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ANNOUNCEMENT:
More Chapters & New stories Incoming:
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I also got to start studying again, and have you all to thank for that.
CHAPTER 51
"Hello, little dove,"
"H-Hello, your highness," Sakura greeted politely, though there was the slight twitching of her fingers against one another-something she had been doing since this morning.
On her way to Kouha, she had received a message saying that she was requested by Gyokuen Ren for lunch in a few hours. Unfortunately for her, she agreed to it and had to cut her lessons with Kouha short. This now led to her current situation, under a pavilion in one of the many gardens, alone, with Gyokuen. The woman who gave Sakura the inkling that there was something lurking beneath the surface; that was at least her notion, since that night she had heard her with those men.
Of course, Sakura was certain Gyokuen was unaware that she had eavesdropped on her private conversation with whoever those people were.
With a wave of her hand to gesture to the neatly set furniture of tables and chairs as if she was pulling strings attached to her limbs, Sakura moved to the other side and sat down, her eyes wandered over the food with the deliciously mouth-watering aroma, and it momentarily helped her settle.
"Please help yourself," Gyokuen said, her smile broadening.
Sakura began to slowly fill her plate, her eyes trying to focus on what she was dishing, but every now and then she would look up at Gyokuen, who continued to stare at her with that unwavering yet, for some reason, discomforting smile. Sakura nearly sighed in relief when she turned away and began dishing her own plate, and in that time, Sakura did not want to take her eyes off of her after they proceeded to eat.
There was complete silence, which brought a kind of comfort, and she began to feel less tense about her predicament until the moment Sakura's mouth was full, and Gyokuen decided to speak, "Do you like it?"
Unable to answer without embarrassing consequences, Sakura just nodded her head and attempted to chew faster without being obvious.
"I'm glad, honestly, I've begun to find the food a little bland." Sakura wasn't sure how to feel about her comment, but decided to reply to it out of an act of courtesy.
"Well, your highness's palate is probably just used to this kind of food. Therefore, it wouldn't be unusual for your sense of taste to believe familiar flavours dull."
There was the slightest narrowing of Gyokuen's eyes. "Oh? That's an interesting theory. Are you basing this on personal experience?"
Sakura shrugged, forcing a smile, "It's more based on the concept of too much of a good thing."
Gyokuen laughed, her shoulders shaking, and her hand held up to her mouth seemed to add to the dramatic effect, "Oh, I see."
When she quieted again, they resumed eating, only making small comments mostly along the lines of the different tastes and flavors of food set out in front of them, each in small quantities but incredibly filling.
Gyokuen was one to lift the comfortable silence. "Would you like to test that theory?"
Looking up from her plate, Sakura appeared lost. "Huh?"
"Your theory, say you remained in the Kou Empire longer than you intended, do you think you would get bored?"
Assuming this was all in a theoretical context, Sakura chose not to be discouraged by it, though her eyes did not meet Gyokuen's when she spoke, "I am not sure."
Gyokuen appeared intrigued, leaning on her hands to listen closely as if dismissing her position and social status as empress, she now had the appearance of a young woman, infected with curiosity.
"Oh, and if you remained, what do you imagine your occupations at the palace would be?"
Sakura put her finger on her chin in thought, "Well, theoretically, if I became a staff member in the palace, preferably a medic because that would really keep me busy and it is one of my specialities, or maybe-
"A full-time nanny with no pay," Gaap suggested with a snicker.
'Shut up,' Sakura curtly ordered in her thoughts, mentally changing her tone of voice before continuing.
"I don't think I would mind being a caretaker either," Sakura said before taking a sip of her drink; it had a sweet tang to it, which burned her palate after "For children, though,"
"I see, so children like Hakuryuu and Hakuei?"
Sakura nodded, "Yes, your highness, and I-
"And Kougyoku and Kouha," she finished.
Sakura's forehead creased, and her eyebrows furrowed together; she wasn't aware that Kougyoku knew she had been going to see Kougyoku and Kouha; both preferred to remain at their estates because Kougyoku was still too introverted, and Kouha didn't want to go too far because of his mother. There were hardly any staff who appeared around the estates either.
"Your highness, how did you-
"Well, I have always ensured that the nannies and staff who take care of my dear children were up to standard, even my brother-in-law's offspring, because every child in the palace is considered my child and I have to take care of them."
"That is a very kind notion,"
Although Sakura couldn't help notice the distance from how she used the term offspring, which was very technical.
"You seem to have become rather fond of them yourself, wouldn't you say?"
"Yes, I can't really deny that," Sakura said slowly, her eyes trailed to the table.
"I understand, I especially feel for Kougyoku and Kouha, given their tragic background and situation with their mother."
Sakura's eyes appeared to gloss over when she thought about the two young children. "Yes, I really feel for them."
"Such a kind heart." Gyokuen reached out her hand, and Sakura felt a soft, feather-like touch glide across the side of her before switching to the other. She looked at Gyokuen's eyes wide, shock evident on her face. There was something about the way this woman's fingers brushed over her skin that was both comforting and, at the same time, made her wary.
"Perhaps I can start to think of you as a daughter as well, in a different sense, of course."
Sakura was readying to ask what she meant by that, there was another ominous feeling looming over her when she looked at Gyokuen, a hidden meaning behind her words she wanted to find out, but Gyokuen beat her to it.
"Tell me, little dove, are you enjoying yourself at the palace?"
Sakura nodded quietly, and it was the truth; thanks to her occupations, she felt like she was doing something with meaning.
"Would you say you are happy?"
"Your highness, I don't under-
"It's a simple question, little dove, are you happy?" Gyokuen's smile somehow broadened
Sakura appeared to be thinking, preparing for an answer; a frown on her face which suggested she was going to say something that would abandon all of Rurumu's ethical teachings, but before she could open her mouth, a large figure appeared behind Gyokuen's chair, whom she recognized as Hakuyuu.
Gyokuen turned around with a bright smile, "Oh my dear boy Hakuyuu! What brings you all the way out here? Why don't you take a seat and join us-
"I apologise for interrupting, mother, but Kouen has requested Miss Haruno. It is urgent."
When Hakuyuu spoke, his voice was distant, holding no meaning to his words, making them unreadable, unable to distinguish between a lie and the truth, but when Sakura looked at his face and saw the way he was looking at his mother, she saw something so hostile that she had to turn away.
"That's such a shame, but as she is Kouen's guest, it wouldn't be right for me to deny him of her." Gyokuen stood up and came around the table to Sakura's side, placing her hand on the pinkette's shoulder. "I do hope we can do this again."
Sakura smiled slightly. "It would be my honour, your highness."
Gyokuen leaned down, surprising Sakura when she felt a pressure on the side of her cheek, soft lips descending. Sakura wondered if Gyokuen could feel her stiffen under her touch.
"Farewell, little dove."
….
….
When Sakura realised something was off, it was not because of the fact that Hakuyuu had led her out of the courtyard and through the palace, away from Kouen's quarters, or the fact that she knew Kouen was going to be busy all day catching up on all the work he had missed during his recovery, or that she knew straight out that Hakuyuu was lying from the beginning. It was that Sakura was sure with every fibre of her being that Kouen would never send Hakuyuu, whom he respected and held so highly, to do a chore like this, and she was sure that Gyokuen must have known this as well, but she didn't confront her son on it; after all, Sakura was technically Kouen's guest.
Now knowing this led to a new dark thought: why exactly was Prince Hakuryuu drawing her away from Gyokuen in the first place?
