"There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: You guys' oughtta know me by now. No canon for this fanfic author. Oh and if you don't like lots of blood, fighting, decapitation ect, then this IS NOT the fic for you… The backspace button is in the upper left hand corner of the screen.
Thank you. Also Free Fall people, FYI; the last chapter is done, it's going through it's beta stages. This is something I wrote from my down time during the intervals of Free Fall. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of the characters there in. I just borrow them to torture them for my own amusement from time to time.
Summery: There once was a pink haired woman who was nothing more than a simple blacksmith's daughter. Yet none could match the ferocity of her spirit once the hilt of a blade was held within her grasp. An arrogant, cocky, self-assured dragon prince was certainly no exception.
- Sakura/Neji - -AU –
Rated -M- Because there will be lots of blood, violence, gore, and swearing. Ect. Ect. And possibly some erotic scenes here and there.
Chapter 3:
Pulling on her black boots and fastening her sword to her belt she glanced up to see the prince striding over to her. He tossed a bag of coins at her feet, "Bring back the rest. Buy a set of armor or two. Buy some decent clothing as well."
Sakura wanted to protest but she knew it would be futile. She could understand that a prince as prideful as he having any servant belonging to him looking so thrashed. She grimaced at the sight of her burnt armor.
He drew her attention back to him as he warned her sternly, "Be back by noon. No later. We will be returning to Konoha." He didn't even wait for her response as he exited the tent.f
Sighing Sakura quickly braided her long hair and wrapped it in a bun. The pinkette exited the tent ignoring the leers from the soldiers and other various assortment of males watching her as she mounted her sable mare. Clucking her tongue gently, her mount responded easily to the soft aids and carried her at a gallop all the way to town. The spirited woman lifted her face, enjoying the movement of the powerful beast beneath her, and the breeze caused by the motion that caressed her face.
Sakura first dropped by the blacksmith's shop to drop off her sword for proper maintenance and ordered a new sheath to be made in fine onyx hued leather. Then she went to the armory to buy herself a couple sets of fine soft black leather armor as well. She also bought herself a few sets of soft well made tunics and pants, all in various shades of grays and blacks.
In the fitting room of the shop she quickly dressed into one of the new sets of pearl gray armor and went about setting her hair in several sets of braids, so that the pink tresses would be out of her way for the journey that awaited her. Exiting the small fitting stall, she went and bought her a few pairs of boots. Some that ended at her ankles all the way up to the standard military knee-highs.
She looked at the pouch and was amazed she still had money left over. The prince was far more generous than she had first realized with the allowance he'd given her. As she exited the store she glanced at the sky, she knew she didn't have much time left. Crossing the street quickly she picked up her sword and new hilt and strapped it to her belt with a polite thanks to the blacksmith. She was about to turn around and leave when a fine, obsidian handled dagger caught her eye. After a moment's hesitation she purchased it and hiking up her sleeve she strapped it on her bandaged arm.
Pulling the soft gray sleeve down she exited the shop and filled her horses saddlebags before mounting. Turning her mount's nose to head back to the camp her eyes alighted on a familiar face.
"Sakura!" Hiroshi stopped at the side of her mount, he grabbed at the reigns of her mount, half bent as he tried catching his breath.
"Hiroshi? What are you doing here?" Sakura tilted her head confused by his sudden appearance.
"I didn't think I'd catch up with you," Hiroshi half gasped, his other hand on his chest.
"I'm sorry Hiroshi, I really need to get going. My liege will be waiting for me as they want to leave by noon," Sakura replied as she looked down at the male.
"About that, have you tried to talk your way out of such a commitment? A lifetime of servitude is ridiculous for a simple duel. A truly idiotic idea of yours. I can't believe you challenged a dragon and a prince at that," Hiroshi's irritated glare sent sparks of anger shooting through Sakura.
"What I chose to do is none of your concern," Sakura replied archly, "Now if you'll excuse me…"
Hiroshi grabbed the reigns of her mount once more, "Damn your blasted pride Sakura! Do you realize how I feel about you? I want to marry you!"
Sakura snatched the reigns back as her sable mare began to shift uncomfortably beneath her, "Hiroshi you have offered your hand in marriage to me before, and I have refused. I am sorry about how you feel about my newest arrangements. But it cannot be undone. I have given my word. How would you feel if I had won and the prince gave me lordship and then took it away? An oath is an oath."
