Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any financial profit from this fan fiction.

Warnings: Shonen-Ai, mentioned violence Angst.

A/N: This is the prequel for my story Deception, Love, and Assassination which is not yet completed. The pairings will eventually be NaruSasuNaru and Naru/? (Still undecided of second pairing). This is a Twoshot and I'll get the next chapter out as soon as I can.

************************Do My Duty************************

"Sasuke, your father wishes to speak with you in his office immediately." Lady Mikoto called down to her son from a second floor balcony.

"Yes, mother." In the courtyard below, Lord Sasuke got off his horse and gave the reins to a waiting groom. He and his men had just entered the courtyard of the Uchiha manor house after returning from a patrol of the nearby lands.

Removing his gloves, the young lord slapped them lightly on his pants clad thigh causing a small cloud of road dust to erupt from his clothes. He nodded to his men, dismissing them to take care of the horses and rest themselves before their next duties required their attention.

Normally, Sasuke would clean himself up before encountering his parents. However, his mother had said immediately and he knew better than to keep his father waiting. So, he knocked on Lord Fugaku's office door covered in sweat and dust. Not that he really minded. He was more comfortable as a soldier than with the trappings of his royal heritage.

"Enter."

Lord Fugaku of the Uchiha clan was a stern man and looked it. His dark hair had a sprinkling of gray and was cut in a severe style that matched his temperament. Under dark eyes a scowl seemed to permanently pull the corners of his lips down. His frown deepened as he took in the appearance of his younger son.

Sasuke stood before his father straight and tall. His hair which fell around his face to his chin in the front and spiked in the back was dulled from his ride, but hints of the raven luster could be detected. His ivory face which never darkened from the sun remained impassive while his incredibly dark eyes resembled onyx stones sparkling in the candlelight. His straight nose, strong jaw, and sensual lips completed the handsome face of the well built eighteen year old.

He knew not to be intimidated by his father's stare. Sasuke was used to being considered inferior when compared to his elder brother, Itachi, and learned not to expect anything different. Not that he was satisfied with that. He was determined to prove his value to his parents.

"How far did you patrol today?"

"We traveled east to the Nara border, followed it south until we reached the Konoha River and circled back to the manor." A small hope, quickly extinguished, wished that Fugaku would be pleased by his response. They had covered a large area in a short amount of time.

"Hn." The lord did not look impressed. "Who covered the west and north? We cannot leave ourselves so exposed."

"I had Suigetsu and Juugo take those directions." Sasuke replied, naming his captains who he had trained with for years. "They should arrive shortly with a report."

Fugaku scowled further, waving aside Sasuke's reply. "Was there anything noteworthy?"

The younger man shook his head. "No. Everything has been quiet since the treaty. The Namikaze Emperor and his allies have kept their word."

"Don't make assumptions on matters you do not understand. That usurper may not be making any obvious advances, but that is only because he is afraid of us. If we relax, he will strike. Minato cannot be trusted."

"Yes, father." Sasuke did not argue. He had never met the Emperor and only knew what he heard from other members of the Uchiha clan. There had been many feuds between the Namikaze family and the Uchiha clan, but Sasuke had never been allowed to fight in the battles. He was always left home to defend the women and children at the manor and help the injured when the fights were over.

"It is because of that cheating Minato that we have lost so much land. If he had not stolen the crown which I have far more right to, then there would be territory enough to give both my sons. But, as it is, there is barely enough for Itachi."

Sasuke had nothing to say to that. He had known most of his life that because Minato of the Namikaze clan – hardly a clan when it was just him and his son left – had gained the Senju crown, Sasuke's family had suffered.

The Uchiha and the Senju had settled the region from the Mizu shore to the Suna desert generations ago. The Konoha River had become the border between their domains. However, centuries of treaties and wars with the neighboring clans had created an Empire for the Senju and the Uchiha were left with a fifth the amount of land. When the Senju died out, it was time for the Uchiha to rule, but the Namikaze took what was not his right. So what if he had been named Sarutobi's heir! The old man had been senile, he had to have been. The title should have gone to Fugaku.

