Book Ten: What this means

Ino collapsed beside her father's torn up body and wailed. Soldiers lined the great man on either side with their heads bowed in sadness and respect. The Emperor was brought a chair and he sat cross from Ino looking regretfully down at Inoichi.

"Why has the Imperial Doctor not been summoned? The man still breathes! Call all every doctor we have on hand. Bring me Haruno-san!"

Ino shook as she watched her father focus all his energies on drawing breath. Blood ran steadily out of a wound to his side that according to a soldier's hasty account was due to a sword being plunged up through his lungs to his heart. It was a wonder he was even still alive.

"Yamanaka-san!" Sakura's mother came bounding over, red hair flying in the wind she skidded to a stop then dropped on all fours to Inoichi's side. Her expert hands prodded and appraised the wound. After a moment she looked up at Ino and from that moment Ino knew her father would not make it. With her mouth set in a grim line Haruno offered to take Ino's father into the infirmary to do what she could but Ino refused.

"He would have wanted to die a warrior on the very ground he was bested. Please excuse my father's foolish traditions," Ino became choked up. "I mean no offense."

"Of course you don't dear." Sakura's mothers' smile was kind.

"In-chi," Ino's father rasped, he used his secret pet name for her; it was a sure sign he was going as he'd never done something so personal in front of the Emperor if he were not dying. "You have become m-m-more than I could ever have hopped." He coughed thoroughly producing a handful of blood. "You are my successor, the army is yours. You..." more coughing. "Have made me happier than any boy-child could have. I am proud of my dau-daught...er. Tell the Emperor what I've done and have the future I've al..w-w-ways dreamed for you."

Ino daren't look up at the Emperor and meet his quizzical gaze; she simply held her father's cold hand and kissed his knuckles. When she felt his hand finally go very limp in her own she began sobbing loudly. Sakura's mother put her arm around Ino and whispered what Ino would assume were comforting words because she could not hear a word. All she could think about was the reason her father was dead was because he went to rescue the Emperor's son, he would never have done this if she'd been a normal girl and married when she was thirteen to an eligible war Lord, she just had to be different and prove to her father and everyone else that she was just as valuable as a son and not merely a bargain token for some dowry.

"Papa..." Ino lamented. The Emperor rose from his seat and dismissed the soldiers and asked Ino to join him in the War Room once she felt ready. She nodded and continued to hold her fathers' hand. Her emotions became a whirlwind of desperation, sadness, anger, regret, and helplessness.

Was she really ready to assume her father's post of Chief? She always assumed that when she accepted her inheritance her father would be there to direct her and assure her along the way that she was doing the right thing. To let her know she was making the right decision and not committing awful, irreversible mistakes.

"FATHER!" Ino cried out at the top of her lungs. "DON'T LEAVE ME!" She shook with grief and hated herself for being so weak. Hated her father for going ahead and dying. Hated herself even more for blaming her father for his own demise.

When she was sure more than two hours had passed, and she felt she could no longer shed anymore tears without passing out Ino called for the Doctors to have Inoichi's body wrapped and prepared for cremation. Ino took her father's sword and helmet then returned to the palace where everyone shied away from her glance and bowed lower than usual as she passed. When Ino reached the War Room the announcer shouted nothing instead he moved to allow her to pass and quietly expressed his condolences.

"Yamanaka-san," the Emperor sat at the head of an enormous square table. Upon the table sat an enormous textured map of the Konohagakure with little flags and buildings all over it. The room was dark and lit by a few demure candelabras. Other than a few weapon diagrams and what appeared to be a large book of national laws and decrees.

"Please have a seat to my left dear. I understand that you will be succeeding your father as Chief."

"Thank is correct, your Excellency." Ino sat to the left of the Emperor doing her best to ignore the looks of disdain from the Emperor's other advisor's and council. She noted Sasuke and Itachi's presence as well.

