Chaann :- I'm so sorry for making things confusing! Deidara is a boy, because I love him that way! 3 I just decided to make him feminine for this story (maybe wasn't the best idea?) so gave him feminine outfits and such. Apologies again for the confusion! xo Please ask if there's any more questions you have - I may not be the best at fanfictions.
Chapter 3
Deidara turned at the low, resounding sound of the study door opening and found Sasori standing in the doorway. The red-head looked to the blonde, not expecting to see him.
"Sasori?" Still stinging from Sasori's frost attitude earlier in the day, Deidara felt a knot in his stomach, "What are you doing here, hm?"
"I was wondering why the study lights were on at this hour." Sasori entered the study, closing the door slowly behind him. As he approached the table at which Deidara worked, Sasori's gaze fell on the pile of books which were half opened, half sprawled upon the table.
"I'm supposed to go to one of your fathers' Archdukes' dinner parties tomorrow, hm. I'm trying to learn everything there is to know about etiquette before then." Sasori considered the blondes answer for a moment before sitting himself beside the blonde.
"And reading these books will be sufficient?"
"Well, I hope so, hm." Sasori pulled out a book from the bottom of the pile. He flipped through the pages skimming its contents.
"What do you offer during a formal greeting?" Deidara took a second, pulling the answer from somewhere deep in his mind.
"My right hand, hm."
"Do it." The request confused Deidara for a moment. What? Pushing his doubts aside, Deidara stood and offered Sasori his right hand, "That's too low. Raise it higher."
"Like this?" Deidara raised his hand as Sasori indicated.
"Yes. Keep your fingers in line and relaxed." Deidara did his best to make sure his fingers were perfectly parallel. Sasori took his hand, gently wrapping his fingers around the blondes.
Before Deidara had time to register the situation, Sasori had lowered himself to one knee before him. In one smooth gesture, Sasori raised the back of Deidara's hand to his lips. Deidara stiffened as he felt the red-heads soft bangs brush against his hand.
"You'll be a laughingstock if you react so stiffly every time you meet someone new." Sasori's lips hovered above Deidara's hand, holding back the kiss. Sasori looked up at the blonde, his eyes boring through at Deidara as he stood there stiff as a board.
"I'm sorry, hm." Sasori released his hand as Deidara looked away, trying his best to hide his embarrassment. The book made it seem so easy... This sort of thing was bound to happen. Deidara needed to get over his embarrassment quickly.
"We'll go over table manner next."
"We will?" When Deidara finally lifted his head again, Sasori was sitting back at the desk, flipping through another book about manners.
"At this rate, we'll be here until morning."
"You're going to stay and teach me, hm?"
"Of course. This is something you must learn to be a sufficient princess, please don't embarrass our future marriage." Sasori's reply was characteristically curt. Though Deidara knew he needed the help, it still wasn't what he wished to hear from Sasori.
"Thank you, Sasori, hm." Deidara smiled yet Sasori's expression remained as stony as ever, unaffected by the blondes gratitude. Immediately, the red-head carried on with his surprise lesson.
After a while of repetitive and lengthy questions, the red-head was beginning to grow bored of this midnight class, "When attending a buffet, one must not put food on one's own plate – hmm? Deidara?" Realising Deidara had not spoken in a while, Sasori peered over at him. After learning and practising manners appropriate to a wide variety of situation, Deidara had fallen asleep on his chair, a book still open atop his lap, "You really are so much more beautiful when you relax." With a lonesome smile and a sigh, Sasori quietly closed the book on Deidara's lap and set it on the desk. Gently lifting Deidara from his seat and into his arms, Sasori left the study with his princess in his arms.
"It's time to go, Deidara." Sasori's harsh voice reached the blonde through his closed chamber door.
"One second, hm!" The blonde looked to himself one last time in the mirror, admiring the gentle white dress which flowed past his knees. He smiled at himself before pushing back his fringe with a small grip. After nodding to himself for confidence, he opened the door to find Sasori impatiently pacing up and down the hallway. Upon seeing the door opening, Sasori glanced at the blonde, his eyes widening slightly, "Do I look okay, hm?"
A deep blush crept on the red-heads face, "You look fine. Now lets go." He turned on his heel, hastily walking down the hall.
