Trust Me

by CymraegDragon

Summary:

Trapped inside the grounds of the palace Haru wants so much more to life than becoming a pretty ornament for a noble despite having a reasonably understanding father. Baron the adopted son of a baker has known hard work since coming into their care and dreams of escape and travel. A chance encounter between the pair changes both of them but will they ever get to meet again living in different worlds?

Notes:

Inspiration from Aladdin but doesnt follow to the letter. Also no genie!

Chapter 1

The king groaned as he eased himself into a comfortable armchair in his study. It had been a very long day packed with meetings and he was relieved that he could finally sit back and relax. Unfortunately his peace was soon disturbed by loud noises coming from the hallway.

'You cannot go in there.' he heard his advisor say.

'This is outrageous! Don't you know that I am a prince?!' replied an offended voice.

'I'm sorry your highness but even so these are the king's private quarters and you cannot just barge in even if you are from a visiting royal family.' responded the advisor.

'Well you can personally tell his majesty that I am leaving. I have never before come across such impertinence and I will not tolerate it!' grumbled the prince.

The king sighed as he forced himself to stand and head towards the tirade.

'What seems to be the issue Prince Tai?' he asked as he opened the door.

He eyed the visiting prince deciding that he was rather flamboyantly dressed which meant he had been out to impress.

'King Takara thank goodness you are here. I would much prefer to have this conversation in person than just leave a scroll for you.' the younger man said 'I'm sorry but I wish to withdraw as a royal suitor.'

Takara's eyebrows shot up.

'But why?' he asked.

'You said that your daughter was quiet and meek.' replied Prince Tai.

'Yes that is correct.' he responded with a nod.

'This is not what I experienced when I went to visit her. She was rather abrupt and has opinions! I'm sorry but a princess should know her place. Politics is for men and not for silly little girls to dabble in.' snorted the prince inelegantly 'Also her cat is a savage.'

The king clenched his hand into a fist at the slight towards his second born but his eyes drifted to the slashes in the prince's silk trousers and he had to bite back a smile.

'There is nothing wrong with my daughter.' he replied in a tone that clearly showed that the prince had crossed the line.

'Be that as it may I feel that we are not compatible and I shall take my leave this evening.' replied Prince Tai before bowing and awaiting dismissal. 

'Very well.' responded the king 'I wish you a safe journey back to your kingdom.'

'Thank you.' said the prince curtly before he turned and marched down the hallway. His knight following quietly behind him.

Takara sighed rubbing his temples.

'Sire is everything all right?' asked his advisor.

'Yes. I'm afraid that I am getting used to this by now.' he responded with a sad smile 'I think I need to go and see my daughter.'

'Very well your majesty.' nodded the advisor as he stepped aside to allow the king to pass.

Takara headed towards the wing where his daughter resided. She was now of age but for some reason it was very hard to set up a royal engagement. He admitted to himself that he may have molly-coddled her especially since the death of her mother. She was a sweet, sensitive girl but she had certainly inherited a number of personality traits from his dearly departed Naoko.

 

'So what number suitor was that?' asked Hiromi as she began to take the pins out of Haru's hair.

'I think it was number seven.' replied Yuki as she searched for a fresh night gown for the princess.

'I'm not that bad.' laughed Haru 'Prince Tai was number five.'

'That's still a good number of rejected suitors your highness.' said Yuki.

Haru looked at her in the reflection of the mirror.

'Yuki what have we discussed?' she asked.

'Not to be so formal when in your private chambers when it's just us.' responded Yuki with a blush 'I'm sorry Miss Haru.'

Haru couldn't help but smile. Yuki had not long joined as an additional handmaiden to attend to the princess after her father had insisted it was too big a job for Hiromi alone. Haru had first objected not wishing to have more servants but on meeting the likeable girl she had changed her mind and they had become friends.

'That's better.' the princess smiled 'I just didn't like Prince Tai and Muta hated him. He's a very good judge of character.'

