Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Credits to the owner of the image that was used in the story.

Author's Drabbles: First fanfic everyone! Please go easy on me and hope you enjoy! Happy Reading :)


Chapter 1


The thought of giving up had never been this tempting.

Haruno Sakura had been running since God knows how long and wanted nothing more than to stop and take a long rest. Unfortunately for her pursuers and fortunately for her, her will to survive overcame the pleas of her fatigued body and became her driving force to continue. No matter how painful it was.

She wheezed her way through the forest without any particular direction in mind. She was simply running where her legs led her, was careful to duck to avoid any low lying tree branches and would hastily jump over large uprooted roots. She was literally dragging herself already, at the same time trying to maintain her pace despite her exhaustion and the protests of her body.

She wasn't that much of a runner, really, and she avoided any (if not all) chances of exercising. However, considering the state of the forest terrain and her current speed she could not help but feel proud of herself.

'Faster! Run faster dammit!' She scolded herself and winced when a sharp, broken branch created a new cut on her already bloody arm.

She couldn't die like this. Not yet. Not here in this unknown forest and certainly not now.

However Sakura was fully aware that she will not be able to last long. If this goes on her body will eventually give up and she will collapse.

'I will not…' She gasped when she suddenly lost her footing but luckily she was able to recover half a second later. 'Give up…without… a FIGHT!'

Sakura finally had the chance to stop when her exhausted jade orbs caught sight of what seemed to be a large black wall. She gradually lessened her pace and came into a complete halt when she was about ten feet away from it. She desperately tried to catch her breath, which came out in loud wheezes, while she supported herself with her hands on her knees.

The wall was made out of sturdy looking black stones that were stacked together until they were at least a hundred feet high and spanned beyond what her eyes could see.

It was simply massive and it sent a clear message to whoever looked at it:

KEEP OUT.

Of course it would take more than a wall to stop her.

Suddenly, Sakura's loud, strenuous breaths were cut short when she let out a sickening heave and began to throw up.

It took a few minutes before the vomiting episodes ceased and left Sakura feeling weak as ever. She leaned her back onto the cold wall to help her remain standing while she used the back of her right hand to wipe her mouth. The sound of her fast heart beat echoed in her head.

This is not good. Not good at all. If she stayed here a little longer, they will surely catch up and it will be the end of her.

Sakura, mustering up all her remaining will and energy, began to drag herself to try and find the entrance with one hand still holding onto the wall for support. Considering the fact that it was already very late, she inwardly hoped that the guards were asleep so that she could sneak in effortlessly. If not, well, maybe there must be another way in.

She didn't know where she was but she knew that whatever was inside this wall, may it be a city or a village, it would be her only chance of survival.

It is actually a 'no other choice' situation.

Unfortunately, the borders seemed endless and Sakura began to feel desperation and fatigue conquering her. Her half lidded eyes gazed disdainfully at the wall that spanned beyond her.

'This is not good… when will this wall end?'

Soon, Sakura decided to stop to catch her breath and bent down with her hands on her knees. Struggling to suppress the nausea and trying to even out her breathing at the same time, she furiously blinked away the tears that threatened to fall.

'I can't give up…'

"She had finally grown tired."

She turned around in slow resignation to face the speaker, still panting, her fists clenched tightly and her emerald eyes haunted and hollow.

There were three bald men. No, these were not men, for they look more like monsters. They were freakishly tall; at least six feet four in height and their muscles were thick and burly. They wore what seemed to be scraps of clothing sewn together that formed a pair of pants. Multiple scars adorned their body as if they were pieces of skin and body parts glued together...only that the glue did not stick.

And hell they didn't seem to look like they had chased her at all, as if they were just waiting for her to get tired and give up.

"Took you long enough." The shortest one that stood on the far right sneered. "Now you got yourself all sweaty."

"Fuck off." She growled menacingly and the one on the centre, which seemed like their leader, laughed boisterously.

"She's a fierce one. I like her." He commented and smiled viciously at her.

"I'm glad you find me amusing." Sakura's words oozed with sarcasm before she rolled her eyes and swallowed hard. Right now she felt so pathetic for giving up, or maybe for even trying. However, her injured ego was the least of her worries.

