Chapter 8: The Sad Smile

She looked like she would blast any moment from now. Her emerald still can't believe what it is seeing. Tears attempting to fall down from her watery emerald eyes. Shaking her head negatively. Hand on her forehead and other hand trembling terribly while holding a three set of papers. Her pants unstable. She gently licked her lips. Still not believing it.

Out of nowhere, she froze. She wasn't moving anymore. Instead, a concealed aura started rising from her body. The aura of sorrow, anger, and disbelief. She was completely focused on the words placed on the sheet. After a while of reading, she lifted up her scarlet head then looked deeply into a deep sapphire with her emerald.

"Why?" A red-haired maiden asked, her voice tone very low.

The man sitting opposite her didn't know what to say. Yes, he was prepared to answer anything. But for some reason, he was shocked at her short question. He pulled a natural face. He exhaled slowly and responded firmly yet calmly,

"Because it must be done!"

She shook her head slowly. She had so many questions in her head, not knowing which to ask. Before she could even think and pick one of her million questions, he spoke again,

"Yet royals who happens to have careers must quit their profession. Not all happen to do so though. In other words some occupations must be left outside the door before entering. Example, herbal-ism..."

Before he could finish his sentence his guest interrupted.

"But herbal-ism has nothing to do with me being a pharmacist to the court?"

His Majesty raised his eyebrows and crossed his legs together and both hands idly laying on his lap. His interest in their conversation was rising. For what he knows, no one can't interrupt him while he's talking. Unless the protocols have been changed without his knowledge.

"You can't feed your words into my mouth, young lady!" Even though was taken back by her sudden action, he still needed to scold her for interrupting. "I know you're frustrated, but you must understand that this is a custom everyone, who could be in your shoes, must perform. You're going to be a Grand Princess. And as a Grand Princess, you will have duties, paper works you will have to perform. Adding pharmacist to it will not give you a good outcome. I hope you're understanding."

She was still shocked, but she still nodded her as she pursed her lips together. She still had one question, that bothered more than anything. "If I may ask, what will I do if something happens and needs a medical attention or something has happened and needs more pharmacist or medical?"

"You won't do anything. You have then quit your occupation and to that, you wouldn't be needed. No matter how much you are needed." He replied her gently.

She licked her lower lip and asked, "So what if I don't sign?"

The King looked at her deeply, not averting his eyes. That moment she got the idea and said with a sad voice that made the King feel a bit of guilt build up in his body. "I see."

"If you don't, you can't earn your new titles." He paused as he saw her eyes were no more seen, as shadows had covered them. "You cannot even marry Zen, because as a Princess, not to mention a Grand Princess, you are expected to perform various acts and being a pharmacist could damage your Grand reputation."

After trying her best, a tear trolled her cheeks. Heaven can testify how much she loves Zen, even the man sitting idly opposite her can testify himself. But she had to do it. She had to do it because if she doesn't, she and Zen will be no more. She couldn't help, but think how much her life will change especially when she quit being a pharmacist.

She placed the papers on the table and reached for the feather and the ink, that was placed on the center table since the start. She gently dipped the feather into the ink, as if the feather was fragile. Her hair shadows were still covering her watery eyes. His Majesty just sat there waiting for her to sign as he could only see her tears falling down to her beautiful dress.

She signed.

After doing that, she stared back at her writing and sat back straight. She cleaned her eyes with her hand and looked back at the emotionless King.

"I'm done." Her voice was cracked.

"I promise you won't regret your decision. And I hope that someday in the future, you will understand and thank me." His voice was calm as he didn't want to do anything more for her yet fragile sister-in-law to weep.

She nodded her head and gave a happy smile. The King was suddenly shocked that a lady who was just weeping is now smiling. It took him some time before he returns her a favor, a happy smile.

"Is that all?" She asked calmly, her voice getting better.

"Yes. For the meantime." His smile disappeared. "But if you're ready, I could tell you more of your duties and what you would be doing." King Izana suggested.

"I will be delighted." Her sweet smile still pressed on her lips.

"Do you have knowledge in economics? I mean do you know anything apart science?"

Lady Shirayuki gave a wondering look as she didn't know what to answer. "I'm not sure." Was all she answered.

"How would you feel if I told you, you would be managing things that go in and out from Clarines to Tanbarun and from Tanbarun to Clarines?"

Shirayuki was just staring at him. Did she hear it right? She gave a puzzled look. For some reason, Shirayuki didn't understand his question. "I'm sorry, I didn't really understand."

"For your information, I do not like reversing. But all I'm saying is, your new duty that will be taking place after your wedding, which is already included into your matrimonial titles, is to take care of things between Clarines and Tanbarun.

She blinked weirdly. She would be glad to ask the King again about what he said, but she has already been warned.

"Me? I mean, taking care of things like that is a huge deal. What if I mess up? What if something goes wrong? And I don't know how to solve?"

