Hey Readers! Thank you for choosing my Fanfic to read :) I really hope you enjoy this as much as i enjoy writing it! My inspiration here was a few things so think Game of Throes meets Robin Hood meets A Knights Tail lol I really struggled with the idea of seeing Sasuke as your typical 'knight in shinning armour' type and keeping him character, I tried to not make him too OOC so I'd love hear your feedback in the reviews if you think he is too OOC and where you think I could improve in the future! Typically I'm already posting this late lol but as i promised I will be trying my damn hardest to cover every day so don't worry if I am late! So without further a do, I hope you enjoy! And pls do review I'd love to hear from you!

Kim XXX

Her Chosen Knight

The Princess Hinata Hyuga of the land of Fire stood in front of the long mirror beside the window in her dressing room, letting her faithful hand maidens Tenten and Ino get her dressed for the party this evening. Hinata was nearing the age of 18 and knew the tournament approaching in the next coming day was a not only a celebration of her birthday, but also whoever were to win the competition would win her hand in marriage. This however was not public knowledge otherwise any simpleton would try and win her hand and her father the King, Hiashi Hyuga would not want that. Hinata could not marry any simple being, the man she was to marry had to be of Nobel birth, however he could not be a too Nobel, like a Prince for example because then he would be too high of a rank and over rule Hinata's ranking: A King over rule's a Queen in a deck of cards, just as in life. That's why only knight's were allowed to enter the tournament.

Flashback

Hinata however had a plan, last week Hinata had pleaded with her every faithful friend friend and stable boy, Kiba to take her into the village on the outskirts of town while she was in disguise. She had heard many tails and rumours from the maids in the castle that a certain man had returned there, in fact she had known him in her childhood. He was of Nobel birth himself, they'd never talked at least not that she could remember, he was known for being cold and hard but she could think of no other plan other than to run away and she didn't want to runaway from her throne, her birth right and her people.

Kiba was unsure of her plan, he knew of the man she spoke of straight away and tried desperately to convince his princess that she should stay away from such a man. But hearing his Princess beg him to take her to the rouge's last known location, Kiba could do nothing but saddle up their horses and lead the way.

Sasuke sat in the corner of the bar, that resembled more a barn than a bar, he sat here so he was able observe the hovel around him and no one was able to to attack him and him companions from behind. He preferred to keep his travelling cloak hood up hiding his rugged jet black hair, he was in need a hair cut. He nursed his warm beer, if you call it that? It tasted more of piss.

"This is great!" His travelling companion Naruto Uzumaki, and 'best friend' joined him at the table.

"Yes, a delightful establishment." Sasuke rolled his eyes. Naruto had a way of seeing the joy in every situation, it got annoying, fast! They had been travelling back to the land of Fire for many months and this had been the first time they had ventured in a 'bar' in at least 5 weeks which was why Naruto was so happy to be here.

"Baka it smells like horse shit in here!" Sakura, another travel companion of Sasuke's and very good medic they had met who now travelled with them hit Naruto across the back of the head.

Saskue looked to the door and frowned seeing a rather odd pair walk into the bar. The male looked like he belonged, the female who walked behind him though did not. She wore peasant clothing but something in the way she carried herself told Sasuke she was no peasant and the way her male companion stood in a protective stance only made him even more suspicious.

"What is it Sasuke?" Sakura asked seeing Sasuke puzzled face she looked over her shoulder and also saw the odd pair at the door.

Sasuke watched as the male looked around the bar as if looking for someone, it wasn't until the female caught his eye that Sasuke realised who she was. Sasuke sat up straight away, he could never forget those eyes, those eyes that had begged the King to not take the 'Uchiha' name from the Noble books and all but sentence him to a life of a rogue. She had never spoken to him directly, but indirectly she had done all she could for him when he was a young boy. So why was the Princess seeking him out now? Sasuke thought as the male the Princess walked to their table.

As the two walked passed other tables others patrons would make rude comments obviously thinking Hinata was just some pretty young woman and not their Princess, the male who she was with tried to say some comments back but with one look off the Princess his retorts were silenced and their walk continued. As the two finally approached the table Sasuke looked at the pair aloofly.

"You should not have come to a place so dangerous Princess." Sasuke stated.

"H-How did you know-"

"Princess?" Naruto nearly looked at the young woman had walked to their table.

"Shut up!" The male who was with her. "Don't let everyone hear." Looking around him to make sure no one heard.

"You may look like a peasant but those eyes of yours will always be your downfall." Sasuke told her as if they had not been interrupted. "You're male companion is right to worried, this place is dangerous. Why would you come to this place?" Sasuke took a sip of his drink and indicated with his hand encouraging her to sit down. The man with her rapidly took his cloak off and placed it on the bench so she would not dirty herself and rapidly moved out the way to allow her to sit.

"That won't blow her cover at all stable boy."

"Shut it Uchiha scum."

"Kiba." Hinata placed her hand on her friends arm and looked at him warmly, "Sir Uchiha is correct, you are treating me too Nobel and are bringing too much attention to me. Please go order me a goblet of wine, something for yourself and whatever Sasuke's companions would like too." Hinata handed Kiba a silk purse and turned her attention back to the rouge opposite her. Kiba gruffly left mumbling under his breath.

"Perhaps we should help Kiba bring the drinks over Naruto." Sakura suggested to Naruto diplomatically, sensing that whatever the Princess needed to say she wanted to ask Sasuke alone.

Hinata sat looking at the table suddenly feeling very nervous, their was something in the way Sasuke Uchiha was looking at her that made her feel he could see into her very soul. Perhaps Kiba had been right to warn her about this man after all? Would he help her? If he didn't she would have to marry a man who could be twice her age or worse, a complete stranger. Hinata feeling nervous grabbed hold of Sasuke's drink and downed the liquid in one, her eyes opened wide as the liquid hit her tongue it tasted revolting, how had he drank this? But she kept drinking, she needed to calm her nerves somehow, slamming the now empty goblet on the table Hinata could to nothing but cough and splutter.

Sasuke watched as the Princess all but gagged at the disgusting warm beer, he was impressed she didn't heave it back up.

"So, now you have that out the way, why are you here?" Sasuke crossed his arms over his chest smirking at her.

"Y-You are aware of the tournament next week?"