A knock of the door made her turn in surprise. Haru rarely received visitors especially not this late in the evening.

'Come in.' she commanded, grateful she had yet to change into her night gown. 

Her gaze softened as she saw her father enter. Both handmaidens stood up to bow to their king.

'Haru we need to talk.' he said ' Hiromi, Yuki would you mind giving us some privacy. We will let you know when we are finished.'

'Yes your majesty.' responded both girls before that scampered out of the door before closing it behind them.

'What brings you here father?' asked Haru.

'You know exactly why I'm here.' he replied with a tired look.

Haru couldn't help but let an amused smile play on her lips.

'Oh you mean Prince Tai.' she said finally.

'Yes Prince Tai.' he sighed 'I don't understand. How are you such a good girl but you send so many men running. What am I to do with you?'

'Father they all wish to treat me like a pet. No worse than that, an object! Some pretty trinket they can present to the world and keep my mouth shut.' she replied sorrowfully.

'My dear I worry about you. Suto will be king after me and I need to ensure that you are also looked after. You know that the law states that you must marry a prince or a member of the nobility.' he sighed.

'I know but I want something like what you had with Mother.' she whispered.

'We were lucky.' he murmured 'Hopefully you can find something like that with the next suitor.'

'If what I have seen so far was the best available I doubt it.' sighed Haru sadly. 'I want to see the world not be a caged canary.'

Her father flinched with guilt.

'Haru you know that I keep you here for your own protection. I have never tried to deny you anything that you have asked for. I even let you keep that moggy that somehow got inside the palace grounds.' he said eyeing the large white cat that was currently asleep on the princess' bed.

'I know and believe me I am grateful but I just want to go outside, just once. See how people actually live. They barely know that I exist. You know they call me the hidden princess.' she murmured.

'What!' exclaimed the king in shock.

'I overheard some of the kitchen staff talking. Apparently there are a variety of reasons being banded around to why I am hidden away. From being sickly to being so ugly that the royal family are too embarrassed to let me be seen in public.' whispered Haru 'I don't even need to leave the palace to be the centre of town gossip.'

'That's ridiculous.' he grumbled 'There is nothing wrong with you.'

'Well five suitors would disagree.' smiled Haru.

Takara sighed again.

'We raised both you and your brother with the same principles to allow you both to realise your self worth and be entitled to your own opinions. Perhaps other kingdoms are not as progressive yet.' he mused.

'Says the man who locks his daughter away.' she replied.

'I know what you are after Haru and my answer is still no. I need to be sure that you are kept safe. The streets and marketplace are no place for a princess.' he said with finality before turning to approach the door.

'Yes Father.' she replied quietly.

'Please don't feel like I am being harsh with you.' he murmured 'I love you and I want to keep you protected.'

'I know.' she nodded.

'Sleep well.' he replied as he began to walk out of the door 'Oh and Haru..'

'Yes?' she asked.

'Please give the next suitor a chance. He might not be as bad as you fear.'

Chapter 2

Baron sighed as he rubbed his hand over his tired eyes. He then stretched his back, lifting his arms in the air in the hope of easing the tension in his aching muscles. That palace servant he had met the other day was right - life was tough. He gazed at the sacks of flour he had carried from the cart outside into the storeroom. He sighed again. He really should be grateful, his life could have been a lot worse if the miller hadn't saved him from being sent to an orphanage or worse after both his parents had been killed in an accident.

He had been nine at the time. The miller had persuaded his friend a baker to take Baron on as his apprentice. After a fire had destroyed a good portion of their neighbourhood the couple had decided to relocate to the kingdom next door and an extra pair of hands would be beneficial. At first the baker had been somewhat critical of the scrawny youth but his wife had seen potential in him especially as he was able to read and write. So Baron left the life he knew behind to move with them. The hours would be long and the work hard but this would keep the orphaned youth busy and stop him dwelling on what had happened that had turned his life upside down. 

