot of knowledge of them and their meanings."
Zen nodded gently, gulping harshly before unwrapping her petite arms from his waist. Giving her a small smile, Zen swiftly walked over to his balcony and pulled away the curtains. Everyone had watched as he opened the glass doors and revealed the vast nature that was his land. He walked over to the porcelain rail, placing his bare hands on the cool entity before clearing his throat.
"Obi!" Zen called, listening to his echo as he waited. A few moments later, Zen watched the monkey-like man scale the wall connecting his balcony and bouncing from it once he reached the rail. Obi lifted himself up by his hands and took a seat on the rail. He turned to look down at his Master and gave him a smile.
"Good morning, Master!" Obi said, revealing a toothy grin before turning over to the others. "Mitsuhide, Miss Kiki, good morning. Oh, and good morning Miss Elizabeth!" The amber eyes noticed the beautiful royal blood that stood inside, and that made her lightly blush.
"Good morning, Obi!" Elizabeth greeted, giving a wide smile to the tall aide by her fiancé. The brunette watched as Obi placed both his hands flat between his inner thighs on the rail as he diverted his stare down Zen. Mitsuhide and Kiki briefly nodded before Kiki continued preparing the stamp.
"What can I do for you today, Master?" Obi asked warmly, having Zen feel vexed once more. No matter what happens, Obi was nothing but kind to the Prince. Not just because he was his higher up, but Obi held a respect for Zen that was inexplicable. Zen had been the first good person who trusted Obi to be his direct knight and protect the thing he loves the most. No matter what wrong Zen could do, Obi could never hate him.
"I need you to send a message to Shirayuki," Zen began calmly, having Obi stare skeptically at the man's ask. "But it's not a large note or anything. My fiancé would like to search for flowers for the wedding that is to be held in a month." In a month? Obi thought. That was fast. "And she'd like Shirayuki to assist her in choosing."
"Understood," Obi muttered. He jumped off the rail and got on his feet, still staring at the white-haired man. "Anything else, Master?"
"I would also like you to be Elizabeth's guard during that time," Zen said simply. "I know you would have guarded her anyways, since you are Shirayuki's knight. But I just wanted to confirm." Obi nodded. "And please return her to her room right after or wherever she requests and report back to me so I can get her assigned guard back."
"Will do," Obi said with a nod. "Anything else?" Zen thought a bit, and an idea sprung into his mind. But he'd rather do it after Obi has finished with his assigned duties.
"That'll be all, thank you," Zen shook his head, having Obi nod as he walked into the office. Obi grinned at Elizabeth before taunting Mitsuhide with a smirk. The aide was staring down at his blonde partner, seeing how busy she was tampering with the stamp.
"Pleasing to the eye, eh Mitsuhide?" Obi teased, having Mitsuhide blush as he glared at the tall, black-haired man. Obi snickered, placing his hands behind his head as he usually did. Elizabeth parted her lips slightly, finding Obi to be endearing when positioned such a way. The amber and brown eyes turned to look at the Prince joining them.
"I'll be returning to my work then, love," Zen began, walking over to plant a reluctant kiss on his fiancé's lips. Elizabeth nodded, holding Zen's face by his cheeks before allowing him to return to his desk. Kiki had finished with the stamp and gave it to Zen. Zen nodded graciously, taking out his felt box of ink before grabbing an invite from the pile and stamping the date.
"So, Miss Elizabeth," Obi began, having Elizabeth merely jump as she turned to the tall man. Obi flashed a warm smile before gently bowing. "Shall we be on our way then?" Elizabeth smiled at his kind gesture and nodded. Obi began to offer his arm before glancing back at his Master nervously. "Master, am I allowed to offer her my arm?"
"As long as you aren't offering her your hand," Zen began, trying his best to sound jealous. Elizabeth bought it and laughed softly as Obi smiled before lifting his arm up to offer it to the Princess. Elizabeth smiled warmly at it as she placed her hand on his forearm. "See you two soon."
With that, Obi left the office with the valuable blood clinging graciously to his arm.
