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Temari sneaked through the vast gardens of the palace on swift feet, careful not to be noticed by the guards keeping post. She hid in the darkest places, avoiding the moonlight to keep herself disguised in the shadows. It helped that she knew every nook and cranny of the palace and its walls. She was restless as a child and had loved to go exploring with her younger brother, pretending they were pirates or thugs. She’d behaved so unladylike that her governess had always told her how her beauty was wasted on a girl such as herself.
Granted, that may have been true once upon a time, but at the age of twenty-three, Temari was a properly behaved Crown Princess, first in line to the throne. She carried herself with all the glory befitting a royal, but her poised performance was just that – a performance. She had remained every bit wild at heart. She was sick and tired of being carefully watched, told what to do and how to act, of politics and social events she was always dragged to but never allowed to properly enjoy. So, when the opportunity presented itself to sneak out of the palace, she took it.
Her guard had had a day off for the first time ever, and his substitute wasn’t as observant as Shikamaru had been. He’d only guarded her for six months, but it felt like a lifetime. She could’ve sworn the man knew every thought that ran through her mind at any given moment of the day. He was the most obnoxiously professional guard she’d ever seen. Always alert, always spoiling her fun.
But the day finally came when he was away from the palace, probably visiting his family, and she wasn’t going to waste it.
She had never left the palace unchaperoned, and the idea of finally doing it sent her heart racing so fast she was slightly afraid the sound of her erratic heartbeats would alert the guards to her location. She finally made it to the small door leading inside the great wall that surrounded the palace grounds. It would be no easy feat to make it up the structure and climb down to escape, and later return, but she would do it. Temari never backed down from a challenge.
Red Lantern had been a name she often heard mentioned by the guards. It was a place they’d visited off duty that was rumored to serve the best beer and pleasure known to man, so of course, it was where she’d decided to go. She wore black leggings with a dark blue tunic, and a large cloak to disguise herself as much as she possibly could, making a point of messing up her hair to appear as untamed as possible and not the least bit ladylike. Her governess would’ve ruptured a vein at the sight. No one who didn’t truly know her would recognize her.
It had taken her an hour to locate the tavern, but she had done it, now staring at the big letters above the entrance, her heart in her throat. Temari slowly opened the door and silence faded into noise as she stepped inside the dimly lit room. The space was packed with patrons and loud with laughter, banter and mundane arguments she found so fascinating. The scent of cigarettes and alcohol invaded her as she walked further inside, her hood still on top of her head, shielding her from curious eyes.
She decided she was going to sit down, act like she belonged, and order a beer. But, as she made her way to a small table in the corner of the main room, she noticed a large booth packed with palace guards, and more importantly him.
Shit. He wasn’t supposed to be here. It was so typical of him to ruin her perfectly good plans. Temari ducked into a hallway that separated the main space from what appeared to be private rooms, and she did so with more grace than she anticipated. She almost felt like a spy on a mission.
Shikamaru was chatting with his friends, a smile on his lips that she’d never seen before. In the palace he was always so serious, so stuck up. He never once indulged her in playing her games, or even bantering with her, so much so that she’d become convinced that he was a robot.
He always appeared bored, but this man in front of her seemed to have so much life in him that made it impossible to look away. Granted, he still did look slightly bored, but in a much different way; like he didn’t mind this kind of boredom at all.
Temari decided that she wanted to get to know this Shikamaru.
A woman appeared at their table, blocking her view of him, and Temari frowned. Her displeasure exploded into an emotion she didn’t quite recognize as the woman perched herself in Shikamaru’s lap and wrapped her bony little arms around his neck, leaning in to whisper god knows what into his ear. Something tugged on her insides at the sight and she wished for nothing more than to drag the woman out by her infuriatingly gorgeous black hair.
His eyes found hers, and Temari froze. All thoughts forgotten as she met his stare, knowing she had fucked up by staying where he could see her for so long. What the hell was she thinking? She didn’t plan on spying on him; she was supposed to just leave and find a different place to go live dangerously at.
But Shikamaru didn’t so much as blink, or tear his gaze from her. He observed her with lethal calmness for what seemed like days, until he finally broke eye contact and whispered something to the woman on his lap who nodded and left. Shikamaru stood up and took long, purposeful strides, but not in Temari’s direction. She was both relieved and upset at the notion, but her mind couldn’t stop racing.
Where did he go?
She puffed out a frustrated breath and turned on her heels only to crash into the firm, muscled body of the man she had been observing.
“What do you think you’re doing, Princess?” His silky-smooth voice was low, only for her to hear. The noise faded as she focused on him and only him, suddenly intrigued by the shift in his behavior. He never spoke to her this way.
“Take a wild guess, Captain,” she said, making a point of addressing him by his own title. He seemed displeased with her attempt at playing games and his dark eyes bore into her soul. She would’ve flinched if she didn’t find him so captivating and obnoxious.
“I took one day off and you immediately rushed into trouble. Have you no sense of self-preservation?” Shikamaru frowned and all she could do was blink slowly, feeling like he’d rendered her stupid. “Answer the question.”
“You can’t tell me what to do, Shikamaru. I’m the employer here. I tell you what to do.”
“Technically, that’s not correct. Your brother is my employer so he’s the one telling me what to do. I’m pretty sure it mainly comes down to protecting you, so tell me…” He stepped closer into her personal space and Temari felt her stomach flutter when he leaned closer to her face and she felt his breath on her skin when he said “Why are you so insistent on making my life difficult?”
She let out a frustrated groan and bunched up her eyebrows to form a crease between them. It’s not like she wanted to run into him and ruin his night. He wasn’t even supposed to be in Suna.
“You’re not supposed to be here.” Temari gritted her teeth, and felt like such an idiot for not having a better retort.
