"There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"

-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"

A/N: So many questions you guys and gals. Just sit and enjoy the ride, my secrets I will not spill until due time. However, I will answer one question because I love you all, no the Inner Beast is not like Inner Sakura, in a sense it's similar but not much… he is the bestial part of Neji and can actually physically manifest, but they are one in the same, Neji is a dragon after all… So to my faithful readers, another chapter for your entertainment. Please enjoy with my regards

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 9:

Sakura, despite her servant's status couldn't help but glare at her master with barely concealed vexation, "I absolutely refuse. You may punish me, flog me if you wish… but I will not relinquish my right to carry my sword upon my person. It is my birthright."

Much could be said for the pinkette's stubborn, and possibly foolish bravery. She didn't flinch when the prince growled at her with menacing annoyance, "You try my patience woman! It's only been two weeks…"

"I will not unsheathe it. I did understand the doctor's instructions my liege. I have no desire to handicap myself further," she lifted her chin mulishly, the flashing of her green eyes challenging him to contest the argument further.

The desire to shake sense into the foolhardy woman in front of him was growing stronger by the second. He could see by that tenacious tilt of her face and that glint in those expressive emerald eyes of hers that she meant every word of what she said. If he wanted to enforce his orders, he would have to do so physically, which he was loathed to do because of her condition. Manhandling an injured woman, servant or not, was completely below him and he would not succumb to the temptation.

Prince Neji grit his teeth, trying to control his temper. He knew that he would have to make an allowance and let her win this small battle to win the war, though he was loathed to even do that much. He had long ago realized that her sword was much more than a weapon to her and no matter how much he argued with her, it would lead them in nothing but circles. His lips thinned as he very slowly dipped his head in consent, "I will allow it on a few conditions. If you cannot meet them… then I will confiscate your sword until you are released completely from your weekly checkups and the doctor sanctions you a free bill of health."

Sakura was wise enough to keep the victory from her face, "Of course my liege, whatever you desire."

Opal-hued eyes narrowed and his lip furled. She dared to mock him. He tilted his head to the side, and pinned her beneath a piercing, stern gaze. The prince didn't let up on the assault until he saw her take a nervous step back. Draconic satisfaction coursed through him at the sign of submission, "You will not visit the practice grounds under any condition because I do not trust you to resist temptation," he watched as she opened her mouth to protest but he sharpened his gaze and he had to quell the desire to smirk when she clamped her mouth shut, "And you will also allow Tenten to assist you in the morning, to dress and whatever else that you may need."

"But… I would like to be able to visit Kakashi-sensei and Rin," Sakura gnawed on her bottom lip anxiously reminding him of a recalcitrant child. She understood that the healing period would be a torturously long one and since she hadn't bothered to form links with any of the other servants than Tenten, which at the moment was tenuous at best, she believed that she would go out of her mind with the lack of something to do.

His lip unturned into what she could only describe as a half-smile and a partial snarl, "I have already informed them that you are not to be allowed within ten feet of that vicinity. They will visit you when they have the time. If you must speak to them for any reason, Tenten will carry a message for you. I warn you… do not try my patience with disobedience, for I have none. I will not be lenient on this."

Sakura's mouth curled with displeasure at his overbearing manner. Then an impish smile curved her full pink lips when something occurred to her irritated brain. The young woman's visage relaxed. Her voice was smooth with a mock obedience that set his teeth on edge, "But of course my liege, whatever you desire. I shall be accompanying you any how, shall I not?" If her master wouldn't permit her free movement, then she would follow him just as she did after the battle at the border.

At first he couldn't keep the incredulous look from surfacing on his aristocratic features at her blatantly disrespectful behavior. If she wanted to play mind games with him, then he would humor her if only to keep her out of trouble. It was after all he game he The prince tilted his head to the side as he looked down his aristocratic nose at her in a maddeningly superior manner while arching a regal brow, "That goes without question Haruno. As it is, I am due to attend a meeting with the council."

