III.

Act 1, Scene 3

"Love sought is good, but given unsought is better" - Shakespeare (Twelfth Night)

HINATA

Various wisps of faint gasping along with heavy trajectory are the only sounds audible in the long, bleak hallway of the kingdom. As I ran alongside Neji, our pants getting bulkier with each step, visuals of the symbol that I just witnessed consistently flash in my mind. The tar-black burn marks embedded into the grass, the memory of those infamous red eyes...the deep sense of fear and terror coursing through me. My ceaseless mind could only torture myself at that moment, taunting me with feelings of vulnerability and endangerment.

At the moment of us spotting The Black Knight's symbol, neither of us knew what to do. Our bodies broke down, mouths agape, brows raised to the tips of our foreheads. I clung to my cousin with uncertainty and desperation, absolutely petrified. The longer I stood, hopeless and defenseless against our latest sign of attack, the more I realized just how incapable I am as the royal kingdom's princess. How could a princess be so clueless in such a time of danger? How could a princess stand with utter oblivion while the rest of the kingdom remains completely unaware? How could I be worthy of such a title?

The darker my thoughts got, the more Neji noticed my changed demeanor. Without any more words exchanged, he snatched my hand with haste before dragging me inside the kingdom, sprinting with impedance. Now we remain to scour for any familiar authority figure who could potentially help us with this daunting revelation.

"Don't miss the annual ball, you two!"

"Lady Hinata! Neji-san! Where are you two going?"

"The ball is about to start soon! Please hurry back!"

Several workers around the compound scolded us as we passed them, but we simply blatantly ignored them. We had no time for wasteless inquiries - we needed to get help.

Suddenly, there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel once I spotted Mr. Kiba, one of my loyal guards. He stood firmly, his shoulders broad with integrity, body toned like an athlete. His aura reeks of that of the stereotypical bodyguard: protective, overbearing, caring. His figure became the only thing in my line of sight and I ran as fast as my legs could take me.

However, bad turned into worst upon feeling my arm get grasped with a rather aggressive hand, pulling me backward which nearly made me imbalanced. Instead of gazing at Mr. Kiba's welcoming body, I come face to face with mother; her presence that of the complete opposite as she fumed with frustration and stress. It frightened me to my core, but I knew I couldn't let her faze me.

Meanwhile, I hear Neji stop in his tracks beside me immediately before deeply bowing to his queen, his body perfectly straight at a 90ยบ angle. I gulp unconsciously, scared for what's to come out of this. Mother is royally pissed and she'll get even worse as the seconds tick. Please, let this be over already...

"Neji...," mother hisses out, her voice dripping with venom. Neji doesn't falter; if anything, his back becomes even straighter, mimicking a stick. "My dear...what are you and Hinata doing at a time like this? Don't tell me you forgot." She smiles widely at her, but her eyes are raging like the hot summer sun. Whenever mother gets like this, I want to run into the closest hole and hide in it. She's truly not the person to mess with when she gets hot-tempered.

Neji clears his throat, still not raising from his bow. I nearly cringe at the sight. "I apologize, your highness. I was simply guiding Lady Hinata to her destined location. This won't happen again, Queen Areum."

"Look at me, boy."

Neji does as she says, yet his eyes remain blank - emotionless. It's better to react this way, sadly. No one wants to show any sign of negativity, no matter the cause. It's an unwritten rule that there are no second chances - just punishment. But, Neji has always been the perfect soldier, and my parents know that. They can't be too hard on him about this - they mustn't...

The two keep eye contact for a moment until mother sighs and finally unhands me. Without realizing it, my hand caresses the spot she snatched, hoping to comfort the stinging pain she bestowed on me.

"You know how high my expectations are for you, Neji," she says, the fake smile on her face no longer evident; only straight lines and wrinkles. "Don't ruin that with...childish antics."

I grimace at the insult she threw at him. Even through all of that, though, his face remains the same. Guilt rushes through my veins knowing it's my fault we even ended up like this. I glance at him timidly through my eyelashes. I need to apologize to him later...

"Now, please...finish getting ready for the ball," mother orders. Neji complies. With a mandatory salute and bow, he's off into the darkness of the hallways; leaving mother and me behind. My heart began to beat fast as I can just feel her eyes analyze my entirety.

