Heirs
The next day, Sasuke woke up in the room that he shared with Itachi. He noticed his brother was sleeping rather soundly. This was unlike him. The eldest prince of Rome had been forced to become quite the light sleeper.
It was smart to do so when you were a slave, because shutting your eyes made you even more vulnerable. Sasuke knew that some slaves were killed in their sleep by rivals or even their Masters, should they fly into a fight of rage about something.
"Is there a reason you are staring at me so intensely, brother?" Itachi asks as his eyes flutter open.
"It's just that I haven't seen you sleep so peacefully in years." Sasuke admits.
Itachi's eyes soften. It had been a horrible ten years. A deep sleep was as luxury that no smart slave indulged in.
Oh he knew that were many slaves who were treated far worse than they had been. But to go from a prince of Rome to a common servant, it was nearly the furthest you could fall. He supposed he should be grateful that Orohcimaru hadn't sent them to a Brothel. He shudders at the thought of what would have happened there, if their treacherous relative had done so. Still it had a difficult adjustment to make, to go from prince to slave.
"I feel safe here. We are far away from Kabuto. The odds of him stumbling upon this vineyard, so many days away from where we escaped are rather low. Temari and Shikamaru are kind. That and the Senators seem rather…dedicated to our safety." Itachi muses.
"You trust them? It's not like you to fall into someone's bed so easily." Sasuke observes.
"I have not fallen into his bed. We shared some passionate kisses and his hands wandered a little, nothing more." Itachi says in a sulky tone, as if offended by the suggestion that he might be too free with his affections.
Sasuke raises an eyebrow. Well if Senator Sabaku was anything like Naruto, Itachi wouldn't be here with him at the moment. He imagined that Naruto had inhuman stamina when it came to lovemaking. So he figured that Gaara shared this trait. So it was likely that Itachi and Gaara hadn't coupled yet.
"But you want to." The younger prince says with a teasing smile, delighting in how annoyed Itachi looked at the moment.
"He is very attractive and has a seductive touch. I would not mind it, but I am not going to throw myself at him. Well perhaps I did a little, but it was only after he confessed his feelings to me. It can not hurt us to have such powerful men think fondly of us." Itachi replies.
The younger prince found he couldn't disagree with that logic. Naruto and Gaara were both rather influential in Roman Society. Naruto was not only a Senator, but a revered General. Gaara was one of the wealthiest men in the Empire and a Senator. Maybe they could offer some protection.
"So you think that we should…encourage them?" Sasuke asks.
"Sasuke, you told him who you were. You didn't have to do that. That alone is encouraging Naruto. I see no reason not to encourage Gaara, myself. Now your blonde is impulsive, but he means well. It's obvious he does care for you. How are your injuries doing?" Itachi inquires.
Sasuke considers it. They did feel better. That was mostly thanks to medicinal cream. He shivers as he remembered the tender way the blonde had applied it.
"Better. Hopefully, they won't scar. Naruto looked at them." He admits.
"Sasuke, were did he tend to your injuries? Please tell me it wasn't on your back." Itachi pleads.
Sasuke's eyes widen. Damn it! By the Gods and Goddesses, his birthmark! What if Naruto had seen his birthmark?
"Mostly on my chest and back. But I don't think he saw it. If he had, he would have said something right? As you said, he's really impulsive. If he saw it, he would have reacted. There's no mistaking our Marks." Sasuke mutters anxiously.
Itachi pauses. What Sasuke said was true. Naruto was truly the most impulsive man that he had ever met. He would have reacted, if he saw the Royal Mark. He doubted the man could keep a secret to save his life.
"You're right. He would have mentioned it. Perhaps you got lucky and it was simply too obscured by blood to be seen." He offers.
"Yes, that must be it." Sasuke says and he sighs in relief.
He knew that he was likely falling in love with Naruto, but he couldn't share his secret. Not yet. It was too risky. It wasn't just his safety he was worried about, but also the General's.
If Orochimaru found out that Naruto knew, he was a dead man walking. No matter how strong Naruto was, he was only one man. A single man couldn't stand against the full might of the Roman Army.
Meanwhile Naruto heads down to get some breakfast with Gaara. The red head was shooting him a rather annoyed look. The blonde gulps. Oh yeah, his best friend was furious with him.
"Gaara, you know that I didn't mean to interrupt you two. I was just getting some cream for Sasuke. Sasuke is Itachi's brother. You wouldn't want Itachi's brother to die of a preventable infection or suffer needlessly, would you?" The blue eyed Roman asks.
"No. Of course not. But still…" He grumbles.
"Yeah. I know. I would have been frustrated if someone had walked in on me and Sasuke. I'm glad that you were finally able to tell him how you feel. It looks like he returns your love, after all." His friend says cheerfully.