"We gave you your chance, now it's your turn to satiate us." The leader huffed arrogantly while he began to make his way towards her. Sakura, refusing to give up, began to back up as well and gave him the nastiest look that she could muster. "Besides, we'll make it as quick and as less painful as possible, I promise."

The two lackeys vanished and before she could even wonder where they went, they suddenly reappeared to each side of her and grabbed her wrists. Despite her weakened state Sakura used all of her energy to thrash and struggle, but their grips were like manacles. The more she struggled, the tighter their grip got.

"Let go of me! LET GO!" She screamed at the top of her lungs and tried to kick them away, but she was too weak to retaliate. Too worn out. Hot tears began to cascade down her flushed cheeks and Sakura found her energy abandoning her quickly until she was reduced to nothing but sobs.

She was going to die. Of all the possible circumstances that she had imagined as her death, she had never thought that she would die as someone else's dinner. The thought of it made her smile sadly. She also did not expect to die this young. Realization dawned upon that she had led a very unfulfilling life, which achieved little to none.

When he was near enough the leader crouched down so they were at least eye level. She winced when she felt his calloused fingers make contact with her skin as he brushed away the matter hair that collected on her right shoulder.

"Where should I start…ah, how about here?" Her pale face twisted in abhorrence when she felt his hot breath against her ear. These monsters smelled like rotten flesh and she knew that they had that stench for a reason. She was about to become one of those 'reasons'.

Much to Sakura's horror, he began to scrape his long sharp fingernail against her shoulder. The blood began to ooze out slowly causing her to whimper helplessly.

"We'll drain you out and then eat you. Like I promised we'll make it as quick as possible… consider this a parting gift for you pretty one." He licked the blood from his finger and she could hear the other two slurping in delight, excited to also get a taste of her blood and flesh.

At least she would die quickly; Sakura thought and felt an extremely teeny-weeny small ounce of gratefulness to these monsters.

A few moments later, the leader placed the tip of his fingernail back to her skin and retraced the wound. Deeper this time. Way deeper.

An agonized scream erupted from her pale lips.

All of a sudden, the pain from her shoulder ceased followed by a strangled yell. Sakura cracked her eyes open just in time for her to see the leader's body being smashed into a nearby tree. A cloaked figure held the large man in place by holding his neck and raised him as though he was nothing but an empty rag doll. Sakura examined the gloved hand that held onto the monster's neck. The dark leather almost matched the dirt on her skin.

Though the man attacking the monster was clearly tall and fit, she could see nothing of the features concealed beneath his hood.

"No—No." The leader managed to plead before a loud crack and gurgle filled the chilly midnight air. Sakura bit back a scream when the head detached itself from the body and fell onto the ground with a loud thump.

Seeing their leader dead, the other two monsters roared in anger and tossed Sakura to the cobblestone floor. She let out a yelp of pain as the remaining two monsters began to charge at the tall hooded figure.

"W-Watch out!" She screamed to try and alert the cloaked man since he still had his back facing them. However, he moved so quickly that she only saw a black blur moving around the two other barbarians, who seemed just as confused as she was. Exactly five seconds later, she saw the two monsters collapse with blood gushing out of their lifeless bodies.

The hooded man casually leaped over the bodies and faced her.

She gaped at him not in horror but with complete astonishment.

She peered into the darkness beneath his hood but saw nothing. Still, he felt his eyes upon her face, judging, weighing, testing. She was surprised that albeit her current situation, she still felt her face heating up in embarrassment."T-Thank…"

He raised a hand to silence her and she wisely shut her mouth. A few seconds passed before he bent down and placed an arm round her shoulders and the other underneath her knees. When he heaved her up (with ease, mind you), her mouth almost watered at the scent that welcomed her nostrils.

She had never smelt something so desirable. A luscious mix of sandalwood, a hint of musk and woody, earthy spice. It reminded her of a storm in a rainforest. A storm that she would be too happy to get caught in.

Sakura rested her head on his hard chest and took in a deep breath just to spoil herself further. She felt his grip tighten around her body before darkness consumed her vision.