“You’re not helping your case and my patience is wearing thin. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t report this back to the palace and have the substitute guard fired for letting you out of his sight?” He inched closer to her again, and she didn’t even realize how far back he’d driven her. Right into the corner of the hallway. He was taller and larger than her, but suddenly he seemed so much more so, like he towered over her effortlessly. His presence felt silent and deadly.
She pursed her lips and frowned at the thought that her actions might have consequences for anyone else but herself. But he was right, the guard would lose his job, and for what? It wasn’t his fault that she was sneaky and had a taste for trouble.
“Alright. You’ve been at my side for six months, Shikamaru. You know how sheltered I am, and considering your observation skills I’m certain you also know I’ve been bored out of my mind. I can barely breathe, and I just wanted a night out where I can pretend to be someone I’m not.” Temari recited the story she’d practiced for her father if she ever got caught. “I just wanted to experience the real world before I have to become a queen.”
She exhaled a shaky breath, finally gathering the courage to look him in the eyes, and she found him looking over his shoulder somewhere. The audacity of this man to demand answers and then not have the decency to listen to them. She opened her mouth to tell him what’s what, but he was faster. “I’m sorry, Princess.”
Sorry? Temari shook off the surprise for long enough to ask, “Whatever for?”
“This.”
He turned to her and captured her eyes with a fierce gaze before he came crashing down and capturing her lips with his own.
Temari squirmed under his body and let out a hint of a squeal that was swallowed by his mouth. The kiss was soft, yet firm and demanding. His hand sneaked to the back of her neck and pulled her further into him as if they weren’t already as close as they could be. Her attempt at resistance faded into nothing. The fist that had slammed on his chest as a response suddenly went slack, and she found her palm pressing against him, not to push away, just fighting the urge to fist the fabric of his tunic.
Her cheeks grew heated and she let a small moan from her lips which instantly embarrassed her, making her whole body burn. Suddenly, she missed his warmth as he backed away from her, and she had a lot of things to say about what just happened. “Why, I never– “
She didn’t have a chance of finishing that sentence when he dipped down, grabbed the back of her thighs and threw her over his shoulder.
“Shikamaru!” she screamed in protest as he carried her down the hallway. His large hands seemed to slip up the back of her thighs as he walked. Temari felt hotness gather in her lower abdomen, and something resembling tension. She had the wildest urge to get some friction between her legs, wishing for his hands to roam up further.
“Having some trouble with the girlie there, eh?” she heard an unfamiliar voice say. It sounded like it belonged to an old man who was missing a tooth or two.
“She’s a real wildcat this one,” Shikamaru’s raspy voice responded, and as if that wasn’t enough, she felt a sudden sting on her behind that bordered with pleasure. He had spanked her! The audacity of this man, she was going to have his head for this just as soon as her feet hit the ground, no god would help him.
He took a turn to his right, and she heard a door open and close behind them, and her feet were once again on solid ground. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” she hissed and pushed him away, not that it did any good considering he remained firmly planted where he stood.
“He was staring and seemed like he was going to recognize you. I had to act fast to ensure no one suspects it.”
Temari was fuming—absolutely furious—yet she found no words to respond. Yes, he protected her from a potential scandal, but he also kissed her and touched her like that and – and…
Her anger faded, morphing into something different, dangerous. She realized she didn’t really mind it at all. On the contrary, she very much liked it. Her cheeks heated at the memory, still feeling his lips on her own and his hands all over her thighs. There was that tingling feeling in her core again, making liquid pool between her legs. She suddenly craved his touch and wanted his hands back on her.
She swallowed thickly, and gave him a small nod.
“Don’t let it happen again,” she said flatly, making her voice as cold as she possibly could. He didn’t flinch at her words, he just kept staring at her with those eyes that were so dark yet sparkled so bright.
“Let’s take you back to the palace.”
Temari lounged on her bed with a book in hand but the words weren’t sinking in, her mind preoccupied with scandalous ideas. After all these new feelings that she felt three days ago she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She’d told him she understood why he’d done it and lied that she was angry with him either way, and he’d been angry with her for running off. So, by the time he’d snuck her back into her chambers, they came to a mutual agreement to call it a truce. But now, three days later, his lips and his hands were all she could think about.
Every time she left her room and he waited outside, a blush crept up on her face. She couldn’t help but wonder if he felt the same way. If he thought about her just as much. This sort of passion was rather new for Temari. She’d had crushes before, but never quite this intense. Never ones that made her whole body ache with want. She left the palace that night in pursuit of adventure, something that would make her feel alive. And she found it, just not in the way she’d expected.
Temari still wanted to experience the world outside the palace, but she realized she could still live dangerously inside it. And it was exhilarating.
She took it upon herself to read a few romance books that had been rather… explicit. They were apparently available to boys to read, but never to girls. Talk about double standards. The things she’d learned from them were quite enlightening. One thing in particular was rather fascinating, and she wanted to try it. And why not? It was her body after all. Temari tossed the boring political book she was currently attempting to read, and laid flat on her back.
Her hand trailed a path from her breasts down to her stomach, down to her most private parts, fingertips lightly brushing the bundle of nerves that had already felt so sensitive since she’d started daydreaming about him. The jolt of pleasure she felt at the touch was exquisite.
The rules of his job were simple.
Rule number one: Keep the princess safe. Except the princess was a giant pain in his ass and the most troublesome woman he’d ever met in his life, including his mother.
Rule number two: Sleep only when she sleeps and another guard takes the shift.
Being the insomniac that he’d been, he sometimes couldn’t do the latter. And ever since her attempt to go and experience life like a commoner the other night by sneaking out, Shikamaru found himself taking post on her balcony.
Not that she’d been aware of this.
He’d sit in a secluded corner of it, where nothing but shadows remained to keep him company. He didn’t spy on her, he simply sat there, overlooking the gardens. And making sure she didn’t try escaping again.