Gaara simply nods. On the inside though, he was far from certain. He had watched Itachi for years. He knew the man was highly intelligent. It was possible that he was just pretending to care for him.
Itachi knew who he was. The man realized he was a Senator. What better way to ensure his safety and Sasuke's than to become a Senator's lover? He had the resources and land to hide them both with ease. It would be a logical tactical move on his part.
"You're being pretty quiet. You should be jumping up and down for joy. You…aren't certain his affections are genuine?" Naruto asks.
"Not entirely. It would be a wise move on his part to seduce me. I could offer him and Sasuke protection." He mutters.
Naruto sighs. He places his hand on Gaara's shoulder. It was a perfectly valid concern. The red head had been in love with him for years. Naturally, it would be hard for him just accept Itachi cared for him, like the Senator did for Itachi.
"I don't think he's like that, Gaara. I really think he does have feelings for you. Don't sell yourself short like that." He says.
"Thank you, my friend. I do hope that is the case. At the very least, I could not ask for a better friend than you." The red head says with smile as he remembered how the two of them met.
Gaara was only a child. His father had always loathed him. The young boy's mother had died shortly after giving birth to him. His father had always blamed him for her death.
"I didn't do it!" Gaara protested as he tried to avoid his father's attempts to strike him.
"Don't lie to me! My finest sword was stolen. I know it was you. I have seen how you coveted that blade." Rasa seethed.
"TAKE THAT!" Gaara heard someone say as a wooden sword was throw into his father's face.
"WHO DARES TO ATTACK ME?!" The Senator roared in outrage.
"I do! He didn't take your sword. One of your soldiers did!" Naruto said, as he came out of hiding.
Gaara blinked. The boy had hair like the Sun and eyes as blue as the sky. He'd never seen anyone who looked like this child before. He estimated that he was about 6 or 7 summers, like himself.
"You have proof of this?!" Rasa demanded.
"Yeah. Go check Kenji's room." The child ordered the Senator.
Gaara had never seen anything like it. He'd never seen anyone dare to order Rasa around before. Rasa was known as the Golden Lion. His battle prowess was unrivaled. Yet, here was a child…certainly not much older than himself, standing up to him.
"Very well." He said and walked off, into the room of one of his soldiers.
Rasa couldn't believe it. It was just as the boy had said. His most prized sword was laying on the bed of one of his soldiers.
"Thank you for telling me where my sword was. It seems in this instance, I misjudged you." He muttered.
Difficult. Gaara could see that it was difficult for his father to admit that he hadn't done it. He knew that Rasa hated him. Still he couldn't ignore the proof of his innocence in this case.
That was the beginning of a change in Rasa. It was slow at first, but gradually things got better. It was all thanks to Naruto. If it wasn't for the boy with hair like the Sun, he would have likely died that day or at least been beaten until he became a cripple. He owed him everything.
"What are you thinking about? You seem lost in deep thought." Naruto says.
"I was just remembering how we met. If it wasn't for you, I'd probably be dead already. Thus I will forgive your horrible timing. Tell me, how fare things with Sasuke?" Gaara asks.
Naruto smiles. Sasuke was well Sasuke. Beautiful and infuriatingly hard to understand sometimes.
"I don't know really. He revealed himself to me. But he was worried that I would turn him in. We've kissed. I tended to his injuries. He wants to be a free man. I can't begrudge him that, but he's a Prince. A prince who has lived in slavery for ten years. No wonder he's so frightened all the time." Naruto mutters.
The red head nods. He certainly could understand Sasuke's fear and Itachi's now. There were many people who would want them dead. They were a threat to Orochimaru's reign.
Orohcimaru was loathed by much of the populace, but his inner circle was well cared for. If the brothers were alive, it could mean they would reclaim his birthright. They would all surely lose their positions. That was worth killing over.
"Yes, it does. No wonder Kabuto wouldn't sell them. Orochimaru gave them to the man. He had to know who they were. He sold the Princes of Rome into slavery. That is blasphemy against the Gods and Goddesses themselves." The other Senator says.
"I hate what he did to them. There has to be a way to help them." Naruto says.
Gaara shakes his head. It would get Sasuke and Itachi killed. If they were going to help the princes, they had to be smart about this. They had to come up with a plan.
"You realize if they reclaim the throne, they will be forced to marry. They will have to marry women. Heirs are a requirement." Gaara reminds him.
"I know. But…just because they have to marry and produce an heir, doesn't mean we can't be with them. Most marriages are more about political power and wealth than anything else. They wouldn't be the first men to take a lover outside of their marriage bed. Besides, I can't begrudge Sasuke children." He says.
