Amaryllis
Chapter 20
"I don't see the point of all these schemes, Lady Sakura," Kankuro sighed, chin in his hand. He watched Azra run a comb through Sakura's hair. The servant secured it into a ponytail with a length of gold cord. Not a strand out of place. Sakura looked it over in the mirror before she nodded. Azra bowed.
"Kankuro," Sakura said, examining her reflection.
Kankuro leaned forward in his seat a little. "Yes, My Lady."
Her eyes met his in the mirror. She smirked. "This is because you are not a woman. A man can simply seize what he wants," she stated.
Kankuro's forehead wrinkled. "Is that true?" he asked, turning around to look at his sister. He winced when Temari's knuckles connected with the top of his head.
"Yes," Temari replied as she walked past him.
"I'd like to be the one escorting you," Temari then said to Sakura.
"Because?" asked Sakura, looking at the mirror again. She adjusted the collar of her dress. As she turned her head from side to side, Esma approached and draped a shawl across her shoulders. Sakura nodded at her reflection.
"Because I don't trust Prince Baki," answered Temari.
Sakura turned on her stool to face Temari. She smiled up at her.
"Good answer," Sakura replied. She patted Temari on the forearm once before she got to her feet.
Prince Baki had accepted her invitation to breakfast on rather short notice.
They sat together in the private courtyard of Sakura's wing of the palace. This early in the morning, the stone pillars cast long shadows across the floor.
Sakura lifted her cup to her lips. Sniffed. Wrinkled her nose.
Hands folded across her stomach, Azra stepped forward.
"Is everything alright, Your Grace?" the girl whispered in her ear.
"The fragrance is a little strong. This must be a different crop of tea than the last one I tried," answered Sakura. She set the tea down without taking a sip.
Azra's eyes widened. "With your permission, Your Grace, may I return to the kitchen to brew you a fresh pot?"
Sakura nodded. The girl placed the still-steaming cup on her tray. She bowed before she stepped away. Her footsteps tapped quickly against the packed earth. Sakura watched her go. And then she glanced at Esma.
"My dear, it's almost time for my cousins to eat as well. See to their breakfast preparations," she then directed.
Esma bowed. But then hesitated as she glanced over at Baki.
Baki waved a hand at her. "Do as your mistress bids. I'm capable of eating on my own," he said.
Esma bowed once again before she made her way out of the courtyard too.
They listened for the distant creak and then clang of the doors opening and shutting. Baki let out a sigh as he leaned back in his seat.
"Are you dissatisfied with them?" Baki questioned.
Sakura smiled. He was direct about these matters.
"Not at all," she replied.
Baki scrutinized her expression. And then he reached inside his vest to pull out the note Mangetsu had passed along the night before.
"Then this is?"
Sakura shrugged before she said: "I found the cutest little stray kitten. I'd like to adopt it."
But then Sakura's express cooled. "Although I hear that it's your consort and not you that is in charge of such things," she added.
Baki cleared his throat. He looked up at the sky, tilting his head like he was stretching his neck.
"That won't be necessary. I can speak to her about such a small matter."
Sakura narrowed her eyes. The corner of her mouth pulled up as she added, "Speaking of which, I've yet to meet your consort. I've heard such wonderful things about her. She's from the Hoki family, isn't she?"
A muscle in Baki's cheek jumped. He smiled. But it didn't reach his eyes.
"She's quite the busy woman, you see," he answered.
And something Kurenai had told her many times before echoed in the back of Sakura's mind.
Hands that smell like sweet perfume. Dark curls spilling down her shoulder. Kurenai patting her back as she swayed back and forth.
"Remember, my darling, the heart of a man sways like a lone blade of grass. It topples with just a word of praise."
Sakura widened her eyes. She moved her ponytail off her neck. Pretending not to notice the way his stare followed her actions. And then she smiled.
"Oh. What a shame. I would have so loved to meet the woman who captured the heart of such an honorable man."
Baki leaned forward in his seat a little.
"Honorable?" he repeated.
Sakura let her smile widened. She dipped her head. "Of course."
It didn't take long for Baki to return to his usual good humor. Smirking and patting his chest as he laughed about this and that.
"I see, I see. Well, if you insist, I'll have her make time. Perhaps you could even get along with her, General," chuckled Baki.
Sakura opened her mouth. Closed it and smiled instead.
"Of course, Prince," she replied.
That night, there was a grand feast. Some relative of Prince Baki's was there to visit. He had just had his first son, which was, of course, cause to celebrate.
"You disapprove?" asked Suigetsu as he watched her pick her jewelry for the night. "Thought you liked any excuse to drink."
"He wasn't the one to give birth. Why is he being honored?" Sakura questioned.
Mangetsu wrinkled his nose as he pushed off the wall. "I'm no doctor, M'Lady. But I'm sure he contributed… for at least a few moments," he pointed out. He moved past the twins who were busy brushing and plaiting Sakura's hair. Arms crossed across his chest, he scrutinized the sights outside the window. Servants hurried back and forth carrying decorations and crates of fruit.
Sakura laughed. She hovered her hand over the tray that held a set of jewels that she had brought from home. Saltwater pearls that had each been harvested by hand. She ran them through her fingers. Each one was perfectly round- not a flaw in sight. She slipped the necklace over her head. The jewels clattered against each other as they settled into place. She looked at herself in the mirror.
Gaara and Kankuro were already dressed. But Sakura was taking her time. There was no sense in rushing and appearing overly eager.
"You gonna sit next to the kid?" Suigetsu questioned.
In the mirror, Sakura could see Suigetsu lay down. Head propped up in his hand. Other arm dangling over the end of the lounge.
"Why would I not?" Sakura retorted.
"Yes, why would she not?" Temari echoed her question, eyes narrowing from the other side of the room.
"Prince hates him," Suigetsu warned.
Temari rolled her eyes.
"He does. Or, at least, he's jealous," Mangetsu agreed. He turned to face them.
"Jealous?" Temari repeated. She stared at Sakura. Who returned the incredulous look.
"He gets all prickly any time a man gets too close to M'Lady," added Suigetsu, waggling his fingers in a suggestive manner. Temari made a noise of disgust. But before she could grab her spear to threaten him, Mangetsu grabbed a nearby towel from the wash basin. It landed with a wet slap on Suigetsu's arm.