This was taught to Sasuke as a child and he was reminded frequently. The Namikaze was the reason for their difficulties. Fugaku has to devote his attention to his heir and his lands, he has nothing to spare for his younger son.

"You were not there during our last battle, but Itachi nearly won it for us single-handedly." Of course Sasuke had not been there, he was never allowed. "If it wasn't for Minato's cursed Shadow Guards, we would have been victorious and that man would be dead." Sasuke's ears perked at that. He was always interested in stories of the infamous fighting group created by the Emperor. It was said they were made up of only the best warriors and could not be bought. They were the elite and served only the Namikaze family.

"Do you think you can accomplish what Itachi was unable to?"

It was only through years of control that Sasuke did not gape at his father. Had he heard Fugaku correctly? This was an opportunity for Sasuke to shine, to prove that he was worthy of his father's praise. To show to the whole clan that Sasuke was more than just the spare son in case the heir was ever lost. If possible, he grew taller at the prospect of outdoing Itachi.

"Yes, father. If the Namikaze army attacks again, I will make sure Minato dies on my sword."

"You would never get past his guards. I have another way for you to secure our clan's future."

Now Sasuke was confused. "Sir?"

Again, Fugaku's gaze raked his son from head to toe. "You resemble your mother. I've been told that several of the servant girls have been trying to gain your attention lately. They are quite complimentary."

Confusion became an understatement. 'Is he calling me beautiful?' It was true that he favored his mother in looks and she was known far and wide for her beauty while Itachi took after their father's deeply masculine appearance. Sasuke wanted his father's praise but he certainly never thought it would be a compliment on his looks. If anything, he was frustrated and angry by the comments.

"What does that have to do with the Namikaze Emperor?"

Fugaku narrowed his eyes at his son. He did not like being questioned.

"In two days I will send Shisui to the Senju palace with a message to Minato expressing our joy in the continued peace. He is throwing his annual assembly of allies and by tradition must accept all offerings bestowed to his family. The prince will be there and you will be given as a gift for his harem. You're attractive enough that it will be plausible. Once you are settled within the palace, it will be your duty to kill Minato's heir, and Minato himself if you can."

'He can't be serious.' Sasuke struggled for a way to question his father without angering him. "It is unusual to send males to another man's harem, is it not?"

His father negligently shrugged. "That boy has had girls in his care for three years now and no word of his fathering any children has been heard. It is unlikely that the girls are all barren and it is rumored that he has not taken any of them to his bed. That is what will make our gift – you – so special. If he has no interest in women, then we are catering to his preferences."

The young man was beginning to feel nauseous. His father was talking about him playing the whore to murder the prince. "Why the prince?"

"Minato does not accept harem gifts any longer and sends whatever is given to him to his son. Either way, you end up with the boy. He will be your target. Kill him before he fathers a child and while Minato wallows in grief, we will gain what is rightfully ours."

"But if he has no interest in women then he might never have an heir. Why don't we just wait and claim the Senju lands when he dies?" Sasuke clutched to the argument, hoping his father would see the honorable way to proceed.

Fugaku scowled at his suddenly opinionated son; it was not like Sasuke to argue with an order. "There is no reason for us to wait any longer than necessary. We cannot risk a secure line of succession. As long as that boy if childless then we have a chance for the throne. Once I am Emperor, I can name Itachi as my heir and you will have the titles and lands that I currently hold. Isn't that better than remaining a soldier for the rest of your life? There aren't any more options for you."

Sasuke heard both the truth and the lies in his father's words. If he did not wish to betray his family - which he didn't, they were all he had and all he knew - then he would never be more than his brother's protector. A lord without land was no better than a common man. However, he knew that gaining the Uchiha lands for himself was not an option. There was no way he would be able to assassinate a prince and live. He was not so naive to fully believe anything else and that his father tried to convince him otherwise angered him. Did Fugaku not trust him at all?

"As you said, father, I am an Uchiha soldier. My place is here to defend the clan. I have no training in seduction or espionage. Surely there is someone more qualified that you can send?"

