Chapter 3-Consequences
At the sound of the nasally voice of Lady Homura, Hinata went rod stiff like a prey sensing danger. Instinct told her to not look back but to run and hide.
But she knew she couldn't outrun the influence of the woman. She was the Hokage's advisor and such had a big influence within her village—Konoha. Hiding would merely add fuel to whatever conspiracy might come up and the woman's spies can smell out a scandal in their sleep.
Perhaps Lady Homura hadn't witnessed anything untoward and thereby nothing worthy of gossip. Perhaps she was merely stopping her to exchange pleasantries.
A perfect lovely fantasy.
With a smile fixed in place, Hinata turned to confront danger head on. And her smile almost vanished with whom she saw was accompanying Lady Homura.
'Oh my god.' Hinata thought. Lady Homura was bad enough, but to add to Hinata's growing dismay, at her side stood TenTen, her cousin-in-law. Her raised brow and thinned lips showed a mixture of confusion, concern and shock.
What on earth was she doing here and with Lady Homura of all people? While she knew her cousin would be attending this gathering with her and the others, he hadn't mention bringing his wife along with him.
"Who was that with you?" Lady Homura demanded pointedly, her voice full of haughtiness. Her brown eyes flashed dangerously in the evening light. The woman may be well in age but her eyes still hold that spark that made Hinata want to crawl under a rock and to never be found again.
Hinata opened her mouth to respond but nothing came out. To any passerby she may as well look like a fish out of water. When Hinata didn't immediately respond—for she could not think of one face saving thing—the advisor to the Hokage flicked a hand at her she made an inspection of her from head to hell and then up again. "You should be ashamed of yourself, young woman. I realize that this is your first time out and away from your family, but in Uzushiogakure's society—generally any—a woman is expected to comport themselves better than those of the red light district. Loose morals have no place here."
If Hinata wanted to crawl under a rock previously, after a dressing down like that, she might as well combusted into ashes and be blown away with the wind. Here world came crumbling down around her and she could do little to stop the destruction.
At the side of Lady Homura, TenTen looked on with a frown marring her beautiful face. She was the exact opposite of the old woman with her small-boned frame and impeccable manners. She was dressed in a wonderfully made pink Kimono with roses and petals adorning the outfit. Her hair was in two buns with a senbon doing through each, holding them in place.
TenTen seem unwilling to convict Hinata without fair hearing. "Lady Homura, I'm sure you are mistaken. I've known Hinata since she was a little girl. If you'd just give the poor girl a chance, I'm certain she has a perfectly reasonable explanation." TenTen finished, looking at Hinata. She was hoping Hinata had a logical explanation.
Hinata could've kissed the woman, god bless her. TenTen always had a fondness for her and her sister, being encouraging and kind when they were going through trials and puberty.
Lady Homura would've balked if it wasn't for her stern deportment. "What possible explanation could there be? It's quite obvious they were doing more than just flower or moon gazing. And don't you dare try to pick up for her. You heard their goings on as clearly as I did." The old woman folded her hands across her breast, refusing to budge an inch on her assessment. She was set on being both sword and wielder like she'd being doing for the past seventy years.
Hinata met Lady Homura disapproving glower unflinchingly. The advisor to the Hokage was a formidable force in society, her influence far-reaching and sought after. An unfavourable word from her lips can spell certain disaster for someone in Hinata's position.
What possible explanation indeed.
But Hinata wasn't addled in the head as to respond the way she wanted—the way she ought to—fully understanding the ways other land societies. A healthy dose of fear settled in the pit of her stomach.
Think, think, think!
She must tell the blasted woman something before the gossip wheels began to turn in earnest and at record breaking speed. If the advisor had her way, Hinata and the Hyuuga name would be dirt by the end of her trip.
Hinata inhaled deeply and composed herself. 'Here goes nothing.' "My sincere apologies my Lady, if my behaviour has been indiscrete. But in my excitement, I acted out of character." Hinata paused, where was she going with this? She hadn't the slightest clue but with the widening eyes of TenTen and the nod of Lady Homura, she continued, now having their attention, "It's not announced as yet until I'm ready to depart to the Leaf village, but given the circumstances, and what you heard, I shall tell you. I would hate if you walked away think the worst of me."
Hinata drew in what may seem like her last breathe and threw herself at the mercy of an uncertain fate. "The gentleman had just asked me to marry him. I am betrothed—or at least would be by the end of this visit." Which give her at maximum, three weeks to perform this miracle?
