Chapter 3
Somebody finally made their way in to the Uchiha's kingdom
Sasuke has already put on warm clothes and set up a heating lamp with his fire for her, but Sakura's body will definitely take a while to acclimate to new area that is going to house her for times to come. A snow storm has just been passing through, as there is still some snow left on the ground that has yet melt. During the road to the main castle, Sakura peaked through the window of her carriage and sees through the street for herself. In comparison to the fruitful land of her home country, the streets here looks like they are always ready for a war. Instead of studying, children, boys and girls alike, are learning how to fight. Instead of having flower and foods, the shops are filled with weaponry. Instead of literature, the books are filled with war stories, history and likewise. At least there is still music, and Sasuke seems to spend time drawing sometimes (he says it helps him to relax himself), so it does seem a form of art is still flowing around. But there can always be more.
Such living condition, a stark contrast to my home. Sakura thought to herself, but then she quickly remembers something. She has left her home, her country, and she can never be taken back. Her family will undoubtedly welcome her with open arms, but the people, the court, everyone else will no longer be kind to her, be kind to the person who has left the throne for another man. Sakura has made peace with this fact, but it can never be the same ever again. And with that, perhaps she will need to reconsider what does home mean to her. Sasuke said she can leave him after the calamity has been dealt with and that he will continue his support to her, but afterwards, what comes after? Will he marry another woman, and out of love this time? Will he stop sending aid to her home country? Will he make her leave? Doubts after doubts cloud her mind, but she thinks she can leave that for later. For now, her job is to be the Queen of this land, and she will gladly do so to the best of her ability. Being a good Queen will benefit the people, and make a good contribution to a nation. Children would be raised in better conditions, and the general wellbeing of everyone will be very much improved. Thinking about making others happier and have a better life, brings a certain joy that Sakura finds it hard to explain. It just feels natural for her to do it, being a contributive person to everyone around her. How good it feels to be needed?
"That will be our castle over there." Sasuke catches her attention.
Sakura looks forward at the carriage. In front of them, a huge mighty castle stood tall proudly. Unlike her home palace with a good amount of colors and plants, it seems that this castle has only one color: black and its different shades. There are banners hanging around them, each of them consisting his family's symbol: a red and white fan. There are some good amount of firepits around, and undoubtedly, an arena in the direct front of the castle. It seems that today is a rest day for everyone, but there are still some sparring happening over the side. Sakura quickly notices a group of people standing in the front of the castle's main door. 2 men and 1 woman, all exuding a regal aura to themselves, and has certain similar color palette to Sasuke. Except the woman that is, she seems to have a bright chestnut brown hair unlike the classic black.
The carriage stops. Kakashi opens the door and Sasuke walked down before extending his hand to Sakura. Sakura took it in and she now stands before the 3 person. Upon closer look, she thinks, undoubtedly, this is his family.
"Greetings, my lady, I am Izumi."
"Lady Izumi, my great pleasure in seeing you. I am Sakura."
The two women looks at each other. Izumi has an elegant and stern beauty to herself. She wears half of the upper part of her hair in a braid that is tied back, resembling a rose, whereas the rest of her hair flown down. This seems to be a familiar hairdo amongst the Uchiha women, as Queen Mikoto herself used to donned this same hairstyle during her foreign visits.
Sakura has agreed to marry Sasuke, but there yet has been any wedding or official ceremony. Izumi used to be the crown princess, but the death of her husband means she has now lost the title and remains a princess only. But that is because the King and Queen has adored her all so greatly that they took her in as their own. The Uchiha lack the concept of parting and divorce it seems. It is known to them, but that is because they have been to this land long enough. There has never been any case of any separation between living spouses, and widowers or widows never remarried. In the case of Izumi, she stays as their daughter, as their princess. Izumi is more than grateful that the Uchiha kept her as their daughter and maintained her title, but she understands herself, it was out of love only. Their people is not so tolerant of this, and she has heard a nickname for herself. "The Princess of Pity". Sakura was also just like that recently, a royal widow, and the two women look at each other. They seem to have an understanding to one another.
