Hearts or Tales [Naruhina]

Chapter 2

The party was going well: guests and clan members were chatting away by the buffet tables, others were dancing elegantly to the soft music and I was led around by my father, from clan heads to rich businessmen. I was currently dressed in a white lace gown, with my hair tied up by a lily beret. Indeed, I was happy to feel like a princess, my arm wrapped around my father's, who led me around like royalty. This is how I imagined balls to be, in kingdoms of princes and princesses.

I handed my father a glass of champagne, which he took with a smile. The only times I see him smile is when he is around important people, but never in private: whenever we were alone, he would scowl and scold me harshly. But a loving King can turn bitter after losing his Queen, can't he?

He led me to a gentleman with neatly parted white hair, tall, handsome and dressed in a pure ivory suit. His eyes were kind, and his smile gentle. My father held out his hand to shake his.

"Pleasure to see you again, Mr. Ōtsutsuki. I hope you are enjoying the party," My father said politely.

The man smiled, showing off his blinding white teeth, "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Hyuga. This party is most impressive, and I am greatly enjoying everyone's company," He replied.

"That's very good to hear. Now, let me introduce you to my daughter, Hinata, first heir to the family fortune. Hinata, this is Toneri Ōtsutsuki, your future fiancé," My father said pointedly at me.

I was shocked; what did he mean by fiancé? Was I to marry this man? I looked at him from head to toe: he looked like a prince. My heart fluttered at the thought. Did this mean that I was really a princess?

"Hinata, greet Mr. Ōtsutsuki, now," The King ordered, obviously becoming embarrassed by my long and dazed silence.

I held out my hand at Toneri, giving him a sweet smile: "Nice to meet you, Mr. Ōtsutsuki."

He grabbed my hand and bent down to give it a light kiss, causing me to flush pink. Looking up at me with his white eyes, he smiled: "Please call me Toneri, beautiful Hinata."

I held one hand to my lips to suppress the wide smile I was about to give. Toneri was so kind, gentlemanly, respectful and sincere. He was indeed a perfect prince.

"Now that introductions are over, please leave us Hinata. I have something important to consult with Mr. Ōtsutsuki. Do not worry, we won't take long, and you will have your chance to get to know your fiancé very soon," My father said, sending me away with a pointed gaze, telling me not to make a fool out of myself while he wasn't around.

"Yes, father," I replied, bowing my head politely to both of them, before turning around and walking away from the pair, doing everything in my power to not trip over myself. I felt myself growing hot and finding it hard to breathe, suddenly remembering that I hadn't taken my medication that evening. Hurrying out of the hall, I went as quick as I could in these heels and dress and before I knew it, I had made it out to the back alley. Closing the door behind me, I breathed in a huge sigh of relief, inhaling the fresh air, and trying to calm my nerves. Slowly and steadily my anxiety disappeared, however, it was replaced with a sudden sadness. Without knowing why I suddenly burst into tears, and I was just there, in the alleyway, crying my heart out for absolutely no reason.

I hated this part of me. The crying, it was so pathetic, so weak. No hero or princess would cry every day for no reason. Maybe I wasn't meant to be the champion of my story, perhaps I wasn't meant to marry a prince like Toneri. But if not, then who am I? And what am I doing living in this world, that needs no space wasted by me?

As I leaned against the wall crying, I heard a sudden snickering at the end of the alley. Looking up surprised, I saw three men pointing and looking at me. However, it was so dark that I could barely see them except for their outlines. As they approached, I got scared and tried to go back in through the door behind me, but the door was heavy, and in my weak sobbing state, I could barely get it open before they grabbed my arms, pulling me back.