He certainly did not think about the way her lips felt and tasted. It would be so terribly wrong to play that scene over and over in his head until he drove himself mad thinking about her soft and lush thighs. And he definitely did not hear soft pants and moans coming from her room just now, nor was he thinking about coming inside and helping her reach the thrill she’d been chasing.
His chest tightened at the very thought, sending his stomach twisting and his blood rushing down.
Fucking hell, pull yourself together, man.
If only it were as easy as he wished it to be. But she was the Crown Princess and he was the Captain of her guard. It was never going to happen. So Shikamaru ducked out of her balcony and retreated into his room to try and get some sleep, definitely not still thinking about her and all the ways he hated her.
Come morning, he was at his usual post in front of her chambers at dawn. And she wasn’t up as early as usual. He could wager a guess why. Forty-five minutes later, she emerged from behind the door, her skin glowing a most luscious shade of bronze and a spark in her eyes.
Naughty princess.
“Good morning, Shikamaru.”
“Good morning, Princess.” He fought the urge to smirk.
She strode forward and he followed close behind. She wasn’t going to the dining room, he realized. She’d headed for the library. Once they were inside, she roamed between shelves until she appeared to find what she’d been looking for. In science department. Odd.
“Would you please help me reach a book over here, Shikamaru?” she called innocently and too sweetly. She was up to something. Shikamaru tentatively stepped closer.
“Which one?”
She pointed up to a volume of human anatomy, and he frowned at her before reaching for it.
“Might I interest you in a deal, Shikamaru?”
“Get to the point, Princess, you’ve been squirming ever since you left the room,” he replied boldly. He’d never addressed her so casually before—not until that night at the Red Lantern, at least. Gods, he wanted to murder her when he first spotted her out there all alone. The woman didn’t just like trouble, she was trouble.
“Fine,” she said flatly, dropping the sweet tone. “I’m not going to give up on experiencing the world outside this palace. So how about, instead of me sneaking off on you, you take me yourself?”
“Not a chance, love,” he said without hesitation, mentally cursing himself for the nickname he’d used. She was well and truly mad if she thought he would go anywhere near that mess.
“Oh, come on!” she hissed, clutching the giant book he’d handed her to her chest. “I just want to bring a little adventure into my life.” When he didn’t utter a single word in response, she kept going. “I’ll do it with or without your help. You won’t be able to stop me.”
“Try me.”
“Fine, you might. But I won’t make it easy for you.”
“Have you at all considered trying out things you could do inside these walls that could give you a rush if you’re so persistent on getting high on adrenaline?” He stepped closer to her and dropped his voice down, Temari bit her lip as she stared right into his eyes and soul.
“That just sounds dull. I prefer a more direct, hands-on approach.” Her hand was on her hip, while the other one still held that book. For a second he let his eyes dip down, a little too fast. He would’ve liked to look more.
“Maybe you just haven’t tried the right thing.”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Something that’s very hands-on.”
“Martial arts? Are you quite serious?” Temari frowned. It seemed like a ridiculous idea, and yet she kind of liked it. A lot. He hadn’t told her his exact plans until they have arrived to a secluded part of the grounds later that day, where they’d be away from prying eyes, and lord knows how the staff loved to gossip.
“I thought you’d be up for the challenge,” Shikamaru smirked at her, leaving her dumbfounded as he put on some sort of bandages on his hand. “Or did I have you figured out all wrong?”
She’d hated the bait, but hell if she was going to back down. Temari approached him, grabbing a bundle of bandages from a duffle bag he’d put on the bench. “Are these for protection?” she asked as she fumbled to unwrap the bundle.
“Yes, but you must also know how to put them on properly, otherwise they could do you more harm than good.”
Temari nodded and observed the way he’d wrapped his right hand. It looked fairly easy, but once she tried to repeat it, the bandages felt either too slack or too tight. It just wasn’t quite right.
“It takes practice. Allow me.” Shikamaru said, opening his palm up for her to hand it over, being all proper. Like he’d never touched her before. Temari handed him the unwrapped bandage, her fingers brushing his skin which sent shivers through her body.
Why did she like to touch him so much? And how come a single brush of fingers made her feel all sensitive? Her mind strayed to that dangerous place in her memories where his hands roamed her thighs and all she wanted was for his fingers to touch her the way she’d touched herself just last night, his name on her lips. What would he think if he knew what happened?
He took her by the wrist gently, positioning her hand to allow him access to work. As his hands wrapped the bandages around her palm, she hoped for an accidental, lingering whisper of a touch, and found herself gravely disappointed when it didn’t come. She decided to focus on his movements and learn how to properly wrap these things. After all, Temari didn’t just do things. She excelled at them.
“Right, let’s start by some warm ups first.” Shikamaru said and she nodded.
She never knew she could sweat so much. She was severely out of shape and it showed. Shikamaru wore her out so thoroughly she was going to take a bath and immediately collapse upon returning to her room. Maybe that was his plan all along; tire her as much as possible to neutralize the flight risk. If so, she’d need to give him more credit because that would’ve been a sly move on his part.
“Are you alright?” Shikamaru loomed above her lying form. She must have looked pathetic splayed on the ground like a beat up dog. His hand extended towards her, and she took it, allowing him to pull her up to her feet.
“It’s embarrassing how out of shape I am.” She admitted. Why not call a spade a spade?
“You learn fast. You are swift on your feet and you’ve got great balance.” His assessment of her made her cheeks blush tinged, and a feeling of confidence rushed through her, not that it was something she usually lacked. Temari was nothing if not bold, but hearing his praise made the feeling solidify.
She merely quirked up her lips in a lopsided smile. He seemed stunned for a moment when she did so.
