Well, I know that it' s been well over seven months since my last update. I apologize dearly for that. I got an amazing beta reader. Shout out to Kinky-Nami-Lass with out her, I would have spazzed out if I had to read this story one more time. I hope you enjoy it. Thank You for the patience.
K.I.B.A.D.E.L.A.G.E.N.S.H.I.N.
"This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object."
-Dark Knight………
Sakura Haruno
I have no idea how to feel right now. My instincts tell me something horrible is going to happen when I get to the palace. I just have the gut feeling that I should jump off of this horse role into the snow and hide for a little bit. I'll build an underground igloo and lay low for a few days, surviving only off of the fabric of my dress and the water from the snow. I'll wait till the prince stops searching for me and the royal army has been called off the hunt. Then I can high-tale it back to the village and beg Ino for her forgiveness and ask if we can leave the village get new identities and live out the rest of our lives in hiding. Yes! That's what I'll do.
I thought about it for moment. Although the plan was complete and utter rubbish, I knew I had to do something. All my life I've been resenting officials and the imperial palace and anyone with a snooty attitude in general. I can't believe that after all of my years of carefully avoiding confrontations with all sorts of nobles and official that I'd be riding with one on the way to the God Forsaken Palace that I'd probably burn down if I got the chance.
The cold air was welcomed against my cheeks as I lost myself in the steady rhythm of the horse…and my self pity. I was going to have to be strong. I couldn't disgrace my village, even though they hadn't shown me any kindness to begin with. It was only the village children that respected me and acknowledged me. I'd have to act lady-like for my sister. She'd spent gruelling hours training me in educate and other palace traditions. I knew I could handle it. I just didn't want to.
Aside from my thoughts on the palace it self, I had it's occupant to think about.
Prince Hyuuga.
I had no idea what his first name was, and I had no intention of asking. It would make me seem highly ignorant if I didn't know what our soon-to-be ruler's name was. He had been quiet. I couldn't feel his body through his armour, so it was like riding with a living hunk of metal. Aside from his warm breath in my hair, and his hands gently guiding the horse in front of me, I wouldn't even know that he was there.
I suppose I'll just have to deal with the situation. Mother had always said; "When the river pulls too strongly, it can only do you damage to swim upstream" There was absolutely no way to escape anyway. It's not like I could knock him out and take the horse.
No way would that work. He's probably been training all of his life, so I definitely couldn't take him on. Not only that, but who wouldn't notice a woman in a red dress riding at top speeds on an imperial horse. Let alone a woman on a horse.
Just as I was about to launch into another mental tirade, an unnaturally smooth voice floated to my ear. It was heavily laced with amusement and sarcasm, which made it very unpleasant to hear.
"You've been unusually quiet since we began our ride. What happened to that fiery little mouth of yours?"
Oh I'll tell you what happened to it you little….
"Are you nervous?" he asked softly. I was taken aback by his question. I didn't expect an ounce of real humanity from him. I suppose he had it in there some where, but it's not like I cared.
"Drop the polite Prince act.", I huffed. "I'm more angry than nervous. But, it wouldn't make a difference anyway. I'm still Going to The Imperial Palace home of the world's biggest idiots" I answered coldly in an attempt to suppress my scowl.
"I'm honoured that you think so highly of me and my family. We should be there in a few minutes. I'm sure you'll love to meet my two sisters. " he replied smoothly as if I hadn't just insulted him. He seemed more amused than anything else.
"They probably prepared a little welcome party for us, and if you don't mind I'd rather skip it." He continued. "Once we get there, we'll simply walk in, and I'll take you to the meeting chamber where we'll discuss rooming and schedules."
I didn't say anything; I just let his words wash over me. I'd either make a fool of the village, or look like a hero. But if I tried to look like a hero, I'd probably gain the Princess liking.
That is something I want to avoid at all costs.
We were entering a large field of crops. Rice patties and bamboo surrounded us. Small irrigation streams rushed away from us carrying lost little snow flakes with it. There were men hard at work in the fields adorning straw hats and baskets. I could smell the bittersweet herbs in the farther fields. The icy scent filled my lungs, and I exhaled not feeling cold in the slightest bit. My eyes stung a little with the increasing sunlight. I was surprised with how amazingly peaceful it was.
Then I heard the drums. The steady alluring beats wrapped around soft flutes and the sound of voices. Looking straight forward into the horizon, I finally saw it.
The Imperial Castle.