Hiroshi took a step back, unable to argue with Sakura's stubborn logic. His eyes grew sorrowful, "So you've decided then. You really should try to strike a bargain with this prince…" when the male watched Sakura's chin firm in that noticeably stubborn way of hers he murmured, "This is goodbye I take it."
"Not a forever goodbye, but a see you later goodbye. By then, I'm sure you will have married a nice little tribal girl, and have a kid or two running around," Sakura voiced softly.
Hiroshi was a softhearted man, and even though he irritated her, she respected his feelings. It would be unkind to be cruel to one such as him.
Sakura gave one last wave and nudged her horse into a gallop away from the bustling town. Hiroshi watched as her sable mare kicked up dust. His heart was heavy with the knowledge she was possibly leaving for good, but he was sure, she'd do all right. In the end he came to the conclusion that perhaps it would be good for a Grasslander to be around their new royals.
Sakura arrived back at the camp, just as everything was being packed down. She maneuvered her way through the other servants on her mare, quickly spotting the prince with his generals. She dismounted, and approached very quietly. Neji glanced at his new servant as she came to stand silently at his side. She lowered her chin respectfully. He dismissed his generals and eyed her up and down irritated at the fact that the girl's notion of decent clothing was much different than his own.
Sakura handed him the pouch of silver, giving him a stiff and polite bow, "Thank you my liege."
The dragon prince's mouth twisted into a wry grimace, "I see that your idea of proper clothing and mine are two quite different things. Your attire is improper for a woman in my country."
The pinkette tilted her head and met his icy gaze head on, "My apologies. If you wish I can return to town and acquire what you deem … proper."
The dragon's eyes narrowed dangerously. The woman was his servant and yet she was mocking him. He half growled irritated by the look in her gaze, "We have no time. You'll have to return as is I suppose."
A soldier approached them. His eyes flickered between the two of them with barely concealed interest, "We are ready to return to Konoha sir. The units you requested to stay behind has fully assembled and are already building a post. The province lord that you've designated is on his way to the Grassland's."
"Make sure that Lord Shikamaru knows not to tax the population here over five percent, they are still recovering from what battles they have had with us and it would not benefit us to overtax them. If we find out that he goes above that, he will be stripped of his title and lands immediately," the prince's voice was firm, his tone cold and collected as he addressed the underling.
"Yes my liege," the soldier saluted him and returned to his duties.
"I will…" she said uncertainly. The prince was very imposing. If she had seen him like this, she might have thought twice about challenging him. He looked down at her, "I will join the servants and travel with them, and assist where I can…"
"No you will not," the prince corrected her immediately, "You are my personal servant. You will travel behind me. Between the guards."
"As you wish my liege," Sakura tilted her head forward in subservience. Grabbing the reigns of her sable mare, she followed him until he found his black mount. She mounted the same time as he.
Sakura felt numbness settle into her breast as the gravity of it all hit her. She followed her prince's mount at a distance waiting patiently for him to call the final move out. By noon as he had said they would the caravan of soldiers, supplies, and lords finally moved away from the camp and began the long trek back to Konoha.
Silence reigned which was fine for the woman. She allowed her wistful green eyes to roam over the land that was her blood. Breathing in deep heavy breaths, she savored the sweet scent of the spring air. It was full of the smell of blooms and she let it fill all of her senses. The breeze teased the strands of cotton candy hued tresses that had escaped from her tight braids.
The young woman didn't know if she would ever be back, or even if she would be allowed to visit the land of her father. Her slender callused hands caressed the neck of the horse beneath her almost absentmindedly. Sakura's thoughts drew inward momentarily, her eyes glazed over as she began to mull over the drastic change in her life within the span of twenty-four hours.
Really, she didn't feel resentful about her loss, instead, she felt elated in the sense of peace within herself. She wasn't the one that had surrendered, she went out no holds barred, and for that in the end she could respect herself. As she stared at the back of the prince, Sakura felt that in everything, as the daughter of a blacksmith, becoming the personal servant to a prince really was something she would never have imagined.
The ideal situation would have been if she had won the duel of course, but in all honesty she had no idea if she had the true leadership qualities to lead a nation of proud people. At that point and time when the challenge had come about all she could see ahead was the flag of freedom. A nation of people that had always been bound together by the ties of living freely, peacefully, in a land of harsh and yet amazing beauty.