“So, where are you from, Shikamaru?”
“The Land of Fire. I’m shocked that you don’t know,” he teased as he stuffed the bundle of bandages in his duffel bag.
“I know that, but which part?”
“Konoha.” He replied simply, grabbing the hem of his shirt and pulling it over his head, leaving his sculpted chest bare, gleaming with sweat. Temari swallowed as she observed the tight muscles on his hands, and abdomen, and back. God, that back… She shrugged as if to shake off the uninvited rush of feelings, turning her gaze away from him. He’d put on a fresh new shirt after drying himself off with a towel.
“Oh,” Shikamaru said once he noticed her discomfort. “My apologies, Princess. Force of habit.”
“It’s fine.” She said. She should be lucky that he’d misinterpreted the source of her discomfort. It wasn’t his bare body that had caused it but that persistent feeling in her lower stomach that ached with raw need. “So, why did you leave Konoha?”
“It was my father’s idea. He thought it would be a good experience to leave my comfort zone. He’s the Queen’s advisor, so he pulled some strings and, well, here I am.”
“Oh.” Temari said. Something about the fact that he was forced to be here rather than choosing it didn’t sit well with her. It was considered a great honor to be in the personal guard of any royal. But, he was a foreigner, he couldn’t possibly love her as he loved Konoha’s royals. Yes, their kingdoms were at peace, and great allies for that matter, but still. He was impeccable at his job; too good for her taste, in fact, but Temari couldn’t help but feel slightly hurt at the thought that Shikamaru didn’t choose to be at her side. It was chosen for him.
She swallowed her hurt and pride, schooling her face into a perfect facade. “Do you miss Konoha?”
“I’m not particularly sentimental, but I suppose I do miss family and friends.”
Temari gave a slight nod and another intrusive thought occurred to her. What if he was married? He doesn’t wear a ring, but then again none of the guards do; it’s a rule. A twinge of jealousy coursed through her as she struggled to ignore the burning question, yet again continuing the conversation with what she considered to be a neutral line of questioning. “And are you enjoying Suna?”
“More than I thought I would.”
A flock of butterflies burst in her stomach, and a smile threatened to break out on her face.
She continued to ask about his life in Konoha and learned that his mother was a total badass who has his esteemed lord father undeniably whipped, and Temari wished to meet her. He had two childhood friends he’d considered his family – Chouji Akimichi and Ino Yamanaka. He was trained in martial arts and war strategies from a young age thanks to his lord father who had been a General before becoming the Queen’s advisor. He had an IQ over two hundred and loved playing chess, so she made him promise her a game one of these days.
Temari had also offered him information about herself that wasn’t known to general public. Like the fact that she had a collection of vintage fans, or that she liked reading about history, specifically war battles. It was all fascinating to her and she envied him on his upbringing and the fact that he could hear first-hand stories about those things from his father. War wasn’t for ladies – at least that’s what she’d been told all her life.
Once she was back in her room, Temari felt like she’d known him forever.
Over the next few days, Temari’s favorite part of the day had been training with Shikamaru. With each new lesson she felt like she’d significantly improved. Her body was still sore as hell from workout, but she welcomed it.
There had been a new sense of camaraderie between them. They were the Crown Princess and her guard, but they were also closer than before. She spoke differently to him, without bothering to fake poshness like she had before and with almost everyone else, and he’d also seemed less stuck-up. The way he treated her during their training reminded her of the way he’d treated her that night at Red Lantern when he’d completely disregarded the fact that she was a princess, and let annoyance drip from his words.
She cursed herself for thinking about that night during their training, because it was making her lose focus and her head spun just as he’d fake attacked her in order for her to demonstrate her defense skills, making her lose balance and stumble forward, right into him. He’d caught her, but the fine particles of sand made the ground slippery, causing them to fall down.
Temari blinked upon impact, but his body cushioned her fall and she found herself safely on top of him, his arms wrapped around her waist where he’d caught her. Her body molded into his so effortlessly, like it was always meant to be there.
Her skin felt like it had been set ablaze. Her stomach, chest and face burned the same way they had that night. The same way they had whenever she thought of him with her hand between her legs. She hated it. She hated all the thoughts she had of him.
He was rude, and lazy, and… and he’d treated her the way she wanted to be treated. Like a human girl. Like she wasn’t the future Queen of Suna. And she hated that she loved that. She’d always wanted to be treated like an equal as opposed to worshiped.
Temari’s breaths felt heavier, more urgent. Like the air was escaping her when she was fighting for life. That carnal need intensifying with his eyes locked on hers.
“You alright, Princess?” Shikamaru asked, removing his hands from where he held her and she frowned at the lack of contact there.
“No. Put your hands back on me.” She breathed, so quietly she wasn’t even sure if she said it out loud, until his body stiffened. Temari held his gaze, her chest heaving so wildly it practically grinded on his, the friction supplying her with most welcome sensations all over her body. His dark eyes shone so brightly it was unreal.
“That might be the worst idea you’ve ever had, Princess.” He said softly.
“Why?”
Shikamaru brought one hand up and lightly brushed the fringe from her face. He swallowed, and his voice came out hoarser than usual. “I can’t.”
It was in that moment that Temari knew he understood her desires perfectly well.
“Because if I do, I won’t be able to stop.”
It was meant to persuade her to back out of her request, but it only made her want it more. She should kiss him. Kiss him and show him how badly she wanted him. Shikamaru’s head snapped to the side, eyes wide. Before she could register what was happening, he’d flipped her on her back, and jumped up, pulling her to her feet.
“We have to go.” He announced, grabbing the bag from the bench. She didn’t have the time to ask why when she realized that a group of court residents was approaching.
Shit.
They were enough far away so that she and Shikamaru could easily slip out, but he was right – they had to go, now.
