My Dear Princess
Chapter Eight
They didn't want to have to separate, not even for an instant. Sakura knew though with the way her parents kept glancing back at her that if she didn't fulfill her duty, she'd be in trouble.
Sasuke looked so good and was a reassurance to her and even though she didn't want to walk away from him, she was happy knowing he would be right here when she came back to him.
She squeezed his hand as she prepared herself. "I have to meet everyone."
Sasuke sighed as he looked down at her. "That's going to take a while."
She nodded, knowing full well it would. "I know."
"I'll wait at the table with Itachi." He promised her.
"Okay…"
When she really thought about it, she hated the idea of walking away from him. The thought of any other man looking at her the way Sasuke did gave her a chill that wasn't good in the least. Still she had to do it. So why couldn't she move?
"Go Sakura, it will be fine."
Sasuke was having a hard time with it himself, but he wanted to make it easier on her if he could. She nodded and took a step away, releasing his hand. "Don't leave." She whispered, but her plea reached him loud and clear.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He watched her go, admiring her as she went. The gown she wore was beautiful and white, it seemed to make her features really stand out. After a moment, he walked towards the table he and his clan had been designated.
Itachi and Shisui both were giving him knowing eyes, their grins humorous. Sasuke ignored them as he took his seat beside them. They were sure to sour his mood and he wasn't going to let them.
"I can't believe you could stand so proud and confident in front of the king after leaving your place. You realize he could have forced you to leave, right?"
"He would have had a hard damn time."
Itachi chuckled in amusement. "I bet."
Sasuke watched her just as she was introducing herself to the table closest to her. He wouldn't let her out of his sight if he could help it. He cringed when one of the men at the table took her hand in his. He smiled when he realized she disliked the action even more than he did. She was struggling to keep a straight face.
…
It wasn't easy for Sakura, speaking to people so freely and allowing them to take her hand whenever they pleased. It seemed that every man she met wanted to touch her and it was rather uncomfortable.
Some of the men were intimidating and it was as if she could sense their hostility. The shinobi elite were so different from the civilian royals. Power, it was something the royals craved but did not have themselves and to Sakura, it was frightening.
It hadn't been when it came to Sasuke, it was intriguing to her. But, these men had her skin crawling. Some of them had scars of their faces that were awful and she couldn't help wondering what they'd gone through. Some of them were handsome and pleasant, but she still didn't want to be around them.
She was desperate to get back to Sasuke and she had only met a few groups so far. The end seemed to be nowhere in sight as she gracefully made her way to the next group.
"Hello, I'm Sakura." She introduced herself with a pleasant smile.
"My lady," The closest man stood on his feet and towered over her. He had long dark hair and pearl colored eyes. He took her hand much like every man had done but then he lifted it to his lips and pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles. She flinched, but didn't pull away for fear of being rude. "Hyuga Neji, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."
"Why thank you." She forced a smile and fought hard not to snatch her hand away.
When he finally released her hand and she met the other two Hyuga's, she made a quick escape. She wasted no time in getting around the room. Her feet were literally crying and she was already beyond tired. She wanted to have it over with, but she wasn't even halfway done. And there was still dancing to be done.
Eventually she did make it all the way around the room, but her mind was so distracted by Sasuke that she hadn't remembered a single person's name. She didn't care though, it didn't really matter. There was only one man's name that she felt the need to know.
One she'd never forget.
She had to join her parents again, they had their own table and she was so thankful to get to sit, if only for a moment. Her feet ached unlike they ever had and her head was beginning to hurt.
It had already been more than an hour since the ball began and she was finally given a drink. It was alcoholic and she'd never drank before, but she was so thirsty she downed the glass. It was sour and her face scrunched up afterwards. She struggled to collect herself after that.
"You're doing well, darling. The dances will start next."
Sakura groaned inwardly and watched as her wineglass was filled once more. It was actually disgusting but she needed to quench her thirst. She sipped on it this time as she listened to her parents.
"I assume you've met a few suitors who caught your eye." Her father mused. "You should focus on dancing with them."
"Yes." He mother agreed. "That way you can weed out some of the ones you already know you're not interested in."
Sounded good to Sakura. "What if I've already decided?" She asked carefully. If it could be over sooner than later, she'd be glad.
"My goodness, there's no way you could decide on an introduction alone. The dance's will give you time to speak to the suitors more openly and privately." Her mother sounded affronted.
"That's correct, you must choose wisely." Her father agreed.
Sakura frowned. She already had and dancing wasn't going to change anything. She would love to dance with Sasuke, but to have to dance with anyone else… It disturbed her.
"Well I've narrowed it down to one clan. They're local." She wasn't going to back down now.
"Oh?" Her parents were surprised but they didn't seem displeased.
"The Uchiha." She told them firmly. "They're the highest standing elite shinobi clan in our land."
"So, you have eyes for that one, huh?" Her father chuckled. He felt that his daughter fancied that young man from earlier.
Sakura blushed and stared at her wine glass. "I will dance with each of them before I make my final decision."
