"I don't think all this is necessary." Hinata protested. "This is only a meeting with the other villages. I've never needed to be this dressed up before." Hinata tried to convince the branch women tugging at her hair and adding coloring to her pale face.
"You are of marrying age now. You should be thinking about finding a good husband." One whispered to her to explain.
Hinata took a moment to stare into the mirror.
Had the council decided that she would be finding a husband at this event without her? No one had even mentioned the gathering in that way. How was she meant to follow orders she wasn't given?
She turned to give a smile to the woman and bowed her head, offering a thank you.
"I wasn't aware. Please make sure I have enough time to speak to my father before we leave. Thank you for taking care of me." She resigned herself to stare in the mirror. She noticed the surprise that flashed between the women. She suppressed a frown. Sometimes she forgot how little the head treated them as family or even as people by the main house. She couldn't see them less than family. She wasn't allowed to treat them as such or get to know them well, but she refused to treat them as 'help'.
"You look lovely, Hinata-sama." Another said, signaling the end of their fussing. The woman hazarded a light touch of her hands over Hinata's shoulders. Hinata brought her hand up to return the touch of her fingers to the family she wasn't allowed to have and smiled.
"Thank you." She had never liked all the makeup. It was all too much for her. She didn't understand how it worked. She did know it looked great on Sakura, but she couldn't do it to herself. When someone else did, it looked nice, but it didn't look like her anymore. Today it was okay. The three women that danced around her had seemed to enjoy their work, and she was happy she spent time with them. She bowed her head then let them dress her.
She didn't agree with this as much, but nothing was hanging out or showing that she wasn't comfortable with, of course. They weren't going to dress her like a common whore, no, but she still didn't like to be this dressed up. She was dressed for her status, soft colors, of course. The blouse and skirt made her look like an eligible high-class woman. However, it also accentuated her chest and wide hips, birthing hips. She mentally cringed. She wished she could thank them for having her chest comfortably covered. But, the ruffles in the blouse didn't help with the uncomfortable size.
"Quite beautiful Hinata-sama." One said as they fiddled with the ends of the fabric.
"May I go see my father, please?" She asked.
"Of course, Hinata-sama." The door opened for her. She thanked them with a more profound bow and verbal praise of their work. She turned her attention to her father's office, knocking lightly to announce herself.
"Enter." The harsh tone made her flinch on the inside.
"Father." She entered, bowing deeply, feeling the strands that framed her face fall past her cheeks.
"You're ready for our meeting." He noted as she stood up straight. As she thought, he wasn't even surprised that she was dressed up. He knew about this.
"Was there something about presenting me to suitors at this meeting I was not told about?" She asked. It was bold, but it was a safe question. He likely knew it would get to her sooner or later. She was honestly surprised he hadn't made her spend time taking classes on being a good wife.
He didn't seem off-put by the question. If anything, he was a little impressed. No, he wasn't impressed; he was never impressed, mild surprise at best. "Yes and no. We have no suitors in mind to present to you. However. You should start thinking about presenting yourself to potential men of high status." He looked down at his paperwork as if he hadn't been talking about marrying his eldest off to the highest bidder.
"Hanabi-chan..." She started.
"You will continue to train your sister until you step down. I have agreed to your terms on her behalf. I will not step out of them as long as you comply." Hinata let out a breath of relief. That was what worried her the most.
She had made a deal with the council. She would train Hanabi to be the perfect heir and lady. Hanabi would be able to marry a man of her choosing. She would not be forced into a political or arranged marriage when she became head. Hinata would also keep the main house status unbranded and have some power in the council as the main house.
Her sister was the better choice, excelling in all the areas the council valued. She could learn the lady mannerisms Hinata had, and she would make a perfect head.
Hinata had talked at length with her sister before presenting the idea to the council. They had debated amongst themselves, but it was too good an offer for them to turn down. They got the heir they wanted, and the heir he didn't would step down with no fuss. There would be no backlash from the village since she had done so willingly.
There was no clause that Hinata would be able to marry who she wanted. She knew that would be asking far too much. She had given up her childhood crush for the sake of her sister's and clan's well-being. She knew she would always hold admiration for him in her heart, but she had to let him go. The council would never allow her to marry him even if he did become the Hokage. He was too free-willed. They would have a hard enough time dealing with him politically, let alone accepting him to be part of the clan.
She would marry who the council wanted her to. She would put up no fight.
