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EIGHTY-SIX - Fruit and Rings

"'King Master'… 'King Master of Clarines'…"

"Obi, cut it out."

After Izana's leave, Haruto was escorted back into the palace with Kiki and Mitsuhide while Obi and Zen went off into the town. Obi explained to Zen that not only were they ring shopping, but he had to purchase some oranges in a display somewhere. Zen simply agreed as he had no problem staying out of the castle. It was a break for him, and he wanted some space away from it to think about becoming king. It was quite the weight, and he wasn't sure how well it was going to sit in his stomach.

"M'sorry, Master," Obi murmured as the two strolled down the stone path towards the beginning of the town from the palace. Everyone immediately started greeting Zen, yelling at fellow citizens to bring out their babies for them to be kissed. Obi was quick to stand in front of Zen, but Zen patted his shoulder and smiled.

"These are my people," Zen hums at the man, "they won't hurt me." Reluctantly, Obi moved away and allowed Zen to greet everyone and plant kisses on several foreheads. Women swooned over him while husbands alike were feeling bursts of insecurity. Being royalty was quite the title, but Zen was always happy to be greeted kindly by people who accept, and feel blessed, under his family's reign.

But the happiness quickly dissolved away when Zen picked up one little girl. Her small hand curiously touched his right hand and felt an absence of something. "Prince Zen… where's your wing?"

Zen tilts his head and looks down at his hand. The surrounding crowd took notice as well and began mumbling questions to themselves. Curiosity was floating around, and Zen was faced with something he knew he should have announced as early as possible. He forgot that though the whole castle knows, he never made a statement or informed the rest of the kingdom. He then emitted a sigh before little the young girl down and ruffling her hair.

"That's a good question," Zen tells her with a smile. She smiles shyly before running off back to her mother. Without hesitance, Zen raises his right arm and reveals the absence of a ring on his ring finger. Shock surged through the crowd as they loudly asked questions regarding his engagement. "As you can see, there is no ring on my finger… it has been in my best interest, and the best interest of you, my people, that I am no longer engaged to my ex-fiance." Several people spouted 'why.' Zen did not want it out that she was going to poison the entire kingdom and the royal family alike. So he decided with a much more expected answer that was still honest. "She did not make me happy. And I didn't think I'd be able to be a good Prince for everyone if I were unhappy in my marriage."

The townspeople understood and began spewing sympathy towards him. Obi watched as women were offering him flowers, or themselves as replacement. The mothers and some of the fathers moreover, practically selling their daughters on the spot to Zen. Obi wasn't sure whether to step in or leave it alone as Zen was drowning in marriage proposals and puckered lips.

But Obi decided to leave it alone as his amber eyes immediately spotted a fruit stand. He noticed the lonesome little lady attending to the stand, assuming she was filling in for her absent parents. He strolled over there, taking out his pouch of gold coins. When he got there, she was sat in the chair, her eyes closed with her arms crossed. She was clearly uninterested in the commotion that was going on steps away from here, and was able to peacefully rest for a few moments. Although it bothered Obi to take her from her sleep, he really needed those oranges.

And, as a Personal Knight for the Second Prince of Clarines, he has long ago let go of his criminal ways.

Lightly on her shoulder, Obi taps it with his two fingers, "excuse me, miss?"

The woman was slightly surprised, as she jumped in her seat, "h-huh? What?"

"Hello," Obi greets kindly, smiling warmly at the young woman. She looks up at him, blinking a few times before her vision was clear. Her cheeks quickly warmed up, as she found him very attractive. Fixing her long brunette hair, she stands up and rushes behind the stall.

"I'm so sorry!" She squeaks, rubbing her face in attempts to wake herself up completely, "I was just catching up on a bit of sleep… been a rough night…"

Obi nods, "understandable. I've had many sleepless nights, too." She smiles at his empathy.

"Is there anything that interests you here, Sir?" She addressed him politely, her posture perfected with eyes constantly moving up and down Obi's body. He was built fairly well for such a tall and slender individual, as his muscles were subtle but existent. There was something particularly alluring about him, and she was very eager to find out why.

