Chapter 5
As she was escorted to one of the chambers of the illustrious palace. a feeling of an even greater terror engulfed her. She knew that this belong to her captor. He specifically demanded his subordinate to brought her to his room.
The room itself was a representation of the foreboding man who held her freedom. It was filled with heavy and ornately carved furniture along with rich Prussian blue velvet draperies. Blue velvet bed – hangings hang from the carved wooden bedposts, protecting the bed from the nightly cold chill. It was huge and dark, just like the man who owned it.
She knew that she must start collecting herself and try to think of probable options that will get her out of this dire predicament. However the huge bed at the center of the room beckoned her to sleep. And so she does. For the time being she will have to rest, to regain her strength, her will to move forward and overcome this hardship.
As weariness took over her senses, she succumbed to sleep. And there in dreamland, she dream of the encounter that transpired years before when she was just twelve years of age, an encounter that took several years before but one that will be will be forever engraved in her memory. The fated meeting that became the catalyst of the quandary she is in.
It was already near dusk but she was still not allowed to play outside. She decided to run away from her austere guards. She could never understand why she was always cloistered in the palace. She knew of her position as a royal in the kingdom, but she can see that her brothers were given more freedom than what she had. Even more so, there other half – siblings were given more of it.
She tried voicing these complaints but was brushed off as the restrictions given to her were only done for her protection. But even at her young age, she could see that she was given more limitation than her siblings.
Most of her siblings claimed that she was more of the favored one among them but this was something that she vehemently disclaimed. Who would want a life of captivity. A golden cage is still a cage no matter how grand it is. She would always do what her father and her guardians command her to do. Hence for her, it is their reciprocal obligation to at least let her enjoy life and have fun. But alas, no one wanted her to have freedom.
After escaping her tutor and guards, she went to the garden. She roamed the pavements of the palace's garden in order for her to pass time and ease her boredom. For more than an hour, she just kept on pacing and pacing through the decorative pavements and the garden bridges.
For quite a time she would observe the man - made lake that adorned the garden. She admired the water that flowed towards the stairway limestone where in effect housed several floras that colored the garden. The fishes in the lake also provided simple entertainment for her. She can stand there just leaning on the bridge doing nothing but watching the fishes lazily swam in the lake.
The colossal stones located throughout the garden were also another sight to behold. The stones were transparent and shaped wonderfully though they were naturally eroded. Many times she scrutinized these monumental stones and she would get the suggestion that they were shaped into animal forms and once she was able to deduce what animal form it could be, another form would somehow sprang which would then again led her to a different conclusion. Throughout the years that she played in this garden she was never able to make sense of what those stones were definitely shaped.
No matter how many times she had seen this majestic landscape, she will always be left in awe. Not only does it portrayed beauty but also it always gave one the feeling of peace and serenity.
After several more minutes, she grew tired of her constant pacing that she decided to take a rest in the pavilion. Once there she saw a man, intently studying the garden that just a while ago was also the crucial focus of her attention.
Intrigued, she decided to go to him and check whatever he was doing. It was only when she was near him that she realized that he was drawing a portrait. But what caught her interest was not in the excellence of whatever he was drawing but the unlikely resemblance of his portrayal to that of the surrounding around them.
Her curiosity pique, she boldly asked the artist, as if it is just natural to disturb one who was too busy concentrating towards the perfection of his own art.
"What are you depicting? I can't find one that resembles that which you draw in that parchment?" She asked in tone full of inquisitiveness, as was further emphasized by the slanting of her elegant eyebrows.
The man she questioned suddenly turned his head towards her. At this, she felt like a jolt of electricity hit her. She was extremely shocked with what she found.
She may have anticipated that this man was an old and decrepit, which was her general description of most scholars like her tutor. However, the face that she beheld immediately gainsaid her presumption. It is a face of a young man, a man whom the gods favored with good looks.
