Princess Shirayuki of Akigaya

The Kingdom of Akigaya

Zen and Shirayuki stood side by side each other in the great hall of the castle as Vivi presented them to the royal family and personnel. The castle was more like a mansion, which was built out of the woods found in the Akigaya forest, but it didn't look any less grand than any other castle. Obi, Kiki, and Mitsuhide stood a few feet behind the couple as they watched the townspeople crowding the whole hall, trying to witness this historical event. They noticed that the majority of the people had red hair and just a few of them were the same as them.

"I now know how it feels like to be Shirayuki." Whispered Obi to Kiki and Mitushide, which both grinned back in response, as they felt several curious eyes gazing at them from all directions.

Queen Renalia stood quietly listening to Vivi explain her discovery and journey. Standing beside the queen towards her left were the royal counselors and a few more members stood behind them. Towards her right stood Princess Milya and her aide. When Vivi finally finished her story, she bowed her head and moved aside, as the queen stood up and looked towards Shirayuki with a mixture of disbelief, anxiety, and reassurance.

They noted how elegant the queen was in her posture and her movements. Her red hair was neatly tied up into an elegant bun and kept away from her thin face. Her eyes were a dark chocolate brown and it had a stern look along with her thin red lips. Zen and Shirayuki felt the power of her gaze and couldn't help but to feel as if they were under the presence of King Izana.

Shirayuki finally stepped forward and bowed her head. "My name is Shirayuki, it is a pleasure to finally meet you Queen Renalia."

"Step closer dear. I want to be able to see your face." Spoke the queen as Shirayuki did as she was told.

Renalia then grabbed Shirayuki by the shoulders and leaned forward to stare her in the eyes. It was a bit uncomfortable, but she did not dare look away, but instead stood still allowing the queen to observe her. Finally she embraced Shirayuki before pulling back.

"You have your mother's features and those beautiful emerald eyes." Renalia softly smiled to the thought of her sister. "Let us have a celebration! Akigaya has finally found Princess Shirayuki!" The queen addressed the crowd.

They cheered and clapped their hands in excitement. The queen then put her hand up as the crowd fell silent. She observed Zen who stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

"I am Prince Zen from the Kingdom of Clarines. I came here to accompany Shirayuki on her journey and to establish connection with the Kingdom of Akigaya."

"Welcome Prince Zen, I thank you for taking care of our princess." She answered back with a slight bow. "We can speak of business later. Viviyane has mentioned that you will be staying here for a couple of weeks with your personnel, that gives us plenty of time to talk."

"As you wish." Zen nodded in agreement.

"Let me introduce to you my daughter, Princess Milya." Renalia then spoke as she looked at her daughter. "Come forth dear."

Princess Milya slowly stepped forward timidly. Unlike her mother, she had gentle and delicate features, and her presence was frail and dainty. Her hair was as red as an apple and as long as her thigh, and it was neatly braided behind her back and away from her face. Her emerald eyes were identical to Shirayuki's eyes.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Prince Zen and Princess Shirayuki." She spoke with her soft tone of voice. "We hope you enjoy your stay in Akigaya."

The couple greeted the princess back formally.

"Now then, we shall start the celebration." Spoke Queen Renalia.

Celebration took place in the center terrace as they transformed the area to accommodate rows of tables and chairs and even a small stage for the musicians. The terrace was where they usually held festivals and other main events. Food were being offered to the new visitors left and right, but they didn't have the chance to eat much as the crowd were surrounding them in excitement to meet the prince of Clarines and the lost found princess Shirayuki. Obi, Kiki, and Mitsuhide were trying to keep the crowd back or at least trying to maintain them from crushing them.