AN: Thank you everyone for reading, I am rewriting this story to clean up the writing. I haven't updated in years, and I feel it is time to continue!

Please review, favorite, follow, enjoy, and I hope you like the story!

Sakura Pov

I fiddled with the new glimmering ballet shoes in my hands. The shoes were very new and perfect; they had no scratches on the fabric of the soles. They will be a wonder to dance with, I'm sure.

I sat in my room, admiring the new shoes I received from some random noble man. Whoever this man is, he is probably negotiating with my father for my hand in marriage. I can also say I have no interest in marrying this mystery lord.

The thoughts of marriage haunt me, but I will ignore those hauntings until I'm trapped in the chapel with that damned white dress. Until then, I am free without any ring to tie me down.

Most ladies of the court wish and dream for marriage, but for some reason I am not longing to tie the knot.

I tried on the new ballet slippers ready to dance. My ballet tutor, Lady Tsunade, watched me with intense eyes.

"Lady Sakura there is no time for ballet practice, your father needs to speak with you." Tsunade informed me.

According to Lady Tsunade, I do not have the possibility to dance since my father has arranged a dress fitting for tomorrow's ball. I despise fittings. I do not understand why we all have to fuss for a stupid ball.

A seamstress entered the room with a rather strange delightful smile, which is unusual for a servant, and carrying tons of dresses in her hands along with all her sewing supplies.

"Lady Sakura, the Duke has given me the honor to measure you for a gown for tomorrow's festivities."

I glanced away from my shoes and gracefully nodded in the servant's direction.

I stood from my velvet chair next to the window and walked to the altar near the mirror, where all my fittings take place.

I glanced in the mirror, watching my reflection intensely. I hate the extravagant makeup and hair-dos royalty need to wear, I strongly dislike the look. In my opinion the aesthetic resembles a clown.

The seamstress wrapped my bust with expensive and itchy fabric, and laced her fingers around my figure to keep the corset in line. Do not even get me started on corsets; it feels like I can only breathe with one lung.

Despite the sharp needles, the gown up to now looks beautiful I must admit. If only I just had to wear the gown without all the makeup and nonsense.

According to Lady Tsunade, and the Duke (my father), the gown was designed to match my 'unique' features for the ball that's tomorrow night. The ball is to celebrate King Minato's new wife.

Lady Kushina is absolutely kind and not to mention exquisite to the eye. Alas all the ladies of court are quite rude to her for being the king's mistress before proposed. I hold no such feelings. Lady Kushina is a very dear woman whom I am quite fond of.

Lady Kushina deserves the ball, even if the rest of the court and kingdom don't think so. In fact, Lady Kushina is the mother of the only heir Prince Naruto. It was just that Naruto was conceived when Minato and Kushina were not wed. His birth 17 years ago started many controversies, but Naruto and Kushina are very dear to Minato. Everyone enjoys Naruto because he is the only heir, but Kushina has no excuse unfortunately to keep the awful rumors away. She did break up Minato's previous marriage to a princess the court absolutely loved. So she is not in the best of places socially.

"Ow!" I squeak. A needle sunk into the pale and untouched skin near my thigh. I constrain the tears; a lady should never be seen in tears.

The seamstress, not hearing my pleas of pain, continued her affairs of constructing the pink and teal gown.

"There milady, I hope dearly you enjoy your gown for tomorrow's festivities." The woman said bowing with a smile, she must be pleased with her work, but then again she was smiling when she came in too.

I twirled in front of the mirror to examine my new dress. The dress was beautiful. The dress was pink silk with a tight corset bust. The red embroidered flowers danced along my waist and bustle with bows and lace. I love it and hate it all at once. It is breathe-taking, but also very un-needed. I must show my gratitude to this woman who worked far too hard for a simple gown for me, even if I don't necessarily need it.

"Oh! Thank you so very much! I can not express how appreciative I am!" I said to the seamstress, trying to not come off as spoiled. She worked hard she deserves praise.

"It was my pleasure Lady Sakura." The seamstress stripped me of the gown leaving me in my under garments to stand and wait.

"Thank you Lady Sakura, you may dress yourself if you wish." The seamstress left me in my room alone with of course the precautionary guards outside the door.

With no one present I took the opportunity to leap across the marble tile floor. Nothing could compare to dancing alone, dancing for me even if there are guards outside the door. I rarely have the time ever to just dance for fun or even to be alone. With every chance I receive I take it no matter the situation and dress.

