asoiaf!naruto. #AksaraAgustus; antap - calm, still; minangkabau

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opening a hatch, izuna carefully looked around. she emerged from an underground passage behind the flower bushes. her heavy gown smeared with dust and dirt, but the only thing she cared about was her successful escape. it was so stifling inside the palace; she had to get out just to breathe. the empress invited random peasants from all over the realm to have dinner with the rulers and nobles.

crown princess izuna didn't dislike the idea, but if she had to be there for another five minutes, she would pass out. nobody would notice her gone, except hashirama herself probably. the servants knew she wasn't a party lover.

besides, some young noblemen were trying to ask her for a dance. cringing would sour diplomatic relations her brother had been painstakingly restore all these years. one short dance perhaps wouldn't hurt, but it would lead to a marriage proposal quickly. then someone would get hurt.

izuna strolled along the paved path lined with torches, breathing the night air deeply. she encountered nobody until she arrived at the intersection, where a large banyan grew on its center. a man dressed in navy blue robe stood by, holding a half full wine glass.

"princess izuna."

"lord senju," izuna returned his greeting. finally, a little entertainment. "avoiding the crowds, i see."

senju tobirama glanced at her briefly before staring at the carved face again. "i could say the same to you." he sipped his wine. "we're not suited in crowded places."

"i handled it better than you." izuna stopped beside him. "i actually socialized with some guests..."

"you mean pretending to be interested to horse racing and poetry," he quickly added, the corner of his lips tugged upwards.

"hey!"

"don't think i didn't pay attention."

izuna rolled her eyes. "still better than sir 'sulking in the corner avoiding the girls wanting me to dance with them'."

"because their fathers were nearby. they're waiting until i show interest to their daughter, then persuade my sister to arrange... meetings, between us."

she could sense obvious disdain from his tone, which prompted her to chuckle. "so i'm not the only one who loathe eager lords playing matchmakers."

"i heard you refused lord sarutobi's son." tobirama turned towards her. "why?"

"eh. not feeling it." izuna shrugged. she realized where they were, then added, "he was... okay; but i've known him since we were five. he's like an... unofficial brother to me. but," she grabbed the momentum, "how about you? you seem to cherish bachelor life so much. no plan to settle down?" izuna teased, playing her old game again.

tobirama was taken aback by her question. it took awhile before he muttered, "i'm too busy with research and council."

"really?" she leaned closer towards him, tilting her head. "don't forget where we are now, lord senju. you shall tell no lies before your ancestor, no?"

"...fine." tobirama's eyebrows furrowed, shoulders pulled back as he tried to relax himself. "perhaps i've had my eyes set on someone unattainable."

"unattainable how? you're the most eligible bachelor in the entire realm." she laughed. "anyone would love to pique your interest."

"because i doubt her family will accept me." tobirama finished his drink. "she probably hates me too."

izuna grabbed his arm before he could take a step back. "why would she hate you? did you insult her in front of her family?"

he shook his head, tensing in her grasp. "no, i... i almost killed her."

her scar suddenly tingle. clutching her left side, her eyes widened in realization. "did you just-"

footsteps and laughter approached them. her concentration broke, and he freed himself from her.

"tobirama-"

"good night, your highness." he nearly dashed back to the palace, ignoring a group of guests from the hall who yelled their greetings to him.

izuna stayed behind, staring at the spot he occupied just seconds ago. she didn't understand... why did she feel disappointment growing within her? tobirama had no reason to leave.

sparing one last glance to the tree, izuna returned to the palace. she would pursue her answers soon.