"Wait!" Deidara rushed after him, tripping slightly on the heels he was wearing.
Upon chasing the red-head through the castle, they arrived at the entrance, spotting a grand carriage waiting for them in the turning circle. Sasori pulled the blondes arm over his, striding to the carriage with Deidara in tow. Despite the blondes hesitance to being dragged, he trailed the red-head to the carriage, allowing himself to be pushed into the vehicle. Sasori followed and Itachi entered last, pulling the door shut behind him.
Itachi and Sasori sat opposite Deidara on the carriage ride to the banquet. It was long and uneventful to the point where Deidara was slowly falling asleep. His head slowly dropped onto the window, hitting it with some force when the carriage went over a slight bump. The blonde huffed, frowning at his now aching head. A small laugh spread in the carriage, making Deidara glance over to Sasori. Their eyes met and the blonde blushed and quickly looked away.
"We've arrived, Your Highness, Her Highness." At Itachi's announcement suddenly, a small smile on his face. Deidara turned to look out the window quickly, attempting to take a good look at the mansion they were arriving at.
"Oh my..." The mansion before him was huge; covered in large windows, spilling light out. It's wide drive and sprawling lawn spreading miles, only made Deidara more nervous.
"You will be judged the moment you step out of this carriage." Sasori said, his arms crossed when addressing the blonde.
"I understand, hm." Deidara flashed Sasori a smile.
"Allow me." Sasori stepped out of the carriage as soon as it came to a stop, offering his hand to the blonde. Taking his hand, Deidara stepping gingerly down, holding his head high as he alighted.
The penetrating stares continued from the moment Deidara arrived. All eyes were upon him as Deidara greeted other guests and ate his dinner with the utmost manner. Even whilst making small talk, the kingdom nobles watched with critical eyes. His every move, every word, none of it escaped the scrutiny. As far as he could tell, he had made no serious blunders and maintained a regal bearing throughout.
"Do you dance, Your Highness?" The Archduke asked, a whole-hearted smile gracing his face.
"I have been looking forward to dancing all evening, Your Grace, hm." The unexpected question set Deidara's nerves on edge, but he hid his trepidation with a smile.
"That's wonderful! And who here wished to dance with the new princess?" The Archduke shouted the question to everyone assembled in the room.
"I shall, Your Grace. It is only right." Sasori was the first to raise his voice in answer.
"S-Sasori..." Deidara blushed, yet placed his palm on the redhead's outstretched hand. A crowd assembled around the edges of the dance floor, their eyes firmly affixed on Sasori and Deidara.
"What a pleasure it will be to see the future king and queen perform the first dance." The Archduke's smile was warm and free of malice.
"I don't think I've ever seen the prince so nice to someone before..." Deidara heard whispers rustling through the crowd. He had anticipated having to dance, but he hadn't imagined it would be like this. Deidara searched through the faces in the crowd, eventually finding Itachi. The raven gave a reassuring smile, along with a slight nod.
"Relax." Sasori calmly whispered in the blonde's ear. When Deidara looked into his eyes, he found a quiet confidence reflected, "Just like our lesson." Deidara took a deep breath and straightened his back. He looked to Sasori, giving him his brightest smile, mostly to bolster his own spirits. Sasori responded with a fleeting but warm smile of his own. Sasori's smile disappeared so quickly the blonde wasn't sure if he had seen it at all. But it was more than enough to bring his focus back to the dance, "Let's begin."
The slow ballroom music began to play, and Sasori took Deidara's right hand with a graceful sweep. The couple gracefully moved to the centre of the dance floor, Deidara's body securely held by Sasori's grip. The red-heads left arm gently rested on the blonde's hip; Deidara's arm worked its way up to the redhead's shoulder.
When the dance ended, the Archduke applauded for Sasori and Deidara, "A beautiful dance, Your Highness." But the applause from the crowd was sparse, and Deidara could see flickers of disappointment on their faces. They had apparently been hoping for a different outcome.
"Thank you very much, Your Grace." Sasori bowed deeply.
"You are too kind, Archduke, hm." Ignoring the other guests, Deidara smiled sweetly at the Archduke before bowing slightly.