Every so often Neji glanced back at the fierce young tribal woman that had suddenly become apart of his life. It still amazed him, although he would never admit such a weak thing out loud, was the fact that she nearly bested him with her swords. He didn't trust her in the least, however despite himself, he was somewhat intrigued by her enigmatic qualities. The prince was used to women in the court running off their mouths about whatever was 'in' at the moment, or who mated who, and various other bits of nonsense.
This tiny scrap of a woman on the other hand, had let her sword do her talking for her. He doubted that Sakura behaved in the manner even common to a human female by the way the head Chief of the Grassland's spoke about her. Even their great general obviously respected the young woman as an able and intelligent soldier.
He decided that he would keep a close eye on her for the moment. The alpha male's inner beast agreed with him. He had marked her as his after all.
Sakura was drawn out of her reverie for a moment as the flicker of a shadow in the forestry on the west side of them caught her attention. She glanced at the male in front of her. She was surrounded by dragons, surely if there was something amiss they would either sense it, or smell it. Or whatever it was that dragons did. It was then she noticed that the breeze was blowing in the opposite direction and it was quite possible they wouldn't notice there was a possibility that they were being followed.
The warrior woman's soldier senses kicked in. She knew that dragons had superior hearing, she didn't know how much so she said not much above a whisper, "My liege. We're being followed. On the west side."
The prince's shoulders tensed and Sakura knew he had heard her. They had been traveling for several hours if the position of the sun was any indicator. Sakura knew they were drawing near to the old borderline that used to separate their territories. The woman wondered, what bandit would be stupid enough to attack a returning army. Unless. Her eyes widened. They just meant to kill the prince.
Momentarily she mused over the possibility, where would be the best place to make an attack on them. It was quite possible that they had archers waiting to ambush them at some point. Sakura's eyes narrowed perceptibly as it hit her, "My liege. It is probably they are planning on assassinating you before you make it into the old border between Konoha and Grasslands. There is a point I believe about five miles or so from this point, where the road narrows by the cliffside. It will make it easy for an archer to get a clear shot at you."
The prince turned his head and met her solemn eyes. He could see the concern in the depths of her green orbs and he ascertained that she could possibly be telling the truth. He had caught glimpses of shadows in the forest on the west side as she had said but had chalked it down quickly to bandits waiting for an opening to attack. The prince hadn't been too concerned since he was amidst his troops. What group of mercenaries was stupid enough to attack a returning army after all?
Sakura watched as he turned and it was obvious he murmured something to the men at his side, because they gave curt nods but Sakura couldn't catch the sound of his voice. The guards traveling at her side had heard her entire exchange with the prince and were watching her with varying levels of suspicion. Her lips thinned in displeasure but she didn't react to the looks she was receiving from the males at her side. Instead she kept watch out of the corner of her eyes, ready at a moments notice to react.
Just as she had surmised they nearly had to go single file during this part of the trail. Her hand itched to go for the hilt of her sword, sweat beaded her brow, and she knew her heart rate was beginning to quicken. The guards at her side were still watching her suspiciouslyl and she wanted to yell at them to pay attention.
The prince's shoulders stiffened perceptibly as he realized that the woman had been right in her assertions. They were surrounded on all sides by an unknown amount of humans. He could smell the ones that were east of him, but he knew there had to be at least a dozen or so on the west side of the forest as well. The tension in the air was thick as the elite guard at his sides waited for the humans to make their move.
"CHARGE!!" a voice hollered, "KILL THE KONOHA SCUM!! THE PRINCE'S HEAD WILL BE OURS!"
Sakura took in the momentary confusion of the guards at her side as a sign of uselessness and with a firm dig of her booted heels her mount burst forward until it was at her liege's side. Unsheathing her sword, she met a crazed zealot's axe with a grimace. He had rushed forward to be the first to attack the prince. Before the man knew what hit him, the tip of her sword had already severed his neck from his shoulders. His lifeless body fell of his mount onto the ground.
The tension in the air snapped as they found themselves surrounded on all sides. The mount beneath her reared with a fearful whinny as the earth began to rumble. Her head whipped back to glance behind her. She realized that the zealots had all this well planned. They had just sent several large boulders down from the mountainside and before anyone had realized what in the hell just happened, Prince Neji found himself effectively cut off from most of his troops and surrounded by about fifty men.
Pathetic humans was his first thought to it all. He drew his own sword as his canines begin to elongate from the bloodlust that began to filter through his draconic veins. He had a good fifteen men that hadn't been cut off, most of them were elites and that wasn't counting Sakura who had just effectively taken down one of the attackers.