"Prince Hakuyuu," Sakura called for the fifth time since they left the courtyard; Hakuyuu held her wrist and pulled her along through the open hallways; throughout this, he did not say a word nor turn to face her once, and Sakura would not take it anymore.
She planted her feet firmly on the ground, becoming like an anchor with her strength, causing Hakuyuu to physically jerk back and turn around to face her.
"Prince Hakuyuu, would you please tell me where you are taking me?"
Sakura felt Hakuyuu attempting to pull her, testing her strength, which proved to be futile as she would not move.
"Haruno, I need you to stop resisting immediately and follow me."
"Prince Hakuyuu, I have no intention of moving until you tell me why and where you are taking me," Sakura stated, her voice as firm as the ground she stood on.
When Hakuyuu looked at Sakura, he knew that he wouldn't be getting her to listen to him if he simply ordered her to. She clearly had had enough of that after dealing with Kouen.
As he turned around to face her completely, Hakuyuu's eyes darted around for a few seconds, left and right, as if he was looking for something that wasn't there.
"Listen, Haruno, you should not be associating yourself so casually with my mother."
The way he said mother seemed to have the exact same distance Sakura picked up when Gyokuen mentioned children.
"Why is that prince?" Sakura asked curtly, losing patience
"It is not any of your concern; you should simply stay away from her."
Sakura kept a passive expression on her face; she did not think Hakuyuu's order was on account of concern for his mother in terms of motive. Whatever the reason was, she did not appreciate the tone of voice he was using with her.
"She was the one who called on me in the first place, I did not think it would be in good sense to refuse her."
"Well, the next time she calls on you, politely decline." Hakuyuu said, "You are Kouen's guest; there is no need for you to take up anyone else's time. Is that understood?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "No,"
For the first time, Sakura saw a real change in Hakuyuu's expression; his eyes widened, eyebrows raised, mouth turning downward in clear surprise. Obviously, he was not used to anyone defying him, but Sakura was not just anyone.
Hakuyuu's expression changed quickly again, turning into a frown; Sakura just crossed her arms. "If you want me to stay away from your mother, you're going to have to give me a reason besides. I would very much like it if she invited me to speak with her again; perhaps then I can bring up her meeting."
"You will do no such-
"Let's get one thing clear, Prince Hakuyuu, I am not one of your subjects; therefore, I am not obligated to listen to anything you have to say," Sakura said.
Hakuyuu could see the flame of defiance burning in her eyes; she was clearly not going to submit to his request/order. Despite the irritation it caused, Hakuyuu couldn't deny the enticing thrill he induced as well.
"Is the reason you want me to stay away from your mother have something to do with that night?" Sakura could not have been any blunter if she tried; that night still played on her mind. Like a puzzle, Sakura was trying to piece together. The only problem was that she didn't have all the pieces, but she suspected that Hakuyuu was hiding the other pieces behind his back, and she wanted them."You're very persistent, aren't you, Haruno?"
Sakura shrugged, "I only wish to understand your motives, Prince Hakuyuu, but I suppose if you're not going to enlighten me, I shall take my leave."
Slowly, yet deliberately, Sakura turned on her heel and took three steps, swinging her arms back and forth with each step, before she felt Hakuyuu's fingers wrapped around her wrist and roughly pulling her back, causing her to stumble. Before she was spun around, Hakuyuu removed his fingers from her wrist and now clutched her tightly on her shoulders. Sakura was slightly surprised when she saw the look on his face; his entire face was shining with emotion. In these terms, she assumed he and Kouen were cut from the same cloth, but it looked like there was a large differentiation between the two.
"Listen," Hakuyuu hissed softly, "You need to stay away from that woman, because if you don't, you will reap the consequences. As for that night, you should never mention it again, not to me, Kouen, or anyone."
Sakura narrowed her eyes, she was far from intimidated but she was more intrigued; moving her hands trailing her fingers lightly along the Hakuyuu's forearms in a gentle manner before reaching his wrists and grasping it tightly-not enough to sprain, break or shatter the bone but enough to make him actually cringe.
"That night, Prince Hakuyuu….what were you doing?"
Hakuyuu's expression flickered, realisation settling in and placing a deep form on his face, his eyes narrowed, and his teeth clenched tightly.
"Um, my king looks really angry," Gaap said nervously.
Sakura smirked 'That face is confirmation, let's see what else I can find out.'
Stolas swallowed nervously. "My king, I would advise against this."
But Sakura had already made up her mind and would not heed her djinn's warnings and continued, "I think it's clear that you were not supposed to be there, either wandering around."
"I am at liberty to do as I please in my own home, unlike you." Hakuyuu retorted
"Perhaps, but you weren't supposed to in that particular place that night either," Sakura said, tilting her head to the side, a glimmer of mischief in her face. "You were trying to spy on your mother, weren't you?"
Hakuyuu stepped back as Sakura released his wrists; he was now glaring at her, the expression of a very severe person. He stepped forward, steady and strong, till his face was so close that Sakura could feel his breath ghosting over her forehead; she had to strain her neck slightly to be eye to eye with him at this distance.
"You need to be more aware of your position, Miss Haruno. Disrespect does not go without retribution." Hakuyuu warned, "I will not repeat myself. Stay away from Gyokuen. What you heard was not meant for your ears; it had nothing to do with you."
Sakura snickered slightly, her expression going lax with the right corner of her mouth drawing up. "Strange. Your reaction and words are giving me the exact opposite notion. Then again, I can always find out for myself."
"You think yourself untouchable?"
"Of course not, but I find myself more than capable of dealing with those who might try," Sakura seethed; she needn't mention what happened with Kouen because he already saw what she was capable of.
"I will not allow it." Hakuyuu said, "I will not allow you to do as you please here anymore."
Sakura drew back, her arms crossed. "We'll see about that."
"My king, are you mad!?" Stolas asked, "That is the first prince you just-
"You certainly have a lot of backbone, my king. I have to commend you." Gaap said
"I would not encourage her Gaap," Beleth said before addressing Sakura, "My king, I do not think that you should pursue any answers-
'I was still mulling over whether or not I wanted to look for answers, but thanks to that other stupid prince, I definitely will now.'
'I think she is just doing this to spite the prince,' Gaap confirmed
"You think?" Beleth and Stolas sighed
..
..
..
"DAMMIT I MISSED AGAIN."
Arms crossed, Sakura watched Kouha let out his frustrations, getting the ground till there was nothing but a patch of dirt where neatly planted grass once lay. Sakura learned in the last few days of teaching Kouha that it was better to let the boy get his anger out of his system and then attempt to talk him down.
Kouha turned to her, angry tears in the corner of his eyes, "I TOLD YOU I CAN'T THROW THAT FAR."
He was pointing to the target that had been set a few metres away. It was just a small log with a target range drawn on it, and there were a few visible marks on the outer rings and only one in the centre. That was where Kouha had managed to land a single hit the last time. He had complained throughout the training sessions, but when he hit the target, his complaints died, but they started back up when Sakura moved it an extra five metres away.
"You said you wanted me to teach you how to wield a blade."
"I MEANT A SWORD."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "With your size, it would be difficult for you to wield a sword, even one fitted for your size, because your body hasn't been trained to handle the strain; that's why I'm teaching you to use daggers since you're moderately skilled at that, but if you want to learn swordplay, you could always ask your brother-
Kouha shook his head vigorously. "No, no, no, stupid, that won't work, En-nii won't be surprised if I don't learn by myself!"