"Some refreshments have been prepared. Your Highness, my treasured guests, please help yourselves." At the Archduke's words, the crowd erupted into a lively conversation. With his feet still weary from the dance, Deidara shuffled over to the refreshment table. Deidara picked up one of the glasses and lifted it to his lips.
"Deidara! Wait-"
"Dear me! Was the princess raised in a barn?" Sasori's words were drowned out by an uproar of voices, followed by a hush falling over the entire room.
"The princess couldn't even wait to be served."
"Like a dog scavenging for scraps."
"You can teach an Iwa to dance, but proper decorum will ever be beyond them." Covering their mouths with folding fans, the noblewomen continued their shrill derision.
The room began to spin as Deidara processed what had happened. There are even rules concerning when I pick up a glass?
"Now, now, ladies and gentlemen-" The Archduke spoke, lifting his hands in defence of the situation.
"How could they have chosen such an unrefined princess to be the next queen? Disgusting." Deidara began to tremble as he took on the full brunt of their nasty whispers and piercing stares. But then he remembered what Itachi had said.
'You'll need to learn how to accept every critique and insult with a smile and grace. But that's only a part of a princess' duty. A princess must also ensure that they and the prince have the trust and support of the people.'
With trembling hands, he lowered the glass to the table. Deidara's eyes widened, his shaking caused the glass to topple over, spilling its contents onto his dress.
"The Iwa are probably more comfortable in dirty clothes anyway." Laughter and scorn-filled the room. I just can't win.
"May my wife borrow your guest chambers for a moment, Your Grace?"
"Please, feel free."
"Come with me." Suddenly, Sasori grabbed his hand. His grip was too tight for Deidara to pull away. Leading him away from the eyes and voices of the room, Sasori opened the door to a small room, pulling the blonde inside. Shifting through the wardrobe, Sasori pulled out another dress, "Wear this." Pushing the dress into Deidara's hand, Sasori sighed. Behind a dressing curtain, Deidara changed into the dress that had been hastily procured for him, "Have you finished changing?"
"Yes." Wiping the tears from his eyes, Deidara stepped out from behind the curtain. Sasori had patiently waited for him whilst he changed, "Thank you, Sasori, hm. If you hadn't saved me when you did, I doubt I'd have been able to be your princess any longer, hm." Deidara laughed slightly. He'd done his best to endure their taunts, but he sure how much more he could have taken. At that, Sasori quietly extended his hand towards Deidara.
"I'm sorry."
"For what, hm?" Deidara looked up at Sasori with a confused expression. Why would he apologise to me? Sasori ran his long, graceful fingers through the blondes' warmth and gentleness of his touch reminded Deidara of their encounter in the Sasori continued, Deidara felt the knot of stress and anxiety begin to unravel with each touch.
"I should have woken you up for that lesson." Sasori's downcast eyes were filled with regret.
"Woken me up, hm?"
"When you fell asleep last night, during our lessons."
"I was the one who fell asleep, hm. It's my fault things turned out this way."
"Indeed. You are at fault."
"I know that, hm." That coldness of his reply only made Deidara feel all the worse.
"Those are the sort of people who inhabit the world you live in now. You'll need to learn how to live in their world. No matter how tired you become, or how painful the lessons may be. Because if you can't –" Sasori's words carried a passion that Deidara rarely heard in his voice. But he never finished the thought. His words trailed off, leaving a pained expression on his face.
"Because if I can't -?" Deidara asked quietly, his voice barely a whisper. Sasori reached forward, gently tracing the tracks of tears that streaked Deidara's face.
"At the very least, there will be a lot more tears to wipe away. This is what's bound to happen when an Iwa is selected to become the princess of Suna."
"An Iwa –"
"Because, if an Iwa like yourself was to become a Suna princess, I assure you, it would not end happily." The thought struck Deidara like a bolt of lightning: Had he been looking out for me? Had he been trying to protect me? If that were true, it would explain so much. Deidara wanted to ask Sasori, but the right words wouldn't come. Deidara knew that he wasn't likely to give him a straight answer anyway.
"Sasori, I'm going to keep trying."Deidara turned to Sasori and flashed him a bright smile, "I still think I can become a princess Suna will be proud of, hm. You'll see. After all, Itachi believes in me. And so does His Majesty, the King. And one day, I know that you'll believe in me too, hm."Sasori gently placed his hand on the blonde's sadness in his eyes melted away to reveal a clear sapphire gaze.
