"There are not many women with chivalrous spirits matching those of men…"
-Chiyo to Sakura Chapter 279 page 10 of "Naruto"
A/N: Another chapter for your viewing pleasure. Thanks as always, review if you can, I love hearing from you guys and gals. Some of your guesses and questions crack me up, make me smile ect. Love you all!
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 10
With the trained eyes of a captain she couldn't help but notice the rising tension in the royal guard since the announcement of the emperor's arrival. The prince hadn't allowed her to accompany him for the past few days and she assumed it possibly had something to do with preparation for the treaty, which she understood, it just didn't make her feel any less bored. Grabbing a couple slices of bread and white country cheese. The farm cheese had a slightly bitter flavor, but a delicate creaminess that she found she enjoyed.
Slapping the food together into a sloppy sandwich she exited the kitchens ignoring the curious sets of eyes that always followed her. After three days of being in the library she was ready to do some exploring. She'd only been in two wings of the castle since she'd first come. Sakura never had a reason to explore and had by no means ever had the time to be curious because Kakashi-sensei had always kept her so busy.
Polishing off the last of her sandwich, she slowly traversed the halls almost lazily. Sakura's sharp green eyes edged along the gray walls roaming over the décor. Banners of blue with a gold dragon's claw in the center dotted the walls along with regally framed portraits of what Sakura supposed was the family's ancestors. She lifted her chin when she began to hear the sound of music being played.
The sound lured her deeper into the recesses of the castle. Tilting her head to the side curiously she ambled over to an open door where the sound seemed to be coming from. Peeking into the room her eyes widened. The exterior of the room was filled with various instruments many of which she didn't know the name for. In the far corner, Hinabi was standing next to Hinata who was seated at a harpsichord. Hanabi held a violin perched beneath her chin, but she was not playing, instead she was watching her sister avidly.
Sakura stepped into the open door but didn't cross over the threshold; she listened to the music coming from the beautifully crafted instrument. Green eyes fastened onto the propped lid of the mahogany harpsichord studying the muted painting of flowers and vines while listening to the vibrato of the plucked strings. As Sakura listened, she was struck by how bold the piece of music was.
Hinata had always been quiet and reserved whenever Sakura had noticed her. The eldest princess was silent as others spoke, always watching everyone with those huge emotion-filled opal hued eyes of hers. The pinkette was amazed by the masterful way the young woman played. She could nearly taste the emotion in the resonance of the music. When the piece finished, Sakura clapped drawing the attention of the two young dragons.
Hinabi turned, her eyes narrowing when she saw it was only Neji's human servant. The girl said caustically, her lip curling into a sneer "Don't you have a errand to run? Cousin is too soft on you…"
Sakura only raised a pink brow in response, not realizing how Neji-like her expression looked. She didn't see a reason to reply to such a cheeky greeting.
Hinata admonished her scowling sister, "You shouldn't be so rude…" her pale cheeks held twin colors of red, somewhat embarrassed by the attention now focused on her from the strange human, "She injured herself… and…"
"You're too soft sister… she's only a servant," princess Hinabi waved her hand dismissively, the sneering twist to her lips deepening.
Princess Hinata frowned and then said a little more loudly this time, "If you want to stay Miss Haruno. I don't mind…"
Sakura's lips twitched with amusement when the younger raven-haired girl shot a dark look at her before moving to sweep out of the room her instrument in hand, "I don't have time to dally with servants. I will come to practice with you later sister…"
The pinkette caught the younger girl's gaze and held it unflinchingly. She refused to relent and ignore such rude behavior. Hinabi's eyes met hers, and after a few moments of staring into the warrior woman's eyes, the dragon blinked and had to look away from the intensity glaring right back at her. Angry crimson stained the girl's pale cheeks when the servant didn't step aside and she was forced to go around the unmoving servant.
After the girl was gone, Sakura strode over to the harpsichord her viridian eyes brightening as she smiled at Princess Hinata, "I'm sorry if I disturbed you… I'm rather… bored…" she sent a glance at her sling.
