The Monarchy
Author's Note: This story is dedicated to Emirri. She requested a Medieval Sasuke x Hinata story, so here it is. I hope you all enjoy it and reviews are always appreciated. Let me know if you guys would like to see supernatural elements included or just stick straight with old fashioned historical romance.
Disclaimer: I own nothing and make no profit off of any of my stories.
Chapter Notation: It starts off as very intense, but I promise only happy endings. Also religious themes will be touched on now and again, as this is a story about Medieval times and religion played a big role during that era. This story is not meant to endorse or disavow any religious views. I debated about whether to use real countries or to create my own. I went with the second option as I believe it allows more flexibility.
Chapter One
The Monarchy was everything. It was the foundation upon which life was built upon. One always had to protect the Monarchy. For without it, chaos would rule.
The peasants and nobility would fight amongst themselves for control and entire countries would be swallowed up by bloody war. That was why, when a royal line was wiped out, panic became wide spread. And so it was ten years ago, when it was believed that the Uchiha line had faded into history.
"THE KING AND QUEEN ARE DEAD! THE KING AND QUEEN ARE DEAD!" One of the servants shouted and the guards rushed to their bed chambers, along with the Royal Physician.
King Fugaku and Queen Mikoto lay dead in their bed. The Plague had taken them. Soon there was sobbing, screaming, yelling, and roars of confusion all over the beautiful castle. All of this noise awoke the two princes, Itachi and Sasuke.
"No, Your Highnesses! You mustn't go in there!" Their art instructor warned them.
It was too late though. Both princes had rushed inside to their parents. Sasuke let out a horrified scream when he saw what became of them. His kind, sweet mother and proud, regal father were hideous. It seemed that they had choked to death on their own blood and their skin as covered by the ugly markings that signaled they were victims of the Plague.
"Sasuke, come with me. You shouldn't see this." Itachi whispered to his younger brother, who tried to reach out to their parents but was stopped by a quick blow to his head.
"Don't ever touch a Plague victim, be they alive or dead. You'll fall ill as well." Danzo told him.
Sasuke could only sob. His face hurt from the blow. No one had ever struck him before. Itachi pulled him into his arms and tried to whisper words of comfort to his younger brother, as silent tears streamed down his own cheeks.
That was the day when everything changed. Itachi was only five years older than Sasuke. A boy of 12 could not rule a country. So Danzo had been appointed Regent.
In theory, this meant he would rule on Itachi's behalf until the eldest son was old enough to claim his birthright. But Itachi was a perceptive child. He knew that Danzo would likely arrange for an accident to take care of Sasuke and himself. Danzo's ambition knew no bounds.
"Sasuke, you must behave for your new parents. They will take good care of you. For now on, you will be known as Eli. Never tell anyone your real name. When I am old enough, I will send for you. But you must keep your identity a secret or bad people will find us." Itachi told him.
"Bad people?" He asked in confusion.
"People who would kill us so that Danzo may be crowned King officially. Until I am of age, I can do nothing more to protect you than to send you away. We will meet again, my dearest little brother." Itachi continued.
"But where will you go? Why can't you come with me?" Sasuke pleaded with tears in his eyes.
"They will expect us to travel together. It is better we separate. I can't tell you where I am going. But I will find you. Be a good boy for your new parents." He told Sasuke and flicked him on the forehead affectionately, before riding off with his own escort.
Sasuke soon met his new "parents." His new father was a Duke named Kakashi from the Byakugan Kingdom. His mother was a kind Duchess. She was named Shizune. He grew to care for him, but he knew that they weren't his real parents. His real parents were gone.
Still he tried his best to do as Itachi told him. Sasuke, now known as Eli, tried to be a good son for them. Eventually, they decided he was being convincing enough, that they moved to Court.
The Royal Court was overjoyed to hear that the couple had adopted a child. They had tried for years to conceive, but it never happened. Still the Monarchy couldn't be allowed to die out, so they accepted this new child called Eli, with open arms.
"PRINCESS HINATA!" Someone cries out as the beautiful white horse rears underneath the Byakugan Princess.
Sasuke's eyes widen. He was a few paces back on what had been a leisurely ride across the countryside. He taps his stallion's sides with his boots firmly and urged him to gallop towards Hinata quickly. Sasuke reaches out his arms and pulls the Princess into them, just as the horse would have thrown the beautiful woman off. Something had spooked that mare.
"Are you alright, My Lady?" He asks.
"I thi-nk so." She stammers and leans into his arms, willing her heart to stop racing.