His eyes were as black as the heavens during midnight, which betrayed not a single emotion. His hair rivaled the darkness of his eyes' color. He has straight patrician nose, and a clear pale white skin.
Such was her surprise that she had forgotten what she was supposed to further ask the beautiful stranger. Hence, once she recovered her senses, and when the man looked at her and inched his eyebrow as a silent way of asking her the purpose of her sudden intrusion, she can't find her voice to speak least of all apologize for disturbing him. She knew that she gave him the impression of being dim-witted.
He was taken aback from the intrusion. True, he may only regard painting as just a past time, but when he draw things and put his imagination in the parchment, he would always aim for the perfection of his painting. Accordingly, he seriously had an aversion to interruptions such as this one. No, most especially to curious onlookers who can't just keep their thoughts for themselves and refrain from bombarding him with nonsensical questions.
His interpretations of his art might be a little different from many, but his ideas and his elucidation about them are his to keep. That is why he gulped a breath of air and sighed before facing the rude stranger.
And so, was his surprised when he saw the alleged intruder.
What loomed before him was a young child who had the most beautiful face he has ever seen. Granted, this was most certainly unprecedented of him to admire such a young girl, but there was certainly no denying of the admiration he felt toward this child.
She had the face of an angel, which was framed by pink locks. Her skin was flawless. He imagined that he was looking at a goddess who'd come to earth to tantalize him. Her eyebrows were perfectly sculptured into soft arches, her nose was wonderfully straight, and her mouth was full and rosy, and very much appealing. Her eyes fascinated him the most. They were the most appealing shade of green. Eyes the color of marvelous emerald that is full of curiosity yet unguarded. Her eyes also exact the attitude of mischief yet at the same time, he can sense innocence and naiveté lingering on her.
He knew the moment that whoever this girl might be, she is bound for trouble as was evident on the twinkling emerald eyes of her. He loathed anyone he deemed that perturb his personal space. And this lovely little minx is certainly disturbing him. Hence, no matter how beautiful and lovely to behold she is, he decided to just ignore her and continue whatever he is doing after such she will just leave and go on her merry way without including him into any possible waywardness she was up to.
But it seems that unfortunately for him, he was stuck with her ministration and he will have no say into it.
Despite the stranger's utter indifferent behavior towards her, she was definitely not deterred to pursue the questions that were nagging here. And she will have to certainly get her answer and assuage her curiosity even if she has to wring it from this apathetic stranger. And for some unknown reason, his indifference certainly irked her to the very core of her patience. And patience is a virtue that is not high on her list.
That is why when she asked the man once again and he continued to ignore her. She decided to take matters into her own hands.
She grabbed the parchment that he was drawing upon. This action obviously gathered a reaction from the man.
"What the hell are you doing?" he asked in disbelief.
"Examining your drawing, what else do you think?" she answered him nonchalantly while she raised the parchment to have a better viewing angle of it. She tried to search the object of which he copied it from but can find none.
"What is this one anyway? I can't see where you copied it?" she asked him once again.
Irritated by her questions, he tried to grab the parchment from her, however she stirred it from his grasp and looked at him with a definite challenge in her eyes. She was silently imploring him to answer her before she will relinquish the parchment.
He was quite impressed with this girl's moral fiber. A smile graced his face. This girl certainly has enough spirit to challenge him like this. Had she known who he is, she would certainly cower in fear, as most men who knew him were always wary of him.
But this puny and scrawny little girl is openly challenging him at a contest of will over a certain parchment. This most undoubtedly brought his humor as well as excitement.
"Are you telling me that I have to answer your question and that if I don't you will not give me back the parchment, is that what you are implying, milady?" he drawled dispassionately.
"No, you will tell me or else I will throw this in the water myself and you will be devastated by the lost of your work. Pretty much, as a palace's artisan, I knew that this is where you will gain your stipend but once I threw this in the stream it will be of no good for you."
"Fine, throw it then. I don't need it anyway." He told her while he raised both his hands as an emphasis of his indifference to her threat.
