Chapter 4: Intruding

Sasuke rapped once on the door to his betrothed's bedchamber, then unceremoniously shoved it open. He hadn't bothered to check the preparations for the guest chamber, but a quick cursory glance showed him all was in order. A brazier blazed warmth against the room's chill and bright new tapestries adorned the walls. He had even allowed Norio to purchase a carpet for this room, an almost unheard-of luxury that he intended to have moved to his own bedchamber as soon as the wedding was done.

Ino stood attending to the Lady Haruno inside. She half turned and giggled when she saw who was looming in the doorway. Sasuke looked past the blonde to encounter the frosty gaze of his bride-to-be, clad only in a damp white shift. He thought her wet gown had revealed her body outrageously, but he instantly realized that a linen shift was truly next to nothing. He could easily make out the dark circles of her nipples and- his blood suddenly heated- the pinkish triangle between her legs.

Face flaming, she hastily reached for her still sopping gown, which had been hanging on the back of a chair to dry. "Sir Sasuke," she gasped indignantly, "what is the meaning of this intrusion?"

Sasuke forced his face to impassiveness as he raised his gaze to her still burning face. His bride was certainly not as unattractive as she had appeared before, now that she no longer looked like a drowned rat. Her skin was smooth and pale and her drying hair no longer hung limp about her shoulders, but rather fell quite delicately around a heart-shaped face. Her lashes were long and thick, framing emerald eyes that flashed with various emotions- anger, embarrassment, fear, and- he smirked- a small spark of desire. Perhaps he had been too hasty in his earlier judgement of her.

"Go below, Ino," he ordered.

Ino obeyed with a toss of her head. She came much closer to him than was strictly necessary on her way out the door, as if seeking to remind him of the previous pleasures they had shared in each other's arms. He grimaced. He had already decided to end their liaison- for one thing, as aptly demonstrated by her departure, Ino was becoming far too impertinent for a serving maid. For another, once he vowed to be faithful to his wife, he would abide by his pledge. His honor wouldn't allow him to do otherwise. It simply wasn't in his nature to break a vow- for any reason.

"Sir Sasuke, what is the meaning of this?" Sakura Haruno repeated, her tone much calmer and her eyes enigmatic once more. Sasuke was reminded of his intention to put his betrothed firmly and forever in her place. He was used to unquestioning obedience, respect, or fear, and his wife was not going to prove an exception. "Perhaps I came to assure you were properly attended," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Earlier you implied that I was somewhat… remiss."

Her fingers unconsciously tightened, gripping the fabric of her dress tighter. "Ino seems quite competent," she replied casually. "In a number of ways, I suppose."

Though her tone had been casual, there was a brief flicker of condemnation in her eyes that Sasuke did not like. He walked towards her slowly and deliberately. "I am the master here," he said in a low, commanding tone. He did not shout, but his words were deep and resonating nonetheless. "I will do as I wish, within the bounds of honor, and it is not for you to criticize, ever." He paused for a moment to let the weight of his words sink in. "You would do well to remember that I am used to obedience when you are my wife. I will accept nothing less."

To his chagrin, she hardly appeared cowed. "And I am used to being chastised," she said softly. "For the present, I am neither your wife nor your lackey, so I ask you to please have the goodness to leave." And then- of all things- she had the effrontery to turn her back to him!

His anger was hardly assuaged by the sight of her nicely rounded bottom, but it quickly turned to shock when he saw the jagged scar above her left hip. Without thinking, he strode to her side and grasped her shoulders, turning her to face him. Ignoring her startled gasp, he held her in place as she struggled to reclaim the gown that had fallen from her fingers in shock. His eyes raked her front and rested on the identical scar that slanted across her abdomen. It looked, he realized, as if someone had taken a sword and run her through.

He grasped her hands and felt the ridge of scar tissue in her palms, as if she had struggled to grip a bare blade. For a moment he was speechless, sick with the thought that someone could do this to a woman. Any woman. Unbeknownst to him, his thumbs stroked her palms delicately, almost soothingly. "Who did this to you?" he demanded hoarsely.

