Welcome back... this is Lovely Spell no duh... umm we're nearing the end. If you read my other stories check out my profile for updates. I will be taking a break to do some stuff if you'd like to know more check the profile.

warning: none

I still don't own Naruto series/manga. The day I do own it I'll make sure to have that Naruto and Sai scene at the onsen made longer and more detailed.

There is a new poll up please vote!
I'm also taking beta requests for more info check out my beta profile.

Naruto had never been to a royal event, but he had dreamed of many and this one didn't fall short even to his wildest dream. From where he stood behind a thick velvet curtain he could see the hall lit with many large crystal chandeliers, which hung off of golden chains. The ceiling, which painters had been working on for the past weeks, was finally completed. It showed the story of the princess in full detail. The first panel held her noble birth and many after told of her imprisonment. It showed pictures of love and comfort. Lavish gifts to share with family were painted in each important step of Naruto's life. Naruto tried not to scoff at the ridiculous made up story. His life hadn't been that grand at all. The last panel was left empty except for the princess standing in a white gown. The future was the only option left and they had made the space for her prince.

Naruto sighed. He had to find Kakashi first so that he could explain. He'd have to tell him about the arrangement and what the king had commanded of him. Maybe they could still meet. Naruto hoped they could meet after it all was over, but he knew it was hopeless. There would be no reason for the top knight from Konoha to arrive at the kingdom of Suna to see the princess. Naruto continued to explore from behind the curtain. He saw the colors he had picked were woven into the napkins and that most of the flowers were already in their places. Only a few more minutes before the hall would be opened up for everyone to attend the royal ball. Naruto would then have to dance with everyone who asked and he'd have to make small talk with even the most humble guest.

"Naru, come I've been looking for you everywhere." Iruka took Naruto by the hand and pulled him back into the small room which was closest to the hall. The workers had been forced to take longer routes to the hall because the back was to be kept empty for the princess to prepare. "We're ready for you now." Iruka opened the door and let Naruto walk in. The room was brightly lit. His dress was set up in the back and make up was sitting on the beautiful white wood dresser. There was a young girl, older than Naruto, standing while pulling out more make up vials. As soon as the young girl spotted Naruto she pieced everything together and dropped into a low bow.

"Hime-sama--" She kept her head bowed and stayed in a curtsy.

"Hi," Naruto took a seat on the dresser's small bench. "you don't have to stay like that." He whispered.

"Thank you." She took a seat that was lower than Naruto's bench and continued emptying her small leather case.

"Ruki I'm thirsty." Naruto turned back to look at Iruka and grinned.

"You can drink something at the party." Iruka reached for a brush and started working oil into Naruto's hair.

"Mean." Naruto's pout made the young maiden relax and smile. "He's always like that with me." Naruto mumbled.

"Enough, enough let her do your make up already." Iruka kissed the top of Naruto's head.

"I-it might be hard to hide the red around here." The girl cleared her throat and pointed to the area around Naruto's still puffy eyes. He'd cried for a very long time after his father had left.

"Can you do it?" Iruka asked nervously.

"Yes, but I'll need to use more make up than Uchiha-san had told me I could use."

"Then do so."

Naruto watched her work. She was very good at what she did. By the end of the first ten minutes he couldn't even tell that he had been up half the night in tears. When the girl finished she excused herself and left the room with her supplies as she had been instructed. Naruto was helped by Iruka to change into his under clothes. He was sitting again when the stylist knocked. Just like the previous girl the stylist stayed in a deep bow until Naruto let her up. She worked quick and without pulling Naruto's hair. Soon he had what looked like hundreds of curls at the top of his head seemingly emptying out of the top of his crown. The crown itself had belonged to his mother or so Iruka had said. It was white gold with diamonds. The light colors stood out against Naruto's striking blonde hair. Already he looked like a woman, more so than usual. Naruto touched at his jaw bone. It was smooth as silk and his hands which had never known the hard life of labor were still soft as the day he'd been born.

"Are you ready Naru?" Iruka was already heading towards the heavy dress that Naruto would have to wear for the rest of the evening.

"No. Let's go to the room and eat ramen!" Naruto was already walking towards the door when Iruka pulled him back by the hand.

"I don't think so. Come on, aren't you excited?!" Iruka was smiling and obviously happier and more excited than Naruto.

"No. I'm not. I didn't want to be told who to choose." Naruto dragged his feet on the carpeted floor until he reached the platform where he would be dressed.

"Did you already have someone in mind?" Iruka very carefully dressed Naruto so as to not smear the make up on the dress or ruin Naruto's perfect hair do.

"Sorta, but I don't want to talk about it." Naruto remembered that Kakashi had known Iruka and didn't want the last time he would get so spend with his Ruka to be soured by a memory.

Iruka didn't bother with a reply. He used his mouth to help his hands pull at the stings and laces on the dress until Naruto was nice and fitted into an hourglass shape. Naruto looked beautiful. Iruka took a step back to admire the evening's work. "Don't move." Iruka brought a rolling mirror so that Naruto could also admire himself.

The wide dress was a cream ivory color. It was hand made and looked more like artwork than a dress. The sleeves were long and covered in lace. They ended in at a point. Iruka had said that a poet's sleeve was modern. Naruto had simply agreed when he realized it was what Iruka wanted. The front of the dress opened up to show a golden silk in the same circular style of the entire dress. Naruto's shoulders could be seen. The dress only covered him well from the collar bone down. Naruto looked at himself and idly touched his bare neck. It was no longer marked by Kakashi. It seemed empty. He couldn't believe this was it. These were the last few minutes of his freedom. If only he could run away and search for Kakashi. He shook his head it was impossible.

"One more thing Naruto-kun." Iruka smiled tearfully. In his hand he had a velvet box, which held the jewels for the night. After that Naruto would be pushed out into the ball to be gawked at. After the jewels, the icing on the cake, were placed on him it would be done. Those precious gems embedded in silver and gold would be his chains of cold steel. His freedom was gone. Naruto shivered when the heavy necklace touched his skin. This was it. I was time to meet the kingdom, and the prince of Suna.

"Iruka, I'm scared."

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The winner for the last poll is ANBU!NaruxANBU!Shika by a very convincing 44 o.o ... for now that story is called "I Saw the Sun." I hope everyone who voted will take a look at the first chapter, which is coming soon.