"The whole kingdom is celebrating their beloved Princesses birthday." Sasuke rolled his eyes at her jokingly.

"I wish they wouldn't, I wish I could stay a child forever." Hinata looked at her fingers and started tapping them together in a nervous twitch. "The tournament is just a front, who ever will be the winner will win my hand in marriage." Hinata looked at Sasuke's face to try and gauge his emotions at the prospect of the sudden information and saw none, "I don't want to be marry just anyone, I want marry someone I love. I know it seems childish and foolish, I'm a princess after all but if my people loved me as much as my fathers advisor's say they do wouldn't they rather see me in a happy marriage than in a miserable one? If my mother were alive today she would never allow this."

"That doesn't answer my question Princess, why come here? To me?"

"I-I need you enter the tournament, to win the tournament for me. I-I don't want you to marry me or anything." She blushed seeing his startled face. "I-I just want to win my own hand in marriage. We strike a deal. I can pay you to fight for me, I can't fight the way you can, although my cousin has taught me some basics secretly its nothing compared to what I'd need to win against trained knight's. You'd get to stay in the castle grounds, there is parties involved but I'd make sure you were well catered for, tailored and had the appropriate equipment, anything you need is at your disposal."

"What if I don't want money?" Sasuke inquired.

"W-What do you want then?"

"The name of the Uchiha restored."

Hinata's eyes widened at Sasuke's price for doing the tournament in her place. The Uchiha name had been taken from the Nobel books because his older brother had killed their whole family apart from Sauske, who had luckily been sleeping in the castle that awful night. Hinata had begged her father to let the name stay in the books because he was proclaiming Sasuke just as bad as his brother even through he had done nothing wrong but had the same last name as his brother. Within 24 hours Sasuke had gone from the kingdom along with the Uchiha name.

Rumours of Sasuke spread to the castle, throughout the years of becoming stronger, finding his brother and killing him in revenge for bringing down their family and destroying their good name.

"I-I will see your good name restored." Hinata gave him her word, he deserved as much. Sasuke nodded.

"Then we have a deal Hyuga Princess, I will be your Knight."

End of Flashback

Hinata looked at her reflection in the mirror, Tenten and Ino had done a marvellous job with her dress, hair and make up. The light violet silk dress glistened under the candle light, her new womanly body curved with silk and the corset under her dress accentuated her curves even more. The gown hung off Hinata's shoulder's showing off her long hair which her hand maidens had painstakingly curled and added a gold leaf vine headpiece of delicate flowers with crystals, pearls and amethyst.

Hinata felt like she was a doll that she use to play, a show piece. Perhaps that's all she will come soon? A show piece to one of these men if Sasuke Uchiha did not win the contest for her? Because who's to say that if whoever does win would not want the crown for themselves? Who wouldn't want to be King if given the chance?

"Hinata? Are you ok?" Tenten asked seeing her friends saddened face. Tenten and Ino may just be her hand maidens, but Hinata had always told them and treated them as her equals, so much so she refused to let them call her 'Your Highness' or 'Princess' to them she was simply, Hinata.

Hearing a knock at the door Ino allowed Shino, Hinata's personal butler to enter.

"The King is awaiting your entrance at the party now Your Highness." Shino bowed. Hinata smiled warmly at Shino in the mirror she didn't know how many times she told him to call her just Hinata but he still insisted on calling her 'appropriate titles'.

Hinata held out her hand again to the next knight, he kissed her had leaning a smear of spit. Hinata cringed, she really hoped he didn't win the tournament, what was his name? Toneri Ōtsutsuki, she'd have to remember him.

"Uzumaki Naruto." The announcer proclaimed. Hinata hurried to wipe away the other knight's spit of her hand and held out the other hand in its place. Looking up Hinata's eyes widened recognising the knight the new knight immediately.

"Your majesties." Sasuke bowed. Sasuke and Hinata didn't take their eyes off one another as Sasuke gently kissed her knuckle.

"I hope I win this tournament for you princess." He stood up suddenly feeling over whelmed being in the castle again, the last time he had been in the throne room he had been 8 years old and had been stripped of his name by the King sitting in front of him. He would have to keep in control of his emotions well otherwise his eyes would flash red, his sharingan, a dead give away he was in fact the only living Uchiha and not Naruto Uzumaki he was Pretending to be.

"I hope so too Sir Uzumaki." Hinata replied smiling at him warmly.

Hiashi looked between the pair and smiled thinking to himself this arrangement might not be such a bad match after all, little did he know.

As the party continued Hinata was made to dance with each knight there were 35 knights in total, another way to show her off. Hinata had her toes trod on too may times to count, she was sure if she looked under her dress she would see blood on her shoes.

"Sasu-"

"Naruto" Sasuke corrected quickly looking around the dance floor seeing if any of the couples around them had heard the Princesses slip of his real name.

"Sir Uzumaki," Hinata blushed, "I was very pleased to see you arrived safe, do have everything you require."

"mmm." Hinata assumed that meant yes. She followed his lead as he lead her in their dance around the dance floor in the waltz number and was very happy to note he didn't tread on his feet once.

"You realise your dress is see-though?"

"W-What?" Hinata looked down shocked. "N-No my father instructed me to wear this dress." Hinata blushed.

"Mmmm. Well I suppose it's a good job your hand maidens spotted that it was in time. If you don't wish to marry I suggest to make sure you don't let him make a spectacle of you." Hinata nodded her head in understanding and with that he bowed leaving her to dance with the next knight.

Hinata sat on her throne beside her father wearing a red velvet dress, a dress which she had chosen herself after last nights fiasco. She hoped the information she had given Ino this morning to send to Sasuke would reach him in time for his fight this morning.

Sasuke was preparing himself in his own tent, Sakura and Naruto were with him also, they were part of his entourage as a knight. Naruto was to play the part of his squire and helped him prepared his amour for each event and Sakura ensured if he was to get any injuries he would be able to continue in the tournament as planned.

"You realise in the space of 7 days we could bring back your family honour." Naruto told Sasuke handing him his helmet, his last piece of armour he needed.