'Stay away from me! How DARE you! How dare you do this to her Kei? She loved you! Trusted you!'

'Come on Rina, you know I've liked you since we were young… you said you'd be happy if I was with Sakura…and you were already engaged to that…that lord or something! What was I supposed to do?!'

'What nerve you have, claiming that the princess of the land has a crush on you! And toying on Sakura's feelings! Have you got no shame?'

'Claim? They are not mere claims Rina! We have been aware of our feelings towards each other since we were young Rina. You and I know that very well.'

'No—I—'

Sakura awakened at the sound of her own sob and instantly realized that she had been crying in her sleep. And judging by the tightness in her chest and her light hiccupping, she had been crying for quite a while now. The multitude of sensations that came a few seconds later besieged her. A painful ringing in her head, stinging from the wounds that were trying to heal and the feeling of soreness from her overworked muscles. It was as though she had been run over by a heavy, wild animal and still managed to survive.

She felt dreadful.

Soon enough, she took in a deep breath and caught the fragrance of sunshine and garden flowers, before turning to the side and hid her face in the plush, soft, sweet scented pillow.

Wait…what?

Sakura sat up so fast that an inevitable wave of dizziness hit her making her hiss in contempt. Placing a hand on her head, she waited for the pain and wooziness to disappear and closed her eyes hoping that it would alleviate her suffering. By the time she recovered, she reopened her eyes and waited for her vision to readjust before taking in the sight in front of her.

She was actually covered in luxurious crimson sheets in an enormous, four poster canopy bed accentuated by white and almost translucent drapes. Red walls with gold trimmings surrounded her and intricately carved furniture decorated the room that rested atop a large blood red carpet. In addition, a few feet away was a fireplace made of white marble and gold, and it seemed like the fire had died while she was asleep due to the pile of embers that scattered on the fireplace floor. Crawling towards the end of the bed, she looked up and saw two black iron chandeliers that illuminated the room with a soft warm white glow.

"Oh…my God." Sakura whispered in awe and shock. It was a beautiful room, not to mention extremely ostentatious. It is certainly not a normal house, because normal houses did not have rooms like these.

Maybe an estate?

No. This looked like a room worthy for a palace.

Looking down she realized that she was wearing a long but very comfortable off white night gown complete with frills and lace details and her skin was clean, albeit covered in bandages. She touched her shoulder where the monster had scraped his fingernails and felt some bandages there too, wincing at the memory that it accompanied. Moving on, she also noticed that her once dirty and matted black hair had also been washed, which now felt undeniably smooth and soft underneath her fingertips. It smelled like a mixture of jasmine and cherry blossoms too.

Actually, her real hair colour was pink. Very odd but also very true. She had decided to dye it after getting tired of her schoolmates' incessant taunting (calling her a freak and some other vulgar names) and the rebuke of her teachers who refused to accept and believe her explanation that pink was actually her natural hair colour. And to top it all off, instead of proving it to the teachers her oh so loving (note the sarcasm here) parents just decided to let her dye her hair. It stayed that way from that day onwards.

Eager to explore the room further Sakura swung her legs to the end of the bed with exaggerated slowness. She simply ignored the groaning protest of her muscles and the stinging that came from her wounds, then leaned on the nearby bedside table for support before attempting to stand up. Her legs were frail and wobbly, but fortunately it still had enough strength to support her and Sakura was tempted for a second to return to the comforts of the bed but had to decide against it.

She needed to know where she was or if it was safe enough to stay here. Moreover, she will only be able to know by looking around for clues. 'So no sleeping for you yet Sakura.' She reprimanded herself and took one cautious step forward, then another, then another.

All of a sudden, her knees buckled and she lurched forward making her yelp in surprise, as she then speedily pressed her palms onto the nearby wall to break her fall. Once she steadied herself and her heartbeat, Sakura felt something from underneath her fingers. She charily retrieved her hand and fixed her eyes on what seemed to be a symbol that almost blended with the background. It blended so easily that you have to be exceptionally close or observant to notice.