Temari stared at Mangetsu. She pretended not to smile as she turned her head away.
Mangetsu twisted out of the way as Suigetsu flung the towel back. Suigetsu sat up, elbows resting on his knees. He shot his brother a glare before he looked back at Sakura.
"Do you know what's attractive about you, M'Lady?" Suigetsu asked.
Temari glared at him. She clenched her hand into a fist. As she took a menacing step forward, the mercenary held up both hands.
"No. This is a serious question," he insisted.
Heaving a sigh, Sakura finally twisted around in her seat to face him.
"My money?" she guessed.
Suigetsu wrinkled his nose.
"My lineage?"
Suigetsu made another face.
Kankuro finally spoke up from his seat in the corner. "Strength."
Suigetsu shrugged one shoulder.
"That's only part of it. Honestly, it's the 'keep everyone at arm's length' thing you do. Drives men crazy," Suigetsu finally explained.
An incredulous laugh left Sakura.
"I'm serious, M'Lady. The whole 'untouchable' thing is absolute torture. I'm sure that's the reason why you can't shake Baki," insisted Suigetsu.
"So you're suggesting that if I roll over and make nice, he would lose interest after one night," Sakura said.
Gaara flushed. Sleeve covering his mouth, he pretended to suddenly be very interested in the view outside the window. But Suigetsu nodded. He crossed his legs, hands grasping his ankles. He leaned forward a little.
"We've seen lots of people before. Men love what they can't have," Suigetsu declared.
Sakura searched his face. And then she got to her feet. She shook the wrinkles out of her skirt.
"Perhaps there's merit in what you say. I don't see any harm in testing it out tonight," she decided. She held her hand out to Gaara. He took it, let her pull him to his feet. "We should go. It would be rude to be too late," she then declared. Temari followed them out. But Kankuro didn't move. He waited until the door closed before he spoke.
Kankuro scrutinized Suigetsu. "Does that apply to you as well?" he questioned.
Shrugging, Suigetsu leaned back a little. "Maybe. But I'm most attracted to M'Lady's habit of paying us well," he replied with a smirk. Suigetsu glanced back at his older brother, who was already in the process of slipping out the window. He turned back to Kankuro with a grin.
"Don't worry. I actually like M'Lady. She takes us to all sorts of fun places. I won't get in her way," Suigetsu declared.
"Good," was all Kankuro grunted before he got to his feet.
The banquet was held in the largest hall of the palace. Most of the guests were already seated by the time they announced Sakura. A male servant guided her to a seat towards the head of the table. There sat Baki. And, to his left, a woman in glittering purple fabric. She wore a translucent veil over her face, leaving just her eyes uncovered. They were grey. Twinkling sharply as they met Sakura's gaze.
Of course, the place of honor to Baki's right was already filled by his visiting relative. Sakura dipped her head in greeting as she sat at Consort Hoki's left instead, but nothing more. Strictly speaking, she wasn't really required to do much socialization since this was not her celebration.
According to hierarchy, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro sat a little further down the table. She could see Gaara's expression of unease as he looked her way.
"Cousin, you have, of course, heard of our dear General," Baki announced, gesturing in Sakura's direction. His hand moved past Consort Hoki, as if she were invisible. And in turn, she sat in silence, her dinner plate untouched.
Baki's relative was a massive man with black hair in braids. His eyes lingered on Sakura for no longer than was polite before they returned to Baki.
"Of course. It is an honor to dine together with such a fine woman," he responded.
Sakura watched the way Baki chortled. He drank his wine and ate with such ease.
"Well, two fine women. I've heard good things about Consort Hoki," Sakura corrected. She took a sip of her wine as the men exchanged looks.
"Uh…. well… yes. Indeed," Baki agreed after a moment.
Sakura pretended to examine the food on her plate.
"After all, your recent trade agreements were thanks to Consort Hoki's family connections, weren't they?" she went on. When silence answered her, she looked up. Eyes wide as she feigned confusion. And she could feel Consort Hoki's stare burning into her.
Sakura didn't flinch away from the intensity of that look. She met Consort Hoki's eyes with a smile.
"I seem to recall hearing a rumor that you're quite the poet, Consort Hoki," Sakura then said.
For a long moment, all the other woman did was stare. And just as Sakura began thinking of something to say to fill the silence, Consort Hoki's eyes crinkled at the corners.
"You flatter me, General," she answered. Her voice was surprisingly low. Her diction was precise.
"Oh, I don't flatter, Consort Hoki. I simply observe," Sakura laughed.
She then smoothed over the awkward moment with a few well-placed comments. Soon, the two men were back to laughing and joking as they tore into their meals.
A little while later, she felt a touch to her elbow. She recognized Mangetsu's black glove as she turned her ear toward him.
"News?" she whispered.
"Not really," Mangetsu replied, matching her soft volume.
Her eyebrows rose. "Then why are you here?" Sakura wondered. She turned more until she was looking him in the face.
Mangetsu's gaze darted over to Consort Hoki. There was a blur in the corner of Sakura's vision as the consort turned back to her meal. Mangetsu grasped Sakura by the forearm and drew her closer.
"Miss Temari thinks we should see what Baki does if you receive some attention," he said.
Sakura tilted her head a little. A smile spread across her face.
"Miss Temari?" she repeated.
But to her surprise, Mangetsu didn't blush. He didn't fumble.
He frowned.
"Because she's M'Lady's cousin. It makes you look bad if your guards go around referring to your cousins by name," Mangetsu explained.
"For me?" Sakura wondered.
Mangetsu pretended not to hear her.
There was a pause. Sakura glanced over Mangetsu's shoulder. She caught the way Baki was staring at them. Gaze darting back to his guest as he pretended to listen to the man speak. When Sakura craned her neck to speak into Mangetsu's ear, she saw Baki's jaw clench.
"Next time, have your brother come speak to me. Let's see what the gracious prince does," she murmured.
