I.

Act 1, Scene 1

"The course of true love never did run smoothly" - Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

HINATA

"Lady Hinata...It's time to wake up, Lady Hinata..."

Upon hearing a familiar voice distributing my restful sleep, I immediately knew what I had in store for the day.

The vibrant sun is pouring itself into my room as the birds chirp a heavenly song amongst the trees. The dewiness of the early morning has sprinkled itself onto the windows and the smells leak in from behind. I guide my gaze elsewhere to spot the perpetrator behind interrupting my slumber. It is indeed a frail, yet endearing lady who also happens to be one of my favorite maids among the kingdom. Her name is Shizune, and she, as well as the guards, practically raised me. I consider her my second mother due to how caring and compassionate she is about me. I deeply appreciate everything she has taught me and will continue to teach me.

But, I don't favor her in times like these...! I cover my face with my silk-covered pillow to block absolutely everything from my immediate vision. With a groan, I pout, "Ughhh, could you give me like, ten more minutes?! I did have a rough and terrifying night, after all!"

Shizune sighs and places her hands on my arms in an attempt to get the pillow away from my face. "Lady Hinata, you mustn't be complacent on a day like this. I already let you sleep in an extra thirty minutes!"

Thirty minutes?! Immediately after hearing Shizune utter her last sentence, I sat up with the speed of light. Swiftly, my eyes are averted to the digital clock the resides on my bedside table. After realizing that not only did Shizune let me sleep in past regular wake-up hours, but she also allowed me to miss out on breakfast. My heart drops instinctively at this cold fact, and I quickly throw the heavy blankets away from my body. Meanwhile, Shizune simply watches me go on a full-blown panic spree, and she watches with amusement. "You have always been a dramatic one, Lady Hinata."

I give her a brisk glare before scurrying to the bathroom that is right across the hall from my bedroom. Although I thank Shizune for being considerate enough to let me sleep in, why did she have to do so on the day of the annual ball?! I begin to think about how furious mother and father get when I'm late to commemorations like these. Not only do they scold me, but they scold everyone who was involved in the behind-the-scenes portion of the event. It's utterly humiliating and spiteful, to say the least. Mother and father have always treasured perfection and have always hated the slightest bit of failure. I suppose this is why I try my hardest to get close with everyone who works around the kingdom.

Upon realizing that I'm nearing the bathroom, my head does a very sudden pound that shakes through my core entirely. The breath inside my lungs gets evicted as I fall to my knees due to the overbearing pain. As my head throbs endlessly, an abrupt visualization of red eyes staring lifelessly at me accompanied by a dark figure crosses my mind. Just like last night...

I gasp as I remember the horrid scenes that I endured. Last night...How could I forget? There was some dangerous intruder that had somehow broken into my room. To do what exactly is the main question at large.

At this point, I've become slightly used to disturbing situations such as these happening, especially since I'll be crowned Queen quite soon. Enemies from around the nation have plotted to attack my clan since the beginning of my existence, yet no one has yet to succeed. I've grown confident with our militia in regards to ambushes considering just how heavily equipped and prepared we are. However...this doesn't stop me from feeling insecure with our abilities at times. Last night proves my doubts...

Who knows how long that intruder was there, staring at my sleeping form? They must've had plenty of time to strike if they truly wanted to. But, why didn't they? What held them back? Just who were they...?

When that thought crosses my mind, my head pounds once again. I grunt at the pain as I clench at my forehead. Why won't it stop...?

"Hinata-chan...what are you doing?"

A very familiar voice quickly breaks me out of my thoughts.

With my head still resting in my hands in anguish, I slowly look up to spot a tall, slim yet toned figure with luscious long locks and the palest eyes that just so happens to belong to my cousin, also known as Neji. I quickly come to realize that I had been kneeling on the floor for quite a while - long enough for someone to spot me. My face heats involuntarily at the discomposing predicament. Why did it have to be him that finds me...? Now he's going to interrogate me to no end!

When we make eye contact, his blank eyes give a surprised expression before swiftly covering it with a slightly small amused smile. "Wow, Hinata-chan...you look like a train wreck."

It's as if the entire vibe around us changed after his rather obnoxious response. I glare at him slightly, and he chuckles under his breath. "Here, let me help you off the floor," he gestures his massive hand out to me to take with grace. Once he lifts me from the floor, I can't help but feel grateful for him.

