Bride of the Demon Prince chapter 7

Chapter 7

                     A few more hours passed as the coach drew closer to the city, the first thing Hinata noticed was the sudden brightening of the outside world. The darkness of the forest gave way to a glowing path illuminated by countless lamps, each one casting a warm, golden light. Ahead, huge doors sat embedded in high walls, set higher than the already towering trees, the towering gates flanked by tall, imposing watchtowers. Archers lined the bridge that connected the towers above the gate, their silhouettes barely visible against the crystal lanterns on the wall. In the middle of the bridge, a small door led beyond the wall.

When the coach was spotted, the captain called out to the guards, his voice firm and commanding. "Hail. Open the gate, we are returning with the princess, Hinata Hyuuga!"

A voice hailed back from the walls, filled with respect and familiarity. "Welcome home, my lord!"

Sakura, recently awakened from her sleep, let out a groggy comment, “are we finally here?” she asked, still rubbing the drowsiness from her eyes.

“Perhaps.” Hinata replies, peeking through the window, trying to look ahead without sticking her head actually outside.

Ino, never one to miss an opportunity for a joke, smirked and teased Tenten. "Well, maybe once we’re done, we can relax, and Tenten, maybe you can spend time with your little crush, him being a lord might make it a lot more complicated though. Can't exactly flirt with a lord now, can you?"

Tenten flushed a deep shade of red, her embarrassment, towards her innocent confession being brought back up, becoming evident as she shot back, "Just because I said that I find him attractive doesn’t mean I was going to try anything!" Her voice was a mix of annoyance and defensiveness, and she crossed her arms, trying to brush off the teasing.

“We saw those eyes earlier, watching him fight. And how relaxed you were…” ino leant in, and muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear “...you had a ‘was it good for you’ aura.” 

She smirked, making Tenten's face burn red.

“Oh go sit with your girlfriend, and annoy her.” Tenten spat, with a vengeful tone.

Ino and Sakura both flushed, annoyed and embarrassed “WE ARE NOT…” they both said in unison, before looking at each other, then back to Tenten. “NO WAY WITH HER!” They again spoke in tandem.

Tenten smirked. “What? Can dish it out, but not take it?” she teased.

“Leave me out of this! I never said you liked him!” Sakura pouted, whining at being drawn into this. “Ino, how many times have I told you to watch that mouth of yours!”

Ino whined. “I was just joking though! Tenten liking someone is so rare!” she says, before changing her tone to a playful seriousness. “As her friend I should support her in her romantic interests.”

“I told you, I’m not…” Tenten tried to argue.

Hinata listened to the banter, normally, their playful squabbling amused her, but for some reason the mention of Tenten liking the Captain seemed to frustrate, and annoy her, was this a pang of jealousy unexpectedly rising within her at Ino’s joke?

The feeling surprised her, but she quickly buried it, forcing herself to stay focused. She had no right to feel this way, not when she was about to meet Prince Naruto, the man she was destined to marry.

No, she could not allow herself to harbour feelings for the captain. Her duty was clear, and she had to remain steadfast. 

But as they approached the city gates, her heart felt heavier than before, torn between the path laid out before her and the emotions she could no longer deny.

                    The coach came to a halt, waiting as the enormous gates slowly began to open. The sound of chains clanking and gears turning echoed through the air, a testament to the sheer weight and size of the ancient doors.
As they inched open, Hinata could see beyond them into a small courtyard— likely the housing for the guards who tended the gate. 

The massive walls, thirty feet thick, surrounded them as the coach moved through a short tunnel, the gates behind them already beginning to close as the inner fort doors creaked open, allowing them entry into the heart of the foxlands.

Hinata noticed a shift in the light, a soft glow that wasn’t the crystal light they’d seen in the forest, but something warmer, more familiar—sunlight. She realised with a start that morning had arrived, and the long, tense journey through the forest had made her lose track of time.

As the coach emerged from the remaining trees, the oppressive darkness of Kitsumori was replaced by a vast, open field bathed in the soft light of dawn, farms stretching out in every direction, the blue sky above a welcome sight. Hinata and the other girls hadn't realised how much they missed the sky until they saw it again, clear and endless above them, a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness of the forest.

                  As they travelled down the road, the Kitsune people working the fields began to take notice. They had distinctive fox-like features—ears, eyes with slitted pupils, marks on their cheeks, and the famous red hair of their species. Some had even more pronounced traits, like claws or more defined fox faces that gave them a beastly appearance. All of them paused in their work to watch the procession pass, some bowing respectfully, others pointing and whispering amongst themselves— was it the captain’s presence as a lord commanded respect, or the coach announcing someone important was on board?

