Yall ive had such a weird summer. Allow me to fill you in: I withdrew from college, took on therapy, dealt with a bunch of my mental illness attacking from all sides, and had one of my stories on a different platform get stolen and posted in a different one. It's been hectic, Ill tell you what.
But here's precious 70 that I'm sure many of you have been waiting for! The wedding IS going to happen, I swear. I've already got the ending in mind so don't you guys worry a single thing!
Also, thank you all SO much for your patience and just actually liking this story of mine! It makes me super happy and I can't wait for us to finally reach the end of this damn thing.
SEVENTY - Research Mode And Reconcile… Again
2 Days Until The Wedding
Obi sometimes had a bit of spite against Shirayuki's desire for knowledge.
His lover woke him up at the very start of dawn and had him ready before 7 to end up in the library. The library was obviously empty and he could not share the same energy as his red-haired love. He stood in his usual knight stance by her, watching the woman excitedly flip through the pages of one of the stacks of books she picked out. His hunger and exhaustion just barely held up on his feet.
"Mistress," Obi begins with a yawn before proceeding, "how are you not hungry yet?" Tears brewed in his eye sockets as he tried to blink them away. Shirayuki keeps her eyes on the book before her, her fingers toying with the upper right corner of the page shes on. Obi emits another yawn, "or tired?"
Shirayuki glances back at her lover and gives him an empathetic smile. She stands up from her seat and walks up to her sleepy man. Cupping his cheeks with her petite hands, she lowers him closer to her face, "do you want to go back to the room and rest up? You don't have to guard me all the time while we're in the castle, you know."
Obi immediately rejects, "absolutely not." He brings his hands up to take hers and gently remove them from her face. "Last time you were unguarded in the castle, you almost got killed." Shirayuki swallows harshly, recalling the small gash she received from her near-death experience. He stares her down, "am I wrong?"
Shirayuki shakes her head, "you aren't wrong… but there are guards outside the library- the only way for an intruder to enter would be through the windows and I'd be alerted way before they even recuperate themselves." Obi practically dismissed her argument and shrugged.
"No." Shirayuki giggles at her lovers pout, pulling him close to plant her lips on his.
Obi was quick to place his hands on the dip of her back, pulling her just slightly closer to have an easier time kissing his lips. As usual, her lips were ever so welcoming and supple, her tongue invading his mouth with her passion. These kinds of kisses always sent Obi out of reality, unable to believe that he was in this situation. He was allowed to place his hands wherever he wanted on her, and kiss her whenever he felt prompted to. Shirayuki truly was his, and he wasn't sure how he managed it.
Shirayuki's hands held onto Obi's attire to keep her up while he nipped on her bottom lip. She knew that Obi could definitely be selfish and cut his restraint, but it seems her attempts are typically futile. Even giving him the straight, verbal permission to do so couldn't hold its fight enough to persuade him. He's just so kind and worried, but with the way he kisses her, he couldn't be frigid.
"W-wait!" Shirayuki quickly pulls away and the two of them finally get a chance to breathe. Obi tilts his head in confusion as Shirayuki shyly backs off and covers her lips. "L-let me finish my research here first."
Obi nods, noticing how flush his lover was before him. He emits a few chuckles before backing up and allowing her to return to her work. Shirayuki simply eyed the man before returning to her seat, unsure as to how he wasn't as red as she was. She returns to her seat and picks up the quill again, jotting down her notes and little doodles based on what she's been reading.
In turn, Obi decides to notice the features of Shirayuki's back. She's beautiful at every angle, he was sure of it, but her back held some things that made her level up in cuteness. Since the time she cut her hair (which had been all the way when she lived in Tanbarun), her hair has grown immensely. He notices that it has made it down to the middle of her back now, several locks of hair uneven but approaching the same length.
It made him smile, amused by the fact that Shirayuki doesn't seem to care too much about her hair's growth. She hasn't made any attempt to cut it nor change it in any way and it doesn't seem like it's in the plans either. In fact, Obi likes her hair better this way: raw and untampered with. He doesn't believe that anyone has seen Shirayuki like this, and he prefers it that way.
