I do not own anything naruto related but I wish I did.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The festival had finally arrived and everything was finally set and ready to go. Most of the denizens in the kingdom couldn't wait for the first day of the event to start. It wasn't often that they got to enjoy a week long celebration and it made it all the sweeter since it was about the peace between their homeland and their bitter rivals across the sea. Yes there was much to celebrate indeed.
As for the royals and their close companions within the palace things seemed to be a bit out of sorts. Not that it was noticeable to anyone outside of their little inner-circle but there were some odd happenings taking place. For instance at this very moment the younger of the two foreign guests in the castle is searching for someone that has been avoiding him at every turn over the past couple days.
'Where could she be? She's not in the garden or the library, so where could she have gone? Why does she keep running away from me? Surely she couldn't still be embarrassed about the other day? Damn it! Hinata where are you?' He was ready to tear his own hair out from all of his frustration. He has been looking high and low for the hidden queen of the castle.
Sasuke wants to speak with her to at least resolve whatever it is that is bothering her but more than that he just needs to see her. The young prince can't handle this separation from the one he loves, it's driving away his sanity and the only way he can get it back is to be near her. Oh yes, prince Uchiha has it bad for the lovely lady of the house.
As he is steadily losing his mind and wandering all over the palace the object of his search is not within the confines of her home. In fact, she is miles away at this very moment.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The beautiful queen is in a place that is special to her and has been a secret held between her closest friend Lee and herself. Hinata is standing in a large meadow that is concealed behind tall oak trees and overlooks the ocean.
She is situated atop the cliff's edge just staring into the distance as the waves crash against the rock face and the breeze blows through her long tresses. Being here always soothes her nerves and allows her some alone time and tranquility. Now that she is away from the hustle and bustle of the city she can think and be free.
Of course she normally doesn't get the chance to sneak away to her haven but now that her husband is so busy along with all the other staff she was able to get away for a few hours. During her ride here on her noble steed she felt excitement and happiness flow through her at being able to once again come here. Since she became a royal she hasn't been able to do so.
But now that she's here, instead of having that familiar calm wash over her another feeling takes its place. As serenity makes way for guilt, her mind wanders back to when she confessed to Sasuke and she feels guilty for it. Not by any means does she regret telling him of her feelings but she wonders if that was the best thing to do. After all, how can you be considered a good wife if you tell another man that you lust for them? She is also confused because as guilty as she is she doesn't truly feel remorseful. Hinata is simply torn between duty and love.
On one side she has been raised to believe that she must always stay true and loyal to her duty, and that she must sometimes sacrifice what she desires in order to do that. But on the other, she wants to be selfish, if only just once, and keep what she has inadvertently gained when Sasuke walked into her life. Never in her entire life has she desired anything as much as she has desired the prince and it seems to be overriding her sense of responsibility. The young woman is very frazzled at this time and doesn't know what is best.
'What do I do? Somebody help me!' A lone tear makes its way down her cheek due to the stress she is suffering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee is making his rounds throughout the royal grounds and he notices Sasuke's almost inconspicuous wandering. He ponders about what could have the prince so agitated and decides to find out just what it may be. After all, he has the duty of making sure everything and everyone is safe and comfortable.
"Prince Uchiha!" Lee calls out to him, gaining Sasuke's attention, as he paces over. Sasuke stops dead in his tracks once he hears his name being called. Turning around and trying to look nonchalant he faces the one whom yelled for him.
"Yes?"
"Prince, what troubles you?"
"Eh? Nothing is troubling me at all. Why do you ask?" Lee can tell he does not wish to speak of it but he must know since it could pertain to the security of the royals and other inhabitants in the palace.
"Well I don't mean to pry but I see that something is indeed bothering you and if it has to do with the safety of the castle and those within it I must know what it is. So please, tell me what could be the problem."
"It has nothing to do with that so you needn't worry. You don't have to know what it is Lee." Sasuke assured him it wasn't about that in any way.
"Then, what could it be my lord? Something is vexing you, that I can tell, but keeping it to yourself won't do you any good. You can trust me with whatever it may be. I won't inform anyone else of this, you have my word."
"I suppose it couldn't hurt. I hope I don't regret this" he muttered under his breath. "(Sigh)…Well, I'm looking for her majesty. She's been hiding from me for the last two days now and I need to find her."
"Why does she feel the need to avoid you? What did you do to her?" Lee's anger began to rise the more he thought about it. He's beginning to think that Sasuke has done something to her since he too realizes he hasn't seen her for some time, he hopes that his suspicions are just that.
"Nothing!" Sasuke said quickly in defense, then added uncertainly, "At least I'm sure I didn't."
"Then why?"
"I do not know but I intend to find out as soon as I can. Do you happen to know where she may be because I can't find her anywhere."
"Did you check her quarters, the garden or the library?"
"Yes I did and she wasn't in any of those places. I even searched the kitchen and the servants' quarters as well. I'm beginning to suspect that she isn't anywhere within the castle. I was wondering if you happen to know of places she might venture off to outside of the palace walls?"
"No I don't thin… Now that you mention it I do know of one place. Come with me your grace. We're going to find her highness right now." Lee led Sasuke to the stables where they keep the royal horses and noticed one of them missing. "Ah hah! Just as I thought!" Lee declared excitedly as he realized it was the stable for the beautiful white mare of the castle.
"What?"
"Angel is missing! That's the queen's favorite horse and when she goes riding with the king she always takes her. That means she must've gone outside of the castle's walls, alone it would seem, since I've just gotten through speaking with his majesty."
"I see. So do you have an idea of where she and Angel have gone?"
"Yes and I can only hope I am right or else there will be hell to pay if Neji finds out. Grab a horse your highness and let's go!"
Soon Lee and Sasuke mounted to strong and well-bred steeds. The horse Lee was on was a beautiful brown color that shined beautifully in the light, no doubt due to all the brushing and good upkeep of it. Sasuke's horse was a large and powerful looking black mustang that was well behaved and strong. It too was well groomed. They both galloped off to find the absent queen with Lee leading the way.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They arrived to the meadow quickly and dismounted their horses. After they secured them to the nearest oak Lee took Sasuke down a once very familiar path to the sea cliff. As soon as they neared it they spotted her sitting with her legs dangling idly off the edge.
Sasuke was ready to rush to her side but Lee held him back telling him to take it slowly. Nodding that he understood he took tentative steps towards his love while Lee backed away to give them privacy. He decided to return to the castle and cover for them since he felt he could trust the prince to take care of her majesty and bring her home safely. He figured he'd also go spend time with his lovely wife while he's there.
With that thought in mind he quickly trotted away on his horse.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I'm back!!! Well sort of... I'll try to update as much as I can but school and other things have been keeping me busy lately. Plus I had major writer's block. Well hopefully you guys like this chapter. I might post a second one before eleven tonight if I can but I'm not making any promises. But be on the look out for a double feature. Read ,Review and Enjoy!!!