Chapter 23: Let's enjoy our honeymoon!
Finally, the day Zen and Shirayuki will leave the castle for their honeymoon has come. They have packed their luggage, have said goodbye to their parents and friends, have got on the carriage and now they are travelling to reach Forran Kingdom.
Both of them are excited and have a wide grin on their faces. Shirayuki has placed her head on Zen's shoulder and her eyes are closed as Zen looks outside and imagines how will the week pass. He wants Shirayuki to remember every single detail from their trip, he will make sure of that. After all, this is a surprise and it has to be perfect! Of course he hasn't planned everything but the essentials like where to stay and eat and what to do the first days to have fun.
- My boo, wake up. We arrive at Forran Kingdom!, he shakes lightly Shirayuki's shoulders.
- Time... *yawn*... sure passes by quickly, she streches her arms and legs. Wow, this is so nice!, she looks outside of the carriage.
- Yeah, it definitely is...
The buildings are dyed in different bright colors and are decorated with pink, purple, orange and red flowers. The roads are covered with cobblestones and there are plenty of shops. People are everywhere and walk smiled to go to their work. In general, you could describe Forran Kingdom as lively and beautiful. In every corner, you could see something new and interesting and the smiles would become even bigger.
The carriage stops a kilometre outside of the capital, at a villa. The house is big and its design unique. It is painted with a pretty shade of blue and the glass partition extends to the first floor. On the ground floor, there are walls but stunning paintings and pictures cover each one of them.
- Wow, it's so amazing!, Shirayuki glances at the villa for the first time.
- Yes and wait to see the inside.
The married couple carries their suitcases and wander around the big house. Shirayuki goes to the kitchen to make sure that there is everything she needs to make launch and dinner. Next is the bedroom. The two youngsters leave themselves free to lie on their huge bed. It is so comfortable and it will be theirs for a week. Now Zen and Shirayuki feel like it'll be the most enjoyable week of their married life.
- Aawww Zen, you arranged everything and I really like all of them. Thank you and please enjoy this week with me..., she puts her arms around Zen's neck and kisses him.
- With you by my side, it is true that we'll have lots of fun, he kisses her back.
They settle their clothes in the wardrobe and Shirayuki goes to the kitchen to make launch and then go to sleep. It was a long route and sleep is always needed.
- Mmm... It ih dewizious!, Zen speaks with filled mouth.
- Do you think so? Well, there aren't many times that I get to cook so I guess it's good, Shirayuki looks at her rice with meat.
When she was a little girl, Shirayuki always sneaked in the kitchen to watch the maids as they cooked and she really enjoyed it. But as a princess, she wasn't allowed to cook and generally be occupied with such things while she had servants to do it. So this week, she is extremely happy because she will have her own kitchen and make her husband's favourite dishes.
The first day passed quickly and the next morning both woke up with enthusiasm. Shirayuki makes breakfast and Zen watches her as she moves her hands with such accuracy that he is attracted to her even more. After they eat, they go for a walk in the capital. The shops are opened three hours ago and people already fill the streets.
- Zen, look at this hairpin! Isn't it nice?, Shirayuki looks the beautiful thing from outside.
- Yeah, do you want it?, Zen asks her and she nods her head shyly. Okay, then let's buy it.
Zen puts the hairpin on his wife's hair and admires the pretty view of her. Wow, it suits her perfectly and it makes her cuter...
- So does it look good on me?
- Yeah, way more than good, he blushes.
They wander a little more and Shirayuki notices a very fancy bracelet with a blue gem on it. It would match Zen and Shirayuki finds an excuse to leave him alone for a bit so she can go and get it. Zen agrees to stay there and Shirayuki runs towards the shop.
- Good morning! I would like to get this bracelet with the royal blue gem on it. I want it for a present.
- Is it for your boyfriend?, the shop assistant asks gently.
- Well, actually it's for my husband. The gem has the same colour as his lovely eyes.
- I see. Then I think he will love it if it's from you, the shop assistant hands the wrapped present to the customer.
- Thank you very much! Have a good day, Shirayuki says before stepping out of the shop.
- Thank you, yound lady!, the shop assistant bows.
Shirayuki walks fast to where she left Zen but doesn't find him there. Where could he have gone? She searches throughout the crowd for a head with white hair and after a few seconds, she spots him. He maybe went to look for something until I return..., Shirayuki thinks.
- Here you are. I seeked for you all around. Are you okay?
- Yes. Did you go to that shop you were talking about?
- Ah... yes. There weren't any nice clothes at all, she lies and tries to look disgusted to emphasise her lie.