Years later his apprenticeship had been completed and he could have set up as a baker in his own right but Baron had chosen to stay having grown to care for the baker and his wife and the childless couple saw him as the son they never had. Now aged twenty he wondered what more he could have done with his life than work with bread. He saw his adoptive parents growing old before him and how they depended on his help with the bakery more and more, especially to move heavy loads. They had allowed him to move out from their home and to live in the small space above the bakery so he could claim some independence. The pay at the bakery wasn't a lot and he supplemented it with working shifts at a local inn. With the long hours at the bakery and the inn Baron barely had time to sleep. 

As he stepped back into the yard a fluttering of feathers made him look up as a crow landed on the edge of the cart he had been uploading.

'Morning Baron.' greeted the bird.

'Good morning Toto.' he replied 'What brings you to town to early?'

'Well it is market day and a day full of opportunities.' he cackled.

Baron gave the crow an exasperated look. He was the bane of the jewellers who had market stalls. Toto just couldn't resist something shiny. 

'Of course I mean that it brings lots of people to town. Visitors from all over. You never know who you might meet.' explained the crow.

'You sound like Aunt Sarah.' Baron grimaced before imitating a higher pitched voice 'Humbert when are you going to bring a lovely young lady home?'

He sighed again.

'Sure there are plenty of fine young ladies out there but never a spark.' he continued.

'Surely there has to be one out there!' murmured Toto.

'Perhaps.' replied Baron before shaking off his mood ' I shouldn't mope, I need to take more rolls out to Aunt Sarah on the stall.'

'You would think with having a bakery selling products they wouldn't also require a stall on market day.' remarked Toto.

'True but I feel she does it more for the atmosphere and to be able to catch up on the local gossip.' grinned Baron.

'Well I'll leave you to it. I'll probably see you in the square later.' responded Toto as he spread his wings.

'Try and keep out of trouble.' replied Baron.

'Where's the fun in that?' cawed the crow as he took off.

Baron watched him fly away feeling slightly jealous of how free the bird was. He turned back into the bakery ready to collect the rolls to take to Aunt Sarah. Maybe something more interesting would happen today. He loaded the bread and rolls into the barrow to transport them. It always fascinated him that there were different types of bread. Of course bakers were responsible for providing bread to all no matter their status but there was a marked difference in what the nobility could afford compared to the poor. He didn't like the fact the differences existed but there was nothing he could do about it. He rolled the barrow down the street dodging people as he made his way to the busy market square.

'Humbert, over here!' called Aunt Sarah having spotted him first.

He rolled the barrow towards her.

'You arrived just in time. I had nearly sold out of the rolls. I'm sure the market is busier than usual.' she continued as she began to remove the baked goods from the barrow.

Baron assisted her and soon they had all been unloaded.

'Thank you sweetheart.' sighed the baker's wife.

'Not a problem Aunt Sarah.' he smiled.

'Is this your boy then Sarah?' came a voice.

They both turned to look at a stallholder selling wool and leather products.

'Ah Kurami, yes this is my Humbert.' she replied proudly.

Baron bowed to the older woman not for a moment liking the way she was looking him up and down.

'My what a handsome lad.' she almost purred.

Baron hid his disgust behind a calm mask but felt a shudder run down his back. He turned to his Aunt Sarah.

'Would it be all right if I took a break now?' he asked politely.

'Of course.' she smiled 'In fact, why not take the rest of the day off before your shift at the inn.'

'Thank you.' he grinned before dropping a kiss on her weathered cheek and disappearing into the crowd.

Aunt Sarah sighed. She was grateful to the young man who had arrived in her life all those years ago but all he did was work. He really needed to start enjoying life and hopefully meet a nice girl to settle down with.

Chapter 3

Baron sat on the top of some steps overlooking the market place. He bit into an apple whilst contemplating what to do with his unexpected free time. He couldn't exactly call upon his friends as they would be busy with their own work until the evening. He tapped the fingers of his free hand against his chin thoughtfully.