"If I might speak out of turn, your grace?" a feeble looking man in all green gave Ino a scathing look then proceeded to list reasons he (and he mentions the rest of the council agrees) believes Ino is not eligible for the position. "Not to mention her age and...disability."

Ino was finding it very hard to control her temper.

"You make several interesting points, Ryougi-san, however it remains that Inoichi has long proclaimed Miss Yamanaka heir to his legacy. She shall assume her father's post just as he wished it."

"But my Lord, a female on the High Council? It is unheard of! She is weak and they are not as able mentally as men as I am sure you're aware honoured Emperor—"

Ino had enough; she slammed her fist down on the table causing some of the flags to shake. "I was raised with manners and respect for those who precede me but I can no longer hold my tongue in the face of such blatant disrespect and breach of decorum. My father's body has hardly lost warmth for an hour and you are ready to spit on the child he has raised as his heir! My sex has nothing to do with my infallible ability to fight for, and protect Konohagakure with the men my father has trained all the years of his life!" Ino was spitting the words now.

"For you to dare speak about me as if I were some weak female unlawfully sitting here, pretending to know what she was doing is a grave personal injustice to me. I would go so far as suggest you have dishonoured my father's fresh memory as well as discredited yourself as an intelligent man of the court."

This was met by some murmuring and Ino was sure she even heard someone quietly clap. Itachi wore a small smirk; Sasuke's expression was as impassive and unreadable as ever. Breathing heavily to clam herself and fight back tears of indignation Ino held her head high and waited for the Emperor's opinion.

"Now that we have that settled we will turn to the pressing matter that has caused me to call you all here at such a late hour."

Ryougi made an angry noise but said nothing else.

"We are gathered here to discuss the traitorous murders called the Tsu Tsin. They must be captured and put to death. Not only have to laughed in the face of the Empire by kidnapping my son and torturing him for months, but also committing the unspeakable murder of an honoured colleague who I respected very much," the Emperor turned pointedly to Ino. "We all regret the loss of Yamanaka Inoichi."

"So, Ino-san, what do you suggest our first military action to be?"

Ino gulped and started to regret her earlier outburst. They were a lot of big words, but she wasn't nearly as confident when it came to actually producing results.

"If I might interject," Itachi's smooth voice cut in. "I have been tipped off about a certain rebellion taking place to overthrow the Empire which I believe is closely related to the Tsu Tsin who wishes for the same thing."

Sasuke made an inexplicable stifled noise which he attempted to play off as a cough. He was furious; Hinata had already sold her story to Itachi? His parents had only just said they didn't mind such an evil marriage and she was already giving away her information. Sasuke half expected her to simply give it to him at no cost since she got to marry his brother and refrained from mentioning during their many meetings she was in love with Itachi. Sasuke fucking hated her.

"Oh!" The Emperor's face lit up with interest. "As expected of First Son, tell us more Itachi?"

Itachi went on to divulge information about the rebellion Hinata withheld from Sasuke. He told them about their usual meeting place and how to distinguish them by their blue and silver robes.

"They have joined forces with the Tsu Tsin and are planning an attack to murder the heir and his fiancé. They know such a murder will shake the people of Konohagakure and force the Imperial Court into disarray."

"They are planning to kill me and my future wife?" Sasuke was astonished. Surly that kind of information was something Hinata would have mentioned? What did she plan to do if he had chosen her and a murder attempt was made on her life.

"Sasuke, allow him to finish." The Emperor cut him off. Itachi continued to state the seeming growing numbers of their organization and their sudden movement into the capital.

"It would appear," Itachi said gravely. "They plan to attack during Feast. The whole nation will be in the courtyard enjoying the festival and Sasuke will be up on a pedestal before them all—what a spec tale that will be."

"My goodness, we cannot allow such a thing to occur!" a grey old man wheezed.

"No doubt," The Emperor cast Sasuke a troubled look then turned to Ino. "What would you suggest, Ino?"

