-1A/N: Standard disclaimer applied

Quote: "Your not bald you're just taller than your hair."

Where we left off

"Alright lead the way. If we don't Hyuuga-san will get his panties in a twist."

"You really shouldn't speak of the king in such away Sakura-chan!"

Chapter 2: The Secret Study

Sakura sighed she should be more grateful but waking up early on a Saturday morning was just not how she imagined spending her weekend.

"Sorry Hina-chan, I guess I'm a little cranky"

"Well since this was pretty much your second home before I doubt you need a tour so let's begin with your duties. As a maiden of the court you must escort me and tend to me at social events unless ordered else wise. You must learn to make traditional tea and perform a traditional instrument as well as dance. You will study etiquette two hours a day. And you must take care of my lodging.

Also my father has added that you must maintain your grades. You may be like family to us but when guests are present you may never look us in the eye."

Sakura sighed this was more work than she had bargained for.

"Any ideas where to start on that list?"

"How about we get you dressed for the part first."

"Wait there is a dress code!"

"Only when in the palace."

Hinata chuckled lightly the look on Sakura's face was priceless. Sakura often read shoujo manga and Hinata could imagine that Sakura thought she'd be wearing a maid outfit or something.

Hinata led the way to Sakura's room sliding the door open. The room had tatami flooring and white walls painted with golden trimmings. . The room was nothing extravagant. It was simply furnished with a single bed, a wardrobe, a full length mirror and A few dark wood stained chests and night stands.

Walking over to the wardrobe Hinata pulled out a long white kimono decorated with light green leaves blowing in the wind. The yukata was also a light green. The kimono was simple compared to what Hinata wore, but the kimono still held its elegance.

Hinata left for Sakura to change into her uniform. Sakura found that the kimono fit her perfectly. She walked in front of the mirror and twirled innocently. She didn't look half bad. She fooled around with her shoulder length pink hair and then opened the door for Hinata to see.

Hinata's eyes glanced over Sakura's new attire and a small smile grew on her face. Hinata's eyes started to gain a mischievous glint.

"Sakura-Chan it looks great on you! You look adorable, we must show father as well!"

"Wait a minute, Hina. HINA. HINA-CHAN! WILL YOU LISTEN-"

"Better yet lets show Neji-san"

Sakura's eyes grew the size of dinner plates, terror evident on her face. I Neji Saw her like this he'd tell the guys. The guys meaning Naruto and Rock Lee. Then they would be over here everyday. She couldn't let that happen.

Sakura grabbed on to the nearest object which happened to be a pillar and stubbornly wouldn't let go.

A door across from them slid open catching their attention. Neji stood in the door frame looking down at his cousin trying to pry a Sakura off a pillar. Neji couldn't help but raise an eyebrow questioningly to the two females. Sakura and Hinata froze. Mostly Sakura.

Sakura lost all color in her face and went limp. Hinata took advantage of this opportunity to drag the limp Sakura over to Neji were she shoved in Neji's face excitedly.

"Neji! Isn't Sakura beautiful!?"

Neji's only response was "Is she alive?"

Hinata looked at Sakura to see that she'd fainted. Why did this always happen when tried to play matchmaker. She needed Ino's help.

Later that day…………………

Sakura had managed to escape Hinata after she had regained consciousness and stumbled across a place where she could relax.

In an old study she discovered a later that led to a secret room. There wasn't much beside some classic novels, bean bags and a few well placed lamps. It smelled of fresh lavender and old documents. It was exactly what she needed.

She grabbed a book labeled 'Jane Eyre' and sat down in one of the plush chairs. She didn't read the pages but she turned them over and over again with her hands. The soothing motion of the tarnished pages passing over her fingers calmed.

Her eyes grew heavy and soon she could no longer keep them open, she passed into the realm of the unknown.

He was having a rough day. The kind that made you want to put your head through the wall. The council took him aside to talk today. Royals like him marry early, they told him. And seeing as he was of the only male of age to continue the family name. He had to marry.

It wasn't all that bad he said to himself. All he needed to do is be engaged by the end of his senor year and he would become the heir.

Neji climbed the latter to his secret study only to find that he had a visitor. It seemed Sakura had come here to escape the madness of the house hold as well. He had noticed she held a book her that had fallen in her sleep.

He picked it up curiously and read the cover. It had been one of his favorites long ago but now it was neglected. He placed the book back on the shelf and glanced around the room. Until now he was the only one who knew about this place. He wondered if things would change now that she was here. For better? For Worst?

Neji made his way to the latter not wanting to disturb the pinkette.

"Please don't leave….Stay. Stay a bit longer…" the girl said through sobs.

Did she know he was here? Did she want him to stay? He looked at her face. She was certainly asleep, her eyes were closed. Water streaked down her cheeks. Were those tears?

Sakura shifted her weight slightly and a small whisper escaped her lips "…Mom…"

Neji picked up a blanket and put it over her. He was a gentleman after all. Then took his leave. But not before slipping a glance at her one last time. She was similar to him.

Sakura woke up with a blanket over and discovered the book had been placed back on the shelf. She wiped the crusted tears on the sleeve of her kimono and stretched. Al though the room had been dusty you could tell that someone was taking care of the room. She had no idea who it could be but she had to thank the stranger who had taken care of her.

Sakura stood up slowly and straightened her kimono. She still wasn't used to owning something of this nature. She climbed down the latter and looked at the sky. It was almost time for lunch. Where did she eat?

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