The cursed prince

{29}

"But your highness, we already know each other. My cousin is your cousin's lady in waiting. We don't want your father, the king to know about your little secret do we?" The stranger taunted as a smile started to spread across his face, clearly enjoying the prince's reaction. Slowly turning to look at this stranger, the prince stared at him in both confusion and in shock. Just how did he know his identity? He was certain that his face was hidden, and either way, he has never seen anyone that doesn't work or live in the palace.

"I think you are mistaken sir, I am not a part of the royal family," The prince lied, cautiously watching the young man walk towards himself. Sometimes he just wished that he took his elder brother's advice and stayed put in the palace to avoid situations like this, but on the other hand, where was the fun in that? The young man in front of him chuckled to himself as he shortened the distance between himself and the prince, heightening the prince's anxiety regarding his identity discovery.

"Prince Naruto, I was certain that the king and queen would have taught you that lying is bad," The man in front of the prince laughed as he pulled down the hood hiding the princes face, allowing both of them to examine their facial features due to the proximity of the two. The man was astonished to see such stunning, bright sapphire blue eyes, beautiful, messy blond locks and the unique whisker marks that are said to be only a pure Wind royal trait. Whereas, Naruto stared at the man's surprising thistle pale irises which beautifully that suited his gorgeous long brown hair.

"How do you know who I am...? Only the palace staff have seen me and you are not one of them," Naruto asked of the strange man, taking one step back in order to maintain his personal bubble as he cautiously watched every movement this man made. Even if this stranger's family was a member of the of the royal council, it didn't mean that every member of that family would know of his existence. His father has made it especially clear to never, and he means ever, make himself known in the presence of the council unlike his elder brother.

"I heard stories of the mysterious prince, the one who has never shown his face in public. The whisker marks just gave that fact away... Well about the name, I just overheard Lord Jiraiya talk with prince Kurama. But I do have to admit, I never imagined you to be this beautiful," the stranger answered, keeping his distance from the prince as to not scare him away. He will never forgive himself if loses his hold over such a beautiful being that even has the power to bring him into the royal family. It is like killing two birds with one stone.

"Excuse me?! I don't even know who you are," Naruto shrieked in both confusion and shock, how does this stranger have the audacity to shamelessly look him over and confess. Of course as a gowning teen, the prince had had some thoughts regarding a relationship, however, it hasn't been such a priority unlike it has been for Kurama. Yet, what befuddles the prince is the fact that this stranger goes ahead and boldly eye rapes him knowing for a fact that he is the prince of the kingdom and has the power to banish him.

"Oh! How rude of me your highness, I am Neji Hyuga, my cousin Hinata Hyuga is princess Karin's lady in waiting," Neji bowed down on his knees in front of the prince, watching with a mischievous glint in his eyes. The prince just clenched his his fists around his cloak as he watched Neji stand back up properly, feeling quite uncomfortable in his presence. The silence in between both the prince and Neji gave both young men enough time to examine one another, both their body language and their looks.

"Um... It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Neji, but I have to get going. Goodbye," Naruto smiled to this complete stranger, attempting not to sound as harsh as he pulled back his hood and turned on his heels to make his way to the city and most certainly leave Neji behind. However, before he could even take a step away from said stranger, Neji took a hold of his arm and brought the prince flush against his chest.