- Who do you think will enlist? Would you? - Her voice was full of indignation.
Tenten turned red with hatred and stuttered.
- Tenten wasn't born to be a soldier," I began. - If there's one thing I've learned in the Squad, it's that some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don't be fooled by the party dresses.
***
After the Official Journal, there was now a small social area. Waiters circulated with glasses of wine and trays of cheese, offering more than we could eat, even after dinner.
- Aren't these things unbearably boring? - Prince Darui asked, handing me a glass of white wine.
- Your Highness! - I bowed before accepting the glass.
He watched me for a moment, frowning slightly.
- Remind me of your name. It has something to do with trees, doesn't it?
- Almost. I'm Sakura. Haruno Sakura.
Prince Darui wasn't exactly handsome. At least, not in the classical sense, not at all like his half-brother C, who was standing near the piano, talking to Queen Ajisai and Princess Kurotsuchi. Darui had a more rugged beauty, with no softness. Strong features, mahogany-colored skin and a peculiar charm. He wasn't a man who stood out at first glance, but he had a presence that made women imagine things.
- So, do you like this kind of event? - He pointed with his glass to the hall.
- To be honest, not so much.
He smiled.
- I liked your response to the cheap copy of Queen Kushina.
I followed his gaze to Karui, whose arm was entwined with Naruto's. He was watching us from a distance. He was watching us from afar.
- She really thinks that having red hair will guarantee her the Fire crown. Poor thing. - Darui took a sip of his wine and looked around. - Low caste boys die fighting the rebels, and no one remembers their names. But when a boy from Caste Two dies, his grave is decorated with medals.
A waiter passed by with a tray of cheeses. Darui stopped him. The man, visibly nervous, offered the tray.
- First for the lady. That's how it's done, kid. - He held out the tray to me. I took a piece of provolone with an olive on top. Darui took another.
- Oh, Darui!
Princess Kurotsuchi had left the company of Queen Ajisai and C to join us. I bowed.
- Sakura, isn't it? I loved your final statement. So some girls have killer instincts? - She laughed. - Tell me who. The gods know how I love a good gossip.
- I think everyone here has that instinct, princess.
- Oh, of course they do! And how could you not? Look at those eyes. - She gestured discreetly towards Naruto. - Who wouldn't get a killer instinct from that blue ocean?
Naruto continued to watch us, with Karui still hanging onto his arm. As if drawn, my gaze shifted to Sasuke, who was guarding one of the doors. He raised his eyebrows, as if to say: "I told you so."
The sound of violins echoed through the hall. The women began to be pulled into a waltz. Queen Tsunade was the first to burst into the room, dancing with Orochimaru. Soon after, Karin and Suigetsu followed suit. As I placed my cup on the table, I felt my hand being held firmly.
Prince Darui.
- I think I should have invited Princess Kurotsuchi," I commented, watching her, visibly annoyed at having to dance with Killer Bee, King Ay's brother and Darui's uncle.
He smiled sideways.
- But I didn't invite you. I kidnapped you.
I laughed at his joke.
- Kuro needs to accept that he's almost ten years older than me.
Darui's arms were strong, rigid, solid muscles under the fabric of his dark, well-fitting jacket. He was a tall man, perhaps the tallest in the room - if his father wasn't present. And, above all, he made me laugh. How long had it been since I'd really laughed?
Naruto was busy with Karui. Or with anyone else. Each one had their own dress and their own dramas to worry about. And I... I hadn't been able to smile at Sasuke since that event.
The dance went on, the pairs changing around the hall. At one point, even Queen Tsunade was twirling around the hall with King Onoki. I held back my laughter, but Darui noticed and laughed with me.
- What about you? Don't you intend to get married? - I asked, spinning under his hand.
- Of course. I'll be king one day. I need a queen.
- Kurotsuchi?
He let out a laugh before spinning me around again.
- Not in this lifetime, dear.
- But she's a princess.
He hesitated for a moment, then said:
- My father never loved my mother. Nor C's mother, nor the Six caste he keeps in his chambers. He loves his country. He's married to it.
My expression wavered.
- And what about you? Do you want to marry your country?
- If it changes things, I'll do it.
The Prince of Thunder was a little older than me, he must have been about twenty-five. Even so, when I watched him, I could see a wisdom that even the most experienced men lacked.
Someone cleared their throat near us.
- Excuse me.
Naruto. My heart raced without warning.
- Come on, Prince Naruto, is there a problem? - Darui teased, knowing exactly why my liege was there.
- Would you do me the honor, Prince Darui? - Naruto frowned, as if daring the other to deny it.
- Of course, my prince. I'm not here to steal anyone's bride. - Darui teased, linking my hand with Naruto's, before leaving us in the company of his father and half-brother.
It took Naruto a few seconds to start dancing.
- Is something wrong? - I asked after a minute in silence.
- I shouldn't be so close to him. You know what he is...
Funny? Charming? Handsome in a peculiar way? Intelligent? What did he mean?
- What is he?
- From the Land of Thunder. An enemy.
- If you see them as enemies, that's what they'll be.
Naruto looked at me as if I had slapped him.
- What...?
He let go of my hands, stopping the dance.
- I'm going to see what Hinata's doing.
And he left. Just like that.
***
There I was, lined up with the other girls in the hall. I tapped my shoe on the marble with a determined rhythm. If Mei had been there, she might have complimented my touch and said that it would make good music. Or maybe she was too nervous to think about music.
- They're here! - the voice echoed through the Palace doors. I wasn't the only one to let out a sigh of relief.