Disclaimer: Naruto doesn't belong to me.

UPDATED: 8/17/10

Ten months later, the ordeal with Hiashi was soon clamped down and resolved in Kushina's heart.

What was done was done, she concluded. Whatever that happened next between them she would fight through. After all, compared to the anxious wreck she was back in Hiashi's summer house nearly ten months ago, the nervous jumble that she was now was worse. How could she be feeling so jittery about this when this doesn't involve a psychotic fanatic but her beloved fiance? She was horribly stressed and in her opinion, very pathetic. This was the moment of her life. Her turning point was right around the corner, and she didn't even have the nerve to smile.

Not that it mattered anyway, when you were enclosed in an elaborate palanquin where no one can see you and surrounded by servants for at least ten feet in every direction, horses and guards and flag-bearers and musicians grandly announcing her arrival into Fire. Citizens threw flowers and respectfully bowed as her procession passed by. Little children cheered and clapped as the vast group of increasing civilians spread like the Red Sea and made way for her party.

Thinking of Hiashi made her sober. She liked to pretend it didn't happen. When she put the painful experience far from her mind her heart didn't ache as much. Though she would never actually forgive the pale eyed teen completely, he was once her friend, and it hurt that their relationship wasn't the same anymore.

Then there was the issue of Minato. How in the world was she going to tell him? He was going to go berserk, she knew. There was no evidence, but knowing him Minato would do everything in his power to incriminate the Hyuuga heir some way or another. And despite how a corner of her heart leapt with glee at the prospect of getting back at Hiashi, she didn't want the truth to let out. She wanted the Hyuuga clan to work peacefully with the Namikaze Royal family.

A slight shadow overlapping the thin paper of the palanquin walls, a maidservant quietly spoke, breaking the princess out of her thoughts. "Hime-sama, according to Fire country tradition, the bride is not allowed to see the groom until the day of the wedding, which is tomorrow. We will now escort you to your temporary quarters, where you will then be tended to by our servants."

Kushina took an inaudible, shaky breath. "Alright."

"In that case, we shall continue on to your quarters. It is unseemly for the future queen to be seen outside of her quarters before the ceremony." With a slight jerk, the palanquin began to move again. Due to the sudden lack of sound, Kushina surmised that the guards and horses and musicians have all filtered away once they entered the palace grounds.

"Excuse me, but what is my fiance doing?" She carefully asked, hoping the other woman was still there.

Luckily she was. "His majesty is currently in the middle of a formal meeting with all the delegates and ambassadors from all over Fire, as well as from every single nation in the Shinobi continent. Such is the power and might of the Fire Country, that neutral and hostile nations alike show their deference by being here today." The slight pride in her voice was skillfully suppressed as she kept her tone soft and quiet. "His Majesty's coronation was just two days ago."

Kushina swallowed. "I see."

"Yes. Now if you please, step out of the palanquin and enter your quarters. We must prepare you for the ceremony." The front was lifted up and two servants respectfully bowed to her while holding out their hands. Blinking momentarily at the intense sunlight, she slipped her hands into the servants' and stood up.

She inwardly sighed thinking of all the delicate ceremonies she had to go through just to get here. Her temporary quarters were not small, but definitely reclusive and divergent from the main web of the compounds. The trees were more frequent, and the air crisp despite the heat. Looking up, she stepped up the small stone stairs and into her rooms.

Three servants bowed before her as she entered her bedroom. "Hime-sama, if you are not too fatigued from your journey, please sit down and allow us to explain the process of matrimony here in Fire."

Wary, and indeed not wanting to do anything but flop down on her bed and nap, she concealed a yawn but sat down on the ornate chair. "Please."

The first servant, a maid with gray hair and downcast eyes, handed her a yellow bound book to peruse as they spoke. "First, the coronation ceremony takes place two days before wedding. Then the King sends gifts and a formal order of induction to the bride's family. Then the bride is brought to the groom's home and the marriage takes place the next day. This has already been done."

Kushina nodded. Minato had sent elaborate gifts of silk and gold and precious stones along with a decree instating Kushina as his queen consort. She had smiled a little bitter smile at that, remembering her younger days when she had proudly proclaimed that she would one day overcome her elder brothers and become queen regnant of Whirlpool. But those days were long gone, and she had no regrets marrying Minato.

The elder servant swept a hand to the other maids, a silent order, and they scampered away. She continued, " The ritual will take place exactly at noon, in the open court of the palace. The ceremonies are the same as they are in Whirlpool. After the customary wedding deeds you will then be escorted back to your quarters for the preparations for your wedding night while his Majesty attends the festives.