"I was actually in search of some fresh oranges," Obi hums, "you see, my father is a bit ill right now, and oranges would really help nurse him back to health."

"Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that," the woman sympathized, "my papa is old, but he isn't in poor health. We've actually got the freshest oranges of the season right there." She points to the basket right of Obi. "They're large, and have plenty of juice and nutrients for your father."

Obi picks one up and examines it briefly before smiling, "they smell delightful, little miss. Might I have 10?"

"You can have anything your heart desires, Sir," the woman swoons, her cheeks heating up from her own words. Obi smirks as the woman anxiously gets some clothes to pack the 10 oranges he requested. As she did, she asked, "I've never seen you around, Sir. I assume you're new to Clarines?"

"I've been here for a little while," Obi admits. "Not longer than you, I'm sure, but my job resides in the Palace so I'm never roaming around town much."

"That's unfortunate," the lady says as she looks through each orange to give Obi the best ones in stock, "this town is quite lively and fun. I've lived here all my life, and there's always been things to do when you're not working."

Obi smiles, "that's good to hear. I'm planning on getting a house soon to live away from the Palace."

It seems the woman didn't listen to the fact that Obi works in the Palace and immediately widens her eyes when he mentions it again. "You work for the Wisterias?" Obi nods, having the girl quickly search (and successfully find) his identification tag. "That's amazing! The Palace is a much different place, I imagine."

"Just a bit," Obi agrees.

"If I may ask," the woman hums, "what's your name? I'm Abigail." She finishes packing the fruit and begins to tie it up with a string of rope. Obi offers his hand, having her shocked before placing her small hand on it.

"I'm Obi, young miss," Obi replies politely, "it's very nice to meet you. Perhaps I'll see you around when I move into town."

"That would be nice," the woman, Abigail, said with a flirty smile. Obi lets go of her hand and begins to dig into the pouch of money. "I wouldn't mind seeing such a dashing man around these parts. It'd be quite refreshing."

"Mm," Obi hums. He wasn't really paying much attention to her advances, as his only goal there was to fetch these oranges. She mattered too little to him, as her only value was to sell these oranges to him. "How much?"

"J-just a gold coin," Abigail stuttered as soon as she met his eyes. Those yellow stone eyes were too compelling. They weren't like any other. "Your eyes…"

"Aren't they something?" Obi lifts his head and turns over to see Zen walk over to the stall as well. Abigail went pale, pure surprise surging through her bones as she quickly bows towards Zen. "Obi doesn't think so, but he's got the most unique eyes in all of the land."

"Master, you flatter too much," Obi hums. He turns back to the young woman and offers her the gold coin, "here you are, miss. Thank you so much for the oranges." Shakily, she hands him the tied bag of fruit he just purchased. She couldn't believe how those two could keep their eyes on her nonchalantly as the crowd moved right behind them, cheering Zen's name. "Abigail, may I ask just one more thing?"

"Anything," she says quietly. Her eyes were practically filled with hearts, anticipating that he'll want to see her again or something along those lines. But Obi's eyes did not change whatsoever.

"I was wondering if you knew any good jewelry places around?" Obi asked simply. Abigail tilted her head in confusion. "I'm looking to purchase a couple of rings."

"Um…" Abigail didn't expect that question. She gives it some thought before responding. "There is a few good jewelry places around, but there's a blacksmith who makes quite the custom jewelry for people who are willing to pay a hefty price."

"Good thing I have the Second Prince of Clarines here then," Obi jokes. He nudges to Zen, who was not amused by his joke whatsoever. "I'm kidding, Master. We can go to one of the regular jewelers in town-"

"Where is this said blacksmith?" Zen asks forwardly. Obi eyes his master curiously as the woman gives him directions while Obi looks through the oranges he purchased. "Thank you very much. Have a great rest of your day."

"You as well, Prince Zen," Abigail said, practically glowing. It was easy to be swooned by Zen's charm and respectful manner, but she quickly reverted her attention back to Obi. "I hope you find what you're looking for at the blacksmith, Sir Obi."