Hinata was the Princess of the Byakugan Kingdom. But to Sasuke she was the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars. He never told her that though. He couldn't. One day, Itachi would send for him and he would return to their home in France. So he long ago decided he could admire her, but never more than that.
"My Lady! My Lady!" Neji says, racing along after them on his chestnut brown stallion.
"It's alright, Neji. I caught her before the horse could throw her." Sasuke assures him.
Neji sighs in relief. He didn't know what he would have done if his beloved cousin had been thrown from her horse. More than likely, it would have resulted in her instance death. Though Princess Hanabi would take Hinata's place as Queen if such a tragedy were to happen, he was grateful it hadn't. He deeply loved both of his cousins.
Hinata felt Eli wrap one arm around her firmly and use the other to guide the horse. Her heart was beating so fast, she thought it would burst. But feeling of his powerful arm holding her in such a fashion was tremendously reassuring. Privately, she mused this might actually have been the first time Eli had touched her at all.
"I wonder what could have frightened the mare so. She's always been so docile." Neji comments.
"I saw a snake. I think that is what spooked her." Sasuke answers quickly.
"A snake would definitely scare a horse enough to try to throw their rider. Princess are you certain you are okay?" Her cousin asks softly.
Hinata nods. She snuggles into Eli's crimson red tunic and hold. She felt safer when she did so. Normally, she never would have allowed herself to indulge in such "scandalous" behavior. But she had nearly been thrown from her horse and died, no one was going to hold it against her reputation. She might never get this chance again and decided to enjoy whatever comfort Eli was willing to provide.
"That kind of snake isn't usually aren't found in this part of the country." A Knight mused.
Sasuke nods. It was unusual. The Uchiha was an expert huntsmen and tracker. He'd become a favorite person to bring along during the Court's many hunting parties. That snake wasn't even native to this region. He frowns, it had been planted there.
"They aren't. Let's get the Princess back to the castle. I suspect it was planted there. That snake hails from the Sharingan Kingdom. It isn't naturally found in a region this cool." Sasuke says as he urges his horse to take off at a gallop, his arm still firmly around Hinata.
The riding party soon makes their way to the castle. Hinata is taken to her room and guards stand watch. Neji scurries off to inform the King what had happened. Unfortunately, their Queen had died many years ago, after the birth of her second child. May God rest her gentle soul, he thought.
"Your Highness!" Neji cries out when he arrives in the throne room.
Hiashi raises an eyebrow. It was unlike his nephew to barge in so rudely. Whatever it was that caused him to act so disrespectfully, must have been important.
"Speak." He says simply with an air of absolute authority.
"We were out on a riding party. Princess Hinata was nearly thrown from her horse. Lord Eli was able to match the mare's speed and her pull her to safety before a tragedy occurred. We discovered that it was a snake that had spooked the beast. A snake that only thrives in the Sharingan Kingdom as it is suited only to hot climates. Lord Eli and I believe it was an attempt on her life." Neji says.
"Outrageous! Place guards around her at all times. We shall get to the bottom of this. No one will be allowed to threaten my family in such a way." Hiashi snarls in rage.
Neji had never seen the King so furious before. He was normally like a proud mountain. Strong and unmoving. He felt his blood run ice cold at the sight of their normally aloof King acting in such a fashion.
"We've already placed guards around her room, Your Highness. I assure you that we will protect the Princess with our lives." He says.
"Good. I will go and speak with my daughter." Hiashi says, rising to his feet, and heading towards Hinata's bedchambers.
"I heard what happened. Are you alright?" Hiashi asks once inside her room.
"Yes, I am. I was startled. Do you think that it was really an assassination attempt?" Hinata asks.
"Your cousin Neji and Lord Eli seem to believe that is the case. But never fear, we shall find out the truth. The Monarchy is not to be trifled with in such a fashion." He says firmly.
The Monarchy is not to be trifled with. How many times had Hinata heard some version of this throughout her life? Surely, at least hundreds. Mayhap even thousands.
It was a message that was drilled into everyone's head from the King all the way to the lowest of slaves from birth. It was the reason, Hinata suspected someone had tried to kill her. Either they wanted the Monarchy's power for themselves or they resented its existence.
"I know we will father." She says.
Meanwhile in the Kingdom of Suna, Itachi was reading the scriptures. He had fled to a Monastery. He could take comfort in the predictability of the lifestyle. But in his heart of hearts, he knew he didn't belong here.
The Priests and Nuns all praised his rapid progress. The elder Uchiha brother doubted that there was a single verse that he could not recite by heart. He had thrust himself in his studies whole heartedly. He needed something to distract him from his pain and he knew that nothing was a more useful tool than religion to control a country.