Princess Hinata kneaded her fingers together nervously a few moments before apologizing, "I'm sorry about my younger sister's behavior… she…"
Sakura raised a placating hand to, "You should not apologize for the actions of others, blood kin or not," and then grinned at her one more, "You're very good at this instrument. I could hear it all the way down the hall…"
"Oh my," Princess Hinata started to nervously wring her hands and began to apologize in a round about way, "This instrument's volume is hard to control."
Sakura realized she embarrassed the shy girl again and she quickly amended, "It sounded so nice, my curiosity got the better of me… I had to see who was playing…"
The girl gave her a weak smile, "Thank you. It's a new piece I'm working on… and…"
Sakura decided that this conversation wasn't going anywhere and quickly changed tactics, "If you wouldn't mind me sitting in here with you while you play. I would like to listen to you practice…"
At first the raven-haired woman looked unsure but then after a moment of contemplation she nodded, "The company would be nice. Stay as long as you like."
The pinkette quickly found a comfortable looking chair sitting next to a harp. Grabbing a gilded arm she drug it closer to the other woman with her good hand the best she could. After about five feet, she gave up and sat down, placing her hand in her lap. Sakura watched curiously as the girl's breathing slowed, and her fingers settled over the black and white keys.
Hinata's eyes shut and abruptly she began to play. It was another melody this time, a lighter more joyful tune. Sakura reveled at the deep, tangy sound of the piece being played. Being so close to the instrument, she could feel the vibration under her feet, and she shut her own eyes being wrapped up into the music. She'd never heard such a thing in her life. Sure there were tribal drums that the Grasslanders used, but oftentimes it was for communication as the sound carried very far. Most tribes didn't see the need for such frivolity.
The pinkette could never have imagined the flowing feel of the sound of music in her wildest imaginations. Opening her eyes she observed the young woman and was surprised to witness the emotion blooming on the princess' face. Perhaps playing this instrument was her way of speaking to those who would listen, Sakura mused. In a country that believed females held a certain position in life, she could understand how it must feel to keep one's will under tight lock and key all the time. The girl probably found the instrument an outlet for pent up emotion, Sakura concluded silently. All in all, the music was beautifully intriguing to listen to.
Abruptly the music stopped and Sakura tilted her head curiously. The princess turned on the bench her gaze looking beyond Sakura. The pink-haired female pivoted in the soft red chair to see what or who Hinata was looking at. Tenten stood in the doorway with her arms folded over her chest, her brown eyes shining with disproval, "I've been looking all over for you Haruno! The prince has been asking for you…"
Immediately Sakura stood to her feet and surprised Hinata by placing a gentle hand on the princesses' surprisingly thin shoulder, "Thank you… it felt good to take my mind off my situation, even if for a little while. I hope you wouldn't mind if I happened to drop in on you again sometime."
A soft, shy smile spread across the eldest princess' face as she nodded, "I would like that Miss Haruno. Please visit any time you like. I always practice in the early afternoon…"
With one last smile Sakura pivoted on her heel and faced the impatient Tenten, "Where does he require my assistance?"
"He asked that you would meet him in the library…" the brown-eyed servant replied curtly.
"Thank you," Sakura responded shortly before cutting past her, her booted feet clicking against the hard floor as she hurried down the hall. Sakura ran her free hand through her bangs in agitation, wondering how she was going to survive being so inactive for so long. She wasn't even nicking the three weeks mark and she was already nosing about the castle looking for things to keep her mind busy. She smiled a moment, the music was definitely a nice discovery. But, Hinabi's bad attitude was a little unexpected, Sakura thought to herself annoyed.
The girl had always a bold look about her but she'd never been confrontational in the past. Shrugging it off, Sakura quickly decided it wasn't worth her time. Her military senses however went into tingling awareness as she began to notice the tense stature of the royal guard as she traversed the halls. For days they'd been giving off this feeling but it was becoming obvious to her that they were waiting for something or someone.
