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THIRTY-ONE – A Gift
18 Days Until The Wedding
Obi had been overly set to find his Mistress as soon as he left his Master's quarters.
When he had hopped over the balcony and began dashing through the trees, Obi had realized something incredibly vital: Prince Raji's gift for her. It was so obscure to him that he had forgotten such a vital thing to gift to the red-haired herbalist he finally returned to. It was strange, though it did make Obi just a little bit jealous. It wasn't a gift from him after all, rather another man with value in his blood.
As the rogue boy began walking over to one of the castle entrances, contemplating ensued in his mind for just a bit. With such valuable blood came privileges beyond Obi's belief. Zen could (and would have) provided Shirayuki with whatever she would have desired. He would've bought her all sorts of herbs and flowers she's never seen before to brew up concoctions beyond her wildest imagination. And here's Raji, already ahead of the game by sending men out of the areas Obi hadn't been familiar with to find the girl herbs and literature to indulge in.
Obi wished he could give her more than he has. He entered his room uneasy, reluctantly grabbing the bag of large books and potentially withering herbs before exiting and trotting is way over to the medical wing. Obi couldn't help but want to give her the world and everything she wants aside it. He wanted her to smile every day and always go back to the reason being Obi. He wanted to be the source of her happiness as Shirayuki has soon to become the centre of his feelings.
But the girl blessed his heart by placing her lips upon his lovingly more than once. It had been recent, yes, and it was the very first times the two had shared such an intimate moment. But they happened and it was real and she smiled right after doing so. Obi had only hoped he had been enough even before that. But now, that this has been established, Obi wanted to work to become more than suffice so he would never see Shirayuki cry ever again. If they were to be any tears, they'll be tears of elation and nothing more.
As he sauntered down the corridors, he had noticed many maids greet him more than prior to the trip. Don't get it mistaken, Obi did interact with the young women and acted just as cutesy with them as he did with Prince Zen. But it wasn't common that the ladies would greet him more than once every few days whenever they really felt like it. Of course, Obi was quick to shrug it because the only person he had his eyes for was Shirayuki, and with this new window she's opened for him, he would not dare let it shut. Not unless he deserved it or his Mistress found a better source of happiness.
Obi found himself promptly to his destination, strolling into the office to only find the young prodigy himself on the floor with a large piece of parchment lying down on the floor.
"Hey half pint," Obi greeted, scanning the floor to see herbs and notes of all sorts sprawled on the ground around Ryu. The young boy barely glanced over, acknowledging the man's existence as he resumed his work.
"Hi, Obi," Ryu greeted kindly, scribbling words into sentences that never seemed to end as Obi looked around the room. He noticed how neat Shirayuki organized her desk, seeing the racks of vials together, with books stacked across from it and several notebooks open in an order probably to her benefit. She had always been one to notice such small, tedious details and ensure they're evident in a way that she prefers it. "I assume you're seeking Shirayuki?"
"Mhm, have you seen her?" Obi asked gently, having Ryu raise his free hand to point to the rest of the corridor Obi never goes through. It was the entrance to the waiting room for the patients. "She's… at the waiting room?"
"There was a very important patient that needed to be checked, so I trusted Shirayuki with it and requested she call me if I'm needed." Obi nodded, thanking the boy in a mutter as he walked down the corridor. He heard distant chatter as he gradually made his way over to the waiting room, somewhat anxious. He had hoped not to intrude on anything to keep from Shirayuki's work or distract her in anyway. Just in case, he hid the gift behind his back as he slowly made his way to the doorway that led into the waiting room. And the first thing he saw warmed Obi's heart immediately.
There stood Shirayuki, her posture towards Obi but her head tilted down with complete attention dedicated to the small being in her arms. A baby, female, was resting quietly in Shirayuki's mending arms. Shirayuki cradled the young human, holding a baby bottle with some sort of pink liquid seen through the transparent glass of the bottle. Obi squinted his eyes a bit to see a Roka berry dancing in the bottle as the baby quietly drank down the (what he assumed was) medicinal tea.