"I'm well aware Dobe." Sasuke sighed, not needing a history lesson into his own family. He was thankful that Sakura and Naruto had joined him and aided him in the his endeavour, don't get him wrong, but he also felt that this should have been his own battle. However Sakura and Naruto were stubborn and had both disagreed with Sasuke and would have followed him anyway so he had no choice but to let them help him with this plan to win the tournament. Using Naruto's name was Naruto's idea, the Uzumaki name was Nobel after all and little was known about Naruto, not even what he looked like so that knowledge was secure.

"Excuse me? I have a message for Sir Uzuamki." A female voice called from out side the tent. Naruto opened the tent the door letting in the thin young woman with long blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, she bowed to Sasuke respectfully and handed him over the sealed envelope she had been instructed to give to the knight alone and left without another word. Sasuke opened the note and began to read the delicate handwriting.

"What does it say?" Naruto asked impatiently trying to read over his shoulder.

"It's off the Princess, she's telling me how to beat my opponent in code."

Sasuke stood over his opponent within 3 minutes he had won his fight already, the fastest of the day so far. Sasuke looked up to to the King and bowed who stood and applauded and to the Princess beside him who gave him a secret smile and bowed her head towards him. He walked towards his tent knowing he could have won that fight without her knowledge, but with her knowledge he won it much faster and saved himself considerable time and energy for the days to come, perhaps they could make a good team together? He found himself thinking.

After the first day of fighting the knights who were uninjured joined the royal family in the feast hall. Sasuke watched and heard as princess Hinata was ogled by the many knights around him each one proclaiming he would win the contest for her and each time Hinata would blush smile at them. He could see how each proclamation made her feel uncomfortable, some considerably more so than others. Especially a knight by the name of Toneri Ōtsutsuki, Sasuke had never seen so many grown men fight over one piece of meat it was maddening.

Hinata closed the door to her private chamber and sat herself at her mother's dressing table, picked up her hair brush and began to brush her long hair.

"You know,-" Hinata dropped her hair brushed in fright and looked around to see Sasuke perched on her window sill.

"S-Sasuke? W-What would people say if they saw you in here?"

"Who's going to find out? I won't tell and I have a felling you won't either. Anyway relax, nothing like that is going to happen." He indicated to bed, making Hinata turn bright red immediately.

"H-How did you get in here?"

"I climbed up the wall." He shrugged like it was the most simplest answer in the world. Hinata ran to window and looked from the drop to Sasuke and back again.

"B-But that's at least a 60 foot drop."

"Hn. You're very observant Princess aren't you?" Sasuke sat on her bed smirking at her. "Do you want to hear why I climbed 60 feet or not?" Hinata nodded sat back down at her mother's dressing table hesitatingly.

"I think you should wear my favour."

"Your favour?"

"Mmmm, that way all those pesky knights won't keep declaring themselves to you every night. I see how much it makes you feel uncomfortable, I'm here to win this tournament for you why not make it a little easier for you too?"

"We'd have to make a show of it though."

"I agree and I think we should fake a romance that would make them back off even more, including your father."

"Do you not think that is a little too much?" Hinata blushed even more at the thought.

"Do you want the knights to think they still have a chance with you and your father to still be parading you in see-through dresses?"

"I see your point." Hinata coincided. "Tomorrow it is."

Sasuke stood up from her bed and closed the distance between them.

"Remember Princess," He placed his fingers under her chin making her look in to his eyes, "Make it convincing for your sake."

During the Kunai throwing round the next day Sasuke had been doing this skill for years, in fact this was second nature for him. Getting bulls-eye on each target was beyond easy him, what was strange for him was hearing the crowd chant 'Uzumaki Naruto' rather than his own name, he'd have to get use to that. He was joint top of the leader board board with Toneri Ōtsutsuki by the end of the day.

However this was not what Sasuke's challenge was today, his personal challenge now was he had to make a show of giving Hinata his favour. Walking up to the wooden stage where King Hiashi sat on his throne and Princess Hinata sat beside him. Sasuke noted beside Hinata were many tokens knights had given her, some were jewellery and very ostentatious (nothing like the Princess Sasuke had come to know, not that he could claim to know much about her) others were a pieces of tapestry from their clan: a statement of their wealth. Each favour had been placed in the hand maidens hand, one Sasuke recognised as the one who had delivered Hinata's message on how to beat his first opponent during his first fight.

Sasuke bowed to the King as he was of higher ranking, then turned to Hinata and bowed to her also. Naruto knowing this was his cue came running to his 'master' with his favour in his hands, the crowd murmured wondering if their Princess would grace this Knight with accepting his gift or pass it to her hand maiden like she had the rest.

Naruto bowed to the royal family and the Nobility behind them then handed Sasuke the favour he was to give to Hinata. Sasuke took the simple flowered crown from Naruto and strode up to Hinata. The crowd sniggered seeing the simple gift, seeing their Princess throwing away jewellery before they assumed she would also hand over such a simple crown.

"It would honour me Princess, if you would grace me by wearing and accepting my favour." Sasuke held out the flowered crown.

Hinata looked from the flowered crown to Sasuke's face then back to crown.

"Sir Uzumaki, I fear such a crown I could do no justice, it is very beautiful." Hinata touched the red rose petals, feeling their silky touch.

"If you could not wear them, then no woman could ever do them any justice."

"Would you be so kind and place the crown on my head Sir Uzumaki?" Hinata asked. The crowd and the nobility began to gossip around them as the Knight known as Uzumaki Naruto placed a crown of red roses on their Princesses head.

"I have a favour for you also Sir Uzumaki." Hinata smiled at Sasuke warmly. Sasuke had not expected that, the plan was for him to give her a favour only. Hinata stood off her throne and removed her gold chain with a tear drop shaped ruby hanging off from it, Sasuke took note of the red stone, its reference and meaning to the sharingan. Hinata placed her arms around Sasuke and attached the necklace around his neck.

Sasuke breathed in her perfume, what probably took only a few seconds felt like a lifetime for Sasuke. Hinata smelt like a mixture of lavender and honey, summer days gone by and childhood memories; he had to urge himself to not wrap his arms around her and pull her closer, she was intoxicating. Hinata pulled away all too soon for his liking and once their eyes connected Sasuke knew Hinata had felt the connection too from the blush on her face.

The third day of the tournament was a much needed rest day for the knights, Sasuke however didn't need a rest he knew he could win this tournament with his eyes closed, the only way he couldn't was if his cover was somehow found out.