As Mangetsu pulled away, he smirked. "Never a dull moment with you, M'Lady," he declared. And then he stepped back into the shadows of the banquet hall. Hardly anyone seemed to notice the mercenary's departure. Save for Baki, who followed Mangetsu's path until he was completely out of sight.
The banquet went on. Sakura made small talk here and there. Some diplomats came to greet her. She spoke for as long was polite, dismissing them when they overstayed their welcome. During some lulls, she managed to exchange a few words with Consort Hoki. And though the woman was cautious, Sakura grasped at least part of her situation. Especially when Suigetsu showed up halfway through the night.
"I'm hungry," he complained.
Sakura rolled her eyes. She tossed him a dried apricot without looking back at him.
"So?" she asked.
When Consort Hoki looked at him, Suigetsu stared right back. He winked. She unfolded her fan, waving it in front of her face as she averted her gaze.
"Nothing much," answered Suigetsu. He took a big bite of the apricot. Made a noise of approval before he tossed the rest into his mouth. He reached over Sakura's shoulder for another.
He gestured with his chin toward the opposite end of the table. His voice dipped low so only she could hear.
"Couple of local merchants are thinking of overcharging you for some 'exotic goods'. It's all shit, honestly," Suigetsu informed her. And then he nodded toward a servant girl who had just knelt to pour some wine. "That one says Concubine Deba threw a tantrum when she found out Consort Hoki was coming to the banquet tonight and not her."
"A tantrum? What do you mean?" asked Sakura. She took a sip of her wine. When Suigetsu slung an arm over her shoulder, she glared at him. Suigetsu withdrew his arm with a chuckle.
"Throwing some things. Broke a vase or something. I think she beat a servant too," he replied.
And then he nudged Sakura with his elbow. "He's looking. You should probably grab me."
"What?"
"Grab me like I just pissed you off," Suigetsu insisted.
"You often irritate me. So it won't be too difficult," Sakura answered.
But even Suigetsu flinched a when Sakura's hand shot out. She grabbed his face, fingers pushing his cheeks together.
"Like this?" she asked.
Suigetsu laughed a little. "Someone's looking cranky."
Sakura curled her upper lip. And for just a moment, Suigetsu's smile faded. Hands tensing as he prepared for a real fight.
But then Sakura gave him a light shove as she released him.
"How does he look now?" she wondered.
"Like he might explode. See for yourself," Suigetsu answered. He grabbed another handful of apricots and gave her a wink before he slunk back into the shadows.
Sakura glanced up just in time to catch Baki's fierce stare. But when he saw her looking, he was quick to put on a smile. Beside him, Consort Hoki was watching her husband from behind her fan. When she caught Sakura's gaze, she looked elsewhere again.
"Is everything alright?" Baki called down the table.
"Yes. Everything is just fine," she assured him.
Which was the truth.
Because Sakura had confirmed that Prince Baki did seem to have an odd possessive streak. Made even more odd by the fact that he had absolutely no right to feel possessive over her of all people.
But the second thing Sakura noted was that while the relationship between Prince Baki and Consort Hoki was strained, it didn't seem like the indifference was mutual.
She became even more certain of this when Baki's guest, whose name she had already forgotten, asked about the other places in the Arids she had visit so far.
"Princess Mei invited me to visit Hilal just before this," Sakura answered.
"Ah, Princess Mei," the man repeated. He snorted a little.
Baki's eyes narrowed. "She's a good ruler," he said to his guest. The other man's smile faltered.
Consort Hoki's hand tightened around her glass.
Sakura spoke up. "Princess Mei spoke well of you."
At this, the prince's face softened. Baki chuckled. "Of course. She never has anything bad to say about anyone," he remarked. "She's a good woman."
Consort Hoki's eyes suddenly looked like daggers. It almost knocked the breath out of Sakura. And when those daggers turned to her, Sakura felt a piece fall into place that she hadn't even been looking for.
"I see," Sakura said, looking right at Consort Hoki.
Smiling, Sakura leaned back on one hand.
"I see," she said again, trying not to laugh.
As the night went on, wine continued to flow. A steady stream of dancers and singers kept the banquet lively. Every once in a while, Sakura looked down the table to check on her cousins. She even caught Gaara laughing a few times, which was nice. The color was starting to return to his face. He looked less and less like a wilting flower with each day he was apart from his father. The guilt twisted in her gut again as she recalled how long it had taken her to send that man away. The feeling twisted harder when Gaara looked up and beamed at her.
"General."
Sakura turned toward the voice. It was Baki. Smiling with his mouth.
"You seem troubled," he noted.
When Sakura glanced toward her cousins again, they were all watching her now. Even Kankuro, who had been absorbed in a conversation, was staring her way as he spoke.
"Yes. Just making sure my family is comfortable," answered Sakura.
"You've no need to worry, General. Do I seem like the kind of man to neglect his guests?"
They laughed. But there was an edge to Sakura's smile as she replied. "Is my concern for my family a slight on your honor, Prince?"
Prince Baki's eyes widened. He seemed at a loss for words until another laugh boomed out of him.
"You're too serious, General! Lighten up a little," Baki chuckled.
Kankuro's eyes narrowed. Gaara gripped his upper arm. He leaned in to whisper something in his older brother's ear.
When Baki found Sakura still watching her cousins, his smile waned.
"Besides, General, you coddle them. The boy, especially. It's no wonder he's like that," Baki added. This time, he met Gaara's eyes. Lips parting in a sneer.
Temari stretched her neck to one side. Then the other. As her tongue rolled across the inside of her cheek, Sakura caught her gaze. Sakura shook her head. Temari's jaw clenched, but she stayed in her seat.
"Like what, Prince Baki?" Sakura asked.
Baki's eyes were still fixed on Gaara as he replied.
"Like a boy. Not a man."
Up until then, the banquet hall had been filled with chatter and laughter. The sounds of bracelets jangling and silverware scraping across plates had covered up most private conversations.
But all fell silent when Sakura slammed her hand down on the table. Rattling the plates and sending a few cups toppling. Wine soaked into the fine tablecloth.
"Are you insulting my family, Prince Baki?" demanded Sakura.
Only then did Baki look at her again. His smirk died as he saw how her eyes burned.