"This is Obito, and as you may have known, Shisui." Izumi introduces the men standing beside her. Shisui is a fine men despite harsh lines under his eyes. This seems to be a trait in the Uchiha family, good looking genes. He rocks curly brownish hair, not as a bright chestnut as Izumi's, but different from Obito and Sasuke's deep dark black hair, must be from his maternal side. Obito on the hand has an unique look to himself. The right side of his face is clearly disturbed, and using her medical knowledge, Sakura deciphers that he must have suffered a fatal injury on the right side of his body, but he survived nonetheless, earning these scars as the testament to his experience. Scars, to Sakura, should not be something to be shameful at. It is the proof that no matter what happens, as long as we have the strength and will, all wounds will close and it will be a story to be told. Sakura would love to know the story behind this too, should he be comfortable in confiding it.
The two men places their lips on her hand after she extended it to them. Sakura quickly recognises Shisui, for he accompanied Itachi times to times during their visit to her home country.
"My Lord Shisui, it has been long since I have last seen you. I recall our previous sighting was during your visit to the Uzumaki land? Lots have happened since then."
"Yes, my lady. I am no longer the young lad I was back then. Sasuke is spared of my cheerful antics."
Did you cheerful antics includes bathing yourself in the fountain of our garden? Sakura thinks to herself.
"I still kept fond memories of our younger days, my Lord. They are a pleasantry in my mind. However I see that we have all grown up from our carefree days. I have heard tales of your bravery in the expenditures in the borders."
"You are overestimating me, my lady. Your words are as kind as ever." Shisui left out a chuckle.
"My lady, I think it is time that you come before the King and Queen. They are waiting for your presence." Izumi reminds them of their schedule.
"Very well, let us go then."
This remarriage plan has yet to be announced to the public, nor the court. Which is why they have Obito here waiting for her and courting her around, for his specific ocular powers consists of the ability to conceal one's presence without much effort. For now, a private audience with the King and Queen is on the way.
The Throne room is quiet today, only the King and Queen is sitting on their seat. Sakura has met the monarchs before, but seeing them on their rightful seat with her own eyes is different. The King, the almighty Uchiha Fugaku, sits all so majestically, emanating such regal aura. If Sasuke hadn't mention his father's soft side from time to time, Sakura would have thought this is a fearful ruler with strict disciplinaries, borderline dictator. The Queen, the famous Uchiha Mikoto, is similar to her husband in the regal manner which she has, but hers is much more feminine, much more elegant, much more.. benevolent. It has been years since Sakura last saw them, so she finds it comforting that they are still in great shape.
"Father, Mother. I have come back from my journey to the Uzumaki kingdom."
Sasuke stood on his knees, bowing to them.
"Welcome home, my dear child. Your father and I have awaited for your return for so long. Has the road been kind to you?"
"The Uzumaki kingdom has been more than generous to me and has been an incredible host. The roads had a little trials and turbulence, but heed it no mind, Mother. I have come home unscathed nevertheless."
"As expected from the Uzumaki kingdom, their generosity is well known amongst our continent. And, my child, it seems that a few outdoor activities have fare you well. And, amuse me, is this beauty our bride-to-be?"
"Yes, Mother. She is Sakura of the Uzumaki kingdom. She has agreed to take her hand into a marriage with me."
Mikoto smiled kindly at her.
"Welcome to the family, sweet child. I have long expected you. I have heard all so many about you and I well remember our fond memories together back in the days."
"Your Royal Highness, your kind words move me deeply. Seeing you in great health after all the years brings me immense joy."
"Upon your wedding, do drop that. I will be your Mother soon." Mikoto, is all so kindly as ever.
"I will take it to heart, my Queen." Sakura bowed to her.
"Now, Izumi will be your trusted here. She will be the one in charge of guiding you through our customs and traditions, and should you have any question, feel free to come to her. I look forward to see how you two get along and, a royal wedding at that."
"Your graciousness moves me deeply, my Queen. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to your kindness."
Mikoto smiles at that. But her husband seems to have an opinion of his own.