Sasuke climbed up the wall to Hinata's room, his plan for today was to spend time with her. They were to be seen as much as possible so the other knights would know she was his and his alone. Sasuke pulled himself over the window sill and in to the open window. Sasuke paused in the room seeing the still sleeping Princess asleep in her bed, her hair lay splayed on her pillow around her. Sasuke made an obvious noise with his foot waking Hinata immediately.

Hinata stirred from her sleep and sat up sleepily rubbing her eyes thinking Ino and Tenten had woken her up as they usually did.

"Morning Princess." Hinata screamed hearing the Uchiha's voice and quickly covered her chest and startled feeling Sasuke's hand cover her mouth. Sasuke in his hurry to cover her mouth now found himself lay on top of the Princess Hinata with just her muslin nightie and bedding sheet to separate them, their bodies pressed together in too many ways he should be allowed to think and her intoxicating smell was making him think thoughts that were not appropriate for such a time in the morning.

"I am going to remove my hand now, so don't scream again." Sasuke whispered down at her.

"Your Highness I heard a scream are you alright?" Shino knocked on the door. Hinata nodded her head slowly at Sasuke and ever so gently he removed his hand from over her mouth.

"Y-yes I'm fine Shino, I just thought I saw a mouse." Hinata replied, with Sasuke still on top of her their breaths mixed together and their eyes never lefted the other.

"Would you like me to call for aid."

"No it was just my imagination, would you ask Ino and Tenten to prepare my bath please, I would like to prepare for the day."

"As you wish your Highness." Sasuke moved his hand that had been covering her mouth only moments ago, to her hair. Ever so gently he moved his fingers through her hair, something only her mother had ever done.

"Are you incapable of knocking like a normal person?" Hinata breathlessly asked.

"Where would be the fun in that." Sasuke smirked down at her at her. The pair heard Hinata's hand maiden's begin to fill her bath in her private bathroom and Sasuke reluctantly retreated from her bed.

"We need to be seen to spend time together today so once you're dressed seek me out Princess." And with that said he climbed back out her window and left. Hinata lay back down on her pillows with a smile on her face.

A couple hours later Hinata did just that, walking through the knights encampment she could feel their eyes on her as she walked past them, each one stopped what they were doing wondering what the princess would be doing in their encampment.

"She's here, she's here." Naruto piratically shouted into the tent at Sasuke.

"Way to be cool and calm about it Baka." Sakura hit Naruto over the head.

"Your Highness," Sakura tried to curtsy. Sasuke opened the flap off the tent and quickly tried to flatten his hair down and straighten his shirt.

"Holy shi-"

"Princess Hinata, you honour me this morning with your presence." Sasuke smirked at her, interrupting Naruto's potty mouth.

"I had heard it was the knights rest day today and had hoped we could spend the day together?"

"I see you are wearing my favour." Sasuke touched the small red rose crown that was gently woven in to her straight hair.

"I see you are wearing mine." Hinata gently placed her hand on the ruby that lay on Sasuke's chest. "Don't loose this favour Sir Naruto, it's worth more than it's weight in gold to you." She looked at him as if trying to tell him something more.

The pair walked around the castle grounds with their arms linked, followed by Ino, Naruto and Sakura as the chaperones. Sasuke made a show of whispering into her ear every time they would see another knight would pass by, at first he whispered nothing of importance to her for example, the weather today was a nice but gradually as the hour progressed Sasuke began to whisper other things making her laugh and even blush when he told he liked the way her hair looked messy in the morning.

As the morning turned in to afternoon and the sun started to beam down on the four of them. The heat began to take it's toll on Hinata in her heavy dress.

"Perhaps we should find some shade Hinata?" Ino suggested seeing Hinata struggling in the heat.

"I know! Let's go for a swim!" Naruto declared.

"I don't think that would be appropriate for the Princess to be seen swimming with-"

"I would love that." Hinata cut off Ino and shocking the trio entirely, "In fact, I know the perfect spot. It's quite a ride though, I hope you wouldn't mind that?"

Within the hour Sasuke, Hinata, Naruto, Ino, Sakura, Tenten, Kiba and Hanabi (Hinata's little sister) were all riding on horse back through one of the dense forests that was near the castle grounds. Tenten had seen to it that the palace kitchens had provided them with enough food and drink for the day. The King had learned of their little outing and had insisted on Hinata taking some of the palace guards with her, but Hinata had insisted she needed none after all she had Sir Uzumaki with her, who else could she possibly need? And who would want to harm their princesses? 'Naruto' had assured the King he would ensure the Princesses would return safe and well and apparently that was all the assurance the King had needed to let them go.

Sasuke urged his horse forward to walk along side Hinata's who was up front, she smiled at him as he came a long side her.

"I love this forest," She told him, "I feel I piratically grew up in here. I ran away so many times in this forest only to be found again by my cousin Neji."

"Why did you run away?" Hinata looked ahead almost longingly at the forest around her.

"Many reasons. You were one of them," She glanced at him, "The war was another. I wanted to join and help, may people don't know that my cousin Neji taught me to fight too, nothing to what a trained knight can of course otherwise I'd be in the tournament myself. But I wanted to go to war and fight with my people, show them that their monarchy will stand with them and beside them even on the battle field."

"I think that's very commendable."

"You think? Neji thought so too when he found me running away and went in my place instead. However Neji never came back from the war, he died saving Tenten, took a Kunai to the back and straight through his chest for her. She had followed him and ran away from the palace too, they were so in love. She's never been the same since she's returned, I blame myself if I hadn't have-"

"Hinata, you shouldn't tarnish his sacrifice like that, he sacrificed himself for love. He went to war for his love for his cousin and he died in place of the woman he loved, I would do the same if I were in his shoes. There is no better death for a man than knowing you have saved the woman you love."

Hinata looked at Sasuke like she was seeing him in a new light, perhaps he was right? Was she tarnishing her cousins sacrifices unknowingly?

"Thank you Sasuke, I shall bare your words in mind."

"Hn." Sasuke pulled back giving Hinata chance to think over everything that was said.