I enjoy myself having a beautiful time dancing with no shoes, with my comfortable movable clothing alone. I feel all the pressures of this dolled-up life to be lifted away from me. I wish I was some simple girl on a farm with just a field...they have freedom. They have the ability to do what they wish to a certain extent. Those people who wish they had more have no clue what they have. I may have money and a title, but I have no rights, freedoms, and dreams. I envy those people who have all those things.

I continued to daydream, pretending to dance in the grass of the countryside by myself with no husband, no servants, no king, no suitors, and nothing to do with this cursed and sinful life. I was pretending to be free... until my doors slammed open.

I stopped in the middle of my tracks. My father the Duke wrestled into the room angrily. My father never comes to bear positive information.

I sat back into the velvet chair where I was previously sitting and unlocked my ears.

"Sakura I have news." My father declared, as if he is about to give a long un-needed speech.

"Yes, my lord?" I respond quickly.

"I have strict orders from our sovereign King Minato. He declared that no maiden of royal blood is allowed to leave the castle or the castle grounds alone. If a lady has the dire need to depart the grounds it must be with an escort, guards, or permission from the king himself." My father said sternly.

I stood from my chair. Outraged. I felt my infamous temper boil.

3

2

1

"I have no right to go outside the castle walls! Father, I am locked within a cage! How will I ever dance or preform? I feel as if I am a bird locked within a wretched box! The king cannot do this! So I may never vacation from the palace? Father you know how dearly I love to leave court!" I yelled dramatically.

"Sakura! A lady of aristocratic life has no choice; this law was well decided for your safety! Besides, you are to be married soon. You will no longer have the freedoms of a single girl, you will soon be taking care of a husband and children!"

I felt tears begin to form along with the brutal crush of my spirit. How could King Minato create such a law?

"But my Lord! May I ask for the reason the king has bestowed these restrictions?" I begged, trying to keep my composure. The boiling of my anger rising throughout my body, I felt my emotions run wild.

"King Minato has told only the council of his rationalities. I myself have no idea for the reason of this decree."

I sat upon my chair once again, signaling my defeat in the manner. I have nothing to fight with but reckless words.

"I see." I said looking down upon my feet.

My father turned his back in my direction and marched towards the door, not caring to see my tears.

"I must take my leave...Sakura follow these instructions." My father announced. With that I watched my father take his leave.

Must I really stay within the castle walls? How can a decree really make me stay? My ballet will no doubt suffer. Lady Tsunade often took me to recitals throughout the countryside to perform for audiences. Those performances were the closet things I had to freedom.

I stood from my chair and walked to the balcony connected to my room.

I suppose the balcony will be my last ounce of freedom. Through this platform I can see outside the bastion's walls, I can see the village that harbors next to it.

I can never leave the grounds without a male escort? There is no escaping from my doomed future anymore. My dancing was the only thing that prolonged my single-hood. My success kept me busy, and my father approved because of the fame it brought our family.

Now all I have is this balcony.

I, myself, loved traveling ever so dearly. I enjoyed traveling to any village and city. I happily preformed in theaters across the kingdom to taste freedom. I despise the tight walls of the palace. Everything and everyone here is so extremely judgmental.

I felt as if my wings were just plucked from my being.

I walked along the balcony railing, tears falling from my eyes. I laid my head upon the railing and wept.

I watched the world continue, the world outside portraying normal behavior. The tears persisted for hours until I noticed something very strange from the corner of my eye.

A man, noble I presumed, who looked around my age exited a large carriage. He had spikey black hair and a devilishly handsome face. The man was pale with obsidian eyes that held a glimmer of red. He seemed out of the ordinary, like a dark angel stuck on Earth.

He was dressed in all black and white with a family symbol embroidered on the back of his robe. In all my years of court I have never seen this mysterious man. He was too good looking to forget.

I was mesmerized.

I watched him converse with his servants and another man who I have never laid eyes upon either. The other man resembled a snake. He had long black hair and he was significantly older than the handsome man.

I observed them from my balcony for what seemed an eternity. They must be visiting the castle for the ball.

"Lady Sakura, what in all the heavens do you think you are doing?" I heard Lady Shizune screech as she entered my room.

