It was her lucky day that much was for sure. While the entire staff body half drove themselves mad in speculation about what must be the soon forthcoming bride of the youngest Uchiha child, Sakura had managed to find herself in the same room as the heir and his consuls who were discussing just that. As quietly and inconspicuously as she could she knelt and used the edge of her skirt to dab up the spilt wine from the other wise clean and polished floorboards. Even more providential for her, the spill had occurred in a discrete spot behind an ornamental vase and stand which contributed to her desired subtlety. If her good fortune continued; they would forget she was even there and she would hear something really worth the gossips time and more importantly, money if she played her cards right.
"Master Sasuke, we do not mean to contribute to the pressure you undoubtedly are restricted under in your role. However-"
"However you wish me to get married to a woman who 'undoubtedly' will do just that." Even though she couldn't see who was speaking as she kept her face turned persistently at the floor, Sakura could recognise easily the misleadingly dulcet tones of her employer.
"It is expected that a wife could perhaps prove more beneficial to you than you would believe," The consul pleaded sounding desperate.
"More beneficial for her yes, you are correct."
"Surely you have been told of your duty to produce an heir for the family fortune. Even you cannot rebuke the importance of that," The diplomat sounded more frustrated now. Sakura was aware her Master was known for his temper and un-agreeable nature.
"It would not be my duty if my brother had not abandoned the family. I'm beginning to see why he did despite my loathing" Sakura scrubbed furiously now, pressing as hard as she could against the floor, determined to keep her reason to stay in the room "And you speak of my duty when every woman you bring to try and charm me has a duty of her own. A motive only to better them self."
"This cannot be helped even if it is true!" A sigh was heard but from whom Sakura could not be sure "We have compiled a list of names for you regardless, all eligible and of fine breeding, manners and form" A rustle of paper was audible and Sakura eagerly strained her ears as though she could somehow hear what was written.
"Fine breeding and form," The Master muttered "You make them sound like horses in a stable." Taken aback Sakura snorted quietly to herself at the idea of horses dressed in finery, lined up hoping to be brides.
"We hoped you would not be so…difficult young Master but a decision must be reached. Other noble families are displeased with your conduct and wish to see a pending marriage announcement soon."
"Yes a decision must be reached. You wish for me to select the name of one of these spoiled and stupid little girls with no concerns beyond their own appearance?"
"If you had another woman in mind then by all means disregard our options. . ."
In the moments silence that followed Sakura stopped even so much as breathing in anticipation. How much would she be paid by one of the women in the kitchen for the very name of the potential Mistress?
"Well if it pleases you to have me choose a bride, any bride . . . then her."
Perhaps (just perhaps), if the list was tilted in the right direction she might still be able to catch a glimpse of to whom it was the Master had selected. Sakura's head flicked up quickly in the direction of the voices but she froze just as suddenly as her eyes locked with dark gaze of the last, noble Uchiha. Vaguely aware of his pointed hand gesturing at her she struggled to speak. Or move. Preferably run.
"Sir?" She stuttered so quietly she expected they couldn't hear her. Biting her lip and squeezing the handful of her damp skirts in her hands as hard as she could, Sakura watched the man she had addressed. Completely petrified and unable to look away she felt like a rabbit trapped in the hypnotic stare of a snake. He smirked, apparently amused by her reaction.
"Marry me."
Authors notes: I apologise for any historical inaccuracies that are bound to appear in this story. Thank you for reading and please leave a review if you enjoyed it and would like me to write any further : ). Also, this is the PREFACE so it is a lot shorter than what the actual chapters will be. I just wanted to see if anyone would be interested at all.