A delighted smile stretched across TenTen's face. "Oh my dear, that is wonderful. Neji never said anything of it to me..." she paused in recognition, "...oh yes, it wasn't to be known until the end of this visit." She clasped her hands together in girlish glee.
However, the aged old woman was not bought. She directed a level stare at Hinata that made her want to squirm. Acting was never her strong suite but her future was riding on this being sold. Summing up every bit of ingenuity she possessed—which did not account to much—she smiled a foolish, giddy smile of a young woman with stars in her eyes and love in her heart.
"And to who are you betrothed to?" Lady Homura asked.
"Unfortunately, I cannot say until the gentleman receives the blessings of my father. Which my father will grant as the gentleman is of a powerful clan." She added quickly, willing to say anything to remove the scepticism from the woman's eye.
Lady Homura glanced at TenTen before turning back to Hinata. "A powerful clan you say?" The doubt in the woman's voice was almost visible.
Hinata would've snarled at the woman for pushing the issue if not for the seriousness of the situation she landed herself in.
The witch!
Although truthfully, Hinata acknowledge that before her father would marry her out of the village, there was more likelihood of the Uchiha clan being resurrected in all its treacherous glory than her father seeking someone outside her village to be married to.
Hinata stood stiff, back straight and nod, "Yes, my Lady, a clan heir."
The Advisor studied Hinata for a few moments then nodded in satisfaction before saying, "I expect an introduction before you go announcing it to all of Konoha."
If the woman had requested she deliver her the moon on a silver platter, Hinata would've gladly promised to do just that. But since she hadn't asked the impossible, Hinata just nodded vigorously, "You will be among the first to know, that I promise."
"Make certain you do." The underlining threat to reveal all that she heard and saw was not missed on Hinata. "And for goodness sake, make yourself presentable before you rejoin the festivities. It wouldn't take a genius to guess what you were up to."
Hinata acknowledge the old woman and with a smile to both of them and an ingratiating curtsy, she hastily made her retreat, all the while pondering how precisely she was going to get herself out of this mess.
After slipping back inside, Hinata was met by Sakura. She attempted to excuse herself from the party feigning a headache but her best friend insisted that they speak privately because she knew something happened while Hinata was outside. So Sakura led Hinata to her bedroom where they can converse freely.
Few minutes later, Sakura paced the floor at the foot of the bed Hinata was on, her slender finger twirling a lock of pink hair she pulled from the pins securing it into an elegant coiffure, her smooth brow furrowed in fierce concentration.
"Well, I would definitely say you got yourself into something fierce," Sakura stated after a lengthy silence that followed Hinata's recount of the incident.
At least she hadn't told her how thoughtless and foolish she'd been to have put herself in such a situation. Hinata had already berated herself up one side of Uzushiogakure and down the other—noting that this island was at least twice that of her village.
"What am I to do?" she asked, doing her best to remain calm and regress any fear that seem to ebb and flow throughout her being depending on who—the prince or the advisor—her thoughts centered on.
Her best friend expressions immediate became contrite. Sitting down alongside Hinata, Sakura started, "Come now, you look like a bundle of nerves. Don't fret so. All will be well. I promise."
Sakura angled her so they were facing each other and looked Hinata in the eyes. "Prince Naruto must marry you. I can see no other way."
Difficult as it was, Hinata had to face the truth of her words. And that wasn't to say she abhorred the thought—on the contrary. But her distress stemmed from the unfortunate circumstances and her one glaring omission. She had to tell him who she was.
"He is going to be angry."
Sakura's back went straight and a steely glint entered her eyes. "Then he should've been more circumspect in his dealings with you," she said, her voice cooling a few degrees as she finished speaking.
As much as Sakura admired the Prince, Hinata knew the pinkette would have no problem with taking him on to defending her honor. If it were to come to blows, they both held no illusion that Sakura would lose. The Prince was not just a pretty boy. His parents were both masters of different forms of martial arts and Kenjutsu (art of swordplay)—his mother for the latter—and no doubt they would've taught their son as well.
"You should get some sleep. Tomorrow we can talk to Neji about this."
Hinata's face light up a few shades as she thought of what her cousin would've thought of her. And worst yet, what would he do? "Neji d-doesn't need—"
Sakura's countenance softened and a teasing smile transformed her beautiful face to nothing short of breathtaking. "Don't worry," she said soothingly, "I'm sure Neji would be beside himself to help you and he wouldn't act indiscriminately. Besides, you are his favourite cousin and he is terribly fond of Prince Naruto, as we all are."