Sakura frowned as he pivoted on his heel only to stride away and after a few moments of contemplation she caught up to him, following him with a thin veneer of willing obedience. She was half tempted to stick her tongue out at him, but admonished herself internally for indulging in such child like behavior. She was a Grassland warrior dammit. She would bear this wound with pride.

Lifting her head, she tilted her chin, and for the first time since her having come to Konoha, she met the servants who passed by her with an unwavering stare. Nervously she started to gnaw on her lower lip, bruising the delicate appendage. Even though she had gotten into the habit of accompanying him in the past few weeks, he had never allowed her to sit in on meetings other than the one she had attended in the war room.

The myriad of expressions on the council members faces significantly varied. Some were glaring at her with out right disapproval, others nodded respectfully to her as she passed by, well aware of what had transpired at the masquerade their eyes noting her left arm in the white sling, and just as many were unreadable. Sakura didn't allow her chin to drop feeling self-conscious with all the attention directed at her nor did she let any of the emotion she felt show on her face. Prince Neji took a seat near the head of the table, next to his uncle, King Hiashi.

There was nowhere for her to sit, so she just positioned herself against the wall and stood behind her master. Sakura's eyes slipped to the side as a dark haired male with the blackest eyes she'd ever seen stepped in beside her dressed in unrelenting obsidian. He positioned himself behind the king. He too, was armed with a sword at his side, she quickly noted. He wore his hair much like her master, in a low ponytail but it looked like he was almost a good head taller. He was built like a warrior, she mused, all sinewy muscle and coiled strength and not in the least bit bulky. Then Sakura turned her head away and lowered her eyes when those frigid obsidian marbles caught her staring at him. She mentally berated herself for being so obvious; it was her shoulder that had been struck, not her head.

They were so cold, she thought to herself, doing her best to suppress a shiver when he took more than a few moments to glance away. She'd spent too much time on the battlefield not to know the signs of those cold as ice eyes and seemingly emotionless visage meant. Those eyes had seen much death. Sakura had a few men in her division that had eyes like him, however they hadn't had icy aura the dragon standing a body's length away from her had. The merciless edge he exuded was making her feel a bit edgy and it made her fingers itch for the hilt of her sword. Out of the corner of her eyes she caught the amused upwards tilt of the left side of his lips and Sakura knew that he realized his presence was affecting her and was amused by it. Her hackles rose, damn dragons, she thought sourly.

The pink haired woman stiffened and lifted her chin, focusing her eyes on a painted portrait at the other end of the hall, deciding it would be best to just ignore him. She tuned her senses to the direction of the council and listened to voices as they continued to swell. It seemed they were waiting for the last few members to join before beginning. Sakura was bit startled when the dragon next to her spoke in a low baritone, "Foolish woman. You should not be here. It is obvious that you still require rest."

Bristling under the scathing tone he directed at her, she replied tersely, "I do not believe that is any of your business."

At her rude response he turned the full power of his gaze on her and she refused to allow herself to flinch. Tilting her head to the she met his eyes and held it without recoiling. She almost felt like a bug pinned beneath a looking glass. It was as if he were dissecting her bit by bit. His eyes flickered with an emotion that was too quick to catch. He shocked her by introducing himself in a coldly polite tone, "Itachi Uchiha. King's Champion."

Recovering from her surprise quickly, she replied swiftly when she heard no mockery in his tone, "Sakura Ha…"

He interrupted her briskly, "Yes. I know who you are," his eyes settled on her sling and the cool edge of his voice softened slightly, "I meant no insult. These meetings can be long."

Sakura's visage softened. She realized that even though he was just as arrogant as the other male dragons, he was paying her a respect for even bothering to voice concern. The pinkette felt a little honored despite herself, considering his high and prestigious rank in the Konoha military. She smiled replying with an acknowledging nod, "Thank you."