His father scoffed at Sasuke's continued arguments. "All you have to do is get the boy alone; spread your legs if you have to, that doesn't require any effort. You should be able to kill him then. Unless you think a pampered prince is stronger than you?" Dark eyes took in the offended stiffening of his son's shoulders. Good. "Or is it your loyalty that I should question?"

Sasuke flinched as though slapped. "I have never given you reason to doubt my loyalty. I'm sure you'll agree when I return successful." Maybe, just maybe, he could accomplish his mission and return home.

Fugaku nodded his head once, acknowledging Sasuke's acceptance of his assignment. In a more cheerful tone than he had used throughout their entire conversation, he told his son, "Your brother has recently told me that his favorite has given birth to a healthy son. Your mother and I are very proud, of course. You will be too busy preparing for your journey to see him, I'm sure, so is there anything you wish me to pass along to Itachi?"

Father and son observed each other for several minutes. Fugaku saw understanding fully dawn in Sasuke's eyes. 'At least he's not an idiot.' Now that Itachi had his own offspring, Sasuke was no longer the spare, he was competition for Itachi's child's inheritance. No matter that Fugaku doubted Sasuke would ever betray his brother, the boy was no longer needed. It was time to get the most use out of him. 'And he is loyal. He'll do what he's told.'

Yes, Sasuke now understood. Whether he chose to follow his father's order or not, he no longer had a home within the Uchiha clan. Fugaku's own father had been murdered by his brother and Fugaku's mother had had to protect Fugaku and fight for his inheritance. Betrayal happened and Sasuke could understand why his father did not completely trust him, but it saddened him nonetheless. Sasuke resolutely straightened his shoulders. His final gift to his family would be to prove that he was not his uncle.

"Tell him Congratulations." Without another word, Sasuke turned and left Lord Fugaku's office. There was nothing more that needed to be said.

Sasuke was on his way to his room when a call from a hallway he was passing stopped him. "Lord Sasuke?" He turned to see Karin, one of his mother's personal maids. "Your mother asked me to bring you to her once you finished talking to your father. Please come with me?" She fluttered her eyelashes at him, hoping to soften the scowl that had come to his face. She had only been in the household a little over a year and had quickly become infatuated with the younger lord. Unfortunately, he had never given her any encouragement despite her obvious flirtation. She wouldn't complain though; life with the Uchihas was a vast improvement to the one she had with Lord Orochimaru. She thanked any and all deities that that horrible man had been killed.

Sasuke sighed and followed the girl to his mother's chambers. As lady of the house, she had several rooms and a full bathing suite at her disposal and preferred to handle matters there. He wondered what additional instructions she had for him. That she knew of Fugaku's plans was not even in question.

Lady Mikoto was waiting for Sasuke and upon his entrance, she circled and observed him critically. Shaking her head and sighing, she finally addressed her son. "I have one day to clean you up and make you presentable. Follow me."

Sasuke followed his mother to her private spa. He was not upset with her brusque behavior. As his mother, he knew she loved him and might not even agree with Fugaku's decision. However, as Lady Mikoto, her responsibility was the prosperity of the Uchiha clan and sacrificing the younger son to gain an empire was worth it. That was just the way it had always been.

Once inside the steaming room, she ordered Sasuke to strip. He hesitated for a moment, but complied when it was clear that she was completely serious. His blank face did not give away his discomfort as his body was observed again. "Karin, take his clothes to the laundry, then find some robes, silk pants, and lightweight tunics his size and bring them back." Blushing, Karin did what she was told. "Sasuke, my maids are going to take care of you. Do what they say."

Mikoto left him alone with three older women who emerged from the steam. He had been raised to obey his parents so he put his embarrassment to the back of his mind and submitted to being washed, scrubbed, moisturized, massaged, and groomed. At least he did not have to be subjected to giggling girls. He supposed the maids had been ordered not to converse with him because they never spoke to him except to instruct him as needed. He heard their mutters about his ragged hair which he had always cut himself and the hard earned callouses on his hands. Sasuke was perversely pleased that it was requiring all their effort to turn his body into a pampered looking pet for a prince.