"Grind the mullein to a fine power,"Ryu instructed, having Shirayuki nod as she dragged the pestle tool against the mortar. Shirayuki had the tip of her tongue between her teeth, immensely focused on grinding the medicinal herb with passion. "We'll put it in the coneflower and elder flower tea."
"Should we extract some of the juice of the ginger root as well?" Shirayuki asked, attempting to press down all her weight against the mortar. "To enhance the effects?"
"I suppose, but it'll make it quite sour," Ryu said, placing his chin between his index finger and thumb. "This is for the Clarines's Adoption Home after all." Shirayuki nodded, determined to perfect the large containments of tea they were to send to those sick children down at the town. It wasn't winter here in the state, but the kids suffer from an awful immune system and chose to dip themselves in the water and run around, catching colds from the wind produced in thin air and by their running.
"Definitely put roka in it then, half pint." The two herbalists turned to see Obi stood at the doorway. Shirayuki then diverted her eyes down to the Princess, having her and Ryu immediately put everything down to bow.
"Good day, Miss Elizabeth," the two said in sync.
"Good day to you two," Elizabeth greeted, having the two rise as Ryu was quick to go back to his desk to attend to his work. Elizabeth frowned, but she noticed that Shirayuki hadn't been too fazed about it. It was as though she adapted to the young boy's behavior. "Might I ask what your name is, young boy?"
"I'm Ryu," Ryu said quietly, turning back to nod at the Princess. Elizabeth noticed how quiet and stern his voice was, his tone low and unenthusiastic to react to the girl. But Elizabeth simply nodded in gratitude before turning to Shirayuki.
"He must be the apprentice then, yes?"
"Him?" Shirayuki asked, pointing to the Ryu, who went back to his work. Elizabeth nodded, having Shirayuki smile, almost condescendingly, before holding her hands together. "That's the Court Herbalist Prodigy, Miss Elizabeth."
"Wait," Elizabeth froze, looking back at the aqua blue-eyed youngster. "This young man is the prodigy?"
"He may be young, but half pint over here is a genius," Obi assisted, revealing a toothy grin while looking down at the 12 year old boy. "What're you two making today?"
"Shirayuki found out that an adoption home was suffering a stubborn cold," Ryu replied, still keeping his eye on the herbs and vials in his hands. "So she asked my help to create a medicinal tea that was efficient and still tasted good."
"Of course she did," Obi began warmly, having Shirayuki blush a bit before nodding. Elizabeth was impressed by how considerate and kind this gesture was, having her smile at how glad she was to ask a favor from such a kind person. "Anyways, do you mind if I can steal Miss for a bit?"
"You're relieved until you come back, Shirayuki," Ryu said calmly, having Shirayuki smile as she began untying her apron. Obi and Elizabeth watched as she fixed up her station, went over to Ryu, and gave the boy a gentle kiss on his head. Obi snickered a bit at the small blush that played at the boy's cheeks.
"Make sure you eat, okay?" Shirayuki told Ryu quietly. Ryu nodded, knowing how he tended to forget his physical health when he was so wrapped in his work. "I'll try to be back as soon as I can."
"I don't think it should take too long," Elizabeth began quietly, having Shirayuki ruffle the boys' hair before joining the two outside the office. Shirayuki was quick to occupy Obi's free hand, having the two feel flutters in their stomach as they walked down the corridor. "I just wanted assistance in choosing flowers for the wedding, you see."
Shirayuki froze, having Obi feel her hand tighten on his forearm. Spending so much time with Obi, Shirayuki hadn't really thought about the wedding too much. Figuring it was going to happen in a few months, it was filed in the back of her mind. But it made her further question why she was assisting Zen's fiancé so early. There's no way they could've…
"The wedding will be held in a month," Elizabeth informed, having Shirayuki swallow her shock in as she forced a more curious expression on her face. Obi knew it stung her just a bit. He just prayed that she didn't abruptly cry in the middle of Elizabeth's explanation. "So I just wanted a bit of help choosing flowers. And considering you're kind of the only girl I've met that feels like my friend, I was hoping you'd help me."
"I'm honored," Shirayuki began. "But what about Kiki?"