In truth, Naruto would hate it. He would hate knowing that Sasuke had taken another lover, but it had to be done. He would just make sure that Sasuke favored him more than his wife. If he had his way, he'd only bed his wife for an heir or heirs.
Oh he wouldn't want the woman treated unkindly. It wasn't her fault that Sasuke's heart would belong to him. He just would make sure that while she had his last name, it was Naruto who had everything else.
"Would you really be able to handle that? You wouldn't be jealous? You wouldn't bare his wife ill will?" The red head inquires skeptically.
"I would be jealous. I wouldn't bare her ill will though. He'd be a prince. I understand he needs to have at least one heir. It's to protect Rome. Rome needs to keep the Royal Bloodline going. I can't give him a child and he can't give me one. The woman would be doing us a favor." He says.
Gaara raises an eyebrow. That was an extremely logical way to look at it. Naruto was seldom logical though. He would believe it, when he saw it.
"Very well then. I suppose there's nothing else we can do, but come up with a plan." He replies.
Later that day, the Senators and brothers were sitting by a stream that flowed through the vineyard. Itachi was sitting by Gaara, with his head on the red head's shoulder. Gaara was running his fingers through his hair. Sasuke was laying down, with his head in Naruto's lap, receiving a similar treatmetn.
"You realize if they reclaim the throne, they will be forced to marry. They will have to marry women. Heirs are a requirement." Gaara's words rang in his ears.
He looks down at Sasuke. Naruto knew what he said to Gaara. But it would be difficult, so incredibly difficult. How could he possibly share his Nymph with anyone? What if Sasuke preferred his wife over him?
Naruto was almost certain she'd be beautiful. Only the best would do for a prince of Rome. Itachi would be emperor. But Sasuke would be the next in line to the throne, until Itachi had any children. Even after that, he would still be in a tremendously important position. He'd need to have at least one child.
"Naruto? What's wrong? It's unlike you to be so quiet." Sasuke asks, looking up at him.
"It's nothing. I was just worried about your injuries. That's all." Naruto lies.
He knew that he couldn't tell him. He couldn't tell Sasuke that he knew yet. If the blonde told Sasuke the truth, he'd flee. Itachi would flee with him. Then he and Gaara would both be heartbroken.
"They are doing much better now, thanks to your care." Sasuke says with a soft smile and Naruto couldn't help but smile back.
"Beautiful" Gaara says and runs his fingers through Itachi's silky locks more.
"Yes, it is truly a beautiful day." Itachi agrees.
"I was not referring to the weather." The red head says.
"You are a flatterer. But I confess that I do enjoy it." Itachi replies and leans over to kiss the Senator.
Gaara smiles. He returns the kiss. The wealthy Roman was uncertain if Itachi truly loved him or was just a skilled actor. Was it selfish of him, not to want to know the truth? Even if it was all an act, he was with him now. Wasn't that what mattered? Either way he could make the High Prince happy. He'd love him eventually.
"Good. I am glad that you do. Because it would be very hard for me to stop. Truly, Venus outdid herself the day you were conceived." He replies.
"Your friend is quite the poet." Sasuke muses.
"Should I be jealous?" Naruto asks as he slides a hand underneath Sasuke's shirt and caresses him.
"Never." Sasuke replies and closes his eyes in contentment, it always felt so good when Naruto touched him in this way.
"If you desired, you could both come to my home. I have many. I could choose one far away from where you escaped." Gaara offers.
"It is a tempting offer, but Naruto fought Kabuto for us. It's well known that you and he are good friends. They might look for us there. It's less likely they'd suspect that we are staying at one of sister's homes." Itachi says.
Naruto couldn't argue with the logic. It still sucked. He wished he could just take Sasuke home with him. He'd take Itachi as well. Gaara would visit him any time he wanted. Hell, even vice versa would be okay. Still he wouldn't argue.
"I understand." Gaara murmurs and kisses Itachi, lustfully.
"We should leave them to their privacy." Naruto says.
Sasuke nods. He gets off of the blonde's lap. Then he stands up and offers his hand to the other man, which he gladly takes. The two of them head off, leaving Itachi and Gaara alone to their lovers' embrace.
Meanwhile back in the Capital, Orochimaru paces in the Royal Library. He glances at the scroll in his hands. It was a list of all the family trees of the nobles in Rome. One of these, would have to be his successor.
He knew that somewhere in this scroll was the answer to his situation. For the 1000th time since he was crowned, he cursed the fact he would need an heir. He had thought it would be a simple matter to sire a child. Fugaku had done so twice, without any issue. Why couldn't he do it once?