Not long after their conversation Hinata paused at what looked like a wall of ivy, jumping down off her horse Hinata moved the ivy to one side and pulled the her horse through the stone archway. Sasuke followed her lead next with the rest of their party following after. With Hinata in his sight up ahead Sasuke could see the stones on the wall gradually becoming wetter and wetter the further they went in to the stone tunnel. Daylight could be seen up ahead along with the sound of crashing water, suddenly Hinata disappeared from Sasuke's sight startling him. Sasuke pulled on his horses rains quickly, trying carefully not to slip on the wet stone under foot, it wasn't until he came to the end of the stone tunnel he realised where Hinata had gone.

Sasuke stopped in his strides looking all around, Hinata had lead them through a tunnel that opened out behind a cascading waterfall. To his left Hinata was making her way down the worn stone cliff path that lead to a grass field below full of wild flowers and a river from what Sasuke could make out so far.

With careful steps Sasuke followed the Princess down the stone path to the wild flower meadow below. Once he was finally on stable ground he took off his houses rains and gave him a tender pat for a job well done. His horse and Sasuke had over come many hard ships together through the years and their bond was strong so when Sasuke let him loose he knew without a doubt he would always come back at his call. However what he did not expect was his horse to go over to the Princess and nuzzle into her hair, Sasuke smirked at his horse, can a horse pick up on it's masters desires he wondered?

"He is a charmer isn't he." Hinata giggled stoking Sasuke's horse.

"You think? I have to say I'm in complete shock, this is the first time he's ever let anyone else but myself and one other touch him." Sasuke stared looking at his stallion bewildered.

"Who was the other?"

"Arh, his original owner, my older brother Itachi, but horse riding was never his strong suit so Itachi gave him to me." Hinata and Sasuke stroked the Stallion on either side both looking at the other from across its back.

"I wou-" Hinata began to talk until they heard stones began to fall in the water and Naruto cry out many words of profanity and come crashing down in to the water.

The group all sat together and talked merrily enjoying the summer afternoon sun whilst eating, Naruto was infections with his laughter and had them all crying with laughter at his stories of their travels on many occasions. Sasuke found himself often looking at Hinata and watching the way she would laugh at Naruto as if she was enraptured by him at times, he found he didn't like that, a feeling within him grew, a feeling he couldn't seem to place as of yet all he knew was he'd never wanted to punch Naruto so hard in his life before.

"You are staring at her." Sakura whispered at Sasuke.

"At who?" Sasuke asked, not taking his eyes of Hinata who was listening to Naruto telling her of the time Sasuke and himself had somehow found themselves in a female bath house.

"I think you know who I'm talking about?"

"Do you think the Princess and Naruto make a good match?"

"No, I don't. I think that's your jealousy talking."

"Me jealous? Of Naruto?" Sasuke scoffed. Sakura smirked knowingly at Sasuke, she knew him all too well, they had been travelling together for over 6 years together by now. "I wonder if the King would be happy if she did marry the real Naruto Uzumaki then?" She pretended to ponder, Sakura did not need to worry if the rest of the party heard her say Sasuke's and Naruto's real name they were all Hinata's trusted friends and would tell no one.

"Over my dead body." Sasuke clenched his hands into fists with his sharingan flaring he quickly walked over to Hinata and Naruto who were currently laughing whole hardheartedly together.

"Move Dobe." Sasuke ordered staring down at the man he his once called his best friend.

"Eh? Sasuke, I was just telling Hinata-"

"I don't care shove off." Sasuke pushed Naruto unceremoniously away from Hinata so he could sit by her.

"Sasuke, that was unkind." She looked down at him as Sasuke lay on his side and absent-mindedly began to play with her hair as he had this morning.

"I don't care, he'll get over it. I feel much better now that I have your attention and he doesn't."

"I-I'm going to go for a swim," She stammered, "Are you coming?" She invited after a couple of minutes.

"Would that be proper for a Princess?" He smirked.

"Why do you think I chose this spot?" She smiled down at him knowingly. "I use to play here as a child with Neji, we would come here often and escape from the palace. Come on." She stood up, brushed herself off and offered her hand out to help Sasuke stand.

"Oi where you two going?" Naruto asked seeing Sasuke and Hinata walking away from their circle.

"For a swim, it's what we came as this way for right?" Hinata laughed seeing their shocked faces.

Sasuke and Hinata laughed hearing their friends shocked answers and calls back as Hinata and Sasuke made their way to the water edge. Sasuke began to unbutton his black dress shirt thankful to get out it in the heat and pulled it over his head throwing it to the side of the grass embankment. Hinata looked at the Uchiha before her, she had seen a half naked male before but that had only been her cousin Neji, and he had never had an effect on her as seeing Sasuke was now. Sasuke's chest and back was very muscular, all those rumours throughout the years that he'd become strong to defeat his brother were not wrong, however Sasuke was also littered with many scars. Hinata was struggling not to want to touch each and every one of them.

Sasuke paused undoing his trousers and looked at the Princess biting her lip looking at his half naked body.

"Liking what you see Princess?" He teased, making her face turn a red.

"I-I. N-No. I-I was just...Could you help me remove my dress?" Hinata turned with her back now facing him and pulled her long straight hair over one shoulder. Sasuke gulped at her question and silently walked to where she stood, with shaking fingers Sasuke began to undo her corset backed dress. Her sweet honey and lavender scent hit him all over again and he found himself drawn to her alluring neck, he was like a bee drawn to a flower seeking her out. He trailed his mouth delicately from her ear down her neck, pulling at her dress at the same time he loosed the string at the back letting the fabric fall the ground.