"A man who wanted me to obey," she replied matter-of-factly, facing him without fear. Her face was utterly expressionless except for her remarkable eyes. They were full of defiance and such resilient inner-strength that he could not quite believe they belonged to a mere woman. "Good night, Sir Sasuke," she said, stepping carefully away from him.

Astonished by what he had seen- and felt- and not at all sure what to make of it, Sasuke left the room, letting the door slam shut behind him.

A deep shudder of released tension shook Sakura's shoulders as she slowly bent over, grabbed her gown and replaced it on the chair. She rubbed her arms to restore some warmth and stoked the coals in the brazier, fighting against the shivers from the cold, the memories of her past- and from the way Sir Sasuke's fingers had made her feel.

She decided to slip out of her damp shift and leave it to dry on the chair as well. Taking the heavy coverlet from the bed, she wrapped it around herself and went straight to the narrow window, where she looked out at the rainy night. Clouds now covered the moon in complete obscurity, and she could make out nothing beyond the nearest wall, not even the road which led to Konoha.

All day long she had fought against thinking of her home and the people she had left behind- her still grieving mother, the Queen who had been closer to her than ever her mother was- but now the faces of family and friends swam before her and brought tears to her eyes. Angrily she swept them away and forced her thoughts to return to her present situation.

This castle wasn't at all what she had expected, considering the almost awestruck way in which others spoke of the Uchihas and the faded opulence of his family's old ancestral stronghold in Konoha. She had expected something much more impressive than this simple structure with only one round curtain wall. Uchiha Sasuke was not quite what she had anticipated, either. He was as aloof as she remembered him in youth, as vain and arrogant as any man of his lineage, but in his case- she had to admit- not without some cause. Nor was it a surprise that he expected unwavering, unquestioning obedience.

She sighed. She was used to such expectations, just not at meeting them. Sakura had long been used to her father's quick temper and keen disappointment at her sex, and after his death (deep in debt), she had become accustomed to her mother's bitter disappointment at well. For what use was an unmarried daughter with no dowry to her name? No use it all, it transpired. Sakura had spent a few hapless months in a convent before being brought to court as a ward of the crown. Her first court function after her father's death had been at the funeral of the old king. She remembered being intrigued by Naruto then, the boy who had cried so freely and without shame. She soon realized that heart he wore on his sleeve was pure gold, and they became friends in court of Queen Tsunade. He was like the brother she had never had, the brother her parents had so longed for to bring wealth and honor to their humble family name.

During her time in the convent, Sakura had enjoyed learning from the nuns but had chafed against the restrictions to her freedom. She had learned then that the convent's sacred walls offered little protection against the wiles of the outside world and that perhaps there was no truly safe place. Marriage had seemed by far the lesser of two evils, at least offering the security of a name and a stronghold, but all along she had known that it, too, would have its own constraints.

Still, things could be worse, she reflected as she walked back to the brazier, subconsciously seeking its warmth. Sir Sasuke had ambition, she could see that, a quality she had always wanted in a spouse. She was ambitious too, or at least eager to be acknowledged and to better herself. She could also appreciate her future husband's self-control. During his anger he had not once hit her or even raised his voice. He would have been well within his rights to switch her for considerably less aggravation.

Sakura wondered what he made of her. She had angered him, she knew, and he had seen straight through her courteous deception in the hall. She recalled the unexpected tone in his voice when he asked who had scarred her. He had sounded angry then, but it was a different kind of angry, as if he wanted to punish whoever had hurt her.

Or was it pity? Sakura crossed her arms and hugged herself tightly. She didn't want or need his pity- or anyone else's, for that matter. She wanted a place in this world to call her own. And she wanted respect.

Her jaw cracked on a yawn and she suddenly realized just how late the hour was growing. It had been a long journey and she was exhausted. There was no point worrying further about things she couldn't change. What would come tomorrow would come, and she would just have to face it. Sakura had just blown out the candles and prepared to slip under the covers when she heard a woman's giggle and a man's low voice in the corridor.