"Kiki is rather… virile for a girl," Elizabeth commented, huffing a small cough in her free hand. Shirayuki and Obi grinned at the girls audacious words, knowing very well that Kiki would not take well to such a statement. "I don't mean to be offensive, but you just seemed like the better choice. Especially being an herbalist and all."
"Understandable," Shirayuki said, reassuring her with a nod and a kind smile. The brunette smiled back, feeling rather invited by the two workers of the castle. Shirayuki was the kindest face she'd seen, and was quite an attention-grabber from that apple-colored head of hair. And Obi was a rather mysterious character at first glance, but he was ever so polite and chivalrous.
Obi guided the two women in silence, having Shirayuki use the soundless time to think for a moment. Everything had been going so fast, and Shirayuki had no clue as to what to feel. She wanted to be angry, but couldn't be. She wanted to cry, but can't. She wanted to go up to Zen and question why he went ahead and got engaged without uttering a single word to him. But she's not allowed to. He was no longer Zen to her. He was Prince Zen or Your Highness, and she could not change that.
"Here we are," Obi announced, returning sound to them as they were finally outside and right at the garden. Shirayuki looked down at the stairs and froze, recalling the very level of the garden in which Zen had kissed her under the moonlight. First on the neck, then on the lips. Obi felt the girl tense on his forearm, but could not ask her at a time like this. "I'll let you ladies do your thing. I'll be a bit far behind you."
"Thank you, Obi," Elizabeth said graciously, having her and Shirayuki let go of his arms before walking side by side down the stairs. The two quietly strolled down, Obi trailing behind them from a distance as they did. Shirayuki grew impatient, even though Elizabeth had been scanning around.
"Is there a particular flower you're seeking, Miss?" Shirayuki asked quietly, seeing as Elizabeth nodded.
"Yes, these red flowers I'm looking for," Elizabeth answered. "I could've sworn I saw them when I came here with Zen."
Zen took her here, too?
"Mm, could you be talking about these?" Shirayuki offered, pointing at the patch of red flowers to her right. The 5-petal beauties sat still with another inner flower, blossoming pink with lovely yellow buds coming from the center.
"Yes!" Elizabeth had sounded excited as she bent down and stood on her knees. She stared at the flowers, appreciating its beauty as Shirayuki bent down soon after. "These are the ones! What're their names, Shirayuki?"
"These are the Urashigures," Shirayuki informed, picking one from the patch for Elizabeth to hold. "These are Ryu's favorite medicinal herbs. We use it a lot for cuts and such."
"It makes sense why he'd like them appearance-wise as well," Elizabeth commented, spinning the flower slowly by the stem. "They're very beautiful. I think I want these to be the flowers for the wedding."
"I think you made a pretty great choice," Shirayuki assured her, having the two exchange sweet smiles as Shirayuki stood up first. Shirayuki offered her hands, helping Elizabeth up as she admired the flower. "If I may—why did you choose the Urashigures?"
"When Zen had taken me here," Elizabeth began, smiling fondly at the memory. "He kept staring down at them and smiling a lot. So I figured his favorite color was red, and these were definitely the flowers he enjoyed. It was the day we found you two on the tree, too."
Shirayuki froze for a moment, recalling the way Zen had reacted when Ryu told everyone these were his favorites. Oh, how he said he needed to see them once more, seeing as they were vital to know. A lick of jealousy had left his tongue, and that's when Shirayuki had figured Zen had this fondness over her and her hair. That day, she took him to see them once again and remembered how widely he smiled at the brink of the sun setting. The way his azure eyes lightened up with such incredible warmth in their oceans. Shirayuki longed for these days to come back.
"I see," Shirayuki said quietly, her emerald eyes dimming with her smile more forced than it should be. She was genuinely happy for Elizabeth and was content to help her, but it was still all so painful to her heart. "Here, pass me that."
"Mm?" Elizabeth handed over the flower to Shirayuki. The redhead took out a small pair of scissors she always held just in case she came across a foreign herb and wanted it. She snipped off most of the stem, returning the scissors slowly. Shirayuki looked into the girls eyes for consent, having Elizabeth nod before Shirayuki placed the flower between her head and her right. She made sure the petals were straight before leaning a little back and smiling.