Hinata gasped at the sensations Sasuke's mouth on her neck was causing her, Sasuke then ripped her muslin petticoat in two to reveal her lace panties and corset bra to him. He stood in front of her looking down at her body. Hinata should of felt mortified, she should not be doing this, her body should only be for her husbands eyes only, instead she found herself proudly looking up at the Uchiha rouge. Hinata touched Sasuke's shoulder's first then trailed her fingers down his collar bone, his breast bone, trailed the 'S' of each of his abs until she came to his trousers. Sasuke watched as Hinata's hands shook ever so slightly undoing his trousers, his whole body was aware of her every movement anywhere she had touched him just a moment ago tingled with electricity. Sasuke had never been with a woman before, he'd never found them remotely interesting or worth his attention; until now. Hinata looked into his eyes and bit her lip as she let go of his trousers dropping them to the ground. Without a word between them Hinata took hold of Sasuke's hand and led him to the water, they swam till they both couldn't feel the bottom of the river. Sasuke pulled her towards him and pressed her back against large boulder, Hinata gasped in delight as Sasuke positioned himself between her legs and wrapped them around his hips. Instinctively Hinata wrapped her arms around Sasuke's neck pulling his body even more flush against hers. Their breaths deliciously mingled together as they looked deeply at each other, Sasuke moved his hand from the boulder that was currently holding him steady, to the back of Hinata's neck. Seemingly at the same time they both closed their eyes and Sasuke pressed his mouth to Hinata's. Their first kiss was gentle and passionate, Hinata had never been kissed by a man before and she was glad Sasuke was her first, he was an unbelievable kisser, she followed his lead when he opened his mouth; she opened hers also, in the next heart beat he opened his mouth again but this time he swirled his tongue into her mouth causing Hinata moan out loud, such a wanton act for a Princess but with Sasuke the act felt nothing short of amazing that the next time he did it Hinata could not help but swirl her tongue against his own making Sasuke groan too. They repeated this rhythm many times, Hinata lost count until Sasuke had to breathlessly pull away and looked at Hinata with lust filled eyes and his flaring their sharingan red at her. Hinata licked her lips savouring the taste of him still on her lips and brought her hand to one of his cheeks looking at him longingly in the eyes.

"Why are your red? I thought the sharingan only came out when an Uchiha was in battle or when you lost someone you loved?" Sasuke looked at the Princess and shook his head wondering if he should tell her the real reason the sharingan appears when it does for an Uchiha? Perhaps now was the time to be honest with her they had just kissed and were in each others arms now.

"There is another reason," he paused brushing his body against hers and felling her ample bosom press against him seductively "Love is a powerful emotion too, it is strong enough to change our eyes because of our desires to protect or be reunited with our loved one."

Hinata and Sasuke stared at each in compete silence as Hinata tried to comprehend the weight of the words the Sasuke had just told her. Did he mean he loved her?

Within moments Kiba, Tenten, Ino, Sakura, Naruto and Hanabi had joined them splashing all around them and just like that the pair broke away from one another to join their friends, their spell was broken.

For the rest of the afternoon the men were jumping in the water to see who could make create the biggest splash while the girls would laugh at their silly antics. As the girls lounged in the shallows braiding each others hair and splashed about with Hanabi as she couldn't swim with her only being 9 years old. She was another reason Hinata was reluctant to run away, Hanabi looked up to her older sister in many ways and as didn't remember their mother because she died from childbirth complications giving birth to her Hinata was more like her mother in many ways than she was her older sister.

By early evening the group packed up their belongings on their horses and with Hanabi on Hinata's knee they rode back to palace tired and weary from their long and fun filled day.

Meanwhile

Toneri Ōtsutsuki bowed before king Hiashi Hyuga in the large throne room in the Hyuga castle.

"Sir Ōtsutsuki, you have asked for a meeting with myself. What do you wish to discuss?" King Hiashi asked.

"I wish to ask for your eldest daughter's hand in marriage, your Majesty?" Toneri stayed down on bended knee.

"My daughter is wearing another knights favour you don't see this as a sign that she has chosen another?"

"Then I shall challenge him to a fight to the death, the winner shall win the hand of the Princess Hinata's hand in marriage. Nothing would please me more than to kill the knight Uzumaki Naruto."

"You have a personal complaint against Sir Uzumaki Naruto?" King Hiashi asked Toneri Ōtsutsuki seriously.

"No, other than he has taken from me what should have rightfully been mine."

"Then should the challenge be accepted, the fight will take place tomorrow afternoon Sir Ōtsutsuki."

Sasuke, Hinata and their friends entered back into the palace grounds with the sun setting behind them. Shino came running up to Hinata as if from nowhere.

"Hinata!" He called, using her name in his haste, making her turn and frown seeing the worried look on her friends face Hinata quickly handed over the sleeping Hanabi to Kiba.

"What is it Shino? Is everything alright? My father isn't ill is he?"

"No your father is well, however I have other news," Shino looked from Hinata to Sasuke or the knight he knew as Naruto who now stood behind her. "It's Sir Toneri Ōtsutsuki he had a meeting with the King while you were away from the grounds this afternoon with Sir Uzumaki. He is to challenge him, that is to say you," Shino looked to Sasuke and bowed, "To the death, winner will the hand in marriage to Princess Hinata."

"What?" Sakura gasped.

"He can't do that!? Can he?" Naruto asked. "Don't accept that Sas, er Naruto."

"I accept the challenge." Sasuke looked at Shino paying no attention to his friends. Hinata gasped and quickly pulled Sasuke to one side.

"Sasuke you can't accept this challenge for me! Fighting in a tournament is one thing, but a fight to the the death...I can't allow this."

"Hinata do you not think I can win this fight?" Sasuke looked down at her blankly.

"It's not that, I just...I can't sit there and watch you get hurt as if it were a sport, Sasuke. As if this is all some game, can't we just run away from here and be rouge's together?"

Sasuke smirked down at the Hyuga princess and wiped away her tears that were lightly rolling down her face.

"Your people need you Princess and remember what I told about Neji and his death?" Hinata looked up at Sasuke with her eyes wide, "I won't say those words yet but know that I am willing to die for you just as Neji was. Let me fight for you Hinata? I'm not saying you have to marry me, we can proceed as planned, you can win your own hand in marriage if that's what you wish. All I'm asking is; believe that I can and will win this challenge for you."

Hinata wrapped her arms around him and silently cried into his chest. By now a small crowd had formed, although none had been able to hear the pairs conversation. However they did manage to see when their Princess and the knight known as, Uzumaki Naruto kissed passionately for several minutes. It was obvious who their princess favoured tomorrow in the challenge.

"You're crazy." Naruto told him again as he paced across the tent.

"You've said that, all morning in fact." Sasuke rolled his eyes at his friend.

"Cos you are!" Naruto shouted. "You could die."

"Naruto," Sasuke growled in frustration, "I get the rules of 'a challenge to the death' they kinda speak for themselves, I don't need you to point them out to me."