"When the sun begins to set, you will be placed in special quarters built specifically for this purpose. The rooms within are all interconnected and the walls are solid rock and wood, no paper. It vaguely resembles a maze, and the center-most room will be the place where you and Minato-sama will reside in for three days."

Kushina was listening, then raised a brow. "Wait, 'special quarters built specifically for this purpose?' What purpose?"

The aged woman met her gaze blankly. "Your consummation of course."

The blood drained from her face. "C-consummation?" she whispered weakly. "Oh, god..."

The maid looked at the aghast princess funny. "Are you alright? Surely you knew of what marriage to a royal family entails? It means producing an heir as soon as possible."

"Yes, I know. I just didn't expect this moment to come so quickly. Time...just caught up with me. I'm really getting married, aren't I?" Kushina bit her lips. She was so nervous! Just the thought of doing that with the boy she loved all her life made her flush red as dark as her hair.

The old maid nodded, understanding. A soft look overcame her stoic features and she broke protocol as she reached out and patted the bride-to-be on her hands. "Do not worry. His Majesty is very kind. And from what I've seen the last time you've visited here, he cares for you very much. I ensure you that he will be gentle."

Kushina turned even redder. Gentle?

The business-like woman's words were scaring her. She definitely didn't want to think about it, and she didn't want anyone putting pictures in her head.

But sadly, the servant didn't seem to get the point. "Excuse me. I know you must be in emotional disarray. But my best advice to you would be to just close your eyes, and just give in."

Oh god what is this woman saying?

Then thankfully, before the woman could continue, the two younger servants returned carrying a heavy bathtub filled with scents and petals. "Ah, here's your bath. I know it's early, but you must retire for your beauty sleep. You have to get up early tomorrow."

"Yes."

"And once you take your bath, you will need to try on the robes. A team of seamstresses will come and fit you. The makeup artist will also arrive later in the evening to ascertain your skin tone. I also hear your nursemaid will arrive early tomorrow morning."

She brightened at that. "Sano?"

"Is that her name? I look forward to working with her." The woman nodded. "Now, please stand up so we may begin your bath."

Minato stood basking in the afternoon light by the window as two seamstresses hemmed the edge of his wedding robes.

Silvery black edged with the brightest crimson, a golden phoenix had been painstakingly embroidered onto the rich thick silk. Only its outline was stitched in pale gold thread, but that didn't stop the amazing, keen-to-detail women from embroidering the outline of every single one of the jagged feathers of the emphasized wings.

A gold belt with more gold ornaments went around his torso, and wide sleeves had shining silver flames faintly caressing the mystical bird. So delicate was the handiwork that overall everything was beautiful to the point of being artistic. Plain black trousers edged with midnight blue and even darker boots finished the outfit, along with a wide, gold beaded necklace that went to the middle of his chest.

Finally, the thin, tall gold crown of the Fire King was placed on his head, and two other royal metalworkers very carefully adjusted the thin gold to fit his head perfectly. The gold was crafted into thin strips that connected and spiraled to form a magnificent symbol of a jagged, burning fire. Not a piece was separate from the crown; the crown was one big piece of gold, everything connected together.

Many hands were moving against his firm body, but he disregarded most of them as he delved into his thoughts. He was getting married. To the love of his life.

The coronation had been smooth. He had actually been secretly thrilled. He was finally taking the first step in becoming the greatest ruler Fire had ever seen. Thanks to his near-year long reign as regent, the nobles of the country acknowledged his experience, and outside countries acknowledged his strength as a leader. His father and mother had stood by to the side of the ceremony and watched him with pride as the golden crown was set onto his blonde head.

Looking over to his right, where there was a large table, Minato saw the crown of the queen set on a plush pillow. He smiled faintly. It would go on Kushina's red head tomorrow morning. It had taken some convincing, but the council decided that they would allow the king and queen to stay in the same quarters.

What was strange however, was the deadpan expression Hyuuga Hiashi had worn to check back in with him when he came back from his summer retreat. Something nagged at the corner of his mind, but he didn't quite catch what was bothering the both of them. Now wasn't the time to think about such things anyway. Today was his day!

Yesterday his father had quietly called for him in his quarters and wrung his hands while he imparted the bit of his "father's wisdom" to the new king. To the former king's absolute relief, Jiraiya had made sure Minato knew every single thing about the "birds and bees," so instead spent the rest of his time lecturing about the proper way to treat a spouse.