"I am assumed the Tsu Tsin and the Rebellion do not know we are aware of their plans?"

"I believe that to be true." Itachi nodded.

"Then I suggest a surprise attack. We will have them right between our palace walls and at our mercy. My men are well trained and can easily hide themselves about the palace."

"Hah, a surprise attack? That is your grand plan? How childish, as if an organized rebellion will fall—"

"Rougi," the Emperor barked. "I for one would like to hear the rest of Ino's plan; if it is too hard for you to keep quiet I will ask you to step out."

That shut him up.

The cogs in Ino's mind turned faster and faster as a grand scheme began to form in her mind. She polished it and told her tale by the end she was certain it would and it would do her father proud. However, she knew that her plan would be very painful for some to commit to. She was too exhausted though to begin to think about the feeling of others, she simply wanted to retreat to her room and have herself a cry.

Hinata paced her bed chamber occasionally muttering curses under her breath at the timing of it all. Her father and sister had only just left after attacking her with an army of insults and accusations. She'd expected the night to be hairy but she didn't think that seconds after she'd been allowed to marry Itachi a man would be murdered and everyone would be ushered off to their rooms and forbidden to leave until the guard said it was safe. She found herself to be a prisoner wherever she was—home or the goddamn palace she was a prisoner.

She's taken a quick bath and changed into her sexiest night clothes to wait for her fiancé but he was taking much longer than she expected. She checked her breath and her hair then decided to sit in front of the mirror and comb it again to keep away the anxiousness.

Tonight was THE night; she thought. Itachi had proven himself to her, he'd faced his father for her, he'd faced her father; a feat worthy of accolades. When she heard him enter the room finally Hinata's heart seized in her chest. He was so much more experienced than she was; she was definitely going to disappoint him. This wasn't something she could study and practice under the watchful eye of her father until it was perfect, the only way to gain experience was to go for it and in effect make a huge fool out of yourself.

"M-my Lord," Hinata turned from the dressing mirror and ran towards Itachi. "It is done, we are to be married."

"Yes," Itachi kissed the top of her head and ran his fingers through her impossibly silky hair. "You are mine, forever."

"H-h-how did it go?" Hinata took great gulps of breath to try and ease her nerves. "With the Emperor, who was it that was killed?"

"It was Yamanaka-san, the blond's father."

"That is terrible!" Hinata gasped, she disliked her own father greatly, she'd even go so far as to say she hated him. Yet she still felt that it was possible to have love in hate. She loved him because he created her and in his own twisted, horrid way he raised and nurtured her to womanhood. She would be saddened by his lost, she could only imagine the way someone would feel losing a loved one—especially a parent—they were fond of.

"How is she? The girl, Ino?"

"She is braving the loss well. She was present at the meeting; she has already accepted the post of Army Master, she has taken her father's helmet and his sword."

"What does this mean for your brother? Does this mean that in one night he's lost two prospective Consorts?"

"Ino has devised a plan to avenge her father; and we can say that she has not removed herself from the competition."

How curious, Hinata through. If Ino was not removing herself from the competition wouldn't that mean she was in an advantageous seat of power to get the throne? What could this mean for poor Sakura? The only out of the three who actually loved the boy. If Ino insisted because her father was killed on palace grounds she be entitled to more time with Sasuke, or she chose to 'grieve' on his shoulder...

"So, my beautiful and mysterious temptress, why have you dressed this way tonight?"

Itachi was talking about Hinata sheer silk nightdress. Tiny vermillion birds played as they embroidery that sat under her bosom accentuating her curves. Her glistening hair was worn completely down; this is considered a treat in the court for a females 'special' man as her hair is always worn up in public.

"I wanted to present you with this." Hinata blushed and smiled a small smile. Itachi accepted a folded handkerchief and opened it to find a beautifully sewn vermillion robin. The detailing was immense and impressive.

