Red. Some said that her red hair was beautiful, but Shirayuki herself knew better than anyone how much trouble it caused for her. She always found herself wondering whether or not her 'uniqueness' was worth all the danger. Probably not, but it was not like she could simply change the color. She was always aware of the eyes upon her as she walked down the street every day. She would try her best to ignore them, but it was hard to miss the whispers that arose as soon as she drew near.

She never hated it as much as she did now, when the messenger from the prince of Tanburn approached her, standing in her doorway. As she politely continued to protest to the prince's indirect proposal to her, she was already forming a plan for rebellion. She knew the protests would fail even before they passed through her lips. The rumors that floated around regarding the arrogant prince were proof to that.

"I will bring him nothing but embarrassment. Being given the honor of being a concubine just because of the color of my hair?" She tried her best to force a small smile on her lips, while her brain turned for ideas on how to escape. Just as she predicted, the messenger paid no heed to her protests.

"It does not matter. It is my prince's wish." At his nonchalant tone, she was very much tempted to tell him that she really didn't care whether it was his prince's wish. No matter, she thought. He will know soon anyway. As soon as the messenger was sure that his message was conveyed, he left in a carriage. She couldn't help the light of defiance that lit in her green eyes and the smile upon her lips as they rode away.

She quickly shut the door behind her, organizing her plans in her head. As a pharmacist, she had an unbreakable habit of carrying medicine, and the situation at hand was no different. She went around the house, collecting supplies that she deemed necessary. Grabbing a few herbs and bandages, she quickly continued to fill her bag. After a few moments of thought, a few food items were added as well. "Done!" She gave a small smile.

Out of habit, she combed her fingers through her red hair once more. After she was satisfied that there were no knots, she took a deep breath and grabbed a pair of scissors laying conveniently nearby. The scarlet-colored ponytail fell into her hands, and she laid it upon the table, smiling. However glad she was to teach the arrogant prince that she would not become his concubine, a bit of regret filled her to have lost her long, beautiful ponytail. Sighing quietly, she took the cloak off the wall and headed towards the forest.

Zen was bored. His hand ached from the enormous pile of papers that he had just signed, and it seemed that the pile did not end. He gave a huff of annoyance, his expression turning thoughtful. Anyone who did not know the prince would probably assume that he was considering the issue of politics that sat in front of him in the form of words written neatly onto white paper with ink. Anyone who did know him would be wise enough to immediately lock the window he was currently having a staring contest with.

Naturally, this was the first thought of his aide, Mitsuhide. Zen seemed to realize this, and he looked up and gave a small smirk. "Zen…You can't possibly be thinking of running away again."

"I'm actually thinking of going to my room," he paused for a minute, before adding, "and then running away." Mitsuhide's eyes widened, and Kiki gave a sigh. Zen blinked at both of his aides, before elaborating. "Only for a few days."

"I fail to see the reason why you believe we should be helping you," Kiki stated flatly, her voice stoic. She obviously didn't agree with Zen's thoughts.

"Because if you don't, you know that I'll go anyway," Zen got up, suppressing the urge to throw his pen across the room. He smirked again, knowing that they had no choice. It was either they follow him to ensure that he didn't get killed, or not follow him and worry for the days that he was gone over the possibility that he did get killed. He knew that, due to their loyalty, the latter was out of the question. Which left the option that he preferred anyway.

Mitsuhide pressed his hand against his forehead as if he had a headache, and Zen could almost hear him mentally cursing the prince's logic. Kiki, on the other hand, seemed to be cursing the world for providing Zen with this logic. Frankly, Zen couldn't care less what logic they cursed at. They were still coming with him. A smile of victory curled his lips, and Mitsuhide let out a deep breath.

"If you put it that way…But don't tell me I didn't warn you when you get in trouble for it," his voice was filled with exasperation, but Zen didn't miss the small bit of fondness mixed in. Kiki's eyes turned indifferent, and she gave a sigh. Zen grinned now, pleased that his plan had worked. He stared out the window at the blue sky, and his expression turned thoughtful. For some reason, he wanted to go to the forest.

This is a story for my best friends, who are simply amazing. Thank you to all those that read this story. Please review!

-Lapis Moon