The New Nobility
December 27th, 1504.
Candlelight flickered and fluttered. Logs cracked and popped in the fireplace, sending warm waves of heat into the room.
The space was decorated with thick, lush fabrics and carpets stitched with ornate and intricate patterns.
In the center of the room was occupied by a large wooden table surrounded with chairs painstakingly carved to the finest detail.
Two twins sat at one end of the table, chuckling lightly, discussing the events of the day.
The first born twin, the Duke, sipped lightly at his wine, while the younger one rolled a grape between his fingers.
"Lady Hinata had quite a busy day," he mused, "It was certainly a birthday fit for Your Grace's daughter."
The Duke polished off his goblet and placed it down on the table. His brother poured him another glass.
"Ah, it was quite eventful for a child of only three. She went straight to bed."
"The lady is certainly the spitting image of you, my lord."
"She is…" the Duke trailed off. "How is your son, Hizashi?"
"He is in good spirits, quite happy to have been in the presence of Your Grace's family for the Lady's birthday today."
Hiashi downed his wine and sat in silence, watching as Hizashi chewed on the grape he had been toying with, absentmindedly. Realizing his brother's cup was empty, he reached for the pitcher to refill his cup. Hiashi held up his hand and his brother halted, placing the pitcher back on the table between them.
"You are lucky, brother," Hiashi finally admitted.
"May I inquire as to how so, my lord?" Hizashi popped another grape into his mouth and chased it down with the last of his wine.
"You have a son."
Hizashi frowned.
"Hiashi, you and the Duchess are still young, there is plenty of time to have a son."
"Perhaps."
"There is. God willing, you too will have a son."
"Yes," Hiashi tapped his fingers on the table. "I am just overthinking. Your son came so easily to you, I must admit I am a bit jealous."
"Surely-" Hizashi halted, mid sentence and looked across the apartment.
"You heard it too?"
Both men abruptly rose from their chairs, wood scraping across stone. They rushed out of the room and towards Hinata's bedchamber.
The door slammed open and they met a cloaked figure halfway towards Hinata's bed, knife gripped in hand.
"Hault!" Hiashi's voice was stern and commanding. He drew his sword and held it out to the cloaked figure.
Hizashi drew his sword as well, pointing it at the intruder. The man spun around and backed up, growing closer to Hinata.
The twins advanced on him, but the intruder had anticipated this and used their advance to create enough space between the two men and the door.
The intruder dashed across the room and avoided slashes before slipping out the door. Hiashi ran after him. Hizashi turned and called out to a servant.
A young boy, no older than twelve appeared at his side, bowing low.
"Yes, my lord?"
"Keep guard over Lady Hinata, do not let anyone near her, understood, Kō?"
Kō bowed again.
"With my life, my lord."
Hizashi ran out of the room, following in his brother's footsteps. His elegant slippers scraped softly against the stone of the palace halls as he chased after his brother.
He heard the clash of metal and the grunt and groan of a man meeting his mortality. He ran further down the hall and found his brother standing over the dead intruder.
"Who was it, sir?" Hizashi panted, coming to rest at his brother's side.
Hiashi bent over and pulled the hood off of the cloaked man.
He cursed quietly before looking back up at Hizashi.
"The Lightning ambassador."
Hizashi gasped and cursed.
"Your Grace," he whispered. When Hiashi didn't respond, Hizashi repeated himself, more urgently. The sounds of guards approaching reminded them of the urgency of their situation. The Duke of Moon had murdered an ambassador in the palace walls.
There was no evidence to back up their story.
Even if their King believed them, there was no way that the King of Lighting, King A, would ever be satisfied without justice.
"Your Grace!" urged Hizashi, "Take my sword."
Hizashi pressed the hilt into his brother's palm, urging him to take it. Hizashi then ripped the soiled sword out of the ambassador. The thick blood that stained the steel glowed ominously in the moonlight.
The guards approached.
"Hault! In the name of the King!"
The twins looked up at the guards and stood their ground.
"Your Grace," the main guard approached Hiashi while the others investigated the body. "What has happened here?"
Hizashi exchanged a pale glance with his brother before speaking up.
"If Your Grace will allow it, I should like to explain."
Hiashi gave a curt nod, wondering what his brother had in mind.
"I must admit," began Hizashi, "I heard an intruder in my lord's chambers. This man was in Lady Hinata's bedchamber. I must admit, I should have just detained him. Instead, I have slain him. God forgive me." Hizashi ended the confession with a blessing, drawing the shape of a cross over his torso. Hiashi followed his motions.
"Sir," began the guard, "these are heavy confessions. I apologize, but I must take you into custody."
Hizashi nodded and followed the guards willingly. Hiashi was left, clean sword in hand, shocked at how easily Hizashi had put his own life on the line for his brother's murder.