"Hopefully," Obi nods nervously, "thanks again for the oranges, Abigail." As the two turn around and begin to walk, Abigail quickly leaves her stall and grabs Obi's wrist. He flinched, forcing self-restraint on his instincts. He looks back, his guard going down again, "yes?"

"Th-the rings you're seeking," Abigail begins. She was bold to be this curious about a man she just met. But she was very interested in seeing Obi again. "Are they for you and your… you know…"

Obi chuckles, "nope. They're actually for me and Prince Zen." Her jaw drops as she eyes both Zen and Obi.

Zen shoves Obi playfully, "stop trying to give off the wrong impression. People will really start rumors if they see us together as often as we are." He shakes his head at the woman and rolls his eyes, "don't listen to Obi here. Those rings definitely aren't for him and I."

"He's just saying that," Obi says with a snicker. But Zen finally gives a proper glare, having Obi dissolve the running joke. "I'm just kidding- those rings definitely aren't for my master and I. They're for my lover."

"O-oh…" Abigail felt a bit embarrassed, but she was still assuming it as a joking manner, "is this still a joke? Because I was wondering if I could ever see you again…"

"You probably will," Obi hums. She lets him go and stands straight again with a smile. "You can definitely meet her when we move into town. She's got this beautiful red hair- you won't miss it."

Slightly distraught and deflated, the girl returned seldom to her stall. She watched as Obi and Zen walked through the crowd of people and deeper into town. Obi didn't seem bothered as he told Zen about how fresh the oranges he purchased were. As he spoke, Zen was surprised to see how much Obi didn't care or didn't even seem to notice that woman's attempts to 'chat him up.'

"And they smell so good-"

"Obi, did you notice how cruel you were to that woman just now?" Zen interrupts, having Obi look up at him and tilt his head in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"She seemed to have taken a liking to you," Zen explains. "She wanted to see you again."

"I assumed that as in a customer sense."

"Obi… are you that oblivious or do you just not care?" Zen asks, chuckling quietly, "she was cute."

Obi shrugs, "if they're not Shirayuki, I don't really see anyone like that." He was being straightforward and honest. Even Obi seems oblivious to his behavior with other women. "It's not that I don't care exactly, but I just don't notice women or their advancements. Is that bad?"

Zen chuckles and puts his arm over Obi. He gives him a heartwarming shake before spewing, "No Obi, it's fine. It's good, actually." Zen already trusted Obi with Shirayuki, but it's always reassuring when he sees how much of a man Obi truly is and how much he's growing more after being with her. "I'm glad to know you won't be an idiot like me, and hurt her feelings."

Obi gives a small smile, eyes filled with determination, "it's not in my plans. So long as I'm still breathing, no harm will ever come to her." Zen, although jealous, was extremely proud of Obi. He has become the man he knew he could be. He resigned his hard life as a criminal to be one of the most valued warriors in Wistaria Palace. Obi is one of the greatest men Zen has the pleasure of knowing, and influencing.

Zen concluded that Obi really was the only other candidate that would ever deserve Shirayuki.

When they make it to their destination, the only thing to be heard was the harsh clinking of a metal sledgehammer.

Both pairs of eyes were set on the very large man just a few feet away, his body being more defined due to the dark room and the light from the furnace behind him. The man was toned but you couldn't tell as he was covered with ash and specs of ore. He wore simple clothing but flaunted his position with a black apron hung from his neck. He had long, blonde hair that was contained in a ponytail. The man quickly looked over and stopped his loud hammering.

"P-Prince Zen!" The man exclaims. He drops his hammer and quickly cleans off his hands with an already soiled rag. He immediately bows and murmurs, "Your Highness" under his breath.

"Good day," Zen greets, "no need to be so formal, sir." The man sits up straight again and Zen walks up to him and offers his hand, "what's your name?"

"They call me Linus, Your Highness," the man, Linus, informs. He hesitates, showing Zen how dirty it was. "I don't want to dirty your hand-"

"Not a problem," Zen insists, taking Linus' hand and shaking it, "it's nice to meet you."

