"Shirayuki!" Zen called. "Are you sure you're okay? You've been acting weird lately."

It had been two days since Shirayuki had lent her body to Hikari. During that time, Shirayuki had been prompting Hikari on past events and introducing people.

"I'm perfectly fine, prince Zen. You don't have to worry about anything," Hikari said, trying to relieve his anxiety. Shirayuki had told Hikari that she did not want him to know about the switch, and Hikari had agreed.

If word got out there was a spirit on the Clarines Palace grounds, they would try to exorcise her.

"If you say so," Zen surrendered. Though he always pressed an issue that concerned Shirayuki, he could never completely argue with her. "Are you working today?"

"No, not today. Today is my day off. I did the work I needed yesterday."

"It's a good thing I scheduled today off," Shirayuki sighed.

"Yes, we've been quite lucky," Hikari whispered.

"Well," Zen started. "That's not good."

"What?"

"My brother wanted to speak to you. Both of us, actually. I was hoping you would be too busy to speak with him today."

"It's alright. I'll go talk to him," Hikari said in her assuring voice.

"Are you sure? It might not end well."

"As long as I'm with prince Zen, things will be fine."

Shirayuki could see the blush appear on Zen's face, making her heart beat faster. Hikari smiled, feeling Shirayuki's embarrassment at her comment.

"Well, then," Zen coughed as he regained his composure. "Shall we go?" He held out his hand.

"Of course," Hikari said, taking his arm.

It seemed like forever passed as they walked, slowly, to Izana's office. Shirayuki could feel Zen's warmth on her hand, causing the blood to rush to her cheeks. But, like all happy moments, this came to an end when they reached the office.

When they entered, Izana was standing by his window, looking out across the garden.

"Come in, brother, Shirayuki," he said, not turning to face them.

"Brother," Zen greeted. "I have come with Shirayuki as you asked. What do you want to speak with us about?"

"Straight to the point, aren't you?" Izana said. He seemed to welcome Zen's challenge. "Well, I guess you can't help it. Since she's involved."

Hikari gasped as Shirayuki's body instinctively flinched back at Izana's remark. She would have lost her balance if Zen wasn't holding her up.

"Brother!" Zen snapped.

"Yes, yes! Down to business. If I remember correctly, there was a disturbance in a certain part of the castle grounds. I believe that was when Miss Shirayuki ran off a little while ago, correct?"

"Yes. I apologize for causing a ruckus," Hikari said.

"Don't worry about it. Just don't do it again, Shirayuki."

"Brother, did you call us here to reprimand her?" Zen asked.

"No, I asked her here to question her about that incident. And I couldn't question her without you worrying so that's why you're here, Zen. Now, can I ask a few questions, Shirayuki?"

"Of course. Does the first prince need to ask such a question?" Zen looked shocked at her answer, as did Izana, as he turned to face her. A smile appeared on Izana's face.

"Then I will begin. First, why did you run off from your escort?"

"I didn't feel like returning yet, but he was insisting. So, I ran."

"You didn't fight him?"

"How could I fight him? He was my escort."

"Of course. So when you got to that part of the grounds, why did you go where we don't like others entering?" Zen didn't move at Izana's question, hinting Obi had told him she had been found there.

"I had no where else to hide. I couldn't run any further, either."

"So, when you ran into the woods, did you see anything?"

"Excuse me?"

"Did you anything when you entered the woods?" Izana's eyes were glued to Shirayuki, watching her every move. If Hikari hesitated, he would know there was something there. If she was too quick, he would know she was hiding something.

Hikari paused for a brief second before answering. "I didn't see anything."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. There were only trees and bushes. And bugs." Zen snickered. Izana stared at Hikari, until he finally reasoned that she was telling the truth.

"Well, if that's what Shirayuki says. Alright, you two may go."

"Brother," Zen interjected. "I would like to have a further audience with you. Alone."

"Anytime, brother."

"Sorry, Shirayuki," Zen said, looking at Hikari. "I'll see you later. I just have to talk with my brother for a little bit."

"Okay," Hikari said.

Once she left the room, Hikari began to walk in the direction of the garden where she and Shirayuki had met.

"Hikari? Where are you going. Aren't you going to wait for Zen?" Shirayuki asked.

"Sorry, Shirayuki."

"Hikari?"

"I've waited hundreds of years for this opportunity. I can't let that Clarines royalty to screw it up."

"Hikari, you're scaring me!"

"I wish it didn't have to be you, Shirayuki. But I can't let them live!"

"Hikari! What are you talking about!"

"It is time, Shirayuki."

"Time for what?"

"It is time the Clarines royal family dies!"