It was her.
He had chosen her.
She looked to the sky for a moment in utter disbelief, as if asking the angels if the events that played out before her were true.
As if in response, it began to snow.
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Why? Why me? I haven't done anything to any one. I pray everyday, I help clean, I don't slap the drunk men, no matter what they say to me, why me?
Sakura removed her tender eyes from the serene snow flakes that danced to the ground; they mocked her and her highly nerve-racking predicament. The wind left her lungs, and her heart sputtered to a stop, her mouth was slightly agape, attempting to suck in the freezing air and quench the burn in her chest. Every single pair of eyes in the Angels Plaza seemed to be glued to her, pondering why in the world the prince would pick such a lowly maiden as herself.
She had always been the radical village girl, the only one that wanted to play games with the boys and speak, unlike the other girls that kept to themselves and their cleaning. God had blessed her with uniqueness and creativity, it was a shame that such attributes were looked down upon by her society.
Sakura stood still transfixed and totally lost in the deer in head lights mode. The crowd around her began to whisper and glare with jealousy, outrage, and disbelief. Never had a prince picked two girls before, let alone had a Princess ever been considered on the same level as a peasant.
"That girl! Why would he even consider her?"
"I know her, she used to try to ride the horses in my barn. Interesting choice."
"She's so lucky, but, she doesn't have a chance next to that Princess of the Snow."
"Bitch! She doesn't even seem to like him! I deserve him more!"
Sakura felt a cold wave shake her body. Her world went black for a moment, and her mind felt utter chaos, until she heard it. A soft voice whispered in her ear, "Mother has prepared you well, use the skills you were taught, and uphold our family honor." The voice spoke sternly. Ino paused, and Sakura could here her fighting back sobs, "I love you sister. Good luck".
Before Sakura could respond, Ino pushed her forward in the direction of the three figures, each owning different thoughts. Sakura's gown flowed smoothly in the cold wind, but, she barely felt it, her entire mind was set on the goal of not tripping and landing on her face in front of the large mass of people. She crossed the space quickly and took her place next to the glaring ice princess. Both the Prince and the King were still mounted on their steeds, and an awkwardly silent crowed taking in the equally awkward sight. King, Prince, Princess, and peasant.
Sakura stood about a foot shorter than the Princess, she was unusually tall for a woman in there village, but, standers are different in foreign lands. Amelia was probably an inch or two shorter than the prince himself. She could feel the vibes of hatred emanate from the girl next to her. Sakura observed her for a moment. Amelia had her sights set on anywhere but Sakura. She was making it a point that she was trying to ignore Sakura. Her lips, as thin and hard pressed as they were, made their way into a predatory grin. She gave a dismissing gaze to the pink hair girl , then turned her eyes to the prince and sent him a flirtatious yet highly adult rated look, he returned the slightly flirtatious glance, but, dismissed the lust full part. The Princesses huffed in anger and rejection. Sakura felt a laugh burn in her chest, but I held it in. The Princess busied herself with ignoring her once again.
Ha, you just got burned!
The prince watched her though his Opal jewels for eyes. The Blue hue of the Princesses was nothing less than murderous. The king watched the three young people, his old face expressionless, and void. His sinister thoughts were hidden deep beneath his mask.
The band began to play again, signaling the town's people to leave and allow the royalty, and peasant, some time to themselves.
"Father, the carriage did not arrive as planned. I must say I am disappointed, for now these ladies may have to walk or ride with us." He looked at the Amelia with a bit of sympathy, and then throwing a blank glance at Sakura, "Either way, it will be most uncomfortable." His honey drenched voice finished.
The horses made soft inpatient whining noises and dug there feet into the grass of the fresh musky meadow. Sakura looking in awe at how beautiful the hoarse of the king was, it' swell defined calves and brilliant main, illuminated her face. This feeling of wonder dissipated as she realized what he had said.
I've ridden many a horse, don't worry your prickly little self over me. Tough times have made me strong. Escaping from knights on bare back horses, in order to get food, is more than enough experience for me.
The king turned his horse so that he faced the three of them. His motions were sharp and eager to leave the cold. His armor mare a shrill clanging noise as a the breast plait hit the torso armor.
His loud voice spoke again, this time a little less official, she could sense his well trained politeness, " The journey is about two miles on foot, I highly doubt they would like to walk.", He took a deep breath, " I suppose you ladies will have to ride with us."
Nice conclusion genius. But, who rides with whom?
"You say that as if it's a bad thing", The venomous Vanhalen girl said with humor in her voice. She was rewarded with the sound of laughter. It was obviously forced, but, appreciated none the less.
The Prince seemed to be thinking the same thought as Sakura, and looked to his father quizzically. The two women stood silently, each one awaiting this decision. Sakura tensed, praying that she wouldn't have to ride with the either of them, and they would make her walk. She would prefer to walk with slugs in her shoes the whole way rather than ride with spoiled royalty. Behind her emerald eyes, she took a moment to consider both men. The prince seemed the lesser of the two evils at the moment, which, to her, was a very unappealing thought. The king turned to look at the lovely Princess, and gave her a small smile. He offered his hand to her, she seemed to hesitate, but, no one seemed to catch it. He hoisted her on to the back of the horse and spoke to his son,
"I shall meet you there, I fear I cannot bear the cold, my old blood is more susceptible to the chill." with that he left Sakura and Neji to them selves. Ice Princess glaring at her through her bangs as she rode off into the distant dusty road.
Sakura gave a patient sigh and once again looked to the sky. The hues of blue and white mixed together in the kind abyss, sending her some sort of comfort. Her mother had eyes like the sky, open and free, endless and comfortable. While Sakura engulfed herself in a moment of indulgence, the Prince silently got off of his horse, all the while, his eyes stayed glued to Sakura. They were filled with curiosity. He crossed his arms, settling into an easy rested position, his face placid and serene.