Shikamaru stood guard in front of her door, waiting for her to emerge. Ever since that day they hardly got a moment alone considering Temari had been dragged into organizing a ball in honor of her birthday – which was today.
Surely, it was for the best. He was bad news for her. For all his glorified intelligence, he felt utterly stupid in her presence. The woman is troublesome as the day is long, and she’d make him lose every ounce of self-control. Just the thought of her eyes, and lips, and skin had him reeling. He had to stay away from her because there is only so much he could take before he snapped and went down the road of no return.
She was a Princess, and he was her guard. It was never meant to happen. Even if he was of noble blood, Suna’s laws were strict.
The door of her room opened and she stepped outside slowly. She wore a light lilac dress that was obviously tailor made for her. The rich layered skirt shimmered under the light, and that cleavage will be the death of any man who sets eyes on her tonight. Shikamaru felt a fierce protectiveness for a brief moment, the thought of men ogling her like that bothered him more than he cared to admit. Her hair had been pulled back in an elegant yet casual little bun right above her neck. And her eyes… damn her eyes.
“Ready for the ball, Shikamaru?”
“Yes, Princess.” He choked out; his eyes hooded with passion. He wanted to wish her a happy birthday, but he lost the nerve way too quickly, and she was already walking past him, down the long hall. Shikamaru followed her as he always did; three steps back, attached to her like a shadow.
The back view of her dress was a mindfuck on it’s own with bodice dipping so low it should’ve been illegal. He trailed the line of her spine up and down her gentle yet defined back. Her smooth skin had a healthy glow and Shikamaru wished for nothing more than to wrap her hair around his fist and pull it back to see her arch.
Fucking hell. She’s a god damn Princess, you don’t get to go there, idiot.
He shook his head and refocused on the task at hand. Watch over her. Protect her. Keep her safe. Once they enter the ballroom he mustn’t show even the slightest sign of interest in her. Nobody can know just how far his imagination went.
So Shikamaru did just that. He plastered that emotionless expression on his face and remained at his post. He knew the ballroom by heart. It was his job. And he knew exactly what the weak spots were and where he was supposed to look. His eyes made a full sweep of the room, settling on her at last. She’d been approached by many guests, all of who had wished her happiness, health and love.
Out of the corner of his eye, Shikamaru noticed someone familiar make his way to her. Neji Hyuuga. The heir to Hyuuga’s Count title and wealth. He knew him from Konoha. While Neji hadn’t been the Count’s son, he was the first male next in kin for the title. Hyuuga’s had kept such archaic traditions that women weren’t fit to inherit titles.
Shikamaru’s father had been a Viscount, and he himself the heir to the title as the only child.
Neji approached the Crown Princess with all the grace of a royal, bowing deeply and taking her hand in his own, he placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles “Your Highness.”
“Lord Hyuuga.” Temari replied in amusement, and Shikamaru loathed the sweetness in her voice that had encouraged him to ask her to dance. She accepted.
Shikamaru was forced to watch Neji guide Temari to the middle of the dance floor, spin her around and hold her close. Too close. Too damn close for Shikamaru’s taste. Hyuuga’s hand was so low on her back that his fingers toyed around the hem of her bodice which allowed him to brush the skin on her back. Watching her in the arms of another man all but killed him.
The burning sensation in his gut, in his heart, had made it difficult to be rational. He’d had no claim on her whatsoever and yet he would still take her if she offered. Suddenly Shikamaru regretted not kissing her yesterday when she so clearly begged for it. She would never beg again. She was a Princess and he was a nobody who’d denied her what she once asked of him.
Stupid, honorable idiot is what he was. He should’ve played into his worst. He should’ve taken her when he had the chance because watching her slip away from him was pure torture. He didn’t deserve her, but he wanted her anyway.
Shikamaru thought back to Red Lantern. To their kiss. To everything that had brought them closer together. For the first time ever he regretted being her guard. Because if he hadn’t been one, he could’ve been a guest, asking her to dance.
But would she like him the same?
He caught her gaze for the briefest moment, and averted his eyes, watching straight ahead of him, jaw ticking with frustration.
Temari danced. She danced with many different people, but Neji was the one that always reappeared. He hated him. He wanted to punch him in the face. When the clock struck midnight and Temari finished her fourth dance with Neji, she’d finally decided to retire to bed.
Shikamaru followed in silence, reigning in his jealousy bit by bit.
“Good night, Shikamaru.” She said softly as she turned back to look at him.
“Good night, Princess.” Was all he said when he wanted to say so much more. He had no claim over her, and she wasn’t his.
And yet she somehow was.
There was something intangible between them. An energy that sparked with each gaze. A want what burned with every accidental touch. Embers of passion they had no right to incinerate into a blazing fire. It was there. So Shikamaru acted on pure instinct and slammed his hand to the door she was about to close.
Temari turned to look at him, and in her eyes he saw it all. There was no going back from this. He glanced behind to make sure they had no audience, and then stepped into her room, closing the door behind him.
Her presence in any room had always been overwhelming, she was the Crown Princess after all. But somehow right now, it felt like the authority of it had been dimmed in the face of him.
She stared at him with those teal eyes, waiting for an explanation that his ragged breaths gave without him having to speak the words. They stood there for a moment, unmoving, waiting. And then Shikamaru was on her. His lips came crashing down onto hers, demanding and begging at the same time.
When she didn’t push him away but grabbed his collar and pulled him closer, he was all in. A desperate hunger rose in him, his body aching for her, for more. Shikamaru dipped down so his hands would go under her skirt and then travel back up along her smooth skin. God he missed her thighs. His roaming hands elicited a delicious moan from her lips.
Her chest heaved up against his, her own hands growing restless and exploring his body, starting with shoulders and working their way down. Her soft touch on his abdomen made him shiver with delight, and made the all-consuming hunger that more insatiable.