He looked down at the crowds below. Aunt Sarah was right it certainly seemed a lot busier than usual. He wondered what had caused the influx of visitors. Judging by what some were wearing it appeared that some had come from the neighbouring kingdoms. Baron's thoughts drifted again to the possibility of traveling. To explore new lands. He had been saving as much as possible but he had no real plans. 

His attention was suddenly caught be a cloaked figure who seemed to be trying to engage with a bundle of cute looking stray kittens. They appeared unsure of the female hand carefully reaching out to them. Baron craned his neck curiously but he couldn't see the face of the figure wearing the deep hood or hear her softly spoken words to the kittens. Suddenly one of the kittens in a fit of bravery landed themselves unexpectantly into the female's lap causing her to stumble back slightly and her hood fell down her back. 

Baron's gaze widened at the sight of the girl. Her hair was pulled back and neatly tied with a ribbon and she had a pair of large brown eyes. He felt his chest tighten as he had forgotten to breathe. He watched as she snuggled the kitten's warm fur against her cheek before looking around cautiously and returning her hood over her head. Baron was mesmerised by the fetching young woman. He frowned slightly realising that she appeared to be unaccompanied. The market place was sadly well known for pick-pockets. 

The girl became distracted by mewling and she turned to see a skinny adult cat, most likely the mother of the kittens, reaching up and desperately trying to grasp the tail of a fish hanging over the edge of one of the stalls. She began to approach reaching out for the fish. In an instant Baron knew she was about to do something foolish and jumped up before running down the steps. 

Haru had been thoroughly enjoying her time outside the palace walls. Having acquired a cloak from one of the palace servants she had managed to leave without the guards even batting an eyelid. The town was certainly busy and it turned out her fat tom wasn't the only cat around. She had seen quite a few on her wanders. Haru couldn't resist snuggling the kitten that had jumped into her lap. She had turned at the desperate noise coming from the mother cat. Walking over the cobbles she stroked the cat down their skinny back before lifting the fish from the stall and passing it down to the feline. 

'Here you go.'' said Haru softly.

A shadow loomed over her.

'I hope you plan to pay for that.' growled a voice 'Or are you not too attached to your limb?'

Haru gulped realising her error and her eyes widened in fear.

'Well the thing is I have no money on me.' she began 'but if you let me ..'

She came to a stop as she felt an arm suddenly wrap around her waist.

'Darling you forgot your coin purse. How many times have I reminded you about leaving the house without it? Honestly you would forget your own head if it wasn't screwed on.' said the person holding onto her.

Haru looked up in surprise into a pair of bright green eyes which were urging her to play along.

'I'm so sorry honey.' she improvised patting the man's chest 'I'm completely hopeless.'

The stall holder was looking between the two of them not overly convinced by their act. Baron slid a few coins out of his own purse and offered them to the man.

'Would this cover the cost of the fish and the inconvenience caused?' he asked.

The man took the offered money.

'Yes that will cover it. I suggest you keep better control of your wife.' he responded before turning to serve an awaiting customer.

'Of course.' replied Baron through gritted teeth as he led the young lady away.

'Why does everyone insist on controlling me.' grumbled Haru to herself.

Baron looked down at the hooded head but chose not to speak until they were out of sight of the market place. He then released his grip from around her waist.

'Sorry about that.' he said awkwardly.

'Are you kidding me, you saved me!' she replied as she pulled the hood back a little to reveal more of her face 'I owe you so much. I promise I will pay you back when I can.'

'Don't worry.' he assured 'I could see that you had good intentions.'

Haru felt an embarrassed glow spread across her cheeks.

'Oh you saw that..' she murmured.

'Yes.' he replied as he cocked his head 'You aren't from around here are you?'

'Is it that obvious?' sighed Haru 'I mean I'm from the kingdom but not specifically this town. I was exploring. You aren't from around here either though are you?'