How much did the Kitsune people know of her impending marriage to their prince?

Hinata's gaze was drawn to a trio of small, fluffy foxes darting through a nearby field, their playful yips filling the air as they chased each other in circles. The sight brought a soft smile to her lips, their carefree antics a pleasant contrast to the tension that had followed their journey.

As she watched, a woman emerged from the edge of the field, her posture firm and commanding, calling out to the foxes in a stern voice, and Hinata smiled as the three foxes abruptly stopped their playful chasing, thinking about how well trained they were.

Though she was shocked, as in an instant the little foxes shimmered and their forms shifted seamlessly into that of young Kitsune children. They stood before the older woman, heads bowed and proverbial tails tucked between their legs, clearly chastened. The transformation was so sudden and so complete that it left Hinata momentarily speechless, before a giggle escaped her, unable to hold back her amusement at the sight of Kitsune acting like the children of her home kingdom.

Hinata watched the playful scene unfold with curiosity at the sight of the children transforming from foxes back into their human forms, and she couldn’t help but call out to the captain, who was riding nearby as usual.

“Captain?” she asked, her voice soft yet curious. When he moved his steed closer to her, she continued, “Or should I call you ‘my lord’?” she asked.

The captain tensed, not expecting that question. “Umm… well… I…”

Hinata felt his awkwardness and chose instead to continue on. “Umm, I have a question. Why do the Kitsune people vary so much? And how can the children turn into foxes like I just saw?”

The captain’s posture eased slightly at her question, and he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly trying to find the right words. “Uh, well…” he began, his usual confidence wavering as he spoke. “Our kind, the fox demons, are born in human form—mostly human, at least.” He paused, glancing at her to gauge her reaction before continuing. “Some of us might be born with fox-like features, like ears, tails, or claws, but it’s pretty common for us to look mostly human when we’re born.” he tried to explain “I myself was born with whisker marks like my grandmother.” he admitted. Before realising what he had said, and clearing his throat as Hinata stared at him curiously trying to look, though his mask and helmet covered his entire head.

He shifted a bit in his saddle, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. “As we grow, usually around the time we start crawling, we develop the ability to shift into our fox forms. It’s, uh, kind of a natural thing for us. But… as we get older, if we don’t practise shifting back and forth regularly, certain features might stick around when we return to our human forms.”

Hinata nodded, listening intently, her eyes never leaving his face. She could see how carefully he was choosing his words, and it was clear that he wasn’t used to explaining these things—especially to someone like her, unaware of the most normal things for his race.

“Some of us,” he continued, his voice softening, “choose to keep certain features even when we’re in human form. It’s usually for personal reasons, like… well, maybe we just like how it looks, or it makes us feel more connected to our true selves.” He glanced at her again, his expression a mix of seriousness and slight embarrassment. “Does that… make sense?”

Hinata’s lips curled into a gentle smile. His awkwardness was endearing, a reminder of the awkward explanation he had given when they had first met at the palace. “Yes, it makes sense,” she replied warmly. “Thank you for explaining… Captain.” choosing his rank, rather than his title, as it was what she was used to.

The captain nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes as he looked ahead. “Of course, Princess. If you have any more questions, I’ll… do my best to answer them.” He gave her a small, shy smile before returning his focus to the path ahead. “I… I hope after our journey ends you… continue to rely on me.” he adds, his tone oddly sad, which confuses Hinata.

Hinata watched him for a moment longer, as he moved further ahead, feeling a growing connection to this strange and fascinating world she was now a part of. The captain’s awkward yet earnest explanation had only deepened her appreciation for the complexity of the Kitsune, and she found herself looking forward to learning even more.

                    As the coach crested a final rise, the city of the foxes finally came into view, sprawling across the horizon like a painting brought to life. Tall, elegant buildings rose against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, their roofs adorned with intricate spires that glinted in the morning sunlight. At the city’s centre, the palace loomed, an imposing structure of dark stone and gold accents that reflected the light like a beacon. Its towering walls and grand towers spoke of both power and protection, a fortress as much as a royal residence.

Hinata’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. The city was vast, far larger than anything she had ever imagined. The fields that surrounded it were now filled with workers, Kitsune tending to crops that stretched out in neat rows. The fox people continued to pause in their work as the coach passed, their eyes following the procession.