Shikamaru pushed her back with his body and kisses until her behind hit a drawer wardrobe, and he grabbed the back of her thighs to lift her up to sit on top of it, perfectly aligned with him.
Her fingers tangled his hair while he peppered wet kisses down her neck and chest. The hand that wasn’t on her thigh cupped her breast, tugging down the material of her bodice.
Shikamaru froze and his whole body tensed as he realized what he was doing. He was about to defile Suna’s Crown Princess. He was out of his fucking mind. Stop touching her and step away, jackass. He wasn’t worthy of her. Never in a million years will he, or anyone else for that matter, be worthy of her.
“Shikamaru,” she breathed his name like it was the most decadent word she’d ever let past her lips, and shivers ran down his spine while he wondered how his name would sound on her lips if he took it further and buried himself in her.
“I’m sorry, Princess,” he panted, his forehead dropping on her shoulder. “I–”
“No. Don’t you dare,” her warm breath touched the shell of his ear as she spoke, and his hand fisted the fabric of her skirt at either side of her body where they rested. “You don’t get to stop now.”
“I can’t ruin you like that.”
“The only way you could ruin me, Captain, is if you stepped away from me now. I will never forgive you.”
Shikamaru finally lifted his head to meet her gaze. Her green eyes were hooded with lust and desire, equally intense as his own. She wanted him. So he tossed his logic out of the window once his lips came back on hers. It was different, this kiss right now. It was gentler, less urgent but equally demanding. Her rapid breaths and stifled moans made him want to savage her. He pushed his hand up her inner thigh, almost all the way up. His hand cupped her and found her underwear wet.
“Fuck, you’re drenched.” Shikamaru whispered against her lips, and his dick throbbed with immediate need. His finger pushed aside the delicate fabric and ran up her folds, making her whole body tremble with want. He teased at her entrance before going up to stimulate her clit, making sure she is properly ready.
Temari’s head fell forward, nestled in the crook between his neck and shoulder, her arms around his neck, fingers digging in his back.
“Are you alright?” He asked softly and felt her make a smallest nodding movement.
“Mhmph.” She mumbled and her hands tightened around his shoulders. Her bravado from moments ago gone.
“Look at me, Princess.” His voice was soft, but the authority was there. She slowly pulled back enough from him to look up, and her glossy eyes full of emotion tugged on his fucking heart strings. She is always so proud, so feisty, but right now she’s melting in his arms, and it made a feeling of over-protectiveness swoop over him. After tonight there was no letting go. She would belong to him forever, even if nothing between them happens from now on.
He gently tipped her chin up and held her gaze. “I need you to be looking at me, Princess.”
Something flashed in her eyes, resembling confidence, and her spine straightened up slightly, making her look bolder than a second before.
“That’s my girl.” He praised, and her cheeks flushed a rich pink shade.
Shikamaru’s finger pushed inside her slowly and she hissed for a moment. He stopped, and then pushed again after the initial pain seemed to have faded from her face. This time she moaned, fingers digging into his skin.
He added another finger, and her response was so unadulterated and maddening, it made his head spin.
“I’m ready.” She whispered, still holding his gaze as he’d told her. Shikamaru slowly retracted his fingers, instantly missing the heat of her. Her hands were no longer on his shoulders, but found their way down to his pants where she undid his buttons for him and pushed them down. Temari sucked a breath at the sight of his erection, but then she bit her lip and it was all encouragement Shikamaru needed.
He pushed inside her slowly, just the tip. Temari’s moans sounded like pleasure mixed with pain. He pulled back, then pushed a bit further. She squeezed her eyes shut and dropped her head, lips parting.
“You can take it, Princess.” He tilted her chin up again and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
“I can.” She nodded.
Shikamaru pushed the third time, stretching her out almost all the way in. She hissed. His mouth captured hers and swallowed the sound of pleasure and pain, before pulling back again. He repeated his slow, torturous thrusts over and over until there was no sound of pain left, only pleasure, and that was his undoing. Temari was warm and tight and welcoming. His pace quickened, more and more. He slammed into her harder and faster, her moans were breathless and raw and loud, urging him on.
Temari gripped his shoulder and sneaked one hand to the back of his neck where she held firmly onto him, keeping him close as if she was afraid he’d leave.
Her bodice dropped to her waist and he finally got to taste her breasts. He groaned as soon as he captured her hard nipple with his lips.
Temari yanked his chin back up. Her green eyes kept his dark ones captive, hooded with pleasure, lust and all things dirty. The message was clear: if he demanded to see her pleasure on her face, then she demanded the same. Pleasure coursed through him and it threatened to erupt once he felt her convulsing around his cock as she threw hear head back and let out a silent scream. Shikamaru’s thrusts kept a steady rhythm as she rode out her orgasm. And only when she was done did he allow himself to join her in bliss.
Shikamaru fucked as meticulously as he did his job. And while that may have sounded boring, it was far from it. Temari learned first hand how useful his observation skills have proved to be in the bedroom. Or on the dresser. The table. Every night since her birthday, every opportunity they got – they used.
Temari wanted him all over her every second of every day. Their training sessions resumed, charged with more sexual tension than before, but he had remained professional during the course of it, teaching her as he would teach anyone else. Except when it was all said and done, she’d tell him to come to her room tonight after his shift ended, and without fail, Shikamaru would arrive within fifteen minutes through her balcony.
They played a dangerous game. But it had been far too addictive, and felt far too right for her to even think about stopping.
She wanted to experience everything, and he gave her everything, just like she asked. He feasted on her when she was splayed on the table, and he fucked her mouth when she knelt in front of him. And while Temari let him do some disturbingly possessive things like hold her neck when he fucked her, Shikamaru had never once hurt her and she always felt like she was the one in charge, even when he was in front of him on her hands and knees and having her ass spanked.