She bowed her head. "I understand. I just would have liked to know so I could better prepare." Her father gave a single nod and dismissed her.
The meeting had a much larger turnout than she had expected. Public and political figures alike had come to Konoha for the week to debate on important issues. Her trained eyes could see hidden security everywhere. Hanabi held her hand under the table. Hinata was still currently heir and was the one they were auctioning off for marriage.
She whispered to her sister what she should be looking for, knowing who was in charge. Tips on knowing who was the best to talk to, how to get information without offending. As a proper lady, people would forget she was a Hyuga heiress or leader because of her sweet smile and warm tone. She knew it was dirty, but she would protect her clan with her naturally trustable traits. It was one of the few things she could rely on.
Hanabi took it all in with a much more serious face than Hinata did. She looked so much like their father. Maybe intimidation was a better tactic for her, but their father could teach her that. Today she was a lady.
Hanabi's thumb slid across the back of Hinata's hand the whole opening meeting. She could tell when she was getting nervous when the pressure increased or the pace got faster. She gave her little sister's hand a gentle squeeze and slipped her's away when she needed to stand. She presented herself, her clan, father, sister, and cousin in attendance. She used a firm tone that was of her status but included her naturally soft voice. It would be seen as weak to some, an easy place to infiltrate, then they would meet her father. It was something her father, despite his complaints, used to his advantage. Her sister could be the best of both, inviting and venomous.
She sat back down, retaking her sister's hand, giving her a gentle smile. Hanabi gave a nod indicating she took note of the tone. She was such a fast learner. Hinata envied the understanding she gained so quickly, but it would make her a good leader. Much better than she felt she could be.
Her father gave her a nod, not disapproval, good. She skimmed those in attendance. Joining the regular political figures were those she had taken exams with. Those who were rising to take the place of those who were soon to retire. She had the misfortune to look over the men and think, 'who will my father select first.'
A particular young man caught her eye. His blood-red hair and pale skin despite his companion's heavy tans. His piercing green eyes looked like they had never seen a good night's rest. He wore Kage robes that were much too large for his height. He was swimming in them, Suna? He couldn't have been much older than her. His non-eyebrows were in a constant scowl as he glared at the current speaker.
To either side of him were a man and a woman. Suna, tan, taller than their leader, they all shared facial structure, were they related? They sat decently far from him. They didn't seem to have much familiarity. Maybe distance was a Suna custom. She didn't know much about their social norms.
She took note of him and his companions and continued. She whispered notes to her sister of who to avoid. Underlings with leering eyes, people who had tried to cross them or underhand them in the past. People to befriend, helpful, fair individuals. When it came time for their first break, Hanabi tugged her off to the refreshments.
"I think you will do well in this environment." Hinata praised her sister, taking a sip of what she handed her.
"You think so?" Hanabi beamed.
She nodded with a gentle smile. "Father will be proud."
Hinata caught sight of the man in question. He gave her a flick of his eye to order her to come to him. She shifted under his gaze. Hanabi followed her close as they made their way to their father.
"Many potential suitors." Her father signaled her to look around at the men in the room.
"Suitors?" Hanabi asked with a low whisper.
"Yes, I must think of who I will marry, in the interest of the clan," Hinata whispered back.
Hanabi gave a nod betrayed by the worried eyes.
"There is a new Kazekage." Her father noted.
Hinata scanned the room for red hair. He stood against a wall with a meter between him and everyone else. No one dared come near him. His entire demeanor said, 'stay away'.
"The guy who looks like a killer child in the uniform." Hanabi whispered.
Hinata light batted at her sister's hand for the comment. "Not nice, Hanabi-chan." She scolded. "Though he does seem young for such a position, doesn't he?"
Her father nodded. "Your age Hinata." She knew what he meant, a man of power, the perfect age.
"Suna alliance." She added, knowingly.
"But he looks like an..." Hinata batted at her sister again. Hanabi giggled.
"Ladylike, please." Hinata scolded. She sighed, looking again at the short man. He would be only a few inches taller than herself. He looked angry at the world, a complete opposite of herself. He didn't seem husband material, but it seemed he was at the top of her father's current list.
"Speak to his companions if the opportunity presents itself." Her father ordered.
She nodded. "Yes, father."
Looking at the two that had sat on either side of him, they didn't seem nearly as off-putting. They both showed Suna tendencies. Strong and stern, but they at least look approachable.