"You're fucking crazy!" Naruto repeated throwing his hands in the air.

"Is that the only advise you can give me?!" Sasuke shouted getting thoroughly aggravated now and storming out the tent, he needed some fresh air anyway. He needed a chance to think straight away from Naruto who was constantly getting on his nerves, although deep down Sasuke knew it was just Naruto's way of showing that he was worried for Sasuke's life.

Sasuke walked down the streets that he once knew as his home, before his older brother had destroyed it in the space of one night. However later in his life he had come to realise why, Itachi was devoted to the throne and the royal family, in fact he was one of the best royal guards the kingdom had ever known. So much so he had risen in the ranks fast and had even been chosen as Princess Hinata's future husband should such an alliance be desirable in the future for either party. Their father had been beyond proud, Sasuke however was envious of his older brother, he always wanted to meet the Princess Hinata ,she was his age after all and he had heard Itachi tell him how beautiful and kind she was to all those around her, even to the servant staff, so why wouldn't he like her? Why wouldn't she like him too?

Their father however had been too greedy in his power, he wanted Itachi to marry the Princess as soon as possible, he had even plotted to have the King killed by poison. When Itachi found out of course he was beyond furious, as their father had been planting the poison in the food Sasuke had been delivering to the kitchens of the palace and if they were to find out Sasuke would have been the one that would have been hanged for treason. So Itachi, for his love for his younger brother, killed their father and mother. Sasuke found out too late though, by the time he was strong enough to fight his brother Itachi was already bed ridden, it turned out whatever poison their parents had used had throughout those long years caused havoc on his brothers body. Sasuke and Itachi managed to say their final goodbyes to one another although it was very brief. Itachi had left a note for Sasuke and that was the only way he had found out the information. He still didn't know if it was true or not, but it's the only explanation he had.

Walking back in to his tent Sasuke looked at Sakura and Naruto who was by now thankfully much calmer. It seemed Sakura must have had words with him in Sasuke's absence.

"You asked me for some advice other than you're crazy?" Naruto smiled at his friend.

"Hn." Sasuke smirked at Naruto and folded his arms over his chest.

"Well I hear Sir Toneri Ōtsutsuki is a righty, he's a talker, bit of an arrogant prick if you ask me? And some say only wants to marry Hinata cos he wants the throne for himself."

"Why does none of this information surprise me?" Sasuke picked up his sword and began to sharpen it against a sharpening stone.

Hinata tried desperately to calmly breath, but nothing about this day seemed right for her. She had struggled to comprehend the thought of having to watch Sasuke fight to the death for her. She'd had nightmare after nightmare seeing him die in many gruesome ways each one he ended in a puddle of blood. Hinata had woke up with her pillow soaked wet with tears still streaming down her face, even now she could not control them no matter how much tried. Ino and Tenten held her hands on either side of her, both of them hadn't left her side since dressing her this morning in a beautiful silk navy blue bodice dress that only came down to her rib cage and cut away revealing most of her back and sides. Around the edges of the bodice and her waist a single red rose and a gold stem wrapped around Hinata's body showing off her curves perfectly. The skirt flowed off her hips desirably and was made from silk and chiffon. In her hair Hinata wore the flowered crown Sasuke had given her as his favour although by now the flowers had dried and she'd hoped this was not a bad omen for them.

"You have to take your place now Hinata." Ino looked at Hinata squeezing her hand affectionate. Hinata gave her dear friend a nod, not daring to say a word knowing she could not even if she wanted.

As she walked in to the makeshift arena she let go of her friends hands and walked in front of them, knowing if her father saw her walking with support he would be most upset with her. Trying with all her might she tried to take steadying breaths and chanted in her head to take one step and then another. She didn't hear the crowds cheering or their applause for her arrival, she didn't hear how beautiful they thought she looked. All she could think was, is this day I'm going to have to sit and endure and watch a knight fight to the death in front of my eyes? A knight who I have kissed passionately, a knight I could in fact be in love with?

Sasuke heard the crowd from outside the arena cheer Hinata's name and smirked, she must of looked beautiful for them to have caused quite a stir and such a reaction.

"Oi, lover boy!" Naruto hit Sasuke on the back of the head, "Get your head in the game. Don't die cos you're looking at her tits and not at your opponent."

"What did you just say?" Sasuke grabbed a hold of Naruto's shirt.

"Hey!" Sakura quickly intervened pushing herself in-between the two males and breaking them a part. "Naruto has a point, whether you want to admit it or not. You need to concentrate on the fight, then you can concentrate on whatever you like."

"On her tits." Naruto finished looking over Sakura's shoulder and making a gesture with his hands of a large pair of breasts.

"Mention Hinata's tits one more time and I'll fucking kill you too." Sasuke threatened.

"Oooh tough guy." Naruto goaded him on.

"Do you have a death wish?" Sasuke turned to Naruto angrily.

"Your Majesties," The announcer began, "Ladies and gentleman of Nobility. We are here today to bare witness a challenge to the death." The crowd cheered as the announcer paused, "Against Sir Ōtsutsuki Toneri and Sir Uzumaki Naruto for the hand in marriage to our beloved princess Hyuga Hinata. Let the knights enter the arena!" The announcer had to shout over the roar of the crowd.

"Hey Sasuke."

"What Naruto?" Sasuke asked gruffly and looking back at his friend as the gates began to the arena.

"Remember you can only look at her tits after the fight."

"I'm gonna fucking punch you after I kill this guy." Sasuke walked through the gate angrily.

Sakura frowned at Naruto and hit him repeatedly on the back of the head herself.

"Baka! You couldn't just leave it!"

"Ow! Sakura! Now he's pissed off, he fights better when he's angry."

"Wait? what?" Sakura paused in her assault.

"I made him angry on purpose. That why I said that, he'd take his anger out on that prick in their." Naruto indicated to the arena. Sakura looked from the arena to Naruto and back again.

"Naruto, you're a genius sometimes." She laughed and in her excitement kissed him on the lips.

Hinata gripped the arm handles of her thrones chair as Sasuke and Toneri came walking in to the arena. Toneri looked as smug as ever in his newly polished white armour, Sasuke's was jet black the knights literally stared down at one another as if trying to kill the other from their gaze alone.