"TRAITOROUS bitch!" one of the zealots yelled down at her, "You're a Grasslander and yet you protect the filthy dragon!"
Sakura's green eyes calmly met the enraged lot of them, the blood of one of their comrade's dripping down the blade of her sword. In what seemed like one movement, they all surged forward. Immediately the elites found themselves swarmed by crazed men. They moved into a tighter circle trying to protect the crown prince. Neji however had no problem mercilessly slicing through any that came within a few feet of him.
Sakura fought off the attackers with little trouble, even when there was more than one, for they were obviously untrained men. As they fell beneath her blade her eyes darted back and forth, because she had the feeling there was at least one archer waiting for the perfect moment to take out the prince. Sakura knew that they didn't care about dying as long as they got what they had came for.
After severing the head of an attacker who had come at her holding a double-sided blade her eyes caught the glint in the trees just northeast of them. There. Sakura was off her mount in a flash somewhat startling the prince wondering if she was going to betray him after all. His eyes narrowed dangerously, cold pearly orbs following her movement, even as he fed a nice bright orange fireball to one of his attackers while stabbing another through the chest.
Sprinting she cut down those who tried to block her. Her sword whirling with precision she sliced a path to her goal. Sakura found her target, and she realized she must have been in time as the attacker had the bow drawn. Thrusting her blade in the ground a moment, she reached into her sleeve and pulled out the dagger she had just purchased that day.
Flexing her body into position, the female aimed and threw the blade at the unsuspecting assassin with deadly accuracy. The blade caught his shoulder just as released the arrow. A sharp yell came from him as he jerked up from the pain. The arrow uselessly pierced the ground just a few feet in front of Prince Neji's black steed.
The prince watched through narrowed eyes as the human that had just tried to assassinate him fall from the tree onto the ground below. He figured since the man could no longer do him any more harm Sakura would return to help them pick off the few stragglers left. However she surprised him as her blood soaked hands pulled the sword from the ground and she went to the fallen male and relieved him of his head. And then quickly retrieved the dagger and placed the bloody blade and all back into the holster on her arm.
Sakura felt sick to her stomach at the useless slaughter, but she knew that these zealots had brought it on themselves. She just hoped that Konoha wouldn't take out the fanatical actions of these people on the rest of her innocent and honorable kinsmen.
One of the few remaining assassins turned to her, his eyes wide with disbelief at the young Grasslander who fought like a pink devil beside the dragons. Sakura met his eyes and shook her head in disappointment at him.
The man howled with rage and charged her. Sakura met him head on their blades sparking. As their eyes met across blades he hissed at her, "I don't understand it! Why are you helping them you stupid bitch?!"
With all the zealots now dead and the rest of his army finally getting the obstruction out of the way, he watched the battle between his new personal servant and the last of the assassins. He heard the crazed man's question and he found himself curious as to how Sakura would answer him. Even if they were fanatics, the woman could have turned on him and could have attempted to kill him so that she could be free from her oath.
Sakura replied coldly, "I don't need to explain myself to someone who has no honor." With that she felt herself skid back from the male's shove. She realized she had gained an audience, and the elite were watching the two of them battle it out curiously.
Gritting her teeth at the realization that they were watching the two of them like they were some sort of roadside entertainment infuriated her. Resolved to finish it quickly, Sakura waited patiently as the zealot charged her for the last time. With the grace of a dancer the female warrior moved aside and with an elegant upsweep of her deadly blade, the tip went through the man's neck.
Sakura didn't even look as his now lifeless body hit the ground. Sheathing the bloody blade, Sakura gave a short, sharp whistle. Her sable mare whinnied and pranced towards her master. The warrior vaulted onto the horse and made her way back to the prince doing her best to ignore the carnage on the ground surrounding her. She was a soldier, an ex captain after all. Despite that, she was not so jaded as to revel in senseless death.
Ignoring the prince for a moment, Sakura was relieved as she looked around that there were no losses on their side. It was obvious to her that the prince's elite guard was all very well trained. They were all now looking at her with a measure of respect yet she paid them no mind. The prince was beginning to get an inkling himself as to why the Grassland Chiefs held a high respect for the young woman.
Sakura said softly, "I am glad to see that you were uninjured my liege."
The prince nodded at her, turning his head a moment to ascertain the troops behind him. It seemed that the obstruction was well out of the way and they were all ready to move forward once more.