He wants to be her firsts in many ways (aside from the given that people would immediately know if he suggests his desire outwardly). He wants to share many memories that people haven't given her the luxury of having. Obi wants to give her everything she's never had and more because Shirayuki, in all honesty, deserved it the most.
Obi walks over and taps Shirayuki's shoulder. She looks back and shoots Obi a curious look. "Can I play with your hair, Mistress?" Shirayuki giggles and pulls out a seat next to hers for him to use.
Obi excitedly grabs the chair and places it behind hers. He proceeds to take a seat and begins to play with the red strands of hair. This was the first time he noticed how soft and lovely her hair truly was. It smelled of lemongrass and cinnamon, scents that weren't too strong but just enough to catch attention. So simple yet so intriguing that Obi felt himself getting drunk over the scent.
"You're like a little kid, Obi," Shirayuki suddenly joked, catching his attention quickly as he toyed with two bundles of her hair. She flips the page of a new book, "are you entertained?"
"Very," he replies earnestly.
Shirayuki lifts the book up before her and squints her eyes, "I should get a haircut."
"No you shouldn't."
"My hair's uneven."
"It's perfect." Shirayuki looks back at her lover. Obi's amber eyes were striking, "I wouldn't want you any other way, Mistress." She puts the book down and blushes, keeping him entertained with her hair to ensure that he doesn't see.
"I can't seem to focus when you're around sometimes," Shirayuki informs. She jots down a few more notes very quickly before shutting the book and returning it to its proper stack. She completely turns and faces her lover, in which he pouts from the loss of her hair. "I wonder why that is."
Obi shrugs, "I wonder." Shirayuki crinkled her button nose and shook her head. "Could it be that… I am the reason for your distraction?" He leans in, his elbows resting on his knees. His yellow eyes were sharp and demanding, making Shirayuki slightly excited. Her cheeks though fail to keep her lack of tameness hidden as she retracts herself into seeming small.
They slowly leaned in for another kiss, clearly yearning for one another's touch. But as soon as they felt each others breath, the doors of the library slam open and unknown pairs of feet jog in. Shirayuki and Obi look back to look towards the source of the sound and find Garak and Ryu present before them. Ryu looked out of breath and terrified while Garak quickly collected herself and stood straight before them.
"Half pint?" Obi worriedly eyes the boy before escaping his chair and picking up the boy. Ryu was panting, messy dark hair covering his eyes as Obi walked him over and pulled the seat to allow him to sit and catch his breath.
Shirayuki gives a concerned glance towards Ryu before meeting her superiors eyes, "Garak? Is everything alright?"
The court herbalist shook her head, slowly walking towards the girl. Shirayuki rises from her seat and on her feet, meeting Garak halfway as the older woman looks down at her open hand. At the very center of her palm were the silver pebbles that she sifted out from the spiked wine she had been given by the Princess. Shirayuki's initial reaction was to panic.
"Why are you touching that?" Shirayuki squealed worriedly. "We don't know what this is- it could be harmful even to contact of the skin." Garak grinned, amused at the young girls worrisome words. She then closes her firsts for a few seconds before opening it again. Shirayuki widened her eyes to see that the pebbles have melted and formed a little liquid lake in her hand. "Wh-what…?"
"This is mercury," Garak informs Shirayuki. She gestures over to look back at the table, in which the two woman watch Ryu sift through the stacks of books before finding the one he had been seeking. He nervously flips through the pages before stopping at one of them and presenting it to the red-haired woman before him. Shirayuki begins to quickly read the page while Garak spews a bit of information, "this is a chemical known among scientists throughout the countries. It's typically used to tell whether things are hot or cold, seeing as it melted from my body heat."
Obi rises and takes the book as well, curiously studying it as Shirayuki poked at the silver puddle in Garak's hand. "Is it poisonous?"