It was definitely impressive. I wouldn't lie about that. It had massive dark grey walls, with columns and spiralling towers. Marvellous stained glass windows bejewelled the place. Blue and Silver flags were held high and smiling shades of faces smiled and cheered. They all didn't seem to mind the snow. I could hear Neji give a little chuckle behind me. I saw jugglers and well dressed woman in gowns and jewels. I saw clowns and Noblemen as well. They didn't look evil or sinister in the slightest of ways. For a moment I forgot about my hatred. I couldn't believe these people were sincerely happy for their Prince. He couldn't be that extremely horrible if he was held so highly.
I saw a young girl in the crowed waving at me casually and calmly. She had the thickest black hair I'd ever seen, and her skin was a soft creamy brown. I waved back at her and smiled.
Maybe there was some good here.
All of a sudden, we were in the stables and the doors were shut behind us. It felt as if I had the wind knocked out of me for some reason. Was I sad about not being able to stay and smile longer? I was unsure.
It was dim and silent in here with the exception of the soft sighing of the horses. I felt the metal chunk behind me slide off. I did the same being mindful of my dressy attire. My out fit hadn't crinkled a bit. I knew Ino would be delighted at the thought.
Although, I didn't particularly care.
My feet touched the soft hay, and a stable hand instantly came to take the horse away. He was tall, but he seemed younger than he looked. I gave him a warm smile, and said a silent thank you to him. He blushed a bit and nodded. I turned to look for the Hyuuga. He was standing by a door watching me with a subtly interested expression painted across his handsome face.
Handsome…………..? For a jackass. I won't lie though. Defined cheek bones and beautiful eyes made for some nice eye candy.
But he was secretly evil.
He gave me a small smile as if giving me his unneeded approval and opened the door that led to the inside of the palace.
It was as if I had crossed into a completely different dimension the moment I crossed the threshold of the doors. A servant was with us instantly. He was dressed in blue from head to toe. His cheeks were covered in freckles, and his brown eyes had hints of blue in them. His gaze rested on me momentarily, and I smiled.
He nodded in return. He began to walk away and I wondered where he was going until I noticed the prince already halfway down the hall. I caught up to him just in time to hear the beginning of there exchange.
"Good Morning and welcome back Lord Hyuuga.", the servant said walking a pace behind him.
"Would you like the servants to prepare your jousting equipment for later?" he asked in a soft voice. He didn't sound suicidal and depressed like I thought he would. He must be treated well.
"Yes. I would also like you to prepare fresh mounts for the Duke and Marquise, and one for myself." The Hyuuga had a hint of a smile on his face. I listened to the little exchange with blatant curiosity.
So this was what it was like to be royalty?
"Yes sir. Your Father told me that they will be joining your meeting in the Chamber as well. He would also like you to know that Lady Hinata has returned from her trip," He finished quickly.
I walked quietly behind them. I was fascinated with the inside of the palace. The walls were a soft grey. Every where you looked, you could see some sort of picture, with some one prestigious looking in it. There were African status, and abstract figurines. This place was amazing. There were suits of armour every ten feet, and once again light blue and silver tapestries lined the walls every so often. It was stylish but not over done. I was impressed, and for the moment I was completely content in taking in the scene.
I also had to remember how to act like a lady and be courteous and other crap like that. But I won't be something I'm not. But I can't be likeable to the Prince. I need the Ice Queen to look like a better flirt than me, but I have to kick her butt at being an average person.
"That will be all." I heard him say.
"Yes sir", was uttered and the servant quickly receded.
As the servant walked away at a brisk pace, I could sense the Prince's eyes on me. I looked up at him, but he had already continued walking.
We walked for a few more minutes, as we turned down hall after hall, filled with new things to look at. I was absorbed in the fine art and well crafted wood works. It was a nice palace. The silence wasn't awkward in the slightest bit. It was comfortable, although I was still a bit on edge.
"What do you think Lady…." he hesitated, looking back at me for the first time. He swept a hand through his hair making a concentrated face, and then sighed as he found his efforts futile.
"I'm sorry, how impolite of me, I have yet to learn your name." He said with a hint of embarrassment in that silky voice of his. I gave him a curious look. He still did not slow down his pace the slightest bit however.
One of the things that Ino had taught me was that it was proper for a male to introduce himself first before asking for the name of a lady. I did a small victory dance in my head as I realized his flaw. I wasn't going to let him get away with anything.
"A proper gentleman should always give his name first." I said slyly with an obvious smirk on my face. I had to try to beat him at his own game some how.
He stopped abruptly causing me to almost slam into his back. He turned around to face me. His opal eyes bore into mine and a similar grin was plastered onto his smooth soft looking lips….
My God he was attractive………..but a secret jackass.