He made a gesture with his hand assuring the ones behind him that all was taken care of and they resumed their trek back to Konoha.
As Sakura started to urge her mount back into position the prince ordered her, "Sakura. Travel at my side. I wish to speak with you."
"As you wish my liege," Sakura grasped the reigns tightly for a moment before taking her place at his side.
There was silence for several minutes as everyone were still trying to reassemble even as they moved forward.
"You do realize that you had more than just a small opening to make an attempt to kill me during all that. I find myself curious about this. Also you are nothing more than a mere personal servant. You did not have to throw yourself into that battle," Prince Neji opened coolly, with one eye trained on the female at his side.
Sakura kept her eyes trained forward, her shoulders stiffening under his regard, "I find that sort of thinking rather insulting…"
"Hm," Neji mulled over her tart reply for a moment, "I would like you to answer my question…"
With a heaving sigh Sakura glanced at the male at her side, he didn't miss the flicker of anger and was surprised by it, "Did I not tell you before? I gave you my oath. It is my duty to serve you in any way that I can. I believe the answer is rather obvious."
The prince prided himself on being a good judge of character, but he had never run across a person like this, let alone a female. He could tell she was being completely serious with him. By the stiff set of her shoulders he realized with clarity that she had been completely honest with him. When she had said she felt insulted by his insinuation of her going back on her word she had spoken the truth.
"I did not mean to insult you," the prince surprised himself by partially apologizing to her, for it was uncharacteristic of him to do so, "however, I am finding it difficult to think of a proper place for a servant like yourself."
This time the pinkette turned her entire face to study his cool visage, "My liege…"
"Females in my country… do not fight," he started slowly and then continued, "I see that despite your status as a personal servant, that relegating you to the normal duties of a female servant would be highly insulting to you. After witnessing the manner in which you carry yourself, I find myself at a loss."
"Whatever you decide, I will abide by it. It is my duty after all," Sakura replied curtly, the proud set of her shoulders speaking louder than words.
"My uncle is not going to know what to think of you," the prince shook his head, feeling somewhat amused by the thought.
For the next several days they traveled like this in companionable silence. Sakura felt relief filter into her at the sight of the high walls that encased the capital city. The gates lowered and as they entered they were met with blaring trumpets celebrating the prince's triumphant return. The citizen's crowded the streets throwing masses of confetti and cheered at the top of her lungs.
Sakura could taste something bittersweet in the back of her throat and she ducked her head keeping her expressive green eyes trained downwards. Her heart mourning the loss for the people of her nation just as the people surrounded them celebrated. She also, mourned the loss of her own freedom, the finality of it all as they passed through the gates hit her harder than it had before, and in the corner of her eyes tears burned, but the warrior in her did not allow them to fall.
Then lifting her eyes, she took the time to study the castle they marched to. The woman had never seen a building so huge, and beautifully built. The masonry was a marvel in itself. The blue spires of the castle reached hundreds of feet. The bricks that it was built upon were a stark dark gray. The flags of the nation with the symbol of a dragon claw flapped proudly in the wind. Most of the homes in the Grasslands were not much more than wooden huts and despite her feelings she couldn't help but be impressed.
Then, the wrought iron gates of the castle opened, and the main troops, with the prince leading the way with her at his side entered passing obviously curious servants. Grooms rushed forward, and the weary travelers dismounted, handing the reigns to the handlers.
Sakura's face burned as the servants around them stared at her with open, blatant curiosity. It was obvious she was human, with the prince, dressed in the improper garb of a warrior. Sakura kept focused on the prince alone to keep her temper in check. She followed the prince and halted as a stately looking servant stopped them, addressing the prince, "Your uncle is excited upon your return my liege. He wishes to see you after you have taken a short sojourn of rest, and cleaning up."
"Tell him that I will meet him in two hours in the private family hall," the prince returned his deep baritone completely emotionless.
The servant bowed with one last glance at the mysterious woman before clicking his heels and turning to deliver the message.
The prince turned to face the young woman, "Follow me. I have sent word ahead to have your room prepared. I want you to clean up as well. I want to introduce you to my family."
Uncertainty colored the woman's features, "B… but… my liege… I do not have the proper clothing to…"
"This is not grounds for debate Haruno," the prince's cool eyes bore into her own, "A dragon's nose is very sensitive. All I ask is you do not go in smelling like the horse you've been riding for the past week…"
"Y… yes of course," Sakura bowed her head. Obediently she followed her master through the maze of corridors doing her best to ignore the incredulous stares that followed in her wake. Sakura kept her mouth shut as he explained her room was the guestroom attached to his, and that she had her own private bath. Honestly she hadn't expected something like that. She had firmly believed that she would be put in the proper servants quarters and forgotten about until duties were given to her.