It seems as if she is lost somewhere. I wonder what she sees in the sky, she was looking at it when I chose her. Is she an angel, yearning to take flight like she once had done so before, or is she fearful of the heavens, for she has committed a great many a sin? Who is this girl, and, what is it about her that strikes my interest.
" Paint a portrait Prince, it'll last longer.", Sakura said through her clenched teeth. Her eyes became small slits of annoyance. She attempted to restrain her glare, but, it was seen on her face as clear as day. Neji face changed to a mocking amused expression, one eye brow rose as if he was only partially insulted by her harshness.
I know what she's doing. Trying to make herself as unbearable as possible in order to get away. Well, two can play that game.
" I would, but you'd probably burn a hole in it with your temper.", He retorted smoothly. Sakura fumed. He was being so smooth and casual, as if nothing in the world could faze him. Neji say her anger, and automatically smirked, knowing it would bring out even more rage.
"Oh I'm sorry", she spoke sarcastically in the same cool tone as him " I'm not around fake officials and Nobles all the time, I'm not used to being superficial and unrealistic." , Sakura balled up her fists, looking rather fearful. It's a shame, that at the same precise moment, a chilling wind blew by, and she was harshly reminded of her inappropriate attire. She sneezed, her nose turning red, and eyes watering. Lord Hyuuga's son gave a soft chuckle.
"I'm very curious." he said, walking forward now, uncrossing his arms. The 5 foot space between them was now closing. He was close enough to her that he could reach out and grab her, yet far enough to provide an acceptable amount of personal space.
"What sparks your curiosity?" She said, crossing her arms now, presuming the relaxed position as he once did.
Go ahead; ask me why I'm a brat. Ask why I don't have any home training. Stupid superficial, annoying stuck up little….
"What is it that you find so interesting about the sky?" He spoke softly, all jokes and jibs aside. Sakura, taken aback by his question, felt at a loss for words. She searched his eyes, trying to find some glint of mischief, some sort of indication of mockery, yet, there was none. She was genuinely surprised. Neji saw her face grow pale, and, her loss of words was highly intriguing. He saw in her eyes, both disbelief, and astonishment, yet, he saw pain.
" It's not of any importance to one such as your self.", she finally decided to say, her expression hard, she cast her vision elsewhere but on the man in front of her.
"One such as my self? What ever could you mean by such a hurtful remark", he replied, adding in a bit of fake hurt. Making a pretend hurt expression.
"A spoiled Prince, who needs to keep his interests and curiosity to himself.", she said, glaring at him. He returned it tenfold, a mutual dislike emanating from both of them. He was however, drawn away from the little mental battle a very humorous thought.
She completely evaded my question. Well, played.. Now I'm truly curios? What is it about the sky?
Quickly dismissing his train of thought, Neji settled on investigating later, "I suppose we should go. Allow me to help you up. I do not wan tot be late to tonight's dinner where you shall meet al of the officials and my mother the queen." He offered her his hand. His then face shifting once again to a blank serene expression.
No use rushing, I'll have plenty of time to figure this girl out once we reach the palace. I'm suspicious though. The look she gave me as I rode down the line, there was challenge in those eyes. There was great strength and boldness, there was…. mystery.
"No thank you, however, I appreciate you chivalry, but, I can mount a horse myself. I have no interest in meeting any of your officials, or being on time, or anywhere near you palace." Sakura spoke with pride. She awaited his reaction to her statement. He too seemed to be anticipating his own reaction.
"Truly maiden, if you mounted this horse by your self, I would let you ride it to the palace, for; a woman that can ride a horse is a rare sight to see." He smiled at her, inclining for her to do so.
She looked from him to the mile high horse. She approached it with a devilish smirk. She placed on hand on the warm gentle musky beast. It seemed to melt into her touch, it' smooth hair soothing her nerves. With a small ground, and one rather large hop, sakura was mounted.
"Hurry and mount fair Prince, we do not want to keep you father waiting." she called back to him, a coy smile on her face, she could sense his amazement, but, he didn't let on. He could sense her welling with pride.
Wow, head strong, arrogant and smart. Unique? Or maybe Weird? I cannot say yet.
"Impressive.", he said. In moments he approached the horse and mounted behind her. She was shocked that he was actually going to let her ride the horse. She turned to look at his face. It was being caressed by his hair that blew fiercely in the ever dropping winds.
"I do not trust that you know the way, so I shall guide this time, but next time, you may lead.", he said, peering down at her, with warmth and amusement in his eyes. Her back was pressed against his warm and broad chest, she felt engulfed by his overwhelmingly large body. Realizing how close she had shifted to him, she drew her self forward, an expression of disgust on her face.
"The next time will be far different circumstances. You may not have a choice." Sakura said reliantly, holding her head high, despite the fact that no matter what she did, the prince was way taller than her.
" You think you can over power me in my own palace?", He said again, his voice just barely breaking its casual tone.
"Maybe", she said, smirking and looking forward toward the dusty road, now slowly becoming blanketed with the snow.
"My fair lady, is that a promise or a threat?", he said smoothly. With a quick movement he pulled on the reigns and the hors began it's dash towards the palace. The wind whipping there faces as the silver knight rode of into the morning horizon with the red maiden.
"It might just be both."
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The palace chapter will be quiet interesting. Especially the officials! If any one here has ever read the book Court Dual, by Sherwood Smith, you' d recognize a lot of quotes.
Sorry about the change, I just couldn't take the way I had it before. I moved way to fast for my own liking. Leave your reviews at the door.