"I do not believe there was ever a more pious prince than yourself." The head Priest comments.
"Thank you father. My faith has consoled me during this difficult time. Have you heard anything about King Danzo recently?" He asks.
The Priest sighs. He was the only one in the Monastery that knew of the young man's true identity. Unfortunately, Hizuzen Sautobi, could not give Itachi any good news about his old home. It was something that he regretted deeply. Before him sat a true leader and sitting upon the Sharingan Throne was a usurper.
"Nothing good, I'm afraid. Danzo grows more tyrannical and cruel by the hour." He replies with a sigh.
"Thank you for telling me. I appreciate your candor. I know that I can always rely on you for the truth and one day, I will reward your loyalty." He promises.
"I do not see how you plan to take back your kingdom by staying here." He states.
"I have a plan. It is just one that requires patience." Itachi replies and goes back to reading.
"It's such a waste. Such a handsome face confined to a Monastery." One of the Nuns giggles.
She receives a dirty look from the head Nun. The teenager gulps and scurries off rather quickly. No one wanted to incur Mother Tsunade's wrath!
The Priest chuckles. One would think that Tsunade would be used to such comments. They were harmless really. As long as the Nuns maintained their vows of chastity he saw no harm in letting them admire the young prince.
Just then a messenger arrives. Itachi was surprised to learn he had received a letter. It was from Kakashi and Shizune.
Dearest Tao,
Our Lady was almost thrown from her horse today. The poor beast was startled by a snake. A snake from the Sharingan Kingdom. How very odd that it would move this far north. Those creatures do detest the cold, after all.
Fortunately, Lord Eli was able to retrieve her before she was thrown. Our Lady is fine. But it is most unusual.
Eli continues to thrive and find favor in the Court. We are very proud of our son. He's also become a fine hunter and tracker!
Hoping you are well, Kakashi, Duke of the Byakugan Kingdom!
Tao was the fake name that Itachi had given himself. Like Sasuke, he knew that he couldn't use his birth name. Even after all these years, it still felt foreign on his lips and to read.
The snake hadn't just been an odd occurrence. He knew what Kakashi was implying. It was an assassination attempt. It looked like Danzo was growing increasingly bold. It wasn't enough for him to rule the Sharingan Kingdom, now he must have his eyes on the Byakugan Kingdom.
"We won't let that happen. I hope you are safe brother." He whispers to himself and blows out the candle light, heading to his bedchambers.
In the Sharingan Kingdom, Danzo sits upon the throne. He hoped the assassination attempt would be successful. It wasn't that he had any personal grudge against the pretty little princess. No. But he was going to expand his rule and one day rule all five great kingdoms. The Byakugan was merely the next one on the list.
"A war against the Byakugan Kingdom would be most costly in men and treasure. Assassination is a much more practical option." He muses.
Being thrown from a horse was a fairly common event. No one would suspect a thing. He also knew it would be an instant death. Which he thought was an example of "mercy" on his part.
"Your Majesty." A tall, dark haired youth greets him.
"Yes, Sai. What is it? What news have you brought me?" He demands.
"Our search was unsuccessful. If I may speak freely, Your Highness?" He inquires.
"You may. I want your honest opinion on the matter." Danzo mutters.
"It has been ten years. They might both very well be dead by now." He offers.
"Oh you don't know those boys like I do. They are Uchihas. Until I see their corpses laying before me, I will not believe for a moment that they are dead." He hisses at him.
"Yes, My Lord." He agrees, not wanting to draw Danzo's ire.
The Five Great Kingdoms had had their share of cruel rulers over the centuries. But Danzo was in a class all his own. He had his Royal Guard specially trained.
They had all been trained to show no emotion and not even to feel it. He called them ROOT. They were meant to operate underneath the surface, much like namesake. Most people didn't even realize they were there until it was too late.
ROOT members were enormously useful. They could easily blend in amongst the peasants. This was how he could squash down any revolts before they started and in the beginning there had been many. Now they grew fewer with each passing year. The peasant and even the nobility were growing resigned to his rule, he smirked.
"Any other news?" He inquires.
"We found the leader of the most recent revolt. He is in the dungeon. What are your orders?" Sai replies.
"Draw and quarter him. Make it a public display. The peasants need to be reminded now and then what happens to those who defy me." He states and the young man heads off to carry out the despot's orders.
He knew the brothers had been beloved as children, but honestly this was ridiculous. There hadn't been nary a sign that they were even alive for ten years, yet the peasants and even some of the nobility persisted. He had arranged their funeral years ago.