—
March 15th, 1505
"Sweetheart," the man's voice was slick with concern. "You should return to your mother, I do not know what possessed me to bring you here, but I have decided you should not stay."
His voice was barley audible over the crowds that had gathered on the prison grounds. A scaffold stood before them, a telltale block front and center.
"Father," quipped the little girl, "I thought I was to be taught like the boys."
"This, though," he clenched his hand over his daughter's small fist and she winced under the pressure. "This is too much for a five year old."
"I want to know the world, father."
"You are not ready to know this part of the world, sweet Tenten."
Tenten frowned. She didn't quite understand why everyone had gathered and what her father was so worried about.
There was to be an execution today. And while Tenten's governess had taught her the meaning of the word (execution was when the King punished bad men with death) the gravity of death was still outside the realm of her understanding.
The curious little girl scanned through the legs of the people who had gathered to see the execution of Lord Hizashi, brother to the Duke of Moon.
It was not often someone so prominent was executed these days and quite a crowd had gathered for the event.
She found the stern body of the Duke about fifteen feet away from her. Hiding behind him was a boy who appeared to be her own age. She could not see his face, but felt an aura of sadness radiate off of him and felt an ache in her heart.
The crowd erupted and Tenten suspected that the prisoner had been brought out. She crouched down, not caring that her skirt hems were growing muddy.
She peaked up through legs of the adults to see the haggard features of Hizashi Hyūga as he stumbled onto the scaffolding. When he regained his composure (it could be argued that he had barely lost it at all), he stood behind the block and addressed the crowd.
"Good Christian people of the Fire Kingdom!" His voice rose above the crowds, ringing brightly and subduing those who had gathered to watch. "I have come here today to die, as I have been rightfully judged to by His Majesty and the law. God save the King as he is a kind and just ruler. I beseech you to offer your prayers unto me, as I am afraid in my hour of death. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul."
Hizashi blessed himself and the crowd prayed with him, a handful offering out their blessing to the man.
Hizashi then knelt behind the block.
"Tenten, we should leave."
"Father, please. I am grown."
Hizashi looked up at the executioner.
"Do you forgive me?" Asked the executioner.
"Yes."
Gently, Hizashi laid his head down upon the block, resting his chin in the small curve that had been carved out.
The last thing Tenten saw was the way Hizashi closed his eyes, face pale, and stretched out fisted arms, shaking with anxiety.
Tenten felt her arm yanked back as her father pulled her through the crowd. She could no longer see the scaffold or the boy. She heard the sickening sound of metal slicing through flesh and the heavy thunk as the axe sunk into the wood. The softer thunk of the body falling away was swallowed up in the gasps and cheers and wails of the crowd.
Tenten tripped over her skirts as she was pulled through the throngs of people. She gripped the fabric and pulled it up in her tiny fist, revealing the mud-stained buckled shoes that had been hidden. Her tights were stained as well. The maids would scold her, but she didn't care. Tenten was too busy processing what had happened.
—
August 2nd, 1507
"There was only one survivor."
"His own family!"
"The Duke's own son!"
Nartuo strained his ears to listen to the whisperings in the hall.
"Your Highness," Irkua scolded.
"Yeah yeah, I know. Pay attention."
Naruto looked back down at his studies, a map of the world lay before him. The two sat at a spacious table in one of the royal libraries. Books and maps surrounded them. Iruka had hidden the globe from Naruto's prying eyes, knowing he would try and cheat.
Sunlight filtered through the thick glass of the windows and Iruka was grateful that they didn't need to burn any candles today.
Today's lesson was geography and Naruto was to label the great Kingdoms and the names of their Kings on the map.
He knew his own king and his own country. Why he needed to know more, he didn't know or care.
He tapped his quill against the paper and listened to the light way the tip scratched the parchment. He had written the word "fire" and the name "Hiruzen Sarutobi" inside the outline of their country and abandoned the rest when he heard the whisperings of court gossip. He'd heard the rumors, but he wasn't sure if any of them were true.
"Sir," he asked his professor, "What happened to the Duke of Ryūchi and his family?"
Iruka sighed. It was clear that no lessons would be completed today.
"If Your Grace had focused more on his history lessons, you might remember when I told you how our first king, King Hashirama came to power. After many years of war and unrest, the king helped bring about peace to our young country with the aid of his friend and closest advisor, His Grace Mandra, Duke of Ryūchi and Lord High Steward to His Majesty."
Naruto's eyes began to glaze over and Iruka snapped his fingers at the child, regaining his attention. It was a risky move, however, the little prince loved Iruka and he was not concerned about the boy tattling on him.
"However, the Duke became resentful and their friendship dissolved. There was a plot to overtake the throne and the Duke and his supporters were all arrested and convicted of high treason before being executed. There have been whisperings that some of his descendants still hold on to that same resent. Last night," Iruka sighed. Wasn't six a little young to be learning about murder? "Last night, the Duke's own son, Itachi, is said to have slain his entire family except for his younger brother, Sauske."