Sakura's expression grew soft, her features becoming lax. Kouha may be considered a bit disturbed with a slight personality disorder-that's how she would word it, but he was definitely loyal when it came to his brother.
"Fine, I'll teach you what I've learned about sword play."
Kouha's eyes began to shine in anticipation, but Sakura continued before he could say anything, "But only if you hit the target's bull's-eye."
Appearing as if he was about to protest but then didn't, Kouha turned around to gather up one of the daggers from the ground. He positioned himself as Sakura taught him, drawing his arm back before throwing it forward. He released the dagger, but it only hit the outside of the rings.
Kouha was glaring at the target so hard that he appeared ready to attack it as if it were alive and mocking him. Sakura placed her hand on his shoulder; he stiffened and then looked at her.
"Here's a little trick for you, don't aim."
"Huh?"
"You heard me," Sakura moved back, crossing her arms again.
"Never aim? But how am I supposed to hit the target?"
With a slim finger, Sakura gestured to his eyes, "Your eyes will know where the blade needs to go; you won't always have the luxury of time when you're fighting."
"Huh?" Kouha looked both dumbfounded and annoyed.
Pointing to the target in the distance, Sakura leaned down to Kouha's height. "Up until now, all you've been doing is swinging those blades around, and because of your age and status-and possibly because most of your attacks were ambushes- your actions were dismissed, but that's not going to be the case forever."
Hand on Kouha's shoulders, Sakura turned him around so his back was facing the target, placing a new dagger in his hand.
"Oh, and one more suggestion, turn the target into someone you despise and you want to strike them directly in the heart."
"Well, this is certainly an interesting method of teaching," Gaap said offhandedly.
"My king, in theory that would work, but in reality-
There was a whizzing sound that lasted for no more than two seconds before a clear thud was heard. Sakura smirked when she saw Kouha had thrown the dagger across the field of grass, into the target, right in the centre….
Sakura smirked widely. 'You were saying?'
Beleth sighed, "Perhaps we should stop correcting our king."
Kouha spun around to look at Sakura, a huge grin plastered on his face, one of satisfaction and arrogance.
'I can see how he and Kouen are related.'
"Alright, guess we're starting swordplay."
"YES," Kouha cheered, both arms up in the air.
"Of course, only if you manage to hit the target like that every day from now on," Sakura said cheekily.
"WHAT"
..
..
Sakura learned that a long time ago that rumours were nothing more than lies based off of misinterpreted truths; twisted and turned to create something toxic-a drug for those who could not satisfy their hunger and curiosity with reality, in need of distraction and that gossip was what nursed this beast; feeding it with whispers; until the beast becomes so big it feeds itself and the truth from which is was misinterpreted and born dies, falling on deaf ears. Unfortunately for Sakura, this beast known as rumours had been feasting on her existence in Kou's imperial palace, and it was being fed well. From the moment she set foot in the palace, there had been talk of her purpose, who she was, and why she was here. Some thought she was a concubine Kouen had picked up; she was unique with pink hair and those bright green eyes but then after defeating Kouen, she was recognised as another dungeon capturer and thought to be recruited for the royal army but soldiers had put an end to that rumour; while she was treating Kouen she was then considered a healer, by then there were several different rumours circulating all around; this particular beast of a rumour had grown more than one head. One in particular had been created just recently concerning Sakura's current and perhaps future status in the Kou Empire….
'And because of that idiot prince Hakuyuu….' Sakura glowered, thinking back to the specific turn of events a few days ago.
"You honestly don't give up, do you?"
Sakura sighed softly, though there was a hint of a smile on her face.
"Prince Hakuyuu," Sakura greeted with a sweet smile, "Up for a late night stroll once again."
Hakuyuu narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are treading on dangerous grounds, Haruno."
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "In a figurative or literal sense?"
"Don't play coy."
Moving her hands away from her chest and to her hips, Sakura took a defensive stance. "I could say the same to you. I'm just wandering the grounds."
"After I explicitly told you not to."
"I don't take orders from you."
"Why are you heading in this direction?" The same direction she had been found by him the last time. The same place she heard those voices and got those chills.
"Why are you here?" Perhaps for the same reason.
Hakuyuu took a short period of silence before he attempted to respond, but it was not a response that Sakura was expecting. Grabbing her wrist, the prince pulled her towards him and leaned in till their faces were a few inches apart.
Sakura frowned readying to question his actions-and backhand him but all her protests and ideas of retaliation faded as the sounds of footsteps grew louder.
"Don't move," Hakuyuu whispered, placing his hand on the side of her face in a gentle manner.
"Oh my, are we interrupting?"
Sakura' s eyes widened, and she immediately pulled away, realizing how they appeared to the party behind them and also realizing that a member of that said party was Hakuyuu's mother!
'Holy crap!'
Spinning on her heel so fast she nearly fell over, Sakura flushed red, tugging at her clothes and wishing she had Kouen's 'tacky' robe.
There were two other odd figures on either side of Gyokuen, males with turbans on their heads, cloths covering their faces, wearing black robes; there was an odd and disturbing flutter coming from them, but of course, Sakura was more focused on Gyokuen. So much so that she didn't really take note or caution.
"Um-y-your highness this is-eh-ah…" Sakura couldn't even get the words out of her mouth; she did better facing a hundred enemy ninja than explaining this situation.
"My king, please do not disgrace yourself!" Beleth called
Gaap snickered, "Yes, my king, do not lose face, li-
'GAAP SHUT UP,' Sakura mentally growled; she was met with silence.
Gyokuen was smiling, and she appeared very amused; Sakura concluded it was either by the situation she walked in on or the fact that she 'interrupted'-parents seemed to have a habit of finding joy in embarrassing their children.
And as a bonus, she managed to capture Sakura in the web of surprise and humiliation.
"Oh, Hakuyuu, I didn't know you stole Kouen's little dove from her cage."
Sakura couldn't help covering her face; even the night's air couldn't pierce through the scorching heat that came with embarrassment.
"Mother, please," Hakuyuu moved in front of Sakura, "You are making her uncomfortable."
"Well, I don't see why she would be embarrassed about you courting her Hakuyuu, unless of course this is something scandalous-
"Of course not; it is just as you said."
Sakura stared at Hakuyuu with wide eyes 'What the hell is he doing?'
Then one of the men spoke, he moved slightly to peer behind Hakuyuu from his distance, "Oh, so this is the one you have been telling us about, Lady Gyokuen?"
Sakura frowned. She couldn't help but wonder who this person was that he was able to address the Kou empress so 'informally' and why exactly Gyokuen was speaking about her to them.
'And what she has told them.'
Sakura's concern reverted back to her current predicament. "Eh; you're highness I was just-
"We were just taking a stroll through the gardens as we do on some nights." Hakuyuu cut Sakura off, causing him to receive a deadly glare from Sakura, communicating a lot of unspoken threats of pain, yet he did not seem to heed it, for he did not stop.
"With all due respect, my prince," said one of the mysterious men, "Why not publicize this relationship?"
"My lady does not wish for the inevitable slander and questioning she will receive due to her social standing."
Gyokuen let out a small laugh and shook her head. "Oh, what nonsense, proceeding your courtship in such a manner will only encourage nastier rumours, like the ones when you were both seen behaving intimately in the courtyard a few days ago."