"Does that feel better?" Shirayuki cooed to the young child, seeing the baby's teal eyes glow as she stared up at the herbalist. Obi smiled warmly, watching as the baby's small hands grip onto the bottle. The tea gradually went down and down towards the nipple of the bottle until nothing remained but the small Roka ball. "There we go!" Shirayuki adjusted the hold on the child, turning her vertically to hold her over her shoulder. With one hand holding the baby up by its bum, Shirayuki used her free arm grabbed the bottle and bent down to place it on the waiting room's table.
"Will she be alright?" A brunette woman asked, likely to be the mother as she sat anxiously on the couch. Shirayuki turned to her, allowing the baby to distract herself with the sights of Obi.
"She'll be alright," Shirayuki assured sweetly as she patted the baby's back gently.
As Shirayuki continued to exchange words with the now relieved woman, Obi was having some sort of staring contest with the small infant. The baby with mere strings of brown hair ogled the man with those teal orbs, evident that she was curious. Obi stared back, seeing how the baby would react. But her face remained still, making Obi tilt his head in curiosity. He then decided to cross his eyes, suddenly causing the baby to erupt in laughter.
"Oh?" The woman was first to react as Shirayuki turned around to spot Obi. He had been smirking, slight blush tinted at his upper cheeks as the baby resumed her laughter. "Is this another pharmacist, Miss Shirayuki?"
"Ah, no," Shirayuki replied, smiling warmly at Obi as she continued patting the back of the giggly child. "This is my personal knight, Obi."
"A pleasure," Obi hummed, bowing a bit to show his respect. Quickly standing straight again, he noticed the woman slightly blushing from his action. "I'm sorry if it was inappropriate of me. She had been staring at me and I figured a bit of laughter would do her some good."
"Oh, no no!" The woman spewed quickly, waving her arms to deny his statement. She flashed him an appreciative smile, easing Obi just a bit as he clutched Shirayuki's gift. "Laughter is always good for my little Runa. She's always very quiet and straight-faced all the time, you would think that she's emotionless."
"I know someone like that," Obi entertained, reminding himself of Ryu. Shirayuki giggled at this, flashing Obi a lip bite as she turned to return the small child to the woman. Obi felt his heart throb a bit from seeing such a sight, knowing how disgustingly selfish he was for desiring another kiss from her.
"I'll have a few batches of the medicine sent to your house," Shirayuki hummed sweetly as she grabbed her clipboard from the table and noted her words down. "Just in case her metabolism becomes a little sluggish again. But she should be fine now and will be more than eager to eat some more."
"Thank you so much, Miss Shirayuki!" The woman cheered happily, rising from the couch to give Shirayuki a warm, one-armed hug. Shirayuki took this warmly, content as ever to help. The woman then turned to Obi and gave him a bow. "And you too, Sir Obi."
"Not a problem, Miss," Obi said warmly with a nod. "Take care, the both of you." The woman nodded, holding her baby happily as she gave them another bidding nod before leaving the office. Shirayuki scribbled more on her clipboard before looking up at Obi with a sweet smile.
"You did well back there," Shirayuki hummed, immensely impressed with Obi. "With the baby and all that. It's almost like you've had some experience with children."
"Eh, I wouldn't say 'experience,'" Obi began as he followed Shirayuki back down the corridor to the office. He watched her short hair bounce with every step she took and found himself randomly amused by it. "But an old colleague of mine had a child so I interacted with him some."
"Aw, cute," Shirayuki dragged, glancing back with a teasing smile that quickly made Obi's heart stop.
"So what was wrong with her?" Obi asked, curious as to why the beautiful baby required treatment.
"She's currently suffering protein deficiency," Shirayuki replied as the two re-entered the office. Ryu lent an ear to the conversation as he resumed scribbling down his notes for a larger project. "So I created a remedy that tasted well and was easy on her small body."
"Main symptom?" Ryu wondered out loud.
"Bad metabolism," Shirayuki replied as she placed the clipboard on the desk. She began grabbing a few bottles down, opening the lids in a row to check their quantities.
"Remedy used?"