Her answer arrived in a royal entourage garbed in the colors and symbols of Sunagakure. Stepping back she ducked her head, waiting patiently for them to pass. Sakura couldn't help the tensing of her body when the group suddenly halted. Feeling the burning sensation of several gazes glued to her person she slowly, cautiously lifted her chin upwards.
A deep, icy cold masculine laugh greeted her sending a rush of warning chills down her spine, "A woman with a sword in Konoha… a human no less. It seems the rumors are true…"
Leveling her green eyes with the speaker she met cool assessing silver. She couldn't quite tell what type of yokai this male was, but he was gazing at her with a predatory intent that was making her feel on edge. Her fingers itched to touch the hilt of her sword but she forced the desire down, it wouldn't be wise to react in such a manner in the king's guest's presence.
She held the intent gaze, taking the moment to study him. His face was angular, and his strange silver eyes held an intense calculating awareness and intelligence that didn't quite match up with his cheerful grin. Navy blue hair cascaded over broad shoulders and down to mid back. He was well muscled, the sinewy shape of his arms and legs a stark indicator to her that he was a warrior.
Her eyes rested for a moment at the sword lying harmlessly against his hip. When she met his eyes again, his smile widened, and she realized that he was well aware of her quick appraisal. Out of the corner of her vision she caught sight of red hair, and her brain warned her that she was in probably in the presence of the foreign emperor. She wouldn't give in to her curiosity and look at the man. The elite guards surrounding him were all looking at her inquisitively, obviously waiting for a reaction from her and it was all she could do not to glare back.
"I apologize but I've been summoned by my master… if you would excuse me," she executed a bow as best she could with her injured arm before attempting to escape.
The voice that spoke next stopped her in her tracks and caused her shoulders to tense, "You have not been dismissed servant…" Sakura knew instinctively that was the Tanuki yokai ruler speaking and it was all she could do not to curse out loud in agitation. Was this some kind of game to them? Why would they bother to stop to talk to a servant?
The Konoha royal guard watched the proceedings tensing at the disdainfully spoken proclamation. The last thing they wanted was to have to deal with an angry Tanuki yokai. The king would have all of their heads on a platter if violence suddenly erupted in the halls.
Sakura felt anger flare and burn in her. Turning she caught and held Emperor Gaara's emerald gaze boldly replying tersely, "It matters not. You are not my master… and therefore you do not hold the right to order me to do anything…"
After the words left her mouth, it was so silent that Sakura could hear a pin drop. The guards of Konoha and Suna alike were watching the human woman with shock and disbelief etched into their features. Growling under her breath, she turned on her heel once more with the intent to remove herself from the current situation and report to her master.
Out of her peripheral she saw a blue blur and suddenly there was male body in front of her and only her well-trained reflexes kept her from walking into him. She lifted her head only to find the blue haired warrior was blocking her path. Before Sakura could react her chin was caught in clawed fingertips and being lifted upwards. The grin that split the male's lips set her teeth on edge, "Your eyes…"
Taken aback by the strange comment, Sakura found her voice, "I suggest you let me go." The warning glint in her eyes was unmistakable. Injured or not, she would not allow anyone to treat her with such poor conduct.
The coarse laugh that left the strange man in front of her did nothing to help abate her rising temper, "We must clash swords little girl… in fact I insist do…" his eyes narrowed when he caught sight of the dark black dragon tattoo on her neck indicating exactly who her 'master' was and it should have cautioned him to release her but he was too caught up by the look in her eyes. His tongue snaked out to caress his lower lip. The fighting spirit in the woman's gaze excited him. It spoke of unyielding challenge. The desire to smell the scent of her blood on his sword was overpowering his common sense.