Naruto gasped.
"Where is Itachi now?"
"Gone," whispered Iruka, "he fled and no one knows where he has escaped to."
"Wow."
"It has been very unfortunate," agreed Iruka.
"Does this mean that Sasuke will become the new Duke of Ryūchi?"
"Yes, your highness. And we shall address him as such."
"And how do you address a duke again?" Naruto scratched his head, as if trying to recall a memory.
"You are to address him as your grace, highness."
"But aren't I sometimes called your grace?"
"Yes, but Dukes and Marquesses are also referred to the same way."
"But I am a prince!"
"Which is why we also call you Your Highness."
"Is anyone allowed to call Sasuke your highness?"
"No, your grace, they are not."
"Good."
Iruka sighed and failed to remind Naruto about the complexities behind the lineage.
King Hiruzen had two sons, the eldest delivered to God after having taken ill, and Asuma, his remaining son, also had the right to call himself prince. His title was, in fact, Prince of Kisaragi.
However, Hiruzen was not truly the king, not anymore. He was Lord Protector, or Regent, until Naruto was to come of age.
King Hiruzen had taken the crown from his childless predecessor, King Tobirama on the battlefield. The king had fallen, taken a mortal wound, and Hiruzen had stepped in his place, leading the army to victory.
With no heirs to speak of, no one questioned when the King's High Chancellor claimed the throne for himself. There was only one person left who could have claimed the throne from him, Tsunade, Princess of Shikkotsu and granddaughter of King Hashirama.
The princess's parents had died before the king, as had her brother, leaving her the only heir to the throne.
The Fire Kingdom worried about a woman inheriting the throne and King Hashirama and Queen Mito had tried and tried again to produce another son, however, Tsunade remained the only heir. However, at sixteen, Tsunade had run away from the palace at Shikkotsu and tucked herself somewhere in the country with a page and her principal lady in waiting. It was rumored she was in love with the page, Dan, and her faithful Lady Shizune had followed her out of the palace at night, promising to God and the tapestries that she would protect the princess.
No one has heard from Tsunade since. Searches were still conducted, however, they always produced nothing for their efforts.
Hiruzen was an odd king. While most men desired nothing more than to establish their family name, Hiruzen cared more about preserving the relations of the country. He carried a great guilt sitting upon his throne. He felt as if he did not deserve the title of King. He was not a king, he was a warrior who stepped up to protect his master's realm when he had fallen. So when he learned that his Principal Secretary had married Lady Kushina of Whirlpools, Hiruzen did something that no king has done before, he gave the throne to Lady Kushina and her new husband, Minato.
After all, Hiruzen was getting old and tired. He had no issue becoming the regent and enjoying the rest of his days in luxury.
If the prince, his son, minded at all, he did not say. Hiruzen knew that Asuma had a good heart and would not seek revenge against King Minato.
King Minato was a kind and just ruler. He made Hiruzen proud to have made the decision to step down. The king even kept Hiruzen in his confidence, seeking his wisdom and advice. Minato had even decreed that should something happen to himself and his wife, that Hiruzen should regain control of the crown and act as Lord Protector until the child the Queen was carrying came of age. Hiruzen promised the king he would live a long and happy life and that it would be trivial for him to sign such a document. Minato, however, was the King and Hiruzen reserved further judgement and signed the official document.
Their child was born and crowned Naruto, Prince of Myōboku.
Although, perhaps Hiruzen had tried too hard to restore the crown to its rightful place, because not even two years into his reign, King Minato and Queen Kushina were assonated in their sleep.
The prince, Naruto, had been spared, as he was away from court being cared for by his governess and royal household.
Hiruzen solemnly assumed his role as Lord Protector. His subjects continued to refer to him as king and majesty despite his insistence that he was only regent. He supposed that old habits died hard and let the people call him what they will.
Rumors spread quickly that an Uchiha had been behind the plot and Hiruzen ordered the entire Uchiha family in for questioning.
Fingers were pointed and Obito Uchiha was tried for regicide and sentenced to death.
Now all that Hiruzen had left to do in his old age was wait for the prince to turn fourteen. However, if the rumors about his studies were true, Naruto would not be ready to take the crown for some time. He was not focused on his studies nor did he have any skills as a leader.
Hiruzen and Iruka hoped these skills would develop in time, however. Hiruzen wanted to leave the throne in good hands and if that meant being Lord Protector longer than he intended, so be it.
But in order for Hiruzen to hand over the crown, Iruka needed to coax the prince into focusing.
This was easier said than done.
"Highness, we need to refocus on your studies."
"But you were technically teaching me history, Sir."
"Technically is quite the vocabulary for you, dear prince. Perhaps you have been listening."