I gave Shizune a confused look, then immediately turned my attention back to the carriage to see the handsome young man looking right at me. He must have heard Shizune screaming. His gaze was captivating, I felt glued to the spot as he continued to stare.

He smirked and kept his gaze. I was too stunned to move until Lady Shizune rushed me from the balcony so I was no longer in eye's sight.

"Lady Sakura did you lose your sanity? A lady of royal blood should not be parading on a balcony in her undergarments with Earl Sasuke and Viscount Orochimaru below! Those gentlemen could have seen you!" Shizune nagged.

I remained quiet, suddenly ashamed of my actions. I was so upset from the law I simply forgot about my clothes. I let myself out on a balcony in my undergarments and let Earl Sasuke see. I, of course, will not speak a word about this incident... but I may not say the same for the Earl below...Earl Sasuke that name sounds familiar.

"I'm sorry Shizune. I-I was just distressed about the king's new decree."
Was my defense, and it was no lie.

Sizune sighed, "Sakura do not worry, I am most positive the men did not get a glimpse of your spectacle."

I simply nodded my head even though I knew that the earl saw me very clearly just moments before.

"Shizune may I ask why you have come? I don't want to keep you from your previous arrangements. I've been trying to not be any trouble."

"Lady Sakura during all my years you've never been any trouble, never think that about yourself."

Lady Shizune has always been a worried and stressed woman. She was my maid that helps me get dressed, cleans my room, or anything else I would need. I don't like calling on her too much, I feel bad for being a bother. She really was someone I hold dear; she was one of my closets friends.

"Then may I ask why you have come? Did my father order you to watch over me? Or do you have some news to tell me?" I asked in my best manner attempting to not laugh at her funny facial expression.

"Oh no. All the servants in the palace have been ordered to make sure each Lady of the court has started getting ready for the dinner. It is my duty to make you look beautiful, and besides I would love to make you look better then everyone else." Shizune bragged.

"Why? Whatever for? Isn't that a tad too extravagant for the occasion?" I asked.

"All the nobles of the kingdom, even ones that do not live in the palace, have come to celebrate the new queen. I heard that nobles from beyond this kingdom have come. The King would like everyone to dress appropriately. I think that was the reason anyway, I'm servant I don't ask questions I just listen." Shizune muttered.

I shrugged while the she got the one of my most glamorous dresses. Shizune made me look more rich and noble then under normal circumstances. The dress was beautiful, but fairly restricting. I never understood the desire to make one's self appear more important. I know, in my opinion, one should be conservative, appreciative, and non-revealing about their money and social class.

King Minato, despite the kind man he is, desires us all to look graceful and stoic at all times. This ball tomorrow, being the introduction of his wife, must be immensely important to him.

Shizune and I got ready for about an hour until the gathering was about to begin. We brushed my hair and put a few flowers in it to clip the bangs away. Then we put on the red lacey dress, the makeup, and lastly the painful shoes.

I then waited for my lady in waiting to escort me the venue room.

The banquet hall was completely occupied with nobles, most of who descend from another kingdom or lived far from the castle (those lucky souls).

People were gallivanting around the room chattering about the new queen, and all their dreadful opinions on the poor woman. I decided against joining the groups of women gossiping, sharing my good graces with the new queen later seemed like a kinder approach. It might be nice for her to know there is one woman in the room who finds her nice.

Everyone else in the room seemed to be having an amazing time. I heard laughing, talking, even singing from every corner of the room.

"Sakura you look so depressed just standing here. You should really think of being more social." I heard Lady Ino from around the corner. Ino and I have a love hate relationship, sometimes we find everything the other says hysterical and sometimes we would like to claw each other's eyes out.

At that moment I felt like it's the later, but it seemed she would be my only option to surviving the night. I will just have to deal with her attitude and stick around her.

"I was going to, I just wanted to see who else is here." I said, trying to come up with an excuse for why I was standing here alone.

"Oh! Well I did come over here to tell you I just saw my future husband! There are so many handsome men that came for the new queen's ball! He is so gorgeous" Ino giggled as she started waving her hands all around to express her excitement for the arrival of new suitors.

"Well then who is the one you wish to marry so suddenly? He has to be something for you to want to marry him from just one glance."

"Hmph. Have you ever heard of true love Sakura?" Ino said giving me a nasty look.

"I have in fairy tails, but nowadays who even believes in love? You might not even get to choose your husband."