It was apparent that he planned to keep her under his scrutiny at least for the time being. It was also noticeable even to her that the servants weren't thinking savory thoughts and that they would probably not look well upon her for some time. What he was doing was going to already breed misunderstanding. However, this really didn't concern the pinkette. Instead she was more concerned about the immediate problem of having to meet his family on such short notice.
Already she would be forced to meet the royal family. That in itself didn't sit well with her. With a deep sigh she loosened her boots, kicking them off. A knock sounded at the oak door that connected from the main hallway.
"Enter," Sakura said as she began to undo her braids and shake her hair loose.
A maid silently slipped into the room. Suddenly Sakura found herself under the scrutiny of assessing brown eyes. The woman kept her hair up into two buns that sat on the side of her head.
The first words out of her mouth were, "I don't see what he sees in a human like you." The girl practically spat them venomously at the pinkette.
Sakura was confused by the hateful onslaught, "What are you talking about?"
The dragon woman was taken aback by the other female's look of confusion. She huffed haughtily, "You don't have to pretend you don't know what I'm talking about…human…"
The meaning of the woman's words was beginning to dawn on Sakura. The look in her eyes promised pain as her next statement was encased in ice, "I think you misunderstand… Perhaps you shouldn't let that mouth of yours run off with you before you even know the circumstances…"
"Why you sniveling harlot!" The girl clenched her fist and took a menacing step forward.
Wordlessly Sakura unsheathed her sword and pointed at the girl, a fierce look in her eyes. Immediately the other woman shrunk back with fear in her eyes. She hadn't seen the sword at the woman's side, "W… What are you…"
Sakura was exhausted from the past week and suddenly having some strange female barge into her room and insult her for no apparent reason was really starting to piss the pinkette off, "Get the HELL out of my room… before I throw you out…!" The last bit was said in a warning hiss.
The prince suddenly opened the door and leaned against the door frame his eyes widening at the sight that greeted him, "Haruno what do you think you are doing?" His eyes narrowed on the furious woman threatening his favorite servant, Tenten, who was fearful but angry as well.
With a snarl Sakura sheathed her sword and crossed her arms settling for a glare, "Ugh… I don't have time for this. This woman is a hindrance, not help!"
"How can I help if I'm being threatened with a sword?" the brunette shot back with her fists balled at her sides.
The prince was inclined to agree with Tenten's valid point. However Sakura only shot back, "Get the hell out of my room… or I swear by all that is holy…"
Tenten looked to the prince, feeling relieved when he nodded his permission. With an aggravated huff she marched from the room and shut the door none too softly behind her.
The prince watched with a raised brow as Sakura sighed a breath of relief and began to gather her clothes.
The prince half growled at her, "Well…do you have an explanation for your behavior?"
Sakura turned and put her hands on her hips, "Look my liege. I would like time to calm my temper and ready myself to meet your… family… And please," She paused turning her back on him to his vexation, his inner beast snarled inside him at her blatant disregard, "next time do not send jealous servant girls to attend me…"
As her meaning sunk in, his eyes narrowed at the blatant order given to him by the woman. However his voice was cool as he replied, "I'll leave you to it then…"
Sakura's fists clenched and unclenched several moments before her temper finally began to subside. A bold thought came to Sakura in that moment. If the damned servants wanted to be jealous, then she'd have to give them something to be envious about. A smirk appeared on her lips, she could only imagine their faces. Digging into the saddlebags she brought in with her she pulled out the fancy beaded green tunic and matching soft leather pants she wore to tribal meetings.
She quickly took a bath, rubbing scented oils into her skin. Afterwards she put on the tribal clothes leaving her breasts unbound since she didn't plan on doing any battle. The hunter green dyed deerskins clung to her curves accentuating in a rare display of femininity for her. Sakura quickly braided some of her hair in tight little braids placing matching green beads at the tips. She brushed out the rest leaving it down, mixing in some of the herbal scents that were popular with the young women of her tribe.
