Bride of the Demon Prince chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

                   The hours passed in a heavy silence, the rhythm of the carriage wheels on the uneven road a constant reminder of their journey's length. 

The soft, swaying motion of the coach gradually lulled Hinata into a fitful sleep, her mind still troubled by the unsettling thoughts of the man she was destined to marry. Beside her, Ino and Sakura had also succumbed to exhaustion, their heads resting against the plush seats, while Tenten remained vigilant, her eyes scanning the darkness outside.

Tenten's watch was calm but tense, her hand never far from the hilt of her sword as she peered into the depths of the night around their party. She knew the dangers that lurked in the shadows, both from the war and the creatures that usually roamed the forest.

Though the war had ended, peace was still fragile, and the possibility of an attack loomed large in her mind. The demon guards outside, despite their calm demeanour, were equally alert, their senses attuned to the slightest of disturbances.

After a few hours, Sakura quietly stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she adjusted the red sash around her waist out of habit more than comfort. Tenten nodded to her, signalling the change in watch, and Sakura silently took her place, allowing Tenten to finally take her own rest; and as the night slowly gave way to the soft hues of dawn, the carriage continued its relentless journey, even as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees overhead, casting dappled patterns on to the forest floor.

Despite the long hours of travel, the coach had shown no signs of stopping, keeping an even pace during the ceaseless travel. 

Hinata stirred in her sleep, the gentle light waking her from her dreams. She blinked, disoriented at first, then slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Ino and Tenten were still asleep, but she saw Sakura was focusing her gaze outside the window.

"Sakura?" Hinata asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sakura turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Good morning, Princess. We're still on the move, and it seems we're getting close to the border."

Hinata blinked in surprise. "Already? I didn't expect us to be so close so soon."

Sakura nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Yes, it's unusual. We've travelled throughout the night without stopping, which is impressive given the distance we've covered. But I’ve noticed the guards are still on high alert. We’re not in the clear yet."

Hinata glanced out the window, the trees thinning as they approached what she assumed was the border between her homeland and the wild lands; lands claimed by nomads, and wild beasts, and to some known as the freelands that separated nations. 

The landscape was changing, the familiar sights of Hyuuga lands giving way to the wilder, more untamed terrain. The guards around the carriage were tense, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble. The Captain, who had been riding ahead for most of the night, was now back beside the carriage, his posture stiff, his attention focused on the road ahead.

The tension was palpable, a stark reminder that despite the peace treaty, the wounds of war were still fresh, and concern that not everyone might welcome the sight of the group.

They were still in Hyuuga lands, and the border had not only seen the war up close, they had lay witness to the brutal results against their ‘protectors’; and it was now a place where old grievances could easily reignite into violence. 

Hinata felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her chest as she watched the Captain, and contemplated the concern he must have been feeling about their safety.

"We should be prepared for anything," Sakura said quietly, her voice a calm anchor in the growing tension. "But we’re almost there.”

Hinata nodded, though her heart was still heavy with uncertainty. “Once we cross the border, we’ll be in the Foxlands, and my new life will begin." she added, taking a moment to let it sink in. It wasn’t like she hadn’t prepared for it mentally before she left, but the closer they got, the more reality sank in, and the more she had to remind herself of the future to come.

The journey, though nearing its end in her homeland, would only have just begun for her the moment she passed the line, the road ahead fraught with unknowns, and while she had her friends by her side, the weight of her future felt heavier than ever.

As the sun climbed higher in the morning sky, casting long shadows across the path, the carriage continued its journey toward the edge of the kingdom, where her past and future would separate, and Hinata’s fate would be sealed.

                The day carried on quietly for another hour before the carriage came to a halt by a gentle cooling river. The sound of the water flowing over smooth stones was soothing, and the crisp morning air carried the scent of fresh grass and wildflowers. 

The foxes, now given rest, drank and lay on the grass for rest, as the Fox soldiers also took their time to relax, while remaining vigilant.

It was the perfect setting for a breakfast picnic, and Hinata couldn’t help but feel a small sense of relief. Despite the tension of the journey, moments like this reminded her of a simpler life she had often dreamt of, and of the times when she and her friends would enjoy a peaceful tea together in the palace gardens, and relished the opportunity to enjoy a picnic-like meal with her friends, the guards maintaining a respectful distance as they ate.

A few of the Fox guards had removed their masks to eat, revealing faces that were eerily human but with subtle differences. Their red eyes confirmed what she had initially thought before Seeing the captains, which only made her wonder more, but their sharp teeth were a reminder of their more beastly nature, lending them an unsettling yet intriguing appearance. Hinata couldn't help but steal glances at them, her curiosity piqued.