Hours later, he was exhausted. The tension from his body had been ruthlessly massaged away and he felt completely limp. He was laid out on the massage table with the soothing fragrance of the candles burning nearby to calm his mind.

Sasuke knew his life was over, but just could not bring himself to care much right then.

*****************************************

Riding in a carriage was boring. 'You can't ride Chidori. You'll get dirty again and ruin all my work!' The disapproval his mother had shown when he requested his horse was palpable. Sasuke scoffed as he tried to look out the curtains covering the window of the carriage he was confined to. He could barely make out the details of the landscape. He certainly would not be able to react properly if they were attacked. How was he supposed to defend himself if he was stuck inside the carriage? Again, his mother's words came back to him. 'Don't be silly, Sasuke. That's what the soldiers are for.' Of course, he was not a soldier anymore. He was an assassin who was supposed to use his pretty face to kill a prince.

He sighed as he sat back against the cushioned interior, the crimson velvet providing an alluring contrast to his ivory and onyx coloring.

Fine, so he wasn't allowed to ride Chidori, but did that mean he had to completely leave his horse behind?

Apparently, it did.

Sasuke knew when they passed the border into Senju lands. It was obvious from the tension he could sense in Shisui's men surrounding his carriage. His own soldiers were left behind with his captains. His father had informed him that Itachi would merge the ranks together under his own authority. Sasuke was not able to bring anything with him that he had used to identify himself. Even the clothes he was wearing were foreign to him. Silks and sheers, designed to attract, to titillate. Hardly functional.

He snorted at that. 'As if I need anything "functional" where I'm going.'

Looking down at his newly manicured nails, he resisted the urge to bite them and mar the pristine appearance. Clenching his fists, he willed himself to stay calm. He had accepted his mission. He would do what he could to help his family and they would remember him fondly. He would finally be loved.

'I don't want to do this.'

It wasn't that he gave a damn about this foreign prince that his father wanted dead. Sasuke would hate the Namikaze Emperor just like the rest of his clan if he ever felt like devoting the amount of energy necessary to hate a man he had never met. There was no reason to bother. It was simple: Minato and his son were enemies to the Uchiha clan no matter that they agreed to a treaty. Sasuke was a weapon and his target was to break the Namikaze hold on the throne. With no heir, it would be so much simpler to find allies against Minato.

Despite all of that, Sasuke still did not want to die.

He did not want to be a sex toy.

He would not betray his family. They were the only thing that was important to him. Even if he did not love them so much, betrayal was not an option. Lord Fugaku would kill him if Sasuke did anything to warn the prince.

He was out of options.

The smooth silk of his robes should have felt luscious along his body; instead, the trappings of royalty served only to tie him down.

He wanted to go home.

Sasuke shook his head at the thought. That was not going to happen. Not unless he was sent home before he could accomplish his mission.

He sat up so suddenly his back nearly snapped. 'That's all I have to do, get them to send me home.'

But how to make that happen? He could not do anything offensive, or that would reflect badly on his clan. He could not ask the Emperor to send him back, or his father would punish him. No, this had to be their decision to send Sasuke away from the prince in such a way that could not be seen as an insult to either family.

Fugaku had said the prince had not shown interest in any of his women, but that did not necessarily mean that his preference was only towards men.

For the first time in the last 36 hours in which Sasuke's world had been turned upside down, he started to have hope.

The prince probably would not even want him and would either send him home after enough time had gone by that it wouldn't be insulting to Fugaku to return the 'gift' or would find some place else for Sasuke to go so the young Uchiha would not even have the opportunity to carry out his father's orders. It would not be his fault. And, if by some stroke of poor luck, the young prince does become interested in Sasuke, well...

Now, a positively evil smirk graced the pale features. Well, that prince...what was his name? Ah, yes, Naruto. Sasuke would just have to make sure that Naruto cannot stand to be around him.

His shoulders relaxed even as his carriage was escorted into the courtyard of his enemy's palace. He finally had a plan.

TBC