She froze. The voice had sounded suspiciously familiar. All weariness forgotten, she decided to draw the thick coverlet around herself once again and edged closer to the door, cracking it open the merest inch. For a moment she could see nothing- someone had taken the torch from its iron bracket outside her door and doused it in the nearby bucket of sand. But then her eyes adjusted to the dim light cast only by the flickering torch ensconced further down the hall.

Sakura could discern two shapes, one a woman with her back to the wall and the other larger one very obviously a man- and very obviously Uchiha Sasuke. The woman laughed, low and guttural, as she slid her slender arms up his sinewy, strong ones. "I thought you were planning to do without," she whispered, and Sakura recognized Ino's sultry voice.

Not caring to see or hear anymore, she turned away and quietly closed the door, her mouth pulled tight in a hard, grim line.

Sasuke removed Ino's hands from his shoulders. "No," he said quietly but firmly. "It's over, Ino."

Ino gasped, and even in the darkness he could make out the panic in her wide, doe-like eyes. He had suspected she would be waiting for him, waiting to see where he stood now that he was to be married. He had no intention of continuing their liaison, but no intention of punishing her by sending her away for pleasing him as her lord, either. "You need not fear," he said softly. "You may remain a servant in the hall."

"I can't, U-Uchiha-san," Ino protested, flinging herself away from him in genuine distress. "She won't allow it. She hates me already, I can tell from the looks she gives me. She knows about us, or guesses, and-" Ino cut off, trying to curb her resentment. She tried to blink back tears, but a few escaped and made a salty trail down her cheeks.

Sasuke grasped Ino's upper arms, a little annoyed by her overt display of emotion. Surely she had known this was coming? As much as he had enjoyed her body in the bedchamber, he had never sought her company outside of it. "Enough," he said as gently as he could manage. He spoke slowly and deliberately so that she would be quiet and pay attention to his words. "I say that you may remain in this castle. You are a good servant, and no one may force you to leave. Do you understand that?" At her small nod he stepped away. "Nonetheless, it would be best if you kept your distance from me in the future."

Ino nodded again, recognizing defeat. She wouldn't go down without one last attempt though. "If she doesn't treat you right, you know you could always-"

"I will be faithful to my wife, Ino."

"Of course." She sighed in disappointment. She had always known their time would come to an end, she just wished she could have tasted his lips one last time. "I hope you will be happy, my lord."

He walked away without answering. What was there to say?

"Would you be so kind as to order an escort for me?" Sakura forced herself to ask sweetly the next morning as she joined the men at the high table to break the fast. Mass had been mercifully brief, yet still something of a trial. Father Eiji had mumbled- she could have sworn he even fell asleep at one point- and she herself had extreme difficulty in listening to his words when she was consumed by the events that had occurred outside her bedchamber. She hoped that a long ride would cool her tempestuous thoughts and enable her to face her wedding night with serenity, since hope now seemed to be out of the question.

A seat had been left vacant beside Sir Sasuke, Sakura noted, which was a vast improvement from the previous evening. Sir Kakashi sat beside the empty chair, once again warming her with his pleasant countenance and kindly smile. Naruto sat to Sir Sasuke's left, sparing a wide bright grin for her before returning to his breakfast with gusto.

As for Sir Sasuke, she did not really know what his expression might be, because she did not deign to look at him for more than a brief moment upon entering the hall. That quick glance was enough to make her blush, but apparently she was more ashamed of his lustful conduct than he. His arrogance made her blood boil. He had practically made love to another woman outside his bride's bedchamber door, yet here he sat the next day as if nothing untoward had occurred! She would be glad to be away from his bad manners, dark stares and gentle hands for awhile. Very glad indeed.

"I wish to ride out today, since the storm has ceased," she explained. "We were unable to see much of the land around the castle last night in the rain and the dark. It would be pleasant to learn more about your home."

