Chapter nine: Walking On Eggshells (Hanae)
I bit my lip as I rubbed soothing concealer over my burns on my face and arms. It's my own creation. The herbs within the cream soothe and heal the burns. The cream itself hides any irregularities while the burns are in the process of healing.
"You should send a message to Neji-san, Hanae. He will understand if you tell him you can't make it today," Ino suggested behind me.
"I'll be fine, Ino. In a little while, I won't even feel any pain from the burns anymore." I closed the cream jar and studied my skin, making sure I had rubbed it in fully. "Sakura?"
"I have the candles and matches ready right here. Come on."
"Thank you." She held my hand as we walked out of my room and headed towards the throne room. Once there, she released my hand, and I took a deep breath before entering the room. Itachi and Sasuke looked at us.
"Ohayo, Uchiha-sama." We curtseyed to the brothers before walking around the room to light the candles and place them in strategic places. Once that was done, we stood in front of their thrones.
"Is there a special agenda for today?" Sasuke asked me.
"Hai." I held out my hand, and Sakura placed my journal in my palm. I flipped through it to the desired page where I had today's agenda was written. "Between now and lunch, the maids know to give you three cups of herbal tea while I'm away. After lunch, we… have an event to attend, Itachi-sama."
"What's the event?" I bit my lip before raising my eyes to look into his. Issue of respect here.
"We have been invited to the Byakugan Kingdom for tea then a performance by Hinata-san." I looked down at my journal again. "At that time, Sasuke-sama will take over your duties with Sakura watching over you to make sure nothing happens."
"What time shall we return?"
"Naught 'til after supper. Neji-ouji is having his chefs prepare a meal for us."
"Alright, until lunch." We curtseyed to the two before walking out of the throne room. I released the breath I had been holding the entire time, happy the hard part is over.
"You go on and get ready, Hanae. Ino should already have a dress out for you."
"Thank you, Sakura." I hugged my sister. "I don't think I could've survived this without you." Her arms went around my torso.
"Anytime, baby girl. Now go on. You have a date to get ready for."
I walked back to my room and set down my basket. After bathing in the vanilla scented bath waiting for me, I slipped into the dress that was spread across my bed. It was ivory covered, very light, and reached my ankles. On my feet were brown sandals.
"You look beautiful." I smiled up at Neji through the mirror. He walked up behind me. "May I?"
"Of course." He picked up my hair brush to run the bristles through my hair. Smiling, I closed my eyes. Kami-sama, his hands feel so good in my hair!
"Has His Majesty agreed?"
"Hai. We're leaving right after lunch." His fingers rested on my shoulders, and I opened my eyes to look up at him.
"I'm sorry I cannot stay long enough to escort you there. But Hinata needs me." I laid a hand on his.
"I do not mind at all. I will, after all, be in good hands." 'Even if I would rather be in yours,' I thought as he went back to brushing my hair. Oh Kami-sama. Please let this one be real.
"Alright, you're even more perfect than usual." I blushed lightly at his words.
"You flatter me, Neji-ouji."
"I do not flatter. I only speak the truth." He held out a hand, and I slid mine into it. I looked him in the eye as he pulled me to my feet. "You truly are beautiful. I would love to make you the gem of Byakugan."
"I would be honored to be given such a title."
"Come. The fields await."
I slipped my hand into the crook of his elbow and followed him out of the castle. We went to the flower field just outside the grounds.
"It's a beautiful day today," I remarked as we sat in the grass on either side of the picnic basket sitting there. I crossed my ankles underneath me.
"It is." He reached into the basket.
"Actually, allow me, Neji-ouji." I reached forward, accustomed to serving those in superiority to me.
"No, you just sit there and relax. No need for you to serve me: you are my guest. Allow me to serve you." I leaned back, resting my hands in my lap.
"Well, if you say so." We talked idly as we breakfasted on fresh fruit and lemon juice. I realized the prince was more than the kind hearted guy I know. He can actually be as cold hearted as Itachi when he wants to be (of course, he assured me he would never treat me as anything less than a queen, so I'm not so worried).
"May I draw you?" I looked at him in surprise, lowering my cup. He was pulling out a sketchbook.
"Hai." At his instruction, I laid back in the grass and focused on the clouds. I told him about the shapes I saw up in the sky as he silently drew me.
"Alright, I'm done."
I sat up and ran my fingers through my hair to get the grass blades out of the strands. He handed me the book, and my eyes nearly popped out. He had drawn me so… accurately. I could see the light breeze playing with strands of my hair. A gasp of awe was on my lips as I found a new, rare shape in the sky. And my eyes. I can finally see the innocence there that males seem to like so much.
"Neji-ouji… this is beautiful."
"You are beautiful. I did not nothing but record this instant in life for the world to see." I wrapped my around his neck with giddiness and glee.
"No one has ever done anything like this for me before. Thank you, Neji-ouji."
"No problem, Hanae. And call me Neji." I blushed as his arms went around my waist (and because of the informal, casual way of addressing me). I pulled back enough to see his affectionate smile.
"Alright, Neji." Kami-sama, please let this be real!