Hi all, I thought I try my hand at a Naruto fanfiction, and this little story has been running a muck in my mind for quite a while so Enjoy!!

Disclaimer no Jutsu: I own nothing except Sumiko

Lurking Ghosts

Summary: They both had nothing to lose but they had so much to gain because they had already lost it all. It was Marriage or Death.

"People are judged by the ghosts they have lurking behind them."

It was a note

Not any note, a life changing note.

And one glance at the first word on that letter and it knocked the breathe out of her.

Marriage

This was too soon, she knew it was going to happen but this was too soon. The woman expelled a shaky breathe, the note seemingly crushed in the process as she tried to rid her mind of all unsightly fears. Fears not benefitting a ninja princess. Straightening and trying to regain her composure, the woman turned to the poor maid who had delivered the news.

"When does the Daimyo expect me"

"He didn't say but I expect soon " the maid said fidgeting uncomfortably under the woman's stare. A sigh escaped the woman's lips, if she had her way "soon" would be next year but her father had never been one for patience.

"Please tell the Daimyo I will be there in a hour."

"Yes, my lady" squeaked the maid and scurried out of the room.

She wasn't nervous to go into the throne room, she wasn't terrified either. She was merely fearful of the huge door that stood in her way. She was going to lose her nerve, if she stood in front of it much longer. But she couldn't lose her courage, not now, not ever. Gripping the folds of her blood red kimono, another shaky breath was drawn, then she opened the door.

When it creaked the whole court quieted, when it closed, it was silent. She moved like a ghost, the only sound was the swishing of her kimono against the floor. The woman walked past the piercing eyes of the court, her head held high, she had nothing to fear from them. Then she kneeled, pressing her forehead to the cool floor in respect, all she could do was wait, wait for him to speak.

"Raise your head, daughter" came the deep rumbling from the man in front of her. Her head lifted off the floor and her eyes meet his, little respect shone in those eyes. She could feel the Queen Mother's eyes sweep over her, her concern evident.

"You have got my message" continued the deep voice. "You know what I am going to ask."

Ask, what do you mean ask...

"Would you like to get married?" said the man his voice menacing.

I don't have a choice

"Hai."

"Good" said the man "I have already made arrangements." The Queen Mother looked agitated, her eyes meeting the woman's.

It is only duty

"Please, my lord" came the Queen Mother's voice piercing the silence "she is too young to be married, I implore...

"Silence"roared the Daimyo. The woman almost flinched, almost.

It is my duty..

"She has already agreed." The Queen sunk into her chair. "This is her duty and hers alone."came his voice, ruff and deep.

Mine alone

"You will leave in two days." the Daimyo continued "Kohona is your destination." She nodded.

"This is your duty, your final duty." her heart lurched.

"This is your mission, Princess Himura Sumiko."

Only mine

"What! " a fist was slammed down on the desk, shaking it. The woman on the other side quirked an eyebrow "You can slam that table all you like because you really don't have a choice, Uchiha."

"Damn right I have a choice" came the angry voice on the other side. The table shook again. Both eyebrows were raised now. Suddenly the busty woman leaned across the desk to face the man directly. "Look Uchiha, you have two choices." Two slender fingers appeared before his face

"Death or Marriage." For a fraction of a second Sasuke considered death. He slumped into his chair, glaring at the triumph Hokage. He had been defeated.

"Marriage it is" came the Hokage's rather happy response.

Definitions

Hai: Yes

Sumiko:Charcoal

Daimyo: Feudal Lord

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