"Where did you get this?"

"I sew it, your grace." Hinata smiled coyly. "I began when I first arrived at the palace; I also remember vermillion was your favourite colour."

"Thank you, Hinata-chan." Itachi took her into his arms and kissed both her cheeks. Hinata beamed then reached up to run her fingers through his long dark hair. He'd let it grow out so much it could be tied with a ribbon. Itachi smirked then lifted her princess-style and dropped her unto the bed.

"Will you let me have you now?" his voice became deep with want. Hinata shivered and felt herself begin to perspire.

"You have proven your de-devotion to me; that you love me and will not leave me. It is my only wish to give myself to you, now."

Itachi loomed over Hinata kissing her neck and nibbling the soft, vulnerable skin to coax a moan. When he received it he moved down to her chest where he cupped an ample breast relishing the soft warm feeling. He trailed a hand down her stomach to the join of her thighs where he slipped a finger between her other lips causing an innocent Hinata to gasp.

She'd never been touched like this before. In all the times she'd been with Itachi they had never breeched kissing and she was comfortable with that. He pushed her legs gently apart and began to tease her between the legs. Hinata felt a strange under begin to build in the pit of her stomach; a feeling that said she couldn't bare Itachi to stop what he was doing, she wanted something fantastic that was far in the distance. She wasn't sure what it was, but she felt her body building up towards it; something insurmountable.

"Itachi," Hinata panted. "I feel, I feel..."

"I know," Itachi murmured into her ear, he licked the lobe then pressed his lips aggressively against hers. "Don't fight how it feels, let yourself go and relax."

Hinata felt an unplanned moan escape her lips then Itachi shocked her by slipping one of his fingers inside.

"Itachi!" Hinata's eyes widened and she tried to sit up.

"Relax," he cooed. "I'd never hurt you. You have to trust me and let yourself go."

Once Hinata became used the feeling one finger Itachi added another, by now Hinata was releasing quiet grunts and moans with every pump of his hand and Itachi decided she was ready.

He was panting heavily from the effort it took him to resist for so long with personal gratification. Itachi moved in slowly as Hinata whimpered beneath him. Gradually he increased his speed until he was moving quick enough to start a fire.

"Ah, Nn, Oh—Itachi!" Hinata could hardly breathe, her eyes rolled around in her head from the unbelievable pleasure she was experiencing. Itachi kissed her all over and watched her climax over and over—the trademark of a true virgin. He, on the other hand, held out for the enormous climax he was building to.

"I can't take it anymore! Oh heavens, Itachi I'm going to explode!"

"Ahh, Hinata!" Itachi finally let go—light exploded behind his eyes, he shuddered releasing himself inside her then crashed to the bed next to her.

The next morning everyone dined in the Imperial dining room again as their meal was interrupted the night before.

"Your continued vigilance makes an old Emperor very glad." The Emperor addressed the table. "During this time of celebration and grief I would ask the Court to maintain a certain amount of secrecy when concerned with the impromptu engagement of my son, Uchiha Itachi and his lovely bride Hyuuga Hinata."

"Indeed, we would like to introduce Sasuke's fiancé before Itachi's tomorrow at Feast. So, for the time being we will leave it at that." Mikoto sniffed.

"Well then, Sasuke," The Emperor turned to his second-born. "Feast is tomorrow, who is it you'll be taking?"

The sudden tension was palpable. Mikoto was staring at Sasuke with interest and intent. Sasuke took a deep breath then answered, "I will be inviting Miss Yamanaka do accompany me to Feast, if she'll have me."

Sakura's heart stopped in her chest. Ino merely nodded and agreed to Sasuke's invite. Hinata's eyes widened in wonder but she said nothing. Mikoto smiled broadly and exclaimed her congratulations. The Emperor looked sternly at Sasuke but, like Ino, just nodded.