Hinata’s gaze lingered on the palace, its towering presence filling her with a sense of both awe and trepidation. This was to be her new home, a place where she would soon meet her future family - and the prince.

Realising the time had come to compose herself, Hinata turned to her companions, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, and focus herself.

“We’re almost there,” she announced, with a regal tone, her voice steady but tinged with nerves. “Could you help me prepare? I need to freshen up and change into something more appropriate for our arrival.”

Sakura nodded and began to search for a specific bag of clothes.

Ino moved to pour water from a canteen into a magically summoned basin, and used her magic to heat it until it was hot, offering Hinata a reassuring smile as she did. “Don’t worry, Hinata. You’ll be perfect.” she said, her voice warm and confident.

Tenten, who had been quietly watching the city come into view, turned to Hinata with a supportive grin. “You’ve got this.” she said, her tone light but encouraging. “Whatever happens, we’re right here with you.”

Hinata returned their smiles, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friends. “Thank you,” she replied softly. “I am not sure I could do this without you.”

As they busied themselves with their tasks, Hinata allowed herself one last look out the window. The city, with its towering buildings and bustling streets becoming clearer, seemed to pulse with life.

The fields gave way to cobblestone roads and more houses, as they drew closer, and she could see the first signs of the city’s vibrant life - market stalls, shops, and demons, not just Kitsune, but various kinds, moving about their day.

Her heart swelled with a mix of anticipation and determination. She would face whatever lay ahead with grace and strength.

As the coach rolled steadily toward the main city gates, she knew that this was just the beginning of her new life, a life where she would no longer be just a sheltered princess, but a future consort to the grandson of the legendary Queen Kurama.

As Sakura begins to undo Hinata’s clothes, Tenten pulls the curtains closed, hiding themselves as they hurriedly begin to prepare the princess for her debut in the moving, and cramped carriage.

As the coach drew nearer to the palace itself, the once distant spires and ornate domes became increasingly prominent, looming over the carriage as a grand tapestry of stone and metal. The palace loomed large, its high walls both imposing and majestic. Though their sheer scale was formidable, the walls were softened by a profusion of colourful banners and garlands of fresh flowers, creating a vibrant contrast to their otherwise stern appearance.

The captain rode with tension coursing through his body. This was the end of the journey, and soon the Princess would know who he was— her future husband.

He thought about her voice, and her smile, how she held herself. She was a human, soft and gentle, and he admitted from the moment he saw her, prettier than he had expected. He knew from the moment he left this would be his chance to know her before he married her. A part of him hoped she was some spoiled brat, ridiculously entitled, and complaining about how she was having to marry some demon. But instead he was presented with a noble, kind, and curious young woman.

It only served to make what was to come harder. A loveless marriage with a heartless spoiled woman was more agreeable than a loveless marriage with someone as kind and loving as Hinata had turned out to be; and he knows it will hurt when she learns he is the prince, and he was not looking forward to the look of disgust he was anticipating.

He had done so much in the last year, no matter what he did to avoid it, he was inevitably dragged into it, returning to the fold as a Prince. All he had now was his duty, a duty he would do his best performing, and even if the princess never loved him, he would treat her well, and kindly.

He gripped his reins tightly, trying to calm his nerves, not looking forward to the revelation, the look of shock on Hinata’s face. Already he had seen her back away from him, and he couldn’t shake that memory, even if she had seemingly forgotten about it, or ignored her fear of him, it still burned in him.

He glanced over to the carriage, seeing the curtains closed, and knowing they were preparing, he too had to prepare himself for his royal arrival.

                   The courtyard of the palace was a bustling sea of activity, alive with the clamour of an eagerly awaiting crowd that had formed quickly as word had arrived quickly from the entry gates that separated the foxlands from the rest of Kitsumori. 

Kitsune nobles wore lavish, intricately embroidered robes mingled and mingled with representatives of various demon races, their diverse attire showcasing a spectrum of colours and styles. The closer to the palace the more lavish the nobles' robes were, and adorned with shimmering threads and precious gems, catching the sunlight in dazzling patterns. Some wore elaborate headdresses, while others sported fine jewellery that jangled softly with their every movement.

Amidst the throng, the palace guards stood at attention like a barrier separating the road from the crowds to allow ease of passage for the carriage, their armour polished to a high sheen and their spears held with rigid precision.