'What makes you say that? he asked.

'Well your accent and your eyes. I've never seen anyone in the kingdom with green eyes before.' she replied.

'You are correct that I am not originally from here. However I have lived here for over a decade.' he said before bowing 'I am happy to be your guide if you so wish.'

Haru giggled at the gentlemanly flair. Why couldn't any of the royal suitors be like this.

'That would be lovely, thank you.' she smiled.

Baron stood back up straight with a grin.

'I didn't catch your name.' he replied.

'Oh.' responded Haru beginning to panic as she couldn't give her real name. Although she was a hidden princess everyone knew her name. She then remembered the nickname that Hiromi liked to call her sometimes 'I'm Ru.'

'A pleasure to meet you Miss Ru.' replied Baron as he lifted her hand to place a kiss on the back of it. 

Haru couldn't help but stare at his action but the calluses on his hand holding hers confirmed that he was of the working class. At the same time Baron was surprised at how soft her hand was.

'Baron!' called Toto as he flew towards them.

Baron looked up in a panic and shook his head to discourage the crow's approach. Toto cawed in surprise and changed direction. He would find out later what on earth that was about. Haru having not spotted the bird was looking around in confusion as to where the voice had come from.

'That was just a friend of mine as he was passing by.' explained Baron having finally let go of her hand.

'Oh.' she replied 'So your name is Baron?'

'It's just a nickname.' he said praying that she wouldn't want an explanation on how he had ended up with such a name.

'Okay.' she shrugged forgetting her royal instruction 'So Baron you wish to be my guide?'

'If that would please the lady.' he grinned.

Haru smiled and placed her hand on his arm.

'Then good sir please lead on.' she replied with a laugh looking forward to the continuation of her adventure with a new companion. 

Chapter 4

Haru bit into the pastry that Baron had bought for her from one of the market traders. She closed her eyes in bliss. It was certainly different from what she ate at the palace but was delicious. Not long after they had set out exploring Haru's stomach had emitted a large growl which caused her cheeks to flame. She had snuck out from the palace just after breakfast, therefore missing lunch and it was now mid afternoon. Baron hadn't mocked her, just silently purchased a pastry for each of them before offering one to Haru. After her hunger was satiated he proceeded to guide her through the market itself and then around other parts of the town that he thought she might find interesting. He quietly observed the girl at his side and her wide eyed gaze as she took in everything. It was as if she had never been let out before but at the same time she had been alone and seemed pretty confident.

The market had ended for the day and all the traders who hadn't sold out of their wares earlier were packing up their stalls into their barrows. It was much quieter now as the crowds had returned home. Baron was grateful that he didn't have a shift at the local inn until much later that evening. He was enjoying his time with this interesting girl and didn't want it to end just yet. She was smart and funny, so different from any other young lady he had met. He wondered what she thought about him. With that thought a blush spread across his fair cheeks and he turned his head shyly away from her. 

Haru cautiously looked around from what she had felt had been the millionth time that day in case of the appearance of palace guards. Her plan had clearly worked better than expected. She had granted both Hiromi and Yuki a well earned day off and insisted she would spend the day reading in the library so she would be fine without servants. Neither thought that this was suspicious as it was something Haru often did on a regular basis. She even had a small section of the library to allow her to make tea for herself whenever she wanted a cup. Haru wasn't exactly sure what she planned to do as the night drew in but she could worry about that later. 

'Well I think that I have shown you everything in this town.' said Baron turning and smiling at her.

'It has been an interesting tour.' she replied 'It would be a shame for it to come to an end.'

Baron hummed trying to think of something else that he could show her. He rested his chin on his hand thoughtfully. His eyes widened as an idea took root and a grin spread across his face.

'Come with me.' he said.

'Where are we going?' asked Haru curiously.

'The best view in the entire kingdom.' responded Baron.