"Oh, General, we're all family here. I only speak out of concern for the boy," he said, waving a careless hand, as if to brush her anger aside. "Come now. You're spoiling the mood."
Sakura's hand tightened into a fist. She took a deep breath through her nostrils.
"It is you who has spoiled the mood tonight, Prince Baki," Sakura responded. Her stare flickered over to her cousins. Especially to the way both Gaara and Kankuro had grabbed onto Temari's arm and shoulder. They had probably stopped her from lunging across the table.
It took Sakura by surprise when she felt a hand rest on top of hers. When she looked down, it was Consort Hoki's hand that had crept out past her embroidered sleeve.
"I beg your forgiveness, General. My lord husband has had much to drink tonight," Consort Hoki murmured. But her eyes weren't apologetic as they stared at Sakura from above her veil. Instead, they were heavy with meaning as she continued speaking.
"It must be the wine that has twisted his tongue. I'm certain that those are not his true feelings."
At this, Prince Baki's expression twisted.
"Who are you to speak for me?" he rebuked. But Consort Hoki did not flinch or shrink away. She regarded Baki with the same calm before she returned her gaze to Sakura.
Sakura pulled her hand away from Consort Hoki's.
"I certainly hope you are correct. I believe I've had enough for tonight," Sakura announced. She turned to Baki's guest, whose eyes darted back and forth.
"Congratulations. I will be taking my leave now," Sakura declared. And as she spoke, her cousins rose to their feet with her.
All eyes were on Sakura as she stepped away from the table. Mangetsu fell into step behind her, as if he had always been there. When Sakura reached her cousins, she saw Gaara hold his hand out to her. Sakura grasped it. Laced her fingers with his as they continued along. She didn't look back to check Baki's expression. She didn't need to. Not when Suigetsu met them at the door. There was a wicked gleam in his eyes.
"Oh, you've done it now, M'Lady," Suigetsu whispered with glee.
"Later," was all Sakura said as they stepped out of the silent banquet hall.
"You've spelled this wrong again," Ino said. She tapped her nail against the parchment. Haku stood at the foot of her bed, folding linens into neat rectangles. He stacked them on top of each other. He plucked his sleeves straight as he made his way over to Ino.
"Which word, Your Ladyship?" Haku queried.
"Consequence. It's q-u-e, not q-e-u," explained Ino. She ran her nail along the letters to show him. "You made the same mistake last time." She began fanning herself. A lock of her hair fluttered against her ear. She brushed it away.
Haku smiled. He bowed.
"I beg your pardon, Lady Ino. Thank you for your instruction," he replied.
Ino's lower lip jutted out. She snapped her fan shut. "You don't have to be like that, you know," she pointed out.
Haku's eyes widened.
"Like what, Your Ladyship?"
Ino huffed. "I'm not mad at you. It's so you'll fix your mistake."
And then she snapped her fan open. Waving it in front of herself a little faster. "Sakura would throw a fit if she saw you acting like that. You're one of her people now. You should really only apologize to her," she added.
Haku looked down. Hands folded in front of him. He tried to speak. Hesitated.
Ino eyed him for a moment. She lowered her fan. Let it rest in her lap. Leaning her cheek on her hand, she sighed. "You can just say it, you know. I'm not the kind of person to go tattling your every word to the Admiral or something," Ino assured him.
Haku peeked up at her with big eyes. His mouth puckered to one side. Hands twisting together, he finally spoke.
"People keep saying that. That since I'm Lady Sakura's. But… I'm not really sure what that means. I'm trying my best to be useful. Yet I'm unsure whether that's enough," he confessed.
Ino squinted at him. She gestured for him to come closer, and when he did, she pointed at the empty chair across from her. Haku, still wringing his hands, slowly sunk into the seat.
"I recall you being so cheerful and sweet when Sakura was around. When did you become so gloomy?" Ino lamented.
Haku's shoulders drooped. "I apolo-"
"Stop that. There you go again," Ino interrupted.
She leaned on her elbow. And then she pointed at him.
"Here's what it means to be in the service of someone powerful," she suddenly announced. Haku stared at her.
"You might be a servant, but you directly serve the most powerful family in the nation. The only person above a duke is the king or queen, and your mistress is the daughter of the last queen," explained Ino.
"But… the Hyuuga family also…" Haku interjected.
Ino's eyebrows rose. She lowered her hand.
"I've been studying under Miss Shizune. Because there's so much I don't know," he fumbled to explain.
Ino smiled a little.
"Okay, yes, the Hyuuga's are also from a line of dukes. But that doesn't matter. Sakura should be queen. You serve the person who should be queen. Do you get that?" Ino lectured.
Haku nodded.
"That also means that you are above all the servants of all those other families. You will be Sakura's steward. Her right hand in running the household. You're not just some nobody," Ino laid it out for him.
"But I'm just-"
"It doesn't matter. To be Sakura's means that you're up there now. So stop worrying about other people. Stop worrying about being good enough. She wouldn't have put you here if she thought you wouldn't live up to her standards," she scolded him, rapping her fan against the table.
Ino then gestured all around.
"I don't know what you did before you came here, but things are different now. When Sakura is Queen, you'll be the right hand of a queen. You shouldn't be skulking around bowing to every idiot that sets foot in the palace," she then added.
Her eyes followed Haku as he got to his feet. He took the stack of folded linens and finished putting them away in the armoire.
They were inside one of the guest rooms in Kurenai's villa. Ino had heard a merchant's passing comment about the private residence on the northern coast of the island. Kurenai had been more than happy to give her a tour of the modest building. There were several servants maintaining the place. Even so, Haku had insisted upon accompanying Ino on the horseback ride up.
"You should have one of the guards escort you back. And go before it gets dark," Ino reminded him as he finished preparing her room. One of the other servants could easily accomplished the task. But Haku insisted on doing it himself. Fluffing the pillows to Ino's liking. Leaving her cloak draped over the back of a chair just the way she liked it.
"I'll be fine, Your Ladyship. I can ride a horse. Or I can ask one of the merchants to let me ride on his cart," Haku assured her as he finished hanging her clothes so they wouldn't wrinkle. The wooden hangers clicked against each other.
But Ino's mouth puckered. She put her fists on her hips.