Captains were stationed at strategic points, their stoic faces betraying little of the anticipation that hung in the air. The grand entrance of the palace, flanked by towering columns and decorated with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, beckoned with an air of regal grandeur.

Inside, the sounds of conversation mingled with the occasional clink of fine china and silverware from a nearby banquet being prepared. The aroma of lavishly prepared dishes wafted through the air, adding a tantalising note to the festive atmosphere.

As the carriage passed through the gates of the defensive wall, the guests, their excitement palpable, craned their necks to catch a glimpse of the incoming coach, their whispers and murmurs creating a low, excited hum that filled the courtyard, the anticipation reaching a crescendo signalling the arrival of something truly significant.

                       At the entrance to the royal residence, Queen Kurama made a striking appearance, her regal demeanour immediately drawing all eyes. She was accompanied by her daughter, Crown Princess Kushina, and her son-in-law, Minato. Queen Kurama was dressed in a resplendent kimono of deep crimson and gold, its intricate embroidery reflecting her high status. Her Red hair was arranged in an elaborate way, studded with delicate jewels that caught the light with every movement. The sheer opulence of her attire emphasised her wealth as well as her commanding presence.

Standing beside her, Crown Princess Kushina wore an equally elegant kimono, though with a softer and more modest design. The kimono’s gentle hues and subtle embroidery were understated compared to her mother’s, and her fiery red hair fell in graceful waves down her back. Her appearance was complemented by Minato, who stood in distinguished military attire. His blonde hair and crisp uniform contrasted strikingly with the rich reds and golds of the royal family, marking him not only as a figure of authority and honour, but clearly not a Kitsune.

As the coach came to a halt, the captain dismounted his horse and approached with a purposeful stride. He opened the carriage door with practised ease and extended his hand to help Hinata disembark, the princess stepping out a moment later, and the entire courtyard fell into a hushed reverence, all eyes turning to her, the captain also turned and his eyes widened as he saw Hinata changed, refreshed, and elegant. Different from how she had travelled the last couple of days.

Somehow she didn’t even show any stress of travel.

Hinata’s gown was a vision of splendour and sophistication. The flowing fabric of lavender silk seemed to dance with each step she took, its surface catching and reflecting the light in a mesmerising display. The bodice was adorned with intricate embroidery of silver thread and tiny pearls, accentuating her graceful figure. A delicate tiara, its design mirroring the elegance of her gown, sat atop her head. Complementing the tiara were matching earrings and a necklace, each piece carefully chosen to enhance her royal appearance. The combination of her natural beauty and the stunning attire made her seem every bit the princess she was bred to be.

Her companions followed, each dressed in their own finest, not as elegant, but still accentuating their positions and roles. Their dignified postures reflected their respect and support for their friend, even as they themselves were taken aback by the grandeur of the scene.

The captain guided Hinata up the short flight of stairs to the waiting Queen Kurama, and as they approached, they both bowed deeply in respect.

Hinata’s voice rang out with practised regality, though it was laced with a hint of nervousness. “Your Majesty, it is an honour to be greeted by you and your family.”

Queen Kurama’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk as she regarded Hinata. “So, you’re Princess Hinata.” she began, her gaze sweeping over the young princess. “I must say, you are more lovely than they described. I’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

Hinata, momentarily taken aback by the queen’s more informal greeting, responded with a hint of uncertainty. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I am honoured to be here.”

“Just ‘noble grandmother’ will do.” Queen Kurama said with a chuckle, her eyes twinkling with mischief. Hinata hesitated, her eyes widening at the thought of addressing the formidable queen as such. After a brief pause, she said, “Thank you, noble grandmother.”

Queen Kurama laughed heartily, and looked ready to just grab her and pull her into a hug, her mirth resonating through the courtyard. “Good.” she said, her amusement evident.

Hinata’s attention then shifted to the blond man beside her and the woman with similar red hair to the queen. The blonde man, who was older than she had anticipated, must be Prince Naruto she thought, though he bore no obvious fox features. The queen noticed her gaze and stepped forward.

“This is my daughter, Crown Princess Kushina,” Queen Kurama said, gesturing to the elegant woman beside her. Kushina smiled warmly, and Hinata curtsied respectfully.

“So, you’re to be my daughter in law.” she grinned, looking the princess over. “You’ll call me Kushina, or mom, got it?”

“Your Highness.” Hinata greeted curtsied.

“No, no. Mom.” Kushina insisted.