"Oh no, I didn't mean—"
Sakura soft laughter echoed throughout the room cutting off Hinata's protest. "Rest assured, Neji will know how to precisely handle the situation. He is a very gifted arbitrator. And both your sister and you fight for two long when he is around."
Hinata smiled faintly. She could imagine it well. Her cousin this air about him that made you listen and see reason.
"But I don't want to force him to marry me if he is opposed."
Sakura scoffs, "The Prince should consider himself very fortunate to have you as his wife, my dear."
Hinata nodded and went deep in thought. Now would be a good time to tell Sakura about the less than amiable past they shared, but after seeing the hope and confidence in her best friend's eyes, Hinata couldn't bring herself to heap yet another blunder upon her tonight.
Perhaps, when the morning dawned clear and bright, her future wouldn't appear so miserable and bleak.
Grey skies and a misty morning greeted the morning. Naruto didn't so much mind the weather for he hadn't any pressing plans that required him to leave his residence that day.
He was having breakfast in his study when he heard the doorbell chimed. Surprised, not expecting visitors today, he stole a glance at the clock by the far wall. Ten o'clock. When he turned eighteen, he moved from his parents place and had a well-appointed two story house built on a patch of few acres of land, a ways in from the main village, just half an hour. While surprise, no one ever called before twelve—his parents included, unless it was important—and on Sundays, like today, no one.
He took a tissue that was resting beside his ham sandwich accompanied by orange juice and wiped his mouth of any lingering sediments before making his way to the door. As he peered through the peep-hole, he saw his best friend, Sasuke, and another good friend, Neji.
Curious but not alarmed, he opened the door and invited the gentlemen in. Sasuke was the first to enter after disposing his umbrella where it was meant to go. With a nod and a grim expression, he passed Naruto and made his way into the well furnished home. No doubt, this wasn't his first time here.
Neji followed shortly after; his countenance darker than Naruto had ever seen. Both men headed to the sitting area. Naruto instantly knew this was not a social visit.
When Naruto joined them, Neji prowled the room while Sasuke stood in front of a narrow paned window that stretched the length of the wall, his back to him, hands thrust deep in his black trousers pockets as he looked out into the small garden displaying in the front of the yard. Both men turned at his entry.
Taking in the grim expression on Sasuke's face and the barely contained rage on Neji's, Naruto knew this morning would not be going in his favour.
"Good morning gentlemen. I can see from your expressions that you aren't here for the company." Naruto started, smiling at the end to ease the tension that was in the room. It didn't work. Surely whatever news they had couldn't be that bad?
Sasuke shook his head, barely suppressing an angry shout. "You couldn't just leave her alone could you? Damn it man, I expressively told you she isn't the type to dally with, why couldn't you just let her be?" Sasuke reprimanded.
Naruto bristled at the news. Bloody hell, they obviously knew about the kiss. But how? Miss Hinata didn't seem like the type to kiss and tell tales the moment his back was turned.
While Naruto grappled with just how to respond, Neji stalked towards him, his footsteps muffled by the rug underfoot. He looked menacing and severe. He halted in front of Naruto causing Naruto to pay attention to him.
Was he sizing him up? He and Neji were approximately the same height, with Naruto being an inch or so taller putting him at six foot two and possessed similar frames. In a fight, both knew Naruto would be the victor, but Neji didn't care about that.
"You must marry her," Neji commanded. If Naruto was in the process of drinking anything, all would have been disposed on the floor or unfortunately, on Neji's person.
What in the name of Kami had she told them?
"She is demanding that I marry her because we kissed?" Naruto asked incredulously. He was flabbergasted. He had never heard of this type of blackmail.
In all honesty, Naruto knew sooner or later his lust for all things pretty and in short skirts would bite him in the ass, but never would he imagine that it would come from such an innocent and lovely young woman.
But then again, even roses have thorns.
"Your embrace with Miss Hyuuga didn't go unobserved," Sasuke sounded from across the room, cutting Naruto off from his thoughts.
"Observed by whom?" Naruto asked. He would not begin to panic just yet. Things may not be looking altogether rosy but surely they couldn't have already reached the catastrophic stage. Right?