His mother simply cried. Her little boy was growing up.

Minato knew that sooner or later, Jiraiya would arrive to speak with him on "important" matters. Which was why he put a restraining order on the white haired sage. Smug, Minato mentally patted himself on the shoulder. He didn't need any more erotica shoved under his nose just so he could "get the job done." He's a healthy male, for goodness' sake!

"Your Majesty, the fit is complete. If you please, your other robes are here." A seamstress bowed as she waved a hand over to the neatly folded robes on the table. "We shall help you out of the ceremonial robes if the your appearance meets with your approval."

Minato peered into the wide mirror on the other side of the room. He looked pretty slick. He hoped Kushina would like it. It was traditional, but still stylish. All the former kings had worn the same color and design. "That's fine."

As the servants moved to help him out of the thick silk, he glanced over at the queen's crown and grinned. He couldn't wait to see her. Suddenly, a crash resounded from the outside of the room, an intruder smashing ungracefully into the shouji screen doors. The guards struggled to keep the tall silhouette at bay, and bits of pointy long hair splayed across the paper screen as shadows. "You can't Jiraiya-sama! His Majesty has ordered us to keep you away from him for the entire day!"

Minato slapped his forehead. His servants looked alarmed, and hastened their movements. From outside the doors, Jiraiya howled. "BUT YOU HAVE TO LET ME IN! OTHERWISE WHO KNOWS HOW HE'S GOING TO SUCCEED IN THE BEDROOM!"

"Gag him," Minato called. "Gag him and lock him in his room for the duration of the day. Make sure he doesn't come within hearing distance of me."

"Yes sir!" The guards produced a cloth from amidst their armor and engaged the famous toad warrior in a tangled up battle on the ground, finally managing to subdue him.

The servants snickered as Jiraiya's muffled moans were literally transported out of the fitting rooms. Minato smirked. He was seriously starting to love the authority given to him as the king.

Once back in his simple, yet still excessive, king's royal robes, he headed over to his new office and greeted his new secretary, Nara Shikaku. The lazy teen was obviously irritated and bored with his occupation, and once or twice voiced why he, a clan heir, had to do manual labor for the king, but had enough sense/respect to not say anything to Minato's smiling face. They were good friends, and Minato was happy that he had someone he could trust near him all the time. Plus, Shikaku's mother had stormed up to the lazy heir and screamed at him for ten minutes what an honor it was to serve the king at close.

Sarutobi and his father had laughed for a long time after witnessing the grumbling (but silent while Minato's in the room) pineapple head organize the paperwork at his own desk in the corner of the king's office.

Minato also set Aburame Shibi as a member of the Crime Investigative Interrogation Intelligence team (CII). The young heir quickly climbed his way up and was now the third ranking officer in the division. The Aburame clan was very proud of his achievements. Fugaku entered the police departments that his father was currently in charge of, and the Hyuuga, as usual, refused to have any kind of government position other than their seat as part of the delegate of nobles.

When the sun set, Minato went to bed, unwilling to light candles. As he twisted and turned in the comfortable sheets, he couldn't help but think it was his last day sleeping alone. Starting tomorrow, he was a married man.

The next morning, Kushina was awakened not by the gentle shake of her caretaker Sano, but by the countless droning voices of the servants. Now that she was officially going to be their queen, to be shaken awake was the rudest thing these servants could do. She personally preferred the former. The latter was like waking up to a chorus of bullfrogs.

But her dear Sano was there, smiling at her kindly. "Kushina-sama, I know it's early, but if you do not get up you will be late for your wedding."

"Sano!" Kushina got up to hug the woman. But to her surprise, the elderly woman shook her head and took a step back.

"You should not hug maidservants like I," she said quietly. "Even if you are not married yet, you are the queen now. You have received the official order of induction."

"I don't care." Kushina said fiercely. "I never had a mother and you are the closest thing I have to one, and you are going to hug me on my last day as your little girl."

Sano watched her wordlessly, then gathered her into her arms. "Yes. Today's your last day as my little girl. I can't believe this day has finally come." She lifted a shaky hand and brushed some tears away. "Now before I start bawling let's get you all prettied up, shall we? We have some male hearts to swoon!"

Kushina blushed. "I just need Minato's attention."

Sano tutted. "He'll have his attention fixed on you alright. When we're done with you no one will be able to take their eyes off you. Maids!"

"Yes ma'am."

"Strip her!"

"Hai."

"GYAAHH!" Kushina flailed, protesting as swarms of servants pulled her behind a screen and rid her of her nightgown, then promptly pushed her into a bath. "I thought you weren't allowed to treat me this way! I'm your queen!"