"It's found in many foods that we are permitted to eat," Garak hummed, "but such a high dosage can be very toxic."
"But there wasn't too many pebbles of mercury found in the bottles of wine," Obi mentions, walking over to ogle the mercury in Garak's hand. "Although that's not something that should be in wine, the ratio between the amount of mercury and wine in the bottles are pretty high."
"That's because you may not have found all of the pieces in the bottles," Garak proves a point. "There could be much smaller that cannot be sifted that remain in the wine and still shouldn't be consumed."
"But where would the Princess and her Kingdom find a suffice amount of raw mercury to put into many bottles of wine?" Obi asked in genuine wonder. Ryu, taking the book back from Obi's hands, takes Shirayuki's quill and circles around something in the book before returning it. The older three look and widen their eyes.
"Princess Elizabeth comes from a very water-based Kingdom," Ryu begins, his panting dissolving. "Mercury is typically found in fish- meaning that mercury isn't very hard to find in that Kingdom."
"Although those fish are edible," Garak continues, "eating a lot of it at once can definitely result in mercury poisoning."
The 4 stood there in silence, unsure as to how to approach this situation. Knowing that the Princess' intention was to poison the people of Clarines on her wedding day was something they weren't prepared for. This was not only good for them, but for Zen and everyone else that resides in the estate they love and want to protect.
They did not want for the entirety of Clarines to be poisoned by a Princess who clearly didn't deserve to share reign in this Kingdom. But it was also difficult to stop a wedding that had been hyped up and planned for a long while now. It would cause a lot of outburst and a potential war may break out because of it. But none of that didn't matter.
"Treason." Shirayuki murmurs under her breath. They all look at her, noticing that the green in her eyes have dimmed and the usual kind and welcoming herbalist was currently dormant. "This is an act of treason against her fiance and his beloved Kingdom. And I refuse for her to get away with it."
"So," Garak begins with a smirk, "what would you like to do, Shirayuki?"
"I have a request, but it must be talked over with the Prince and his advisers," Shirayuki begins quietly. Obi looks curiously at her, noticing that her demeanor had frozen over like winter came a little too early. She was clearly discontent and felt an immense amount of disgust that this woman would do such a crime. Shirayuki became extremely patriotic regarding Clarines, as it has become home for her.
She wasn't letting her home get hurt if she's able to prevent it.
Zen didn't know what hurt more: the fact that Shirayuki loved his estate more than him, or the fact that the woman he was to marry was prepared to poison his people.
Zen and everyone stood silently as Shirayuki explained what the court herbalists were able to discover together and how this could make every move going forward very important. In his hand was the melted mercury that Garak had shown the group, sharing the poisonous group with Mitsuhide and Kiki.
"This isn't good," Kiki quietly points out after Shirayuki filled them in. Ryu stood beside her while Obi was directly behind her, giving her moral support over this matter. Nobody wanted to say it, but Shirayuki's eyes were glossed with such a high amount of worry and anger against the Princess and her disgraceful plan. "Announcing this and reprimanding her wouldn't play off very well, though."
"But it's clear that we can't let those wine bottles get passed around during your wedding," Mitsuhide quietly adds. Zen chuckles, shaking his head in complete disbelief.
"I would be more than happy to cancel this wedding," Zen says with a smile. A sort of weight seemed to have left his shoulders proceeding his statement, yet another bit of weight regarding the poisoned wine decided to get comfortable. "And I am more than willing to go into war as this is treason against me and my Kingdom."
"But the one who could really allow this war to happen is Lord Izana," Garak begins quietly, a small bit of mercury being rolled around her palm. "We should inform him about this, should we not?"
Zen looks over at Mitsuhide and nods. Mitsuhide comprehends this silent order and excuses himself from the quarters. He then looks over at Kiki, "I don't know if she's done this to our personal bottles of wine, but round up the maids to inform them that we are not drinking any wine for the next couple of days. We will strictly drink water."