Mother used to be beautiful - at least, in my eyes. That was, until, all of the corruption and betrayal.

She has sun-kissed, honey skin with little to no blemishes and scars. Her pale, lavender eyes shined amongst others; anyone could point her out in a room filled with strangers. Her straight long indigo hair flows down her back, nearly reaching her hip bone. Yet, even with all of these characteristics that make her one of a kind, no one can deny the haunted look she has in her eyes, the way she trembles at the slightest sign of danger...how she barely even gets a couple of hours of sleep at night and she needs to take sleeping pills to satisfy. Her true self, from long, long ago, is now hidden with years of stress-induced wrinkles and age marks.

From a young age...I always knew that I never wanted to look like her.

Mother scratches a bit at the back of her head, uncomfortably. Then, she faces me, her orbs stern and lips pursed. "I'm disappointed in you, Hinata," she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. I suppose it's because people have begun to gather around as the ball quickly comes underway. I bite my lip with a lowered head. "You know how important annual balls are to the royal family." With a slight step forward, her mouth is grazing my ear. "I won't let you embarrass me this year." My heart drops into the empty void of my stomach at her harsh, blunt words. Somehow, I had a feeling inside of me knowing I can't end the night without upsetting her at least once.

Then, as if nothing happened, she quickly backs away from me - her face now gleaming with a newborn smile. "I hope to see you in there soon." She nods to me before turning on her heel and walking to the ballroom.

I finally felt like I could breathe and I let out a hefty exhale. Now with mother off of my tracks, I can focus on the ball - that I'm dreading to go to. I make my reluctant walk towards the ballroom with a heavy, anxiety-ridden heart.

The ballroom is just adjacent to the main compound, past the royal garden. A white picket-fenced walkway along a road made of gray stone guide right into the lively, bustling party. Filled with allies, friends, and family from all over, I'm suddenly met with the beautiful scenery panned out in front of me. Crystal white chandeliers hang from the arching, sky-high ceilings, illuminating the glimmering golden walls with a floor so polished and pristine that it looked like an iced-over lake. But it wasn't just the ballroom alone with glam - women sparkled like a box of jewels, men stood out with their grandest tuxedos, children apparent in their cutest formal attire. Low chatter accompanied by the soft tone of piano music from the paid musician filled the room, leaving a vibe of exquisiteness and lavishness.

This room has always meant so much to me, something I hold near and dear to my heart. Along with the commencement of the annual ball, I hold my birthday here while the entire kingdom comes to celebrate. From the time of my birth to the present, we have treated the ballroom with the utmost respect, making sure everything is always well-functioned to perfection. The last thing the kingdom wants to do is show any mistake, especially during times like this.

Once I'm surrounded by the lively energy of the party, I spot the Sunagakure clan talking animatedly with my parents while holding glasses of sparkling champagne. With a sigh, I know I have no other choice but to introduce myself.

Gaara's parents, Karura and Rasa, have always been good-natured and kind to me. Karura, especially, loves me almost like a real mother. She's very supportive and helpful, but sometimes, it can get overwhelming. Sometimes, I think she's only nice to me so Gaara and I can get together faster.

Not even halfway to where they're settled, everyone spots me. With welcoming smiles and open arms, Gaara's parents greet me, smothering me with their expensive colognes and peppering kisses on my face. "Oh, Princess Hina-chan! It truly is a pleasant sight to see you!"

In the midst of our introductions, I take a glimpse at my own parents who hold happy expressions on their faces - to which I can easily deter as fake. It's not hard to hypothesize that maybe their relationship with the Sunagakure clan is only for power and money reasons. There's always a deeper intent than what's on the surface.

My eyes avert to Gaara, who simply gives me a bow before smiling slightly at me. Although his face remains expressionless, his warm eyes tell a different story. For some reason, I felt a sense of relief and comfort run through me from the sight of him amongst all the chaos.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Karura releases me, her eyes now flooded with concern. Straight away, I knew she was going to bring up last night. "I can't believe that intruder got so close that they were hovering over you, Hina-chan! I could only imagine the awful things they had planned for you..."