"There you go," Shirayuki said with a small smile. "Be sure to show the Prince later."
Obi tensed himself, feeling terribly rude for eavesdropping. But when he heard those words, he couldn't help but recall when he had gifted her a hair ornament. It was just the fact that she remembered and copied his words that made his heart float. It also made him blush remembering how he touched her so boldly.
"I will," Elizabeth whispered, staring curiously at Shirayuki. She had been, quite possibly, the kindest 'peasant' she had ever met. She didn't give reason for Shirayuki to be rude to her, and couldn't be either due to the fact that Elizabeth had been royalty. But Shirayuki's smile was genuine and real, her behavior seeming like she really wanted to be kind to the girl. "Th-thank you…"
"Of course!" Shirayuki exclaimed, revealing the kind smile that Obi fell absolutely in love with. It even made Elizabeth's heart skip a beat.
Obi had walked Shirayuki back to her quarters after they had finished at the garden. Shirayuki had wished them good for the rest of their days before going back to her cold remedy with Ryu. Obi had kindly walked and talked with Elizabeth, which was fairly intriguing.
"How long have you been around, Obi?" Elizabeth asked Obi as they slowly walked down a corridor.
"Several months now, Miss Elizabeth," Obi informed. "It hadn't been my intention to remain here as a direct knight and a bodyguard. But now that I've been here, I've very much enjoyed it and would like to stay for a long while."
"It is rather nice here, isn't it?" Elizabeth said with a small smile. "Everyone seems kind and has immense respect for the crown. And everything is so beautiful." Obi nodded silently in agreement. "D'you mind if I ask you something somewhat personal?"
"I'll see if I can," Obi said bluntly, having Elizabeth giggle just a bit.
"How come you do not address Shirayuki by just her name or 'Miss Shirayuki?'?" Elizabeth asked, having Obi smile kindly. This was the first time he's ever been questioned, considering everyone has some sort of idea as to why. But there was a single, valid reason that Obi couldn't dare utter her name.
"I have immense respect for that girl more than anyone I have ever met," Obi began softly. "Master is a close second though. But Miss has done a great deal to my heart and for that, I am very much grateful." Elizabeth felt her heart stop at his sentimental words. For someone who looks so suspicious and is a servant, he seems incredibly happy and gracious to be part of Clarines and helping the crown firsthand.
"Does that mean you like her as more than a companion?" Elizabeth began and Obi found himself flinching. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"No no, it's alright!" Obi assured, flashing a kind smile as he turned the two at the end of the corridor to another. "I've just never really talked about my feelings before. Especially over Miss."
Elizabeth noticed how his eyes brightened up and softened at the discussion of Shirayuki. His entire aura changes and he doesn't flash just regular smiles of respect. When talking about the apple-haired girl, his face glows and his tone changes into pure elation. Everything about Obi changes, and he seems less scary when he does.
"So I'll be taking that as a yes," Elizabeth began with a teasing smile. Obi's cheeks flushed madly, having him scratch at his temple with his free hand. Elizabeth smiled at his embarrassed state, having been a bit surprised by it. He was either hold a stern stare, or smiling out of respect—practically stiff. But she got her answer, and she was rather satisfied about it.
"But how about we keep that between us, yes?" Obi asked kindly, hoping he hadn't asked for too much.
"Definitely." The two shared a gentle laugh before turning to slowly go up a flight of stairs. Obi watched as she used her free hand to lift up the skirt of her dress before going up. "Are you to attend our wedding?"
"If I'm invited, surely," Obi joked, having Elizabeth giggle. "But I'll likely be on guard duty to ensure it goes well and you are safe."
"And Shirayuki?" Elizabeth asked softly. "Will she be attending as well?"
"Most likely, as she is practically a doctor," Obi said truthfully. "But we won't be able to formally attend. We're likely around as the guests come, and then we'll be part of the crowd when you two get publically married. But we're probably not permitted to the banquet."