Sir Sasuke glowered at her for a moment before choosing to reply. "I cannot waste my time riding about the countryside," he said brusquely and not altogether unexpectedly. "I have business to attend to."

"On your wedding day?" Naruto squawked, but both Sasuke and Sakura ignored him. She could fight her own battles. Still, she was glad it was early as yet and that the hall was not particularly crowded. She did not care for everyone to see the curt manner in which Sir Sasuke treated her.

"But of course," she answered, maintaining a tone of pleasant courtesy. Truly she didn't desire his company or anyone else's. She wanted to get away by herself and have peace and quiet to organize her thoughts. "You must oversee the repairs to the bridge, as well as any other structures that may have been damaged in the storm."

At that moment Ino sauntered by and set a platter of fruit, bread and cheese before them. "And perhaps you are tired," Sakura added in an offhand tone, widening her eyes innocently.

Sir Sasuke shot her a dark and questioning look as Ino scurried away. Sakura kept a triumphant smile from her face as she took a bite of apple, savoring the juicy sweetness and the knowledge that she had scored a hit, however small.

"I would be happy to-" Sir Kakashi started, but Sasuke cut him off.

"I need you," he interrupted.

"I thank you for your concern, Kakashi-san," Sakura said politely, "but I assure you I am quite comfortable riding out alone." Rising, she daintily dipped her fingers in the table's bowl of scented water and wiped them on her napkin. "Good day, gentlemen. I shall look forward to your gracious company at the evening meal."

"I will not provide an escort," Sasuke reiterated.

She dipped him a small curtsy. "I understood that the first time, my lord," she replied evenly. She caught sight of Naruto, who was shaking his head no so emphatically it was almost comical.

"You have had a most long and difficult journey," Sir Kakashi awkwardly interposed. "Are you certain you wouldn't like to stay here and rest today, my lady?"

"You are very kind to think of my well-being," Sakura said sweetly, offering a bright- and blatantly fake- smile. "I bid you good day."

And with that, she swept out of the hall.

Sasuke noticed that she had evaded answering Kakashi's sensible suggestion. He recognized the stubborn set of her face, the fiercely determined look in her eyes that revealed a desire to win in any situation. Unyielding fortitude was an admirable trait in a comrade on the battlefield, but certainly not in a wife. There was only one kind of desire he wanted to see in a woman.

Naruto cleared his throat awkwardly. "Sakura-chan can be reasonable-" he started.

"Hn." Sasuke was far from convinced that Sakura Haruno had any intention of obeying him or her escort. That smile she had worn- that superior, fake little smile- the man who had trained Sasuke had worn a smile such as that whenever he expected Sasuke to fail. Too often that smile had proved prophetic. Sasuke had grown to hate that smile of the Baron's very much.

Naruto yawned widely. "If you'll excuse me," he said, patting his stomach in a satisfied sort of way. "I don't have much of an appetite this morning." He got up and wandered in the general direction of the courtyard.

Sasuke stared at his plate in astonishment. "If he consumes that much when he has little appetite, I fear for the contents of my larder," he grumbled.

Kakashi shifted in his chair. "Your betrothed has spirit, Sasuke," he offered.

"Hn."

"I find her conversation stimulating," Kakashi went on. "She seems to be of a very passionate nature. Surely that is a good omen for your wedding."

Sasuke looked at him in some surprise. "I haven't heard you comment on a woman in years," he remarked dourly.

"And you seem to be going out of your way to be unpleasant," Kakashi justified.

"I am the way I am," Sasuke declared. "If she's going to be my wife, she had better get used to me."

"I've seen you be quite charming towards other women, Sasuke," Kakashi gently reprimanded. "I would think you could make a little effort for your betrothed."

"There is no need. She will be my wife whether she wants to or not. She will be in my bed tonight whether she wants to or not. Or whether I want her or not, for that matter," Sasuke snapped.

Kakashi eyed him sadly. "You're a heartless creature," he said at last, shaking his head.