Shikamaru was right. They both were. There were exciting things she could do inside the palace that would make her feel audacious. Their training sessions were enough to convince her of that, but their sex was what made her feel like she was truly living an adventure.
It probably wasn’t love, but it felt just as reckless and maddening.
Temari waited in her room. Fifteen minutes have passed, but there was no sign of Shikamaru.
Twenty.
Twenty-five.
Thirty.
He was late. And it didn’t sit well with her stomach.
Shikamaru knelt on the marble floor in front of the dais where the King sat. The chains around his wrists tight enough to leave marks. He didn’t care. Guards that had him tied up were from King Rasa’s personal guard.
“The only reason your head is still attached to your neck is because your father is a powerful man and the peace treaty with Konoha is valuable to Suna.” King Rasa bellowed, and all Shikamaru could do is keep his head down. He’d known exactly what he was getting himself into. He’d known that if they were ever to be caught there would be consequences. He’d be hanged. Yet he did it anyway. That woman was worth dying for, even if he only got to have her for a single month.
Happy fucking birthday to him.
“Shikamaru Nara, you are hereby exiled from Suna and the Land of Wind. You are never to set foot back here again, unless you have a death wish.” The King stood up, his presence intimidating. Yet he didn’t care.
“I am humbled by your mercy, your grace.” Shikamaru said, his tone even. He had to see her, to explain. “I only beg one thing of you; allow me to say farewell to the Princess, to expl-“
“There will be no farewells nor explanations, boy. You are lucky to be walking out of here alive, but make no mistake, you will be punished. My daughter as well, she needs to learn some self-restraint. A few well-placed whips ought to teach her a lesson.”
“You grace! I beg of you, none of it was her fault.” Shikamaru’s forehead touched the cold marble floor where he knelt. To fuck with it all if he was going to let anyone raise a hand or a fucking whip at her. “It was all me. I took advantage of her, dishonored her… I must bear the punishment alone. I beg of you. I’ll take it all.”
The room was silent for a moment, and the only thing he could hear were the erratic beats of his own heart.
“At least you are man enough to admit. Very well.” King Rasa said. Shikamaru didn’t dare to look up, he would kneel until he knew Temari was safe. He would let them butcher him if it mean she got out unscathed.
A set of hands hauled him to his feet, and Shikamaru came face to face with Baki, the King’s personal guard.
Steel sliced through his flesh, and blinding pain consumed him, leaving a throbbing headache in it’s wake.
“Who are you?” Temari demanded to know once she opened the door to her room and found a man who wasn’t Shikamaru standing there.
“Your new guard, ma’am. My name is-”
“Where is Shikamaru?” Fear coursed through her as her mind played horror scenarios for her where he’d been injured or worse.
“I– I was told the Captain left Suna last night.”
She blinked. “Oh. When is he to return?” Temari held her chin up high, demanding answers like a proper Queen to be. What a joke that was. Her. Queen. She was not cut out for the job. She was hyper aware of all the qualities she lacked for being a proper monarch. She was hotheaded and brazen. Too stubborn and too damn selfish to sit on a throne. While many dreamed of it, Temari dreaded it. It wouldn’t provide her with liberty, she wouldn’t be able to live her life like she wanted, and she despised her fate.
A crown equaled chains.
“Your Highness, he wouldn’t return. He resigned and went back to the Land of Fire.”
No. No, that couldn’t be the truth, could it? He wouldn’t leave, not without saying goodbye. Right? Panic coursed through her chest but she wouldn’t let it show.
“Good.”
It was all she said before returning back to her rooms, her back pressed to the closed door. Her breathing quickened, and a sharp twist in her chest had her gutted. This wasn’t right. Surely there’s been a mistake. He wouldn’t just leave without saying a proper goodbye. Maybe he was packing his belongings and he would come by later.
To tell her he was leaving. To explain why. To kiss her for one last time.
Temari held back tears that burned behind her eyes. No, she wouldn’t be a mess over this. It will be alright. Everything will be just fine.
The day passed, and then two more. And Shikamaru was nowhere to be found. She scarcely left her room, fearing that he would come by when she wasn’t there. But no such thing happened.
After a week of waiting it became obvious that he isn’t coming. He was gone. And all the sadness and pain she’d felt turned into something else. Something twisted and dangerous. All Temari could feel was rage. Burning, hot rage, that felt like a living thing inside of her. Threatening to erupt at any moment and wreak havoc on the world.
She didn’t regret kissing him. Or fucking him. The only thing she regretted was falling for him in the process, when he clearly had no interest in her. It was so easy to let herself get drowned in his passion, so easy to memorize every touch and every word, so easy to feel like his arms were home. It was one thing to leave, but to leave without saying goodbye was so much more. The betrayal stung more than anything she’d ever experienced before, and left her feeling utterly stupid and rejected.
But she was Temari, and she would not be brought to her knees because of a man. No. Fuck that and fuck him. She knew her worth even when she felt like it was only a pretend. And she was better than this. She didn’t need his praise or reassurance that she was, in fact, enough. Because she wasn’t just enough. She was god damn over the top, and she didn’t need weak man who couldn’t handle that.
Temari stormed out of her chambers, dressed in black tunic and leggings. Her new nameless guard followed quickly after her. His presence wasn’t like Shikamaru’s. Good.
She strode through the long hallway, and downstairs, making her way to the palace gym. Ah, just the man she was looking for.
“Hey sis,” her brother greeted he as he spotted her furious strides close the distance between them. His brow was pulled tight. “What brings you here.”
“I want to train.” Temari didn’t beat around the bush. There was no point to it, and Kankuro knew better than to argue with her, especially when she was so evidently angry.