"Ah, but we serve the king," the elderly woman from the night before replied kindly. "And the king wants you to look your best. We are merely following his wishes."

"Did Minato say that? I'll kill him for this!" She hissed over the splashing of the water as the servants poured buckets and buckets on her head. She wasn't going to be some trophy wife.

Normally the servants would have gasped and tittered about her verbal form of treason, but they just shut their lips and worked. It wasn't the first time they've seen newlyweds fight before they actually even become newlyweds. It was the reason why the bride and the groom were separated before the binding.

Kushina gaped as no one paid any attention to what she was saying and methodically cleaned her, pouring scents all over her long hair. A few minutes later she opted to just sit still and let the maids do their job.

Out of the bath, they dressed her in the common sheer white robes everyone wore underneath their regular clothes. Then they handed her a long pleated skirt of the richest crimson silk. Stepping into the luxurious piece of clothing, she bound the thin silk cord around her chest, where the long skirt ended. It was embroidered with the outlines of silver and gold birds and leaves, with extremely realistic lotus blossoms blooming all over the bottom of her skirt.

The servants then helped her into the wide sleeves of the top, which went to the bottom of her knees and bound at the waist by gold belts exactly the same as Minato's. The sleeves were decorated with the outlines of silver phoenixes and gold flames, the intricate stitching catching her awe. It must have taken forever to embroider all this in such precise detail. The silk, along with the gold/silver thread and the gold ornaments/belt, must cost a fortune.

The servants inserted heavy jade and gold earrings into her ears and placed delicate little red shoes on her feet. The shoes were stitched with flowers as well, but this time in full color and not just in gold outline.

A great gold necklace made of many gold beads went on her neck and hung to her chest. Again, the same as Minato's. The servants combed her hair through so many times that it was already dry, and they braided her red hair into many braids and twisted it up to an elegant knot on the back of her skull. Securing the mass of hair with more gold pins and jewelry, the servants working on her hair nodded once, satisfied with the results.

Other servants took her hands and manicured them, each nail shining and perfectly trimmed. Then they slipped a gold ring with a jade set onto her right index finger.

"Gold and jade is Fire's most prominent form of jewelry. The land of Fire is plentiful in its reserves of gold and mines of jade. Our vast forests also ensure a good supply of the best silkworm, producing the finest quality silk in all the great nations. These three things, gold, jade, and silk are coveted by many and bring much trade into our nation." The elderly woman began explaining again. "The phoenix symbolizes the strength of Fire. As long as the will of fire lives within our hearts, Fire will always exist."

She turned around and motioned for more servants to join them. The newcomers wore different uniforms and held trays of powder and brushes. "It's time for your makeup."

"Okay."

The maids with ease, picked up the tools and began working on her face. "You have very nice skin, Kushina-sama." one of them exclaimed.

"Thank you."

"There's no need to thank the likes of us. Now it's time to apply the powder." With a soft brush, they applied the peach colored powder onto her cheeks and brows. "You already have good coloring and full lips, so we will forgo most other products and only apply the barest minimum. That way you can show off your flawless skin."

Too soon, the makeup was finished, and the sun was high in the sky. They gave her a simple meal of rice and some vegetables, and she hurriedly ate, and brushed her teeth. Then, two servants came forward, reverently holding up a white pillow covered with a white cloth, covering something tall and jagged.

Kushina gasped softly as the maids gently set the pillow on the table before her and pulled off the cloth with a swish. The crown glinted yellow-red and dotted with small jade circles at the base. It was shorter than the king's, but distinctly feminine, and two ropes of gold ornaments went down the sides of her temples and dangled from the crown.

Silence ensued as the elderly woman came forth and slipped the crown onto her head. Kushina felt the slight weight of the crown hugging her skull. The weight of the duty that was just placed on her settled heavily into her mind, and she felt nervousness creeping up her spine again.

"Just ten minutes left Kushina-sama."

She drained of color and turned pale. This was it. She was getting married. She would have to walk outside and face her father and brothers and the former king and queen of Fire. At least she wouldn't be alone. Minato would be with her.

Sano frowned as she saw the blood go out of the bride's cheeks. Was she afraid? Nervous? Or was she thinking about what was to come? "Kushina-sama, if you're worried about the consummation, just close your eyes and endure it!"

Kushina blushed like mad. "Sano!" the elderly woman and the rest of the servants chuckled at her abrupt change in color. "Why is it that all of you are talking to me about the consummation?"

