Disclaimer: Hunter x Hunter belongs to Togashi-sensei. I'm just a big fan!

Story: Kuroro finds out that there's another settlement of the Kurutas at the Eastern part of the Azian Continent. Suspecting that the Chain Assassin is there, Kuroro and his Spiders travel to the continent to try and capture him then steal the eyes of the people there. However, what they saw is not a mere tribe but a kingdom, open to everyone; the complete opposite of the Kuruta tribe in Rukuso Region. Twists and turns! Non-Yaoi! KuroKura. FemKura!

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Chapter 6

A Night with the Princess

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After the events of the First Challenge, the candidates are given three days to relax or plan their strategies before the official week for the Second Challenge will start. During the end of their relaxation days, the results for the First Challenge will be given, allowing the candidates to know if what they wrote in their report books is the correct answer.

In all honesty, Kuroro doesn't care about whatever the results will be. However, the Spiders were still unable to find anything concerning the chain assasin. Thus, he needed to get the highest points in order to land in the Military branch and have his own soldiers that can move freely without suspicion. He even sent Franklin, Bolonelnov, and Abengane to search for their target outside the Kingdom. So far, no news has been heard from them.

The Spider Head sighed in obvious frustration at how slow things are moving. He had been planing not to stay for more that three months in the Kingdom if he doesn't want their real identities to be exposed.

Another thing that bothered the man is the feisty yet elegant Crown Princess, whose name he wants to know. But out of respect, he did not pry further. Since she's the only one who can help him achieve his goal regarding the Military branch, he must avoid offending her at all costs.

Right now, Kuroro is relaxing underneath a sakura tree in full bloom, facing a gently rippling man-made pond in the garden of the residence that the Royal family had given to him. He had nothing better to do than to read the scrolls he got from the royal library.

"Enjoying the break?" an unfamiliar voice asked, causing Kuroro to look up from the scrolls. His obsidian eyes caught sight of the Iris family's representative; Sir Haru. His eyes slowly narrowed into slits.

"Sir Haru." He acknowledged. "What brings you here?"

"I've come here to give an early warning to you." the young man said, pushing back his brown hair. "Keep your hand off the Crown Princess."

Kuroro chuckled. "Pardon me. I didn't quite get you, Sir Haru."

"Stay away from the Princess. I saw you two yesterday." Haru gnashed his teeth in anger. "Are you trying to seduce her? I can never forgive you if you fool her."

"Seduce her?" the Spider Head paused then smiled mischievously. "What if I am?"

"You-"

"The Princess is not that weak." Kuroro interjected. "Although I have to admit that it's possible with my looks." he grinned, knowing that the Iris representative is about to snap as shown by how red his face and neck are. "Now please, if you have nothing better to do, Sir Haru, I suggest you leave my residence. It's quite impolite for a nobleman like you to barge into my residence without invitation."

Haru was taken aback by Kuroro's words. Nonetheless, he turned away, but not without giving the man a glare or two. Sighing again, Kuroro leaned back on the sakura tree's trunk and resumed reading the scrolls. But his mind is not on them but on a certain Crown Princess, who had been a mystery to him ever since they met.

Looks like this will be the first time that the great Kuroro Lucifer could not solve a puzzle.

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"Good morning, Crown Princess."

Kurapika stopped on her tracks and turned slightly to her side, only to find Noble Consort Lady Mia is approaching her, followed by her personal attendants. The Consort stopped right in front of the Princess and bowed down, showing her respect to her. Since Kurapika is of higher rank than Lady Mia, she did not need to bow down in return.

"Good morning as well, Lady Mia." the Crown Princess spoke, suppressing her obvious dislike towards the Noble Consort.

"Were you out on a walk, Princess?" she asked and Kurapika nodded.

"Yes, it's a fine morning so I ought to enjoy it." she replied nonchalantly.

"I see. I thought you were out to see your secret lover."

Kurapika furrowed her eyebrows. "My... secret lover?" she asked and Lady Mia chuckled.

"Sir Kai was his name, wasn't it? The Larkspur representative."

"He is not my lover."

Lady Mia acted skeptical. "Oh? But I saw you two in his residence yesterday at this time of the day. I thought he's-"

"He's not my lover." Kurapika repeated herself, not bothering to keep her voice steady. "Think whatever you want, Lady Mia. But I assure you that he is not, in whatever way or form, my lover."

Lady Mia sighed. "I am glad that is the case, your highness." she smiled fakely. "It would be too much trouble if rumours about you bestowing favours towards the Larkspur representative spread inside the palace walls."

Kurapika can't help but clench her fists. This woman is so...