A scream bubbled up in Sakura's throat, and she had to choke it back. The palace walls had so many unseen eyes and ears, it was hard even for Sakura to keep track, especially when she was so focused on her verbal battle with Hakuyuu.
The shock and embarrassment seemed to have paralysed Sakura entirely because she was not able to process when Hakuyuu took her hand and pulled her beside him.
"Then perhaps it's time to put these rumours to rest."
Gyokuen clapped her hands twice, a flicker of excitement on her face. "Excellent. Then you shall court her openly with no shame."
'Kill-me-now.'
….
….
…..
…..
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…..
…..
"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?"
"Miss Haruno, I suggest you keep your voice down," Hakuyuu said as he closed her room's door.
After their episode outside Hakuyuu had managed to drag Sakura away from Gyokuen and the two men, before any questions could be asked, questions she undoubtedly wouldn't be able to answer.
Sakura hissed, her voice lowered, "Why would you tell your mother you were courting me?"
Hakuyuu folded his arms, his voice maintaining a neutral tone "Would you rather I tell you were there to spy on her?"
Sakura took a deep breath, her forehead creased as she rubbed her temples. "So now what? I'm going to have to pretend you're courting me?"
"Precisely."
There was a small snicker that came out of Sakura's mouth, but she was trying to hold back, so she snorted a little. "I'm sorry, I think I just had a mini stroke and misheard you. Could you repeat that?"
"As long as you remain in Kou, Miss Haruno, consider me your suitor." Hakuyuu turned around and made his way towards her door.
'That's it, I'm going to kill him.' Sakura reached for Gaap's metal vessel when her djinn's voices chimed in her head all at once.
"Wait, my king!" Stolas yelled, "This is not the way-
'Don't care.'
"Violence is not the answer-
'It is my answer,' Sakura said, readying her weapon.
"YOU WILL LEAVE TOO MUCH EVIDENCE." Cried Stolas
"Ignore them, my king, do it!" Gaap laughed
Before his hands touched the handle, Hakuyuu glanced behind him again, causing Sakura to swiftly stop her movements. "Oh, and one more thing; I highly recommend you don't tell anyone the truth about this, or you'll find the trust you've gained from those around you dissipate before your eyes."
..
That was a few days ago and since then rumours about Sakura had been bouncing off the walls, people would stop to look at her, she was guessing it was mostly out of curiosity though some of the maids would give her dirty looks-of course whenever she caught them looking at her like that she would always send them a look so terrifying they'd run away.
Other than that, nothing really changed for her in the palace. She would still go to play with Kougyoku, Hakuren, and Hakuryuu; she and Koumei would sit in his room, reading scrolls and talking about whatever came to mind. Sakura didn't see much of Kouen since his recovery, but they began their sparring sessions. After training Kouha, she would manage to squeeze in one hour to spar with Hakuren. With his constant grin and bright personality, he made her see a lot of Naruto in him.
The clashing of metal rang throughout the courtyard along with the soft panting of Hakuren and Sakura, both sparring with spears in their hands. Hakuren's technique far surpassed Sakura's, but he was unable to overcome the difference in strength, which set him back from overpowering her.
"Are you not tired yet, Lady Haruno?" Hakuren said, his voice mocking yet slightly strained as he held his spear diagonally to block.
Sakura smiled, pushing forward and watching Hakuren's face scrunched in discomfort as he attempted to hold her back. "I could say the same to you, Prince Hakuren. Perhaps you would like a little rest?"
With that, she gave a particularly powerful shove that sent Hakuren stumbling to the back and landing on the grass with a loud 'oof'.
"Looks like this round goes to me," Sakura said, a swell of pride filling her as she stuck the blade of the spear into the ground. After Sakura went over to Hakuren and sat down beside him, looking at his face, at his sheepish grin, Sakura felt a sense of nostalgia hit her.
"I thought you said you weren't going to use your strength?"
"And I thought you said you wouldn't call me Lady Haruno anymore," Sakura pointed out.
"Well, since my brother is courting you, wouldn't it be more appropriate?"
Sakura could hear the sarcasm in his voice and knew he had not meant for her to take it seriously, but even so, the words themselves held more meaning than his intentions.
Exhaling with exhaustion, Sakura turned her head away from the prince. "Perhaps if I had a title to my name, but since I don't, Sakura works just fine."
Hakuren nodded, though he seemed dampened by the change in mood. This would happen anytime he brought up his brother, and Hakuren couldn't help wondering about it, although he chose not to bring it up with Sakura or Hakuyuu.
"I have to admit, though, I was surprised to hear about you and my brother's relationship. I had never seen the two of you interact until a few days ago."
Sakura just shrugged, but she did not turn to look Hakuren in his eyes. "We agreed to remain scarce in our… intimate relations."
That was the exact same line Sakura had used on Koumei when asked about it; she was repeating it so much it was becoming a mantra. Despite saying it so many times, like the line from a script, it had no meaning. It was a lie she was tired of telling, but it never stopped, and there was always someone else waiting to ask her. It was more awkward when she had to reply to the young children of the Kou palace, apparently word spread all over; Kouha and Kougyoku had similar reactions, but it always returned to their own brother. Apparently, they believed Sakura had some kind of relationship with Kouen, to which she quickly corrected them. The only one who hadn't mentioned her sudden change in relationship status was Kouen, which Sakura was grateful for, but at the same time, it made her anxious every time she was with Kouen simply because he never brought it up. It was like he knew he was putting her through some painful suspense.
"My brother told me something similar, but I can't help thinking there's something else the two of you aren't telling everyone."
Sakura tensed, clenching her teeth with a nervous strain.
"I mean, when he first saw you, he told me your pink hair looked idiotic."
Sakura had to squeeze her hands into fists to avoid losing her temper.
"And he would ask Kouen questions about you,"
Now, Sakura's interest was piqued. "He asked about me?"
"Since you arrived."
Unfortunately, Sakura wasn't able to ask any more because another voice interrupted.
"Excuse me,"
Hakuren looked to the side, where he saw someone emerging from the veranda. "Ah, Koumei, how's it going?"
Koumei gave a respectful bow to his cousin, "Lord Hakuren, I am sorry to interrupt, but my brother requests Miss Haruno; he apologizes."
Hakuren waves his hand casually. "That's alright, we were finished anyway."
Sakura stood up, dusting off her shorts. "That was a good sparring session, Prince Hakuren. Perhaps next time you'll manage to finally knock me down."
As she turned to walk away, she heard Hakuren laugh, "I look forward to it, Sakura."
..
..
"Okay, and the reason you interrupted my sparring session is?" Sakura asked, looking at Kouen, arms crossed.
When Kouen didn't reply or seem to acknowledge Sakura's presence since she entered his study. He continued to read over a scroll in front of him. Sakura huffed, annoyance evident on her face.
"Well, if you're going to continue to ignore me, I'm leaving."
Just as Sakura turned on her heel, Kouen's voice ran through the room. "Sakura."
There was a bit of an internal debate whether or not to listen to him, but she chose to turn back and walk in front of Kouen's desk.
"Well?"
"I am leaving."
Those simple words gave Sakura a rush of overwhelming emotions; all too familiar, that's why she nearly mistook her situation for another.
"W-Wait a minute, what do you mean you're leaving? Where? Why?"
Kouen's eyebrows raised slightly, his eyes shone with amusement and satisfaction. "One of the forts to the West has stopped sending in weekly reports."
Sakura understood immediately, "Oh, I get it! You're going to check up on the fort."