Sakura's eyes filled with tears of regret and embarrassment; what was she thinking falling in love? All men truly were the same. She'd let Sasuke in, she'd given him her heart and her tender affections and he rejected her. He was taking a woman who admitted she didn't love him to Feast, why didn't she just scheme after him like the other girls did?

Yet, none of that mattered now. She was rejected and alone. Hinata was also rejected but she found love in Itachi and would no doubt live a life of privilege forever; it seemed to Sakura the only one who truly lost was herself. Her head sagged in despair; she didn't touch her meal or contribute anything to the polite conversation. Once they were dismissed Sakura all but ran to her room and began to pack her things.

The idea of staying a moment longer to be laughed at sickened her.

How could Sasuke do this to her? How could he? He must know how fragile she was, how easy it will be for her to repeat offend once she returns to those trenches with her mother. She'd been let down again. Love wasn't real; the only thing that was real is the rejection. No wonder Hinata had laughed at her, she was right all along. She didn't know Sasuke at all; everything she knew about him was a lie.

"I ha-ha-have to get out here." Sakura became hysterical as she threw her belongings half-heartedly into trunks and parcels. She instructed the doorman that she would see no visitor's today and locked herself in her room, drew the blinds and crawled under the covers. Sometime during the day the Doctor's son Sakura slept with at the beginning of her visit came to visit, he promised 'physical healing'.

Sakura threw up.

She realized then that there was no way she would go back to her old self. She'd never be that girl again, she'd work hard; just like her mother and she'd be celibate—it was the only way.

Sasuke was troubled by Sakura's face during breakfast. She'd been withdrawn and refused to look at him. When she finally raised her head to leave and locked eyes with him her eyes were filled with betrayal and regret and Sasuke felt as though she'd stabbed him in the heart.

He couldn't help it, there was no way around him taking Ino to Feast, it was part of the deal and that was how it was going to go. He wished he could go to Sakura and assure her that he didn't actually love Ino but there was no way he could without raising suspicion.

Tomorrow was Feast and he would have to take the girl he promised his best friend he would not, it would come down to this. He knew the plan, Ino was very clever and worked everything out, but he would need to devise his own plan. A way to apologise and let Sakura know she was the only girl for him at the same time. He heard she was packing so he'd have to move fast.

Hinata and Itachi lay in bed holding each other while each relived their favourite moments of their intimate time together.

"Itachi, I'm glad we met. I'm glad you love me."

"I'm glad I love you too, Hina-chan." Itachi nuzzled her hair breathing in her scent deeply.

"Itachi..." Hinata turned over and looked her lover in the eye. "What do you want for our future?"

"I want to be with you, I want us to start a great family together and be happy."

"You wish to live in the Hyuuga manor?"

"That was the plan; it might be cramped living here with my brother and Ino."

"Ah, well I believe my father is so upset with my rebellion he has promised Hanabi the manor..."

"No!"

"Yes, I'm afraid. He did not take to kindly to my relinquishing the throne."

"Ridiculous."

"I agree, another thing that I thought that was ridiculous was that promise your father made you swear to."

"Which one was that?"

"That your children shall give up their right to the Empire. It is unfair and in my mind outrageous. To suggest that your children will be lesser than Sasuke's simply because you are not Emperor is not conducive to national law or history."

"You believe so?" Itachi sat up.

"Of course, especially since I know I will bare you a strong son."

"Hinata..."

"You had to give up your crown because of politics, but your children will not have the same fate. I will have your son on that throne no matter what. It is my ambition—for my children to surpass us in every way."

"You're a big dreamer, my love. And to have our children surpass us? What a tall order." Itachi's hand slipped beneath the covers.

"I've always had big dreams." Hinata smiled softly then opened her legs again. "No matter the obstacle I will have your son on the throne, Ita."

Itachi laughed. "See to it you do."

End of book ten

Vermillion-A reference to the word on Itachi's Akatsuki ring.

Next chapter is the festival!