The pinkette's smile widened when she realized that she had taken him aback with the simple words of appreciation. It was obvious he hadn't expected the concession from her and whatever opinions he had come to conclusion just moments before had just been revised. His face smoothed into the well-practiced emotionless mask and she marveled at the ease of his ability to do so. Sakura tilted her head to the side waiting patiently for him to respond. When he opened his mouth to speak. The loud echo of the gavel hitting against the sound block interrupted him, calling the meeting to order.

Sakura's eyes darted forward as the scraping sound of chair legs against the hard wood floor drowned out everything else for a few seconds. In a swish of robes everyone was seated and silent. At first, she tried to listen to the proceedings intently as they went over import and trade but her mind soon began to wander. The price of potatoes and venison were not enough to hold her attention for long.

Her lips smoothed into a frown, it seemed like the men liked to fight over each topic like dogs over a leftover bone. Every so often she would sneak a glance at the dark eyed male at her side and every time he would meet her eyes. She couldn't help the embarrassed telltale flush that would stain her cheeks each time, so she gave up that endeavor quickly.

So she began to mentally entertain herself. Sakura's brain began to go over the various katas that she knew. When she exhausted the sword katas three times in order over from simple to difficult, she began to think about taijutsu stances, attacks and counterattacks. However her attention was jilted from what she considered a satisfying vein of thought as one of the council members near the head of the table said, "Emperor Gaara will be here in three days. We have begun the necessary preparations."

Sakura had forgotten all about that and she began to gnaw on her lower lip. She wondered if she'd get a chance glimpse of the infamous, temperamental ruler. He would be the one ruling the Grassland's if the dragons hadn't gotten to it first. The Tanuki yokai was well known, even in the nation of her people for his uncompromising and cruel temper. She wondered what types of preparations were being made military wise. This sent her brain off on another tangent and unbeknownst to her, the Uchiha next to her, was more than just a little amused by the glazed look in her eyes.

Fatigue began to eat at her bones from standing still for so long. Shifting her weight back and forth, she finally gave in and leaned against the wall. She wondered how many hours they'd been in session. Green eyes looked around for a clock but found none and resigned herself to her fate. This was almost as boring as laying in bed, trying to force herself to sleep. Sakura had never done very well with the concept of bed rest.

When it finally finished and the gavel hit to indicate that it was adjourned Sakura had never thought she heard a more glorious sound in her life. The Uchiha turned his head and said to her coolly, "You held up far better than I thought you would. Interesting."

Sakura surprised him with a soft laugh unaware of the narrowed pearl-hued eyes watching her, "Yes well… I was never more entertained by mental kata exercises in my life…"

The only visible sign of amusement from the dark male across from her was a twitch of the lips. If she'd blinked she would have missed it. Sakura glanced up a bit startled when a warm hand fell on her right shoulder. Her lips parted slightly waiting for the prince to speak however he wasn't looking at her but at the Uchiha male across from her.

She frowned glancing back and forth at the two stern faced males and she could almost swear that some sort of silent communication passed between them. The clawed fingertips on her shoulder clenched and she flinched slightly when the tips pierced through her clothing and scratched at her skin.

Clearing her throat, she murmured respectfully, "My liege…?"

Narrowed nearly colorless eyes darted down to inspect her heart shaped face. She licked her lips nervously and watched with innocent curiosity as his eyes darkened with intense emotion that made her feel slightly nervous for a reason. She broke the silence, "Forgive me, but I am more tired that I thought I'd be…"

The clawed hand that had almost been kneading into her shoulder like an agitated cat stopped. He must have realized what he was doing because he slowly released her. The Uchiha watched this interaction for a few moments, those calculating icy marbles missing nothing.

The room was empty now, and the king had made his exit. The Uchiha started to walk away, he murmured low enough for Neji's to sensitive ears to catch, but not loud enough for Sakura, "Interesting…" The softly spoken taunt caused the Hyuuga prince to stiffen.

Sakura tilted her head to the side, studying her master. She'd never seen him so distracted before. She surprised him by placing a concerned hand on a lower arm, "Liege?"

Finally with the Uchiha gone, his full attention now on the woman watching him expectantly, "Go rest Haruno. I don't want to see your face until tomorrow."

