sнαттεя мε, ιgηιтε нεя

Chapter: 03

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- - - Hinata - - -

I wasn't sure what the hell I was doing. I ran out to the opposite side of the forest, yelling as loud as I could. I could see the soldiers scanning the trees, but the minute they heard my shout, all attention turned to me.

I'll admit, I'm pretty small, but never have I felt my height more than standing in front of these giant bean stocks dressed up as soldiers. Their faces were serious and the ones in the back turned their bows and arrows to me, while the ones in the front reached for their swords.

Maybe I should've thought this through better. My mistake.

I saw a soldier start to scan the trees again and if he looked directly to his left, he would see Kenma.

So I did the only thing I could think of.

I ran forward, kicked the guard closest to me in the shin as hard as I could, and then leaped back to avoid his sword. He shouted a curse as he fell to one knee and all attention was back on me. I recognized the colors now, so I shouted, "The Prince of Shiratorizawa sucks in battle!" and ran. Not the insult I would have loved to say, but it was the only thing that came to mind.

As I knew they would, the soldiers gave chase. The ones on the horses followed, bringing the caravan. They kept their pace steady, obviously not worried about a lone hooligan.

"Boy! Get back here!"

I grinned to myself. I loved being thought of as a boy. Men got away with everything, and the laws catered to them. It was wholly unfair, but that was a battle for another day. I cursed my frail lungs as I struggled to breathe while running. When this was over, I was going to make Kenma start exercising with me, because this was ridiculous.

My body betrayed me, and my legs slowed against my will. I saw the shadow first, and then a body slammed into me. I rolled on the ground and then jumped to my feet. I would have run if it wasn't for the sword against my throat.

"Boy, you have shouted a false accusation at the Prince. That is treason."

Um, did he just say 'at the Prince'? As in, the Prince is present?