"At present, Lady Homura doesn't know it was you with Miss Hyuuga in the gardens," Neji said grimly. "Despite her advancing in age, her hearing is still as sharp as ever and it would appear you failed to keep your goings on strictly between Miss Hinata and you. I don't believe I need to tell you how much this has distressed my wife."
Naruto manage to suppress the groan that threatened to Spill from his lips and the curses that would no doubt follow after. This whole thing was a bloody mess.
While he admitted Hinata heated his blood like no woman had in quite some time, that didn't mean he wanted to take the woman to be his wife. To be forced to do so was even worse.
"I don't even know the woman." The argument was weak and Naruto knew that, but he had to try something—anything—so he could keep his freedom.
"Well it appears you've had enough intimate knowledge to see her ruined." Neji stated. His anger dissipated a bit. "In any case, whether you knew her sufficiently or not, you have to marry her. She is in this fix because of you."
Ruined. Her ruined. Like hell she is.
Naruto's anger rose anew. If anything he was the one who was ruined.
"I'll have you know, she was the one who followed me out to the garden. She was the one who sought me out. She is—'' Naruto broke off, realization in his eyes.
She set out to trap him.
Following him out to the garden. Crashing into him. Although, he'd known she had deliberately sought him out, he hadn't known how far she intended to take it. She must've known the councilwoman had been there, ears primed to hear all Miss Hinata had set in motion.
The last time he'd had to deal with a female this treacherous and conniving, it had cost his father a lot of money to avoid the threat of a scandal and more. What would this cost him today? His freedom?
"I did not pursue her. She pursued me."
"Whether she pursued you or you, her, is irrelevant. What matters is that you have a duty to her now. She is my cousin and Lady Tsunade's apprentice, and is under our care while she resides here with us." It was clear Neji wasn't leaving here without knowing his cousin's future was firm and secure; his voice firm and final.
The unwelcomed and unfamiliar feeling of helplessness made his limbs heavy and useless. He'd prided himself as being a man who solved problems, a man who remained level-headed in trying situations. At the moment, he felt as if he's been knocked sideways and then pushed into a corner as the walls closed in around him.
Without saying a word, Naruto crossed the room and picked up a glass from the side of the liquor cabinet he had. Sticking two fingers in the glass he grabbed a bottle of the strong stuff—fire toad wine—and poured himself two shots of the stuff and downed it in one go. Refilling another two shots then turning to his friends.
"So…" Naruto began, looking at the glass of liquid and then downing it. Looking back at his friends, he smirked devilishly, making them nervous.
"…where am I to find my dearest betrothed?"
X X X X
As good as her word, Sakura had immediately informed Neji of the situation. Precisely what had occurred thereafter, Hinata had not the inkling. No doubt it entailed a talk with the Prince, and it appeared that Neji had wasted no time about it because the Prince arrived at her temporary residence the next day requesting an audience with her.
With more than a little reluctance, Hinata entered the guest room to greet him. The windows are plenty there, providing lots of natural light to penetrate the environment. Truth be told, she was terrified. Her terror grew along with an engulfing dismay when he turned from the window to acknowledge her presence.
Her mind went blank for an instant, breath hitching at the sight of him. He was gorgeous. She had only seen him in his evening clothing, which made him look appealing and gentlemanly. She hadn't imagined less formal clothing would look so-so hot. It really did him—his body—justice.
'By god', she swallowed deeply.
Clad in a grey, long sleeve v-neck cotton jersey, tan trousers and a pair of white sneakers, the term dashing was too pale a word to describe him. Everything about him scream masculine; his broad shoulder, the breadth of his chest, the sheer strength of him that one didn't need to witness to know that he had. The intensity of his stare was almost unnerving.
While she tried not to be too obvious in her admiration—and failing—of him, he watched her, still and silent, like a predator. Hinata had never been on the receiving end of a stare like the one he submitted her to. His attire may have consisted of warm soothing neutrals, but his eyes—said to be mirrors to the soul—were the cold of icebergs and as far as the Land of Iron.
She shivered feeling his icy stare to the marrow of her bones.
How things had changed since they'd kissed. Then, his attention had excited her, had brought out a certain warmth from within her. Now, he indicated with just one look how much he loathes her.
"Be honest, you followed me out into the gardens did you not?" He started. No good morning, no how was your night. Pleasantries were omitted apparently.
Last night, the fact had amused him, he laughed at it. Today, he intended to force the truth from her so he could throw it back at her.