"Do you think Sauske would want to join my household?" Naruto mused. "As a gentleman of my bedchamber?"
"I am not sure, highness, I do not see why he should oppose your most generous offer."
"Good. Now that he is alone, he will need companionship."
"Another big word, your grace."
Naruto grinned and laughed.
"Invite Sasuke to visit and I shall offer him a position!"
Iruka chuckled.
"As you wish."
—
January 1st, 1510
"Presenting Lord Neji Hyūga and Lord Sasuke Uchiha!"
The two boys entered the throne room, walking stiffly, feigning the grace that their elders seemed to learn with such ease.
They were both dressed elegantly in rich silks and jewels.
Sasuke was to inherit his father's title of Duke of Ryūchi.
Neji was to be granted a title as well, Earl of Birds. Since his father had held no title, there had been none for him to inherit upon his death. Even if there was a title to inherit, it would have been a disgraced title.
After his execution Hiashi had taken Neji in, treating him as a son, keeping him educated, clothed and fed. They both knew that it was Hiashi who should have died, but they never discussed the matter.
Why Neji was being made an Earl, he did not know. The king was known to be a gracious man, but gracious enough to reward the son of a convicted murderer? Perhaps the king knew the truth? That his father had died to protect the Duke. And perhaps this was simply a pity title created for the ten year old. Sorry we chopped off your father's head, here's an Earldom, my lord.
Neji bit his tongue. The whole premise behind his father's death angered him to no end and while they were investing in his future, Neji sometimes wondered what it would be like to remove himself from noble life altogether.
Something didn't add up, but Neji was not one to argue his rise to power. Hiashi had told him the importance of the title he was about to be granted. He would not be quite as important as the Duke, himself, but he would be his own man, own good land, make good money, and be able to take a notable wife.
Neji tried to ignore the way his boots pinched his toes. Hiashi had purchased him a new outfit for today and he had yet to soften the leather of the new shoes.
His cousin Hinata had helped the Duchess sew his shirt and Hiashi had presented Neji with a pearl collar that his father had owned. Neji felt the weight of the gold and pearls heavy on his shoulder now.
He and Sasuke approached the king and bowed low.
"Majesty," they said in unison.
"Arise boys," urged the king. Neji straightened out and met the king's gaze.
"Step forward, Lord Hyūga."
Neji pushed his legs forward until he was only a couple of feet away form the king, the closest he'd ever been.
The king stood up from his chair. Neji couldn't help but notice how short the man was. And wrinkled. He looked tired.
"Today, you shall be known henceforth as Earl of Birds." The king held out a coronet of gold strawberry leaves and eight silver balls (or pearls) trimmed with red velvet. Neji knelt on a low, lushly decorated stool and allowed the king to place the coronet on his head.
A secretary began reading out loud from his patent of creation, although Neji did not take in many of the words. The language was a bit overwhelming for his age and with all eyes on him, he had to admit he felt nervous. He heard his name, his title and the sentence a thousand pounds a year while the king draped a cloak of red velvet and ermine over his shoulders.
Once his charges were read, the secretary rolled the scroll and handed it to the king, who presented it to Neji.
He stuck his hand out from the cloak and accepted the patent from the king.
He heard the rustle of fabrics crinkling behind him and glanced back quickly to see that the audience had bowed down to him, everyone mumbling "My lord," to him.
Neji chewed the inside of his lip and turned back to the king, bowing his head.
"Thank you, majesty."
The king nodded and Neji rose, bowing low as he backed away, careful not to trip over the hem of his new robe. The robe had been draped over his hair and it tugged at the locks. He returned to his uncle's side, standing slightly in front of him. Without a word, Hiashi discreetly released Neji's hair from under the robe.
Neji watched as Sasuke was ushered forward to receive his new title.
Sasuke looked more comfortable than Neji had felt, but he also sensed the same feelings of hurt and frustration on the boy.
Having been the only survivor of the massacre, inheriting the title of Duke must have been bittersweet.
"Today, you shall be known henceforth as Duke of Ryūchi." The king placed a coronet decorated with five strawberry leaves and trimmed with red velvet. Sasuke also received a cloak of red velvet and ermine. Neji noted the extra row of sealskin spots on Sasuke's robe. He had four and Neji had three, another way to announce their ranks.
Today would be one of the few days that Neji would have to wear this costume and for that, he was happy. He would only be expected to don the cloak and crown again for a royal coronation, which would not be for a long time.
The coronet sat heavily on his head and Neji felt a small headache begin to form.
As the crowed had bowed before Neji, they now bowed down to the new Duke, Neji included. A chorus of "Your grace," echoed thorough the throne room before heads slowly rose.
Sasuke had not peered back to see the crowed bowing down to him, he had been raised to accept this fate and thought nothing of it.