"I know Sakura asked you to watch over me. But did you know that she asked me to take care of you too?" Ino declared.
Haku's hands stilled. He peered at her past the open door of the armoire.
"…Very well, Lady Ino. I will ask a guard to escort me," he relented.
Ino grinned, leaning on her elbow as she answered: "Excellent. But not before we have some tea. I'm famished."
Across the island, an elbow connected with Kisame's shoulder.
"Who was that? I'll slice you open," Kisame growled, already on his feet. But he lowered his sword when he realized it was just Zabuza.
"It's rare for you to fall asleep out in the open like this," Zabuza commented as he sat down across from Kisame. He grunted, swinging his arm back to rest on the back of the chair.
Kisame yawned, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Chojuro?" Zabuza asked.
Kisame yawned again. "Out," he answered.
And when Zabuza looked around the dingy tavern, Kisame spoke again.
"Kushimaru's watching the prince."
Zabuza leaned back in his seat. He ruffled a hand through his hair.
"So? What did you want to ask me?" demanded Zabuza.
Both men cast a look around the room. Kisame scrutinized the bartender, who nodded in return. The bartender then untied his apron as he began muttering about getting more ale from the cellar. He disappeared into the back room, footsteps clomping across squeaky floorboards.
"That weird boat the fishermen were talking about yesterday. I saw it," Kisame said, his voice just loud enough for the other man to hear.
Zabuza squinted. "So?"
Kisame said nothing. He tapped his knuckles against the worn table. Leaning back in his seat, he sighed.
"S'no merchant vessel. That's for sure. Way too small," he stated.
"It's a big island. People can visit for other reasons," Zabuza pointed out.
"It hasn't docked. It just keeps circling around," Kisame added. And Zabuza's mouth pulled down.
"Alright. Strange," Zabuza finally agreed.
"I saw it head up north this morning. I need you to go check on it," Kisame then said.
Zabuza bristled.
"You do it," he snapped.
Another yawn pulled Kisame's mouth open. He rubbed away the moisture that squeezed out past his eyelids.
"Been up all night tracking that damn ship. I need to sleep. Besides, I hear the General's little bird headed up that way not too long ago." A grin pulled at Kisame's mouth. His smirk only widened as he watched Zabuza get to his feet.
"Fine," Zabuza grumbled. He grabbed his cloak, along with his sword.
"Ah, to be in love," Kisame teased, cupping one hand around his mouth.
Zabuza paused at the door. He looked back at Kisame, unsmiling as ever. He opened his mouth, like he was going to say something. Shaking his head, he pushed the door open.
As Zabuza made his way north, Ino threw her head back and laughed.
"You're joking!"
Haku shook his head.
"She picked him up by the back of his shirt and threw him out," Haku insisted.
Ino clapped her hands, almost cackling.
"Oh, I wish I could have seen that myself," she sighed.
They exchanged a smile. And then their heads turned as the door opened.
Kurenai stepped in, draped in silk and jewels. A long pipe balanced in her fingers.
"Haku, dear, why don't you bring us some refreshments? And bring enough for yourself as well," Kurenai ordered.
Haku got to his feet. He pulled the chair out a little further for her. And then he made his way out of the room.
Kurenai smiled after him.
"Such a sweet little dove," she murmured. She sank into the chair, earrings tinkling with the movement. Then she tilted her head as she looked to Ino.
"What do you think?" Kurenai then asked, gesturing all around.
Ino clasped her hands together. "It's all so romantic. I would love to live in a place like these," she gushed.
Kurenai's expression warmed. She took a puff of her pipe. Blue wisps trailed from her mouth. She turned her head to exhale to the side.
"My son is still unwed. I would give this residence to you if you marry him," Kurenai offered.
Ino's hands fell into her lap. She grimaced.
"My answer is still 'no', Your Highness," Ino responded. She wrinkled her nose. "The Admiral is a good man, but just not the husband I'd envisioned."
Kurenai just gave her a mild smile.
"I thought you'd say as much. Pity. I'd love a smart girl like you as a daughter-in-law. I can't force you, however," Kurenai relented. She crossed her wrists in her lap. Gold bracelets tinkling together with each movement.
Kurenai examined Ino. Ino pretended not to notice, as was polite. She fiddled with her hair instead.
"I have something for you, my dear girl," Kurenai announced after some time.
Ino glanced up at her from beneath her long eyelashes. But the coyness disappeared from her gaze as she watched Kurenai pull something glinting from her cloak.
"Oh… I… is that… a knife?" Ino fumbled.
Kurenai's mouth pulled up at the corners. "A dagger," she corrected.
"Ah," was all Ino said in response. She just stared at it as Kurenai set it on the table.
"It's one of my lighter ones. I received this one from my mother when I was a little girl," explained Kurenai.
Ino's eyes widened. "Then, this is from…"
"Yes, queen before my sister. Queen Chiyo," Kurenai concluded for her.
"It's very light. Easy to handle. A good dagger for beginners," Kurenai then listed.
Ino blinked several times. "I couldn't possibly accept this, Your Highness. It's too valuable. And…" As Ino trailed off, Kurenai's eyes sharpened.
"Are you frightened of holding a blade?" guessed Kurenai.
Ino nodded.
"Oh, nonsense. This is just in case you're in danger. Start waving one of these around and it can buy you enough time for someone to come running. From my experience, very few people are determined to stand in the way of a pretty woman with a knife," Kurenai assured her, a smile returning to her face.
"Still… this is so precious… How could I dare to take this?" Ino hedged. She inched her hand toward the handle. Then pulled her hand back.
"I think it would put my heart at ease, as well as that of my niece, to know that you do not walk unarmed, Lady Ino," Kurenai stated.
Ino's lip twitched. She watched as Kurenai picked up the weapon instead. She mimed a few slices, the sharpened edge splitting the air. She then slid the blade back into the scabbard. She handed it to Ino. With the scabbard on, it didn't look like such a frightening thing.
Ino's fingers curled around the handle.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Ino uttered. She clutched the weapon against her breast.
Kurenai beamed.
"Of course, my dear. How could I do any less for my niece's cherished friend?" Kurenai replied.