"Who said I was a gentleman?" he replied in a low voice. It sent a chill down my spine. That's not the type of thing you'd say to some on you've just met. Maybe it was, but you wouldn't say to like that. Not with that dark tint to it.
My smirk faded and an innocent blank line replaced it. I could feel my eye lids open to saucer size in a matter of seconds. I knew I looked surprised. No doubt about it. He could probably read my face like a large scripted book.
That's probably why his smirk grew wider, and something darker flashed in his eye.
I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a little bit scared.
He spoke again in that seductive tone, "You told me to drop the polite Prince-act.", he took a step closer to me.
I was mesmerized by him; that bastard. He had me trapped in that gaze of his. It was alluring, he was alluring.
He was dangerous.
But not openly so. There was defiantly more to him than that quiet guy act he put on.
His eyes made me burn on the inside, it felt like I had to get out of my skin. It was a huge relief when suddenly; his eye tore them selves away from mine. I saw his expression change, but I'm not sure to what. He definitely had lost his bedroom eye affect though; and for that I was relieved. It had changed to a strange look, then his eyes widened, and before I could even register what was happening, an extremely fast Yellow blur slammed into the Prince crushing him in a bear hug.
"Neji!" It shouted enthusiastically, "I haven't seen you for days!"
Neji…. That was his name.
The blur disentangles itself from Neji. It turns out this blur was a man. Most defiantly not a servant by the way he dressed and carried himself. He wore a soft coloured cream long sleeved shirt that hung over loose fitting orange wool pants, that stopped right at his ankles. His shoes were made out of some strange material I'd never seen before, but they looked comfortable. His hair was blonde and shiny, but it was messy. He had an emblem tattooed to his left wrist. My eyes went wide. Binding chains required a ceremony done by the mages at birth to a young ruler who was to inherent some sort of throne. I suppose Neji would have one as well.
"Naruto, I just saw you two hours ago." Neji yelled in frustration, bringing me out of my musing, "How could you possibly be that drunk?" The man simply scratched his head and laughed.
"Oh Why hello there!" he said, finally turning to face me. His cerulean eyes swept over me casually, but I could be wrong about that. When his eyes returned to my face, he gave me an affectionate smile and took my hand. He pressed his warms lips to the back off my hand, lingering for a moment before holding my gaze.
His voice was almost as smooth as Neji's, however something about the way he spoke made it distinctly different. I sensed an underlying childishness to it.
"My Name is Naruto Uzumaki, Marquise of Konoha" He began to lightly message my hand as he spoke "…but please call me Naruto." He winked at me while sending me a warm friendly gaze. I knew that I must be blushing like crazy by now. I hadn't expected any of this. Guys had never given me this kind of attention before.
Naruto was a charmer.
"What is your name my lovely pink haired maiden?" he asked, hiccupping at the end of the sentence. I felt a smile began to tug at the edges of my lips. He was definitely drunk. It figures the one guy who's showed me open affection happens to be drunk.
"My Name is Sakura Haruno." I simply replied. His grip tightened a bit on my hand.
"No title my dear?" he spoke with small shock in his voice.
"No My Lord, I'm simply a village maiden." (By day), I spoke, narrowing my eyes a bit. What was a simple town's woman not good enough for him! Was I not worthy of his presence?!
Almost as if sensing my growing anger he defended his statement, "You look like a queen my lady. I'd love to be your King, but you're here for Neji." He released my hand looking back to the prince. They exchanged silent message. Then Neji smiled.
"She doesn't seem to be fond of me" Neji stated, shrugging his shoulders.
Naruto's eyes returned back to me with inquiry on his face. With out taking his eyes from me he spoke again, "Then why is she here? I thought ladies fought over you this time of year?" It was a bit awkward to have people talking about your intention, in this case, my non intentions, while standing right in front of you.
"I'm not sure why I brought her here." Neji spoke from behind Naruto, placing a hand on his shoulder. Momentarily locking gazes with me. Then like he had done before, he removed them all too quickly.
"But don't try anything though, my father might kill you." he smiled, and Naruto's face went pale. It looked like he had just had the wind knocked out of him in the middle of a thunderstorm.
I guess it wasn't a joke.
Naruto spoke in a shaky voice; I could tell that he was frantic to change the subject, "Umm, let's go to the Chamber, everyone is waiting for us, except your father. He went somewhere, but he said he'd be back in a couple of minutes." He finished, finally gaining some colour back into his cheeks.
Note to self; never mess with Lord Hyuuga.
However, despite his earlier fear, he mustered the courage for one more comment about me. I really wish he hadn't.
"I'm glad you picked two girls this year." Naruto commented semi offhandedly. He seemed to get a lot more sober after his little heart attack.