When they were dismissed, Neji followed his uncle back to their apartments, removing the coronet from his aching temples. A groom came and took the coronet from his small hands and pulled the robe off of his shoulders.
"Neji," his uncle ushered him to join him by the fire.
Neji bowed lightly and approached the Duke.
"Now that you are an Earl, you have been given your own lands and estate and household."
Neji nodded, listening intently.
"Today you are to become your own man and will no longer be under my charge. You shall make leave for your new estate right away where you will work on your studies until you are old enough to attend court on your own."
"I've had the gentleman begin packing your things. You shall leave at eight tomorrow."
"Yes, your grace."
Hiashi nodded and Neji bowed again before leaving the man's presence. He suspected he would not see the Duke again for some time.
—
March 9th, 1512
Tenten grunted as she was yanked and jiggled around the dressing room by her maid. The woman was dressing her, albeit rather roughly. She had been stuffed into stockings and shoes and her petticoats had been secured in place. An sapphire blue skirt was pulled over her head and synched at the waist.
Tenten instinctively fisted her arms in front of her for the maid to put on her kirtle. It was the same blue as her skirts. The piece was laced up the back and pulled tight, causing Tenten to gasp. The low cut square neckline allowed her cleavage to show and the tightening of the kirtle laces pulled the piece closer to her, flattening her silhouette and pushing up her small breasts and they rose, swelling over the collar whenever she exhaled.
Sleeves were then sewn on. They pressed tight against her arms and then fanned out at the elbow, dripping low to the floor.
Once she was dressed, the maid began to brush the girl's hair.
Tenten looked at her reflection in the mirror and marveled at the outfit she now wore. It was a birthday present from her parents and she needed to look her best, as she was to be presented to the Queen today.
"May I wear my hair as I usually do?" She asked.
"No, my lady, her grace has requested you wear your hair in a more elegant fashion today."
Tenten frowned. "But I like my buns," she lamented.
"It is not appropriate for meeting the Queen, my lady."
Tenten turned to face the woman, looking up with doe eyes.
"There must be some compromise. You are so creative, surely you can come up with something!"
The maid sighed.
"I shall see what I can do."
"Thank you!" Tenten bounced in her heels and turned back to the mirror excitedly and watched as the woman began to style her hair.
After forty minutes Tenten's hair was twisted and braided into two elegant, shallow buns, with half of her hair still down and tight ringlets framed her face. A rounded hood of matching blue and trimmed with gold lace was pinned to her head, as was the fashion, and her buns could only be seen from behind.
A heavily jeweled necklace was fastened around her neck and matching earrings dangled from her lobes. Lastly, a red rouge was spread across her lips and into her cheeks.
Now that she was twelve, Tenten was expected to start attracting the men at court. She did not, however, feel old enough and was nervous about having to marry a man much older than her.
The door opened and a man entered the room. Tenten turned and curtsied along with her maids.
"His grace, the Marquess of Mountains."
The man approached and Tenten rose from her curtsy and smiled up at the Marquess.
"Father!" She spun around, showing off her dress. "How do I look?"
Her father smiled down at her, laughing lightly.
"All the ladies at court are sure to be jealous!"
Tenten giggled.
"Where is mother?"
"She is waiting for us, walking her gardens making sure her plants are doing well."
"Will we be at court for very long? I hope that her garden is well taken care of, we have worked hard on it."
Tenten's mother had a beautiful herb garden with everything planted in according to the moon's cycle.
Her mother had no trust for physicians and preferred treating ailments with ointments and pastes over leeches and bleedings.
Her mother had spent much time teaching Tenten how her garden was laid out and the uses for every plant and how to make cures.
"We shall not be at court long, but if all goes well, sweetheart, you shall."
"Am I to stay there without you?" She raised a confused brow.
"Yes, I would like to present you to Queen Biwako to be a lady in waiting."
"Father! What an honor! Thank you!" Tenten jumped up and gave him a quick embrace.
When they broke her father spoke again.
"Now, shall we collect your mother and be on our way?"
—
April 17th, 1513
Sakura tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She was nervous and the tightness of her gown did nothing to quell her anxieties.
On either side of her stood two other ladies. All three were waiting to be presented to the Queen to join her household as ladies in waiting.
Sakura wore a green dress patterned with ivory flowers and tight sleeves. It had been an expensive purchase for her father, the Baron, but he had thought the cost necessary for his daughter to impress the queen and place her in the center of court life in order to attract a wealthy suitor.
She wore her hair down and in loose ringlets that were quickly falling out. Her straight hair had trouble holding any type of curl but she had tried hard today.
On her left stood a blonde dressed in a silvery grey dress. Her hair was twisted and braided into an elegantly curled ponytail. She radiated confidence and dared to wear a color that suggested to Sakura that she had always wanted to wear purple. However, being a royal color, the woman had to settle for the soft grey.