"Well, you have to go through it anyway." One maid pointed out. "His Majesty certainly looks the part, but who knows? If it's bad, just endure it. All of us women have to endure it."

"Don't be scandalous!" her friend chastised. "This is the king we're talking about. We have to be careful with our words."

"True." the elderly woman agreed, then sharply glared at the younger maid. "Watch your tongue. Otherwise I'll have you thrown in prison."

She squeaked. "Yes ma'am."

Sano ignored the others. "Kushina-sama, it might hurt a little, but you have to trust in yourself and in Minato-sama and just get it over with."

The elderly woman oh so helpfully added, "Don't panic if you bleed."

Kushina's jaw dropped. "Bleed?" She repeated weakly.

"Like we said, just close your eyes and sit it through, Kushina-sama. We're rooting for you." The younger maids smiled wide. Kushina just closed her eyes in mortification.

"My lady, it is time." Sano announced. "It's a good thing your color is back. It suits your robes stupendously."

It was time? Oh no, she wasn't ready! Her hands began to shake as she somehow stood up on her feet and made her way over to the shouji doors. The guards bowed deeply and swung the doors open, and she slowly made her way down the stone steps and onto the ground.

Two servants hurried in front of her holding up two wide fans obscuring her face. Sano and the elderly woman both took one of her arms and pushed her along swiftly down toward the main court, where everyone was waiting. Her surroundings blurred and time seemed to slow, and before she knew it, she was standing on one end of the red carpet with her face covered by the fans. She knew Minato was on the other side of the long carpet.

In the middle they would meet, then together walk up the red carpet intersecting the first and up the high steps to the throne. But she wasn't so sure if she could make it even to the middle of the carpet she was standing on. Feeling faint, she reeled slightly, but Sano grabbed her hand and squeezed briefly. "This is the happiest day on your life so far," she whispered. "so don't look like that." She then fell back with all the other servants into two lines behind her.

Kushina felt as if cold water was poured down her clothes. Sano was right. Today was the happiest day in her short seventeen years. She should be smiling!

So she did.

She smiled with all the brilliance and beauty that she harbored inside, and the guards lining the carpet unconsciously straightened.

Minato, dressed in his full set of wedding clothes with the black and red robes and jewelry and with his crown on his head, nervously paced in his room. His good friend and current secretary Shikaku watched in obvious amusement. "I usually don't state the obvious, but you're nervous, aren't you?"

Minato glared, mildly annoyed with the lounging genius, who was blatantly showing off his evident happiness with every bit of worry Minato emitted. "You're just happy because you like watching me suffer. Do you hate me so much? The paperwork really isn't that bad you know. You get used to it after a few months."

"Sure you get used to it. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." Shikaku studied his nails as Minato glared at him balefully.

"You know I could have you thrown in prison for speaking so informally with me," Minato tested.

Shikaku didn't bat an eyelash. "If it means you will have to do all the paperwork by yourself, then please go ahead. I would be more than happy to oblige, your Majesty."

The young king groaned. Why, just why? A servant bowed as he stepped before the screen doors, not daring to come in unannounced. "Your Majesty, it is time."

Minato bit his lips. "Yes, I'll be there." He shut his eyes in fear. Pessimistic thoughts started to float up to his head.

Shikaku, ever the observant one, sighed. He supposed this was where his role as a friend came in. Despite his glee over his "boss's" jitters, he truthfully cared for the guy. "Oi, stop it. You love her right? Then stand up straight and be dignified. You are our king and your woman is waiting for you."

Minato's blue eyes connected with the genius's brown ones. The blue gradually filled with gratitude as Minato smiled. "You're right." He grinned. "I'm the king, and I love her. What is there to fear? Let's go." Striding out of his quarters and toward the main court, he sensed Jiraiya and Sarutobi come behind him to form his train. Other servants walked behind them. He was ready.

When he got to the carpet, she was there. He couldn't see her face; it was blocked by a pair of large fans held up by two servants in front of her. But he could still see the rich colored robes and her folded hands with the ring, and from far away he could just make out the tips of the golden crown poking out from above the tall fans.

Abruptly his body filled with pride. He was euphoric, and he was so jubilant, he wanted to leap and yell how he was so blessed. But he was the king, and kept his face calm.

The drums sounded.

The court nobles and ambassadors stood in long lines from the center carpet. Guards lined the one he was standing on. As the second set of drums sounded, he clenched his fist and casually walked. From the other side, Kushina began walking towards him at the same time.