"Just crushed chia seeds dissolved in a Roka tea," Shirayuki replied with small smile. "I added some honey as a natural sugar for the young child. Kids love sweets so I figured."
Obi loved it when she spoke so intellectually like so. She was ever so smart, her beautiful mind always keeping him on his toes, yearning for more. He always tried grasping all the words she uses, all the herbs and flowers she mentions so he could indulge himself in the sights of them. He wanted to venture the world to get her all of the herbs she yearns for, like those attendants Raji sent. Shirayuki deserved everything in Obi's eyes. Everything she could ever want, and he wants to be the hands to give her that.
"Oh, Obi!" Shirayuki exclaimed, snapping Obi out of his mind to see her stare at him happily. Her smile was small but warm, and it sent Obi's heart dashing. "Did you need anything?"
"Ah," Obi began sheepishly, his cheeks flaring as he tightened his grip on her gift. "When you're not too busy or on your break, mind if I take you on a walk?"
"Oh! Ryu, may I—. "
"Of course," Ryu replied quickly, having Obi grin down at the boy, who gave him a curt smile. "I'll see you both later, yes?"
With two quick nods, Shiryuki followed Obi outside the office and began down for the corridor. Obi knew she was going to discover the pouch, as she tailed him from behind. It struck at her curiosity as they walked, having quietness hold between the two for a moment until they were out of the medicinal wing.
"Obi, can I ask for a favor?" Shirayuki began, quickly rushing to his side as they walked down the corridor.
"Anything for you, Miss," Obi hummed, giving her a genuine smile as she grabbed his arm to stop them. Obi looked down at her, pondering what the request could be. Her fingers clenched around a bit of his signature jacket, having her flush a bit as she studied his chest.
"C-can you carry me like you do Ryu?" Shirayuki asked quietly. "Like on the shoulders…"
Shirayuki had been somewhat yearning for this for a while now. Maybe it had been upon his return when he put her down and lifted Ryu on his shoulders. It wasn't like she was jealous, but she always wondered what it'd be like to be on ones shoulders. Especially considering her father hadn't been around for a long while to do that with the girl when she was young and at an easy size to do so. She just wanted to know what it was like at that height, but Obi probably found her request silly.
Obi, on the other hand, was drawn to this completely. Her request made his heart practically quiver in how adorable she is. Her cheeks were so red, redder than her own hair. The way her emerald orbs were diverted on his chest, studying him shyly as she was evidently embarrassment. And the way she held his sleeve, feeling silly but still wanting Obi to take her seriously. This enticed him completely and he was sure as hell going to give her what she wants.
"C'mere," Obi began, having Shirayuki let him go as she bent down and lowered his shoulders. Obi glanced up at gave her a smirk, to which she blushed even more and looked down at him wistfully.
"Wait, really?" Shirayuki shrieked, her tone full of anticipation as Obi nodded. Shirayuki walked excitedly behind Obi, bringing one leg over her shoulder to sit her thigh on it. The other came through, having Obi quickly hold onto the girls ankles, waiting for her to be ready. She adjusted her dress to ensure coverage of her upper legs and crotch before placing her hands on the black head of hair. "Okay, I'm ready."
Slowly, Obi straightened his legs, bringing Shirayuki up in the air before standing there to adjust. Obi then allowed his arms to be between her lower legs, allowing them to hang more freely. Obi then let go for a moment, balancing her on him as he tied the pouch quickly on his side. He tied it around his muscular thigh, immensely tight to ensure it won't fall off or untie itself. He then raised his arms up, offering his rough hands to the beautiful girl residing on his shoulders. Shirayuki took his hands with ease, surprising him when weaving her smooth fingers between and giving them a squeeze, indicating that she trusted him very much.
"I won't drop you," Obi began firmly, making sure that she absolutely knew he wouldn't.
"I know," Shirayuki replied quietly, bringing one of his hands up to her to give it a gentle kiss. "I trust you."