It wasn't long before Haku returned with their tea and snacks. The plates barely made a sound as he set the golden tray down on the table. As he began setting the food and drinks in front of them, he paused. Gaze drifting towards the window.
"What is it?" questioned Kurenai. She followed his stare.
Haku straightened, hand resting on his hip.
"How odd. I thought merchant ships didn't come around this area," he remarked. He tilted his head a little. "It… looks like they're moving to dock here," he then observed.
Kurenai's expression didn't change. She reached toward Haku, pulling the boy closer.
"Go get someone. Just in case," she murmured in his ear. She waited for Haku to look her in the eyes. Only when he nodded did she release him.
Haku finished setting the table, hands steady and smooth. Ino's eyes flickered toward the window too. She craned her neck, trying to follow the path of the small ship.
Haku bowed before he slowly made his way out of the room.
Kurenai took her tea. She wafted the steam towards herself. Ino stare at her cup. She bit her lower lip.
"Should we…. go? Couldn't they be dangerous?" Ino wondered. She slowly moved to her feet.
But Kurenai didn't move from her seat. She took another drag from her pipe.
"Oh no, my sweet girl. We must stay here to greet our guests," answered Kurenai. "They could simply be envoys." She scrutinized Ino through the blue smoke that trailed out of her mouth. Kurenai tilted her head to the other side.
"It's alright. People like us have no need to fear," Kurenai then added. She pushed the plate of cookies closer to Ino. And Kurenai rewarded her with a smile when Ino finally took one. Ino returned the expression before she took a nibble.
It didn't take long for the small ship to dock. The guards on post approached, their spears held up in warning. A few more guards joined them. They spoke for a long time. Casting glances back towards the large building they guarded.
After a long while, two men in brown cloaks began trudging up the dock. Guards followed them, their shoulders tense. Kurenai followed their path, taking leisurely puffs of her pipe. She leaned to one side. And then she smiled at Ino.
"Put on a happy face, sweet girl. They're here," she announced.
Ino gulped down her tea and did so. A perfect noble lady. Composed even in the face of the unknown.
An attendant knocked on the door a few minutes later.
"You may enter," Kurenai called.
The servant who entered had been with their family for many years. She knew the meaning of Kurenai's smile and the sharp clink as she set her spoon down on the saucer.
"I beg pardon, Mistress. Diplomats from the mainland have arrived. They claim to have an appointment with you," she reported.
Kurenai's expression brightened. "They do not. But send them in anyway. I'm curious to see what this is all about," she replied.
Ino cast her a nervous look but kept quiet.
The men who shuffled into the salon were dressed in finery. But they lacked the posture or confidence.
"Gentlemen," Kurenai greeted them.
There were no chairs prepared for them, The men stood. One of them twisted his hands together. The other stood with his hands clasped behind him.
"Greetings, Your Grace," one of them replied.
Ino's eyebrows rose. She took a sip of her tea to hide her mouth as it pulled into a line.
Even stranger for diplomats not to know the face of the duchess.
"What brings you here, good sirs?" Kurenai questioned with a polite smile.
"We've been sent on behalf of our employer to escort Lady Ino back to her family, Your Grace."
Ino's eyes widened. She gulped down her tea, suppressing a cough.
Kurenai scrutinized the men. "And under whose authority? Who is this employer of yours?" she demanded.
The two men exchanged a nervous look. One of them then spoke.
"We were given instructions. But we were told that our employer is to remain a mystery," he answered.
"It should be a simple matter. It must be Lady Ino's mother or father? Who else would be so desperate to send a ship uninvited to another's territory?" Kurenai guessed, keeping her tone light. She dropped a cube of sugar in her tea. It hit the bottom of the cup with a sharp plink.
"I don't know you. Neither of you work for my father. And where's your heraldry if you do?" Ino spoke for the first time.
Kurenai's eyes narrowed.
"Why don't you lower your hoods and present yourselves properly?"
"We were told to move with haste or we would not be paid. I'm afraid Lady Ino will need to come with us," the man insisted. He took a step toward Ino, who flinched.
"Oh, come now, gentlemen. There's no need to rush," Kurenai insisted.
But as the man took another step, Ino jumped out of her seat.
"Stay away from me!" she exclaimed. And then her head whipped around. "Guards!" she called.
"Alright, that's enough out of you," the other man grunted. He lunged forward, grabbing Ino's forearm. She shrieked, clawing at his face with her free hand. Kurenai jumped up too. When he ignored her demands to release the girl, Kurenai doused him in her lukewarm tea. It did little to deter him.
"Your Highness! Help me!" Ino screamed as she tried to twist in the strange man's grasp.
Kurenai lunged. She grabbed the man's cloak, and then his hair, pulling as hard as she could.
The other man threw himself into the fray. He grabbed Kurenai around the waist and yanked her away. She kicked and she swore at the both of them. Ino sobbed, still slapping at her captor.
"Let's get this one on the boat. Before the guards get here," the man holding Ino grunted. And as he yanked Ino closer, there was a wet squelch.
His eyes widened.
"I'm sorry," Ino whispered.
The handle of a beautiful dagger protruded from his gut. The golden handle, inlaid with sparkling jewels, looked so odd against the rough fabric of his shirt. A dark red stain bloomed from where the blade disappeared into his body.
"I'm sorry," Ino said again. She took a step back. The man's hands released her, falling to his stomach instead.
The second man took in a sharp breath.
"What did y-"
And before he could finish his sentence, Kurenai jammed her elbow into his throat. He fell to the ground, wheezing. Kurenai grabbed the vase of flowers off the table and brought it down on his head. The porcelain shattered.
The room fell silent except for Ino's panicked gasps.
Kurenai stared down at the man for a long time. She nudged the man with her foot. She watched his chest rise and fall in a ragged breath.
"This one's alive," was all she announced.
And then she turned to Ino.
There was blood on the front of her silk dress. She stood shivering, arms limp at her sides.
The man lay at her feet, unmoving. The puddle of his blood slowly soaking into the carpet.
"My girl, are you alright?" Kurenai asked.
And as if the sound pulled her from her stupor, Ino burst into tears.