"You have a character of a leader. You will do great." He just replied her with a smile. Which Shirayuki felt like dreaming. She has never seen the King smile so countlessly.

For a moment she was worried, how could she be taking of things in Clarines and in Tanbarun. If something goes wrong, what will they say about her?

Her puzzlement look gave the King a time to examine her. Sure, the King was married and even has a son. But Shirayuki's sudden transformation has always made him wonder if people can change like that. Not to speak of his now responsible younger brother.

Shirayuki wasn't anymore that petite girl with short hair. From his perspective, she has grown taller, but still shorter than Zen. Her chest has been filled, a bit. She may not have that much of curves, but her body shape has constructed beautifully. Her down back has also been filled. Her red hair now sleeps on her back almost to her waist neatly. Her bangs are now longer. Her emerald eyes are greener. She hardly blushing than years back. And looks more matured than the Shirayuki he met years ago. She was a true picture of a Princess.

"Ok, but I'm not perfect, so I hope you will take things easy if anything happens." Lady Shirayuki interrupted his thoughts innocently.

"Don't worry, I won't bark. And things will also be taken easily since it's your first time."

And she let an air of relief.

"Would you like another tea?" The King asked concerned as he realized.

"No, I'm great. Thank you for asking."

"It's okay. Besides, it's my duty to take care of subjects. Not to mention my own yet to be sister-in-law."

She laughed and blushed lightly to his response. She looked away. She didn't realize it, but the man was also smiling lightly at her embarrassed face.

'Have you met my son yet?" The King asked after his guest stopped blushing.

"Yeah, I have."

"Where? And what do you think of him? How did he associate with you the first time," He asked curiously. Of course, he knew Lady Shirayuki has met his son, but the King still wanted to ask.

"The first time I met him was at Prince Zen's office. And he's so adorably cute. And he was so friendly. He suddenly came to me after he saw me. I'm not sure if I'm to say this, but he really looks like you. Just like a photocopy"

"I'm glad to hear positive vibes. And of course he likes you, you're going to be his aunt anyway. I've also heard from many he looks like me. Those exact same people hope he doesn't have my attitude. I mean there's nothing wrong with my attitude, right?" He asked jokingly.

Shirayuki didn't know what to answer. She rarely sees the King in this manner. But to be honest she was amongst those people who don't want the King's son to have the same personality as his father.

"Of course not. There's nothing wrong with your attitude." Shirayuki responded, but the King look at her as he knew she was lying. The King didn't want to take it seriously.

"Has Zen in anyway mentioned the word Heir presumptive to you after the birth of my son?"

"No. I don't think so." Shirayuki shook her head.

"I see. Well after my son was born, Zen moved from his position as heir to heir presumptive. Heir presumptive is someone who is the next in line for the throne but can be replaced. So in other words, Zen can still be the next in line for the throne, until my son has grown fully aged."

Shirayuki nodded.

"So since Zen is heir presumptive that will also make heiress presumptive."

It took a while for Lady Shirayuki to nod again. She was still getting used to her new titles.

"So overall, you will be a Grand Princess, the second consort of the Royal Army, the first consort of the Northern Army, Duchess of the West, Countess of East, Envoy for both Clarines and Tanbarun and an heiress presumptive." Majesty Izana explained in total.

"If I may, why am I called second consort of the Royal Army, while the Northern Army I'm referred as first?" She asked curiously.

"Due to the fact that I'm in command of the Royal Army, the Queen is the first consort of the Royal Army. And Zen is going to be the second in command, so that's why you are second. And you're first at the Northern because Zen is going to be the commander of the Northern Army."

"Why did you invite me to the public council meeting? I mean, I know fiancées can attend, but I still don't get it. Why?" Shirayuki spoke suddenly.

It took some time for the King to reply. "Because I felt like doing so." As expected, his answer didn't satisfy her. She can't question the King any more. So she just bobbed.

Silence.

"I hope, our conversation didn't take long as I'm thinking. Because if so, I think we must start walking back to our duties."

Shirayuki suddenly realized herself, she has been here for a long time. She wasn't sure of the time, but she needs to see Zen, Kiki, Mitsuhide and Obi.

"I think so too." She agreed.

His Majesty hadn't made an attempt of moving, so that means he was actually referring to her. So Shirayuki stood up and bowed her head.

"I'm glad you have so many trusts in Zen and I. I'm also contented you've happily accepted me into your family. I promise you, I will try and do my best. And I hope someday in the future you too will thank me."

With that Shirayuki raised her head and smiled warmly to the King. His Majesty gave a small smile. And she left.

"What a mysterious girl. I can't believe she actually made me smile. Looks like she isn't bad after all. Well, I think plan b will sit out for a while." The King smirked proudly.

A/N:

Hello! How Y'all?

FINALLY. This chapter took FOREVER.

So, I hope you like it.

So please review what you think about King Izana. What kind of plan do you guys think he may still be having under his sleeves.

And what do you guys think about Shirayuki's new duties?

Well then farewell :)