A/N: Hey Everyone! I'm taking a short break from my main story because this idea has been nagging at me for a while now. I'm completely in love with the fantasy genre and hope my ideas carried over well onto paper. This is more of a prologue instead, and so the next update will be chapter one.

Disclaimer: Don't own.

Warnings: None so far.

Prologue

The Runaway Prince

...

Even the sun sets in the world of royalty and that was something Naruto greeted happily each day with an exhausted smile. When the sun's light ceased to shine prevalently over the vast lands of Lavonia, it meant his duties were officially over for the day. Being the only son to King Minato and Queen Kushina, he was loved and well watched after like a prized possession. At times though, it seemed as if that was all he was, a prized possession. His mother always made it a habit to over dress him like a china doll instead of the growing man he wanted to be. His father, on the other hand, thought him so fragile that Naruto practically had to sneak around for any form of excitement. This wasn't a life of royalty and it surely wasn't a life Naruto wanted in the least. He was as free as their pet cat, which lounged around lazily from room to room. But even then, at least the cat was allowed to wonder where she pleased. Everywhere the blonde went, he had to constantly be escorted by a guard.

"I'm so tired of it all," Naruto mumbled out tiredly as he saw the last rays of light recede over the mellow horizon. Backing away from the large window pane, he strode towards his bed, drained because of all the studies he'd absorbed in that day. Multiple candles were already pre lit along the chamber walls as Naruto lightly blew each of them out. God forbid the candles start walking and set fire to the curtains. Naruto laughed lightly at the thought but was easily lost to the comfort of the mattress as he climbed into bed. The rich fabric lulled him in and it wasn't long before the blonde was softly snoring underneath the beige covers.

Morning came too quickly as it did the day before and the entrance doors were slightly opened to reveal a lavender-haired maid, making her way in with a tray of water and clothes. She set it down gradually on the night stand and stroked the prince's unruly hair.

"Naruto-kun, its morning," she spoke, feeling a bit guilty for disrupting his peaceful slumber. The young boy stirred awake and stretched his arms high above his head. Naruto had developed an easy routine every morning as he lifted his upper torso upright to face the girl. He sat, immobile, as she muttered a small apology before lifting his night shirt right over his head. In seconds, a light brown tunic took its place, fitting his form tighter than the other.

"I don't know why mother insists on giving you these ridiculous orders when she knows that I can clearly change myself." Naruto groaned as she combined a few knots out of his hair. She chuckled lightly, while he yawned, a bit of moisture gathering at his eyes. Unchanging as yesterday, Hinata took a damp wash cloth and begin rubbing the fabric against his neck.

"My apologies Naruto-kun, I know how much you dislike the treatment but it is my orders." She replied back professionally, rubbing gently at the flawless skin.

The blonde only nodded with no reply as he let her continue with her duties. Mornings were always annoying because of this repetition. Hinata wasn't much older than he was and she could clearly dress herself in the morning. He didn't know whether to feel privileged or insulted that his mother felt a maid was necessary to help him get dressed. Naruto mentioned the issue many times with her but nonetheless, Kushina simply explained it as a luxury of royalty. Furthermore, Naruto should be grateful for being so pampered. The blonde didn't even bother with a retort, wondering the whole time if it'd be better he'd been born a girl. Ironically, the same thought resurfaced again that evening when he was called to the throne room. Following the guard to the destination, he didn't expect the conversation that was about to happen and certainly didn't imagine that it would change his world forever.

...

"I refuse to marry him!" Naruto yelled out angrily at his mother and father. Standing in front of the King and Queen of Lavonia, the blonde stood his ground and glared angrily at the two. Regardless of the fact that they both brought him into this world, neither had the right to decide his future.

"Naruto sweetie, you have to understand your role as Prince of Lavonia." Kushina tried, swiftly rising from her throne to embrace her trembling son. "I'm truly sorry for having to bring you such bad news so close to your birthday, but it's inevitable."

Naruto lightly pushed away her warmth and turned his back to the two people he trusted most. He understood perfectly the role of a prince. Being the first born son, Naruto was supposed to carry on the line of his father. How would it be even plausible to factor in the marriage of a neighboring kingdom?

"My duty as crown prince is to carry on the line of the Namikaze, mother. That goal is obviously unattainable if I am married off to Orden's crowned prince." Naruto replied back bitterly, all manners flying out the window.

"You're wrong my son," Minato answered, calm and collected unlike the shivering boy. "A prince's duty is to his Kingdom. You do whatever is asked to make sure the future of Lavonia never falters but only rises in glory. Orden is a very powerful country and we've been on edge with them for a while. It wasn't until recently that a truce was made to ally our two countries together. You don't understand the advantages Lavonia has gained with this new support."

