a/n: I have more of this done, but I had so much more to fit in that I decided to split it up. Enjoy! Next chapter should be out shortly. Remember to review... I'm still under my coveted average of 5 reviews a chapter. Love much from Maiden-Chan!


I sat near the open window, hopelessly hoping to catch a breeze. The truth was that tt was only slightly less hot outdoors.

I felt myself sweating in my heavy dress. I used an old fan of Kurenai's, relieving my plight only the slightest bit.

Kurenai, on the other hand, somehow managed to look as glamorous as she always did. Her hair wasn't limp. Her body wasn't covered in sweat.

"I'm off, Sakura!" she chirped sweetly.

I gave her the usual glare as she left our suite. As usual, she didn't notice.

I had no idea where she went to all this time, and I must say it bothered me. Just when it felt like Kurenai and I were becoming closer, she became busier, it seemed, than the queen herself.

With a dejected sigh I turned back to the window.

A lone bird dared to chirp.

My eyes wandered, and I found myself looking at Kurenai's book. I heaved myself up, picked up the book, and turned it around in my hands.

Finally I opened it.

The letters inside were very familiar, but none of them meant anything. I put the book down and went back to my window seat.

I had been begging Kurenai to teach me how to read, but she was so busy that she couldn't find time for me. I realized that it was not my place to demand things of her, my mistress, but I was hurt all the same.

There was a knock on the door. I sluggishly walked over to open it.

Outside, a rather…. Er, fat boy was fidgeting. He smiled widely when he saw me, prompting me to smile back. He bowed.

"Lady Kurenai? No-no, wait…" he looked as though he was thinking. He shook his head. "You must be her attendant." He quickly wiped sweat off of his brow.

"Yes," I replied, tired, "I'm Sakura."

"Miss Sakura," he said, smiling again,,"can you relay a message to Lady Kurenai?"

"Why of course I can," I giggled, suddenly feeling better. He was comical.

"There is to be another formal feast tonight. And court has been extended to two months instead of one."

I felt my spirits rise. I had already started to think about my imminent farewell to the palace, which would have been in a week, and it had pained me greatly. I didn't know how I could bear to leave… well, Naruto. He was my friend, and saying goodbye to your friends is never easy - that is how I justified the feeling. I remembered Anko, and Ino. Yes, I would get to see them when I got back… but….

I shook the thought off. Now, the realization that there was another feast dawned upon me. I groaned out loud when I thought of another night dancing with Lee. As much as I liked him, a night of his rambling was never anticipated…

"What is it?" the page asked.

"Oh, nothing, nothing, don't worry, page." I assured him.

He bowed again. "It's Chouji. Goodbye, Miss Sakura!" he said, as he… well, waddled away. I giggled again and closed the door.

Then I sat back down at the windowsill, now entertaining thoughts of Sasuke asking me to dance…


Kurenai was somewhat pained to learn of another feast. The last formal dinner had been two weeks ago, soon after our arrival.

"I'm too busy for a feast!" she fumed.

"Too busy doing what?" was my sly question. She gave me a hard look, and didn't respond.


Kurenai had permitted me to go, without an escort this time. She said that this was not the opening ball, and an escort was not necessary (though a letter from Lee had been delivered by a page requesting my attendance with the boy).

This time I wore a simple, blue gown. It was of fine materials, but it was all chiffon, silk, and cotton. Light, airy materials… it felt heavenly. I was angry that Kurenai hadn't given me this dress earlier in the day, but I was too enamored by it to be angry with her.

I was surprised to find that I was seated far, far away from Kurenai, who had attended this time. I didn't know how she dared not to attend the other…

And the biggest surprise?

I was seated very close to the head of the table, sandwiched between Princess Temari and the crown prince of Suna, Prince Kankurou.


Princess Temari whipped out her fan, covered her face, and whispered something to the prince, Gaara. While looking at me. I knew she was studying me, passing judgement.

Prince Gaara's face was stony.

Prince Kankurou, next to me, just silently played with his food. I wondered what was wrong with him…? Even though I didn't' know him at all, one could tell that he was upset.

My thoughts were interrupted. "Miss Sakura," Princess Temari said politely, "I'm so sorry about our delayed response to you. Hello."

I looked over her. "Hello," I replied coolly.

She didn't seem intimidated in the least bit.

"Hmm," she said, looking me over, "I like your dress."

Her voice was hollow, empty of admiration. "Thank you," I replied with the same hollowness.

"But are you sure that blue goes with… well, you know…" a giggled bubbled up in her throat, "you hair… I mean, it's pink! You look like a piece of candy!" She was being patronizing.

I gritted my teeth, didn't say a word. She turned back to her meal, smiling slightly with her triumph. It wasn't a real win for her… she obviously had the upperhand. I wouldn't dare insult a princess, a fact she was well-acquainted with.

The meal went on. She would toss the occasion insult my way… her sarcasm was sharp and intelligent, and it cut as it was intended to.

She gave me another appraising look.

"Is it true you were a scullery wench?" she asked, a smirk playing on her lips.

I pursed my lips together. I had an intense urge to slap her, but I resisted.

"Yes," I replied shortly, "as true as the fact that you're a bitch."

She looked shocked for a moment. Prince Kankurou looked up from picking his food, letting out a slight chuckle. Prince Gaara merely looked on stonily, raising his eyebrows in interest – the most he'd moved all night.

I heard a laugh. It was rather unladylike, more like a snort.

I looked out of the corner of my eye, only to see a stoic-faced queen, trying hard to suppress a smile.

I was surprised, but more than that was offended. What was so funny? My comment had been true, at least judging from the way this girl had acted to me all night.

The princess looked down, suddenly seeming ashamed of her behavior. She didn't speak another word, which was even more unpleasant than the verbal beating I'd been receiving before.

With a last speech from the Queen, the meal was over. Dancing would commence.

I slipped away. Dancing was not required of me, for I didn't have an escort. I spotted Kurenai, dancing with the man named Kakashi – however, the amicable air surrounding them, something that I could not mistake for love, reminded me that Kurenai had told me the truth about them.

The Suna princess's comments had stung me, and left something in me feeling not-quite-right. So I headed down to the only place where I found friends… strange, no matter what my position I always felt most comfortable with those in the kitchen...

Those I still thought of as my equals, the servants.


a/n: Review! Check out my profile for little spoiler-esque things and remember that I'm retitling this Lady Sakura.