“Oh. yes. Moth.. umm… mom.” she said, blushing a little. Her regal expectations made her feel awkward at how casual the two women were being towards her.

“Kushina…” Kurama spoke.

“Sorry.” Kushina said, rubbing the back of her head, in a familiar way.

Hinata tried to throw off the thoughts of the captain, thinking them inappropriate right now.

“Ahem. Princess Hinata, welcome to our home, please treat my son well.” Kushina said, in a much more appropriate tone, burying her current excitement.

“And this…” the queen continued, her voice growing stern, “...is my son-in-law, Minato.”

Hinata curtsied again, and was about to greet Prince Naruto, but froze in place when she heard a different name, her confusion was apparent on her face. “Oh… umm… G-greetings lord Minato.,” she said, glancing around for the prince.

The queen, noticing Hinata’s anxious glance, asked, “Is something wrong, dear?”

Hinata's heart raced as she nervously addressed the assembled royals. “I am looking for my fiancé, Prince Naruto.” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

A moment of confusion swept over Queen Kurama, Crown Princess Kushina, and Minato. Their expressions shifted from curiosity to bewilderment, and a palpable tension seemed to ripple through the air.

Queen Kurama's gaze darkened as she turned her eyes toward the captain standing beside Hinata, her lips pressing into a thin line.

Hinata's confusion deepened.
She glanced from the queen to the captain, who looked increasingly uncomfortable.

The captain hesitated, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck before speaking. “I can explain.” he began, his voice trembling a little.

The queen’s eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward slightly, hands on hips, her tone tense as she replied, “Go ahead, then.”

A heavy silence fell over the group as everyone waited for his explanation. The captain took a deep breath, then finally said, “I just… I didn’t want to make things… awkward…”

The queen’s expression shifted to one of irritation, her patience clearly wearing thin rapidly. For a brief moment, her annoyance was palpable, but then a flicker of understanding crossed her features. 

“I chose to send you because I wanted you to get to know her…” she reminded him, her voice firm but measured.

“And I did get to know her… without the stress or expectations.” He replied.

Hinata’s eye began to widen as realisation crept through her, the captain… he wasn’t just a lord he was…

 “This marriage will happen, regardless of personal feelings. The treaty must be honoured.” Queen Kurama spoke. “Besides, is she not a beauty? You should feel lucky.”

Hinata, standing beside the captain, looked between them in bewilderment as the truth was becoming clearer, and many questions rose.

Queen Kurama shook her head and she gestured toward the captain with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. “Forgive this foolish boy, Princess Hinata. Let me introduce him properly.”

With a flourish, the queen motioned for the captain to remove his helmet, and as the helmet came off, Hinata's eyes widened in shock. The captain’s short, spiky blonde hair and whiskered cheeks revealed Prince Naruto, confirming what she had just been working out.

His handsome visage was in contrast to her ideas, blonde instead of red, the marks he had mentioned, just like on the queen, but still, very handsome to her. Her previous assumptions about the captain’s identity shattered as she stared at him in disbelief, trying to merge what she had thought of the prince, and what she had concluded about the captain.

“I present to you my grandson, Prince Naruto, Duke of Eastwatch, and your fiancé.” the queen states with regal elegance.

Hinata's legs wobbled slightly as if she might faint from the combined shock and elation. Ino, noticing Hinata’s reaction, gently poked her in the back, startling her back to her senses.

Feeling her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and excitement, Hinata straightened herself and performed a more careful curtsy. Her nerves were apparent as she addressed him again. “Once more, I am Hinata Hyuuga, first princess of Hyuutochi. Your fiancée. It is a pleasure to be formally greeted by Your Majesty, Capt… Prince Naruto.”

Naruto’s face lit up with a warm smile as he watched her perform the curtsy. He received a nudge from the queen, which reminded him to respond properly. He extended his hand with a gracious gesture. “It is an honour to formally greet, and welcome you, Princess Hinata.”

He helped her to stand straight, and as they stood facing each other, their eyes locked in a moment that felt both intimate and profound. Hinata felt a flutter in her chest, a lightness that made her feel almost dizzy, not sure if this was relief or her mind still spinning from the irreconcilable images of two people that were in fact one.

Nearby, Ino smirked and nudged Tenten, whispering, “Yeah, totally out of your league now.”

Tenten’s expression tightened as she struggled to maintain a polite demeanour, trying to mask her annoyance with Ino’s remark under a strained smile.

“Don’t piss off the girl with the sword.” she grunted between her teeth.