Chapter 5 : Shirayuki's secret and the attack in the forest (part 1)
Shirayuki and her parents have been at Clarines for about five days. Fortunately, they would stay there for another twenty-five days.
Zen was happy. Now, he and his childhood friend could talk without blushing, except from some times when they complimented on the other.
Shirayuki (P.O.V.)
I like being here, but I think something's missing. At Tanbarun, while noone could see me in the middle of the night, I was practicing at my favorite sport. Here I cannot do that, it wouldn't be right. But I can't live without it. Maybe I could practice while everyone will be sleeping. Yes, I'll do this.
NARRATOR
It was still afternoon and it seemed that the sun didn't want to change shifts with the moon. Shirayuki was sitting in front of the window in her room watching the sun which didn't seem to set.
- Ugh. Why doesn't it set? I have to go for practicing. Luckily, every morning I go to the greenhouse. I have become friends with the gardener, Hiroshi-kun.
Hiroshi-kun is a fifty-seven year-old man. He is kind and she tells him everything she has learnt about the herbs within the past two years. Together they take care of the flowers. You could say that he is like a father to her. Shirayuki might know him for only a few days but she trusts him very much. Hiroshi-kun's face derives warmth and enthusiasm.
In the end, the moon was visible lighting up the Clarines' Kingdom. It was a pretty night while the moonlight swarmed the corridors of the castle.
A shadow was running into them watching out if someone saw her.
She got out of the building and headed to the place where the soldiers practice at fencing. She took a wooden sword and started.
Zen (P.O.V.)
I can't sleep. I don't know the reason but it may be Mitsuhide. Before going to bed, he was narrating scary stories about witches, ghosts and stuff like that. It would be better if I walked for a little bit. This way I will get tired and fall asleep.
I am wandering in the corridors to go to the garden. Tonight the moon is beautiful! I wish I could see it with Shirayuki. Oh, what am I thinking? These stuff were made for couples, had told me my mother.
It would be nice if I went for fencing. If I practice, I will be able to beat Kiki. I have to learn more moves to disarm her.
Huh? Someone's there and is already practicing. Well that's good, I will have a rival. But why is he wearing a hood?
Might he be an enemy? Better to check it out. I take off my sword and walk towards him quietly.
- Who are you and what are you doing here?, I asked while I was threatening him with my sword.
He seemed to be shocked, so I took the chance and put off his hood.
Shirayuki (P.O.V.)
Two years ago, as I was sitting on my chair bored, I heard some soldiers fighting under my balcony so I went to see what was going on. They were practicing at fencing.
Later that day, I went to see the guard who was standing at my parents' bedroom door. We were friends. He was from a country in the West.
- Um, John can I ask you something?
- Of course Princess. What is it?, he asked gently.
- You know... I want to learn why fencing is so important. I mean you know how to use a sword, right?
- I do, every soldier knows. Fencing helps you to defense and attack. Sword is a useful tool if you want to fight. But you must learn many moves to be able to use it right, he explained with details.
- Ooh. Um John, I was wondering, can you teach me fencing?
He looked at me surprised. I had already known his answer.
- You can't learn fencing, you are a princess and a girl. Girls aren't occupied with these stuff. But why do you want to learn fencing so badly? I mean it won't help you at anything.
- Let's say that I just want to keep busy myself. That's all. So can you help me?
- You know that if someone caught me teaching you fencing I could lose my job. Let it be. I'll do it just for you.
- Oh great! Thank you John, I gave him a kiss on his cheek. And when could we start?, I asked impatient.
- We will be doing practicing only the nights, okay? Tonight I don't have any shift so you have to be at the place where the soldiers practice at midnight. And for God's sake, please don't be late like the other time when I had to give you your present.
- Okay okay I got it. Then see you at night, I smiled and went back to my bedroom.
From that night, John teaches me fencing and I would say I'm good at it because I can beat John. He is considered the best soldier at fencing. That's why I became friends with him and I chose him from all the soldiers to teach me.
NARRATOR
Both teenagers were shocked. Shirayuki because her secret had revealed and Zen because he didn't expect a girl would be occupied with fencing, let alone Shirayuki.
They didn't know what to say. Shirayuki spoke first.
- I suppose now you are aware of my secret, said with a nervous smile.
Zen wasn't ready to speak yet but he had to say something. Anything.
- Shirayuki, are you holding a sword?
- Zen look, I can explain everything.
- You have my attention, he crossed his arms on his chest.
- This all started when I was fifteen. One day, while I was bored, I saw some soldiers practice under my balcony. So I thought " Why don't I learn fencing?". I asked from a soldier and my friend to teach me and here I am.
- But how haven't your parents figured it out yet?
- I am trying to keep this secret. I practice at nights while everyone is sleeping.
- I see. And now, what will you do?
- I'll ask you a favor.
- What favor?, asked Zen with uncertainty.
- Well... I was wondering if you could keep the whole thing secret. Can you please?
He didn't want to betray her so he agreed.
- Oh thank you Zen. You're the best, she hugged him but both immediately drew back embarrassed. Now, how about a match between you and me?, Shirayuki smiled sneaky.
- Do you think you can beat me?
- Do you want me to prove it?, answered back.
And with these words, they began to fight. At least, they had fun. But at last Zen proved wrong. With a sudden Shirayuki's move, Zen's wooden sword fell on the ground.
- Mmm... Actually you're very good. To tell you the truth, I didn't expect from you so much energy. Congratulations! However, I'm sure you cannot beat Kiki. She beats both Mitsuhide and me. You have slim chances...
- I don't think so. Can you tell her to fight with me?
- Ok. I'd like to see that match.
- Ok. Then see you tomorrow morning. I'll be waiting here.
- Goodnight Shirayuki.
- Goodnight Zen.
Princess Shirayuki and Prince Zen went back to their rooms but couldn't sleep as they were thinking one another.
The next day, Shirayuki would have to prove once more time her abilities. But something unexpected would happen.
See you next time...