A lump formed in her throat and her eyes widened to the size of saucers. Of course, it only took her mere milliseconds to identify the emblem. It was the insignia of their enemy country, the land of bloodbaths and viciousness, Zalinia. She could not possibly be mistaken, for she had seen this symbol many times on their soldier's armour who became their country's prisoners of war.

'Of course you idiot! The colours of the room alone are a testament of it!' Sakura screeched at herself and felt her scalp prickle. 'Was I in the borders of their capital city when I was saved?'

Sakura stood frozen on the spot while she tried to put the pieces all together. A room worthy of a palace, an unknown city border, monsters and most importantly, a wall with an embossed insignia of their country.

It felt as though blood has drained from her entire body. Of course, most if not all of Zalinia's population consisted primarily of demons and other mythical creatures, unlike her own country that consisted mainly of elves and humans.

She was in one of Zalinia's many palaces. And that can't be good.

How long had she been staying here? Are they aware that she is a citizen and the royal physician of Elentiya? If so, why did they let her stay here and even let her heal? The thought of staying in an enemy territory was simply too precarious and abhorrent. She needed to get out of here; she needed to escape and as soon as possible would be wise.

It was then that the memory of that fateful night came upon her and felt that desire that had enveloped her when she first laid eyes on her cloaked saviour. Was he a citizen of this country? Or worse, a soldier?

'So why did he save me? A complete stranger?' She lingered at the thought, especially her last memory of the mysterious cloaked man and his oh so wonderful scent, but she shook it off a mere second later. 'No, I have to get out of here.'

But there's no use daydreaming here and waiting to be (possibly) killed though, so she took in a deep breath and began examining the tapestry and furniture that surrounded her. There were no windows in the room, but only a glass door that led to the balcony outside and to her left was a pair of wooden double doors that for sure led to the main hallways. Judging from the view in the balcony, she could tell that she was in the second, if not third floor. In addition, she was confident that guards were posted below so she ruled the balcony out.

Therefore, she began to study the room further. Fortunately, no one came to bother her for the next hour but she found herself so fatigued from her efforts that her head began to spin again. Sakura grunted and sat down on the soft bed to get a few minutes of rest. Letting out a small sigh, her jade orbs caught sight of a small black chest with a gold lock that sat a few feet away from her. It was in front of one of the glass door's curtains.

Odd, it seems to be a weird place to put a chest in.

Silently she stood up and walked towards the chest. She knelt down and saw that it had a simple bolt in lock, made out of gold with onyx stones accentuating the corners. Cautiously she began to unlock it and opened the lid. The lid creaked in response and felt quite thwarted to find a pile of neatly folded tapestries of various designs and colours. Her shoulders drooped and let out a dramatic sigh before she slammed the lid shut, making the curtain behind it flutter.

The curtains. Interesting.

Sakura stood up and slowly pulled back the large crimson curtain. Much to her surprise, a wooden ridge appeared, then another, then another, eventually revealing a small wooden door. She had to stop herself from jumping up and down in glee (as if she could, given the state that she was in) at her recent discovery.

She had finally found it! Her way out. Or so she hoped.

Grabbing the candlestick nearest to her, Sakura's pale hand grasped the black iron door handle and pushed. It did not move at her first try, so Sakura used her good shoulder to enable her to push harder. The door finally budged and a soft gush of old smelling air wafted in her face. Gulping, she held out her candle and her footstep marred the smooth layer of dust that had lay sleeping on the stone floor for quite some time now.

A dark passageway loomed before her.

The sound of her own heartbeat pounded in her ear. It was a small hallway with barely enough space to move around and the cold air gave her goose bumps. The walls were made of stone and littered with cobwebs. It was so quiet that she could even hear her own breathing.

'Creepy.' Sakura thought as she lifted the candle holder. 'But... it will be better than sitting around and just wait for my death.'

Every now and then, she would look over her shoulder to check if the door was still open and found herself feeling extremely queasy when she turned into a corner making her lose sight of the exit. She certainly did not want to end up being trapped and she wanted herself to believe that this hallway was made for a reason, or that it would not lead her to a dead end.