"What happened out there is going to happen over and over again."
"I know, hm."
"You'll have to learn more rules than you can count. You'll have to endure more hardships than you can imagine."
"I know that too, hm."
"And I won't be a lenient teacher or husband."
"I wouldn't have it any other way, hm." Sasori was on Deidara's side. He felt happy for the first time all evening. Seeing Deidara smile must have touched Sasori. His expression softened as he beamed back at the blonde, "I look forward to resuming our lessons, Sasori, hm." And just like that, Deidara felt better.
…
The eyes of everyone in the dance hall were upon them as soon as they re-entered the room. Deidara could still hear the noblewomen whispering their outrage and tutting of tongues as he made his way through the crowd.
"Your Highness. Is everything all right?" The Archduke approached Deidara, an apologetic look on his face.
"I'm fine, thank you. I'm terribly sorry for any worry I've caused, hm." Deidara smiled, trying to put the Archduke at ease.
"That's… certainly a relief to know." Looking around the room, Deidara noticed the champagne glasses. They remained on the table, untouched.
"Are you wondering why you're not supposed to serve yourself?" Sasori had followed the blondes gaze to the table. He asked the question quietly, so as not to be overheard.
"I was, hm."
"Because we're supposed to be of noble standing. And that means projecting an image of never wanting for food or drink."
"Really, hm?" That might just be the stupidest thing Deidara had ever heard. There wasn't even any wait staff to serve the champagne. The glasses remained in a neat line, not a single sip consumed. Those tiny bubbles, the alluring aroma – the partygoers seemed determined to let it all go to waste. It made no sense to Deidara. The Archduke had wanted them to drink it, "Isn't refusing to drink the champagne an insult to His Grace, hm?"
"I suppose it is." Sasori nodded his agreement but didn't seem terribly concerned about the matter. Deidara stepped closer to the table and picked up a glass.
"Dear me, he's doing it again!"
"Deidara!" Ignoring the uproar around him, Deidara raised the glass to his lips.
"Your Grace." Deidara took a sip and flashed the Archduke a pleasant smile, "This champagne is delicious. Thank you for sharing it with us." The Archduke's look of surprise gave way to a wide grin.
"Why, it's the finest vintage from the manor's reserves." Seeming to have heard the Archduke's words, the noblewomen in the crowd fell silent. Deidara's gaze fell to Itachi.
"Itachi, we should take our leave shortly, hm."
"Yes, Your Highness." Itachi nodded, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Thank you for inviting us to your banquet, Your Grace. I had a wonderful time, hm."
"The pleasure was all mine, Your Highness. Do come visit us again." Itachi went to open the door, as Sasori extended his hand to the blonde.
"You really are –" Sasori began, sighing.
"I'm what, hm?" Deidara looked at the redhead, expectantly.
"Never mind." Sasori squinted a little as he looked away, saying no more. Deidara's hand wrapped around the crook of Sasori's arm. Deidara and Sasori passed through the door, leaving the partygoers behind.
It was the day after the Archduke's banquet. Sasori and Deidara resumed the blondes preparation for the coronation ceremony.
"You need to bend your knee."
"Like this, hm?"
"No. You need to sweep your other foot behind you." Deidara tried to do as Sasori asked.
"How's this?"
"Precisely." It was always so satisfying to finally win Sasori's approval. Sasori certainly hasn't become less demanding an instructor. But his lessons had become significantly more pleasant. Deidara no longer felt the intense pressure he experienced when Sasori had first taught him how to dance. Maybe they had become a little more comfortable around each other.
"Isn't it about time for a break, eh Sasori?"
"No, it's not. You need to thoroughly master your curtsy before regional languages with Itachi this afternoon."
"Fine, fine." Deidara didn't know whether Sasori was as tired as he was, but it definitely wasn't Sasori's style to take breaks. Their lesson resumed, but Sasori proved to be a tough teacher until Deidara finally mastered the curtsey.
"Tobi." After several more gruelling lessons, Sasori motioned to Tobi, who had been waiting for his orders.