Just then, the Lady caught sight of Sir Haru's figure walking out of the hallway that was leading to the South Wing. The Noble Consort smiled happily and ordered one of her servants to call the young nobleman to where they are. Kurapika just remained silent as Sir Haru approached them, going back to her clam, elegant demeanour.

"Your highness." Haru acknowledged and bowed down as well.

"Sir Haru." Kurapika greeted back. "What were you doing in the South Wing?" she asked, rather suspicious of his actions. The South Wing is where Sir Kai's temporary palace residence is located and she knows Haru developed some sort of resentment towards the half-blood.

"I was taking a stroll, your highness."

"In the South Wing?"

"Yes."

Lady Mia waved her hand in dismissal. "Princess, let me properly introduce to you my nephew, Sir Haru of the Iris Kurutas. He's one of the representatives in the Selection."

"I am aware of that, Lady Mia."

Sir Haru smiled lightly and took Kurapika's slender hand. He then bent down to place a gentle kiss on the blue lotus ring that adorned her ring finger.

"It is an honour to become part of the Selection for the Crown Prince, your highness."

Kurapika drew back her hand and smiled back. "Indeed." she whispered audibly. "Then I wish you all the best, Sir Haru."

After saying that, Kurapika deftly excused herself to retire to her residence. This encounter was something she never wished to happen ever again. The princess wanted to rest inside her bedchamber even though it's still early in the morning. The candidates of the Selection have been restlessly trying to seek audience with her, either to talk to her, get to know her more, or gain her favour.

Some of them were successful, leaving Kurapika no choice but to entertain them. Queen Ahami once mentioned to her that if ever she sees someone worthy of becoming King of the empire, then the Slection will stop and Kurapika will have to marry the man she chose.

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The three-day vacation for the candidates finally ended. The Ministry of Rites have distributed back their report books along with the points they have received in the Selection room. Kuroro sat on his assigned seat and silently opened his report book then closed it again. The Iris representative was particularly happy with his results, as well as the others. Haru then noticed that Kuroro wasn't opening his report book and he smiled knowingly.

"Can't bear to see your failure, Sir Kai?" he asked, pretending to read his own report book. "Don't feel bad. Half-bloods like you are naturally dumb so it's okay."

"Thank you for your consolation, Sir Haru." Kuroro replied calmly. The other representatives looked at the direction of the two, looking quite disapproving that they're starting another quarrel.

The Freesia representative, Sir Russ, walked over to where Haru is.

"Haru, don't start this one." he warned, patting his friend's shoulder gently. "The Princess already had a bad impression of you during the Third Night."

Haru gave a stubborn 'hmph'. "There's nothing for me to worry about. I have the favours of the royal family and the Gods in my side. I'm going to win the Selection." His last sentence seemed to draw out an irritated reaction from the other bachelors, but the young man only smirked.

"Don't speak so highly of yourself, Haru." Xian, the Lily representative, spoke, quite displeased with his behaviour. "In the end, it is up to the Princess to decide whether you'll become King or not."

Kuroro looked at the Lily representative with a confused expression, not getting his point.

"Sir Xian is right." Sir Kael, the Gladiolus bachelor, said. "Even if you win the Selection, the Crown Princess will decide if she will marry you or not."

Haru chuckled. "I'm sure she will." he declared confidently, not minding the hard stares and piercing glares directed at him. "Well, would you look at the time. I have to prepare now for the Second Challenge." And with that, he left the room to gather information for the report of the Second Challenge. Two other bachelors, Aster and Carnation, followed Sir Haru out.

Kuroro then heard Sir Xian sigh. "What a brat."

"Seriously. He has been pampered too much by his father." Sir Russ commented.

Xian, looking and Kuroro, gave him a questioning look. "Aren't you going to open your report book, Sir Kai?" he asked.

"Maybe later." the Spider Head replied. "Sir Xian, what do you mean the Princess gets to decide about the King in the end?" he asked, wanting to clear the confusion in his head.

"Ah, that one?" Xian walked to where Kuroro is a sat on the table near him. "The real purpose of the Selection is not finding the next King but to train the next King."

"Train the next King?"

"That's right." Sir Russ explained this time. "Since you're a half-blood, you may not know this. The Selection doesn't really last up to seven weeks. In fact, based on the past Selections when the kingdom was still a tribe, it mostly ends during the third or fourth week."

Xian nodded while some bachelors already started leaving the room. "During that time, the Princess would have already chosen two to three bachelors. Those bachelors will spend an entire day with the Princess and the one she favours the most will become the Crown Prince." the young officer explained.

