"Sire, while I hesitate to ask...Are you sure about this?" Baki was aware that his boss was cold-hearted and rash, but this...cruel didn't even begin to describe it. It wasn't the child's fault that her family was visiting the city. As an eight year old she had to do as she was told. Baki looked once more at the picture of the small brunette, knowing his words wouldn't sway the King in the least.

The man sitting at the desk did not even bother to pause in his writing or look up at his attendant when he answered. "If I must do this- and you know that I must, Baki- then she is the only suitable choice." The king's youngest child was his strongest, his heir. If he did not sign the papers and send them to the Queen of the neighboring kingdom, what would become of his youngest child?

"Still," Baki murmured, "they are so young. Perhaps it would be better to wait until they are older. So that we may see for certain that Prince Gaara is capable of handling the strain of Shukaku." At their age, Gaara wouldn't understand the purpose of her being there. And if he thought that she was another person who wanted to hurt him...

"Both as a child and a weapon, the boy is mine. Besides, we may not have this chance again. She is the only noble, the only child who hasn't run at the sight of him." Never mind the fact that he was hated and feared by the populace. With his skills, he would probably last longest.

"Your Highness, the only reason she did not run is because she didn't know his identity. She met him when he snuck out of the palace."

Even though he knew that Baki had several valid points, the king continued to fill out the forms. "She knows nothing, Baki. That is why she is the perfect choice." The brunette finished signing the documents. It was finalized. When Gaara was older, he was to marry the princess.

"But what of your other son, his elder brother? Or even your daughter? Are they of no consequence? With Prince Gaara being what he is, he is more likely to kill her than marry her!"

Thinking of how disappointing his other children were, the king was certain of his choice. No matter what the consequences were, his will would be done. "That remains to be seen, Baki." This time the king did look up, freezing his attendant with the coldness of his gaze. "I am certain that with my blood my son will be able to handle any challenges presented."

Just as he uttered those words, an explosion shook the building. A councilman ran into the room uninvited. "Sire, it's Prince Gaara!" the frightened man exclaimed. "Prince Yashimaru attacked him and he snapped. He's destroying the west wing of the castle. What should we do?"

The trio of men braced themselves as another tremor passed through the building. The once peaceful night was now filled with sounds of terror. "Find Temari and send her to Gaara's location," the king ordered. The man immediately ran out to do King Sabaku continued in a grave voice before leaving the room. "Baki, gather the papers I just wrote up and burn them. When the girl and her family leave, make sure that they are taken care of. You're dismissed."

As he walked away, the king didn't see Baki slip the papers into a pocket.

Word Count: About 560

Hey, everyone. I'm sorry that I haven't been updating. Life, as it has this annoying habit of doing, got in the way. The laptop that I had the story on won't charge any more and, since I don't have any of it on a flash drive, I decided to type everything from scratch for both of my stories. I'm sorry of there are any errors. This isn't a computer that I'm using, so updating will be pretty hard.

On the subject of chapters it is important to note that I will now be telling them so that what happens is first centered around Gaara and the next chapter focuses on Matsuri. There will also be several plot differences, but since most of the story wasn't uploaded, I'll let you know what I have changed when I change it.

I might be able to update next weekend, but I really can't promise anything.

I want thank everyone who has read this and a double heaping of thanks goes to all the people who have reviewed, followed or added this story to their favorites.