"How may I be of service, Your Grace?"
"The Royal Highness will be having tea in the garden shortly. Prepare a tea service."
"Right away, m'lord." Tobi raced off to the kitchen. Deidara gave Sasori an inquisitive look.
"Tea in the garden, hm?"
"Seeing as your afternoon schedule is packed with other classes." Sasori must have known Deidara was looking at him, yet Sasori avoided meeting the blonde's gaze.
"Thank you, Sasori, hm." Deidara smiled at Sasori's profile. Sasori placed his arm around the blondes shoulder, gently guiding him outside and into the garden. Upon seeing the lush gardens, a dining table and two chairs sat under a gazebo, decorated in white flowers and ivy vines. The red-head pulled out the blondes chair, slowly pushing it back under when Deidara sat. Clouds drifted across an azure sky. Simply sipping his tea in such lovely weather was enough to brighten Deidara's mood.
"Hey, Sasori-" Deidara began, setting down his tea cup onto the saucer.
"What is it?"
"Did you receive lessons like this when you were younger, hm?" Deidara had only been intending to make conversation, but Sasori's eyes narrowed coldly as he lowered his gaze. He then began to speak quietly.
"I wonder-"
"You don't remember, hm?"
"Why are you so interested to know?" Deidara sighed, practically seeing the wall diving the two of them as Sasori's voice grew deeper.
"Well, it's just that you've been such a big help to me, but I know almost nothing about you, hm."
"Then let's keep it that way." Sasori looked up just long enough for Deidara to see a brief flicker of sorrow in his muddy eyes, "My personal interests have nothing to do with your role as princess." Sasori turned away, lifting the porcelain teacup to his lips.
"Okay." Sipping on the fragrant tea, Deidara gazed at Sasori's profile. If there's one thing Deidara had learnt over the last few days, it's that Sasori had a kind heart. But the blonde still had no idea about what goes in that complicated head of his.
"You're a quick learner, Your Highness." Itachi smiled approvingly at the blondes ability to perfectly recite Suna's basic alphabet.
"Thank you, hm." Deidara returned his smile, seemingly happy to receive praise.
"And judging from the way you conducted yourself yesterday, your inner Suna princess has already begun to emerge." Itachi's eyes narrowed and his smile widened.
"It's all thanks to you and Sasori, hm." Deidara could tell Itachi was choosing his next words carefully.
"I understand that your coronation ceremony requires a great deal of preparation. But I hope it is not entirely distracting you from your duty as a princess. Are you finding that you and Sasori are truly compatible?"
"What?" Deidara's eyes widened and his heart-beat quickened. He had forgot to consider if he and red-head were compatible. After all, it wasn't exactly the number one thing in his mind currently.
"Have you forgotten the coronation is in five days?" Itachi laughed lightly to himself, "A non-compatible marriage will be a pain." Itachi's widening smile didn't do much to put the blonde at ease. Deidara sighed quietly to himself.
"It's too much too soon, hm. I didn't think last month that I would be here, arranging my coronation in five days time, hm." Deidara didn't even know if that's what he wanted. The whole situation was so confusing; his parents had quickly requested and it was almost immediately accepted. A once free man was now entering marriage.
"Well, we are fortunate that the king's health hasn't deteriorated further. It will be long before you and the prince become rulers of Suna. There's no need to rush, but please do consider the emotions of the royal household, my lady."
After finishing their lesson, Deidara thought about Itachi's words as he walked slowly back to his chamber. Glancing down the hallway, Deidara noticed one of the palace maids trudging slowly ahead of him. She seemed to be struggling under the weight of an extremely heavy load.
He approached her from behind, peeking over her shoulder to view what she was carrying, "Are you all right, hm?"
"Oh, Your Highness! I- Oops!" The trembling maid lost her grip on her stack of things, and they clattered to the floor, "F-Forgive me, Your Highness!"
"No, the fault was all mine. I'm so sorry I surprised you like that, hm." Ignoring the maid's polite protests, Deidara helped her gather the fallen things, "May I help you carry this?"
"Your Highness, I couldn't possibly accept such help from the princess!" Clutching her things tightly, the maid shook her head vigorously.
"You don't need to worry about that, hm! I'm a lot stronger than I look." Deidara smiled, flexing his muscles playfully to the maid.