"Oh, you are so pessimistic! See look there he is! Over there with the black hair and the dark blue clothes!" Ino pointed to the man I saw earlier from my balcony. Out of all the people she has had crushes on (which have been many over the years) Earl Sasuke had to be must be the most outrageous. He is out of her league... and that says something.

"Earl Sasuke?" I said. Apparently she did not even know his name. Ah yes, what did I expect...then again I didn't know his name earlier either.

"Earl Sasuke? That is his name? He must be an Uchiha!" Ino yelled loudly.

Mu curiosity peeked. "He is an Uchiha?"

"Well if his name is Sasuke he must be the son of Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha! Lady Kurenai told me about him. He is well known for being an infamously strong fighter! He also is known for going around to different nations and collecting quite a few hearts. He is rumored to be quite the playboy, but I will change him!" Ino declared with confidence.

As the dots connected in my mind, I realized I have heard of Sasuke myself. That is why his name was familiar when Shizune told me. He is known for everything Ino said, but also for being Prince Naruto's best friend. I have never seen him before in person until today, but I have heard a lot of gossip. Rumor has it he has taken many hearts...mistresses too. He is dangerous, not someone I should spend my time with, even if he is extremely handsome...more like mesmerizing actually.

I wonder how him and Naruto get along? Naruto's personality is the exact opposite. Even Naruto has told me stories about him.

How unlucky. Sasuke Uchiha saw me in my undergarments. I am not worried about myself though, but Ino. Ino is silly, and would do anything for attention...especially a man's attention.

"I bet you the mistress he slept with thought that too." I said, sounding a little harsher than I wanted to.

"Sakura you are so annoying. You don't really believe he's slept with anyone do you? That is disgraceful, he isn't married."

"I believe it because Lady Tsunade claimed she has met his old mistress. Even Naruto has told me a few stories."

"You are lying and being rude towards Earl Sasuke! Now if you don't mind I will go talk to him." Ino abruptly charged away towards Earl Sasuke. She is going to make a fool of herself, she always does.

Before she could reach him the announcements said that King Minato, Queen Kushina, and Prince Naruto all wanted us to go to the dining table to start eating.

Ino was saved by the bell.

Ino, hearing the orders ran back to me to sit next to me for dinner. She probably had plenty of other gossip to tell me anyways.

Everyone in the room went back to the dinner table. It was three long granite tables in one room. The King and all his closets subjects and relatives sat at his table. The other tables were for the new for the visitors from different kingdoms or people who were not in the King's favor.

I sat next to Ino and a few other girls my age like Hinata Hyuga and the the lady Tenten. We were sitting on the long first table with the king and all his favorite subjects.

Ino of course couldn't stop talking throughout the dinner. It was Sasuke this and Sasuke that. She has never even met him; I couldn't believe she had so much to say. I understand he is god-like, but she was embarrassing us all. The awful part about all of it is that Sasuke didn't sit too far away, I'm sure he could hear her.

"He even eats mysteriously." Ino whispered.

"I-Ino I think you may be going a bit overboard." Hinata stuttered, but clearly it was not important enough for Ino to address.

"Hinata is right, calm down. He can most likely hear you Ino." I said trying to convince her to be quiet. If anything she should thank me, she is scaring off her "future husband" after all.

"Oh posh! The louder the better, if he hears he will know how I feel." Ino declared, as she looked right at Sasuke.

Finally Sasuke quickly looked over with no emotion, he didn't seem too impressed. He looked rather annoyed actually, which I completely understand. Who would want to go through a whole dinner hearing foolish girls fuss about you.

Sasuke just sat there not showing any emotion, the only thing he did was whisper something into Naruto's ear, which caused Naruto to laugh.

Ino just sat there offended for the rest of the night by the fact her advances on Sasuke had no results. So when the dinner finally started to end, being just as boring as expected, Ino made the effort to talk to me in private.

"Sakura, I demand we go to the lounge so I may finish my conversation." Ino ordered as she grabbed my arm to stride off to the direction the lounge.

Ino dragged us out of the room until Naruto came to address us with, unfortunately, Sasuke.

In my head I uttered the most un-ladylike word imaginable...Fuck.

Personally, I didn't want to speak with Sasuke. He made me nervous, and he saw me in my undergarments crying on a balcony. I knew deep down I was attracted to him, like a moth to a flame.

