Hierarchy (Atem, Denkiteki)

The book snapped shut with an unnecessarily loud noise, hinting to the pent up anger and frustration Princes Tehniyat had been experiencing for the past two days. The blonde had never been unintelligent, she had also always been highly intuitive and it took less than all the princess's talents combined to see that soemthing was very wrong.

That wasn't the problem, the palaces of Hoshigakure were rarely in a state of fairy tale bliss. If it wasn't secret plots of treason or attacks from the outside, it was the inner turmoils of the royal family and court politics. problems did not frighten Princess Tehniyat Bukhari-Star, what did put her on edge was not knowing what these problems were. Two days ago she had insisted that she be allowed to see her Aunt to discuss important matters and the Captain of the Queensguard had directly denied her wishes, stating that the Queen was in no fit state to discuss anything.

Tehniyat had then insisted on simply seeing her Aunt and that too had been turned down on no uncertain terms. Finally frustrated, the blonde princess had demanded to see Lady Akihana. The knights and shinobi of the village might play their silly games but Her Grace Akihana was always straightforward and had managed to grudgingly earn Tehniyat's respect. So when Ser Meryn Trant denied even that simply request, the young princess had seen red.

Of course, seeing red for a princess was not the same as it was for a commoner, for one thing she couldn't descend into a rage filled frenzy and start cursing. Instead Tehniyat had regarded the Queensguard with her coldest emerald gaze before leaving the room with her own personal guard, Ser Atem.

She had then proceeded to do the one thing they couldn't stop her from doing, setting up an appointment with Lord Denkiteki. The princess knew her decision would not be well received by the elders but she was past caring. She had always preferred staying to her books her whole life but while she had done that, she was always secure in the knowledge that ehr own family and guards weren't hiding something from her. now she could no longer think the same.

"Ser Atem," she called, rising to her feet, her deep red gown adorned with myrish lace trailing in a soft train behind her. Her sleeves boasted the same lace, expanding down to her knees as she gathered her arms in front of her. A small ruby rested on her throat and smaller rubies encrusted the tiara on her head held back and twisted through her pale golden locks. She was going in on her full authority as a Princess of Haven andvshe would get her answers.

"I think we should make our way to the university now, please inform the other guards that I will not be requiring a carriage, I would only need a single escort." The matters discussed would likely be private and at this moment, Tehniyat trusted no other guards than the one she had anointed herself.

The princess, she seemed to have something that was troubling her. Her eyes reflected all that her soul and mind thought, it was fairly clear to see that she was upset about something, what it was Atem had no clue. As the personal guard of the princess it mattered not what was troubling her, as long as she didn’t die while he was guarding her all was fine. If she had an order that needed to be carried out he would be there. This was the job of a Queensguard, Atem was fairly intrigued of the faces the princess was making.

He wanted to ask her what had been troubling her, but as he previously thought that would be incorrect per his etiquette books. Looking at the princess he could see that she was dressed resembling the blood that everyone shared. He knew not what this meant, but he really didn’t care either. He could just tell that something was going to happen today. Whether it was on a big or small scale he could not figure out.

“Ser Atem.” she said in a solemn voice. “Yes, Your Grace?” Atem replied back to her remembering what she had told him the day of his induction. She stood up letting her dress flow to it’s fullest extent, she would continue to speak, “I will make my way to the guards.” Atem retorted to her command. When she said to inform the guards the first person that came to his mind was Shina.

She was usually not too far from the princess so he doubted he had to search for too long. He made his way throughout the palace in order to find her. As he left the library he could see the black-haired girl talking to someone who seemed to be very important. “Excuse me.” Atem would interrupt with a bow. “Shina I need you to inform all of the Queensguards that I will be her only escort for today.” He would say as he concluded with another bow.

Walking away he would walk the other direction to see if he could find any other guards who might be around, as he did so he seen a group of three conversing about what he did not know. “Hello there, I will be the only escort for the princess this evening. You may rest if you please.” Atem said bowing once more.

Atem would then walk back into the library to inform the princess that he had notified all of the guards. “Your Grace, I have done as you’ve commanded. Shina will be taking care of informing the rest of the guards so there are no loose ends.” He would say bowing before and after his sentence. Awaiting for her to speak he would stand there in silence.

As the knight in training hurried off to carry out his orders, Tehniyat took a moment to thank the stars for giving her the foresight of selecting her own personal guard. These days she found she could trust few of the Queensguard peppered through the palaces and whether she admitted it to herself or not, having Atem around was comforting. At least he chose to not dishonor her presence with half truths and fabrications.

Upon his return, the blonde nodded. "Thank you, let's leave," she spoke, carrying herself upright and in the most formal position she could. Together, the two navigated the hallways of the palace, passing a few reproaching gazes as her visit was logged but unprecedented nonetheless. It was only as they left the confined of the palaces, keeping a brisk pace that seemed unaffected by the blonde's fussy gown that Tehniyat finally spoke.