At this she was shocked by his answer, yet in the split of an instant her eyes twinkled with mirth. And she laughed.
At this point, he realized that her mirth is certainly musical to the ears, and this he certainly enjoyed.
"You, sir, are lying. You won't throw this beautiful drawing and put it into waste," she said confidently.
"Oh really? Shall I do the throwing then, milady?"
Stunned and appalled at the prospect of him throwing this magnificent work of art, which incidentally, he created, she shouted at him.
"You will not throw this one sir." She implored with such passion that she even stomp her right foot and looked at him with such daring that he laughed soundly which surprised her.
"Why are you laughing at me? What in my command did you found to be humorous?"
"Oh, milady what I found to be amusing is not just your order but also yourself."
"What do you mean by that?" she asked him, while her face blushed. Clearly this man infuriated her.
"Oh don't you see milady, you pressured me into answering your question and threatened to throw my drawing if I don't do so and when I answered you with unconcern about the very object that you seem to hold against me and even more so tried to help you in doing the dirty deed, and yet you became mad at me for even agreeing to the very action you suggested to do against me. Now with the irony of your actions certainly, I found those hilarious. But what were even more compelling was your reaction and the way your face instantly reddened. Truly my dear you are such a delight."
At this he bowed before her.
But instead of being appeased, she became even more irritated. Thus, she put both her hands on her hips as her left hand still holds the parchment. Put her two feet apart. And looked at him with a haughty expression a child like her could muster.
"So are you going to answer my question or not?"
"And if I don't answer your question, will it be me now whom you will throw in the water?" he asked lazily.
"Of course not. If I do so, any part of you might harm the fishes. Certainly I will not inflict them of such brutality."
"Touché, milady. I see your tongue is also as quick as your temper."
"So are you going to tell me now?"
This time he presumed that he or rather his drawing had certainly caught her interest. And this somehow, appeased him into answering her inquiries as a silent way of thanking her for her interest on his creation as well as claiming that it was beautiful earlier. However, when she once again stomped her right foot, indicating that her very stumpy patience is slowly running out. He delighted that he'd rather tease her more.
"And what do I get milady, in exchange for the information that you will be receiving from me?"
She gave him a dumbfounded look when he asked that question. Surely he was not asking a boon from her. She was just asking him about this drawing of his, true, it is fascinating but a piece of background about this would not cause him his life.
"You are asking me to give you something in return?" she asked surprise evident in her words.
"That was what I was asking you. I'm happy you understand my meaning."
This time, hell broke loose. She immediately ran towards him and kicked him in the knee without a care of the propriety she had just breeched. If her governess found out about this, she would certainly be in trouble. But she'll deal with that problem later and for now; she will have to assert herself first with this obnoxious man.
Her action surprised him. And by the heavens, this puny little chit can kick. The pain was a little excruciating that unconsciously he bended his knees and try to gain support from the wall of the pavilion.
This clearly delighted her, which was shown in her triumphant smile.
"So are we going to do it my way or your way? I hope you are not underestimating me. You just have to answer my question you know."
He was about to get up and throw her a retort but someone interrupted them. In a way, made him grateful for whoever this intervening person is. He just couldn't trust what he would have done to this annoying girl had they not been interrupted. Only that, he was not given the chance to thank this person for he was given a revelation that would surely turn the tables for the girl's advantage.
"Sakura, what the hell are you doing here in the gardens, alone and unescorted?"
She knew that voice, one that she actually missed and longed to see.
"Gaara!" she murmured and looked behind her.
"Oh my goodness! It is you!"
And she ran towards the said person nearly toppling him if not for his sheer strength. Thankfully, said man was strong enough not to let his sister let him fall over and made himself the center of amusement by the court. So he immediately balanced himself once he caught his imp of a sister.
"Ohoooh. . . . You nearly run me over, minx. So why the sudden excitement of my presence?"