Hinata stiffened; it wouldn't do her any good to lie. But, she wasn't going to confirm it with words.
He crossed the room to her with an unhurried grace. His half a foot height advantage seemed more prominent when he halted an arm length from her, no longer allowing her clarity of mind his distance had. He looked down at her, his mouth twisted in a scorn. "Come now," he taunted softly, causing her to startled slightly, "Admit it. You orchestrated the whole production—the meeting, the kiss, Lady Homura timely presence."
Hinata shook her head emphatically. The latter two things he'd enumerated with such disdain she would not accept the blame for. "My Prince, you are forgetting one important fact, it was you who kissed me." She tried to reason.
He chuckled darkly, but not in amusement. "I am a man. Who was I not to succumb after being barrage by the signals you've been sending the past two weeks. Every time I turned, everywhere I go, there you were peeping at me with that come hither look in your eyes. But you were cleverer than most, never approaching because you knew that would pique my interest even more." He finished, shaking his head, disappointment seeping into his voice at the ending of his speech. Whether at himself or her, Hinata couldn't tell.
Her? Set out to beguile a man? Hinata would've laugh out loud if she wasn't so terrified and shocked at his verbal accusations.
Good Lord, if he knew her the slightest bit, he'd known she hadn't the faintest notion of how to play those flirtatious games. If she was guilty of anything, it was the crime of finding him handsome and captivation—much to her dismay.
"You made your interest obvious from the start at all those events and last night's ceremony. I could feel your gaze upon me. When I looked, you would look away. God, you certainly had me fooled. I actually believed you were an innocent, too shy to look at me directly kind of woman." He growled, whether at himself or her, she didn't know.
"I convinced myself I should leave you alone, that you were too well-bred for a dalliance. But even then you'd set yourself on loftier heights. Not my girlfriend, you wanted to be my wife!" He snarled.
"You could not be more wrong!" she rejected. Tears were almost visible in her eyes. Yes, he had his charms but she was not that desperate to find a husband. Even one who would undoubtedly be every girl's dream.
His nostrils flared and a pale shade of red dusted his cheeks. He continued as if she hadn't spoken—his voice low and firm. "I will not be forced into a marriage; I will certainly not be forced into one with you."
Hinata flinched inwardly and a dull ache that was slowly receding flared into a pain she hadn't felt before. His words stung. Did he think she had no pride? Had not the tiniest of self-respect as to thrust herself upon a man who made it glaringly clear how much he wanted her—or didn't?
Pride and self-respect saved her from being thrown against the rocks at his disapproval. "This isn't what I wanted!" She said firmly, voice refusing to crumble and wane beneath the storm of his accusations. "But the truth is, I have very little say in the matter. The damage a scandal like this would do to my family would be irreparable, 'especially after we barely avoided the last one.' She finished with the last sentence as an afterthought.
Hinata looked at the Prince to see him in deep thought. His hands folded and brows knitted in concentration. His eyes were looking at the floor before he pinned her with his stare. He didn't look like he was about to speak so Hinata continued before he could throw more accusations around.
"I have a sister who would be of courting age within three years. I do not have the luxury of thinking of myself." She finished, taking a deep breath to compose herself and study him. She had only realized the ramifications of her actions and the consequences after a fistful night of rest. As much as she didn't want to force the Prince into a marriage if he opposes it, the reality of her situation begs to differ.
Prince Naruto straightened to his full rather intimidating height, so he could no doubt, look down at her.
"So you don't want this marriage any more than I do. I would think this put us on the same side of the coin."
"Unfortunately, what either of us wants is immaterial." She reasoned. "We both have our families to consider. I hear you also have a younger sister. Think of what a scandal could cost her."
His jaw tightened as if she'd struck a sore point. Realistically, it wouldn't cost their family much if anything. They were royalty. Anything short of murder would not shed any unfavorable light on his family. But this was his sister and he loved her something fierce. He rather not chance it.
"Do you have any inclination as to what it will cost me to marry a woman against my will and better judgment?" He inquired, his left brow raising a fraction above the other.
"And do you know how it will affect me to marry a man who thinks ill of me?" she countered. "I no more relish the prospect than you." She'd known he would be angry but hadn't been prepared for this vehemence. And it will only get worse…
He smirked haughtily, "Yes, you may not relish it, but you will gladly take on the title of future queen and all that comes with it."