Then Sakura added a little color to lips just enough to accentuate the shape of them. With flourish she added black kohl to her eyelids. It deepened the look of her cat shaped orbs giving the viridian of her eyes even greater depth
Finally, she strapped her sword to her waist, after having polished the end of the ornate handles leaving the phoenixes gleaming beneath the lamplight. She laced up her new pair of knee high black boots that she got in the market place, polishing them until they shone. And the final touch was complete as she ran the brush through her now completely dry hair one last time. The pink strands of her hair gleamed a deep roseate in the firelight.
A tentative knock at the door pulled her attention. The servant from before opened the door, her eyes widening at the sight of the woman warrior who stood in front of her. Sakura's fierce green eyes pierced the servant woman as she choked out, "The prince wishes to know if you are ready."
Sakura was coldly polite, "Yes thank you. I am ready."
"Please follow me then," Tenten gestured her forward and stepped aside as Sakura strode past. The girl then proceeded to lead her through several hallways until finally she thrust open a pair of rich mahogany doors where the prince sat lounging in a seat waiting.
When the prince rose to his feet after he caught sight of her, Tenten curtsied and left without a word. The prince's eyes widened at the sight of the woman warrior but then just as quickly the look was gone. With a wry twist of his lips he said, "I thought you said you didn't have anything to wear."
"This… is all I had. It is nothing but the formal clothing that was worn during tribal meetings," Sakura met his furtive gaze, "It was the only thing I could think of…" Nonchalance aside, inside the pinkette was laughing. The expression on the servant girl had made it more than worth it.
Despite himself Neji couldn't but help study the woman in front of him. It was no wonder the tribal leaders were so smitten with the pink haired female. He noticed that she had left the lacing at her neck untied. Being a good head or so taller than her gave him the privilege of getting a nice view of the bit of cleavage visible from the open 'v' in the neck of her tunic. Even though her bust size was far from generous he realized that she must typically bind her breasts, but for some reason had chosen not to do so.
Also because there was no collar on her outfit, his dragon's mark was daringly displayed, the black tattoo stark against her tanned skin as it peeked out from the waterfall of bubble gum hued tresses. His inner beast was smug at this observation. He couldn't also help but notice that the soft leather she wore hugged all her curves in the right places and her femininity was more obvious than it had ever been.
However, her status as a warrior was also quite apparent just in the way that she carried herself. She had even brought her sword along. The prince figured thoughtfully that she probably hardly went anywhere without it.
Pivoting on his heel he wordlessly led her through another set of hallways. Sakura wondered if she'd ever be able to memorize the massive layout of the very grand castle. During that time Sakura took in the one who walked in front of her. The absolute richness of the clothing he wore made the girl want to reach out and touch it. The unrelenting soft cream hue complimented his rich coffee colored hair, which he had allowed to hang free of its normal bindings. The length ended just beneath his shoulder blades. At this tip of his sleeves, the family crest was embroidered in a dark ivory, drawing her eyes to his hands with strong tapered fingers.
The woman found herself grudgingly admitting that the dragon was a good-looking male. However she forced such thinking from her mind. She was more disciplined than that, the female berated herself.
Sakura halted as the prince finally stopped before shoving open a set of doors and striding in. Immediately his family members rose to their feet to greet the returning crown prince.
A woman, with beautiful long dark blue hair came forward to embrace her stoic nephew, "I'm so glad you're home…."
"Of course Aunt Kumiko," he replied returning the hug rather stiffly.
Sakura's head tilted to the side as two girls who were in the back corner of the room came forward. They both had eyes like his, the pinkette noticed absently. One with long somewhat silvery black hair, and gentle features came in behind her mother, only to take her cousin's hand in hers, "It is good to see you Neji…"
"Likewise Hinata," Neji nodded coolly at his cousin.
The other girl merely nodded her head at the male for a moment before turning her eyes on the young human woman dressed like a warrior standing behind her cousin. Hanabi's sharp orbs narrowed as she asked, "Neji who is that human?"
Sakura suddenly found herself pinned beneath the gaze of the royals. Willing herself not to flinch as her master stepped aside after removing his hand from Hinata's gentle grasp. He met the eyes of his uncle and he began firmly, "I realize that this was supposed to be a family meeting… however I wanted to introduce her before the court gossips get to it first."
King Hiashi nodded, "Proceed."
"This young woman is Sakura Haruno. She is a personal servant I acquired in the Grassland's because of a duel I won," Prince Neji explained.
"Oh so you took some Chief's woman eh?" King Hiashi smirked with a hint of pride in his voice. To be young again, he thought wistfully for a moment.