Even though Kouen didn't respond, Sakura wasn't deterred because he had no need to explain further to her. Then a thought came to Sakura.
"Can I go with you?"
Sakura did her best to be as blunt as possible with her question; she needed to get out of the palace for a little while and away from her 'suitor', even just for a little while.
Kouen looked at her, asking for an explanation without words.
"Well, if it's something serious, I think I might be able to help." Sakura attempted to justify
Kouen just kept staring at her, and Sakura knew immediately that he was not falling for her excuse; he wouldn't question her on why she was making it up, but he wasn't going to let her go with him either.
Sakura sighed, her shoulders slumped. "I get it; no go. Well, if that's all you have to say-
"It is"
"Well then, I'll just be going…" Sakura turned around when she heard Kouen's chair shift, and saw him move around his desk; he passed her and then stopped right as he reached the door, gesturing with his head for her to follow before exiting with Sakura a few steps behind.
'Guess we're going for a walk.' It was a pastime she and Kouen had gotten into doing, along with sitting in the gardens together having tea, or they'd play games that were intellectually stimulating. Both Sakura and Kouen enjoyed that because it was always a wonder as to who was going to win. It was frustrating and exciting. They had even started keeping score.
..
..
"And I'm guessing the reason for this is you want to break our tie?" Sakura asked looking over the pavilion, a distance from the main buildings in the palace, there were no staff around to peer at them from around corners and chances of anyone finding them were slim. There was a low table set with a few fruits and sweets and two cups with a pot of tea, in the middle was a board set and on either side a bowl of black stones and white stones. It was the game Go.
"My king did he take you all the way here just to play a game?" asked Gaap in disbelief
'So it appears,' Sakura shrugged a little but walked over to the table without looking for Kouen's consent.
He sat on the opposite side of her, taking one of the black stones from the bowl and placing it on an intersection on the board. Sakura then took one of her stones and placed it down. This went on for several moments in silence, at first their moves appeared random, uncoordinated, but they both knew that was far from what was seen. Each had taken out two of the four corners and was now trying to escape one another.
Sakura found herself becoming focused on the game, so much so that she chose to speak first as she captured a few of Kouen's stones. "Kouen,"
"What is it?" he seemed a bit frustrated that she had already captured a few of his stones.
"What exactly is going on in this place?"
Kouen narrowed his eyes, placing another stone on the board, trying to maintain focus. "You're not being specific."
Sakura didn't know if she would be able to specify what was going on in the palace concerning his family, his cousins, and their mother, her relationship with everyone from Kouen and his siblings to Hakuyuu and his siblings. There was also the matter of Gyokuen, which she wanted to ask him about.
"Do I need to be?" Sakura asked, her voice blunt yet sharp enough to cut through the tension.
"If you expect me to reply."
Sakura threw her head back with an over-exaggerated sigh, but there was a light-heartedness to her posture and tone.
"Never mind, it was just a random thought." Sakura returned to the game, deciding she did not want to cause tension. Especially when it could turn into something much more.
"You don't have random thoughts, Sakura." Kouen pointed out boldly, "You're too intelligent for those."
Sakura laughed softly, "That is literally the first compliment you've ever given me."
"Of course, you're also exceptionally dense at times."
Sakura frowned, gently placing another stone on the board. "What does that mean?"
"Have I ever been ambiguous?"
Sakura immediately shook her head; there was no need for her to consider because Kouen had always been bluntly and at times painfully candid with her. A large difference Sakura saw in comparison with Sinbad, whom she would always have to analyse and decode. It was a frustrating process at times, and it had occurred to Sakura that it must be the reason she was a little less wary of Kouen because she didn't always have to question his motives.
"Not that I can recall," Sakura admitted.
"Then I needn't say any more."
Her eyes travelled from the game board to Kouen's face and then to his metal vessel. Something clicked.
"Hey Kouen," Sakura began. She waited until he looked up at her before continuing, but when he did, she felt as if her words caught in her throat. She still forced them out. "Can I see your djinn?"
He stared at her, his expression completely blank, but she saw the glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.
"I…" she gestured to the Looking glass around her neck, "I need to check if it has a shard for the mirror."
"Very well,"
Sakura smiled, ready to stand up and also thank Kouen when he spoke again.
"If you can beat me."
"Should have seen that coming," Gaap said
Sakura frowned but nodded with a slight pout. "Alright, and what do you get if you win?"
When it came to Kouen, Sakura had learned it was better to play it safe because even though he wasn't as unorthodox as Sinbad, he could be very cunning if you were not careful.
Kouen appeared amused by her question, "You'll have to lose if you want the answer."
Emerald green eyes narrowed, Sakura made her move, capturing two of Kouen's stones. "I think I can live without knowing."
….
….
….
…..
The game lasted longer than either opponent anticipated. There was a sense of seriousness surrounding Kouen and Sakura as they played. Both wanting to outdo the other, both wanting to win. However, when the game reached its climax, realisation hit them both as they stared at the board.
Sakura's cheeks hurt, her lips stretched out across her face in a wide grin as she added up the scores in her mind. No matter how many times she did it, the results were clear.
"I win."
"So it seems," Kouen replied
With a soft giggle, Sakura stood up from her position and went around the table until she was next to Kouen, holding the looking glass towards him.
"So I have permission?" she had to ask.
"Yes."
Leaning down slightly until the mirror came in contact with the metal vessel Sakura waited for something to happen, the eight pointed start began to shine but then it vanished and Sakura saw nothing-there was no added shard to the looking glass.
"W-What?"
"My king, I theorise only the magi who summoned the djinns' dungeon will have a shard," Stolas told her.
'Oh,' Sakura responded, pulling away, soft disappointment in her face.
"You look rather deterred," Kouen stated
That seemed to break Sakura from her space. She quickly shook her head in denial, "Oh, sorry."
"What went wrong?"
Taking a few steps back, Sakura placed her hands behind her back. "Nothing, I can only collect shards from certain djinns."
"Certain in what way?"
There was a moment of hesitation from Sakura, but she chose to tell Kouen, "Um, I can only get the shards from djinns whose dungeons were summoned by their owner."
"In other words, the djinns with the shards will be the djinns summoned by the magi who owns that mirror," Kouen concluded rather quickly.
Sakura wasn't surprised, though, by his quick and accurate analysis. "Yes."
Being at a closer proximity to Kouen in the daylight, Sakura realised that the prince seemed rather off; she saw how his eyes gave a shadow of a flutter, resisting squinting. Without thought, Sakura stepped forward, examining Kouen's face.
"Have you been getting enough sleep?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Because you're squinting, suggesting sensitivity to light, and there are rings under your eyes, you also look slightly pale….how didn't I notice?" Sakura continued to mutter and examine Kouen.
"I do not feel tired," Kouen replied, leaning back in his chair.
Sakura scoffed, reaching forward, she grasped Kouen's wrist and pulled him up with little effort, as he didn't put up much of a fight, though he was obviously a little surprised by her actions. Leading them away from the veranda, onto the grass, and under a royal Poinciana tree. Sakura smiled, looking at the red flowers that decorated the tree; it was rather fitting.
Once they reached the tree, Sakura gestured for Kouen to sit down. He didn't question her, but he still appeared a bit annoyed, not that Sakura seemed to care. After he sat, Sakura mimicked him, placing herself in front of the prince, crossed-legged.
"Alright, now close your eyes and count to sixty, slowly."
"There is no point."