A voice Sakura was never so happy to hear washed over them all like ice water, "Lord Lucied… if you had not noticed… my servant is obviously too injured for such a challenge…"
The clawed fingertips that held her chin ransom suddenly released her. Stepping to the side, Sakura kept her shoulders squared and walked over to the side of her master. She refused to walk fast like she was scared and so took her time with her normal, strict marching pace.
"Ah Prince Hyuuga. It's an honor to see you again…" Lord Lucied turned to face the prince. His words were polite, but they held a note of mockery in them. Sakura bristled beneath the insult. Her eyes fastened themselves to her master's visage, silently waiting to see how he would react.
The prince lifted his head and assessed the bemused emperor ignoring the blue haired lord. He was obviously not bothered by the male's attempts to insult him, "I also humbly request that you would refrain from keeping my servant from her duties."
Sakura watched as a flash of anger passed over the redhead's face, his clawed hand clenching at the obvious order from the prince. The emotion was gone within the blink of an eye, his face taking on a hard, expressionless mask. Slowly Gaara dipped his head in acknowledgement but when he lifted his eyes, he met her hard gaze and Sakura stiffened at the threat they openly held for her, "We did not realize that she was your servant. It will not happen again."
The emperor lifted his hand signaling his elites to move. The royal guard relaxed when the emporer's entourage began to make their way down the hall. Neji's eyes flit to his irritated servant, "You will explain later…"
"Of course," Sakura replied easily quickly shoving down the negative emotion and focusing on the situation at hand. She was inwardly surprised that he hadn't yelled at her as soon as they were out of earshot of the king's guest's. She ran her good hand down the front of her tunic to wipe away the sweat, "What did you need my liege? I was on my way to meet you…but…"
He held up his hand to halt her explanation, "After what just happened I'm a bit reluctant to take you with me however…" he paused, "The emperor just actually arrived as you well saw. We will be holding the treaty meeting tomorrow morning… I want you to accompany me…"
"You need not worry my liege. I would be honored to if that is your desire…" Sakura replied with a nod, "But…"
"But?" Neji began to stride down the hall, and Sakura moved into step behind him.
"Who was that Lord Lucied? He…" the pinkette queried softly, her face gave away her displeasure and confusion.
"He is Emperor Gaara's champion," Neji explained coolly to the confused female, "All the rulers of the great nations have one…"
"Oh… then… who is your champion?" the woman asked inquiringly, "Will Itachi Uchiha eventually take that position?"
"No… he is not and will not," ahead of her the prince frowned at the mention of the other male's name, "I do not have one as of yet. I will not have one until I ascend the throne…"
"I see," Sakura mused thoughtfully, her finger going to her chin and then, "Was that all you summoned me for my liege? You wanted to inform me about tomorrow?"
"Yes and no. You will accompany me to a quick council meeting that has just been called by the elders. They are having a session since Emperor Gaara to address some concerns…" the prince sighed and added dryly, "I insist you pay attention if at all possible…"
Sakura nodded even though he couldn't see her before saying, as seriously as she could, "I will do my best" She could only promise to try, she thought to herself, listening to those old men somehow made her mind go numb quickly.
This time when she entered the council room there was hardly any reaction to her presence. A couple disapproving glances but no murmurs. She took her place, and once more leaned against the wall. Sakura gave a polite nod to the Uchiha who was already in position. He returned the gesture, his cool gaze assessing her thoughtfully. Sakura could tell he was amused to see her there again.
The sound of the gavel echoed sharply in the room. Immediately the conversation launched into politics and Sakura did her best to listen but soon the words being spoken started to sound like nonsense and her thoughts drifted off. A frown touched her lips as she thought about Emperor Gaara's behavior. It had almost seemed as if they were picking a fight with her specifically, she thought. Maybe they knew that she was apart of the battle on the border and wanted to get back at her. It could definitely be a possibility, she mused. All someone had to mention that they saw a pink haired human woman with a sword and she'd easily be recognized. She couldn't really pinpoint any other reason for them to stop and bait a servant in the hall with rude behavior. It bordered on confrontational and she could find any other rational reason behind it.