Obi grinned, squeezing her hands tightly as he began walking down the corridor. They were exchanging words, engaged in conversation about everything they had been seeing. Shirayuki could talk on and on about how the tiles were so well down and never seem to chip, being such an old castle and all. Obi couldn't help but love it and how much she can talk about it, and then somehow connect it to her practice and immediately go on and on about herbs, plants, and all sorts of remedial studies. As Obi walked them down the corridor, happy noise trailing them, they had suddenly halted to see the presence of Zen and his fiancée, Elizabeth.
"O-oh, Master!" Obi quickly spewed, somewhat nervous at this sudden meet with his Mistress on his shoulders. "And Miss Elizabeth, hello!"
The young Prince studied Obi, but it was obvious his azure eyes were going to divert up to see the young herbalist on his shoulders. They met eyes quickly, having Shirayuki wince. She didn't exactly want to see him, especially after what he had said to her after saving her from the vicious intruder. And, of course, it still somewhat bothered her to see him with another woman, especially when she still didn't know why he had dropped her without explanation. But Shirayuki no longer wanted to be bothered with a meaningless gaze, and quickly lowered herself, allowing her hair to cover her face to bow.
"Good day, Your Highnesses," Shirayuki said gently, letting go of Obi's hands to allow him to give his respects somehow. Obi sweat dropped a bit, unable to bow due to not wanting to drop his Mistress. She noticed his strife and giggled, placing her hands on his head as Obi placed his hand in his chest and gave the two a respectful nod.
"Good day, you two," Elizabeth responded with a wide smile, evidently content seeing the two so overwhelmingly cute together. She jabbed her index finger in the air, pointing it at the two while moving it up and down to gesture. Her other arm was held firmly, and now tighter by Zen. "What has brought this about?"
"Making a dream come true, Miss Elizabeth," Obi replied, smirking as he looked up to see Shirayuki smile warmly at him. Zen gritted his teeth a bit, feeling completely helpless. He felt like the real monster while the one with threatening eyes held the most beautiful thing on earth in his arms. "If I may, what brings you two about as well?"
"Just a walk during our leisure time," Elizabeth hummed, moving closer to Zen to tilt her head and lean her cheek upon the man's shoulder. "We're discussing plans for the wedding." Shirayuki and Zen flinched. Obi knew it still bothered her, having him bring his hands back to her ankles to give her a reassuring squeeze.
"Oh? Will there be anything special for the day?" Obi asked curiously. "Other than your marriage, of course."
"Yes, actually," Elizabeth said quietly, pure content rolling off her tongue as she stared into Obi's amber eyes. "But it'll be a surprise for the people of Clarines and my people from Nightingale, since we'll be having to do the wedding twice."
"Twice?"
"Yes. The town folk of my country won't be able to attend due to the distance and lack of resources from both ends," Elizabeth informed quietly. "So the first ceremony shall be here, and it will be repeated over there afterwards. This way, Zen will finally get to meet my state and we can have a tour for him and royal blood of Clarines."
"Sounds absolutely lovely, Miss Elizabeth," Obi said warmly, smiling genuinely at her. "I'm sure Master is more than elated about that plan, right Master?" Zen glared at Obi briefly before turning to his fiancé with a forced smile.
"I can't wait," Zen breathed, holding her arm with both of his as he smiled at her. "I've heard that her state is beautiful, and if they're as beautiful as you, then I look forward to it more than I do already." Elizabeth smiled widely at his words and quickly pushed herself to press her lips upon his. Shirayuki grimaced at this, knowing that though her love for the Prince wasn't at its peak, it still bothered her to know that that man was once hers.
"Well, I cannot wait for the wedding, Master, Miss Elizabeth," Obi hummed, offering his hands to Shirayuki. She grabbed them quickly, having Obi become bothering by the sudden trembling of them in his hands. "If you could excuse us, Little Miss and I have things to tend to. Take care Master, Miss Elizabeth." Obi looked up at Shirayuki, having her catch on as she bowed for the both of them. He mouthed a 'thank you' and that made her giggle slightly. Elizabeth wanted to melt before them whereas Zen was searing inside.
"You as well, Obi, Shirayuki," Elizabeth hummed, giving them a Princess bow as Obi smiled at her. He nodded at the both of them.