"Oh, Your Highness, what have I done?" Ino gasped. She touched her face. Recoiled when she realized that there was blood on her fingers.
"Quickly! This way! Someone screamed!" a voice shouted from outside. Footsteps began stamping their way down the corridor.
Kurenai's head whipped around to the closed door. Then back to Ino.
Crossing the room, Kurenai grabbed Ino by the head. She yanked at her braids and tangled the hair between her fingers. She slapped at Ino's left cheek until it turned red, ignoring the girl's sobbing. Her eyes darted over the girl's body. And then she grabbed Ino's sleeve and pulled until it tore. She grabbed at her skirts too, tugging until the seams ripped and the pearls went scattering across the carpet.
Kurenai grabbed Ino's hands and pulled her close.
"Ino. Ino. Listen to me," Kurenai hissed. She shook the girl until she finally opened her eyes.
"Just do as I say. Let me handle everything. You don't have to say anything to anyone, alright?" Kurenai whispered.
Ino stared at her.
"Alright?" Kurenai repeated, shaking her again.
Ino slowly nodded.
"Good girl," Kurenai sighed.
Kurenai released Ino. Looked over herself for a moment. She ran rough hands through her hair and tugged at her dress until it sat askew on her body.
The double doors burst open. Guards stormed in, their spears pointed in every direction.
Kurenai threw her arms around Ino, hiding the girl's face in her dress.
"What is the purpose of having so many of you!" Kurenai bellowed. She pointed an accusatory finger at the guards. Then at the two bodies on the ground.
"I should have all of your heads!" she then snapped.
The guards immediately bowed.
"We beg your forgiveness, Your Highness. This oversight on our part is unforgivable," one of them responded.
And Ino, her face pressed to Kurenai's dress, was thankful that she didn't have to see that body again. Thankful that she could sit quietly as Kurenai explained how the two men had assaulted them without warning.
"Why were two of you not posted directly outside my door?" Kurenai snapped.
Ino couldn't hear their answer as she looked down at her hand. Saw the smear of blood on the side of her finger. She felt sick to her stomach. She turned her hand over. Saw more blood, too dark, too wet against her skin. She burst into tears again.
"Oh, you poor thing. You must have been so terrified," Kurenai crooned. She patted Ino's tangled hair, swaying them back and forth.
"What… is this mess?" a man's voice came from the doorway. There was a crunch as he stepped on a shard of the broken vase.
"This one is still alive. I want him locked up and questioned. Clean the rest of this up. I don't want to see it," Kurenai ordered.
"Right away," a few different voices replied.
Two of the guards murmured something. They counted together before they grunted in unison.
Ino felt like her head might split in two. She could barely see past her tears as someone helped her to her feet.
"Come, My Lady. Let's get you out of here," an unfamiliar voice murmured.
And it didn't matter who it was. Or where they were going. Kurenai's hands released hers. Cool and smelling of flowers. Not at all like the blood that was pooling all along the floor.
A dry wind whistled above the courtyard. The stone walls of the Viper's Fang shielded them from the bits of sand that would have blown through.
Sakura set her cup down on the table. The taste of mint filled her mouth as she looked toward the doors.
"She's late," grumbled Temari.
"Nobles usually are," Kankuro sighed in response.
"Perhaps she isn't coming," suggested Gaara. He watched as Kankuro picked up a bit of flatbread, topped it with a piece of cheese and a dab of jam. Kankuro put the same ingredients together, and then he held it up to Temari. She opened her mouth to let him feed her.
"Well, she should hurry. I want to go to the bath house before it gets too crowded," Temari griped after she swallowed her food. She fanned herself with her hand.
"The food here is divine, but what I wouldn't give to swim in the ocean right now," sighed Kankuro.
Gaara and Temari sighed along with him.
"It's no wonder some of us fled across the sea. It must have been this heat," Sakura agreed. And then she lifted her head as she heard a distant noise. Several seconds later, Azra stepped outside. She hurried across the courtyard to whisper that Consort Hoki had arrived.
Sakura nodded at her.
Azra hurried back inside to escort the guest.
Consort Hoki was dressed in a simple gown. A cool blue with few jewels. And only one attendant trailed her as she took slow, easy steps across the stone.
Sakura took all these details in without comment.
She rose to her feet when the consort approached. Her cousins followed her example.
"Good morning, Consort Hoki. Your arrival is lovely," Sakura greeted her.
Consort Hoki dipped her head. "Thank you for your hospitality. I am honored," she recited in return.
It took a moment for everyone to settle in their spots around the table. Consort Hoki's attendant stepped back and disappeared into the shadows. As if she had never arrived in the first place.
Azra and Esma poured the consort a fresh cup of tea. A place had already been set at the table for her. Esma even turned the handle of the cup so that it rested just by the consort's waiting hand.
"I hope these two have been serving you well, General," Consort Hoki commented as she watched the twins work.
"They've been splendid. I cannot complain," replied Sakura.
Consort Hoki lifted her tea to her nose. Inhaled the fragrance. "And yet you ask for another," she commented before she took a sip.
Temari's smile dropped.
"That is testament to your poor management of the harem, rather than to my personal greed, Consort Hoki," answered Sakura.
Gaara tensed. His gaze darted between the two women.
That was, until Consort Hoki laughed.
"You are as they say, General. Direct in your speech," the consort noted.
Sakura pulled her sleeve back. Her bangles had tangled together. They made music as she freed them from the twist, clattering together.
"Well, then let me be even more candid with you. I have absolutely no interest in your husband. But I do want that servant girl," Sakura declared.
Consort Hoki's smile waned. "No interest?" she repeated. "He seems quite set on you, General. There are even talks of having you elevated to the status of second concubine."
It was Sakura's turn to laugh. But it was a sharper sound. And her head didn't move. Just her mouth turning up at the corners.
"Oh. To have the unwarranted confidence of a man," Sakura remarked.
Consort Hoki's expression shifted. She leaned in a little closer.
"Then why accept his invitations? Why accept his attention?" The bitterness bled into her words. Even if she hadn't meant for it to. "If you're so intelligent, General, you should know what that does to a man like my husband."
Sakura's smile widened. Ice in her voice as she replied.
