The Chosen Ones were informed of the invitations, and excitement filled the palace. Some were elated to see their families, while others longed for the exuberant costumes they would wear. King Ay loved masquerade costume parties - and, to be honest, so do I. Of course, a ball wouldn't resolve tensions between nations, but he believed that, surrounded by a charming and comfortable environment, even the most rebellious could let their guard down and finally submit to the control of the majority.
- Feathers? - Naruto arched an eyebrow when he saw the designers' sketches for my dress.
- Don't you like it? - I asked, looking at the designs. I liked them all.
Naruto tilted his head sideways, analyzing the options.
- They're beautiful, but...
- But? - I encouraged, crossing my arms.
- Some of the Chosen Ones had the same idea. I don't think you want to sound repetitive.
I put my hand to my chin, pondering. Before I could reply, a flash blinded me. The photographer apologized, but before I could recover, Naruto pulled me close, and another sequence of photos was taken. Some showed him examining the dresses with me, others seemed to capture his opinion on the fabrics. In one of them, he gave me a kiss on the cheek. That one I'd make a point of keeping for myself.
In the end, I decided to change my mind completely. I would never be queen - not by birth, not by marriage - so for one night, I would be. The bodice of the dress was a vibrant red, with long, white sleeves, while the skirts had prints that were reminiscent of playing cards. I smiled as I imagined myself with the extravagant crown on my head. I would look intimidating and stunning. What if someone didn't like it? Let them cut off their heads.
***
Ino and I worked together in my room. Well, we worked on the ideas; the stylists were in charge of the designs and making the clothes. Kakashi, on the other hand, didn't seem at all happy about sharing the task with a competitor on the prowl.
As soon as the ball was announced, Ino decided that she would be an angel. Hidan's big challenge was to turn this idea into a dress. But she didn't like anything: wings too big, too small, too many feathers, too few feathers, too much satin, not enough sparkle...
- Should I say thank you or something? - Kakashi asked, holding swatches of fabric close to my face.
Hidan had already left the room in a rage, and only the maids were left to attend to Ino's every whim.
- Yes, you should," I replied, smiling.
He smiled back. Kakashi was an absurdly handsome man. If Samui's hints were true, Shizune liked him. And if his attentive glances when she arrived said anything, the feeling was mutual.
- I don't know which is worse: a girl who has no idea what she wants or one who is absolutely sure.
While Hidan and Ino at least had a definite theme, Kakashi and I didn't get very far. He wanted me to be a princess, but I thought that was too cliché. I wanted to be a samurai, but he dismissed the idea as soon as I mentioned that I wanted to wear armor.
We stood there, surrounded by fabrics and with Ino's screams in the background.
I sighed, lying down on Kakashi's first sketches and pretending to sleep.
- Come on, I can give you some pajamas and a pillow for the dance," he teased, "or would you rather wake up and help me?
I raised my head and rolled my eyes.
- I'll fire you! - I joked.
- Well, try me, darling," he replied, amused.
I heard Rin laugh and looked up to understand why. I followed her gaze to the door.
There was Naruto, leaning against the doorframe.
- You gave me away! - he complained to Rin, who continued laughing.
The next instant, all the maids and stylists rushed to greet him with curtsies. But I didn't move. I just watched him.
He winked at me before heading over to Ino's table for another photo session. They smiled, exchanged poses, but it all seemed so... empty. As if they were only there because they had to be.
Then he turned away from Ino and walked towards me.
The photographer captured my smile.
- I like it when you smile like that," Naruto murmured in my ear, pointing to a blue cloth as if he were explaining something to me.
- Like what? - I asked, raising my face to him.
Naruto rolled his eyes, as if to say that I knew exactly what he was talking about.
- Have you made up your mind? - he asked, frowning.
- Not yet. Kakashi wants something with flowers, something reminiscent of my hair ornament.
I touched the clip adorned with colorful silver flowers. It was a present from my father. I preferred that little object to all the heavy jewelry in the Palace.
- Ah, flowers," Naruto murmured, curling the end of my hair between his fingers.
Then he changed the subject.
- Looking forward to seeing your family? It was Karin's idea, and my grandmother approved. She's dying for an elimination and thinks that by meeting the families, we'll have a clearer idea of who should leave.
Only then did I realize that sending one of the girls homes was part of the queen's plans. Until then, I'd believed it would just be a big birthday ball.
That information made me nervous.
Still looking at the fabrics, Naruto said absent-mindedly:
- I think I need to finish my visits.
- Are you going?
- Don't worry, I'll see you at dinner.
"Yes," I thought, "but you'll see everyone at dinner."
And then he left, as suddenly as he had arrived.
On Monday, there were eight days until the party, which meant that the Palace was in a real hurricane.
We spent the morning at Princess Karin's side, tasting and approving the banquet menu. By far the most enjoyable task so far. In the afternoon, Karui disappeared from the women's lounge for hours, only to reappear at the end of the day with her venomous tone and a rehearsed catchphrase:
- Naruto sends his regards.
On Tuesday afternoon, we greeted Lady Mito and Nagato, who had returned to celebrate the princess's birthday. And that morning, we watched from the window as Naruto gave Tenten an archery lesson in the gardens.
The meals were becoming more and more crowded with guests, and every day the number increased. Prince Gaara and Prince Kankuro arrived on the seventh day, representing their country and their sister. King Onoki and his daughter, Princess Kurotsuchi, arrived late at night and greeted us the next morning with the most beautiful smiles.