"Crown Prince." Kuroro repeated under his breath. "Just how much power does the Crown Prince hold in the Kingdom?"

"The Crown Prince..." Xian paused for a while, trying to measure the said power inside his head. "... is second to the King. But since a King is absent in the kingdom, then we could say that the Crown Prince that will be chosen will automatically sit on the throne along with the Crown Princess."

"In other words, they'll instantly get married?"

"That's right."

This is bad. Kuroro thought to himself.

If they don't find the chain assassin before the third or fourth week, he'll be doomed to stay as 'Sir Kai'. He could escape anytime, but the Queen already had her eyes on him. His report book had a perfect score for the First Challenge and an unusual personal note from the Royal Queen herself.

"I hope the young Princess is not demanding too much from you." That's what the note said. It's already a bad sign for him because it means the Queen is aware that he and the Princess are seeing each other. Maybe he should avoid standing out a little from now on.

The Princess is also keeping an eye on him because of his 'promise' to win the Selection for her. Kuroro is starting to regret why he gave in to Shalnark's suggestion. He should have studied more about the traditions of this Kingdom before infiltrating it.

He's not being boastful but what if he will be one of those chosen bachelors and the Princess favours him? BIG problem indeed.

Standing up, Kuroro gathered his report book and walked out of the Selection room. Strangely enough, Sir Russ and Sir Xian followed him, but he kept quiet about it.

The three of them were passing by the royal library when they saw yet again Sir Haru and his friends, talking merrily to no other than the Crown Princess. The Princess obviously looked uncomfortable despite how cool and composed her posture is. Haru did not seem to notice it and just continued talking , probably about himself.

The three men approached the Princess to give their greetings. It is only traditional for a nobleman to greet any member of the royal family.

"It has been a while, your highness." Kuroro greeted and bowed along with Sir Xian and Sir Haru.

"Sir Kai." the princess greeted back and looked at his other two companions. "Correct me if I'm wrong but you're Sir Russ of the Freesia Kurutas, aren't you?"

Sir Russ smiled. "I'm honoured for you to remember me, your highness."

Kurapika turned her attention to Xian. "How are you doing, Sir Xian?" she asked casually.

"Fine as always, your highness."

"I see." the princess sighed inwardly. Six candidates of the Slection are surrounding her. This is not her day. On her other side, Sir Haru's face looked unreadable with the sudden appearance of the newcomers, but he is supressing his actions to avoid making a bad impression again.

"Princess, we shall take our leave." Sir Haru said before bowing down again and leaving the area to head for the royal library.

Kurapika almost sighed in relief. "Sir Kai, I'd like to have a private word with you in my residence. The same time."

Kuroro smiled lightly and whispered. "As you wish, your highness."

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That same night, Kuroro casually made his way towards the Crown Princess' residence. He presented his Larkspur crest to the guards assigned in front of the residence's gate. They must have been notified by the princess that he's coming because they let him slip in easily. Once inside, a maid holding a lamp was waiting for him. She gestured for him to follow her and he did.

Kuroro did not expect that the residence is actually that big. It has a pond, a garden, a pavilion, a resting house, and her own palace where her bedchamber is located. The residence for the maids and guards are also there. Overall, the North Wing is dedicated solely to the Royal Family. If the Crown Princess' residence is this big, how much more is the Grand Palace where the King and Queen resides?

The Grand Palace is restricted and no one is allowed to get inside unless a summons has been given. Only the King, Queen, and the Crown Prince and Princesess can get in and out easily.

An idea suddenly struck Kuroro. In the Grand Palace, the records of every single citizens, from the King down to the slaves, are kept in the records room. If he can get his hands on those, he might be able to find a clue about the chain assassin's location.

"We're here, my lord." the maid suddenly stopped and Kuroro looked up, only to find a garden pavilion closed in by silk curtains. He can see inside what undoubtly was the princess' silhouette. "The princess is waiting behind those curtains." the maid then left.

Kuroro took small steps towards the entrance. He drew out the curtains and entered, only to find a sleeping beauty inside. The Princess is asleep on her cushion chair with piles of scrolls and papers on a mini table in front of her. The Spider Head silently sat down on the floor, facing the Princess, and observed her features with his eyes.

He still can't believe that she looks like the chain assassin. The same ivory skin, striking blonde hair, and eyes painted with the shade of the ocean. The ony difference is the gender. Back in York Shin, when he was captured, the chain assassin himself confirmed that he's a male with his sharp words. His punches were no joke either. If the Princess were to punch him with her delicate hand, he doubt that she'll give a painful impact.