"What it does? To accept diplomacy? You accuse me of seducing your husband. Yet you fail to find fault in a man who lusts after anything with breasts," scoffed Sakura.
Consort Hoki stiffened.
"How many women does he have in his harem? Yet he is unsatisfied," Sakura went on. And then she looked Consort Hoki right in the eyes. "And you are unsatisfied."
Consort Hoki's hands clenched.
"You speak of troubles you know not of, General. An unmarried woman cannot possibly know what it's like…" she ground out in return. Her voice trembling and eyes filled with heat.
Sakura touched her finger to her jaw. Tilting her head to one side.
"True enough. But I've seen men. I've killed men. And I've dealt with enough men to know that they're quite predictable," Sakura retorted. Her gaze trailed back to the consort.
"That you sit here yipping in anger at me, while that man lounges in a harem that you have failed to take control of…. speaks volumes, Consort Hoki," Sakura then added. Twisting the knife a little harder.
Consort Hoki flinched. Her head fell toward her chest. And as Sakura observed her face from this closely, she began to search past the kohl and the foundation. All of the layers of color were hiding something she had never noticed before.
"You're… younger than me, aren't you?" Sakura suddenly realized.
Swiping tears out of her eyes, the consort lifted her chin.
"I'm an adult! I'll be 20 next summer," she spat back.
Kankuro dropped his cheese.
"You're… barely older than me," Gaara whispered.
"Prince Baki must be twice your age," Temari also remarked.
"You're a child," Sakura declared. She lowered her arms, sitting up straight now.
She caught the way Azra and Esma stared at her. When they met her gaze, they looked down at the ground.
"Oh," Sakura sighed as her plans collapsed into dust. She rubbed the heels of her hands into her closed eyes. "No wonder. No wonder you have no strength in this place."
Lowering her hands, Sakura looked at the consort again. "How old were you when you married? 15? 16?" she interrogated.
"…16," came the terse response.
"Is that normal?" demanded Sakura, looking over at her cousins.
"No," Kankuro spat.
"Reprehensible," Temari grumbled, not-quite under her breath.
Consort Hoki rubbed one of her arms, eyes fixed on the table. "My parents were going to send my sister instead. She was 14. I insisted on going in her place," she recounted.
Sakura rubbed both hands over her face before dropping them into her lap.
"Why would you do that?" Sakura inquired. "Both proposals are terrible."
Consort Hoki lifted her chin. "The eastern kingdoms have been at war for many years. Trade has been difficult enough as is. Opening up a route to the west was the only way our nation could survive. My parents didn't like it either. But they begged one of us to accept the proposal." Tears dripped into her lap as she spoke.
Sakura didn't know what to do. She thought about what she had seen other people do in situations like this. She glanced over at Temari. Temari mimed wiping tears on her face.
The consort blinked when she felt Sakura push a handkerchief into her fist. She stared at the white silk. And then she used it to dab at her eyes. It came away stained tan and black.
"This union was just for the trade rights. His Highness has never laid a hand on me. I should be so grateful for my situation," Consort Hoki confessed. She wiped her eyes again. The kohl smeared around her eyelashes.
"I'm a consort in name only. No one respects me. The harem ridicules me and steals my funds. I'm no one in this place. Even to my own husband," Consort Hoki then said before she pressed her mouth into a thin line.
Consort Hoki wept as quietly as she existed. Shoulders trembling. Head bent low to hide her face.
Sakura felt her jaw clench. And when she looked up, she saw that tears were streaming down Esma's cheeks too.
She leaned her cheek on her fist as she wracked her brain. Shook her head a little at how complicated this had all become.
"I do hate to be obtuse like this. But, I must ask…" Sakura hedged. She waited for the consort to lift her head a little. "Do you… love Prince Baki?"
Kankuro tilted his head back and uttered an obscene word when Consort Hoki nodded.
Sakura rubbed her temple. Closed her eyes to take a deep breath. And when she opened them, she motioned to Azra and Esma.
"Dry your tears and go fetch your mistress something sweet from the kitchen," Sakura commanded.
The twins froze. But Sakura flapped her hand more insistently.
"I already know you were spying for her. Just go now. I'll be angry with you two later," Sakura insisted.
The twins cast a nervous look around the room. When Temari nodded, they bowed before they ran across the courtyard, back inside.
"Consort Hoki-" Sakura began.
"Shijima," the girl croaked. She blew her nose into the handkerchief. When she lifted her chin, her eyes were swollen and smeared black with kohl. But she offered a tremulous smile. "You might as well call me by my name. I'm not much of a consort."
Sakura felt something twinge inside her chest.
"Shijima," Sakura repeated.
She remembered being 19. How the title "General" still felt alien. How everyone expected her to be an adult when she still felt so small. Even with her aunt and her cousins by her side, it had been a lonely fight.
"Shijima," Sakura said again. She folded her arms across her chest. "I need you to look at me."
Shijima sniffled. Slowly, she raised her head again. Still hiccuping. Still with tears dripping down her cheeks.
"My dear, to be frank with you, the sole purpose of my visit here was to receive the troops that Prince Baki has promised me. I have no interest in that man otherwise," Sakura promised her. "But now I cannot leave this place before I know what I can do for you."
Shijima shook her head. "Oh no, General. I'm… I couldn't."
Sakura reached across the table. She grabbed Shijima's free hand. The girl's eyes widened.
"You listen to me, little bird. That fool husband of yours calls me 'cousin'. Then you, as his wife, are also my cousin," Sakura stated.
"Now. Ask your cousin for help," Sakura ordered.
Shijima squeezed her eyes shut. Black tears falling into her lap now.
"How can I ask? How can anyone fix this for me?" she whimpered.
To Sakura's surprise, Gaara got out of his seat. He moved around the table. Kneeling at Shijima's side, he put his hand on top of her other hand.
"Ask her. She will do it for you," he murmured.
It took a long time. Especially since Shijima cried even harder at those words. But after several minutes, she managed a shaky:
"Please help me, cousin."
Sakura gave her a faint smile. She squeezed her hand in hers.
"There we go, my girl. Leave it to me," she promised.
When Sakura looked around the room, she rethought her words.
"Leave it to us," Sakura corrected herself.