Taking strands of her pink tresses between fingertips she glared angrily at it. Why was she cursed with such a hair color? She froze when she caught a pair of amused black eyes on her person. Itachi was watching her actions with open amusement and she immediately released the offending hair. Turning her head away, she again forced herself focus to what was being said.
An elder in the back was standing in the back ranting, "I do not see the point of signing another agreement with them when Suna obviously doesn't care to honor their word…"
Another shot up, placing his hands on the table, "We cannot afford to snub Sunagakure. We are still recovering from our war efforts…"
This started a bickering war and Sakura had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. The king was the only one to decide that issue, she thought, these men were only lords over different parts of the country and held no real power. They were allowed to vocalize their concerns but this was a waste of time.
Sakura could tell by the set of her master's shoulders that he was beginning to grow impatient and irritated. After about another three minutes and the voices started to become too loud, the king brought the gavel down. His voice was terse as he announced, "If this is your only concern… then I shall end this meeting…"
The silence was immediate. At the silent bowing gray heads the king nodded, "I see… then… this meeting is adjourned…"
When the gavel hit once more, the elders and lords immediately rose and began to exit, their robes swirling with their swift movement. Sakura waited patiently as King Hiashi turned to speak with the prince. After a few minutes, Prince Neji finally turned and nodded his head at his servant. Sakura ducked her head to avoid the gaze of the king out of respect. Following her master out into the hall she murmured, "That was short…"
"Not short enough," was the terse reply.
Sakura stepped beside him and placed a hand on his arm, ignoring the way he stiffened beneath her touch. The pinkette knew she was pushing her luck but she said, "I know that there is a lot going on… but would you like to relax in your room at least for a bit? If so, I will go to the kitchens to have the maid bring you some tea…"
The pinched look around his forehead relaxed some and he nodded, "Yes. I would like that."
Within ten minutes a tray of petite sandwiches and tea was delivered to the prince's room. Sakura softly voiced once Neji was settled comfortably and the maid was gone, "Well then I will leave you to it unless you need something else…"
"Join me," the prince gestured for her to sit, his cool gaze assessing her reaction.
Her eyes widened perceptibly. It was rare for him to order her to accompany him, but for him to invite her to join him for tea was a bit of an overload on her brain. She realized she was gazing at him blankly when annoyance flashed across his usually stoic features.
"Sit," He snapped.
Sakura sat down immediately and began to chew on her lower lip watching silently he poured her a cup of tea and placed it in front of her. She grasped the handle of the fine china nervously half afraid it would crumble in her hands. Deciding to drink it straight she sipped at the hot liquid, ignoring the bitter taste.
"Did you pay attention?" the prince suddenly asked her as he put a sandwich on a plate and set it in front of her.
Her brain was still trying to assess the situation at hand and she asked stupidly before thinking it through, "Pay attention… what?"
An aggravated sigh met her confusion, "To the meeting…"
"Oh," she set her cup down on the saucer gingerly before replying, "Some… but… it just seemed all they wanted to do is argue…"
"That's all they ever want to do," the prince sighed irritably, his lips thinning with displeasure.
"Was there something that you wanted me to listen for specifically?" Sakura queried curiously wondering why he wanted to discuss such matters with her. She was just a servant after all.
"No," the prince watched her through a half lidded stare that was starting to make her feel nervous. She felt like he was looking for something, but what, she wasn't sure and that set her a little on edge.
Sakura mentally berated herself for her behavior and braced her chin, "Thank you for lunch… if I may excuse myself…"
The prince raised an eyebrow at the uneaten sandwich but then nodded his head, "You are dismissed. Make sure you are prepared in the morning. Also… leave your sword behind for this meeting…"
Sakura nodded politely, indicating that she understood before exiting the room and retreating to her own. She tried not to react to the piercing gaze that followed her until she shut the door between their rooms. She spent the rest of that afternoon reading, not really wanting to tempt fate again by traversing the halls. It was bad enough she'd have to face that strange Lord Lucied and the rude Emperor again in the morning without her sword.
