apple
This section basically covers all the important moments in Volume 1. Though, basically every chapter contains a sweet/pivotal moment for the couple, doesn't it? :)
Once you're done, the next section is Blooming.
"It's not my hobby to carry poisons with me"
Their first encounter was anything but friendly. It was mainly due to Zen's distrust of Shirayuki, who looked a little (adorably) shady, hiding out in a small, unused cottage that was actually where Zen and his friends occasionally stayed.
Their fateful encounter leaves both of them with wounds. In Zen's case, he tripped in surprise at the sight of Shirayuki while jumping over the wall. Shirayuki, on the other hand, uses Zen's sword sheath to bruise herself to prove her that her medicine wasn't poison. Beaten at his own game, Zen humbling accepts Shirayuki's medicine.
I believe this scene is a really important one - in terms of Zen and Shirayuki's relationship. We find out later on that in his past, Zen was poisoned many times and began to take poisons to become tolerant to them. In accepting Shirayuki's medicine, it really demonstrates the trust.
"i've got myself a little accustomed to poisons"
It's not all smooth sailing though. Zen gets poisoned by apples that were sent by Prince Raji, which were initially meant fo Shirayuki. Shirayuki allows herself to be taken to Prince Raji in hope that she will be able to retrieve the antidote for Zen.
But this event reveals the truth about Zen's identity. Bursting into the room, along with his friends/retainers Mitsuhide and Kiki, Zen immedialetly goes to try and save Shirayuki. He introduces himself as Prince Zen, the second prince of Clarines Kingdom. Zen then threatens Prince Raji never to invovle himself with Shirayuki, and to never call her name again.
Zen then invites her stay with him at his castle which Shirayuki gladly accepts. No weird thoughts, okay? :)
Really, this scene was amazing. Whoa, a lot happened in Chapter One, hey? Zen looked so hot when he introduces himself. You can see how much trust they have for each other, even though they don't really know each yet. Zen sacrfices himself for the sake of Shirayuki. And Shirayuki, she too tries to sacrifice herself for Zen.
"Don't say her name with your mouth!"
Shirayuki moves to the castle, regularly visiting Zen and his close aides, Kiki and Mitsuhide. We can see the bonds forming already in this chapter. One of the guards that allows Shirayuki to pass into the castle says, 'it was also surprising to hear her addressing His Highness with an honorific...'.
But trouble is bound to arise and Shirayuki gets kidnapped after spending a day in town. Her captor, Miyaha claims that her red hair would fetch high prices. Shirayuki manages to escape by herself but in the end manages to get caught again. Zen comes to save the day, looking so damn hot while knocking Miyaha to the ground.
"But Shirayuki is not a tool for you to make money with."
That was a beautiful quote. :)
Afterwoods, Shirayuki tries to thank him but Zen stops her.
Really, this chapter shows yes, wait for it. The respect they have for each other. Shirayuki doesn't see Zen as a Prince but as Zen for doesn't think she needs to add an honorific to his name (nor is she being rude ^^). Zen on the other hand, doesn't see Shirayuki as 'someone with a rare red hair' but really just Shirayuki - a human being. Also, we can tell that Zen was embarrassed by Shirayuki's thanking him and quickly cuts her off by ruffling her hair. Hmmmmm?
"I will be your ally"
Shirayuki and Zen's friendship continue to bloom, as well as continue to attract attention. Their differing status causes many problems for them - certainly among the nobles in the Palace. In particular, Marquess Haruka, who openly tells Zen to stop contact with Shirayuki. In the end however, it it Obi (from the previous chapter) that really tries to stop Shirayuki interacting with Zen, only for it to fail.
Ahhh, this scene. Reading it again, it made my heart flutter. Their converstations throughout the Chapter really demonstrates that they understand each other - that they souls are connected. That may be a little cheesy but if you read the way they interact and have faith in each other, you'll understand. Zen lets Shirayuki face the person that is trying to stop them from seeing other, knowing what might happen but is allowing Shirayuki to spread her wings and fly. He doesn't want to control her and knows that he won't be able to, but he can guide her.
Shirayuki, in this Chapter demonstrates that she is courageous. I mean, she always has been but this is a clear example. She stands up against Marquess Haruka, despite that he has his sword drawn. She doesn't back down, she doesn't regret meeting Zen.