My heart clenched in my chest. "And why is that?" Neji asked, resuming his quest to the chamber.
"That Snow Princess is a bitch."
Neji Hyuuga
We're making our way towards the meeting room. Naruto's incessant chatter was easily ignored. I mumbled a response to a few statements that sounded like questions. I was beginning to feel really sorry for Sakura. Naruto wasn't going to leave her alone for a long time. I've seen him do this to girls before. It's not like he actually intends any romantic relationship, he just finds some girls really interesting. That's rare for him though. I'll have to see what Gaara's perspective is on her.
I'm not even quit sure why I brought her here. It was spontaneous. Something I try hard not to be. It's one of my personal rules. Plan things, leave no room for surprises. They might kill you. I may have a small case of paranoia, but, I've had a few attempts at assassination. I need to be careful.
I've almost been poisoned, stabbed, and ran over. That's not happening again.
But, something about this Sakura just caught my attention. She wasn't even looking at me. She was so absorbed in her sky watching; I wasn't quite sure what to do. She looked like she was pleading. Almost like an angel dying to be let into heaven. She's some how connected with the sky. No doubt about it.
Of course when I asked her about it, she denied me an answer. I was surprised when she seemed to whole heartedly resent me. She was fiery and witty. It was hard to find something to do or say that she can't easily turn around and make it into an insult. This was all highly new to me. I'm too used to people wearing masks and agreeing with me. I don't need to be pampered. I'm tired of the girls that I've picked in the past. Boring, and shallow; always trying to win me over.
This girl is different. She finds it amusing to annoy me to no end. Off course I don't show it.
She's stolen my interest.
Fierce, temperamental, and a challenge.
Then, she goes and shows her side warm to the stable hand. Obviously, she wanted to seem like a burden, because it's apparent that she hates all things royal to an extensive degree. But, she has secret tenderness about her.
Then I tested the waters, perhaps she had a slight interest in me. At least something that would make my situation less confusing. I'd played my favourite card. 'Surprise Innuendo', I call it. Simply play her little word game; but my way. I would have gone further, with it, perhaps break her space barrier. However, I found that I couldn't do it
She looked completely and utterly disarmed. Shock was practically etched across her face. I was the lion, and she became the lamb.
She's a virgin. No doubt. I didn't expect innocence from her.
Innocent, feisty, warm, challenging, and cute.
All good traits, besides the fact that she hates me. She may be worth pursuing, but, it could all be a façade. Then there's Amelia to think about. I've yet to speak with her.
I became so engrossed in my thoughts that I almost walked past the doors; which would have been extremely unusual because they are some what sort of colossal and sinister. Red paint on cold metal and unlit torches on either side did not make for a very pleasant aura.
I turned around to face the two of them; my life long friend and the pink haired enigma. They'd both stopped talking, well Naruto was done questioning her, and she was done giving short nervous answers. They were both looking at me.
I set my gaze on Sakura. She looked like she was bracing herself for some massive battle.
"Don't be nervous. It's just an informational meeting. It will be small and fast, simply to get rooms and other trivial matters settled." I made my voice sound casual. It wasn't a big deal. However, dinner this night would be. But, that could wait until later.
"I'm not nervous", she answered crossing her arms.
"Then maybe I should just send you in there by your self," I said before I could stop myself. I kept my voice in check, but she was making me irritable. I didn't like it.
"Maybe you should. You said you'd let me lead." she retorted, her voice raised a bit.
I was taken aback. She was referring to our little horse gamble. Very clever, something I would do.
I chuckled, "These circumstances aren't far different from before. You have yet to conquer." I raised an eye brow, sending a simple message.
What now?
She paused for a moment, nonchalantly mulling over my words. She came up with a smooth reply.
"Fine. You lead, my time will come." She answered coolly mimicking my even tone. She set her face to neutral.
Stale mate.
I gave her a blank stare, finding her both clever and insufferable all at once. I let out a sigh, and opened, the door for her. Gentlemen opened doors for ladies. So, she won in the end I suppose, but not intentionally.
Naruto passed by me. A stupid grin plastered on his face.
"I told you she hated me." I said accusingly. She was gone for the moment, and there was no need to hide my emotions. I knew I looked agitated.
His grin got bigger, "You've never argued with a girl before. It was almost like a lovers quarrel." He walked through the intimidating doors.
I sent a glare at his back and followed him in.
T.O.B.E.C.O.N.T.I.N.U.E.D.
Thanks for reading. Tell me what you thought. I'm pretty hungry right now, so. That's it. I have a plan for this sorry, so expect a chapter soon. A.K.A Not seven months later.