The cursed prince

{25}

"The carriage is ready, your highness" Yamato informed the king who stood in front of him, informing the carriage driver of the suitable routes to take back to the palace. Turning to look behind him, Minato smiled softly at the sight of his wife and his lost niece having a quick reunion before their departure. Naruto stood awkwardly behind his mother and by the side of his elder brother, staring curiously at his so called cousin.

Her bright red hair has managed to prove herself as an Uzumaki royal. There are only two different traits in the Wind kingdom that distinguishes the royalty towards their own people. The first being the whisker marks on the cheeks, or the red hair that goes down the Uzumaki bloodline. "Alright kids, the carriage is ready, you should get in now to make it back in the kingdom as soon as possible," The king informed as he made his way to his family.

Both the young prince and princess looked up at the king in a mixture of both worry and determination. Of course after the many years of imprisonment in this kingdom, Karin would give anything to return back to her own kingdom, and live freely once again in her own palace. "Alright father, I will see you when you come back! Don't take long please," The young prince pleaded as he was seated down inside the carriage right next to his cousin.

The queen kissed both the young prince and princess on the forehead, showing her genuine love for both her son and her niece equally. "We won't Naruto, you don't need to worry," Kushina smiled at her son as the carriage doors closed, the curtains pulled to the side in order to give his parents and brother one last wave before their departure.

Both bodyguards were holding onto the carriage from the outside, finding this position more suitable in order for them to be on the ready in case of an attack. Keeping only the two cousins seated inside on their own with only themselves to entertain one another. However, that task my soon prove to become quite difficult, especially when one doesn't remember the other. "Hi Naruto... you may not remember me, but you and I used to play quite a lot in the garden," Karin started, attempting to start up a conversation once the carriage started to move out of the palace gates.

A minute of silence took place as the young prince took his time to examine the princess in front of him.  "Sorry Karin, I don't think I remember you, but it's fine since we could make more new memories together!" The young prince finally exclaimed in joy as he leaned in closer to look at his cousin, whose uncomfortable gaze slowly morphed into a soft smile at the sight of her younger cousin's excitement.

"It's alright Naruto, you were barely three at the time, anyways, I will be more than happy to stay with you once more!" The young princess exclaimed in pure joy, which is quite infectious as the young prince's smile managed to boom with soft giggling and laughter consuming the carriage walls. Both royal children glad that the awkward tension between them has quickly dissolved, leaving the joyous mood behind.

Their laughter soon quieted down once the movement of the carriage has died down, peaking the curiosity of both the young royal children on board the lone carriage. Pulling the blinds slightly, allowing both the occupants to peer outside through the window, yet keeping them completely concealed towards anyone who isn't looking directly at them or for them.

Naruto watched as Kakashi made his way around the  carriage and towards the guards stationed by the kingdom's walls. Showing his pass and badge towards the guard, Kakashi informed them that they were to be leaving the fire kingdom in the order of both the Wind king and queen. Wit a shrug, the fire guard opened the gates and allowed them out of the kingdom, after all their main purpose and job is to prevent anyone from entering, not leaving.

Satisfied with the simple exchange, the personal bodyguard made his way back towards the carriage and he'll on the railing on the top of said vehicle, situated at the back which manages to allow himself and Yamato a clear view of both the young royalty members through the thin yet wide window at the back.