Disclaimer: Akagami no Shirayukihime is the property of Sorata Akizuki
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Characters: Izana Wistalia, Shirayuki
Pairing: Possible one-sided Izana
Wordcount: 369
Rating: General, Romance
Timeline: Between Chapter 41 and Chapter 49
Quotes: "Men do change, and change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like the stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass."
― John Steinbeck
"Umm. Izana? Your Highness?"
He tilted his head back a little, only registering her call on his name. Izana. It was the first time she ever called his name without a title. And dare he say that her pronunciation of his name sent delicious shivers down his spine.
"Prince Izana? Y-you can let go now. I can stand on my own."
I have no doubt about it, Shirayuki, he thought, his free hand that was anchoring her waist gliding a little, feeling her soft, feminine curves.
And then, he released her reluctantly.
He heard her heave a sigh of relief. He made note of her sigh with interest.
"This scent feels solemn," he commented, turning his head a little, following the noise of her footsteps.
"It is," she agreed. "I created that to remind me of my mother's last words before she died," she added. "We were inside a chapel, and her coffin was made from cedar."
"I am sorry." He felt sadness creep under his skin. He shook his hands as if to shoo them away, but the feeling lingered.
"Do not despair when I am gone. I am happy I have lived the life I wanted. One should not live based on the riches they acquire or how much power you wielded. What matters is what kind of imprint you wanted to leave in this world. And how people will remember your kindness, bravery and gentleness."
His breath hitched, déjà vu caressing his cheek.
"My mother's dying words," Shirayuki said softly. "And I am glad I lived such happy moments with her."
"Your mother is-was a wise woman."
"She was," she agreed, making noises with her bottles of scents. "I always try to live by her last words."
"Kindness, bravery and gentleness," he echoed, understanding dawning on his face. It was always there, the virtues her mother espoused. She had been trying her best to uphold what her mother taught her. Armed with these, she faced him on steady ground, while he hurled veiled insults at her and subtle threats because of her lowly standing.
To be frank, he felt a little ashamed at his previous actions.
"Shirayuki?"
"Hmmm?"
"What do you think of me?"