Of course he had waited a year out of "respect" for the search. But no bodies were ever found. So many of the people of the Sharingan Kingdom, still held out hope that one day the brothers would return safe and sound. Foolish dreamers, he thought. If they did return, he would make sure to have them killed just as he had their parents.
"It was so easy. Fugaku was a mighty warrior, but even he could not defeat God's Wrath." He mutters.
God's Wrath was a common name for the Plague. It was as if God himself had decided to extract vengeance against the people of The Five Great Kingdoms for all their collective sins. Almost no one survived the Plague. And it was so contagious.
It had been such a simple matter. He forced one of his servants to take the King and Queen's blankets and wrap them around some fallen Plague victims. The servant had then placed it on their bed.
"Neither of them had any idea. The perfect assassination." The old man murmurs to himself smugly.
The blanket looked as it always did. Who could blame them for not suspecting that it had been wrapped around corpses only hours before. They had caught the Plague and had died only hours later.
"It was convenient that the brothers were so young. Neither could assume the throne." He observes and remembers when he was appointed Regent.
Itachi though only a boy of twelve was clever. Danzo didn't know if the eldest prince realized he had ordered an assassination or not, but he knew what his plans were. Somehow he had fled, presumably with his younger brother. Because he hadn't been able to find Sasuke the next morning either.
It was frustrating. The plan had been executed so flawlessly. Well other than the fact the brothers had escaped. But he would find them. Oh he would find them. They couldn't hide forever.
Sasuke was woken later that night to the sound of a whip and a child crying. Immediately, he leaves his bedchambers and goes to investigate. He expected to see a servant being beaten, but not what else he saw.
"If you strike him again, I will strike you. He is just a child!" Sasuke heard Hinata's voice.
"Princess Hinata! You shouldn't be out and about. Your life is in danger! Go back to your room, My Lady. I am merely disciplining the child." One of the guards says.
"You will do nothing of the sort. You will go back to your post or I will remove you from it." She continued and Sasuke watches from behind the corner.
"My Lady if you will excuse me for saying so, it would be best if you returned to your room and leave this to me. The child is criminal." He says and goes to lash the small boy again, but Hinata throws herself in front of them.
"Forgive me, My Princess!" The guard cries out in horror at the realization he had just struck the eldest daughter of the King.
"She might forgive you and perhaps God will. But I am not nearly so merciful." Sasuke says and knocks the whip out of the other man's hand with his sword.
"Lord Eli, this was all a misunderstanding!" He says.
"Oh believe me, I realize this. How could a member of the King's guard be reduced to beating a child that barely comes to his knee and striking their own princess when she intervenes? Princess, perhaps you and the boy should go and see the Royal Physician. Your injuries will need treatment or they may become infected." He hisses.
Hinata nods and heads off quickly with the child. She knew why Eli had suggested that. He was likely going to beat the man far worse than he had the child. She had seen him compete in the Jousting Tournaments. Lord Eli was strong. She didn't envy the guard.
Still she couldn't find it in her to pity the guard much. He should have listened to her. What kind of man would strike such a small child? What could the boy have done to have deserved such treatment?
"Speak truly. What was your crime?" She asks the child as she leads them to the Royal Physician.
"I stole a loaf of bread, My Lady." He stammers out fearfully.
"Your crime was hunger then. That is not worthy of the whip's cruel lash." She mutters.
In the distance, she could hear the sounds of something being slammed against the wall. It didn't take a genius to figure out it was likely the guard. Lord Eli did not do anything halfway and that included punishment it seemed.
About an hour later, Sasuke heads to check on the Princess and boy. Hinata noticed he was wearing a different tunic now. She winced, when she realized why. He had probably gotten blood on the other one.
"Did you kill him?" She whispers in his ear and Sasuke shook his head.
"Killing in cold blood is against the Commandments. Tis one thing to do it on the battlefield, but another to do it off it. Are you injured terribly, My Lady?" He asks.
"It was only one strike. The Physician does not believe it will even scar." She answers.
"Good. It would be a shame if skin as lovely as yours were to be covered in a scar. Though you would wear it with honor." He tells her.
"Thank you. I was beginning to think that you did not like me. You always avoid me." She says with a shy smile.
"You're right. I don't like you. I adore you. Too much, actually. It's not safe for me to do so. But your beauty is only surpassed by your kindness. So I find myself doing the only thing that I can to protect you, staying as far away from you as possible." He tells her.
"You saved me twice today though." She says.
"I shouldn't have had to. I believe the guard has learned his lesson about beating children and women in this case though. I still fear for your life. The assassin will likely try again." Sasuke admits.
"I'm not worried. I have you." She says shyly and kisses his cheek, causing Sasuke to smile and nod.