The Red-Haired Princess || Akagami No Shirayukihime

41. A Visit [III]

Chapter 41: A Visit [III]

"... the government's underestimation of us, and due to it, lots of assassination organizations has been quiet on us for the past years," Shirayuki's father, General Mikaze, informed.

Shirayuki has been sitting with his father, for her record, about forty-five minutes. Forty-five minutes of just listening to her father talk and announce things she doesn't understand, things she doesn't know if it should be referred urgently for her to flee from Clarines, things she doesn't even wish to know. Her father has been talking, talking and talking. But as a good woman she is, she faked seriousness and interest in their conversation.

"So, not to be impolite and discourteous, but what does this have to do with me? And above all, I already know of the assassination organizations attacking the Lions of the Mountains " Shirayuki asked, with a slight frowned expression.

Mikaze heaved a long sigh. "I suppose I should have guessed you already knew about it already." He forced his lips into a tight smile. "If you already know about this, then I guess we have nothing to discuss anymore."

Shirayuki just stared at his father. And for once in her life, she could identify her father was lying to her. This urgent meeting was more than his government-political-assassin talk. There was more to it. And it could be recognized for his continues avoidance of Shirayuki's steady gazes, his constant rub of his temple - as if trying to remember something. Moreover, the ladies' conversation earlier seemed crucial than this.

Her father's last sentence was nothing but an indirect dismissal, so Shirayuki stood up and excused herself.

.

The second day of her visit had ended with another big feast with everyone. The dance, tales, myths, laugh and everything was memorable. And she must admit, her serious, emotionless soldier-guards also had a very great time.

This was their last night here. They will be departing tomorrow.

On her bed, she thought of Zen so much -including Mitsuhide and Kiki too. There were so many things they - mostly Zen - could be doing right now, and Shirayuki couldn't herself but imagine.

She gently smoothed, with both hands, her babies' back. They had gone through almost every arm in this compound, and also had a private section with their maternal Grandfather, too. Rather refer them by their names, they shortened it into Zella; Zehel and Laila. It really amazed Shirayuki of how they could've come up with such a name.

Shirayuki yawned. She was exhausted, and the weight of "Zella", her cherished twins on her chest, was starting to melt every fiber of her body.

-

She had packed everything. She was so excited, yet, she was sad. Sad, she will be leaving these people, sad, she will have to leave her country once again, not that she regretted it, and also sad her father has decided to make her trip her meaningless, yet wonderful.

She will probably remember mostly the nights with Kazuki and Itoya, with full of laughter, slight of unnecessary gossips. Kazuki had grown into a very attractive man but still having his feminine features.

Their journey to Clarines started blissfully. For the past three days had just been such amazing days.

The hunts with Obi and other men were awesome. And Shirayuki confesses she had secretly learned some combat skills. Though, she's not going to put it to use.

There was a sudden break after fifteen minutes of the non-stop ride. The carriage stopped.

After few minutes, a guard abruptly appeared. He informed her cousin, Lord Hiroyuki sought her presence.