Bride of the Demon Prince chapter 1

Chapter 1

In the quiet confines of her bedroom, in the vast Hyuuga palace, Princess Hinata stands looking out through her window, her heart heavy with the knowledge of what was to come.
Her elegant dress, designed to signify her status as the Hyuuga princess, now felt like a shroud of duty rather than a gown. The corset, which exposed the top of her breasts, seemed to symbolise the constriction of her freedom, the binding of her fate to that of a man she had never met.
Surrounded by her closest friends and confidantes—Sakura, the Cleric; Ino, the Witch; and Tenten, the Blademaster. The mood was sombre, the weight of the decision made by her father, King Hiashi, pressing down on them all.

"I can't believe he didn't even ask for your opinion," Sakura scoffs, her voice laced with frustration as she adjusted the red sash around her waist. "You're not a pawn to be traded in some political game, Hinata."

Ino, dressed in her revealing witch's attire, with fishnet gloves and magical jewellery that glowed faintly in the dim light, nodded in agreement. "She's right. This is your life we're talking about, your future. And they're just handing you over to some demon lord."

Tenten, clad in her military-style tunic and red skirt, her sword resting by her side, was more restrained but no less concerned. "We’ve all heard the stories about Prince Naruto. They say he's brutal, a warrior who knows no mercy. But now... now he's to be your husband. How are you supposed to feel safe with someone like that?"

Hinata's heart ached at their words, for they echoed the fears she had already begun to bury deep within her heart. "I understand your concerns." she began, her voice soft but steady, "But I have little choice. The war has devastated our kingdom. If my marriage to Prince Naruto can bring peace, then... then it’s a sacrifice I must make."

Hanabi, Hinata's younger sister, stood in the doorway, her expression a mix of fear and anger, more so as she had heard the last words. "But what if he hurts you, Hinata?” She began walking closer with purpose. “What if he’s as monstrous as they say? Not just in battle, but in his home… he’s a demon.” Hanabi moved up to hold her elder sister. “I can’t bear the thought of you being in danger."

Hinata stroked the hair of her sister as they embraced, offering a reassuring smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I’ll be alright, Hanabi. I’ll have all of them with me, after all.” She gestured to her three companions. “And who knows... maybe Naruto isn't the monster everyone believes him to be. War makes demons of all enemies, afterall."

But even as she said the words, doubt gnawed at her heart.

The tales of Naruto’s ferocity were known far and wide, and the thought of becoming his bride filled her with a dread she could not easily shake.

Still, her duty was clear. If this marriage could save her people, then she would face whatever fate awaited her.

Hinata gazed out at the horizon once more, etching the familiar skyline of mountains and trees she had seen every morning, feeling a sense of losing an old friend in the view, as it would soon be the last time she would see it. The maids finished packing her belongings and began to carry the luggage away, as her sister and friends each offered a silent, supportive presence as the Princess took a final deep breath. There was little left to say; the decision had been made. All that remained now was to face the future, whatever it might bring, though Hinata felt frozen in place, a sense of reluctance in the pit of her stomach.

Sensing the apprehension, Sakura placed a hand on Hinata's shoulder, her expression one of determination. "We'll be by your side, Hinata. No matter what happens, you won't be alone in this."

Ino nodded, her magical staff clinking softly with the movement. "If that demon lord thinks he can hurt you, he'll have to get through us first."

Tenten, ever the warrior, tightened her grip on her sword. "We’ll protect you, Hinata. With our lives, if necessary."

Hinata smiled,the warmth and support washed over her, settling the unnatural feeling in her stomach. With her friends by her side, perhaps she could find the strength to face whatever awaited her in the lands of Queen Kurama and her grandson, the demon lord Naruto.

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the palace grounds as Hinata and her three companions stepped outside, cloaked in dark, heavy cloaks to ward off the evening chill.
The air was thick with the scent of anticipation and a touch of fear as before them, ready and waiting, stood a carriage unlike any of them had ever seen.
It was immaculate, its dark wood polished to a mirror sheen, adorned with intricate gold and silver patterned decorations across its body. The craftsmanship was clearly exceptional, with the patterns that intertwined the demonic with the beautiful, a blend of menace and elegance that hinted at the world Hinata was about to enter.