“O-kay.” He responded carefully. “May I ask why? You don’t n–”
“I am sick of people telling me what I need and what I don’t need. I want to train because I just want to, Kankuro. I like the excitement, and you of all people should know this, unless you’ve forgotten who you are speaking to.” Temari said. She wasn’t pulling rank, and he knew. She saw it on his face. A flash of understanding, a drop of pity.
Her brother swore an oath to the Crown’s army and climbed ranks fast. Their father, while furious at first, was proud of him. He could be proud of her too.
Kankuro nodded and waved gently towards the center of the gym.
“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked quietly as they stepped away.
“No.”
“I know you feel betrayed, Tem. But it had to be done.”
Temari nodded softly.
Wait.
Betrayed? Had to be done? Panic coursed through her whole body, and she took a step back. “You know.” She whispered, her brows pulled tight and eyes slightly wide.
“Well, yes, I was there. Father–“
“Father knows?” Temari said, her tone flat but dangerous. The panic she felt before was nothing to one she felt now. “Kankuro, please explain what you’re referring to, this instant,” she demanded as she struggled, or rather refused to put the pieces together, her chest heaving wildly.
“Ok, I will, just relax, alright?” Kankuro’s soothing arms were on her shoulder, and she attempted to relax the tense muscles there without success. “Temari, I need you to breathe.”
She couldn’t. Did this mean Shikamaru was… No, he couldn’t be dead. No. No. Not because of her. No.
“Father learned about your indiscretions.” Kankuro spoke, and Temari’s heart splintered. “He caught Shikamaru’s possessive reaction that day when he mentioned he ought to find you a match to marry. It was an assumption confirmed when Shikamaru was caught trying to get to your balcony later that day. He was incapacitated and brought before him instantly.”
All instincts in her told her to scream.
“He was exiled from Suna.”
Relief washed over her. He was alive. He was well. He didn’t leave her without saying goodbye. Oh god, she was going to be sick.
“Was he unharmed?” She managed to speak, but panic once again had her in a chokehold when Kankuro shook his head no.
Did you hear the news? Crown Princess of Suna abdicated. Prince Gaara is the heir to the throne now.
A million thoughts raced through his mind as he stood at the edge of the only road that led directly from Konoha to Suna. It’s been two days since he learned the news of her abdication. It didn’t come as a surprise to Shikamaru that Temari didn’t want to rule. He’d known it from the moment he laid eyes on her. That girl was meant for wilder things than wearing a crown.
If King Rasa hadn’t threatened him to never come back unless he wanted Temari to pay for the consequences, he never would’ve left Suna a month ago. He would’ve stayed with her. His father had been beyond pissed once Shikamaru returned home. The truth behind it was to be kept a secret from the world, but his father knew. He knew it when he saw his face. Shikamaru hated his father’s scrutiny, but he would bear it.
He couldn’t help but wonder if the abdication was her idea or a punishment for tangling her sheets with him in her bad. What if she did want to rule and now he’d cost her everything?
Where would she go now?
Would she come looking for him?
Did she even know about why he wasn’t by her side anymore?
Knowing Temari, she would probably rush into an adventure, leave Suna to see the world. He felt so hopelessly pathetic thinking that the first place she might want to see is Konoha, and him. He didn’t deserve her. He dishonored her. He… He saw a figure approach from the other side of the road, scorching sun making it impossible to distinguish who it was.
His heart climbed to his throat, and once he knew for certain who the figure was, Shikamaru ran. He ran towards her and towards his death because surely the border guards would shoot him down. But no arrows came.
Her body clashed with his, and she threw her arms around him the second they made contact. She was there, and by the looks of it, unharmed. It was all Shikamaru could’ve hoped for. He held her tight, arms around her narrow waist. Her face had been buried where his shoulders met neck. They didn’t move. Just squeezing embraces, and sensation of their bodies touching everywhere.
When her hold on him loosened, so did his, and he put her down. He didn’t get a chance to pull back to look at her before she grabbed his face and kissed his lips. Shikamaru felt whole again.
“Hello, Princess.” He whispered once she was done savaging his mouth. “I take it you missed me?”
Her face was full of happiness and sadness at the same time, eyes glossy with tears. “Shikamaru, your face… I’m so sorry.”
Right, he’d forgotten all about it. “It’s nothing.” He said, dismissing the scar that ran from his forehead, across his brow and down his cheek. He hated the way she looked at him, like he would break. He wouldn’t. I did it for you, Princess. And I’d do it again. He thought, but didn’t dare say it out loud. She would feel guilty, and he would have none of that.
“A parting gift, from your father,” his tone was light, joking. “To serve as an eternal reminder that I have dishonored you and lived by his good graces.”
“Do you hate me?” She asked, and he blinked. It was a ridiculous question.
“No, Princess. I could never hate you.” His forehead fell on hers and he kissed the tip of her nose.
“Good. Because I have enrolled in Queen Tsunade’s guard training camp. My brother called in a favor.”
Shikamaru pulled back to look at her. She grinned widely, so un-princess like, but she shone bright as sunlight. Shikamaru couldn’t help but smile.
“Are you completely insane, Shikamaru? I’ll be late!” Temari protested when he dragged her ass back to bed and climbed on top of her.
“You’re the General, Princess. They answer to you, not the other way around.”
“Yes well, this General still likes to be punctual. And I may not answer to my men but you, sir, answer to the Queen. Plus, your father will know why you’re late.” She scolded him, but didn’t fight when he kissed her. And again, and again.
“Fine, we’ll go, Princess.”
“It’s been years, you can stop calling me that, Captain,” she mocked him, but deep down she loved it when he called her that and did not want him to stop. He knew.
“You will always be a Princess, but I’m no longer Captain.”
“Right, Queen’s advisor, my bad.”
“And a Princess Thief.”