All his wives had been perfectly healthy Roman women. Perhaps one or even two could have been expected to be barren due to bad luck, but five? The odds that all five of them had been barren, were just so low. He knew the truth. He was sterile. Orochimaru could sire no heirs of his own blood.
"Perhaps this is how the Gods and Goddesses punish me for killing my own blood. They deny me the chance to create more." He mutters.
He greets Danzo as the other man walks in. While he and Danzo had never seen eye to eye on much, they did agree on one thing. Power was the most important thing in life. Orochimaru knew the truth, Danzo was responsible for far more assassinations of royal family members and nobles than he would ever be. He was the true power behind the crown.
"Welcome. I am certain you understand my situation. I am reviewing the candidates myself at this very moment." The dark haired man says.
"I understand it quite well. I am here to assist you. It can not be understated how important this choice is. It will impact the future of Rome itself. If you choose poorly, the Empire may very well suffer for it later on. You are not a young man anymore. Your heir will likely rule in ten years time, 15 at most." Danzo offers.
Orochimaru hisses. He did not like to be reminded of his mortality! The blood of Gods and Goddesses flowed through his veins, as it did in every royal family member. That should have staved off death, but no. He knew that one day, his heart would cease to beat. That day would not be today or soon, if he had anything to say about it though.
"I would prefer to discuss the immediate future and not my impending death. I am well aware of my age. That is not very helpful counsel." He seethes.
Danzo smirks. It was so easy to get under the other man's skin. Fugaku had been more unflappable. Now there was a true leader. He was such a skilled Emperor, that the thought of having him killed had never entered his mind.
The elderly Roman was no fool. While he had no proof, he knew in his bones that Orochimaru had somehow had a hand in the death of the Emperor and Empress. He said nothing though. What good would it do? It would only ensure his own death.
"I have a suggestion. There is a young man that I know. His name is Sai. He is of Noble Blood, but he is a Gladiator. Highly intelligent, but he follows orders to the letter. He's quite well known to the public." He offers.
Orochimaru raises an eyebrow. He wondered what a Noble was doing fighting in the Arena. He decided that he cared little for the reason. What Danzo was offering him, sounded perfect.
Romans valued strength. A Gladiator was certainly a shining example of that. If he truly followed orders so closely, he would be an excellent choice. He would be a willing pawn.
"And how old is this man?" He inquires.
"He would be about Prince Sasuke's age, had the boy lived. He's young enough, that he can wait until you finish your reign to take over. You will not find a better opportunity than the one that is presented to you in him." Danzo assures the power hungry Emperor.
Orochimaru nods. He instructs Danzo to have Sai brought to the Palace. He would need to meet this man, who might become his heir. He would not go on Danzo's word alone.
"Very well. I shall bring him here in three day's time." He says and heads off.
Unbeknownst to Orochimaru and Danzo, they were being watched. A silver haired Roman watched anxiously. Emperor Orochimaru was looking for an heir.
Kabuto had always assumed he would be Orochimaru's successor. He knew that the other man was barren. No one dared breathe this observation out loud though. But everyone knew it.
He had always been the Emperor's favorite. But now, he was in disgrace. Kabuto knew that he was extremely lucky to be alive. Sasuke and Itachi had escaped. It was a miracle Orochimaru hadn't flown into a rage and murdered him on the spot.
"Still I can't allow myself to be replaced by some overgrown brute." He mutters.
Oh yes, this new threat would have to be eliminated. Kabuto frowns as he considers how to go about this. Sai would no doubt be strong and fast. He had to be. He was a Gladiator. So a one on one fight wouldn't work in his favor. He'd have to use other methods.
Poison might work. He just had to be certain he chose the right one. It had to be fast acting. It had to be something that couldn't be linked to him. The silver haired man's knowledge of all things medicinal in nature was well now. Caution was necessary.
"I mustn't get caught. That would certainly be the end of me, if I did." He says as he heads off.
He quickly scurries off to check the healing wing of the castle. Surely, there would be something there. Something he could use to kill Sai. This threat had to be dealt with and quickly.
Kabuto looks around as he walked the halls of the Palace. Truly, in his mind, there was nowhere on Earth that was more beautiful. Many complained about Orochimaru's cruelty. But no one could fault his style.
"Lord Orochimaru always valued elegance more than Emperor Fugaku." Kabuto mutters with a smile.
Fugaku had been a warrior at his heart. He was far more at home on the battlefield than in the finery of the palace. If not for Empress Mikoto, Kabuto wondered if Fugaku would have spent any significant time at the Palace at all.
He supposed it didn't matter. They were both dead. Orochimaru ruled now. It was going to stay that way until Kabuto was crowned. And he would be crowned. He just had to kill Sai first.