At least, he believed her with the excuse when she went to buy his present. Whew, it will be a good surprise if he doesn't find out about it.
The newly weds suggest where to go next and accidentally hear that there will be held a firework festival at night so they decide to go there. Zen claps his hands from happiness inside his head as this is a great and romantic event for couples like them. The launch time has arrived so they head towards a restaurant. Zen pulls Shirayuki's chair to sit and then push it like a gentleman. Then he sits down too and a waiter comes to take their orders.
- Welcome to our restaurant! What would you like to eat?
- I want a beaf steak with rice, please.
- And you, sir?
- I'd like a ramen, please.
- Okay. Do you want to drink something?
- Two orange juices, Zen answers.
- Thank you!, the waiter says and leaves the young couple alone.
Zen takes his lover's hand in his own, grins widely and looks deep into her sparkling green eyes. He never gets bored glancing at her, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Well, at least in his own world... Shirayuki squeezes his hand and right now she wants to kiss him so badly that she feels happy only with the thought of it.
- Zen, I love you!, she states shyly.
- I love you too, my life!, her dear husband responds.
Both feel so much excitement that they are alone. No one can disturb them here. No rules, no maids, no lessons, just them. After a few minutes, the waiter comes while holding their tasty dishes. He puts on the table the plates and two glasses along with the refreshments.
- Bon appetite!, he wishes to his customers.
- Thank you, they say at the same time.
Zen and Shirayuki take a bite from their food and look one another immediately. They laugh at their reaction.
- It is so delicious and smells nice!, Shirayuki gets amazed.
- Yeah, I totally agree. I heard from others that ramen here is the best!
The two teenagers finish eating and after leaving a tip for the very good service and food, they go back to the villa to get some rest or they won't be refreshed for the firework event.
Time skip*
Shirayuki (P.O.V.)
Finally the night has come and we get ready for the capital's big event. I choose to wear a pretty light pink dress with full skirt. Its neckline is portrait style and the waistline is basque. It also has cap sleeves and its back is V-shape. The dress is relatively simple and it's one of my favourites. I wear my heels and a little makeup. Now I am ready to step down the stairs and go to the living room where Zen awaits me. Luckily, I have put his present in my bag so it will definitely be a surprise when the right time comes.
- Wow, you look incredibly beautiful!, he looks at me in awe.
I blush a little and murmur "thank you". We head to the cariage and when we arrive at the capital, my lover and I are in front of an awesome view. When we first came to the city we thought that it was lively but nothing compares to what we see now. The lights in the streets bright the night and the music from traditional instruments sounds so harmonic and it makes you dance. Oh, also there are many stands that sell food and I can see lots of little adorable girls wearing colourful yukata. I wonder if a yukata would suit me... Zen figures out my thoughts and he reassures me that I'd look very pretty.
We buy some small round donuts with white chocolate and some others with strawberry jam. They were so flavorful that I could have eaten the whole stock. Then we wander a little more while holding hands and go to some kind of performance with magicians. One of them comes near me and takes out of his sleeve a bouquet of daisies. I look stunned from the trick and notice that Zen's facial expression is odd.
- Don't worry. You are my partner tonight and forever!, I whisper in his ear.
- How did you know?
- Well, I know you since we were kids so it's natural for me to know when you get jealous.
He gives me a small kiss on the cheek and takes my hand. I ask him where are we going but he doesn't answer. There are stairs ahead of us which we climb and when we arrive at the top of the small hill, I glance at the marvelous night view. The festival is so amazing from up here and the starry sky makes the night more romantic. We are here alone looking the incredible sight and there is no light so everything in the infinite sky seems clearer than ever.
- Oh, Zen look! It's a shooting star! Quickly, make a wish..., I say.
I close my eyes and cross my fingers. Please, let this love last forever and make us happy. This is the only wish I have!, I tell my strongest desire in my head. I open my eyes and immediately Zen kisses me. I put my arms around his neck and he pulls me closer. Our kiss lasts for a few seconds and I enjoy every single moment of it.
- I love you so much! Do you know why I brought you up here?
- No, why?, I ask curious.
- Because in a bit the fireworks will start and I heard that the view from here will be nicer than if we were down there, he points to the festival.
- You're full of surprises, I smile. But I am too.
I take Zen's present out of my bag and give it to him.
- This is for you, a present I chose while thinking of you and to show to my faithful husband how much I love him.
He seems surprised and unwraps the gift. He takes the bracelet on his palm and then stares at me.