On her right was the daughter of the Duke of Moon. After twelve years of marriage, the duke was only able to produce two daughters. And while he and his wife still hoped for a son, the duke had decided to send Hinata to court to serve under the Queen to refine her skills. As it was growing more likely every day that she would be his heir.
The duke's daughter had very elegant and regal features about her. Sakura imagined how beautiful she could be as a queen. The Hyūga was dressed in a pale yellow dress trimmed with pearls.
While Sakura and her blonde companion, Ino, were dressed elegantly as ladies of noble birth, Hinata's dress must have cost as much as theirs combined.
Instead of a hood, Hinata wore a simple, yet elegant tiara, gold peaking out between purple locks. It was decorated with pearls. It could hardly be called a tiara, it was so modest with no flashy peaks or expensive gems. Sakura envied the girl and her outfit, feeling severely under dressed in her own gown.
"Her Majesty the Queen!"
The queen entered the room gracefully, two ladies following her. Sakura dropped into a low curtsy as the queen crossed the room and stood before them. Sakura felt the woman smile down at them. When she spoke, her voice was strong, powerful, and beautiful.
The queen was dressed richly in black velvet with gold stitching. She wore an expensive looking necklace, a cross decorated with rubies and pearls and large tear drop pearl earrings. On her head she wore a black hood stitched with gold and pearls. A large ruby ring adorned her finger. Sakura was in awe at the grace and beauty of the older woman before her.
"My ladies, it is so good of you to join me here at court. While you are in my service I expect you to always be virtuous and honest and kind and discrete in your actions. We attend mass in the mornings and evenings and between masses you are free to work on your skills, be they embroidery, literature, music or art and everything in between."
Sakura's legs were cramping in her low curtsy and she felt relieved when the Queen excused herself and handed over the duty of teaching to her principal lady in waiting, Lady Hana Inzukaka, daughter of the Earl of Hot Water.
When the Queen retired to her bedchamber Hana spoke plainly.
"Ladies, you are here to serve her majesty the queen. While in her service I expect you to act as her good servants. You shall not question her motives nor shall you engage in court gossip. You shall do nothing to upset her majesty and if her majesty's requests conflict with the king's…" Hana trailed off here and Sakura chewed her lip. What could that possibly mean? Hana lowered her voice to a whisper. "You shall act discreetly and never speak of it. Any questions?"
"Lady Hana?" Hinata's voice was surprisingly timid for a daughter of her standing. Sakura was surprised that behind such sleek and elegant features came such a terrified, meek voice.
"You may speak, Lady Hinata."
"What could the king ask of us that would upset her majesty?" She whispered timidly, Sakura could barley hear the question and strained harder to hear Lady Hana's answer.
"Should the king invite you to his bedchamber, my lady would be very distraught to learn of the news."
Sakura didn't think it was possible for Hinata to be any more fair skinned, but when the older girl answered them, Hinata paled.
Sakura trembled nervously. Surely the king would not want to see her in that way. She prayed he would not. She could not forsake her virginity to lay under a man so old and unattractive.
Ino did not seem phased by the prospect. She was the daughter of an Earl and, apparently, more accustomed to court life than Sakura.
Hana turned to walk away and began to speak again.
"You three will have dresses fashioned in the style that my lady desires," Hana waved her hand down her own dress of beaded ivory dresses trimmed with red and gold.
"You may rest today, but tomorrow your duties start. At four we will have the tailor over to have you fitted."
Hana walked into the hall and opened a door where a spacious double bed was trimmed with a velvet canopy and sheets patterned in swirls and flowers.
"Lady Sakura, Lady Ino, you two shall share this bed."
Hana turned to Hinata and spoke again.
"One of my ladies has become indisposed and has had to leave court and her majesty's service. You shall take her bed with the Lady Tenten. Come, I will show you." Hana turned to Sakura and Ino before speaking again. "I shall leave you two to unpack. Dinner will be served at seven and mass to follow at eight thirty." Hinata and Hana then left Sakura alone with Ino. Their trunks had been delivered and were awaiting them to unpack.
Sakura studied the room. A large window allowed sunlight to filter in and there were two pieces of each furniture, including a vanity, a dresser and a closet.
Ino's voice tore her out of her thoughts.
"So, you're the daughter of the Baron of the Sea?"
Sakrua whipped her head around to meet Ino's jealous glare.
"Y-yes, I am, Lady Ino."
"Well," she turned her nose up at Sakura, "I am the daughter of the Earl of Rivers and you should treat me as such. After all," she smirked, "My father is petitioning the king to marry me to the newly made Duke of Ryūchi."
Sakura frowned. Her new bedmate was certainly… proud. She wondered if Ino would follow her own logic and treat the Lady Hinata better than she intended to be treated, or even the Lady Tenten, daughter of the Marquess of Mountains and High Constable to the king.