"Fancy as your words maybe, you will find that people in my kingdom tend to minimise flowery and flattering words. We talk right into the matter here. It is fine for now, but I will see for myself how you find yourself here among us."
Sakura notices that the people in the Uchiha kingdom rarely has time for poetry, literature, or other forms of verbal art, much unlike her home country. She understands that the differences in culture can result in different mannerisms, but she finds that this would save her the time for much elaborated speech.
"Thank you, your Grace. I will take your lesson to heart."
"Now, go and familiarise yourself. Izumi has prepared your place. You may now be excused. Sasuke, Shisui, you stay here."
"As you wish, your Grace. May I excuse myself."
Sakura bows to the thrones before her. She look at Sasuke, before heading towards Izumi and Obito who is waiting for her at the door.
.
"My lady-"
"Izumi is fine. Or sister, anything you like. We will be family soon, just as mother said. So let us start with familiarising ourselves more casually. Will that be fine to you?" Izumi cheerfully walks beside her.
Such a sweet and fine woman, no wonder the late crown prince fell in love with her. Sakura thinks to herself.
"Don't forget me. It's Obito by the way." Obito quickly chimes in.
"I see, you may call me Sakura as well. I did drop the whole etiquette ordeal with Sasuke as well. But, may I ask what will we first do today?"
"We will take you for a good tour around the castle. It will be your home soon anyway."
.
The castle is dark and tall, with many elaborate staircase. It is said that Madara and Izuna chose this specific place to build their castle because of the hot spring underground. Thanks to this geographic advantages, the lower one goes, the warmer they feels. Other than that, the Uchiha used their famous fire technique to kept the upper floors warm and good. There is significantly few guards and servants around compared to her castle, and Izumi mentioned that they are all in debt to the Uchiha. They have been saved and rescued by the princes, and they maintained their loyalty to the family. This arrangement works best for them, as too much servants around can be hard to control, specially when anyone is wanting the throne via the manner of battle. Sasuke has mentioned some attempts to poison the monarch before in history, which costed the life of Obito and Shisui's father, the King's brother.
Not even can food be trusted? Sakura does not find joy in this prospect.
"It is tricky business, we had testers before, but sometimes they are specifically immune to that poison as well. Afterwards, father decided that we will hunt for ourselves. Some of us will go out in shifts. Say, Shisui takes over for breakfast and lunch and Obito takes over dinner, tomorrow it's me for the day and Sasuke's for the dawn."
"That explains why Sasuke is such an adept hunter. I never thought about it during our travels together. I just thought his eyes are good."
Well, they are good.
"I suppose he finds it hard to explain this to you. But worry not, you don't have to concern yourself with it. My husband usually hunted for me after all, he always chose my favourite dishes to hunt."
Izumi smiles lightly, and Obito looks at her. It seems that recalling memory of her late husband brings her a certain sadness. Sakura didn't love Naruto that way, but losing someone you love must have never been easy, specially for such a tight knit family like the Uchiha.
"Oh that was dreadful. I just know he will bring home some wild turkey meat home." Obito tries to joke around.
"That's real rich coming from you. Really? Rabbits? Knowing full well I own Kaguya?" Izumi picks it up and joins him in joking back.
"First off, those are hares. Second off, your moon rabbit Kaguya always looks like she wants to suck my soul and plant a tree on my dead body. Why does her eyes have to be red?"
"Meanie, Kaguya is way cuter than you. And for your knowledge, white rabbits always have red eyes!"
"Fine, fine. You keep that creepy cotton ball away from me and I will hunt for.. whatever tastes good!"
Sakura really can't help it but chuckles at this sight. Truly, a family that loves each other all so deeply.
.
It seems that just like Mikoto and Izumi, there will be no lady-in-waiting here for her. It is for good measure, and not that she minds, but she was looking forward to have some friends around outside of her family. Hinata was such a kind and passionate person, and teasing her about Naruto was all so enjoyable. Sakura sighs, accepting her reality, and she inspects her room.
The family has chosen the warmest room in the castle for her, as they take in the consideration that as a non-native, she will need a good amount of time to adjust to the climate here. For the meantime, staying here would do. But what is this presence that she is feeling in her room? It feels familiar, it feels like-
"Have you enjoy your little tour?"
