Chapter 6: The Grand Title

"Okay, you can now turn around," Maya said. I slowly turned to face the mirror.

"I gave you a light makeup. Your eyelashes are long already, so I really didn't do anything to it. Your eyebrows are already in good shape, so I just deepened the color a bit." Maya explained as I explored my face.

"Do you like it? I tried my best to contain the natural." Her voice sounded worried as she asked.

"Of course, I do like it. You did well. Thank you." I smiled.

"You look a bit different though", Cora said. "In a good way", she quickly added and I smiled more.

"So, on your wedding, I will just add a bit of color and if you want, I could give you a beauty parlor," Maya suggested.

"I think it's a good idea, but I'm not a fan of someone touching my face and massaging it. I'm sorry", I replied apologetically.

"It's okay. To be honest, I don't like it either. I just love it doing to other people." Maya all laughed at Maya's statement.

"Well, I think we must be going," Cora said.

'Well then, bye Lady Shirayuki. I will see you on your wedding day! I can't wait!" Maya said happily.

I smiled.

"Maya is one of the best royal make-up artists," Cora said gracefully.

I gave a sigh after minutes of walking. My meeting is with-

"Your next meeting is with His Majesty in 5 minutes." Cora interrupted my thought.

Cora and I parted ways. I left to the King's working office hall. I was so nervous, I felt my body temperature rise up. The last time I saw the King was at the public meeting.

I was now in front of the door. One last breath in and out, then I opened the door.

His Majesty sat in the middle of a white three seated couch. He had his coat hung on one of the couch hands. He had his legs crossed, one hand lazily on his lap and the other wide open on top of the couch.

Opposite him was a center table. On the center table were ingredients for tea. A paper, a feather and an ink. And opposite both His Majesty and the center table was another white three seated couch, booked for Lady Shirayuki.

I heard footsteps of heels. As it was near, it suddenly stopped. After seconds, a knock was heard.

"Come in!" I answered.

The door opened and I sighted Lady Shirayuki. She walked in. She looked a bit nervous. She gave a courtesy. Her manners and courtesy have surely improved.

"Have a seat." I gestured towards the couch opposite me. She took her seat. Shirayuki looked a bit different. Her usual look is more appealing. One could guess she had her makeup done by Miss Maya.

I withdrew from my lazy standard to a meaningful position. I drew myself towards the center table and asked:

"Would you like some tea, my lady?"

She looked a bit surprised at my request, but still replied calmly, "I would be honored to be served."

She couldn't in any way deny my proposal. It is a huge disrespect to me or to anyone high classed than her if she would have denied the request.

I readied her tea. Zero ideas, I had about what she dislikes and the opposite, but hardly did I care.

"There you go."

"Thank you very much", she thanked smiling, still nervous; easily guessed from her a-bit trembling hands.

Lady Shirayuki looked into the tea. To prove there's nothing in her tea, I took a sip of mine. I noticed she was looking up at me, but I ignored her. I heard a sip. I quickly stared at her before she placed the saucer back to her palm.

"Do you like it?" I asked.

She nodded as she replied, "Yes, I do. Very much."

I nodded. Herbalists have a huge sense of tastes, especially when it comes to teas.

"So," I said getting her full attention. "How are you preparing for the wedding?"

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Her response was a little timid, compared to how I was expecting her to answer. As if she wasn't really ready, nervous but a little sting of happiness in her.

"Have you ever heard of matrimonial titles?" I looked up towards her, disregarding my reflection.

"No, I haven't." Lady Shirayuki replied, "But judging from it, could it be a title given to a married couple?"

"You got that right. Matrimonial titles are usually given to couples after their wedding." I paused as I wanted to assure Shirayuki got the idea. Not to speak, she nodded.

"I have talked to Zen about your matrimonial titles. I have yet to declare my decision to the council yet, but I wanted you to know about it beforehand." I explained, receiving a nod from Lady Shirayuki

I took a sip.

"Clarines owns countless titles. High-classed, middle-classed and low-classed. Even has untitled titles."

Lady Shirayuki stared straight into my eyes, fascinated about what I'm about to say.

"In Clarines, the Ruler; either a King or a Queen, appoints Princes to territories. Generally, these territories have titles." She nodded, quietly hoping I would continue without pausing all the time.

I explained to her about her new titles; On the Eastern lands, Royal Earl title, on the Western lands, Royal Duchy title. Extremely powerful, these titles are. My brother's and her official reign would begin immediately after Her Majesty, the Queen Mother has retired; making them Prince and Princess of Wilant.

"Whenever a non-royal is getting married to a royal in the Kingdom, the Ruler also decides whether that person deserves a title of his or her own or not. For example, in your situation, I will have to decide whether you deserve the title of a Princess or not, and I have decided."

Shirayuki slowly licked her lips, either tasting the sweet tea tucked on her lips or just nervous.

"You are going to receive a title of a Princess."

"Seriously? Me?" Lady Shirayuki asked surprised.

"You quite deserve it."

I said reassuringly. Shirayuki couldn't help but still not believe her ears.

"Zen also got the title of being the second in command of the whole royal army. He also got the title of commander of the Northern army, but that will only take place after, North is your go. Since females Royals aren't allowed to have a military title, this title will only be used by Zen. You can also be referred as the Second consort of the Royal Army or second consort of the Northern army."

Lady Shirayuki nodded.

"On top of that is a title. A title that has been rarely used, because of its powers. That title has not been used for over years now. Because it has been misused many times, whoever recuperate that title, means they have the rulers' trust.

The title of the Grand Ruler

"You read the book of titles?" I asked surprised at her sentence.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to read it. Unfortunately, The Book of Titles was absorbing, I couldn't help it," She defended.

"It's okay. That book is only for Royals and head of the Council. After all, you are going to be royal soon. So I'm fine with it." I smiled.

She smiled back relieved and stared at her tea.

"Your tea must be cold. Would you like some hot water?" I ignored her question. After realizing, she hasn't drink for a while.

"No, thank you. I'm almost done with it."

I nodded and placed my empty cup on the saucer on the table.

"After your wedding, you will be known as The Grand Princess and Zen will no longer be known as the second Prince but as the Grand Prince," I explained.

She took her last sips and gently put the saucer on the table.

"Shirayuki!" I said firmly. "Before you can receive those titles and to even get the chance to marry Zen, you will have to sign these papers."

I gently handed a paper to her. Her eyes widened.

"These papers... If I... But... I..." Lady Shirayuki panted heavily.

"Yes, it is what you think it is," I said solidly.

Her eyes, her face. She was shocked, surprised. She never knew her fears would come true.

Panting heavily, not knowing what to say.

Her disappointingly shocked face, staring straight into the King's deep blue eyes.

The king can never forget that face, the face of a heartbroken red-haired young lady.

A/N:

Hello, guys!

This chapter was very difficult to write. I don't know why, but my fingers are now in pain.

So I'm going to take a break for a while.

So in the meantime; Could you guys comment what you think the papers could be?

I would be glad to know what you think the papers are going to be!

Then till Next Time:)