"Any news of treason among the guards?" She spoke softly, keeping her voice low enough for only her guard to here. "And since you are a shinobi, could you help me locate Lady Akihana using your chakra arts? or is it possible to hide form them too?" she asked, emerald eyes trained straight ahead as they made their way towards the main city square, the common folk parting automatically to give the princess way.

"I have something of great importance to discuss with her but the Queensguard seem to be keeping me away from her for some reason. I'd like you to find out why when we return to the palaces."

As the princess gave the command to leave they would do just that, she seemed as though she was a woman on a mission. Atem could not help but rack his brain about what it was, but he knew that wasn’t his place. Being a Queensguard in training was truly hard because he had to stop a lot of impulses that came to him naturally.

With some silence they would continue to walk, the lull was finally broken by the princess speaking. “Any news of treason among the guards?” She would ask. Atem was a little surprised by this question, he knew they were having internal strife, but to even reach the Queensgaurds of the princess seemed to be nearly impossible. The diplomatic struggle that could be told through just these few words were far more insightful than the talk they had previously had.

This was because it was no longer just theoretical talking, it was actually happening, as he kept a straight face he would look into the eyes of the princess. “No, Your Grace. I have not received any news of such things. I would be sure to make that one of the first things I mention to you as soon as it comes within my grasp.” Atem said with sincerity.

Onto the next question Atem would begin to speak, “I am also afraid I’m not able to contact her. I do have an ability known as chakra sensory, but I have not spent enough time with her to recognize her chakra nor do I think she is in range. Lastly, it is possible to hide from this ‘chakra art’ through using something known as chakra suppression, but that is highly unlikely of Akihana from what I’ve heard of her.”

Walking through City Square Atem would be here the princess speak once more, “That’s odd, I wonder if she is alright? This is treason we are talking about after all. Well, if anyone knows about it it would be Den so we are heading to the correct place.” Atem said ensuring the princess to ease her mind a bit.

Tehniyat hadn't realized she needed his assurance until he had provided it. In a sea of people determined to do nothing but keep important information from her, a least her personal guard was an island of peace and serenity. Though the princess did find the news of Akihana's absence troubling. The fact that the Chief Medic of Haven was not seen lately wasn't as bad as the potential possibility of her not being around period.

"Tell me, Ser, how well do you know the Hogokage? I have had little cause to interact with him before now but as a ninja, you might have more informtion." Thus far, she had found the leader of Hoshi's shinobi forces reclusive but amicable enough. He certainly hadn't raised a fuss in the matter of Lucian Nazar but Tehniyat still couldn't say if he was the most forthcoming person. Their previous meetings had been few and all cloaked in formality, with the major part of their communication accomplished through the delicate art of penmanship.

The duo kept walking, crossing the main city street and began venturing down the path that led to the old university.

"I may not have extraordinary ninja talents, but I do have a rather astute intuition when something goes wrong. And I'm afraid something has gone wrong despite everyone's best efforts to keep me in the dark. Do you think Lord Denkiteki would tell me the truth?"

As Atem would mention that he had no way of communicating with the two ninja he could see that her face turned up a bit, it wasn’t as if she thought it was his fault, but it had obviously through a wrench in the plans of some way. With the thought of plans on Atem’s mind he began to wonder what she needed these two ninja for. Not only did she want ninja, but the two strongest ones in all of Hoshigakure.

“Hm, I wonder what she could want with those two? I hope there is a potential war, but the princess isn’t one for unnecessary violence so that is very doubtful.” Atem stated in his head. He then looked at the lips of the princess to see that she was beginning to speak, as she did so he would retort, “I can’t say that i do Your Grace, personally that is. I did meet him once I think he will remember me, but that was when he was fighting with this insanely strong missing ninja.” Atem said as he began to rub his chin pondering about that day. He had become ashamed of himself from running away from that ninja and not helping the man, but there was nothing he could have done. It was from this point on he promised himself he would run from no ninja.

As they continued to walk it seemed they were getting mighty close to the Old University, the one that he had only heard of. As he heard the worry of the princess he began to speak once more, “You are correct, it does seem as though something is off. I’m sure it’s even worse for you as you know more than I, but we will overcome. By any means.” Atem said with an unrivaled determination in his eye, he knew not what he would be up against, but as long as he was b the side of this princess he would carry out his job.

The news that Lord Denkiteki had been in a fight recently already didn't bode well with Tehniyat, the young princess hadn't heard of a conflict but if Denkiteki had been invlved, she should have. At least the young princess believed she should have been informed. If Denkiteki too would prove like the Queensguard, Tehniyat had no idea what she'd do.

