Chapter seven: He's Courting Me? (Hanae)
"Your Highness, I have a message for you from Prince Neji and another from Byakugan." I looked up from choosing different candles to see the butler bowing to me with two envelopes outstretched in his hand.
"Thank you." I accepted the letters and set them down on my dresser before picking up six similar candles. I then walked to the throne room where Itachi was waiting.
"I was wondering when you'd show," he said impassively. I dismissed the weird-to-me tone in his voice as I curtseyed.
"Excuse my lateness. I needed…."
"I don't care what you needed." I jumped at the sudden harshness in his voice (*). "You changed my schedule. So I expect you to follow it just as I am: on time. Do I make myself clear?" I looked down, unable to look him in the eye.
"Of course. Gomenasai, my king. It won't happen again."
"See to it that it doesn't." I slipped two of the candles into the pocket of my healer's apron. I lit the other four in the corners of the room, and, giving him a wide berth, I lit the final two and set them on the table next to him. "You are dismissed."
"I curtseyed and left the room, confusion and hurt eating at me. Why is he suddenly treating me this way?
"Hanae!" I jumped as Sakura threw her arms around me. "Congratulations!"
"For what?" She looked at me.
"You mean you don't know?" I shook my head, and she followed me to my room. "Neji-sama was supposed to have sent you a message this morning."
"He did. I just didn't have the time to read it yet." I picked up one to the two letters I had received earlier.
"Read it, baby sis. So that I may really congratulate you." I rolled my eyes and opened the envelope.
Dearest Hanae,
After our waltz last night, I realized it could not get you out of my mind. You are beautiful, trustworthy, multi-talented, and-most importantly- very intelligent for a princess your age.
I would like to invite you on a ride through the fields between Byakugan and Sharingan. It has unmatched scenery, and I will have lunch provided for us. I will meet you in the village stables.
I look forward to once again being graced with your company.
Neji
I slowly lowered the letter, my heart pounding faster in my chest. Sakura looked like she was going to burst, she was so excited.
"He… he's courting me?" That's when my sister squealed and hugged me again.
"I'm so happy for you, Hanae! You only just debuted, and you already have a suitor!" She looked at me when I remained silent and frozen. "You're not excited?" I snapped out of my reverie and smiled shyly.
"Of course I am. I just can't believe he likese me." I looked at the letter again. "Can you help me get ready?"
"What else are sisters for? Ino! Get in here!" After explaining the situation to the blond, I was ordered to take a scented, relaxing bath. When I was done, I dried off and walked back into the room smelling like vanilla.
"Let's ask her. Hanae, do you think you should wear a riding cape?" Ino asked me.
"I always have." I got dressed in my riding suit.
"Told you so." I sat in my chair and watched the two as my hair dresser brushed through my hair. "Destiny is stationed in the village stables, so you'll need to take a carriage into the village."
"You." Ino pointed to one of my ladies-in-waiting. "Have a carriage meet us up front."
"Yes, my lady." She curtseyed and left.
"Keep her hair out with no extra accessories. The kind had a point: her natural beauty needs no useless additions."
My heart clenched at the thought of the king. The tone in his voice before still hurts even now. I looked away from the other two. But nothing gets by my sister.
"Hanae." I looked back up at Sakura. "Did he say something?" I fidgeted with the skirt.
"It's not what he said. It's how he said it. He wasn't as kind earlier as he usually is."
"I should've warned you," Ino said apologetically. "The brothers aren't as kind as they appear to be with you two. Especially the king. They break hearts like yours for sport."
"Oh." I bit my lip. "I just thought…."
"That he cared? Don't take this the wrong way, but he never will. Not like Neji already does. He just doesn't have it in him to care about anyone."
"I'm glad I found out now." I gave the two a sad smile before sitting on my bed. "Before I got in too deep, I'm glad I found out." I slipped on my riding boots then straightened my cape.
"Don't let His Majesty ruin your fun, baby girl. You go on and have a good time." I hugged my big sister before leaving the castle.
"Good morning, Hanae-hime," Neji greeted as he helped me out of the carriage. I blushed prettily as he kissed my hand.
"Good morning, Neji-ouji."
"I apologize for the short notice this morning. I just couldn't wait another day to see you again." He led me into the stables with my hand tucked in his elbow.
"That's quite alright. Though I am surprised, I'm happy you find an interest in me."
"A man would be hard pressed to not find an interest in you." 'Not Itachi,' I thought bitterly as we came to a stop in front of Destiny and a black and red stallion. "This is my horse Scar. I raised him."
"He sure is a beauty," I breathed, petting the beast's muzzle. I smiled as he lowered his head to give me a better reach.
"And he seems to like you."
"I've always had that affect on horses."
"I can tell. Shall we?" I nodded with a smile, and he helped me mount Destiny. He then mounted his horse.
"We shall." We rode out of the stables and set the horses in a gallop out of the village.