Seeing that the candle was burning out quickly, Sakura began to quicken her steps but was still careful not to move too fast or risk extinguishing the flame. She also tried to be alert for any shuffle or any click or hell maybe even footsteps, but nothing but silence and cold air enveloped her.

When the light from the candle finally snuffed out, her breath hitched and panic began to set in.

'Shit!' She didn't care anymore, she needed to get out. Her brisk walking made her start to limp but she urged on while trying to alleviate the gnawing edginess by chewing on the inside of her cheek.

In her haste, she howled in pain when she suddenly hit a hard surface and colorful curses came out of her mouth. Sakura pinched her nose while her other hand began to feel the surface.

She felt a ridge that was very similar to the one back in her room so she tried to find a door handle. Relief flooded her when she realized it had one so she took a deep breath and pulled with gentle force. It opened with a creak as she bent down to take a sneak peak, just to be sure.

She caught sight of a table and a sink. Fortunately for her, it seemed like the room was deserted and figured this was because it was already late in the evening. She waited a few more seconds just to be sure and when she heard nothing, she straightened up and pulled harder. Sakura did not walk out immediately though and waited again, before she jutted out her candlestick, then her head, then her body.

The moonlight that shone from a single, circular window from way up the wall was the only source of light although it was more than enough to illuminate everything inside. Her jade orbs caught sight of an array of pots, pans and cooking utensils in different shapes and sizes, as well as a long sink that occupied an entire section of the room and on the opposite side rested three humongous kilns and a couple of smaller sized ovens.

In the middle of the room was a long wooden table that looked worn from age and above it hung three iron chandeliers.

It was a secret passageway that led directly to the kitchen. But why? Was it used as an exit in case of an emergency? Or a passageway for secret rendezvous? Or was the former owner of the room a complete glutton?

Either way, Sakura did not care. All she wanted was to get out of this place as soon as possible.

She jumped in surprise when she heard a loud growl, but let out a pout when she realized that it was her own stomach.

'I should eat something...' She mentally sighed and began to look around. 'I'll probably collapse out of hunger before I can even get out of this place.'

-Tink-

"Ah!" Sakura spun around so fast that she got dizzy, but was quick enough to grab onto the nearby sink so that she could regain her balance. "W-Who's there?" She croaked before swallowing, her green jade eyes wide in alarm and her heart pounding forcibly against her rib cage.

After what seemed to be an eternity a footstep sounded. Followed by another. Then another.

Gradually, the culprit, who she realized was a man, emerged from the shadows and into the moonlight.

For the first time in her life, Sakura forgot how to breathe.

Standing in front of her was the most beautiful man that she had ever seen.

Hair as black as midnight framed his long and beautiful face. His eyes were pools of intense onyx and his intent gaze seemed like they could see right through your soul. His snow white skin reminded her of pearls and porcelain, which contrasted well to his thin albeit red and luscious looking lips.

She could just imagine those lips ravaging her own, whispering sweet nothings to her before creating a passionate trail of kisses down her neck then to her bosom until...

'Wait... what?!'

Sakura unconsciously raised her hand and touched her neck, but did not break her gaze with the angelic stranger. Her body was throbbing with a feeling so foreign, but so deliciously familiar at the same time.

He was tall, probably around six feet two and even through his clothes, she could very well tell that he is fit and his body well built. Deliciously well built. He wore a white collared shirt that was unbuttoned enough to reveal a portion of his muscled chest with sleeves that were hastily rolled up until his elbows. Paired with his shirt were black pants and dark copper colored boots.

"Hn?"

'Snap out of it woman!' Sakura forced herself to return to reality and resumed breathing. On the first breath, her lungs ached in longing and it made her wonder how long she had stopped breathing.

Nevertheless, even with his God like features Sakura could tell that he looked weary. Tired even. In addition, he was also holding up a pan on his right hand.

A frying pan.

"Erm… good evening." Sakura managed to find her voice and her eyes traveled to the cooking utensil on his hand. "I'm sorry to have disturbed you. Were you cleaning up?"

Despite his regal features, she would not be surprised if he was a servant though. As elegant as he looked like there is still a likelihood that he may be an aristocrat. Most of them, including nobles give up their children to serve the royal family in hopes of associating with them (or maybe seduce them in the process). It occurs rarely, but happens nonetheless.