"Thank you, Ser Atem," she managed, the gratitude alien to her even as the words left her lips. the were approaching the old university building now, a place only ninja were allowed to enter. But that was what her personal guard was for. his headband would allow them entry. "I'm afraid I don't often have cause to express gratitude... so when it does happen, it comes out rather ungraciously," she admitted, averting her bright green eyes from the knight. For the first time, the princess felt.. inadequate in his presence. It was a feeling she would have to get used to a lot over the coming weeks.

When they entered, the sentries giving them no trouble, the princess drew in a deep breath, gathering the red lace gown all around her as she and her guard made their way to the door. "I'm afraid this is where I leave you," she stated, glancing over at him. "Please wait while I go and see the Hogokage, and pray he is more forthcoming then the others have seen fit to be with me thus far."

Holding out a small hand to push open the door, the blonde turned to look at her young guard once more. "Wish me luck." With that, the royal treasurer disappeared inside the building, leaving Atem to stand guard alone at his post until she returned.

As they continued to walk Atem could see a building that seemed to be the Old University. Atem had no idea what it was exactly, but he continued to walk with the princess in until he heard something leave her mouth that sounded strange for some reason. It was a simple, “Thank You.” but it meant more than just showing gratitude to the other person. At least that is how Atem felt when he heard the princess utter those words.

“I am in no need of thanks, I am merely doing my job to ensure your wellbeing  princess. If I deserve a thank you for that then what type of men has this world created?” Atem asked this rhetorical question in order to show the princess that a thanks wasn’t needed. He knew that royalty shouldn’t ever show acknowledgement towards someone who is considered lesser than them so to keep this tradition he denied the thanks.

This was to make sure her position as a princess wasn’t sullied by anyone nearby, although it was something as small as that he knew it was all political, “It is fine princess you need not to do such a thing for me. The fact that you are showing sentiments about how you showed your gratitude is more than enough.” Atem said bowing. Finally inside of the building they would have no hassle getting through, “Are you sure you will be alright princess? Nevermind, I believe in your abilities so I shall depart from you.”

As the princess asked him to wish her luck he would open his mouth for what felt like the last time for quite some time, “Princess, I will bestow the luck of the Gods on you in prayer. May it guide you to the path you are looking for.” Atem said as he bowed once more and began to walk to his post to guard.

Though he would at first be reluctant, Den still rather quickly came clean about the Queens fate. He honestly hadn't been in favor of keeping it a secret like Akihana and the Queensguard had, not because he had moral qualms with it but because he had been expected to keep the ruse going when he was ill equip for the job. He wasn't skilled in the art of impersonating others and had known he could only keep people away from the Queen for but so long.  

He'd tell the treasurer the exact date the the Queen had died, and would also inform her that Aki had left shortly after to deal with what Den would only refer to as a 'threat', and that while she was safe Den wasn't sure how long she'd be away from Hoshigakure.

It would be after all of this that Den would mention that he noticed Tehniyat had a good relationship with some of the shinobi of the village, and asked that she help in leading the shinobi forces of the village as Den was starting to become more preoccupied with his own hunt for the missing nin within the countries borders and thus had little time to direct the other shinobi of the village in doing other missions.

Teniyat hadn't realized when she'd sunk into a chair. All she remembered was walking in with her head held high an demeaning the truth from the Hogokage, and the truth was what she had gotten. In that moment, all the grace and poise she had been raised with left her as she leaned heavily on the office chair, her usually perfect blonde hair askew and spread haphazardly over one shoulder as her narrow frame rocked back and forth with an emotion she couldn't identify.

Was this what grief felt like?

Aunt Shiera was gone. She had been gone for months now and she hadn't been given her due final rites because of the captain and his faction of the guards. Her aunt probably lay rotting somewhere because of Ser Meryn's decision, a decision he had no right to make in the first place.

Tehnyat sat there for over an hour as Den explained what had happened, why it had happened and why Lady Akihana was gone, and though the princess had never been the closest of friends with he chief medic, she couldn't help but feel even more alone at the notion that Akihana wasn't here. The only two people left were herself and the Princess Kanzaki.

Gods, Kanzaki...

The blonde rose to her feet, jarred from her realization. The little girl was in danger, from misinformation as much as any outside source. She deserved the truth even it it came in the wake of her own Lady Mother's death.

"Very well," the Royal Treasurer conceded. "I will assist you in the leading of your ninja. I will need help and consultation but I feel like I have little choice. At one time, I would have rejoiced that we no longer had shinobi but times change and I now understand my Aunt made the right choice. We need shinobi, whether we like it or not."

Biding the young doctor as polite a farewell as she could manage given the circumstances, Tehniyat left the building, trailing along silently beside her guards. The princess was still in shock but she knew two things required her immediate attention. Firstly, Kanzaki needed to be protected at all costs. Tehniyat Bukhari would not lose another star while she remand in Hoshi.

And secondly, the Queensguard needed to be reminded who was really in charge.

(Exit Tehniyat and Atem, claiming Hoshi co-lead)