I could only stay quiet, my head now lowered to avoid all eye contact. If this is going to be the topic of the night, I'd rather gauge my eyes out with rusted spoons...

The instance where Neji and I found the symbol relays in my mind. I know that I must relay the message to someone very soon, but then again, there's a weird feeling holding me back, telling me that I shouldn't ruin the one day that all of the kingdoms get together. I assume that there's no way the group would attack tonight - thus, I must tell everyone the news as soon as the ball ends.

Unconsciously, my eyes search the room to find a nearby clock. Once spotted, I register the time. It's almost nine...The ball usually ends around midnight... I bite my lip. I'll just have to be patient until then...

Father's voice breaks me out of my reverie: "We have since tightened our security even more after the break-in. You nor Hinata needs to worry about any more frightening circumstances such as that."

Rasa seems unconvinced. With a furrowed brow, he intervenes, "King Hiashi, I understand how much you might trust your security. But how many incidents has it been now with Hina-chan?" He gestures to me and my face heats involuntarily.

Even my parents are dumbstruck upon hearing his candid words. It's hard denying the truth considering just how many close calls it's been. Then again, Gaara's family must know just how hard the kingdom tries to protect me. I can't even leave the kingdom without a chaperone, for God's sake!

Father lets out a frustrated exhale. "It's disappointing to say but...our kingdom has been a target amongst the nation for centuries now. The term 'safe' can no longer cut it. All we have is faith and trust in our security in hopes that the next potential attack is handled well." He bows slightly to the Sunagakure family. "We deeply apologize for your worries, King Rasa and Queen Karura."

Rasa's eyes widen at the sudden formality. But with a few grunts to clear his throat, he stands firmly, his face oozing with intimidation. "You mustn't let anything happen to her. If something does...you two are the only ones responsible."

My parents gasp a bit and I find it hard for me to contain my composure as well. Rasa truly did smack my parent's in the face with the cold hard truth, but I can't deny that he has a fair point. It was about time someone put my parents in their place...

Karura clings to Rasa's arm, entwining herself in his arms. She sends me a soft smile but her eyes leave a sense of worry. With a head bow, the two turn back to my parents. "Well, we should leave you be for now. Take care." With that, the Sunagakure's royalty disappears as quickly as they came.

I'm almost afraid to look at the expression on my parent's faces. I can already sense just how humiliated they must feel to be reprimanded by someone like them. Yet, the more I think about that sudden outburst, the more I realize just how important it was to have a conversation like that. Maybe after this, they can see their faults and better themselves. I can only hope...

I turn towards Gaara, who, unsurprisingly, holds a rather awkward expression. It's understandable, but I know it'd be best if I rescue him from such a horrid moment before it's too late.

Without thinking about it, I take a hold of his arm and turn to my parent's red, flustered faces. Ignoring it, I call out, "Is it okay if I show Gaara-kun the garden? He hasn't seen the new changes that we've done!"

Gaara blinks, shocked by my abruptness. However, he seems to take a hint quickly and he plays along with my act. I glance at mother and father with a wide grin, anticipating their answer.

Not knowing what else to say, mother nods uncertainly. "Uh...yes, that's fine, Hinata. You two hurry back, please."

"Thank you!"

With no more further words, I practically drag Gaara away from the chaos and into the outdoors where the garden resides. I know the only way to get out of that mess was with a slight distraction, and I had a nagging feeling inside of me, begging me to show Gaara the burn marks. He needs to know what's happening - I don't want him to be left in the dust.

However, just as I was about to round the corner, two strong bodies block my view and nearly cause me to bump into them. Upon further inspection, I realized that the two bodies didn't belong to just anyone - it's Mr. Kiba and Mr. Shino...

Gaara and I stop abruptly in our place. My heart raced at the sight of their stern and distinguished eyes. There's something wrong. I just know it.

"What are you two doing out here?" Mr. Shino asks, his voice dull but full of curiosity. Mr. Kiba scratches at the nape of his neck in confusion. "The annual ball has already started."

I sigh a bit. Thankfully, Gaara remains silent. "I was just showing Gaara-kun the - "

"The garden is off-limits for the rest of the night," Mr. Kiba intervenes.