Once evening rolled around she settled into the bed, praying that all would go well and by afternoon the Suna leader would be well on his way home. The sooner they all left, the better.
-o-
It was a bleary eyed Sakura that stumbled out of bed that morning. Sakura decided to wear her black pants with an emerald green zip up top. She barely got her hair up into a high ponytail and the prince was already banging impatiently on her door. Sakura met him in the hall, her fatigue disappearing as she noted the grim line about his lips. She realized he was looking forward to this as much as she was. Sakura could only be grateful that King Hiashi would be the one to take care of most of the negotiation.
They moved silently through the halls. Sakura noticed that the servants were more somber than usual. She could understand the feeling. Her stomach rumbled, and she found herself resigned to skipping breakfast. She hoped that her belly didn't react too badly, dragon and yokai alike had very sensitive hearing and she would die of embarrassment if her stomach grumbled and interrupted the meeting.
The pink haired female followed the prince through a pair of rose wood doors she didn't recognize. She quickly surveyed the small, but lavishly decorated room. The king and his champion Itachi Uchiha were already waiting, along with Emperor Gaara and Lord Lucied. When the prince stepped next to his father Sakura moved to stand beside Itachi Uchiha. She was somewhat bolstered by his unique, and unyielding presence. It was rather petty and weak of her but the piercing, unfaltering stare that Lord Lucied sent her way was unnerving to say the least. Itachi missed none of this, his eyes narrowed as he took note of the way Lord Lucied was staring at the diminutive pinkette.
King Hiashi cleared his throat drawing everyone's attention and began by stating, "I trust you read over the agreement… emporer."
"Yes," the tanuki yokai's emotionless tone echoed in the eerily silent room, "I agree with nearly all of it however, for me to sign and consent to this, I insist that line five b be taken from the agreement. I will not remove my military presence from the villages and towns along our mutual border."
The prince spoke up, his tone unyielding as he addressed the foreign ruler, "You understand why we cannot agree to such a thing. You broke the first treaty where we had relented on that matter… therefore your request is unreasonable…"
Sakura had to suppress a flinch as those cold, black ringed emerald eyes looked past the prince and fastened onto her. Even still he directed his icy query to the prince, "Did you enjoy relieving my esteemed general of his head prince?"
"This has nothing to do with the treaty," King Hiashi snapped irritably, "And I agree with my nephew. We cannot nor will we overlook your breach of conduct, and therefore we will not relent and strike off five b from the written treaty."
"I see," the redhead crossed his arms, a sneer twisting his lips, "So you wish to declare war then?"
"That is not our intention," Prince Neji replied bluntly, "However, why are you even here if you wish to instigate a war? My message was clear was it not? We would have taken your absence as a declaration of war. If you are here to mock my family, then…"
The tension in the room spiraled and peaked at the prince's coldly delivered words. Sakura glanced to the side and felt slightly relieved that Itachi Uchiha had at least been allowed to carry his sword. The Uchiha caught her look and silent understanding passed between them. Turning her eyes to her master's tense shoulders, she slowly released the air pent up in her lungs when they began to burn. She hadn't realized she had been holding her breath.
The snort of laughter that suddenly came from Lord Lucied had them all looking at him incredulously. He quipped with obvious humor tingeing his voice, his lips twitching as he poke, "I've forgotten how stubborn dragons can be… It's such a small detail that will cost your powerful country… nothing but pride…"
When the dragons remained silent at this conjecture, the Suna ruler raised his hand, "If you will not be moved on this small thing… then I have a suggestion to settle this issue."
King Hiashi nodded at Gaara to go on. Prince Neji just settled with an icy, suspicious gaze.
"I was thinking that perhaps we could hold a joint event to entertain the populace of both Suna and Konoha that will settle our differences in a simple way. If you agree to it, I will sign that document with no argument," the Suna leader smiled for the first time.