Her thoughts once again drifted to the Captain. She couldn't see his face clearly since he had his back turned while eating. She wondered about his features— those blue eyes- did he have sharp teeth too? would he be more human, more handsome, more...

Shaking her head to dispel the thought, Hinata felt her cheeks flush once again. Sakura, noticing Hinata's discomfort, turned to her with a concerned look.

“Princess, are you feeling alright?” Sakura’s voice broke through Hinata’s thoughts, her concern evident. “You’ve been getting flushed quite often today. Are you coming down with something? Is the travel unsettling you?” Sakura seemed ready to use her magic to heal the Princess of any issue, but Hinata gestured with her hand to not worry and smiled softly, trying to ease her friend’s worries.

“I am fine, Sakura. It is probably just the heat of the day.” she spoke softly, though she wondered herself if the long travel had stirred an illness in her in some way.

Sakura nodded, though she still looked worried. “Well, it is quite warm. But it’s a lovely day to enjoy, not be ill.” she said, her words meant to hint at the princess being able to confide in her if there was indeed an issue with her health.

Tenten stretched, having finished some meat rations. “By the wayI overheard the demons say we might…”

Hinata frowned a little, “Tenten… I will be living with them as their princess soon… perhaps we should address them in their proper name, not ‘demon’.” she almost commands, not sure why she suddenly felt defensive, quickly convincing herself, it was just her duty to make sure the civility was maintained.

“Right… sorry.” Tenten apologised “The… Kitsune says we might reach the border outpost by evening, and the fox forest by the following afternoon if we keep this pace.”

Ino chimed in with a sigh, her mood light despite her complaints, trying to keep the conversation away from the more difficult issues. “I hate long journeys. My butt’s aching from sitting so long.” she joked.

Sakura raised an eyebrow and teased, “Oh, Ino, with how cushiony your butt is, you’d think it would be more comfortable.” the pink haired cleric grinned.

Ino shot Sakura a glare, her cheeks reddening. “Maybe if I sat on your huge forehead, Sakura, it might act like a couch?”

“That was pathetic, witch.” Sakura retorted, “Try again.”

Ino pouted, getting steamed “I’m surprised my insult missed with a forehead that big, virgin!”

Sakura flushed “Do you even remember what it was like to be a virgin? I-hoe… sorry… Ino.” she smirked. 

“Who are you calling a hoe?!” Ino growled.

The two friends bickered almost playfully, their insults while mean to strangers, were good-natured between each other, and filled the air with an amused rivalry developed over years of friendship. 

Hinata watched them with a smile, enjoying their camaraderie despite the lingering dread that clung to her, as her mind was partially distracted with the fact she was getting closer to meeting her future husband, the thought continuing to keep alive the mix of apprehension and curiosity.

As the two friends continued their banter, the Captain, who had been quietly observing from a distance, turned his head slightly in response to the pleasant laughter, but quickly became distracted as one of the guards approached him, pulling out a small, ornate pendant. 

“Sir, the scout spotted farms and human communities ahead on the main road,” he reported. “It might necessitate a detour.”

The Captain frowned, clearly displeased by the news. “A detour… if I recall the map correctly, that will add an hour or two to our journey.” he says, another guard pulling out a map for the captain to look at. And after a few minutes he sighs.  “I was correct. But we have no choice, it's necessary to avoid civilians.” he commands.

He looked up at the sky, spotting what appeared to be a small bird high above. It was too distant to identify clearly, but it was enough for him to instruct the guard. “Send the scout ahead to the new path, a road through a long patch of forest. We need to ensure it’s safe.”

The guard nodded, saluting before pulling out the pendant again and chanting into it, magical energy pulsing out from his hands. The bird-like scout overhead shifted course and flew off, heading further down the road, towards the new route.

The Captain then turned his gaze back to Hinata, his eyes lingering on her face. There was a moment of quiet contemplation as he took in her features. The expression of his eyes portraying a softness in his gaze that spoke of a deeper consideration. As he watched her, a slight frown appeared on his face, as if grappling with his own thoughts.

Hinata, lost in her own world of mixed emotions, was oblivious to the Captain’s scrutiny. She focused on enjoying the moment with her friends, the laughter and lightheartedness a brief respite from the weight of her impending, unknown future. The day was beautiful, and for a fleeting hour, she allowed herself to bask in the warmth of the sun and the company of those she cared about.