Sakura frowned but somehow held herself back from any outbursts that would lead her further from her objective. She grasped Kouen's wrist again.
"I'm just going to take your pulse, so please close your eyes."
"This seems-
"Just close your eyes!"
So much for holding back; even so, Sakura let out a relieved sigh when Kouen shut his eyes. Even then, she could see the severity in his face and couldn't hold back a snicker.
"You find something amusing?"
Sakura was about to shake her head when she realised his eyes were still closed. "No, now start counting slowly until sixty."
The kunoichi swore she saw him roll his eyes behind his eyelids, but then he started counting, and she forgot.
"One...two…..three….four...five…..six…."
Sakura held Kouen's wrist firmly, her djinn's voices interrupting her train of thought before she could see it.
"Well, this is a surprise." Stated Gaap
'How so?'
"If I recall correctly, he wasn't this cooperative when you were tending to him before." Gaap pointed
Sakura couldn't disagree even if she wanted to; she recalled all those healing sessions where Kouen continuously insisted on his relief from bed, but every time he was denied.
"That banter reminded me of a married couple," commented Stolas
Sakura rolled her eyes 'You mean the kind of married couple who have been together for a really long time and are plotting their spouses 'accidental' deaths?'
"Precisely,'
"That is obscured," Beleth said
"I wouldn't be so sure that does tend to happen," Gaap told them.
"Yes, but the ones truly meant for each other make it," said Stolas. "Of course, there is usually more conflict."
Gaap laughed, "That's love! When you have the tolerance to remain with a person whose flaws you passionately despise."
Sakura shook her head. How this conversation came to be, she didn't care, but she wanted it to end.
'You think so?' Sakura asked in thought, 'I mean, I've loved this guy since before I was twelve, and he pretty much ignored my existence even though we were on the same team together.' Sakura looked at her hand holding Kouen's wrist, and then she saw his eyes closed, breathing now shallow, still sitting up. Kouen had fallen asleep.
"Just like I thought," Sakura said, holding Kouen's shoulders. She carefully laid him down, stretching out her legs and placing his head on her thighs. "Idiot was exhausted, no wonder I finally beat him at go."
Beleth interrupted, "Forgive me, my king, but we were talking about your love interest?"
Sakura chuckled softly so as not to shake and wake Kouen 'I didn't think you of all would bring back the topic Beleth."
"Curiosity, my king,"
'Well, as I said, I claimed to be in love with him. Of course, I was rather narrow-minded in my pursuit, finding content in nothing but his looks, and I desperately wanted to impress him, but no matter how hard I tried, he never seemed to acknowledge me-he was focused on his own goals. One night, when I attempted to stop him from leaving to achieve it and confessed to him, he bitterly rejected me and left me lying outside on a bench." Sakura paused, exhaling slowly. "I don't blame him, though. It's hard when you come this far and look back at who you once were."
"My king, how could you possibly believe you love a man who has done something like that?" asked Stolas
'Because Stolas, even though he is walking a path of darkness, I want to do everything in my power to bring him back to the light-even if he grows to hate me for it. I am also extremely grateful to him for making me grow stronger by showing me how my weakness had affected others.'
The voices in her head stilled, and Sakura felt so much tension that she felt like her head was being filled.
'Anyone in there?'
"I'm not the only one who thinks our king is a lot like Sheba, right?" Gaap said offhandedly.
Beleth and Stolas were quick to silence him, "GAAP."
"What?"
'Sheba? Who is that?'
Her djinns went silent again 'Really?' Sakura asked, disbelief lacing her voice.
"My king, forgive us, but we-
'Are not at liberty to tell me, I know,' Sakura sighed again and looked back down at Kouen and shook her head. 'Kouen and Sinbad are really going to have trouble finding love.'
"Why do you say that, my king?" asked Beleth. "Neither is difficult to look at."
Sakura's hand ghosted over Kouen's forehead. "They both have such difficult personas despite their appearance, and finding someone who genuinely loves them for who they are and can actually see their flaws and still choose to be with them, not to mention they are both kind of on the controlling side- I'm getting exhausted just thinking about it."
Sakura wasn't actually joking when she said she was getting tired; she decided to rest her eyes, head leaning back against the tree.
"But my king, you've certainly been able to cope with both Sinbad and this prince," Beleth stated
Gaap snickered, "Doesn't that mean our king is-
"Asleep," Stolas said
Sakura's breathing had become shallow, her chest rising and falling. The wing gently blew a few strands of her hair out of place, but because of its length, it did not tickle her skin. There in the palace gardens, under the Poinciana tree, red flower petals scattering around, Sakura and Kouen slept. Unguarded and unaware, their peaceful slumber was under watch.
Gyokuen looked at the pair from around the corner of the veranda, lifting her covered arm up to her mouth, hiding her smile. "Well, isn't this a problem? Seems I have to move things along."
..
..
'I am really getting tired of being in this dilemma.' Sakura thought as she stared at her plate and then at the table where several dishes were placed neatly, still piping hot and decorated deliciously but Sakura as usually did not have much of an appetite. On the other side of the table sat Hakuyuu, eating dinner with a casual persona.
"I see you've managed to escape the maids again," he said
She knew he was referring to her state of dress, every evening the maids would come to get her ready for dinner and every evening Sakura would already be gone because she refused to dress up-she was already putting on an act, she was not about to add a costume to further sully her dignity.
"I did, Prince Hakuyuu, though I have to give you credit for sending them a few minutes earlier; they nearly caught me jumping out the window," Sakura answered in a cold-voiced tone. "Need I remind you, I am not some doll you can dress up."
"And need I remind you, Haruno, I do not do this to offend you but because it is necessary."
Sakura frowned deeply. "I don't see why it is necessary to-.
"Before you start arguing," Hakuyuu interrupted Sakura's thoughts, "Kouen will no longer be sparring with you."
Sakura narrowed her eyes in disdain. She actually enjoyed those lessons, and she needed them to teach Kouha. "Why?"
"He is going to the fort, I assume my cousin has informed you?"
"He did," she replied, not bothering to hide the look of suspicion on her face. "He told me,"
"During your game of go?"
Silence filled the room for only a few seconds, but in that brief period of time, it felt as though the tension had built to a head.
"You knew about that?"
"My mother informed me," Hakuyuu said
"I see…" Sakura returned to her dinner, taking her chopsticks to pick up a piece of succulent meat and quickly placing it in her mouth.
"And I happened to come across Kouen carrying you back to your room."
Sakura felt the incomplete bolas push down her throat with struggle. She quickly reached for her water and took a big gulp. She coughed heavily before looking back at Hakuyuu for an explanation. When Sakura had woken up from her nap in the gardens, she was back in bed. She assumed that Kouen had sent someone to place her there, but she didn't think he had brought her to her room himself, and that Hakuyuu had caught him.
"Such implications…." Stolas observed
"After the game, I noticed that Kouen seemed tired, so-
"There is no need to explain yourself, Kouen already gave me the details." Hakuyuu interjected, holding up his hand, "Of course, he wasn't nearly as flustered."
Sakura looked down, relieved that she had returned to eating. "Alright then."
"You will be meeting me instead."
"Hell no."
..
..
..
The following morning, Sakura didn't go to see Kouen off, she didn't go to the regular courtyard for training, and she didn't meet Hakuren that day because she didn't want to run into Hakuyuu. Instead, she spent her entire day playing with Kougyoku, training Kouha, and lazing around with Koumei, and every time she heard guards coming her way, she would disappear and request each of the siblings to say they hadn't seen her. Going incognito was not something Sakura was unfamiliar with, but she knew that as long as she was in this palace, she would not be able to do this forever.