"Understood." Kiki follows through with her instruction as she, too, dismisses herself from the quarters. With the court herbalists and Obi remaining in his space, Zen emits a heavy sigh and leans back on his desk. He looks away at the many eyes looking at him and studies one of his many bookshelves.
"Shirayuki," Zen begins his final order. His azure eyes meets him, no ounce of sympathy or care left regarding the Princess. The red-haired herbalist stands straight and silent, awaiting for her task. "You may do as you please with exposing her plan. I will be outside in case you need any assistance."
Shirayuki nods her head, "I'll be needing everyone's help with it." Although they all exchanging agreeing smiles, this plan included the absent Kiki and Mitsuhide. As Shirayuki nodded in confirmation, Zen turned his back to the small group and began walking towards his balcony.
"Shirayuki." The Prince says her name again. She remains still and attentive. "Might I have a word with you?" He glances back at Obi. "Just the two of us." This time, he turns around completely.
Zen could see the hesitance in his personal knights eyes. Those amber orbs flicker with the intention of murder whenever anything spoke to or even breathed around Shirayuki. The Prince understood Obi's worry, considering the last time his lover was alone with him. Obi essentially has become his own reflection it seems, seeing his own possessive and insecurity in the black-haired menace.
But Obi's eyes eased up, his amber eyes dissolving back into a dandelion hue as he ruffles Ryu's hair and begins to gesture for the exit. Zen was fairly surprised at how quickly his tension went away, watching as Obi meets Shirayuki's eyes and gives her a trusting nod. She returns the nod, having the two listen as the other three make their way out.
"Is there something you wanted to talk with me about, Your Highness?" Shirayuki quietly asked, her emerald eyes keeping up with his. It was weird, seeing as the two have suddenly switched positions.
Zen had left Shirayuki alone, hurting on her own with insecurity attacking from every angle, for another woman- a Princess suited for the standards of a 'typical' Prince. But now Zen was the one alone, clearly unable to marry a Princess who seemed nice enough to have as a lifetime companion. He could see that all of Shirayuki's pain over her heartbreak had dissolved, and those adorable cheeks once again lifted up and gleamed.
And it was now Zen's turn to feel the coil in his stomach twist at Shirayuki's unwavering expression. Her vulnerability subsided long ago, and he didn't think there was even an ounce of love for him that remains in her heart. What he made her go through must of been hell for her, but it was clear that she has moved on from it.
"I just wanted to ask how you were faring," Zen starts, a throbbing in his heart ensuing when he sees Shirayuki brew up an endearing smile.
"I've been very well," she replies honestly. And it sounded true, as her voice was bubbly and full of life. She tucks in a long lock of her red hair behind her ear, unintentionally making Zen aware of how long her hair has grown. "Still working hard as a court herbalist."
"So I see." He, too, feels his lips forming a smile. "I'm glad that you didn't resign or take a leave from it. I had a feeling that you would have left Wistal Castle and Clarines as a whole after everything that happened between us."
Shirayuki nods slowly, agreeing with his words. She looks distantly at the floor before returning to fondly stare at the Prince. "Yes… that idea stayed in my mind for a while after you had that announcement regarding your 'candid' your engagement." Her fingers weave between each other as the smile on her face becomes more gentle. "I always wanted to ask why you didn't end things between us properly but there was never a good time and I'm not sure if it's even worth asking anymore."
"I don't mind giving you the answers you seek," Zen quickly spewed. "I definitely owe you that much, considering everything I've done to you."
Shirayuki nods awkwardly, gulping a bit nervously before opening her mouth, "so why didn't you end things properly between us?" There was more emphasis in her repetition.
Zen emits a shaky sigh, knowing how painful this conversation was clearly going. He nods, understanding the answer he owes her. "I'm a coward," Zen admits. "This engagement and wedding was already being planned, essentially. I had no real say in it, and I couldn't bear the idea of breaking it to you." Shirayuki still held her smile, even though Zen's eyes were glossing with tears. "So I just announced it to my people, knowing you'd be there to listen."