"Breath Hinata." Ino whispered in her ear. Hinata had not realised she been holding her breath until Ino had prompted her to.

Sasuke and Toneri waited with baited breath for the cue to begin their fight, Sasuke was more than ready for this.

"You have taken from me what is mine Uzumaki and I will have it back, be prepared to die today."

Naruto had been right, this Toneri was a talker, what a drag.

"Princess Hinata is not anyone's property the last I heard Sir Ōtsutsuki, therefore I have taken nothing from no one." Sasuke prepared his stance ready for the fight to start at any given moment.

"She is mine!" Toneri shouted and looked up at Hinata, when he saw her his eyes looked at her in hostile manner. Sasuke frowned at such a reaction, however he dare not look at Hinata in case the fight were to start and he would loose the upper hand, Toneri was obviously distracted by what she was wearing and it was having a hostile affect on him.

"Let the challenge commence." The announce proclaimed.

Sasuke attacked straight away with his sword as Toneri was still distracted with the sight of Hinata, but he quickly defended and their swords clashed together causing sparks with the force of Sasuke's blow. The two knights clashed swords for many times each as they were each as skilled as the other, Sasuke would have to think fast and think of a distraction to win this fight.

Hinata gripped on to the arm of her throne her nails leaving marks in the wood as Sasuke's and Toneri's swords would clash together, each time she would flinch and close her eyes, only to open them again to see Sasuke unhurt.

When Toneri had seen her before the challenge commenced Hinata had held her head up high and looked him straight in the eyes, she had worn this outfit as a statement, she had made her choice clear as day who she wanted to win and that knight was Sasuke although to every one else he known as Uzumaki Naruto.

Hinata watched with bated breath as Toneri swung his sword high at Sasuke with such force it sent Sasuke down to the ground and his sword flying out of his reach, Hinata couldn't help but scream. This was becoming too much like one of her nightmares from during the night. Sasuke's eyes locked with hers almost as if he was apologising for her pain and suddenly she knew, Hinata jumped up out of throne as if in slow motion Toneri's sword came down again this time piecing through Sasuke's armour and into his stomach area, his eyes however never left hers. They changed from black, to red showing his sharingan to the crowd.

Hinata couldn't care less that her father had found out Sasuke's real identity, instead she pulled up her skirts not caring who saw or what the people and nobility would think of her and ran to Sasuke's side.

"No, no, no." She cried tears pouring down her face as blood covered the floor around him. "You can't die Sasuke, I love you." She cupped his cheek.

Toneri looked at the Princess and grabbed a hold of her from behind with his sword still cover in Sasuke's blood pressed it against her neck.

"Look at him, your Uchiha lover lies dieing because of me Princess." He spat at her menacingly, "Now you will marry me as per our challenge agreement." Toneri shoved Hinata to the ground unceremoniously as she cried covering her in Sasuke's blood. The crowd watched silently weeping themselves for their Princess, never before had they seen her so distraught even at her cousins funeral she had kept her grief a private affair.

Sasuke knew now was his moment when Toneri was to die, he could hear Hinata weeping for him thinking he was dead, heard her declaration of her love for him, he had had to bite his own tongue to the point of swallowing his blood to not say the words back to her. He'd have a lot of apologising to do after this. Slowly and unknowing to anyone in the arena Sasuke held a small dagger in his hand behind his back.

Rapidly he stood up and the crowd seeing his stand, as if from the dead gasped at his sudden movement. Sasuke gripped Toneri's arms from behind and held the dagger to his neck.

"If you are going to challenge a man to the death you better make sure you kill him before you walk away." Sasuke told him and cut Toneri across the throat.

Hinata looked away quickly not wanting to witness such an awful sight, but then once Sasuke stood up the crowd started cheering, this time instead of chanting Uzumaki Naruto they were cheering 'Uchiha'.

Sasuke finally looked at Hinata's outfit, before now he had only concentrated on her eyes, and smirked he could understand Toneri's reaction she piratically screamed 'I want Sasuke Uchiha to win'. Hinata jumped in to Sasuke's arms and kissed him for her whole kingdom to see.

"I love you." He whispered for only her to hear. Sasuke picked up Hinata meaning to wrap her in his arms but with his injury Sasuke quickly dropped her to her feet on the floor and went down on bended knee.

"Quick! Call Sakura!" Hinata shouted to the man on the gates.

"It's just a flesh wound." Sasuke spoke through clenched teeth.

"Sasuke there's blood everywhere." Hinata looked at him shocked and rapidly began undoing his armour.

"You're just trying to see me with my clothes off again." He teased her.

"Sasuke! That was total awesome I knew you could do it!" Naruto came running in to the arena along with Sakura who began to stitch up Sasuke straight away, not bothering to move him out of the arena as the crowd would shout out in uproar. Sasuke looked at Naruto and beckoned him to come closer, only to punch him square in the face a moment later.

"W-what was that for?-"

"Don't ask," Sasuke warned Hinata seeing her startled face, "All I can say is he had it coming."

"Uchiha!" King Hiashi strode over to Sasuke and Hinata silencing them and the crowed around them, desperately trying to hear what their King would say. Would he disprove of the pairs romance? Every one knew the Uchiha were no longer noble, though after Sasuke had just piratically saved Hinata's life from Toneri who had held a sword to her throat only minutes ago why would King not make him a noble?

"You are aware of the rules of the challenge you have just partaken in?"

"Your Majesty?" Sasuke looked at the King puzzled.

"You have just won my daughter's hand in marriage, you still accept this I take?" Sasuke looked shocked for but a brief moment.

"Even though you know I am an Uchiha and not Nobel?"

"The challenge was to win to kill your opponent, it mentioned nothing that they should be of a certain rank. You have done just that, therefore the offer of marriage still stands. Of course if you don't marry my daughter then the next in line to marry Hinata falls to..."

"NO!" Sasuke shouted. "I accept the terms, I wish to marry Princess Hinata if she'll accept me that is?"

Within a month the Kingdom of the land of Fire were celebrating in the streets watching the sceptical and spender as their Princess and her chosen knight wed in the big cathedral in the town centre. The crowds cheered and applauded as the Princess and her knight rode past them in their carriage waving at them happily, some people even caught them kissing each other tenderly not being able to wait until their honeymoon had officially started.