'All of this just to avoid that prince,' Sakura sighed, fiddling with the tips of her hair.
"Perhaps it is time to consider taking our leave, my king," Beleth suggested
'Believe me, Beleth, I want to.'
"But?"
Kougyoku and Kouha's faces flashed through her mind, then Koumei and Kouen, then Hakuren, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, and finally Hakuyuu.
'Dammit,'
"I think I see her!"
"Over there!"
The sounds of footsteps with clanking metal and alert voices dispersed Sakura's thoughts as she sped up, making her way through the palace halls till she was outside once again. She knew instantly, after looking around at the rock gardens, that she had not been to this part of the palace before. The footsteps were becoming louder and more urgent with every passing moment.
"What now, my king?" asked Beleth
Despite being here more than a month, Sakura found that there would always be new places to discover, and right now, what Sakura was spotting was a large building made of transparent glass, but not quite due to all the different plants she could see.
'That'll do.' She thought before running at top speed, barely taking a few seconds before she was at the entrance of the greenhouse.
Opening and closing the door, Sakura watched from the outside as the guards ran around looking for her, but eventually their search led them down another hallway, out of the gardens, and out of Sakura's sight and further from their target. Being on constant guard was not an unfamiliar dilemma, but it didn't mean it didn't cause discomfort; knowing that she would have some time to move away from that, relief filled her. She started walking through the greenhouse, the different fragrances of herbs and plants mingled together in the air, some were stronger than others, but Sakura could just about catch a whiff of everything and even identify some (a skill that came from studying herbs for her medical training). To say the greenhouse was huge would be an understatement because there was even a second floor.
'I could stay here forever.'
"Please don't," her djinns begged.
Sakura spread out her arms. "Ah, this is so nice."
Then she heard the fluttering, pausing her previous actions. Sakura began taking ghostly footsteps towards the fluttering; the fluttering seemed to be getting closer to her. Around the next corner, Sakura saw a flash of white and took a quick step back to avoid falling.
"Oh, so there was someone else here."
Sakura gasped when she looked up, at first she thought Hakuyuu had found her but when she got a closer look at the features of the figure now in front of her she realised that this man appeared more matured with the same features as Hakuyuu, Hakuren and Hakuyuu only much sharper, long blue hair slightly dark and blue eyes that were even sharper than Hakuyuu's, of course she realised right away who this person was.
And upon realising, Sakura quickly gave an appropriate bow and held her position, "Emperor Hakutoku, forgive me for intruding. My name is Sakura Haruno."
"Ah, your hair, that explains why I thought I saw something pink moving amongst the flowers," he mused, "And I am well aware who you are; news of you has not stopped since you've arrived, every member of my family has had something to inform."
'I hope in little detail.' Sakura thought, wincing as she stood up straight.
"Tell me, Lady Haruno, what brings you to the greenhouse?"
Sakura spoke clearly, arms at her side, "Forgive me, your highness. I was just admiring, and if it pleases, Sakura is just fine. I am no lady."
Hakutoku's appearance softened slightly as he towered over Sakura. "Very well then, Sakura, considering my son is actively courting you, I'd withdraw that last statement of not being a lady."
'Well, shit.'
Gaap snickered, "Say that out loud, my king, I'm sure he will withdraw his statement then.'
Ignoring her djinn's comments, Sakura continued to focus on the man in front of her. "Of course, your highness, I meant no offense."
"And you've given none."
Hakutoku stepped forward until he was side by side with Sakura. "Would you care to join me on a tour of the greenhouse, then, Sakura. I have been wanting to speak with you for a while."
"I would be honoured," Sakura answered, feeling her hands beginning to sweat under her gloves.
As they began strolling through the greenhouse, Sakura's eyes were darting around at all of the different plants, partly out of fascination and partly to avoid meeting the emperor's gaze. She took the time to identify the plant life around her.
"This is certainly an uncomfortable situation."
Sakura stiffened at hearing Gaap's voice and then Beleth's as well.
"Shh, Gaap; I think our king feels awkward enough without you pointing it out."
"Who's talking about our king-even I feel out of sorts!"
Hand to her mouth, Sakura stifled her laughter, and then it died down when she heard Hakutoku speak.
"Do you enjoy flowers, Sakura?"
The pinkette appeared a bit stunned, so much so that she took a few seconds longer to reply, "Of course I do."
"And what is it that you like about them, their appearance or fragrance?"
Sakura shrugged, her eyes looking up at the glass roof. "Both, but more so than anything, what I like about flowers and different plants and herbs are their properties; that might just come with being a medic and studying plants from that perspective."
"That is an interesting response," Hakutoku seemed intrigued now, and Sakura heard an odd fluttering again, but it was gone when she looked. "I hear that you were a traveller."
"I am, your highness," Sakura said, pressing to make sure the emperor understood she was still a traveller.
Hakutoku nodded, "I have also heard that you were a physician and a very gifted one at that. You were the one who saw to my nephew Kouen's recovery after your fierce battle."
There was no possible way for Sakura to mask her face; of course, the emperor would know about that. Sakura's mouth was opening and closing as the kunoichi flustered about how to reply, but Hakutoku beat her to it.
"I was rather impressed."
"Wha-?"
"As I said before, I have been hearing a lot about you, Sakura." Hakutoku stopped walking and turned to face her. "Kouen's told me you have captured multiple dungeons."
"I have your highness, four to be exact," Sakura said with a wary tone, although she regretted admitting to how many djinn she had captured for some reason.
Hakutoku's eyes widened slightly. "Dungeons are fierce places where hundreds of men have entered and failed to return, to hear that you alone have gone into various dungeons and succeeded not only in surviving but gained the power of the djinns…..I am in awe."
Sakura flushed a little. "Thank you…"
"And my wife tells me that you are not only skilled with various weapons skills but also martial arts, and you are also said to be intelligent."
Sakura couldn't help but feel that Gyokuen was trying to sell her for some reason, the way she was being described, Sakura didn't feel like that was her at all; perhaps it was her own self-doubt because she did defeat Kouen and she did heal him, she wasn't stupid either but even the best of people do not always believe in their own worth.
"But that is what makes them the best, my king," said Stolas.
"So the reason your highness wanted to meet me is because of everything you've been hearing."
"Yes, of course, my attention was already grasped when Kouen told me you were also a dungeon capture, and even more so after you defeated him."
Hakutoku appeared as if he was about to say more, but Sakura stopped him by stepping in front of him and bowing her head.
"With all due respect, your highness, I do not enjoy speaking of that time; I take no pride in what I did to your nephew. All that destruction and chaos was my own doing because I had lost control of myself and allowed my anger to get the best of me. As for what you have heard of me, I am honoured that you have been informed so highly of me, but there is far more to me than my skills, intelligence, and perceived power. I am someone with too many shortcomings and flaws; I am merely doing everything in my power to ensure that I don't set back those who put their faith in me."
The greenhouse fell silent. Sakura finally glanced up from her position to see Hakutoku watching her, his expression revealing very little, but Sakura saw the oddest change of fluttering from the rukh and what she could identify as admiration and… certainty?
'For what exactly?'
Hakutoku started walking towards the exit. Sakura watched him, his aura of power even as his back was turned; he appeared untouchable.
"Sakura Haruno, you've surpassed my expectations."