I also knew Ino was on the merge of an emotional breakdown, one negative reaction from Sasuke and she would break.

"Lady Sakura, Lady Ino I want to introduce Earl Sasuke Uchiha! Lady Sakura I believe I told you a little about him, so now seems the perfect time to introduce you two." Naruto announced in his usual loud voice.

"Oh of course Prince Naruto, you know that I always love to meet your friends!" Ino squealed.

I applauded Ino, she was able to switch from her gloom to an attentive woman ready to socialize.

"Uhh...Sure?" Naruto said trying to hide his discomfort for Ino. Naruto and Ino were never quite friends, but her father is the King's assistant and Naruto is the prince. Ino and Naruto have no choice but to act agreeable with each other.

"Of course Prince Naruto, you have told me many...wonderful things." I said trying to ease the tension that was quickly forming.

These stories Naruto had told me were about Sasuke's past mistresses, how rebellious he was, and what a great friend he was even if he is an "ass". Despite all these "wonderful things", he is known for being very smart and successful, not to mention handsome. Earl Sasuke Uchiha was a complete contradiction.

"Naruto I can introduce myself." Earl Sasuke said. His voice was very calm but dark and slow. It is exactly how you think he would sound- dark, mysterious, and beautiful.

"Hmph. No need to upset the future king!" Naruto laughed while Sasuke gave Naruto a confident smirk.

"Hn." Was all Sasuke said as a response?

"Well it is a honor meeting you Earl Sasuke! I am Ino Yamanaka the daughter of King Minato's advisor!" Ino then curtseyed while holding her head up high.

"Pleasure." Sasuke said with not much interest. He didn't seem very entertained by us. He kept looking behind me, as if there was someone he was more taken with right behind me.

"Nice to meet you, I am Sakura Haruno." I curtseyed too since it was only proper, but I tried to hide my interest and embarrassment. I didn't want to seem too involved since he didn't. I also felt slightly paranoid about this morning on the balcony. He didn't seem to remember but I still felt worried.

"The Duke's daughter?" Sasuke questioned me.

"Yes?"

"Interesting." Sasuke answered, making me much more worried than before.

"Sasuke, Lady Sakura is the one I told you about. She is the one I like to talk to! The girl that dances and such remember?" Naruto proclaimed while making me feel uncomfortable. Naruto and I are friends, but him talking about me made me self-conscience.

"I remember." Sasuke muttered. He isn't a talker.

"Well Earl Sasuke we have heard much about you!" Ino said trying to bring the attention back to her, thank goodness. I hate being in a social spotlight.

"I'm sure." Sasuke said, he must be aware of the rumors circulating.

"Well I just wanted to introduce you all before the ball tomorrow! I'm sure you ladies must be going since it is getting late. Goodnight, and thank you for the conversation." Naruto said bowing goodnight. Thank goodness, I wanted this all to end. The only one who seemed disappointed with the talk ending was Ino.

"Well it was a pleasure! Good night! And what a honor to meet you Earl Sasuke." Ino bowed and I said goodnight and curtseyed out of respect.

Prince Naruto and Earl Sasuke went their separate ways as we made our way to the lounge to gossip about what just occurred.

Ino fussed about Sasuke and how much attention he gave her, even if it was just a few lines of communication. She went on and on about how she plans on soon catching his attention and marrying him. I did not have many opportunities to speak since Ino was on a rant, so I just listened.

Soon after maybe thirty minutes Lady Tenten called for Ino and it was time for sleep. I dressed in my nightgown then took to bed. I was too tired to even try to stay awake.

My mind was cluttered with today's events. Ino and I were so distracted I didn't even get a chance to talk about Minato's new decree with the ladies. I feel conflicted with my feelings about it; I'm sad and angry all at the same time. Then as the night went on Sasuke kept appearing in my thoughts quite often. He confused me so much; you never have a clue to what he is thinking.

I wondered if all those rumors about him were true? I wondered about how many mistresses he has had. He must have slept with a lot of women. He seemed so intelligent and anti-social, how can someone even get close to him?

After what seemed forever, I fell sleep with the name Sasuke Uchiha on my mind.

AN: Thank you so much for reading! I hoped you enjoyed it! Please review/favorite/ follow. Thank you so much for reading my new story! I will make sure to update soon!