A bit taken aback by his curt manner she removed her hand before nodding, wondering what had him so moody. The meeting must have irritated him, she thought. Nodding at him, "Yes. Thank you."

As she strode away the prince's sharp eyes caught the slouch of her shoulders. Once she was gone, he ran an agitated clawed hand through his hair. He couldn't believe that he had just warned Itachi Uchiha away from Sakura. The possessiveness that coursed through his veins like a hot fire poker when he seen her smiling so cheerfully at the other male had caused an ugly emotion he wasn't acquainted with to blind him. And he had acted without thinking.

With a low, and frustrated guttural growl he walked out of the room. He shoved down the sensation of satisfaction that his inner beast was basking in ruthlessly. With effort he shoved his wayward thoughts from his mind and instead focused on his next set of duties.

-o-

Sakura had gone to bed right after the meeting, too exhausted to do anything else and was surprised at herself for how long she slept when she saw the early morning light peeking in through the window. Rising she ignored the prince's orders and dressed for the day. She made a mental note to go and thank the master tailor when she had the chance.

He had crafted her several sets of tunics and pants made out of some of the most comfortable material she'd ever worn. Thankfully he had installed a zipper on the left side of the tunics, which zipped the material from waist to nearly her armpit. It had taken her a little time to get used to the jewel toned materials he used and wearing the top with the left arm sleeveless while the right extended down to her wrist for propriety.

She had been relieved to realize that she didn't have to try and struggle her left arm into the clothing. It also aided in making her just a little more independent which was always a plus in her book. Today she dressed in the sapphire tunic with a pair of her pearl gray loose fitting pants. It took her a little longer to get her sword belt on than usual but she managed to get it on properly before clipping the scabbard to the beaten up brown leather.

Sakura didn't bother to put her hair up today, she just brushed the nearly waist length tresses and let it fall in a swathe down her back. Looking in the mirror she frowned at her reflection. She was going to have to cut it, she mused, it was growing too long and would become a hindrance.

Knowing she would catch flack for not waiting for Tenten who would most certainly rat her out, she didn't care. Sakura doubted Prince Neji would take her sword away just for that. She decided to visit the doctor and get her weekly checkup over with. If she told the prince she'd gone to see the medic, he probably wouldn't get wound up.

Knocking softly on the door of the infirmary she soon found herself being ushered into the small office. Hopping up onto the exam table she waited patiently as he unwound some of her bandages to look at the wound. He smiled at her, "It's healing well," pausing he frowned then, "But… I'm afraid you will scar even with the stitches and the herbs."

Sakura waved her free hand at him, "I do not worry about such things. I just want to heal as quickly as possible."

He eyed her sword, his lips pursing obviously displeased by the sight of it, "You aren't… trying to wield that are you?"

"No. I just like having it on me. It was a memento from my father," she replied softly.

"See that you don't. You do not want to over tax those muscles. Otherwise you could end up with permanent damage," he lectured the young woman sternly.

"I understand," Sakura nodded humoring him. This wasn't the first warning he'd given her, and she doubted it would be the last over the course of the next three or four months.

The warrior was relieved when he'd finished with his examination. She was out of the room like a shot. Stomach rumbling she headed straight for the kitchens and grabbed her customary morning rice ball, but deciding to indulge she grabbed the one that had the sugarplum. Eating as she walked, she paused slightly as she passed the entrance to the training grounds. The temptation to disobey was strong. She settled with sending a longing look in its direction. She'd wanted to talk to Kakashi-sensei or Rin, but she'd hadn't seen either of them after her injury. She wouldn't be so pathetic as to request they visit; she was an adult, not a child. She knew they had to be busy especially after the assassination attempt.

Sakura could only hope they would eventually catch the bastard behind it. After much deliberation, she ended up in the library. Nosing through the shelves she found an interesting book about a knight and a prince. Sitting in a plush chair in the corner, by a bright window she indulged in a tale of epic fantasy. She'd just gotten to the part where the knight was slashed by the claws of a demon crow, losing his life not only to protect the one he'd pledged allegiance to but also to protect someone he considered his best friend.