Six demon guards flanked the carriage, stood at attention as the four ladies approached, their armour tinted a deep, burnt orange rather than the traditional crimson of the demon fox army. They stood in stark contrast to the Hyuuga soldiers nearby, their presence a reminder that Hinata’s journey was about to take her far from the familiar, and the necessity of her task, as it was clear tensions were already rising just standing there.
But it wasn’t just the guards that drew her attention—it was the beasts harnessed to the carriage, and stood nearby, waiting. They weren’t horses, but large, majestic foxes, their fur sleek and dark, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light, harnessed with leather saddles, and plate armour. This was the first time Hinata had ever seen such creatures, and their presence only deepened the surreal nature of the moment.

Curiosity overcame her apprehension, and she found herself asking softly, “Are they... fox demons?”

As the words passed her lips, she felt the gazes of the soldiers around her, looking at her as if the words themselves denoted a lack of knowledge. Before any of the demon guards could respond, the leader of the group stepped forward.
His armour was more ornate than the others, showing off his rank amongst them, with intricate fox imagery engraved and traced in gold along the plates. An orange cloak billowed behind him as he walked, the colour matching the tint of his armour.
Despite wearing a fearful mask, like the other guards, when he spoke, his voice was unexpectedly kind, lacking the harshness the Princess had expected from a demon.

“No, Princess Hinata,” he began, his tone respectful and warm, though with a familiarity towards her as if they were equals. “These are not transformed fox demons.” he explains “Though we can transform into foxes, these are domesticated demon fox beasts.”

Hinata tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Demon fox beasts?” she echoed, clearly, her lack of knowledge had given to her the impression they would be one in the same.

The captain nodded, though he seemed to hesitate, as if searching for the right words. “It... might sound confusing,” he admitted, a hint of awkwardness creeping into his voice. “You see, fox demons are... well, they’re more like us.” He gestures towards himself and Hinata, and then around to other people. “With our own intelligent thoughts, desires, and... personal agendas. But these creatures...” He gestured toward the foxes harnessed to the carriage. “They are... well… animals. Noble, powerful, and smart, but still... beasts. They don’t speak, don’t think like we do. They are simply bred for their use. Like your horses.”

Hinata listened intently, trying to grasp the distinction he was making. “So, they’re... not like you, but... like normal foxes, just... demon foxes?”

The captain rubbed the back of his head beneath his helmet, chuckling softly. “Yes... Well, no, not exactly. They look like YOUR foxes, but… bigger, and with... demonic qualities. Think of them as... enhanced foxes. Or perhaps... demonic versions of foxes? But not to be confused with fox demons, who are... more... humanoid?” he trailed off, sounding a little confused himself now, and muttering a little as he tried to repeat what he said to see if it sounded right.

Hinata couldn’t help but smile a little at his awkward explanation. There was something endearing about the way he stumbled over his words, trying to clarify a concept that was clearly unquestionable, and simple knowledge to him and his people, but utterly foreign to her.
The tension that had gripped her heart eased just a bit, replaced by a faint amusement at the clearly commanding officer.

Noticing her smile, he chuckled again, the sound muffled beneath his mask. “I know it sounds complicated. I’m probably not explaining it very well,” he confessed, rubbing the back of his neck again, almost sheepishly. “But I assure you, they are loyal and well-trained. You are in safe hands... or rather, safe paws.”

Hinata’s smile widened, the ‘captain’s’ awkwardness apparently doing more to relax her than any amount of reassuring statements had. He seemed to realise he had drifted from his formal demeanour and quickly straightened, bowing low before her. “Forgive me, Princess Hinata,  I seem to have forgotten my manners.” he states, sounding more serious now, though still gentle. “My knights and I have the pleasure to be here to escort you to the Foxlands.”