With her question the man slowly tore his gaze away from her and onto the pan on his hand, before she saw him pursing his lips. She was almost knocked unconscious when a smile slowly crept on his lips and he lowered his hand, before performing a respectful bow.

'So I was right?'

"My deep apologies my lady, yes I was indeed." He said in a dark, baritone voice that echoed in her head. He straightened up and placed the frying pain on the table beside him. "My lady, if I may be so bold to ask, what are you doing here in the kitchens at this time of the night? Surely a guest of the Emperor should have asked a servant to fetch some food for her."

'So he thinks I'm a guest?' Of course, the Emperor of this land was renowned for his philandering ways and was rumored to bed a new woman every night. She could use that knowledge to her advantage, but will it be worth it? Or will she be too obvious?

"I-needed some fresh air." Were the words that escaped her trembling lips. "My name is Nana." She lied confidently.

It was a pitiable try but it was the first name that came into her mind. Sadly enough, it was also the name of her first pet that had passed away when she was five years old.

The man seemed to absorb her words for a moment, before another breath-taking smile appeared on his face.

"My name is Naruto and it is a pleasure to meet you my Lady." He announced with unexpected pride before he clapped his hands twice, making her jump. The three chandeliers above ignited to life and basked the once dark kitchens with a bright, warm white glow. "Are you hungry by any chance Lady Nana? That must be your reason for your visit here. I'll fix you something to eat, yes?"

"Um, no, it's fine. Really." Sakura responded immediately and Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I mean, I can fix a meal myself. It is fine. You can go and retire."

"I do ask for forgiveness my Lady, but as long as I am here I cannot let you do that." He replied gingerly and strode across the room and towards the place where the pots hung. "It would be such a waste for your lovely hands to be tainted with a chore that is worthy for a servant."

Sakura blushed. Did she really look like a guest of the Emperor? That or she looked like one of the whores that he bedded every night.

She was about to continue refusing his request when her stomach rumbled for the second time, making her groan inwardly in humiliation. Naruto noticed this as he gave her a side-glance and a reassuring smile. She could not help but smile back, albeit awkwardly.

"Please, have a seat. I'll prepare a fast meal for you." He said, sounding more like a command than a request and Sakura felt a sudden compulsion to follow his words. Nevertheless, she soon gave up as she pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. She then propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her palm as she watched Naruto's back while he worked with finesse.

Taking out a pot that contained water, he placed it atop a fire that he had recently created. It was then he began to create a mixture which Sakura recognized was for creating dough. Once it was ready and had enough volume, he pulled out a strainer like utensil and pushed it out. That was when she realized that he was trying to make noodles.

"Lady Nana?" He broke the ice thirty minutes later and Sakura snapped out of her reverie. He began to pour the dough strips onto the now boiling water. "Is it okay if I ask you a question?"

Sakura's heartbeat began to race. "Go ahead." She replied while trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. He finished pouring the noodles and went back to his working area where he opened a nearby bin and pulled out an array of spices and vegetables.

The sound of flowing water filled the room when he began to wash the vegetables.

"Why do you have so many injuries?" He asked casually and spared her a glance.

Shit. She forgot about the bandages.

"I'm a very clumsy person, which isn't a good type of person to go on horseback riding." She started and faked a long sigh. Wow, she was getting good in lying, or so she thought so. "That added together plus the horse not liking me isn't a very good combination." She added a laugh to give it a more believable flair.

Naruto 'hned' thoughtfully and began to chop the vegetables. "Yes, from what I can see." He chuckled quietly. "Though I am sorry to see your wounds. I do hope you recover soon." He chopped with remarkable efficiency that made Sakura envious, but she knew she did not have time getting jealous with his chopping skills. There was still that notion of her escape.

While she observed him, the memory of her savior flickered in her mind and she idly wondered as to who he really was. Maybe he was just a simple citizen (who had crazy combat skills) and decided to help her out. Or maybe he was a soldier who took pity on her. She will never know for sure, but she will remember how he smelled like. Good God. The thought of it alone made her insides churn. For some reason, her gaze went back to Naruto.