"Princess..." As Deidara gathered his share of the load, the maid smiled through tear-filled eyes.
Sasori sighed as he made his way through the castle hallways, walking nowhere in particular. His days had become much longer upon the arrival of Deidara and the start of the bothersome lessons. The redhead tutted to himself at the thought of the princess. A familiar blue-skinned male appeared around the corner.
"Yo, Sasori!" Kisame lifted his hand in greeting.
"Kisame." Sasori nodded his hello.
"How are lessons with your Iwa princess going? I'm glad it's not my job." Sasori frowned slightly, not wishing to talk about Deidara right now.
"It's not so bad." Kisame arched an eyebrow at Sasori's unexpected reply.
"You've changed, you know?"
"How so?" This time, it was Sasori who appeared slightly unnerved.
"You're way easier to read than you used to be."
"You may just be right." Too conflicted to maintain his usual cold composure, Sasori's emotions had begun to seep into his intonation.
Hearing bright peals of laughter coming from a nearby cloister, "Huh? I know that voice-" Kisame and Sasori turn to look.
"I've actually just started here at the palace a few days ago."
"Is that right? Well, me too, hm!"
"Everyone at the palace has been so welcoming. Although sometimes Itachi's smile kind of scares me."
"Oh definitely, me too, hm!"
The pair of men watched as Deidara and the maid walked down the hall. Despite the burden of their heavy loads, the two happily chatted away.
"A princess helping a maid with her chores?" Kisame gave a disapproving sigh. Sasori silently watched as the two disappeared around a corner, "What's up with you, Sasori?"
"Pardon?" At the sound of his name, Sasori snapped back to reality and turned his attention back to the shark.
"It's not like you to become distracted like that."
"Hm? No, I'm fine." Sasori's reply was barely audible. He averted his eyes from Kisame.
"Is there something going on between you two I should know about?" Kisame nudged the red-head with his elbow, a large grin on the shark's face. Instead of a reply, Sasori walked away, leaving Kisame standing there confused and alone.
Having completed his evening of studies, Deidara couldn't wait to head straight to bed. As he walked, the blonde popped his joints back into place after having sat for way longer than he had liked. Yet on his newfound determination to reach his bed, a hand gripped his arm from behind and pulled him into a nearby room.
"Who is it? Let go of me, hm!" Deidara spun to face his assailant. And there he stood. The man stood clad in black, grey hair atop his head. The attacker smiled, pushing his fallen glasses up his nose.
"So, you're the new princess?" The man who had pulled Deidara into the room addressed him with an insolent sneer. The blonde tried to pull his arm out of the man's grip, but it only prompted the dark man to pull Deidara in closer.
"Hey!"
"Hmm.." Still holding Deidara with one hand, the man placed his other hand under the blondes chin. He lifted Deidara's head upward as if he wanted a better view of the blonde's pale face.
"Who are you?! How did you get into the palace, hm?"
"By walking through the front gates, of course." Ignoring the blondes incredulous glare, the man proudly announced his intentions, "I came to give Itachi an interesting bit of information I had picked up, but the rumour I kept hearing about you were so much more interesting."
"What do you want, hm?" Determined not to show any fear, Deidara kept his eyes fixed on the others.
"I just wanted to get to know you better, Your Highness." Deidara could tell by the sparkle in the man's eyes that he wasn't backing down anytime soon. The harder Deidara tried to quash down his fears and stare him back down, the more the males eyes sparkled, "I really should introduce myself. The name is Kabuto. So have you done anything with prince Sasori yet? Do tell."
"What?" The question left Deidara flustered. Why was a man he just met asking him such a personal question? Kabuto laughed, pleased to have caught the blonde off guard. Kabuto lowered his face to within a few inches of Deidara's.
"Sasori Akasuna." Deidara blushed slightly at the whispered name, "You two have sure been spending a lot of time together. But Sasori, he's not interested in a bride, let alone an Iwa."
"How would you know that, hm?" Deidara's heart sank. He knew, but it still hurt to hear it from someone else.
"Now, why do you think that is?" There was something strange and unsettling about the look in Kabuto's eyes, "Let's just say you and Sasori have something in common."
