Demon's Priestess

6.

Sakura was sitting on a chair in the library, only being there she realized that she had no idea where she should start. — I have no idea where to start... It's embarrassing. — she thought as she stared at the ceiling. — Sakura-san? — She heard a familiar voice and straightened on the chair, one of the other concubines was standing in front of her. — Hinata-chan! — she said with a happy smile. — Good to see you. — The woman blushed slightly and looked away.

— You too — there was a moment of silence between them. —Could you help me with something? — Hinata looked at the pink-haired girl again and nodded.

After a short time, the two women returned to the table around which stood a heavy pile of books. Sakura placed the rest of the books on the table.
— Thank you for your help, it's a bit embarrassing, to be honest. — she said with a small awkward chuckle. Hinata smiled warmly at her attempt to hide her embarrassment. — I am glad I could help.

— If it's not a problem, could you accompany me? — The question surprised the purple-haired woman, but seeing the priestess's sincere smile, she nodded. — With pleasure. — After all, she came here to read a bit, why not have a companion?

The women had spent most of the day in the library before they knew it was already almost time to eat dinner. During this time, Sakura happened to read most of the books she had brought to the table earlier. —There's nothing about the "demon" here either. — The pink-haired woman closed the book and put it on the tabletop. — These books are useless. — Hinata noticed the irritation on the priestess's face and raised an eyebrow slightly. — Is something wrong? — Sakura looked at her companion and smiled, It was a fake smile, although after so many years it looked almost like a real one. — Unfortunately, I didn't find what I was looking for. — the woman looked at her up and down for a moment in silence.
—Do you like to read? —

— Huh? Well, I didn't have much free time before I came to the palace — she giggled at the thought of her previous lifestyle, most of the time she spent on training, helping in the temple, and learning many things to replace Tsunade-san one day. And now... — They were mostly old scrolls or some other letters, I didn't have many opportunities to be able to read an actual book. — Hinata listened to this with sympathy, she couldn't help herself imagine not being able to read books.
— And you, do you like reading? —

Hinata looked up and smiled broadly in a cordial way. — Reading has always helped me get through hard times. — In her words could be felt that she loves books for what they offer. Escape from the real world. — This place... Is like an oasis of peace for me. — The silence between them wasn't awkward but it wasn't pleasant either.
— Are you... mad at me? — Sakura asked uncertainly, She didn't want to spoil this pleasant atmosphere, but she wanted to know, she had to.

— I admit it's a disgrace. — she said without hesitation, looking straight at the face of the pink-haired woman who looked away.
She knew, so she felt, that even if the purple-haired woman was an innocent soul, any noble would feel offended by this choice of the King. — You see, dear priestess, all nobles are prepared throughout their childhood, sons to succeed the head of the family, and daughters to find the best marriage candidate. Our lives are preplanned by our parents. — She paused for a moment, even though she said it calmly, inside, Hinata was angry at her father and the whole "tradition" thing. — When a letter or new decree comes from the royal family, we hate to comply. —

-
— The blonde, Ino... She seems to have a different opinion on this matter. — Her tone was rough and cold, Sakura didn't like that woman, anyone in the palace could say it by just looking at these two. Even if it were hardly a few days since the women came to the palace. — Ino has always been a "free soul". In fact... She never had a problem getting what she wanted... — Hinata said looking at the book in her hands. She ran her hand gently over the cover. — Oh! If what you're looking for isn't in the books here... Then maybe you should visit the archives? —