'Kei! Let me go! I do not wish to associate with you any further! You are nothing but a traitor to me!'

'I know you do not mean those words. You love me as I love you. Look at me Rina. Look…at…me.'

'When do you plan on telling her? We can't keep this further…'

'In due time. I am trying to see if she ready…'

That oh so familiar pang of pain erupted in her chest and Sakura leaned back on the chair with a frown on her lips. Kei was the Captain of the Royal Guard in their country and had been her lover for the past seven months, only to find out that fateful night that he had loved not her, but her best friend, Elentiya's Beloved Princess Rina.

Worst part is, Rina felt the same.

With the memories that came, Sakura began to zone out. A delicious smell roused her from her stupor and her orbs zeroed down onto the bowl that was laid in front of her. It was a beautiful bowl of noodles immersed in vegetables.

Looking up to Naruto, she found him gazing intently at her while wiping his hands on the towel. "Are you okay Lady Nana?"

"Mm. I'm sorry, I just zoned out. It looks delightful Naruto." She smiled earnestly and thanked him when he handed her some eating utensils. He tossed the towel over his shoulder then leaned against the sink, before he gestured towards the noodles.

"Thank you for that kind compliment." He returned the smile and nodded. "Please, enjoy."

'Oh I will.' Sakura beamed before enthusiastically digging in. Oh God it tasted absolutely delicious. It was very well cooked and what made it even more scrumptious was the hint of spice that he had added. She loved spicy food.

"Oh my goodness Naruto. It tastes absolutely wonderful!" She let out a very un-lady like moan and closed her eyes. Her stomach finally quieted down as she ate more.

She was so engrossed with the food that she failed to notice the look of seriousness that was plastered in Naruto's face. He continued to lean onto the sink and watched her with his arms crossed.

She finished the meal in just five minutes.

"I am glad that you enjoyed the meal Lady Nana." He grinned and saw her blush once more. Now that she had food in her stomach, she had more color in her face which in turn made her look more human. More alive.

Sakura nodded contentedly and thanked him again when he handed her a glass of water, which she consumed in just a few gulps. Meanwhile Naruto placed the dirty dishes on the nearby sink and covered it with the towel. "These may be cleaned tomorrow. It is already very late."

A guilty looked crossed Sakura's features. "Again, I'm sorry to have disturbed you Naruto. You even made me a meal when you should have been resting."

Naruto raised an eyebrow at her. "I've never come across a lady like you ma'am. I never had heard a person of your stature thank a servant for their services. You shouldn't." He said in amusement and she let out a whimsical sigh then a chuckle.

"Even so, the meal was far too delicious that it would be ungrateful of me not to thank you." She stood up and cleared her throat. It was time to escape. Even if she wanted to talk to him more, she knew that she had lingered long enough and she needed to get out as soon as possible. "I shall be taking my leave now. You can get some well-deserved rest Naruto. Again, thank you."

Much to her frustration, Naruto did not move a single inch.

"Let me have the honor of accompanying you back to your room Ma'am." Naruto offered and the smile faded from Sakura's face. "Please. It would be unwise for you to walk alone at this time of the night, especially if you are wearing nothing but your night gown."

Sakura's eyes widened as realization dawned upon her. She looked down and was thankful to the heavens that the nightgown was made of a thick cloth so that it perfectly hid everything and kept her warm at the same time. Not like the flimsy night gowns that she got accustomed to wear back in the palace. "Ah. Yes. I do apologize, how rude of me to show up in such indecent clothing."

"I must apologize as well. But with the way you look, you are far from indecent my Lady." He said in a tone that made Sakura to look at him. The way he said those words made her knees weak and she did not even understand why he affected her so much. Was it his looks? No. Though he was beautiful, she had encountered other good-looking people like him but she did not feel like this. She felt…drawn to him.

"T-Thank you." She sputtered and to her surprise Naruto did not smile back as she had expected. He turned around and saw his shoulders droop. "Naruto?"

"Ah yes." He cleared his throat and faced her again. He began to stride towards door that she had emerged from and both of his eyebrows rose dubiously. "You used this passageway my lady?"