Sakura had the eerie feeling that the next thing out of his mouth was going to shock the room.
"And what did you have in mind?" Prince Neji queried warily. He knew that man's smile meant nothing but trouble.
"My champion Lord Lucied, as you know voiced his desire to … clash swords with your servant. I think that there should be no harm in such a thing. Both of our races alike respect a show of power. An agreed challenge between kingdoms with a duel between servants would not only draw attention but it could serve as an agreement between our two kingdoms as it were," the Emperor explained succinctly.
Itachi interrupted for the first time. The frigid lash of his deep and powerful tenor caused everyone in the room to flinch excluding Lord Lucied, "Ridiculous. You mean to mock us by having your champion fight an injured human woman. I understand the merit behind such a challenge however such a thing should be fought by either I, or my younger brother Sasuke who is the one that will be Prince Neji's champion upon his ascension to the throne, not some little servant girl!"
Sakura didn't quite like the label but she refrained from shooting a glare at Itachi Uchiha. King Hiashi was nodding along with his champion's words, "Yes. I will agree to such an event, as it is a reasonable idea but I do not want a Grasslander, a woman no less, to represent my kingdom in some arena battle. I prefer that you chose another candidate."
Prince Neji's shoulders were stiff with anger but he was not speaking. It was obvious that he didn't want to say something he might regret later. Instead his lips were pressed into a thin line. Sakura locked her gaze onto her feet. She would ignore the various insults about her person. The whole idea was strange to say the least. What the hell kind of negotiation was this? Although she had seen such events held between tribes that had come to an agreement of peace as a way to quell their people's aggressions towards each other. It was meant to represent the end to the two leader's differences. The winner and the one defeated would stand witness to the signing of peace. It was a very old tradition; she was surprised to see that two such large countries would want to agree to such a thing. It was somewhat barbaric for these supposedly advanced countries to indulge in.
"It has to be her, or I will not agree," The emperor shook his head stubbornly, "My champion feels that anyone else will be a waste of time and refuses to participate if it's someone else."
The prince finally gave into his rising anger, "I refuse. This is nonsense. It will be months before she heals, and she is merely a personal servant. I… think you are being unreasonable and…"
Sakura could nearly taste her master's anger in the air. Before thinking the action through thoroughly the woman laid her hand on the prince's arm and stepped forward catching Gaara's emerald gaze with her own doing her best to don her captain of the fourteenth division's mask, ignoring the hiss of anger at her bold maneuver from King Hiashi, "It will be months before I am in such a condition to agree to your challenge. Lord Lucied, I highly doubt that fighting me at such a time will be worth the endeavor. I humbly request that you pick someone else for this challenge. I would gladly 'clash' swords with you at a later date when I am physically able if that is what you desire. I do not believe that having me represent a country of dragons a very intelligent idea in itself. I am human and yes I am a Grasslander… so therefore, your request is indeed a ridiculous one all things considered."
The strange lord stepped forward and grasped her chin, ignoring the warning growl from the irate dragon behind the small woman, "Yes this is it! This fire! This courage! I must taste your blood little warrior. No one else will do… it must be you and no one else. I will wait patiently for you to heal."
Sakura's free hand curled in a fist, it was all she could do not to punch the male holding her in his face. What was his problem? The pinkette didn't like the evil grin on the Suna emperor's face one bit. It gave her a bad feeling.
"As you both can see for yourselves… no one else will suffice. If you will agree to this, I will agree to sign the document after the announcement and the publicly set date for the challenge. If not, I will return to Suna without coming to any settlement," the emperor shook his head at the two royals.
King Hiashi let out a frustrated growl, "But she is a woman!"