My eyes widen. I was just here - how could it already be closed? Does that mean... someone found out...?

"W-why is it closed...?" I stammer with a trembling voice.

The guards before me give little to no reaction - to which is no surprise. They're trained to do so from a very early age; when it's a dire time of need, there's no time for causality and horseplay. Before, it seemed ridiculous and comical to me. Now, I can see why they act this way; it's no longer a shock.

"Hurry back to the ballroom, Lady Hinata, Prince Gaara," Mr. Shino finishes with a roll of his shoulders. "I'm sure the others are wondering where you two went."

I opened my mouth to retort, but they had already turned away from me and disappeared in our line of sight.

I turn to Gaara, who held a more muddled expression than I'm sure I am. Unlike me, he has no clue about the garden or the potential reason as to why it's closed. He seems as lost as a fawn in headlights.

Biting my lip anxiously, I contemplate if it's best to tell Gaara what's happening, given that I can't even show him the evidence.

However, before my thoughts could even further, said prince turns to me, pursed lips and emotionless dull green eyes. "Hinata-chan...," his raspy voice emerges into the air. For some reason, my cheeks flushed and I suddenly felt embarrassed. "What is this about...? What were you going to show me...?"

He sounds so innocent, so oblivious... Is it really best for me to tell him?

Then again...security is probably investigating the garden, which could take hours if not longer. But, once they're done investigating, I'm sure everything will fine. After all...there haven't been any warning signals that have been called yet. There's no need for me to worry.

Right...?

I shake my head dismissively. "We really should head back. I don't want to make more of a ruckus."

For a moment, Gaara doesn't seem like he's quite ready to leave this alone. But, he soon realizes that it's truly not his place to butt in. With a distant sign, he nods firmly to me.

"Of course, Hinata-chan."

A familiar bell rings throughout the ballroom, signaling a special commencement, immediately silencing everyone in their conversations.

This bell has haunted me since before I can even remember. I hear it in my nightmares now - that's how much I hate it.

The bell signals the annual dance where the Queen and King share a dance, along with their royal heir and whomever they chose to be with them. And of course, my parents choose Gaara every year. I have absolutely no say in who I dance with, so I've learned to cope with it. It's not anything against Gaara; I just really hate dancing.

Attendants of the ball spread into a huge circle with a large hole in the middle for the royal family to dance in. After a few cheers of encouragement here and there from fellow allies, Gaara gestures his hand out to me with a slight head bow. I have no other choice but to accept it. As soon as we step into the middle of the circle, a delicate guitar synth alongside a heavenly piano resounds throughout the endless room.

"Lady Hinata and Prince Gaara sure do look grand together!"

"Why haven't their parents arranged a marriage for them yet...? Isn't it about time for her to marry...?"

"Queen Areum and King Hiashi are apparently waiting for the right moment...Whenever that'll be!"

Various whispers and snickers from amongst the crowd catch my ears.

"Ignore them," Gaara suddenly mutters in my ear before completely seizing my lungs from all air as he plants his bulky hands on each side of my waist. While I remain breathless from the abrupt contact, every muscle in my body seems to have shut down. As much as I want to fall to my knees right then and there, I hold myself together. I've done this exact thing every year before this one, so what's the difference? It's just like every other time.

We lightly saunter in each other's arms, and I begin to slowly disassociate. Glancing over at my parents who are just ahead of us, I can't help myself from analyzing the two swaying figures. The two were dancing gracefully with each other; mother's face was adorned with such a lovely smile that it even melted my heart; father seemed to be chuckling to himself as he twirled her around in circles until dipping her with ease.

Although they're my parents, I sometimes feel envious of their thriving relationship. That is one of the few things that isn't fake and filled with lies around the kingdom. Mother and father have loved each other for many decades and it's clearly apparent.

Father was a loyal knight for mother who vowed to protect her at any cost, even if it meant standing in front of a sword or open firearm. He made such a promise to grandfather, who is sadly, not around anymore. Anyhow, the two gradually fell for each other, even though it was strictly forbidden around the kingdom. Friends and family from all over disapproved of their forsaken relationship, but they continued on, prospering against everyone's rules. From what mother has told me, father would get into argument after argument with grandfather, almost everyday, pleading, begging to have permission to marry his daughter. And everyday, grandfather refused, even going so far as to threatening father's job as a guard.