A few minutes of observing later, the Crown Princess finally fluttered her eyes open. Her vision was blurry, but after rubbing her eyes gently, everything became clear. The first thing she saw is the smirking figure of Sir Kai.

"Did you have a nice sleep, princess?" he asked as Kurapika straightened herself up.

"You're here." she pointed out bluntly before yawning and stretching her arms.

"To have me meet you in your private pavilion. Don't you think it's a bit risky, your highness?" Kuroro asked as he took one scroll from the mini table. "Mind if I read this?" he asked.

Kurapika shook her head. "Go on."

Kuroro silently read the contents of the scroll and then smiled. "It looks to me like you have a lot of things to focus on aside from the Selection."

"The Selection is a pain in the neck." the blonde complained. "Anyways, I called you here for the Second Challenge. I'm sure you'd like some clues about it."

Kuroro nodded and took another scroll. "You're right."

"The only thing I can say is that you should take the topic literally."

"Literally?"

The Princess nodded. "That's right. I don't know if you're aware of this but I will end the Selection after the Third Challenge to pick out three bachelors." She looked at Kuroro right at his obsidian eyes that were covered with blue contacts. "And I've already given one spot to you."

The man tensed up, but quickly reverted back to his usual self, chuckling softly to prevent the Princess from noticing his earlier reaction.

"Are you really that ready to give yourself up for marriage, princess?" he smirked smugly as he rolled back the scroll. "I can see it in your eyes that you're not ready for this." being good at reading people really has it advantages.

"Don't judge me, Sir Kai. I am doing this for my people."

"You could rule the Kingdom even without a King. You'd make a splendid Queen." Kuroro complimented and the Princess unexpectedly blushed. But then, she coughed lightly to clear her throat.

"That's not how the tradition is."

"You can always break the tradition."

"Traditions exist because they have been proven to be effective in the past. I cannot ascend the throne while leaving the position of King empty. My grandmother is already past her prime that's why this Selection will be done in a haste."

Her stubborness impressed Kuroro. She's definitely not comfortable with the idea of marrying a person for politics, but her actions and expressions showed none of it. He almost pitied her and for some reason, he wanted her to be honest about what she feels.

"Well, then..." Kuroro suddenly pushed the mini table aside, grabbed the princess' arm and pinned her down the carpeted floor. Kurapika let out a surprised yelp. She then found herself face to face with Sir Kai. "... prove to me that you've fully accepted this responsibility."

"W-What?"

"You wanted me to win the Selection, don't you? Which means that even if you've chosen three bachelors already, I would still win because the decision belongs to you."

"Sir Kai!" Kurapika almost shouted. "Unhand me at once before I call the guards." she ordered. If he won't listen, she'll just punch him in the face.

"What? That's your plan, isn't it? In the end, I'll have to marry you." Kuroro chuckled with a little sadistic streak to it. "Show me that you won't feel disgusted with my touches and kisses." he bent down to place his lips lightly on the smooth skin of her neck, all the while rendering her immobile by tightly gripping her wrists. Kurapika shuddered involuntarily and almost gasped while struggling to be freed from his hold.

"Stop it this instant!"

"I'm your future husband. As early as now, why don't you get used to it, hmm?" he whispered.

"N-No!" Kurapika almost wanted to cry. "I hate this. Stop it!"

Kuroro sighed and drew back. "Finally." he said as he released her wrists. "You're always tormenting yourself, princess. I'd like to see you being honest about what you feel."

The blonde glared at him as she sat up. "What you did just now is punishable by death."

"Then, are you going to punish me, princess?" he asked, crossing his arms.

Kurapika stared at him defiantly. Touching a royalty is a serious crime. But he did nothing serious but kiss her neck. Sir Kai is testing her.

"No." She finally answered. "Get out of my residence."

Kuroro stood up and bowed before walking out of the pavilion. "By the way..." he stopped and turned his head a little. "... you might wat to cover that love mark."

With that last remark, he completely left the pavilion, leaving a flushing and flustered princess to deal with her frustrating experience.

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Author's Note: I finally found another inspiration to update this fic! I hope you all like it. The pace in this fic will be very different than the others because I plan to have 12 to 15 Chapters only. So, expect that the development will be fast. I hope you don't mind about fast developments. I'll try my best to keep it exciting as well. Thank you! Please read and review! I do hope I made a few spelling mistakes in this chapter. If you have questions, I'll try to answer it using the next chapter. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you!

Next: The Second Challenge. Now that he got a clue from the Princess, Kuroro literally works with the people. A jealous candidate tries to sabotage not only Kuroro's chances but the other bachelor's as well. To reveal his dirty acts, Kuroro makes his move.

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