"Very well." Her father agreed. The Uchiha's fascinated him and he wouldn't mind their families combining.
Sakura was thankful for that. Itachi wouldn't be so horrible to dance with, he was Sasuke's brother after all. Shisui, she wasn't so sure about. But he had to be better than those Hyuga men.
Feeling a little lightheaded, Sakura had to stop with the alcohol. She wasn't up to dancing at all, especially in front of so many people. Though she'd had dancing lessons for weeks, she still wasn't very good and she was nervous about embarrassing Sasuke or his clan members, or herself.
"When you're ready you can go and announce your decision to the Uchiha."
Sakura blanched. "Pardon?"
"Tell them that you've decided to choose one of them and that after they dance with you, you'll make your final decision."
She was nervous and a little shaky, but she got up to do as she was told. She found them easily enough in the crowd, all seated at the designated table. They were watched her, just as they had been the entire time and it made her even more nervous as she started on her way over to them.
…
"She's coming over here." Shisui muttered, he had been cracking jokes all night and Sasuke was having a hard time ignoring him.
"I'm curious." Itachi admitted. He wondered where this was going to go.
Sasuke watched her, not missing the way her eyes were glued to him as she walked. It only took her a moment to make it to them. He couldn't get over how beautiful and graceful she was. She gave them all a polite curtsy before speaking.
"Dance with me."
Sasuke's breath hitched. He didn't dance and he wasn't one to be ordered around but there was something about the way those words came out that stuck with him. He stood and took her hand without hesitation and she gave him a sweet smile before turning to the other Uchiha.
"You two will be next."
Now, he wasn't so happy.
Sakura pulled him to the middle of the dance floor and when they faced each other, she curtsied again and Sasuke gave her a graceful bow. He took her hand in one of his and wrapped his other arm around her waist and without much effort, they were gliding around the floor together beautifully. It was as if they were made to dance together.
"You have to dance with them?" Sasuke asked, sulking.
Sakura smiled. "Yes, but I managed to get my parents to agree for it to only be out of you three."
"Oh?" This was interesting. He was glad she wouldn't have to dance with everyone at least.
She nodded. "Not only that, but I get to decide for myself… Which of you I should marry."
Sasuke smirked. "Oh yeah?"
"I was glad, being that I decided so long ago."
Sasuke twirled her around with ease and he made her feel so light and free as she danced, she felt like she could dance forever. She was having fun and the surrounding crowd was forgotten once more. For the first time in her life, she truly felt like a princess.
"You just might be more confident than I am."
"I'm trying to be." She mused.
Sasuke chuckled. "What will happen?"
She sighed then. "I'm not certain. But I don't want to leave you… Or you leave me."
"I know." Sasuke murmured. He couldn't have agreed more.
The song slowly came to a close and they ended their dance just as Itachi walked up to cut in. Sasuke reluctantly gave her hand to Itachi and he walked away, none too happy as they began their dance. He took his seat once more and tensed in annoyance when Shisui scooted closer to him.
"So, do you think things will work out?" He seemed sincerely curious and Sasuke glared at him.
"Yes." Was all he said before he turned back to watch Itachi lead Sakura around the floor easily. They danced well together, though he hated to admit it even to himself.
"Guess it's my turn." Shisui sighed as their dance ended. He stood and so did Sasuke. Shisui grinned at Sasuke, not even slightly taken aback by the deadly look he was receiving.
"Don't do anything foolish."
Shisui laughed. "Why are you so worried?"
Sasuke glared at Shisui as he walked off and gladly took Sakura's hand from Itachi. With his dõjutsu active, he could easily see that Itachi gave him a warning of his own and then he relaxed. It was just a dance and Sakura would probably tell him off if she needed to.
…
"You're quite the looker." Shisui muttered, a cheeky smile on his face as he danced closely with Sakura, too close for her liking. "I can see why the brat's so obsessed."
Sakura frowned. "Do you mind?" She just wanted to get this dance over with, and she didn't even know what he was talking about.
"Forgive me." He chuckled. "It's just disappointing to know I've already been crossed off your list."
"Sorry." She mumbled, far from sincere.
Shisui laughed again.
Once their dance was over, her parents met her in the center of the room as Shisui went back to the Uchiha's table. Sakura looked up to her parents curiously. She wasn't sure what would happen then and she was nervous.
"Have you decided?" Her father asked casually and Sakura blinked at him a few times before responding.
"I have."
"You're certain?" Her mother asked, seeming unsure.
Sakura nodded. "Absolutely."
"His name?"
She looked up to her father and smiled as his name left her lips. "Uchiha Sasuke."
He nodded, an amused grin on his face. "I suppose confidence is key." He shrugged to himself and looked to the Uchiha she spoke of. "Uchiha Sasuke," He called, his deep voice ringing out over the expanse of the entire ballroom.
Sasuke stood tall and crossed the room without batting an eye. He gave Sakura a firm nod before meeting her father's eyes. He shook the king's hand when he offered it and then bowed towards her mother.