Hinata returned his bow with a regal grace that had been instilled in her since childhood, holding her skirt as she performed a well practised curtsy. “Thank you… umm, Captain?” she replied softly, not sure of his rank, and assuming it, before completing her greeting. “I am Hinata Hyuuga, first princess of Hyuutochi. Fiancée of Lord Naruto Uzumaki of the Foxland Kingdom.”

Behind her, the three women who had sworn to protect her stepped forward in turn to bow or curtsy also.
Sakura, her white cleric robes adorned with ceremonial sashes, moved with a deliberate grace as she bowed. “I am Sakura of Harrock, Cleric of the Trinity Order, and assistant to Princess Hinata.” she said, her voice steady but with an underlying current of protectiveness.

Ino, still dressed in her revealing witch’s attire, her magical staff held firmly in one hand, offered a more guarded bow, her eyes never leaving the captain. “Ino of Rosenfeld, court witch, B class, assigned by the Mage Tower to Princess Hinata.” she introduced herself, her tone laced with a subtle warning, as if to say she would be watching for any signs of treachery.

Finally, Tenten, clad in her royal guard uniform, with sword at her side and daggers at her back, executed a sharp, military bow. “Tenten of Ironvale, Royal Blademaster, third level. Personal guard to Princess Hinata,” she stated, her stance firm and unyielding, every inch the warrior ready to defend her charge.

The Captain acknowledged each introduction with a respectful nod, though he couldn’t help but feel the weight of their unspoken challenge. He could easily tell these women were more than just companions—they were warriors in their own right, and could tell that they were prepared to defend Hinata with their lives.

Just as he opened his mouth to introduce himself properly, a voice cut through the evening air, commanding and laced with a father’s protective instinct. “Captain.”

King Hiashi stepped forward, his presence imposing towards the man he addressed. His face was a mask of royal authority, but beneath it, his eyes betrayed a deep concern. “You will take care of my daughter and her companions.” he demanded, his tone brooking no argument. “You will ensure that no harm befalls them on this journey or after. Is that understood?” 

The Captain bowed deeply, his tone serious and reverent. “Your Majesty, I swear on my life, and on the lives of my men, that Princess Hinata and her companions will be protected. We will not allow any harm to come to them. Our lives will be forfeit before theirs are taken.”

Hiashi’s eyes narrowed slightly, his frown deepening as he studied the captain. Despite the promise, the king’s worry did not dissipate.
His gaze shifted to his daughter, and for a brief moment, their eyes met. It was a rare exchange, laden with the unspoken words of a father who had never truly found the right way to express his love or his fear for her. Hinata returned the look with a slight nod, acknowledging both his concern and the burden of duty she was now shouldering. With a final, respectful bow to her king and father, she stepped toward the carriage.

As Hinata approached the door, the Captain approached and extended his hand to assist her, causing her to hesitate for just a moment, acknowledging to herself that this was the hand of a demon, and would probably not be the last she would touch, before placing her hand in his. 

His grip was gentle, and the small gesture of support gave her the strength she needed to take the next step emotionally, rather than steadying her physically. She strengthened her resolve, pushing aside the fear that threatened to fill her stomach once more, and climbed into the carriage that would carry her to her uncertain future.

After the other three entered, the door closed with a soft click, and the carriage lurched forward, the fox beasts pulling it with a smooth, almost eerie grace. The demon guards rode their mounts, and moved into formation around the vehicle, their presence a constant reminder of the precious cargo within.

As the carriage rolled away, leaving the palace and its comforts behind, King Hiashi remained standing, his gaze fixed on the receding vehicle. His captain of the guard approached, his brow furrowed with unease. “Burned orange…” he muttered, his voice uncertain, yet tinged with surprise. “The fires of hell released the demon from his slumber… in a blaze of orange flame…”

Hiashi’s eyes remained on the horizon, his expression unreadable as he replied. “The Prince's personal guard… but… was it… him?” Hiashi looked to his captain, frowning more, but without another word, he turned and walked back toward the palace, his mind heavy with the implications of what had just transpired.