- Do you like it?, I say shyly and nervous.
- Are you kidding? I LOVE it, Shirayuki!!! You have a good taste on these things and everything you give me is in my taste too so you don't have to worry. Oh, by the way, there is another shooting star.
- Where?, I look at the sky.
I feel Zen's hands around my neck and something touches me. Oh my God, it is a necklace! I touch it with my fingertips and then turns to look at my incredible and handsome Zen. His eyes are more beautiful under the moonlight and that royal blue in his eyes becomes greater. One of the reasons I fell in love with him is because I adore those expressive and elegant eyes.
- Thank you so much!, I cry. I love you, Zen, and I live to be with you every day, I hug him tightly. When did you get it? I mean we were together all the time.
- Well, when you went to that "clothes shop" I grabbed the chance to go and get it. That's why you didn't find me in the place you had left me. Do you like it, Shirayuki?
- You can't imagine how much!
I take his hands in my own and bring my face a few inches away from his, ready to kiss his alluring lips when the dark sky brightens from the coloured fireworks. We laugh and sit down on the grass, holding hands and my head on his shoulder. The tremendous scenery has left us speechless. We have seen fireworks again but I think that now we are together so that's why it looks so beautiful. I hope we can have many other happy memories like this one.
NARRATOR
The cute couple sits there and enjoys the moment. Zen puts his hand on Shirayuki's face and caresses her cheek with his thumb. Oh, their love is so strong, this bond will last forever. Is there such a pure love like theirs in this cruel world? The vase with their memories has already started to be filled and the sure thing is that Zen and Shirayuki will need many vases.
The show ends and they return to their home. The night is so promising and appropriate for romantic events. The two teenagers go their big room while kissing and are ready to let themselves to their lust. The night will be unique for once more... Outside, the cool breeze fondles the tree leaves and the birds sing their nice song even though it's night. Zen and Shirayuki stay awake until the sunrise. Zen has Shirayuki in his arms and both look outside while the sun, the king of life, takes his position in the early dawn.
Shirayuki sleeps for two hours and then wakes up to make breakfast. She wants to gladden her lovely childhood friend and now husband so what's better than a delicious breakfast.
- What is this sweet smell?, she sees Zen's head debouching.
- Oh that? I cook crepes, she responds indifferent.
Zen licks his lips in happiness and waits for his portion impatiently. I'm so lucky to have her! They eat their breakfast and look each other with tenderness. The rest of the day is spent in the house. The balcony has a coffee table and some chairs so it will be an amazing morning with the fresh air touching their faces.
For the following three days, they go to a wonderful place where crystals are hidden. The outlook is magnificent and there isn't such a place anywhere in this world. Their honeymoon gets more exciting as the days pass, all these things are refreshing and new to our married couple. They visit a lake in a crystal cave and there the water is so clear that they can distinguish the blue, green, red, orange and pink crystals. They stay at a hotel which is a few minutes away from the beach. As they are young, swimming is a way to have fun.
- Shirayuki, I don't want our honeymoon to end.
- Yeah, me too. We have so much fun and when we return to the castle we'll have piles of work.
- And we won't see one another until late at night. Oh I can't bear with the thought of not looking at your pretty face for that many hours, Zen says.
He kisses Shirayuki's hand and takes her to their bed in bridal style. They have two more days till the day of going back home. Zen has the idea of visiting a hot spring and Shirayuki agrees without a second thought. They ask a shop owner if he knows by any chance somewhere nice for them to go and he suggests the Florium Hot Springs. According to the owner, this hot springs are under cherry blossoms and there are rose petals in the water making the atmosphere romantic. It is the best place for young couples like them.
Zen and Shirayuki spend their last two days there. They act all lovey-dovey because the place aspires them to do. They have their private hot spring and the relaxation comes immediately. Their honeymoon ends with the two of them lying on the grass and remembering this week's events and memories. The weather is warm and the shadow of that big tree is what they need. Now that the two youngsters feel refreshed, the return to the castle will be less tiring than expected.
But who says that the surprises won't be continued at the castle? A letter, some anger, a duel will be the things that await Zen and Shirayuki back to Clarines. And there won't be any other way to avoid the situation than to cope with it.
Heyyy! I know that this chapter is late but I was really busy, so please forgive me. I hope you enjoyed this one as I did and just wait for the next one. I am sure that Zen's and Shirayuki's adventures don't end here. Please let me know what you think for this chapter and I'll try for the next one to be uploaded soon. Thank you for all your support until now and be sure that I won't let you down!
See you next time...