"I-d—I'd like you two to be at the banquet!" Elizabeth quickly exclaimed, having Obi stop the two from going up the stairs. Obi flashed a 'huh?' expression as he stared down at the Princess. Elizabeth flushed a bit and gulped before resuming. "You guys have been very kind to me like we've been friends forever, and I like feeling that way. I'd like you two to eat with us, to celebrate and be happy with one another. I know as fact that Kiki and Mitsuhide will be there!"
"That's incredibly kind of you, Miss Elizabeth, thank you," Obi said with a warm smile. His eyes then diverted to the Urashigure in her hair and he gulped. "But I'd have to ask Little Miss if she would like to go. I'd like to go but wherever she goes, I go."
"Like a matching set," Elizabeth commented quietly with a smile.
"Wherever she goes, I've made sure that I'll be following," Obi said quietly, looking up the stairs to see they're just one stair away from the floor. "There's no other path I see fit than the one she walks on."
Elizabeth stared at him with awe, feeling his words hit her heart, even though they weren't direct to her. She could tell this boy had been through a lot, with the scar on his forehead and how stiff he is when trusted to guide her. His eyes hold a history that she wondered about but couldn't dare ask. He's been through a lot, and it was obvious that Shirayuki was the person that made the world go away for him.
"You truly are in love, Obi," Elizabeth teased, rushing up the last step while waiting for Obi to reach her level. He looked up at her, revealing a wide smirk before walking up the step to join her. He offered his arm once more and she took it. At the corner of her eye, she saw how red Obi's cheeks have become and how his amber eyes were now lost in a daze.
"You're embarrassing me, Miss Elizabeth," Obi muttered shyly, having Elizabeth giggle before guiding the woman back to her room.
"Miss Elizabeth is safe in her room, Master."
Obi reported back to Zen, his hands behind his head as he watched the 3 do their work. Kiki had been scribbling in a notebook, writing down the guests invited and summing them up to determine how much of everything is required. Mitsuhide was speaking with a few tailors to the side, choosing to discuss this in another room so Zen could talk with Obi. And Zen was at his desk, looking down at his clenched fist that was holding a yellowish piece of parchment.
"Good," Zen murmured. "Thank you, Obi."
"Is there anything else you'd like before I go?" Obi asked quietly, noticing how the aura around Zen has changed. He seemed angry, like someone had crossed him the wrong way or he received news that made him want to explode. He noticed the piece of paper held a blue seal from a state that Obi couldn't identify. Obi didn't know what to do, so he stood there waiting before Zen chose to utter any words.
"Obi, I need you to send two invitations personally to two places," Zen began, opening a drawer to dump the crumpled paper in it before rising from his chair. Obi watched as Zen grabbed two letters and walked over to Obi. "These two places are very vital, and I want to them to be sent in person." Zen offered him the invitations, having Obi take them and look down at them. The one on the top was for Prince Raji Shenazard.
"Why do you want one personally delivered to Prince Raji?" Obi asked Zen, seeing how vexed he became from the mentioning of the Prince.
"Because Prince Moron may be idiotic, but he's done us a great service," Zen reasoned, having Obi understand after Shirayuki had been kidnapped and they assisted. Obi then looked at the second invitation and noticed a name he's never heard of or seen before. "And that one is up north in our territory. But you must deliver that one after going to Tanbarun."
Obi nodded obediently, his eyes still reading the engraved name. "I assume this is for your sister?" Zen smirked, his eyes dimming as he turned around and stared down distantly to the floor. Obi felt afraid that he had accidentally treaded on thin ice, but that wasn't the case.
"That's my mother," Zen answered, having Obi widen his eyes. He hadn't known about his Master's parents, let alone his mother. But it now made sense as to why he would want the invitation send to her personally. "Mitsuhide will deliver your professional clothing tomorrow morning. You must leave before the afternoon. We will send you off with money and a horse, so you should be back in due time. Everyone in Wilant knows of your coming, so you should be allowed in without any trouble."
"Understood, Master. I will do my best." Zen nodded, silently dismissing him as he strolled back to his desk. Obi turned and left the office, holding the two invitations in his large hands. "Haruto Wistalia," Obi pronounced, feeling the name on his tongue before silently leading himself back to Shirayuki.