Naruto stayed silent letting the words soak into his already muddled mind. His father was always goading him into the grandeur of sacrificing oneself for their country. It might have worked when he was five but turning fifteen in two days' time, the thought of glory didn't sound so satisfying. Calming his erratic heart, Naruto sighed loudly and carefully turned to face his parents. Kushina was knelt down next to him, her eyes resolute while she slowly reached for his hand. The blonde didn't refuse the touch as her thumb ran soothing circles along his skin. Focusing on his father, Naruto narrowed sapphire orbs at the King and stood confidently.

"If the alliance has already been created, why would I need to marry the King's son?" Naruto inquired at the loose ends of the treaty.

Minato shook his head, disappointed that Naruto couldn't read between the lines. "It hasn't been sealed, Naruto. In order to have finalization, there needs to be something to anchor it. Otherwise, the treaty would be nothing but a piece of paper."

"I still don't understand how this involves me?" Naruto rudely questioned. All motion ceased as Kushina rose from the ground to stand above the boy. Her hands hastily left the prince's, frowning at Naruto's brazen manners.

"Be grateful that you have been given a chance to do something for your Kingdom," Kushina fiercely stated to him. "You keep telling me that you're not a boy anymore Naruto, but your childish way of thinking only disproves that theory once more."

That comment definitely quieted him down as Naruto stood there, unwavering. He drew his gaze away, embarrassed, and down casted it to the floor.

"I don't have much freedom as it is mother." The boy started, feeling all anger slowly dissipate when the words of reality began to cave in. "Is it really too much, that I wish to choose the one I bind myself to?"

With the change in atmosphere and Naruto's statement, Kushina felt a bit guilty for pushing her son so hard to accept the proposal. She was whole heartedly against it but her opinion didn't matter when it came to Lavonia's well-being. The red-headed beauty looked to her husband for support but Minato was just as distressed.

It was as if the King was being backed into a corner with only one escape route. There was no uncertainty that he had to comply with Orden's request or else, their country would falter. Naruto didn't understand and even if he were to explain it to him, the bid was still too high. In all honesty, Minato didn't know that King Fugaku would throw in such a demand. Seeing that Oden's King had two sons, it wasn't a problem to marry the younger one to Naruto. He was positive the end goal was to test Lavonia's seriousness with the treaty. Handing over Naruto would be the same in handing over the throne because Naruto wouldn't be able to continue their family line. It was a dealing of trust and Minato couldn't refuse. A loud cough suddenly broke through the silence and the King returned his gaze to Naruto.

"If there is no other option, please grant me a night undisturbed while I await my future." Naruto requested.

Minato nodded in comprehension and watched his son stride off in a defeated manner.

"Is there really nothing that can be done about the situation at hand?" Kushina asked, instantly at her husband's side. "I just don't know if Naruto can handle so much pressure for his age."

"You know as well as I do that there is no way we can refuse Fugaku's appeal. I think that even for Naruto's age, he should understand better than anyone else the importance of his sacrifice." Minato replied back sternly. Kushina had only hoped her husband was right, and stood to take her leave as well.

...

Even with the gossip of the crown prince's engagement circulating the castle, night came as it did before. The castle was dead silent, not even a squeak or rustle of the curtains could be heard. Unfortunately, it made his escape all the more noticeable. Naruto knew it was wrong. No, it was more than just wrong, it was treason. The boy idly wondered why he'd stoop so low as to run but the glint of freedom easily over powered that thought. He maneuvered through the secret passage he'd found eons ago behind a burgundy curtain. Making sure to stay inaudible, Naruto squeezed through the claustrophobic space, debating if he should've carried such a big bag. Like a snake, he slid through the walls swiftly and exhaled happily at the sign of the passage widening. Upon reaching the route's end, Naruto sighed in content because it was smooth sailing from there. The opening led him straight into the forest and in day, he could be in the next town of Carthage.

The forest wouldn't be an obstacle at all, since Naruto was fairly familiar with it, so everything was at his advantage. Adjusting the heavy bag over his shoulders, the blonde continued on his journey towards a new life. The ruby covered sheath of his sword swung in sync with his movements and set a steady repetitive sound. Naruto persisted through the vegetation, pushing through stray vines and branches. During the short length of his escape though, all he could think about was the disappointment and shame he'd brought. When the sun rises over Lavonia tomorrow, there would be no prince to endure his daily routines. There would only be heart break from his beloved parents because their only son had chosen to run away.

...

A/N: I know a lot of people might bash about oocness from the characters but, I really want to develop those characteristics along the way. Please review and tell me what your thoughts are! Should I continue?