Neji has been, to put simply, in my life since my exact birth. He's been someone I can truly count on in dire times of need, he's someone I can talk to about anything without feeling the slightest bit of judgment, he's someone I actually consider a real friend around the kingdom. Although Neji is one of my most loyal servants, I hardly see him that way. It's rather difficult to view someone who has been in my life since my existence as nothing more than a servant that can fulfill all of my desires. He's a bit older than me by three years, but with all the more experience, and we've practically been through the same amount of chaos. All in all...Neji is my best friend.

"I heard about what happened last night...," he starts off, his smile now nowhere to be found. Instead, a deep frown accompanies his features. My breath hitches in my throat at the memory, once again, haunting me. "Are...are you okay?" He seems cautious asking such a question; I don't blame him. I'm sure he knows just how traumatic the experience was for me, especially considering that the unknown intruder had successfully broken in without alerting any sort of alarms. Knowing that fact makes me wonder just how skillful that intruder was. They weren't just any regular person, that's for certain...

Once I remember he's speaking to me, I begin to ponder on his question. Of course, physically, I'm completely fine. But, mentally... I know that I mustn't speak of these affairs with him out in the open like this. Thus, I inch closer to him to the point that my mouth is right next to his ear. I whisper, "Let's talk about this later...Meet me in the garden in thirty minutes."

With a nod of approval, Neji flashes me a brisk smile. Then, he does his mandatory salute and stalks away, into the darkness of the hallways.

When he's no longer in my sights, I let out a breath that I didn't even realize I was holding in. The more I think about my current situation, the more absurd it seems. The fact that I have to participate in this annual ball regardless of what happened to me last night speaks major volumes. Why can't I take this time to recuperate my thoughts and replenish my body? It's all mother and father's fault...

Then again, I know I can't sulk about it forever. With that daunting fact noted, I finally head to the bathroom to do my daily routine. I start by washing my face with my favorite cleanser. With a few rubs here and a couple of swirls there, I was ready to finish up and head to this dreaded party.

Just as I glanced at myself in the mirror, red eyes immediately obstructed my view of myself, appearing transparently in the mirror before me. Along with the horrifying visual, my head pounded intensely. I clutch at my skull as I groan from the painful ache. Gritting my teeth, I look at the mirror once more, only to find that the red eyes have disappeared. I stare at my disarrayed frame as millions of thoughts flood my brain. I can't simply ignore this feeling anymore. That intruder did something to me, but what...is the main question. And, I won't be able to find the answer until I know exactly who the perpetrator is.

My eyes avert to the sink below me while I begin to register my thoughts fully. If they're not some regular person, they have to be associated with some sort of affiliation... I bite my lip as my mind digs deeper. If that is true...they must be connected to the Royal War... Frantically, I shake my head in denial. There's no possible way. That group has been completely annihilated. Unless...

Before I could further my thoughts, I'm cut off once a loud pounding at the bathroom door resonates through my ears. "Lady Hinata! What is taking so long in there?! The ball starts in an hour!"

Shizune...! With a gulp, I respond, "O-okay! I'll be out in a second!"

"Hurry, Lady Hinata!"

I hear her footsteps turn and walk away from the bathroom and seemingly into my bedroom where I must finish getting ready. Yet, the more I think about the ball, the less I start to care. I can't seem to shake the thoughts of that intruder out of my head, especially since they cast some sort of curse on me.

I need to find out who they are...And fast.

Things must return to normal eventually.

And, that time revealed to be me standing at a podium while multiple stylists and hair dresses surrounded my being. As I stand complacent under their hands, I adhere to their every command whether if it means fitting my arm through a sleeve or stretching my legs through tight leggings. From a young age, I've always known that I'm truly not as independent as the kingdom makes it seem. Even though I'm first in line to the throne, I still must value every rule and policy that the kingdom entrusts upon me, even if that meant staying as a mere puppet to the adults around me. The older I got, the more I realized just how sickening this life can be. I can't eat as much as I want, I can't sleep as long as I want, I can't speak to the workers as much as I wish to, and I'm not allowed to have friends out of the royal family.

Sometimes, I wonder if this life is worth it. But, I also have to keep in mind that I really don't have a choice. I'm here to remain under the chains of royalty until the day I rot. Is that how life is supposed to be...?