"The pleasure's all mine," Linus says with a joyous smile. "If only my wife were here- she would go mad knowing the Second Prince of Clarines stopped by my shop." Zen chuckles as the blacksmith drops his arms to his sides. "So what can I do for ya today, Your Highness? Need to sharpen your sword? Need any tags done?"

"I personally don't need anything actually," Zen informs with a small smile. He gestures to Obi beside him, "my friend however needs something from you if you're willing."

"A friend of the crowns can have anything he desires," Linus says. He turns over to Obi with a smile, "what can I do for you, Sir…?"

"Obi," Obi replies, offering his hand. They shake hands before Obi takes out his pouch filled with gold coins. "I will give you absolutely anything for the greatest two engagement rings you can make."

Linus raises his eyebrows and smiles warmly, "you're planning on proposing, eh?"

Obi nods, "I want to spend the rest of my life with this woman, and I want her to know that not only with my words and actions, but with these rings." He tosses the pouch of gold coins to the man, in which he catches in in slight surprise. "If that isn't enough, I can swear to you I'll get the money to compensate."

Linus shakes his head and returns the pouch of money to Obi. Obi stands there confused, holding the gold coins with one hand. "Your passion to marry this woman is enough payment for me. I can tell that you love her deeply."

"More than you'll ever know," Obi admits, his cheeks turning rosy. "But please, keep these gold coins- you deserve proper payment."

Linus shakes his head, "what I need from you is to describe your love for me." He guides the two men over to a little section of his shop where several boxes resided. In them, were nuggets of gold, iron, platinum, and any other metal and mineral worth high value. He leans against the shelves and asks Obi, "what does she look like?"

"She's got the most beautiful green eyes in all the land, Linus," Obi sighs happily. Just imagining her before him was enough to make his heart begin to run a little faster. "She's got this big, chubby cheeks and the most welcoming smile. And stunning, silky red hair that draws all sorts of attention."

"Red hair?" Linus raises his eyebrows. Zen nods to confirm. The blacksmith pursed his lips, impressed. "What are things she likes?"

"She likes a lot of things really," Obi says with a soft smile. "She likes sweets like chocolates, and beautiful smelling flowers. But she really enjoys helping people, above all things."

It was baffling to Zen how Obi's scary demeanor quickly melts away as soon as Shirayuki appears in his head and jumps off his tongue. The once brutally scary man seemed to shrink so small, like the size of an ant, over one woman who has touched many hearts and marked many lives by just living her life. Obi was nothing as soon as it came to Shirayuki. His guard was lowered, his voice was much kinder and welcoming. His stance even softened, and he looked like an embarrassed child asking for sweets.

Linus also takes notice of Obi's change from when he first entered his shop, and now. He chuckles, "this woman changed you, I can tell." Obi nods, not shy to express his true feelings. "Take a seat, you two. I know exactly the kinds of rings you're searching for. This won't take long."

A little over an hour later, The Prince and his personal Knight were presented with a small box from the kind blacksmith. Obi takes it in his hand, wondering why the rings were placed in the box. The blacksmith, like the wise man he was, decided not to let Zen or Obi see the result of how the rings turned out. "It's a surprise," Linus said with a smile, "just to make it more genuine on your part, and hers."

Obi stuffs the box in his pocket and proceeds to hug the man. "Thank you so much, Linus," Obi murmurs, "I will never forget what you've done for me here." He pulls away and reveals yet again the pouch of gold coins. "Are you sure I cannot pay you for these rings?"

Linus pats Obi's shoulders and shakes his head, "just promise me to visit me when you've done the job. I'd like to see the rings on the people that were meant for 'em."

Obi nods his head, "we'll be seeing you soon, then."

After a few more encouraging words, Linus lets the two on their way back to the castle. Obi and Zen say their goodbyes, and wishes him the best for him, his shop, and his family. Linus watches them escape through the curtain playing as the entrance and turns back to his work. As he did, he was surprised to see the pouch of gold coins sat right on top of his anvil, slightly open to reveal the pool of money glimmering against the lantern's light. Shaking his head, he holds the pouch of money and leans against one of his tables.

What a funny lad, Linus thinks before setting the pouch aside to resume his projects.