Princess Shirayuki of Akigaya

Finding you in The forest

The following days Shirayuki and Milya found themselves engulfed with the lessons they had with Pharmacist Sho, who was excited to teach them about the plants in Akigaya and the various experiments he was doing. Milya was having difficulties at first understanding the subject, but with the help of Shirayuki, she gained more confidence. Her enthusiasm and curiosity helped her ask more questions and push herself harder, and eventually she had quickly caught up.

Milya and Shirayuki had spent most of the nights at each others room reading up books that Sho had given them. They devoured everything they got their hands on. Tonight was no exception as Shirayuki was reading out loud the textbook on herbs while both girls lay on their stomachs on Milya's bed. Shirayuki was finishing the sentence as she saw Milya's eyelids slowly closing but quickly opening back up.

"Okay its time for bed now." Shirayuki spoke as she inserted the bookmark and closed the thick book.

Milya looked attentively, "But we didn't finish the chapter."

Shirayuki chuckled, "I know, but you need your sleep, besides you have been working extra hard these past few days. Not only with the lessons but also with your duties."

Milya smiled at her cousin's concern, "It's just I really like learning about medicine and cures and plants. Who knew this could be so fascinating."

Shirayuki laughed at the bright glow in her eyes and knew exactly how she felt. "I am really glad you enjoy learning, but we don't want you to collapse in the middle of the day due to lack of sleep."

Milya nodded her head in understanding, "I'm looking forward to tomorrow, we get to go down to the forest and explore with Pharmacist Sho."

"Yes! It'll be a new adventure." Shirayuki agreed feeling excited as well to be able to see the forest once again.

"I hope I can continue learning this even after I become queen." Milya found herself whispering. Shirayuki looked at her but before she could say anything Milya quickly smiled. "I'm turning the lights off. Good night Shirayuki."

She saw Milya pick the book and settle it over on the nightstand. She then switched off the light and lay back on the bed. Shirayuki turned to lie down on her back in thoughts as Milya had fallen asleep. A few more minutes passed and Shirayuki sat up, she looked at her cousin in concern before slowly stepping out of the bed, careful not to wake Milya up.

Shirayuki found herself standing before Zen's bedroom door and softly knocked on it, wondering if it was too late in the night. The door opened and Zen looked at her curiously.

"I'm sorry Zen, am I bothering you?" She asked.

"I was just finishing my report for today. What's wrong Shirayuki?" Zen answered.

Shirayuki hesitated for a few seconds before asking, "It's just that I don't fully understand the matter, but I wanted to know, as a prince do you get to do what you want most of the time?"

Zen looked back in surprise as he thought on the question. In reality his mother and his brother played big parts in shaping the roads he walked on. It didn't mean he didn't get to have a say or do things he wished to do, but there were obligations and responsibilities that were priority over others. They knew what Zen's strengths were and they showed him the tasks and duties he could do best, besides Zen knew that being born a prince, there were unspoken rules he had to follow.

"Shirayuki it might not seem that we make our own choices, but our influence on the kingdom are great and vast and that is why people who I consider very wise, are guiding me every day. It is up to me if I choose to listen or not and to follow their advices. So yes we do what we want but in a certain manner." Zen finally answered as best as he could.