"I am the way I am," Sasuke repeated coldly, getting to his feet. If he had no heart, it was not his fault. It was fate, or the will of the gods, that had taken his family from him too soon. And it was the fault of his brother, who had disappeared before his parents were even cold and buried in the ground, leaving him to grieve alone. It was the fault of his parents' friends, who had decided it was best that Sasuke learn the ways of knighthood from the Baron Orochimaru in faraway Sound and leave behind everything- and everyone- he knew.

"I didn't mean to upset you," Kakashi apologized, sounding sincere. "I just thought you could be a little kinder to her. I've heard some things about her… I don't think she's had an especially easy life."

Sasuke thought of the ridged scar that marred his wife's otherwise flawless body. To a casual observer his face changed not all, but Kakashi could tell his words had affected his one-time student. "Very well," Sasuke conceded stiffly. Kakashi suppressed a grin.

"We had best see what damage the storm brought about," Sasuke said, abruptly changing the subject.

"If the rain was strong enough to wash away that bridge, it might have damaged the wheel at the mill," Kakashi agreed.

The two halted abruptly as they looked into the courtyard. Sakura Haruno, attired in a long blue cloak that made her look like the essence of spring, sat upon her horse with no apparent escort in sight. Her mount was a broken-down nag who had obviously seen better days, quite a contrast to the prestigious mount of her escort Uzumaki, who was talking in a low and anxious undertone to her as he held her bridle.

"I don't think this a good idea, Sakura-chan," he muttered. "Are you sure you can't wait until-"

"Don't fret, Naruto," she scolded softly. She patted his cheek and then directed an infuriatingly cool smile towards Sasuke, who was still standing in the entrance to the courtyard. Her cool voice carried across the distance. "Unlike some people, I have learned to do without."

Sasuke stared at her, well aware that Ino had used similar words when she had waylaid him in the corridor last night. His shock held him frozen for a moment, but then he mentally shook himself and started striding forward. He would not provide an escort, and no woman- and especially not his future wife- should ride alone and unprotected. Before he could reach her, however, she had kicked her horse's side and was galloping out of the gate, her mare moving with more speed than he would have believed possible.

"Stop!" Sasuke shouted, but either she didn't hear him- or, more likely, she simply ignored him and rode on. Sasuke scowled. "Saddle my horse," he commanded one the gawking stable lads. He was intensely aware and uncomfortable of the public spectacle they were making. As the boy rushed to do his bidding, he turned furiously upon Uzumaki. "Your reasonable charge has seen fit to disobey both of us," he said through clenched teeth.

The fool had the temerity to shrug, trying- and failing- to stifle a grin. What did he find so amusing all the time? "I am going after her," Sasuke declared coldly, "and when I find her, I will make sure she understands that was not a wise decision."

Sasuke felt a surge of satisfaction when the grin slipped off Uzumaki's face. He wheeled his horse around and thundered out the gates, splattering mud across the courtyard. Naruto swore loudly and seized the neck of the nearest stable lad, pushing him towards the stable. "You bastard! I'm coming too!" he shouted, fists clenched.

"Sasuke-san would never do anything to hurt a lady," Kakashi said soothingly, trying to calm the fiery young lord from Konoha.

"I promised to protect her. " Naruto jumped into his saddle unaided before the stable lad had even halted his horse, hardly paying any heed to the old knight's words. "Even from her husband, if I must."

Kakashi sighed and signaled the stable lad. "You'd best saddle my horse, as well, and ten more mounts for a guard," he ordered, resigned to spending his morning chasing after two hotheaded young men and- his lips quirked into an ironic smile- the young woman who had outwitted them both.

Author's Notes: A big, big thank you to everyone who has been reading and following! Your reviews especially encourage me to keep writing and cranking out those updates. :) I especially want to thank DarknessFlameWolf, Hitomi of the Sand, ILoveSxS and Skyla555 for responding to each and every chapter! I hope you enjoyed this latest installment, I had so much fun writing this chapter. I hope there was a good balance of some important background information and Sasu/Saku interaction. See you soon!