A Race Between Time • RyuuxReader • Snow White With Red Hair

16 - An Injury, An Offer, And Lots of Miscommunication

When Ryuu didn't respond you glanced up at him, he seemed conflicted.

"Are you okay? Is something wrong?"

He looked at you, "Y-yeah, I'm okay." A small, reassuring smile formed at his lips as he finished wrapping your arm.

_ _ _

You went back to your room and started to pack your things and change into the clothes Kiki gave you. You could tell it was obviously her style by the purples and blues in the garments.

You heard a knock on your door, "Come in," you lightly yelled

You sighed as Shuka walked in "Zen wants to see you," he said as he sat on your bed

You nodded at him, "Okay, why did saying that involve you sitting on the bed?" You said while throwing a pillow at him then, placing your mother's ring in the bag.

He chuckled, looking at you.

You looked at him, "Are you okay?"

He smiled, "I'm fine, you're just gorgeous."

"Okay," You said while getting ready to walk out, "Wait what?"

He got up from the bed walking towards you, "I said you're gorgeous,"

You walked backwards, your back hitting the door behind you as he kept coming towards you, "That's very sweet of you Shuka, but um, where is Zen exactly?"

"Outside."

You nodded, "Can you back up?" Your cheeks still felt hot

"Hm," he put his arms on either side of your head, "Can I?" His eyes lingered at his lips before looking back up at your eyes

You didn't respond, you felt uncomfortable.
"If you don't move by the time I-"

"You'll do what?" He leaned closer to you, "Hit me? You could slap me and I'd say thank you Y/n."

You slapped him. Straight across the cheek and he most certainly didn't say thank you. You fled through the door before you could hear his response.

As you got outside Zen, Obi and Ryuu were talking. An odd group, you thought.

Zen looked over at you, "Oh, hello Y/n, what are you doing out here? Shouldn't Shirayyuki be helping you with your arm?"

You raised an eyebrow, showing him your already bandaged arm, "What do you mean?Shuka sent me out here because he said you needed to talk with me."

Zen confusion spread throughout his face, "I didn't send Shuka to get you, if I needed you I would have sent Obi anyway."

"Oh really," you looked away, "I'll talk to him about it later," you made a mental note in your head, "I plan to go head back to my kingdom tomorrow evening."

Zen nodded slowly, "Seiranna is around 3 day away. Why don't you come back with us, it's only a couple hour trip and I'll write to your King, explaining to him how you want to take some local opportunities in Clarnies."

"Local opportunities?"

"We have a group of skilled herbalists that work at the palace you can learn from. Garak and Ryuu tend to be the mentors of the groups." He smiled at you, "It'll also be a good experience to get out of Serianna for a bit."

You looked away contemplating, "Your highness, I'm a doctor not a herbalist. I don't even know where to start with that."

A broad smile expanded on his face, "Perfect. Ryuu was Shirayuki's mentor, but since she's doing fine now under my supervision, he can be yours."

Obi chuckled looking at Ryuu's surprised face that turned into a cringe, he obviously did not want to mentor you. Maybe Garak could? Or was she too busy?

"Actually, your highness-"
"Zen, please."
You sucked in a breath, "Zen. I don't think Ryuu is comfortable with that and he already has plenty on his plate and-"
Ryuu opened his mouth to talk but Zen interrupted, "Y/n, it's not Ryuu's decision. He's placed in my court, you do understand?"
You nodded. His sudden authoritative stance unsettled you.

You looked at Ryuu, he said nothing and avoided everyone's eyes. His blue ones focused on the snowy ground.
He didn't want to mentor you. You started to question if he was honest about you not upsetting him. You wondered if he just made up an excuse to get you to stop talking as soon as possible.

Ryuu started to walk away and you followed him, as you both entered the building he came to a stop, "Why are you following me?"

"I just wanted to apologize. Again," he turned to face you a questioning look on his face, "I know you don't want to teach me. And if you would prefer, I can just deny Zen's offer and go back to Seiranna."

"You think I don't want to mentor you?"
"Well yeah, that's what I just said." You said bluntly
"Where did- when did I- what?" You now had his complete attention, he ran a hand through his messy brown hair, pushing it out of his eyes.

You looked down, "You've been acting weird around me, I don't know."

"Where did you get that impression from?"

You shrugged, "Outside you seemed really uncomfortable."

He stayed silent, "Y/n," you met his gaze, "I want you to come to Clarines and work under me with my guidance."

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