It hit a chord with the young woman and she glanced up irritated when a familiar masculine voice interrupted her, "You … were to allow Tenten to assist you…"

Lifting green eyes, she frowned at him irritated responding flippantly, "I didn't feel like waiting…" she hastily added when his expression became foreboding, "I went to see the doctor first thing."

Without bothering to wait for his response her eyes fastened themselves to the written word wanting to at least finish that chapter before she followed him for the day. His voice held the signs of temper as he grabbed the book from her and snapped it shut ignoring her scowl, "Do not try my patience… I conceded to let you have the sword on your person, with certain conditions."

Sakura recognized that look on his face and her shoulders drooped in defeat, "I understand my liege. I won't do it again…"

After her concession, he only nodded before glancing at the title of the book in his hand. His lips twisted with amusement, "Somehow… I'm not surprised that you picked such a book. Although I never would have believed you would read something as ridiculous as a fairytale."

Huffing she crossed her arms, annoyed by his baiting, "If I cannot exercise my muscle, I will exercise my brain."

Rising to her feet, ignoring the chuckle that escaped his lips, she took the book from him and went to return it to the shelf. His voice stopped her, "Finish your book. I won't be needing your assistance today."

"B… but," She tried to argue. She wasn't weak; she could at least fulfill some of her duties.

His glare returned, "You are in quite the argumentative mood today Haruno…" the prince closed the gap between them and stared down into her startled face, his left arm shooting past her head to lean on the bookshelf.

Glancing up, her small pink tongue wetted her lower lip nervously. The book dropped from her right hand and hit the floor as his right hand gently grasped the back of her neck and before her brain could register what his intentions were, he dipped his head securing her lips to his. He seemed to take the moment to savor her taste and just as quickly he pulled back, his eyes taking in the woman's glazed expression, "Do as you're told woman."

Sakura watched dumbstruck as he exited, his clean sandalwood and deeply masculine musky scent lingering. She reflexively licked her lips, her pupils dilating with residual passion, the pink appendage tingling with his flavor. With a shaky hand she picked up the almost forgotten book. Sakura returned to the seat, her brain whirling in circles. She'd try to deny her attraction to him and had thought she moved on after the embarrassing event at the hot spring, but it seemed she had done no such thing, if her pounding heart were any indication.

The pinkette knew she was nothing but a personal servant bound by a blood oath. But she couldn't allow him to continue to do this to her, touch her, kiss her, evoke these foreign emotions in her. It wasn't that she wanted to deny her feelings, but common sense told her, that if she continued down this path, her heart could develop emotions that would come with a heavy cost to her.

In the end, the only person that would pay a hefty price would be her. She'd have to watch him get married to whomever his family chose for him, and then her duty would call on her to eventually protect not only his mate, but also the children that he'd have. Sakura was relatively innocent where such things were concerned, but she wasn't stupid nor blind. Her instincts told her where it could lead and she knew it was the truth. Sakura didn't want to pay the price of that sort of heartache.

Unseeing green eyes fastened to the whitewashed walls, as her mind rolled through the thoughts. Soon she came to the decision that in the future, she just wouldn't allow for such a situation to evolve. She may be his servant, but she could not permit herself to be distracted by such emotions. Finally, she came to peace with her resolve, but it was with trembling fingers she picked up the book to finish the heartrending tale.

-o-

A/N: All right, people I just want to make it clear. It may have seemed like I was doing a bit of Ita/Sak but I was not, nor will I ever in this fic. Itachi, is the king's champion. He would be expected to do what Sakura did in the assassin attempt in his line of work, because he is the king's armor bearer/champion. One of the highest ranks that one could achieve in this military. Sakura is nothing but a bound servant. In many of the servant's and nobles eyes she is not considered much more than a servant/slave and nothing but the prince's entertainment. Her honorable actions drew respect from him and in the way of honor between warriors, he chose to honor her in a roundabout way.