Sakura embraced her beloved brother, and then she place her palms on his cheeks and tried to examine him, looking for any sign of wounds or any discomfort in him. Thankfully, her keen eye when it comes to healing was able to thoroughly checked and confirmed that he is indeed well.
"Nothing. But I missed you. Really. I hope you stay here longer along with Big Brother Sasori."
Gaara smiled at her sister's word but was careful to look around to know if other people were present. It is a good thing that the pavilion was secluded and away from prying eyes. He knew, even when they were still younger that his sister was one of the sweetest and thoughtful person in the world. And he was always happy whenever she showered them with her concerns. And this time was no exception.
"You little minx. You only wanted us to be here because you will be less detained by those burly guards that father assigned to you. Plus, since you have your two older brothers eating at the palm of your hands, you always have your way with us thus, you can do whatever you wanted to do."
"Of course not. I want you here because I want us to be together always since we are siblings. And it might not hurt if you'll be the one to protect me not those ugly idiots."
"Well, I'm happy that you enjoy having me here but don't change the subject dear sister, why are you alone and unescorted? Where is Nana and how in heaven's name did you evade those guards of yours?"
"Oh slow down. You're just like Father."
"Am I? Well you better hope I am not sister. Now answer my question."
"Well, Nana believes that I'm studying with the tutor, so she was preparing something which I have no idea. And since I am suppose to be studying, the guards where given a break since Nana doesn't allow them inside the room while I am studying.
"If you're suppose to study, why the hell are you here? I don't suppose this is your classroom now? And where is that pathetic excuse of your tutor is?"
"Well, I just came here to view the gardens and I'm tired of studying"
"Cut the bloody chase and answer me."
"Fine! You don't have to shout you know. Well, I kind of put a pinch of sleeping drought into my tutor's tea so that I will be able to ran from her. And since the guards where not near the vicinity I decided to make a run for it. Happy now?"
Then, Gaara's laughed rang out in the garden.
"You drugged people now? Father should have never let you go to the abbey to study healing. I can see now that your gift will be the end of all of us here."
"Oh you oaf. I wouldn't have resort to that if all of your were not so domineering," she said and at the same time pointing an accusing finger in his way.
"And who are you accosting this time, princess." He said in a voice laced with mockery and mirth as he subtly changed the topic.
"Oh, him?" she asked as her attention was immediately shifted.
At this, Gaara focused his attention to the man in question. And straight away his facial features changed from that of merriment to one devoid of emotion.
"It is a pleasure to have you once again in court, Prince Gaara."
"I wasn't expecting to see you here Sai."
"You knew this painter?" Sakura asked, as she her face turned abruptly one from the other.
"Painter?" Gaara asked. If he had been confused, he did not show it.
"Yes. This man was painting something incomprehensible. Look." She explained to him and at the same time shoving the parchment in front of him as proof of her account of the said stranger, named Sai. But instantly, she faced Sai.
"So your name is Sai. Will you now tell me what this painting is?" she asked and still persisting to accede her curiosity.
Sai was certainly taken aback by the identity of the young girl who had certainly knocked his curiosity. He never thought that this girl was from the royal family Even more surprising was the identity that she is Princess Sakura, the hidden princess.
Many rumors surfaced in court even in the kingdom itself had risen pertaining to this princess. Many claimed that she was so beautiful just like her mother, that the king guardedly hid her from men who might fall for her beauty at such a young age. Others claimed that she was cursed to become the ugliest person ever to live, that she shamed royalty in itself. Others also said that she was killed at the same time when her mother perished and that she reminded the king of her lost beloved that he decided to kill her so as to prevent him from reminding of his dead consort.
He was never one to listen to such gossips, but now he can conclude that the rumor of her beauty is absolutely true. It was indeed wise of the king to hid her identity from the court.
"What are you pestering the painter with Sakura?" At this, Gaara put an emphasis on the word painter.
"I was repeatedly asking him what it is but he wouldn't tell me so."