Before the prince could reply Sakura had crossed her arms, indignation giving the sharp edge of her voice bite, "I am the one he dueled…"
It was then the king took note of the sword at her side. His eyebrow rose arrogantly, "Is this true nephew?"
The prince nodded, but not before sending a look of warning to the angry woman, "Yes," he ignored the shocked gasps of the other females in the room as he continued, "At first I did not realize that she was a woman. She was wearing quite a bit of armor as she was a ranked Captain in the Grassland's army."
Sakura arms dropped to her sides. The incredulous disbelief on the king's face was more than enough to stoke her ire, "They allow females to fight in their wars…."
The pinkette was about to snap a reply to that statement but Neji had somewhat expected it and sent another sharp look in her direction, "According to the head Chief… no. Ms. Haruno was an exception."
The warrioress wanted to bristle at the studious looks the women were sending her way. Almost as if to say, 'what makes her so special?'
"So what induced such a battle?" The Queen couldn't help but ask.
"Ms. Haruno here, interrupted the treaty process by laying many insults upon my head. I responded of course and challenged her to a duel with heavy terms knowing full well that I would win," his lip curled at this last bit and Sakura's hands begin to clench and unclench with visible signs of temper, "It went as follows; if she won, I would make her a providential lord over the Grasslands… if I won… she would owe me a lifetime of servitude."
Hanabi stated the obvious, "And you won…" There had never been any doubt in her mind, her cousin was renown for his superb swordsmanship.
"Yes of course. I even contemplated the idea of using her as a bargaining chip. It came to my attention that many of the chiefs and their sons were interested in taking her as a wife," the prince smirked at his uncle when he divulged the last bit, "however I quickly came to the conclusion that those human males couldn't handle her…"
The King indulged in a purely masculine chuckle at his nephew's satirical explanation.
Sakura had enough as she stepped forward and glared at the prince, "Why don't you tell them about… how close you got to losing? Hmm?"
The prince lifted an arrogant brow at the young woman, "I will admit it was close, however it was obvious at the start who the victor would be."
Arrogant prick, Sakura thought to herself angrily.
Hanabi's eyes however widened in surprise, "You mean she wounded you?"
Neji stiffened but nodded, "Yes."
Hinata was wide-eyed and silent throughout the entire exchange when she noticed something very interesting, "You marked her…"
"Yes," was his monosyllabic reply.
Queen Kumiko returned to her seat and watched her nephew curiously, "That was quick…"
"That brings me to the final thing I wanted to discuss," Prince Neji's pearly eyes met his uncle's, "Even though she has a servant's status, I will not allow anyone here to give her orders. She belongs to me… her loyalty is mine."
"Lord Kiba's going to be disappointed," Hanabi crossed her arms before letting out an amused chuckle.
Sakura frowned, what was wrong with these people… err dragons? Sakura snuck a peek at the fierce glare the prince wore. It amazed her he was warning his family off in this way. He sounded a little too possessive over a servant.
The Queen was taken aback by unusual ferocity adorning her nephew's face, "Neji… she's just a human girl…"
The King intervened quickly before an argument broke out, "You are the crown prince, it is good to see that when you make a decision you are firm about it. I do not pretend to understand what you are thinking nephew, however I will trust your judgment on this for the time being. If things get out of hand, I will take care of it."
"Of course," Neji gave a slight bow, accepting his uncle's words easily before changing the subject, "Onto other matters…"
The Queen finally put in tersely, "Well if that's the way it's going to be. At least teach the girl some court manners if you're going to have her following you around like some… puppy."
Sakura's look was one of pleading. She wanted to get the hell out of there already before she snapped and said something that she would regret.
The prince said curtly catching the expression in her eyes, "You are no longer needed Haruno. Feel free to return to your room or explore."
"My liege," Sakura felt relieved gratefulness blossom inside her chest before exiting the room with a purposeful stride.
She ignored the several sets of eyes that followed her out the door.
Hanabi sat down at the table and smiled up into her cousin's face with a playful smile, "That woman is quite an interesting find… You're going to have a hard time keeping other males away from her."
The alpha male's face was stony as he ignored his cousin. However his inner beast protested the thought of any other male touching his female. Neji's hands tightened imperceptibly under the table. The stoic male had no idea when his beast started to think of the human woman that way. He pushed the feeling aside and instead began to discuss all the issues concerning the Grassland's with his uncle.
A/N: I had a harder time figuring out where to end this one. So it's a bit longer.