"Sakura has decided to choose you as her future husband." The king informed him and Sasuke listened carefully. "I trust by your words from earlier that this must please you."
"That's right." Sasuke said quickly.
"The ceremony will be within three months' time. Depending on the preparations. Everything will be done here in the castle and will be taken care of by us… So long as you give Sakura your protection."
"Three months is a long while."
"We will need that time to prepare." The king assured him.
"And do you expect me to leave my future bride here, unguarded?"
That gave the king pause. "Well surely you don't expect her to live with you until after the wedding. That's something I couldn't approve."
It was against the law for Sakura, but that wasn't something Sasuke understood.
"I don't like the idea of something happening to her." Sasuke told him honestly. He didn't want her out of his sight.
The king sighed. Sasuke knew with him being chosen as her future husband, he'd have a right to worrying about her wellbeing. There may have been shinobi stationed all around the kingdom, but there were none in the castle.
"Well, if it would make you feel any better, I could prepare you a room close to hers and you can stay with us until the ceremony to assure her safety. That's all I can offer."
"Very well. I accept that."
"Good." Her father grinned. "You'll make a fine addition to our family."
Sasuke agreed, though silently.
…
The ball went on for another few hours but Sasuke got to stay with Sakura at her families table for the remainder of the night, and this pleased them both. After her father announced to everyone that Sasuke had been chosen, most of the excitement died down but everyone remained at the ball and they drank and all seemed to be having a good time.
It was strange to be around so many people and doing so many new things for Sakura but she felt happy now. She could marry Sasuke and have a life with him and she was sure it would be nothing but blissful. She did love him and he wasn't a stranger. She was glad things had worked out in their favor and thankful that Sasuke wanted her as well.
It had to be destiny.
She thought it was funny, how things had happened but she wouldn't have had them any other way. And to think that Sasuke would be able to live with her until the ceremony, and she wouldn't be forced to part with him, she was on cloud nine.
"You shouldn't drink so much." Sasuke warned her after she started her fifth glass of the night.
Sakura didn't touch the glass again. "Sorry…"
Sasuke frowned upon this, he hadn't meant to upset her. "I just meant you should take it slow is all." He told her, squeezing her hand under the table.
She nodded understandingly and then watched her father as he addressed the crowd and announced the ball coming to a close. Some people would linger for a bit, but her parents went ahead and made their leave.
When they told her that she could stay as long as she liked, she was pleasantly surprised and supposedly someone would come to them later and show Sasuke to the room he could stay in. They hadn't been alone for long before the other two Uchiha's came over to them.
"Congratulations little brother," Itachi poked Sasuke in the forehead, none too gently and Sasuke glared at him. "It will be a pleasure having you as a sister, my lady."
Sakura blushed but managed to take Itachi's hand when he offered it to her. He laid his other hand on top of hers and gave her a soft, caring look.
"I truly am thankful things worked out for the two of you."
"Thank you very much." Sakura told him appreciatively.
"It was a pleasure meeting you." Shisui told her. "I hope you can handle him."
"Watch it." Sasuke hissed, ready for them to be gone.
"We're leaving, we have to go to base and discuss this with the clan."
Sasuke nodded and Sakura blushed again. She didn't know what to think about people discussing her and Sasuke's engagement. "Thank you for attending." She told them kindly and they both bowed before leaving.
"Finally." Sasuke muttered. He wished everyone was gone and it could be just him and her.
It was so nice at his home, just the two of them. No annoyances.
"Whew." Sakura breathed. Sasuke could tell just from the look of her that she was intoxicated by the drinking. He reached over and brushed his thumb across her heated cheek and she looked over to him with hazy eyes.
"I knew you were over-doing it." He sighed, but smiled at her.
"I feel… Odd." Her words came out in a whisper. Her voice had changed and something about it sent a shiver down Sasuke's spine.
"You're okay." He whispered back, only then realizing how close they'd gotten. Their bodies touched from the proximity and even her face was only inches from his own. He wanted to kiss her.
But he wouldn't.
Her thoughts were along the same line and he caught the way her eyes dropped to his lips and lingered there. He had to look away before he took advantage of the situation and he noticed the room had emptied, aside from a few servants who were cleaning.
Sakura noticed this too and she took the opportunity to wrap her arms around him. She buried her head in the crook of his neck and Sasuke sighed. He was content finally as he wrapped his own arms around her and embraced her back.
"I thought I'd never see you again." She muttered into his suit.
Sasuke held her tighter. "I had the same fear." He admitted.
"Thank you Sasuke."
The relief was overwhelming for both of them. They were about to start a life together. Sasuke would keep her safe until he died and Sakura would love him endlessly. They were both excited for the future, but they never could have imagined all the hardships the still had yet to face.
A/N:
So I burnt my hand, and of course it had to be my right hand. So I can't apologize for being late on this update. Being down a hand isn't easy when you need it so much...
Seriously though, it's not looking good but I'm thankfully to have one good hand to work with. I'll keep the updates coming as often as I can.
Thanks for reading.