"Alright Miss, are you ready?" Obi hummed, looking up at her as he began moving his arms away from one another. They were raised to be closer to Shirayuki, having her look puzzled at them as her arms moved with them.
"I guess," Shirayuki said quietly, looking down at Obi to see him look past the two royals to the continuation of the corridor. Suddenly, without warning, Obi dashed around the two and had his legs moving much faster than before. This took Shirayuki back and she let out a cheerful, "Obi!"
As the two were speeding their way out of visibility, Elizabeth couldn't help but fan her face.
"Those two are far too adorable," Elizabeth gushed. Zen was seething, envy and jealous shooting to his free hand as it clenched tightly. "They have something, those two. It's not impossible, Zen. Not with them."
"How come you brought me out here, Obi?" Shirayuki asked softly as Obi walked through the small patch of grass outside. The sun was setting ever so slow, licking their skin with its last shine for the day. Obi had meant it to be this way, knowing she'd like this scenery much better. "This doesn't seem like just a walk."
"Well, it's not," Obi confirmed, slowly down before standing still. He made sure they were both forward and looking towards the town and the dollop of sun abandoning the sky. "My first stop and invitation was given to Prince Raji of Tanbarun."
"Oh, he was one of the people you had to personally invite?" Shirayuki asked, tilting her head down to look at Obi. He nodded. "I've got a feeling you didn't bring me out here to tell me that."
"I didn't."
Obi lowered himself slowly, allowing himself to drop to the grass once he was only inches from it. It made it easier for Shirayuki to relieve herself from his shoulders. He kept his arms up for her, allowing her to use it to let herself down safely. He listened to her boots crunch upon the grass, indicating that he could stand up once again. Dusting off his rear, he looked down at his Mistress and gave her a toothy grin.
"So?" Shirayuki breathed. "What's that?" She pointed down to the pouch still wrapped around his thigh.
"This," Obi began as he bowed a bit to untie the mentioned pouch. Quickly, it was off his thigh and soon being held kindly in his hands. "Is a gift sent from Prince Raji to you, Miss."
"He… sent me a gift?" Shirayuki asked quietly, ogling the leather bag to see how large it was. She was ever so curious of its contents and was eager to know.
"He sent his men away from the state to find books and herbs that you have yet to discover," Obi informed, offering it to her with ease. "He wanted me to deliver it to you now as the gift was previously for a different reason. He'll be very pleased if you read them before the wedding of Master and Miss Elizabeth so he could discuss it with you if he got the chance."
"Wait," Shirayuki began as she took the pouch uneasily. She didn't know they'd be so heavy. "He read the books already?"
"To discuss it with you, Miss," Obi stated, smiling warmly as Shirayuki plopped herself to the ground and began opening the pouch. She revealed the small containers of herbs first, uncapping them to see the unique petals and foreign scents. She ogled them lovingly before re-capping them to take a glance at the books. She flipped through the pages, her eyes adoring the sight as she looked at the new information. "The books explain some of the herbs he sent and how to grow them. He wanted you to learn from it and grow these herbs to further your knowledge and study."
"Wow…" Shirayuki whispered, releasing the books from her hold to cup her mouth. Obi got scared, unsure as to why she reacted this way. He then suddenly saw tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Miss?" Obi mumbled, dropping himself to the ground to meet her eyes. Although she was crying, it didn't seem like she was sad. Her emerald eyes didn't contain a hint of woe. In fact, they seemed more brilliant than moments ago.
"I'm just so happy…" She breathed, putting her hands down as the salty tears dropped down to the books. Obi revealed a curt smile, feeling his heart relax as he watched her touch the books. "This was such a kind gift…"
She was now smiling so widely, like the world had been kissed with peace. Her cheeks were flushed, apple red with pure content from the surging blood. Her emerald eyes were shaky with joy, finding them to be the most beautiful shade at that very moment. Her bottom lip quivered excitedly, with a dash of content and a sprinkle of pleasant shock. This was it, Obi thought. This was really it.
The expression she'd make, was the very it he wanted to see.
"You deserve it," Obi hummed, fixing the books in a stack as he placed the herbs right on top. "You deserve everything, really."