Sasuke casually spooks her. He is sitting on a little chair by the bed's side which was hidden by the wall.
"Goodness gracious! Why are you here?"
"I just came to check out my wife's room. I need to make sure it is safe for you."
"Well, thank you for your gesture, but I think I will be fine. Izumi has been such a lovely person, and Obito sure is rather humourous. I'm very happy at their sight."
As she says so, Sakura smiles at the mention of her good time, and Sasuke finds himself calming down at her smile. He really just want her to have what little fun she can have in this cruel land. He stands up and walks closer to her.
"Izumi has been a fine addition to the family. Adored by everyone, and gets along well with us. But, my brother's passing deeply affects her as well. She.. would cry if she ever laughs too much."
"Oh..."
"Our family shares this loss together, however, losing your spouse, someone who you were supposed to spend the rest of your life with, I can think hardly can anyone accept it. Izumi has shown great strength in this recovery, but I would rather not push her too much. It is best that she takes it in her own time."
"I understand..."
Sasuke quickly realises a problem.
"Sorry, Sakura, I-"
"No, don't worry about it, Sasuke-kun. I have moved on well. That and I don't think I loved my late husband the way she loved yours. If anything, I suppose Hinata can relate to her better. Ehe..."
"Sakura."
"Yes?"
Sasuke grabs her shoulder lightly, positioning her to look at him straight in the eye. Sakura is taken back at this gesture, and she looked back into his eyes.
"People in my kingdom never beat around the bush. We do what we want to do and say what we want to say. If there is anything that you feel uncomfortable about, do not be shy and speak up for yourself. Or at least, talk to me about it. I want to make your stay here as comfortable as you can possibly get."
"Sasuke..."
"You get what I mean, right?"
"Y-yes."
"Now, that is settled. I will start my hunting for dinner. Do you have any dish in mind?"
My husband usually hunted for me after all, he always chose my favourite dishes to hunt. Izumi's words echo in Sakura's mind. She blushes hard immediately.
Is this how men in this family show their love? Sakura thinks, before immediately recognises that he is patiently waiting for her answer, albeit with a confused expression on his face.
"U-uhm, I think anything will do for me. I want to taste some cuisine here after all, hehe."
"Is that so? Very well then. I shall be on my way soon. What will you do this afternoon?"
"Well, Izumi will come to see me soon and she will start helping me with some matter. I suppose I have a lot to look forward to."
"I see. Have fun."
"Thank you."
And with that, Sasuke leaves the room, and Sakura takes the time to really take in her surrounding. A bed in the middle, a study desk by its side, and a little table and chair for tea, with which Sasuke has just taken a seat at. The carpets on the ground and the blanket seems to be made of fine wool, they are very soft and thick. A fine arrangement, she must say, but the room is just a tad bit dark. There is a window for lighting, but it cannot be opened. The glass is not transparent too.
Is this to prevent assassinations from melee attack? Dear Lord. Sakura thinks to herself.
The bed seems comfy and soft, and only her belongings can be found here. It seems she and Sasuke are yet to share a room, for now.
.
A slight knock on the door.
Sakura activate her senses immediately. Familiar signature, that should be Izumi's. She allows herself to walk to the door and open it. Sakura opens the door with the chain lock still in tact.
"Howdie, Sakura." It is Izumi, a bright cheerful smile adorns her face.
"My Lady." Sakura curtsies slightly.
"Haha, you learn fast. Now drop it, we've passed that point now."
It really is Izumi, not some doppelganger. Izumi taught this to Sakura during their conversation earlier in the day. There are people in this land who can shapeshifts themselves into others perfectly, an exact carbon copy. The Uchiha and Izumi's eyes can see through all cheap tricks like that, but Sakura lacks that ocular prowess. She needs to have her own way of distinguish people by people. For now, inner secrets like this plus her skill of chakra signature detection will do. Best hope they yet to learn how to copy one's chakra signature yet.