"Okay, Lady Hinata, you're all set for the ball! It seems we have a little bit more time before it starts, though," one of the servants informs me as they observe their wristwatch.

Shizune faces me from the other side of the room, her endearing smile already spread across her face. "That means you have some free time to do what you please, Hinata."

There's my cue to meet Neji! With a soft smile and a slight bow, I say, "Thank you all for all of your hard work today. I hope you enjoy the ball as much as I do this year."

They bow deeply back to me. "Thank you, Lady Hinata!"

With that out of the way, I quickly make my way out of the room, down the halls, and out of the palace. Earlier, I told Neji to meet me in the garden so I can explain exactly what happened last night given that I have yet to speak to anyone about what truly occurred. I feel like he's the only one I can talk to about this...

After a while of light jogging due to the heavy gown I'm fitted in, I finally arrive at the entrance of the garden. The royal garden is my favorite location in the entire palace. When I was younger, I would love to plant flowers with mother during the spring. I begged mother everyday to go to the garden so I can either water flowers or harvest plants. Even then during my early years, I was the most at peace when I was in the royal garden. Hearing the songs the birds created or the wisps of the wind put me in a trance where I felt like nothing could ever harm me.

The royal garden is a wide and vast space filled with numerous hues of green, white, blue, and various pastels. The field slopes down into an electric blue river with countless stones surrounding the bordering area. Apple trees run rampant throughout the garden, some of which I would casually pluck off the trees whenever I'm hungry. Flower beds of all kinds line the inner walls of the kingdom. Daffodils and sunflowers adorn the fridges of the garden, letting out a sweet aroma of earthy resonance. White picket fences outline the shape of the garden which gives off a wondrous and enchanting effect of royalty, fortune, and prosperity.

To put it simply, I could ramble for hours about the beauty of the royal garden. There is always something that piques my interest in this area.

"Hinata-chan! Over here!" a familiar voice calls for me from a short distance. I turn on my heel to see Neji with a soft smile and waving hands in order to get my attention.

I quickly head over to him with a smile of my own while carrying my dress to ensure I don't absolutely humiliate myself. I notice Neji give me a once-over, and for some reason, my cheeks flush. With a slight cackle, he speaks, "Hinata-chan...you never do fail me in regards to beauty."

Ugh, I hate when he says stuff like that! Playfully, I punch him on the arm with a scowl. "You know how much I despise that. I already hear it enough from the others."

He bursts into fits of laughter. "I know! That's why I do it!"

Before he can get anymore into his teasing, I briskly take his hand. Due to my touch, he ultimately stops his laughter. With a furrowed brow, I whisper, "We need to discuss this quickly. The ball is about to start."

With a firm nod, he leads me to a more secluded area in the garden. We move towards the greenhouse where no one can spot us unless they got close enough. This spot is usually where we go to gossip or spill secrets. It's one of the only places at the palace where I don't feel restricted.

I quickly scan the area around us to make sure they are no guards or workers. With a relieved sigh, I say, "We're safe, Neji-kun..." I turn around to him to speak my truths, but he is not the same Neji I spoke with just a mere second ago. Instead, he has an awestricken expression plastered on his face as his gaze is averted elsewhere, ahead of us. Confused, I gulp with a dry throat. Automatically due to his expression, I knew something wasn't right. "Ne-Neji-kun...? Are you okay...?"

His silence responds back to me. I decide to follow his gaze to see what has restrained his attention so badly. However, the world around me is put on pause from the sight. My heart drops into the empty abyss of my stomach. I gasp slightly as my hand instinctively covers my mouth. N-no...this can't be...not again...

Before us engraved right in the grass are black burn marks with the picture of a knight's shield, entailing the symbol of an infamous assassin ring currently residing in Konoha. This very symbol belongs to The Black Knights. We have a long and disastrous history with this certain clan, especially after finding out that they have placed a million-dollar bounty on my head ever since the day I was born. They have been out to get me ever since, which ultimately, lead to the Royal War.

They were all supposed to be dead! We defeated them! But...why...? Must to my utter demise, they have returned...definitely with a vengeance in mind.

It was pure silence between Neji and I. Without realizing it, I had grasped his hand for comfort and security. But, even with his touch, I still can't shake this frightening feeling that's deep in my core.

"They're coming...," Neji whispers into the air.

At that moment, I finally knew who those red eyes belong to.