"I will be frank with you Hiashi since you do not seem to understand what I am saying to you. I realize… that that woman is responsible for the situation at the border… I imagine she is the only reason that you or your men were able to figure out things before it was too late for you…" Gaara's face had darkened and the thin veneer of politeness was completely gone, "She is the object of my contention with your country. So she must be the one… it cannot be anyone else…"
Sakura realized with dawning comprehension that this was his intention all along. He meant for the conversation to go this way. But why? So the threat in his eyes yesterday hadn't been her imagination. For him to target in her such a way was too odd to be coincendental. Was the reason he was stating the only motive to all this? Her gut was telling her there was something fishy about the whole thing and suddenly she wished she could discuss the ordeal with Kakashi. She may have to sneak into practice yard after all.
The King's temper snapped, "Alright! Have it your way… I will announce it tomorrow… and you will sign the blasted peace treaty and we'll set the date for five months from tomorrow which is when she should be able to fully participate. If I see anything even remotely suspicious pertaining to your country… you will rue the day you crossed me…"
Sakura had enough of the grip on her face. She uttered lowly, the vicious lilt to her tone turning all the male's heads in her direction, "Release me now."
Immediately she was freed from his hold, she knew she probably had red fingtertip shaped marks on her skin. She glared as he stepped away from her with a playful wink. She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked only to find a thunderous expression on Prince Neji's face. He pulled her back with another warning growl directed at the blue haired yokai.
Itachi sent a sidelong glance at the fuming male, his eyes narrowing. Dragons were selfish creatures by nature, and they did not like something or someone they felt that belonged to them trifled with. The onyx-eyed champion was starting to wonder if that was the only reason behind the prince's surge of aggressive behavior. He had always known the prince to be a stoic sort of dragon in control of his emotions. He'd never seen him angry once, that is, until the appearance of this servant.
Itachi was angered at the blatant insult from the Suna kingdom to his clan. He would not blame the woman for something that was not her fault. Sasuke was going to be very angry by all this. By all rights, he should be the one being challenged. His father was also going to pitch a fit and Itachi decided that he was going to be else where when the news was officially announced.
"If that is all… then this meeting is finished. We will speak about the rules and terms for this challenge tomorrow before you return to your own country," King Hiashi's voice was tight, and his face mottled red with his tightly suppressed rage.
The smirk from emperor Gaara did nothing but stoke all the dragons' tempers, "That is all. I'm glad we could come to an agreement."
After they swept out of the room, Sakura suddenly found herself under the focus of three very agitated dragons. Not necessarily a good position in her estimation. She dipped her head in apology to the king, "I'm sorry I spoke up… I had hoped that they would come to reason…"
King Hiashi surprised her by lifting his hand to silence her, "Do not apologize. It is not your fault. I expected trouble but I would never have guessed," he stopped and he suddenly seemed very tired. His shoulders drooped slightly and the lines around his face seemed to stand out more than usual.
Itachi Uchiha gazed down at the girl onyx orbs thoughtful, "Once you are well enough to fight again, I would like you to come spar with me… I have fought Lord Lucied before… I will… try and help you prepare yourself."
Sakura was a little stunned by such an offer, "Thank you. I would appreciate that…" Her face reddened when her stomach suddenly let loose a loud grumble, even to her ears.
All of the tension in the room dissipated. Her obvious embarrassment caused the dragons to chuckle. King Hiashi's eyes lightened slightly with humor, "I will speak to you later about the rules that we were able to settle on…"
The pinkette knew a dismissal when she heard one. She nodded, "I understand." Then she turned her eyes to her liege waiting for him to speak.
"You are dismissed Haruno. Go eat something," He waved his hand at her in a mock serious manner, yet his eyes betrayed his concern. She could tell he was unhappy about the decision of her having to fight and although she was his servant, he couldn't cross his uncle on something this serious. With a nod and one last look she swept out of the room, her brain still whirling with what had happened in that room.
-o-
A/N: Yes trouble is right! This chapter took me a while to get out. I'm not totally happy with it but I hope it was at least entertaining to you all. Lord Lucied is an odd creation of mine. I figured I should throw in an original character or two. Sakura never seems to catch a break… I am so evil. Hehe.