Sakura and Izumi spent a leisure afternoon together. Izumi herself taught Sakura how to style herself like women here. Dresses are fine, but do you really want to wear dresses when fighting? Best opt for leather skirts, stylish but still practical. Hair cannot be put in such an elaborate style, and although Sasuke has helped her style her hair a bit before presenting herself to the family, some things are best left for professionals. Izumi taught Sakura how to do the signature rose braid that is well recognised amongst the Uchiha women, dressed her in stylish yet practical clothing, and specially very easy for action. She even bought her own handmade soap for Sakura to use, and a wonderful rosy smell can be found. This will do for today. History, cultures and politics can be leave for the days after.
Before dinner time, Izumi led Sakura to her own room, as swiftly as the wind. It seems the servants and maids are occupied elsewhere in this hour of time, or an authorised figure has set up some work for them to do that leaves the hallway empty. She ordered some servants to bring hot water to her room, excusing herself as wanting to bath in her room. Afterwards, Obito appeared and escorted the two women down to the dining room.
.
Sasuke has brought a lot today for dinner. The family rarely hunt in large quantities since they cannot finish the whole thing in one day, and storing it elsewhere can risk someone poisoning it. Sasuke however, has butchered his hunt up in good portions for his family and spread out the rest to the people around the street (is that why the castle was empty during that time since the servants are made to distribute his hunt?). He thought that, this will be her first dinner here, and a good dish will do it. A good dish to welcome her, and he decided today they will be having plenty of fancy dishes on the table. Mikoto gladly helped him at this too, and the dining table has all sort of fine dishes, welcoming a new member of the family.
"In Madara's name! Dinner looks amazing today! Sasuke, please be like this more often." Shisui cannot hide his excitement, the dishes laid in front of their eyes are just that good.
"Tsk, do it yourself."
"Now now, children. The dinner today is a bit extravagant than usual, for we now have a new member to welcome." Mikoto waves her hand, signing that everyone should be in their position now. The table is rectangular, with Fugaku and Mikoto on its width side and Obito in their opposite. Sakura takes her seat on Mikoto's left, with Izumi following next to her. Sasuke sits in her opposite at Fugaku's right side, with which Shisui follows him. This seating situation seems to be intentional, but Izumi has prepped her well in this afternoon. The people in this kingdom can't care any less about table manner, preferring loud and exciting dinner. But the Uchiha is different. They maintain some of the etiquette and table manner of their original homeland, a bit similar to the culture in the Uzumaki land, but a tad bit different, and it feels just like an ordinary family dinner time.
"Itadakimasu." The family clap their hand together forward. Sakura does the same without missing a beat.
Sakura carefully chopped up the brisket in her dish, and to her delight, it tastes amazing. Turns out this is Mikoto's secret recipe, and she took it out in celebration of the arrival of her new soon-to-be daughter. Words of pleasantry are exchanged between the women. Shisui and Obito is very much a delight to have around, and altogether, it was a very much enjoyable dinner. Fugaku and Sasuke didn't speak much, especially the former, but then Sakura saw a slight smile occurring in Fugaku's stern face in just a moment.
"Gochisousamadeshita." And thus dinner is finished.
"Sakura." Fugaku speaks up.
"Yes, your Grace?"
"Tomorrow will be an important day. Rest well."
"As you wish, your Grace."
As Sakura bows to excuse herself, Fugaku and Sasuke exchanges look. Tonight, he and his cousins will take turn guarding her room, as discussed earlier that day. Sakura will be protected by the Uchiha family and no harm shall come to her under their roof.
~ Author's note: Spotlight of the chapter ~
Alice is an awesome content creator active on Twitter, who have been extremely helpful and supportive to me. It was her who gave me the encouragement that I needed to finalise this fanfic from mere bullet points to a coherent story, so if you are interested in some.. mature SasuSaku content (which I hope you are legally content to) please do check her out: Alice's platform. Alice can both write and draw extremely.. emotionally awakening work, so I'm sure we are in very good hands here, haha. Here the link to her AO3 for her writing.
I hope that you are old enough for this. Everyday I'm considering whether or not I should put this work as having adult content. There isn't anything specifically mature but, just to be safe.