Hinata almost bristled, "I have no need of your money." No doubt trying to group her in the role of the gold digger. "Although it may seem gauche and naïve of me, I planned to marry for love." She finished with sincerity.
For a long moment he didn't speak, just stood there, observing her, his eyes intense and a shade darker than she remembered. His expression no longer of disdain and mockery; now an inscrutable mask. "Lady Hinata, I do hope you're sure about this course on which you are about to embark. I am a man who does not like being taken for a fool." He said with all seriousness.
A voice in her head; a small but loud voice shouted for her to tell him. Tell him of their first encounter. How much they knew of each other. To tell him everything. But in the wake of his anger, his contempt, her courage failed her. If he was furious now, she couldn't imagine the full extent of his anger if she did tell him now.
Yes, it would be best to allow him to get over his initial bout of anger. Surely when he gets to know her, he'd see that she wasn't capable of committing any of the deceit he had accused her of. She would try to win him over, smooth the forbidding lines bracketing his mouth and furrowing his brows.
"I did not set out to trap you into marriage." She whispered softly, her final defense of convincing him. "This entire situation is just as painful to me as it obviously is to you."
Hinata saw an indiscernible emotion flashed in his eyes. Resignation? It was hard to tell, he was very good at hiding his emotions.
Naruto hummed softly, "I am in an untenable position. I am damned no matter which path I take. I will be vilified should I not marry you. And normally that wouldn't be a bother but you are of high bred and I will be forced to endure the scandal. Should I marry you, it won't be of my own accord. At the very least, I wish to decide who I am to be married too." Much of his anger had dissipated from his voice.
"Obviously, this situation isn't ideal, but I hope we can make the best of it." Hinata said with a small smile. Given the kiss that landed them in their current predicament, they were at least compatible in one area of their marriage.
Just thinking about the kiss made her warm all over. And as if sharing the same thought as her, his gazed slowly dropped to her slightly parted lips and then the rest of her body in a slow perusal way and his eyes darkened. In the same leisurely pace, he tracked his way back up to her face and lingered on her mouth.
He breathes out deeply, "You did not set of to trap me?" There was no accusation in his voice, just a genuine desire for the truth.
She shook her head in the negative, giving him a visual answer. "You have my word, Prince Naruto, which I did not set out to trap you."
He continued to stare at her and like a seedling struggling to take root in unruly soil with scant little water, something in that look acted upon her like a drenching rain. Hope blossomed in her heart. After a few moments, he appeared to have accepted his fate and acquiesced with a curt nod of his head. His words confirmed it.
"I cannot marry a woman I do not know. I suggest we get to know each other over the course of the week and get better… acquainted." The small smirk on his face and the way he punctuated his last word all but told her what he had in mind.
Hinata was nearly lightheaded and giddy with anticipation and… excitement? It would work out. It had to work out. As she nodded, she could hardly believe this man that stood in front of her might—would one day be her husband. Hers. She would have the right to kiss those lips, caress that chest and touch those muscled shoulders. Her gaze followed her thoughts.
"And of course we must become properly acquainted." He emphasizes. If she missed the reference the first time, she certainly didn't miss it this round. She agreed, pulling her thoughts back to the conversation at hand. Nervously, she traced her tongue along the length of her bottom lip.
Prince Naruto tracked the movement like a cat chasing a red dot. Abruptly, he cleared his throat and shot a glance at the clock that was to the far wall above the fire place.
"I have taken up enough of morning. I will call on the morrow. Good day, Lady Hinata." He finished with a small respectful bowing of his head. If you just walked in on them, you would hardly believe this man was furious minutes ago.
"Good day, my Prince," she said, her voice hardly loud enough to be heard. With a nod, he left her.
This didn't precisely put her in the clear. Hinata was well aware of that. There was another hurdle yet to clear. And to the dull the impact the truth of their connection in the past—a connection she now resented for it stood in the way of her future happiness—she knew she had to get him to care for her.
Quite literally, she would have to wage a war of seduction. But not seduction in its most commonly used context. While yes, it would be easier in getting him into her bed but that wouldn't be enough to sustain a happy marriage; at least not 'til death do them part.
No, she'd seduce him without the use of her body and at the same time capture his heart.
Chapter 2 here and out. Sorry for lack of updates. Blame League of Legends and Anime. Gotta stay away from that bronze and Silver elo. Damn the trolls. Enjoy and please review.
Ja ne.