"Oh hush," Shirayuki whispered shakily as she helped open the pouch wide so Obi could insert the gift back inside. "I'm so happy… but I only have one question."
"Mm?" Obi hummed curiously.
"Why did you bring me outside to show me?" Shirayuki said quietly as she brought her hands up to her face to wipe away her liquid happiness. "You could have done so in the office."
"I…" Obi began, diverted his eyes down to the grass as he let out a shy chuckle. "If I admit the reason, I think you might find me silly."
"Maybe," Shirayuki hummed. "Try me."
"Well, Miss," Obi began, tilting his head back up to catch her gaze. "Ever since you've given me the gift of your lips upon mine, I've suddenly found myself becoming selfish. And so, with this experience stuck in my head and repeated, I wanted to be the first one to see the expression you'd make when I'd give you this gift. And as cruel as it sounds, I'm glad I did because I got to see something so beautiful."
Shirayuki widened her eyes from his words, feeling her heart speed up a notch. She saw shame ornate in his amber eyes with a contradicting smile playing at his lips. She knew that Obi was an honest man, but this honesty was beyond her. He wouldn't be this blunt. She knew he was honest with her because he cared about her deeply and couldn't imagine lying to her. But this, this had been much different. It could be, maybe, that he cared for her beyond just liking her. Maybe… something else beyond that.
"Obi…" Shirayuki whispered, her hands quickly cupping his cheeks and pulling him forward, smashing his lips with hers. He grunted from shock, but quickly melted into it as he nibbled her bottom lip. He felt her soft, tender lips pay attention to his top, feeling warm saliva graze it and vice versa. But Shirayuki quickly detached and rested her forehead upon his.
"Miss?" Obi whispered.
"I think, and I hope I'm not the only one who wants this, but," Shirayuki began, her words unsteady and off but comprehensible. "I'd like it if I were your lover and you were mine."
There it was. The golden words that Obi never thought he'd be so lucky to hear from anyone. Especially from the first woman he has ever fallen in love with. His heart exploded with content, throbbing uncontrollably as his breathing became off. He didn't know what to think or do, he was so stiff from emotion that he could be the equivalent of a stone statue.
"I…" Obi began, so quietly he could be a mouse. But Shirayuki watched as his hands formed themselves into fists upon the pouch with hard contents. "I would love to be your lover and for you to be mine, Miss."
"Okay," Shirayuki whispered happily, taking Obi's hands to undo them and flip them over to weave her fingers between his. Sparks stuck from his hands and danced all over his body, feeling himself go numb yet feeling everything at the very same time. "But might we keep it somewhat hidden from everyone else? Until we've established a way to ease it with Ryu and them?"
"Of course, Miss," Obi replied. "Whatever you want."
"Thank you," Shirayuki began, giggling a bit as she leaned back to stare at Obi's face again. Obi shook his head, having Shirayuki's lips fall to a frown as she watched the boy tilt his head down to stare at his knees. "Obi? Are you alright?"
"Yes, Miss," Obi began, his voice very low as he squeezed her petite hands. "I'm more than alright, and I should be the one thanking you for that."
"Oh?" Shirayuki hummed, hoping he would gift her his face again. "How come?"
"Because," Obi started, tilting his head up once more to reveal himself to her. Shirayuki's lips parted slightly to see a sight that she thought she would never see, in any scenario. Not even in a scenario of pure pain, any that was physical, mental, or emotional. And that was Obi crying. "I'm so happy, Miss. I'm so, so happy."
"Aw, Obi!" Shirayuki gushed, pushing herself forward to glomp Obi. Her arms were securely wrapped around him, her fingers clenching around the back of his jacket. Obi got a large whiff of her strawberry scent, one that is so intoxicating, he might just swoon. His arms remained down, still, but shaking and full of disbelief.
"I feel so happy that you are mine," Obi muttered, feeling the basil scarf tickle at his lower jaw. "That it feels so incredibly wrong." Shirayuki giggled at this, holding him tighter as Obi joined her when emitting a shocked, happy chuckle.