Shirayuki tilted her head a bit in thought but allowed for Zen to continue, "but I immediately regret it and did such moronic things in the hopes that you'd still be mine. But…" Zen raised his hand left hand, revealing the sparkling wedding band wrapped around his ring finger. "I'm an engaged man, and I apologize for putting you in such a stressful position. And truly, I mean that."
Shirayuki was quick to react to his words, slowly approaching him with her hands residing above her chest. The sounds of her steps were deafening as Zen watched the beautiful red-haired girl stand before him, her hands gesturing down to grab his. "If I may…"
"Of course you may."
With consent, Shirayuki grabbed Zen's hands into hers and gives them a bit of a squeeze. Zen's eyes widen, partially from her sudden movements and how long its been since he's felt her tender touch. They felt so soothing, as though his world froze from the endless amount of crashing it's been doing. His depression was dismissed for the few moments that Shirayuki held his hands, practically being cradled in hers.
"I forgive you." Shirayuki's words stabbed Zen's heart. "I've forgiven you before, and I'll forgive you now. I'm not hurting about it anymore," she attempts to persuade with a soft voice. "As you've noticed, I've found someone else to share the rest of my life with so you shouldn't be too worried about me anymore."
Those words hurt Zen. Just seeing how strong she is before him hurt. The darkness and inflammation below her eyes have healed long ago from her immense amount of crying. She's no longer frigid and vulnerable as she was post-announcement. She can face him without any fear, knowing that she was completely whole again. Those emerald eyes now held love for another man, and Zen wasn't sure how to cope with it.
But, he knew he would have to. After all, it was a love between one of his best friends and the love of his life.
"I told Obi this, and he's likely already told you but," Zen begins, his tongue hot from his own words, "you two have my blessing." Shirayuki widened her green orbs, taking a mental second-take over his words. "As much as I honestly hate it, I wish you two the very best." He squeezes her hands to convince her and proceeds with a nod.
Right then, Zen's tears finally fall and Shirayuki could finally understand the depth of Zen's true feelings. She knows that he still loves her, and she knows that she would never be able to let go of Zen as an important person in her life. But seeing him raw with emotion right before had really put a toll on her. He seems to hate everything about this interaction- as it would not be happening if he didn't go ahead and get engaged to another woman.
Shirayuki raises her hands up to wipe away his tears but he quickly grabs her by the wrists. He rejects her by shaking his head and speaks, "it would just make this harder." Shirayuki nods, comprehending that she shouldn't be as gentle with him as she used to be. It'll only weigh more on his shoulders, and she doesn't want that. After all, she still cared and respected him as a person and a friend.
"Might I ask another question?" Shirayuki quietly mumbles. Zen lets her go and quickly wiped his tears, emitting a sigh as though to let go of all his emotions, too. He nods. "You said you had no real say in the engagement… does that mean it was arranged?"
Zen chuckles, her words suddenly reminding him of how his life took a turn for the worst. Zen doesn't reply. Instead, he gestures for her to follow him as he walks up to the back of his desk. Pulling his chair away, he taps under his desk, revealing a secret drawer that wasn't in plain view. Shirayuki watches as he pulls out a small scroll and hands it to the girl. Still silent, Zen watches as she rubs her thumb over the scroll, touching the wax seal with the stamped crest of his Kingdom.
She then unravels it, revealing its contents to her eyes and drags her eyes from left to right. As she did, her eyes could only widen, her hands trembling. Her own eyes were readied with tears welled up in her eye sockets, overwhelmed by the reason of both her and Zen's hurt. "Z-Zen…" she finally uttered his name. "Your mother, she… she…"
Before Shirayuki could even finish her sentence, the doors of Zen's quarters were suddenly slammed open and the main party had stood before the two. Kiki and Mitsuhide held both doors open, their eyes wide along with Obi in the middle of the two.
Zen's emotions were quick to leave as he met eyes with Mitsuhide and frowned, "what's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"Zen," Mitsuhide began, "the Queen Mother of Clarines has arrived to the castle."