However, despite all of the kingdom's efforts to abolish their relationship, they were finally granted their wish after a very fateful day. Nearly twenty years ago, when mother and father were mere teenagers with silly ambitions, mother had gotten suddenly captured by the rebel group. News immediately broke out about her disappearance, and the kingdom was planning on releasing out a huge search party for mother. Nevertheless, father had his own plan for rescuing mother all on his own - without any sort of assistance.

From then on, the story is filled with action-packed fighting from father's part and gut-wrenching romance on mother's end. To put it briefly, father rescued mother from rebel ground, which in turn, nearly got him killed. Somehow, father was able to overcome such a feat and returned home safely with mother in his arms. Grandfather noticed how brave father was to save mother and he deeply admired him for it. He also releazied just how much the two truly loved each other.

With that comes your typical fairytale happy ending. The two got married in a beautiful chapel just north of the kingdom. Not even a few years later did they have me, their one and only heir. And here I am to remain their perfect princess and soon enough Queen until the very day I die.

"Focus on me, Hinata-chan."

A husky voice breaks me out of my thoughts.

Instantly, my eyes meet with green ones and I quickly remember just what kind of predicament I'm in.

I feel Gaara's hands tighten on my waist, bringing me closer to his frame.

He whispers, "People are noticing you space out...We wouldn't want to upset your parents again...right?"

I gasped under my breath with heated cheeks. Quickly, I avert my gaze to hide my embarrassed composure. Geez...for someone who doesn't talk much...he sure knows how to make me flustered...

"R-right," I stumble over my own words. I clear my throat and fix myself to ensure I don't look like a hot mess. After getting in a dancing position once more, I take note of Gaara's slightly amused face, his once dull eyes now sparkling under the bright chandelier while the tips of lips curl. Once registering that he's merely teasing me, I come to realize that maybe...we're not as different as I thought. He isn't some sort of stoic, sleazy guy who only talks to those he needs. He actually seems to be a bit...human on the inside.

Having to be raised in an environment that worships perfection and class feels punishing enough. But, when there's someone who can relate with you wholeheartedly on aspects that others can't even fathom understanding makes the demanding job a little less...demanding.

Unconsciously, I feel a smile start to form on my lips. Perhaps...this ball won't be so grueling anymore...

This year will be different. Instead of bashful, humiliating glances and uncomfortable, faked smiles, there is a sense of warmth that grows beneath us that is surely undeniable. Even though the royal kingdom has tried their hardest to get us together (i.e. this annual dance for example), I actually feel like I can build a bond with Gaara, perhaps even a friendship.

I should...ask him if he wants to hang out - outside of business matters...It doesn't hurt to try, right...?

Just when I was about to open my mouth to propose a meeting outside of the kingdom, shrill alarms that surround the palace begin to blare, screeching its painful, toe-curling music inside of everyone's ears. Screams and shouts of worry flood the entire ballroom as attendants share worried and frightened looks on their faces. It doesn't take long for terror and fear to erupt as everyone meshes into one large blob, pushing and shoving each other to reach the nearest exit.

Gaara and I exchange distressed looks. I know those alarms from anywhere. It's the intruder alarms...

When I come to that realization, I take Gaara's hand. "You have to come with me if you want to be safe!"

"E-everyone, please calm down!" father calls out, but to no avail. If anything, people just become more panicked. Chaos is the only word that can describe the kingdom. I know I can't stay here. I have to make sure Gaara and I are safe and...

Gasping, my eyes widen at remembering Neji. I have to find him! He has to be safe!

However, as soon as I started to make my dash in order to find my beloved cousin, I hear my name being shouted from a distance.

"Hinata!"

Before I knew it, I was swept away in someone's arms and quickly taken away from the scene - away from my parents, away from Gaara, and away from the possibility of finding Neji.

And yet again, I remain under these invisible shackles, forever to be haunted by the hatred of our enemies...

...And how they won't go down without a fight.