Sakura bit her tongue though, as making such a point would not earn her favor with anyone.
She excused herself from their bedroom, deciding to unpack later and give Ino the first pick of the furniture. She returned to the main room of the apartment and paced around lightly, pausing to study books and flowers and the other objects and decorations that adorned the room.
"Lady Sakura,"
Sakura spun around to meet the gaze of another lady approaching her with a smile. She had dark brown hair, matching eyes and wore an elegant necklace studded with rubies and pearls.
Her hair was braided and twisted into two buns tucked behind her hood. Sakura guessed she was the Lady Tenten.
"Welcome to court, my name is Tenten. I hope you will be comfortable here and that you may come to me if you have the need to seek the confidence of another."
"Lady Tenten, thank you." Sakura looked around the room, suddenly feeling very homesick. "How long have you been at court?"
"A little over a year."
Sakura paused, picking lightly at the hem of her kirtle.
"Is something on your mind, Lady Sakura?" Tenten approached her, closing the distance between the two girls.
"Well, Lady Hana warned us about gossip and other matters…"
Tenten giggled lightly, understanding what type of matter 'other matters' actually was.
"Are you concerned about her warnings, Lady Sakura?"
"Is there any truth to them?" she whispered.
"Indeed." Tenten leaned in and whispered lightly in Sakura's ear. "My bedmate took with child. It is not her husband's."
Sakura gasped.
"I-is it-"
"No," answered Tenten, cutting off the girl before she mentioned the king. "I do not believe that has happened in some time. But infidelity and lewd behavior is not tolerated by her majesty and she was dismissed from service and court."
Sakura was relieved, chances were she would not have to lay with the king after all.
"Lady Sakura, I much enjoy taking walks in the garden this time of day. Would you like to accompany me?"
"Of course. I would love to see the gardens."
"Wonderful, follow me and I shall show you around." Tenten turned and stuck her head into the next room. Sakura heard her call to Hana and explain their leave. When she returned they walked towards the door and it opened for them.
Sakura followed Tenten into the corridor and she was lead down hallways and between buildings until they reached the lawn.
Sakura watched the hem of Tenten's skirts trail lightly over the crushed stone pathway that they walked leading into the gardens. A thick hedge maze had been carved out and large areas with fountains and benches were never far off.
They waded through the garden for what seemed like ages. Sakura was amazed that Tenten knew her way through the maze. Sakura had lost her bearings three fountains ago. After ten more minutes a secluded space opened up with a couple long benches and another fountain.
"Come sit with me, Lady Sakura, we should rest before our walk back to the palace."
"Of course." Sakrua followed her to a long, shady stone bench. Tenten closed her eyes and listened to the water in the fountain. After several minutes of silence Sakura watched Tenten's eyes flutter open and she sat up.
"Can you keep a secret, Lady Sakura?"
"Of course, Lady Tenten." Her second piece of court gossip. She hadn't even been in court for a whole day. "You have my trust."
"On pain of death?"
"I'm sorry?"
"Do you swear on pain of death?"
"I-I do, Lady Tenten, you may confide in me."
"Good, thank you. I hope you know you may confide in me just as much."
Tenten stood up and walked over to the fountain, eyeing it carefully. She dipped her fingers in the water, finding a piece of fishing line tied to the stem of a lily pad. Sakura raised a brow and watched as Tenten pulled the line out of the water. She gathered whatever was at the end into the palm of her hand and returned to Sakura's side. She held her palm out, revealing a small charm in the shape of a heart.
"What is that?"
"My future." Tenten smiled. Sakura paled. Was she witnessing something evil?
"I am sorry?"
Tenten must have sensed her anxiety and changed the subject, closing her palm around the charm before tucking it into her pocket.
"What do you hope for in life, Lady Sakura?"
"Well, I hope to please my father and marry well. It is why I have come to court."
"But what do you hope for? For yourself? Not your father, not any other man. What does Lady Sakura desire?"
"I-I suppose I've never thought of that."
"You should, women have just as much right to be happy as men. Although we must act discreetly in our efforts. Find what you desire most in life and find a way to make it happen. But be careful as to how you go about it."
"Thank you for the kind advice. I will take it to heart."
"I hope so, Lady Sakura. I believe in furthering the influence of women at court."
Tenten quieted when they heard the gravel crunch nearby.
Sakrua worried. What if someone had heard Tenten? Would the king be upset? Would she get in trouble for hearing Tenten's words?
An elegant looking boy entered the gardens and Tenten smiled, as if knowing he was due to show up.
Was this also a secret? Tenten was only 13, surely she could not have taken a lover! She was too young!