"Yes, I saw the door out of plain curiosity."

"Hmm. Odd, I had never noticed this door before." He said with genuine astonishment and grabbed the candlestick that she had carried with her earlier. "Would you give me the honor my lady?" Naruto asked and gave her one of his breathtaking smiles again.

'This guy gives me a heart attack every time he freaking smiles.'

"Um. Yes. Of course." Sakura replied with uncertainty before she put a hand on his outstretched arm. His skin felt very warm underneath the cotton shirt and she found herself blushing again.

'What in the world wrong with me? Stop swooning! You're like a school girl!' She shook her head and exhaled.

They entered the passageway and Sakura mentally cursed at herself for being so stupid as to accept the invitation from him. She could have escaped while she had the chance, but for some reason she could not find the will to decline him. She could not refuse his smile.

Now she sounded like a hopeless romantic. Which wasn't a good sign. At all.

They shared nothing but silence as they made their way across the passageway with Sakura trailing behind him. It was too narrow for them to walk side by side but she did not mind. She would find it too queasy if they were too close.

She was shocked to find that after just a few minutes, they were already nearing the end of the passageway.

"Ah, it leads directly to your room." He stated the obvious and pushed the door to open it wider. A new gush of air entered the dark hallway and along with it carried the scent that caused her to stop in her tracks.

Sandalwood. Earth spice. Wood. Musk.

Him.

She gaped at him, unable to find the strength to proceed as she placed a hand on the door for support.

"It's—you." She whispered in complete disbelief which successfully caught his attention. Seeing her pale face and open mouth, he lifted a regal eyebrow and began to walk back towards her.

"What's—"

A gasp erupted from behind and the two looked to see who it was. It was a plump woman in her mid forties, followed by three younger women that wore dresses of cream, red and gold.

'Chambermaids?'

The one on the back held a tray that contained a pitcher and neatly folded towels, while the one beside carried bandages and a basin. She figured they came to change her bandages.

They shared the same stricken expression with their eyes glued on them and before either of them could say anything, they began to scramble and did the ultimate form of respect: bowing with their head on the floor.

"H-Hey... what's going-"

"Your Majesty!" The plump woman trembled in fear and Sakura's brows furrowed.

"What are you t—"

"Ah yes."

Her gaze snapped back to Naruto and looked at him questionably. When she saw the monotonous expression on his face, she felt like her soul had just abandoned her body.

So that means-

"I was in the kitchens when I met Lady Sakura. She was hungry." It seemed like he was a different persona altogether. His tone was authoritative and harsh, no hint of the playfulness that laced his voice when he spoke to her back in the kitchen. "You are neglecting your obligations. Make sure you tend to her needs properly next time."

"We apologize Your Majesty! We will bring her food."

Naruto, or whoever the hell he was, reached out his hand to usher her to come out of the passageway. When she made no notions to move, he clasped his cold hand around her wrist and gently pulled her forward. The touch awakened her but she still could not find herself to speak. She couldn't even feel her limbs.

"They will be your chambermaids and they will attend to your needs during your stay here." He said before letting go.

During that time, Sakura was zealously wishing that she could just evaporate and disappear into nothingness. If her hunch was right, she was as good as dead.

"I shall excuse myself now for I have other things to tend to." Naruto said with a sigh and turned his back towards her. "Have a good night's rest Sakura. You will need it." He added without sparing her a glance before walking away. The maids scooted to the side to let him pass and they waited until the doors closed, before they slowly straightened themselves up.

Sakura fell on her knees.

"My Lady!" They shrieked in unison and caught her just in time. Her mouth was still open and it took her a long time before she found her voice again. "Are you alright?! Lady Sakura, please say something!"

On the first try, nothing came out of her lips so she cleared her throat.

"Who… Who was he?"

The women looked at each other in uncertainty, then towards her as though she had just grown a second head. It took a while for them to respond to her question until the plump woman, who seemed to be the head chambermaid, finally broke the ice by replying.

"My Lady? That man was His Majesty Sasuke, Emperor of Zalinia."


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Goddess of the East