'Okay.' she smiled.

Haru didn't know what it was about this man but she didn't feel at all frightened in his company and felt assured that he only had her best interests at heart. They moved through the empty streets until they came to a building. A bakery if she wasn't mistaken. Baron bounded up the outside steps to the first floor. Haru came to a halt. Hanging out with Baron in public was one thing but entering a room without a chaperone was something else. How was this the best view in the kingdom?  She reluctantly followed him up the steps. As she reached the top, Baron climbed onto the handrail before pulling himself up on to the roof. Haru gawked after him.

'What are you doing?' she hissed.

His head reappeared above her.

'I said that I would show you the best view in the entire kingdom.' he said as he offered his hand.

Haru stared at Baron as if he had lost his marbles.

'Just trust me.' he continued.

Haru looked between Baron and his outstretched hand. She had already put so much faith in him a little more trust wouldn't hurt. She took his hand and he pulled her up onto the tiles as if she was as light as a feather. He carefully led her across the roof before encouraging Haru to sit down. Only once she had settled did she look up to take in the view. She appreciated the colours that the sky was turning as the sun began to set but in the centre of her view was the bane of her existence - the royal palace. 

'Isn't is great Ru?' asked Baron enthusiastically as he sat down next to her.

'Oh umm yeah, it's great.' she replied a little flatly.

'I think it's amazing. I mean could you imagine living in the palace!' he exclaimed not seeing Haru's eyes clouding.

'Sure being told what you can and cannot do.' she mumbled.

'That's not too much different to being out here.' he chuckled.

'You're far more free at least.' she sighed.

Baron cocked his head in confusion.

'Well I don't know about that. I always dreamed of travelling. Having scrimped and saved over the years but now my adoptive parents are older they need me more to help with the bakery and heavy lifting.' he replied.

'At least you have a purpose.' she whispered as a lone tear trickled down her cheek.

Baron froze. He wasn't exactly sure what had happened to change the mood of his companion so dramatically. She sighed before turning to look at him.

'My father is forcing me to get married. I've been trying to put him off but apparently it is my duty. Today I ran away from home. I want to be able to make decisions for myself.' she lamented.

Baron looked at her in surprise but before he could speak a loud horn sounded. He looked about for the source of the noise to see a number of palace guards making their way through the narrow streets. Haru next to him began to scrabble to her feet.

'I need to go.' she said as she stood up.

'Ru wait.' he begged as he followed, catching her arm.

He didn't want her to leave. If she did how would he find her again? As he had tugged at her arm Haru's hood had fallen down and the motion had caught the eye of one of the palace guards.

'Halt!' he demanded 'Unhand the princess!'

Baron looked from the guard to Haru in surprise sitting down suddenly. She cringed slightly seeing the shock in his eyes dissolve into betrayal as he removed his grip from her arm.

'I'm sorry Baron.' she whispered.

'Now baker boy..' began the guard.

'That's enough Takeshi.' commanded Haru 'This was all my own doing and I'll take full responsibility. Leave him alone.'

'Princess why can you not stay out of trouble?' he muttered.

'Someone has to keep you on your toes.' she responded 'I snuck out hours ago, have you only just realised I was missing?'

The deep blush that crept across the guard's face was satisfying.

'Your father is not happy with you.' he replied.

'When is he ever happy with me?' she sighed 'Now come and help me down.'

Takeshi quickly climbed the steps as Haru crossed the tiles. She squeezed Baron's shoulder giving him an apologetic look.

'I really had a fun day, thank you.' she whispered before allowing Takeshi to help her down.

'You know that you will probably get a twenty-four hour guard assigned to you after this.' he warned her as he placed her down.

'What's new. I already feel like a prisoner in my own home.' she said as she allowed him to escort her back to the palace.

 

Baron sat on the roof in a daze as darkness began to set in. One of the best days of his life had now crumbled around him.

'She's the princess.' he whispered to himself in disbelief.