Just as he opened the door, Hakutoku's eyes seemed to scan around before he looked back at Sakura. "Oh yes, I will be informing Hakuyuu of your current location. I've heard he has been searching for you anxiously, so give him a good chase."
With that, he left.
"My king?"
"What the hell just happened?"
..
..
..
"Your feet are still too close together; that makes for sluggish counters."
"Unlike you, Prince Hakuyuu, I'm not six feet, so forgive me if I find more comfort in a less outstretched position!"
After that single day of running and hiding, Sakura eventually revealed herself to Hakuyuu, who did not appear amused by her antics. For the sake of a glimmer of peace between them, Sakura agreed to Hakuyuu teaching her swordplay, but he did not hold back on her compliance for fear she would withdraw.
Sakura thrust her sword forward with a powerful shove, watching as it glided through the air with ease.
"You're relying too much on that abnormal strength of yours,"
"I am not!" Sakura retorted, stomping her foot on the ground, creating a small crater, and defeating any chance of arguing.
Hakuyuu started circling around Sakura before spouting instructions. "Again, head up, shoulders back, right foot forward, no, not that forward,"
Holding up his own sword, which was real since Hakuyuu said it was better to work with a real sword, he gestured with his head for Sakura to come at him, and in her slightly ill-tempered state, she did so without hesitation, pushing back on the sole of her foot to leap forward; their swords clashed, creating sparks. There was no hesitation in the attacks between the two, and from a distance, for anyone, it would look like a real battle. Their eyes narrowed with concentration and determination to win.
Hakuyuu's eyes didn't trail, unlike Sakura, whose eyes were darting around trying to determine where his next strike would come from. They clashed several times, but Hakuyuu's strikes started becoming much more swift and aggressive, which surprised Sakura, forcing her to step back. She continued until she felt something hit her back and realised she had no more space to move. Hakuyuu held his sword at her throat before removing it.
"You should be more aware of your surroundings."
Sakura exhaled and pushed away from the tree.
"We're going again, get ready."
There was no doubt that Hakuyuu was serious because he was already in position, this time he didn't even give Sakura a chance to get into position before he attacked. Sakura quickly held up her sword to block him but stumbled back. The next few strikes that followed had a similar result, Hakuyuu knocking Sakura back.
'Not this time,'
Hakuyuu crouched down to swing his sword upward at Sakura when she jumped back, swinging her legs so that her entire body was in the air before landing on her feet, regaining her equilibrium before pushing forward quickly, catching Hakuyuu off guard as she pretended to swing left only to spine around completely and hit his right, except she was expecting Hakuyuu to be able to counter before her sword came into contact with his skin but that was not the case. Sakura dropped her sword, which now had a red stain, and went over to Hakuyuu, who was crouching down, holding a hand to his bleeding side.
"Ah, crap, move your hand," Sakura said, removing his hand to inspect his wound before placing her own over it and pouring chakra out.
"I should have kept my arm there; you cut deep," Hakuyuu said as he watched Sakura treat his wound. He could actually feel his torn flesh repair itself, and the wound growing smaller. Suppose this was what you felt when you healed at such an alarming rate. He had seen her abilities before when she was treating Kouen, but he had a whole new perspective on her abilities now that he was the one she was using them on.
'It's warm.'
"There," Sakura said, removing her hand only for a few seconds before softly trailing her fingers along the torn line of fabric. "You don't feel any pain, right?"
"No," Hakuyuu replied, watching Sakura somewhat entranced before she removed her hand and stood up, leaving the cold wind to hit his ski"It really is impressive." Hakuyuu observed, looking down at his torn robe and then to Sakura's hand, "Hands with the strength to destroy with great ease and fix what they break with equal effort. It must give reason to make you feel at liberty to act with little restraint.aint
Sakura frowned, knowing exactly what Hakuyuu was implying, "If you're saying that I act recklessly because I've developed some kind of idea that whatever I destroy will be fixed, you're wrong."
Emerald clashed with blue as Hakuyuu looked at Sakura with what she saw as true anger. "That didn't seem to be the case when you fought Kouen."
There was an eerie silence that fell over them as Hakuyuu and Sakura stared at one another, and for a minute, Hakuyuu thought he had rendered the pinkette speechless, filling her with overwhelming emotions of well-deserved guilt and remorse, but Sakura's brilliant green eyes seemed to harden, her voice just as well.
"I am a reckless person, and I do have a temper, but I would never hurt someone for no reason….I've always been conscious of my actions."
Sakura stepped forward and crouched down in front of Hakuyuu. "Here's something you should know about me, Prince Hakuyuu. Those who pin me down will need to keep a constant and tight grasp on my neck because the instant I feel their grip loosen, I will break free. I can be extremely stubborn and determined, so one way or another, I will always overcome anything that sets out to put itself between me and my goals."
"You must obviously care very much for your goals," Hakuyuu told her in a blank tone.
"Only because it is not just for me," she replied in an equally dull voice. "Another thing you should know about me, I never behave recklessly with only myself in mind."
Sakura's face then began to soften, a smile that had Hakuyuu think for an instant he had been talking to a different person; a gentle look that complemented her features, before she appeared to have the face of a beautiful tough girl, but it was in contrast to her physical appearance, and from the corner of her eye, a single tear fell. Hakuyuu's eyes widened; he could feel the quick yet hefty beatings of his heart.
Wiping her tears and picking up her sword, and wiping the blood off on the grass, Sakura looked back at Hakuyuu. "Do you want to continue?"
"I didn't expect you to ask."
"Well, considering I've landed a hit, I think I can start enjoying this."
There was a smile on Sakura's face that was too inviting to deny. Standing up, Hakuyuu held out his sword.
During their few minutes of sparring, there was a rapid change in the atmosphere. Sakura saw it in the rukh around Hakuyuu as they sparred, a crack in the wall of tension between them.
Hey, love
So, you just read that chapter.
And now you're sitting there. Staring at the screen. And thinking about bookmarking till the next update?
Well you don't have to wait.
Right now, over on my Ko-fi, there are 3-6 chapters ahead of what's publicly posted. That means that moment you're dreading or hoping for Sakura? It's already written. Sakura has already walked through what comes next and I promise you, she does not disappoint.
What's waiting for you over there:
The chapter directly after this one
The plot reveal I've been building toward since chapter one
3–6 full chapters to binge
And coming soon: My author notes-the unhinged behind-the-scenes commentary only Ko-fi readers get.
I write this story because I love Sakura the way you love Sakura.
If this story has lived in your head rent-free, made you feel things you weren't ready for, or made you want to throw your phone across the room in the best possible way the early access chapters are for you.
Thank you for reading.
Check out the SCHEDULE POSTS On Tumblr, and if you like my stories, want to give me some extra support to help the creations of new stories and can't wait for the latest chapters consider joining me as a special member of my seedling troupe:
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EARLY CHAPTERS FOR MEMBERS NOW: BUYMEACOFFEE https://ko-fi.com/katsura369/tiers
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107)
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter (47, 48, 49)
-Crossroads of Fate chapter (38, 39, 40, 41)
-Through the Looking Glass chapter (52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57)
- (Bleach crossover) Kunoichi amongst Reapers: (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-Commission: Demon slayer x My hero academia (PART 1 & 2)
- Kunoichi amongst Benders (Avatar x Naruto crossover) (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi
THANKS FOR TUNING IN BUT NOW I'VE GOTTA TUNE OUT