Sakura watched Tenten rise to greet the intruder. The boy was elegantly dressed in a dark blue doublet and jerkin stitched with silver threads. His breeches matched and he wore black hose and black leather boots. The ruffle of his shirt poked out from his sleeves and collar and he wore a simple gold collar adorned with pears around his shoulders. His long, dark hair was tied back in a low ponytail and Sakura thought the boy to be quite handsome.
He looked very much like Hinata and Sakura realized that he was Neji Hyūga, and an Earl.
Sakura stood quickly, offering a curtsy, just as Tenten had slipped into her own.
Sakura heard Tenten giggle lightly. "My lord," she offered.
Neji bowed back to them.
"Ladies," he offered.
Tenten rose and skipped to his side, a smile painted on her lips. He held out his arm, which she took a little to eagerly for Sakura's tastes. They walked back over to the bench and Tenten sat him down between her and Sakura.
"Sir," she started, "I would like to introduce you to Lady Sakura Haruno. She is to be lady in waiting to her majesty."
Neji turned to look over at the lady and Sakura sat nervously, watching his pale eyes, regal eyes much like Hinata's, take in and judge her form. She noted that Tenten's arm was still looped through his.
"Welcome to court, Lady Sakura." Neji finally said, with an easy grace. And then he leaned in towards her ear. "Do not follow Lady Tenten though, she has a terrible sense of direction."
"Neji!"
Sakura giggled.
"I'm not sure, my lord, she lead me all the way to this corner of the gardens. I must admit I was lost as soon as we entered."
"You will learn your way around soon enough."
"And you," Tenten looked up to Neji. "I am so glad to see you back at court. I have missed you dearly!"
He smirked and brushed off her worry with ease.
"Have you two known each other long?" Asked Sakura.
"Neji is my dearest friend here at court," quipped Tenten. "I trust him more than any lady here."
Neji looked down at Sakura.
"She arrived at court about a year ago and knew no one else our age. For some reason, she insists on following me around. Although," he looked over at her, with a frown, "I fear she must be more discrete as people may wonder if our friendly affections are more than just that."
"Which is why I have brought a companion with me today!"
"Hn." Sakura watched Neji's pale eyes roam from her to her new friend. "Still, I should hate to tarnish your reputation and ruin your chances for a good marriage."
"Nonsense, I am far more likely to ruin my reputation on my own. I do not need your help for that, my lord." Tenten winked at Sakura, who was wondering how to take in the wave of information she was receiving. "Speaking to my reputation, I fear I shall have no issue forgetting my manners. The Lady Hinata, your cousin, is my new bedmate."
"Shall I pray for the Lady Hinata's safety then?"
"Perhaps," Tenten giggled.
"I should take my leave," Neji said, rising. Sakrua and Tenten rose with him and curtsied lightly. Neji bowed. "Perhaps I shall see you two at dinner tonight? I am to attend to his majesty this evening."
"I am afraid you shall not be seeing Lady Sakura or your cousin at dinner tonight, their duties do not start until tomorrow."
"Then I wish you the best of luck. I should hope to find time to stop by the Queens apartments to visit her majesty and my cousin. Perhaps tomorrow."
"Shall you visit me as well, my lord?" Tenten seemed to enjoy teasing him and Sakura guessed it would not take much for others to be suspicious of their friendship, young as they were.
"I can't imagine I have the choice, my lady."
"Come, Lady Sakura, we should return to the Queen and leave My Lord Neji to return to his duties. After all, an Earldom doesn't rule itself."
Neji rolled his eyes and Tenten giggled before taking her leave out of the garden. She returned only moments later, poking her head behind the tall hedge.
"Neji," she hissed, "which way back to the palace?"
Sakrua's held her hand to her face, hiding the way her lips parted in shock.
Neji smirked and held out his arm for Sakura. She took it timidly and they walked up to Tenten who clasped his other arm.
As Neji navigated them out of the gardens, the three parting when they grew closer to others, not wanting anyone to draw ill conclusions of their relationships. When they drew near the palace walls, they bowed to each other and parted ways.
On the way back to the queen's apartments Tenten detoured and showed Sakura around a little.
Luckily, they did not get lost and Sakura was relieved to return to her new room.
Ino and Hinata were sitting at a small table playing cards and sipping wine. Tenten excused herself and slipped into the queen's bedchamber to help her prepare for dinner.
"Lady Sakura!" Hinata seemed much more relaxed now that she had some time to unpack and unwind from her travels. "I see Lady Tenten has shown you the gardens! Are you enjoying court so far?"
Sakura sat down at the table with the other two girls and let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm afraid it will take some getting used to," she admitted.
A/N: Okay guys, this was an establishing chapter. I have no clue if I'll ever have another chapter of anything ever come close to the length of this one. Please let me know what you think! I had this idea after re watching the Tudors. I have plans for almost every character at court and I'm super excited about this new story!
Rest assured, there will be tons of pairings, although they may not play out right away as you might hope, but that's what keeps the story fun, right? ;)