"Are you telling me that you found a person in this world whom you couldn't manipulate? That is certainly new, dear sister."
At this, Gaara laughed soundly at the irritation of his sister.
So, Sakura stomped her foot once again, and pointed an accusing finger at Sai.
"This is all your fault. Hmmph. . . .I will never return this to you again."
Sai just looked at her passively even if she ran away from them along taking with her the drawing he painstakingly depicted earlier. Well, no matter, if she wanted it, she can have it.
"What were you doing here? Did father send you to spy on her?" Gaara asked him, which gained his attention once the princess was out of their earshot.
"No my prince, I was not on duty for today hence, I decided to leisurely draw in the garden. I have no knowledge that the princess was here in court, and neither do I know her appearance. Everything that happened to day was nothing but a happenstance."
"Very well then."
"Gaara. . . . forgive me, Milord."
"No one is around as, so you can drop the formality Sai, you are my friend and we've been through a lot so you don't have to talk to me in such esteem."
"I'm sorry. I'd rather keep my guard in case someone might be around. But is it safe for the princess to be given a free reign without any escorts? Given that only very few individuals knew of her identity she might be in danger."
"I know what you mean, she is very headstrong and stubborn. She has the tendency of creating havoc and misfits despite every protection that she was given. And given with what had just happened, I know that father will now change her guards. Well, given her current situation, I can't help but sympathize with her but it is for her own good, I hope so."
After running a few steps, she decided that it was wrong of her to deprive the young artist, even though he was surely obstinate, of his pay for his wonderful work of art. Hence, she decided to give it back to him.
So went back to the pavilion and there she realized that his brother was talking to the said man himself. Surely he was not reprimanding him for talking to her, it was her fault in the first place, although she would never admit it in front of the arrogant man. So she decided to eavesdrop first. She knew that it was wrong of her to do so, and had Nana been here, she will be thoroughly reprimanded but this time she knew that her action will be justifiable for she was just trying to save the man's life.
Hence, she tried to hid in the shrubs nearby, to listen to their conversation. She was surprised by the turn of their conversation, instead of her saving the infuriating man's hide from her brother, she found out that they were in fact close friends.
If that is so, then this man is definitely not just any ordinary painter. Her brother was one of the most withdrawn person she had known. And to gain Gaara's friendship is certainly a very tall order for many. This man must have done something that earned his brother's friendship and surely his respect.
As she contemplated on this, she became even more drawn to this mysterious stranger. She will have to find more about him even if it is the last thing she would do.
She was awoken in her slumber by a pair of gentle hands. Groggily, she tried to open her eyes. The place was illuminated by the fading glow of the sunset.
And as she was scanning the room, a young girl emerged before her sight. She tried to comprehend where she was, and then realization hit her. She was in her captor's room. The dark lord who incidentally was the owner of this very room she was in.
"Milady, I was told to assist you in your bath," the young girl smilingly told her.
Some explanations:
I am really sorry for the delay of this chapter. I knew that I promised to pose this chapter a week after my previous update. However, I was discontent with the way that I wrote it, so I decided to change everything. It's a pity though, the first Chapter 5 that I had written was quite long, but it was not that good.
Hence, I decided to write a new one however, I was having a writer's block which then delayed me from progressing. I was probably too immersed on the detailed narrative of the story that I forgot to follow the main flow of the plot.
But anyway, I really tried my best to at least be able to present a good chapter this time. I hope you like it. Although I have a feeling that you will just resent it for there are so many loopholes regarding the many questions that many of you wanted to be answered about this story's plot. Please bear with me, and I will surely be able to answer it as the plot progresses. I know it sucks to wait but it will be worth it. I really don't want to spoil for you the unveiling of the mystery. And this chapter is certainly the turning point of the story.
Another, I would like to apologize for the violating most characters' disposition and nature. Please excuse my discourtesy but I really can't help it, I am writing an AU story here that is why sometime the characters nature sometimes changes.