The world swirled and turned into a blur of colors as he walked forward and met her in the middle, then turned together to walk up the center carpet and up the stairs. Now the fan-bearers were in front of them both, and he discreetly peeked at her face to his left. As if timed, she turned her gaze slightly to him at the same time.

Their eyes met.

Oh god, she was so beautiful. With her light makeup, the gold crown tall and proud, and her crimson robes with the same belt and necklace that he was wearing. He couldn't take his eyes off her, and immediately she had his full attention; he was too fixated on her to do anything else but walk unhurried.

Sarutobi and Sano shared a look. "Please look forward," they begged in a low voice. "All the nobles and delegates are watching you."

At the words Kushina and Minato both forced their eyes away and stared ahead of them, abashed and blushing. Now before them were the tall stone steps covered with a red carpet. The fan-bearers went away, and together, they climbed up the stairs, silently thinking of what these steps represented.

It meant that whatever hardships came, they would always watch out for each other, and whether they married in love or in contract, they would be civil towards one another, and be kind, and to shoulder responsibilities together. At the top of the stairs they would be bound forever. Were they ready for that kind of commitment?

The two moved apart and stood facing each other. The priest at the side of the procession tapped the wood drums twice. "Please kneel."

The two kneeled. The priest formally handed them a cup each. "The bride and the groom are to fill the cup with sake,"

The servants helped fill the cup with sake.

"...and exchange it with their other,"

The servants did the job of transporting the cup from one person to the next.

"Take one sip each,"

They did that.

"Now pour the wine into the bowl,"

Two cups of sake combined into one in the tin bowl.

"Please stand up,"

The servants helped Kushina stand as Minato got up on his own.

"...and bow to each other."

Kushina and Minato bowed, feeling self-conscious in front of many people.

"The two of you have been bound by a law ancient to all living things, of which has been existant from the beginning of time," the priest raised his hands. "Through this your souls are entwined, and you are forever one entity. Through sickness and in health, through all hardships and difficulties. You promise to be faithful to each other, and be loyal.

"Now turn and bow to those who have borne and raised you all your life."

Minato and Kushina turned toward their parents, and together bowed deeply. Then they turned around to face the crowd and bowed to them as well.

The people gathered looked very proud of their new king and queen as they bowed back. The priest called. "You are now married, face your subjects and feel pride as the new king and queen of the country of Fire!"

The chief of guard stepped forth from the rows of subjects and bowed. "May your lives be filled with happiness and good health."

Kushina smiled at the man. He seemed like a good man. With brown hair and tall, broad shoulders, he held a long katana in his left hand.

Sarutobi also stepped forward. "I wish you two the best of memories."

The former queen cried soundlessly from her position at the throne. The former king patted her hand, and King Uzumaki looked ready to burst into tears. His two sons, Shinzou and Temjin stood to his left and right condescendingly patted their father on his shoulders. Temjin looked somber, while Shinzou looked grim. Their little sister was leaving, for good.

With a sweep, the former king and queen of Fire stood up and walked to the side, and Kushina and Minato sat down in their seats. The whole kingdom cheered, and the wedding was over.

"My queen," Sano and all the female servants who were part of her entourage bowed deeply. "You must go now. We have to prepare you for your wedding night."

Kushina desperately tried to keep the red dust from coloring her cheeks but ended up turning a faint pink. "I understand."

From Minato's side, Jiraiya leaned down and whispered. "Time to go to the celebration. You go get changed, then come back to the festival."

"I will."

The newly wed couple stood, and both headed the opposite direction, when Minato on impulse looked back and smirked. "See you in a few hours, dear wife." From his side, Jiraiya cackled. Sarutobi slapped his face with his palm.

Unable to keep the redness off her face any longer, Kushina turned the same shade as her clothes, and the crowd hooted. Shinzou and Temjin and her father looked murderous. Mind in overdrive, Kushina wanted to run, run and get out of there. But she was the queen now, and so she did the next best thing.

She turned her head and elegantly led her servants back to her temporary quarters.

WEDDING.

THis took me three days to write. Yes, I know I'm not one of those amazing writers who write at least three chapters before hand. But wouldn't you rather I update as soon as possible than to keep you waiting?

Don't expect anything adult in the next chapter. If you read my profile, then you know I don't write lemons.

Review, and tell me what you thought. Constructive criticism is always helpful.

Your reviews fuel my passion for writing. Please do reply to my chapter. Otherwise I may skip a week.

LASTLY, sorry that I am two days late. Like I said this chapter took a long time to write. But it's longer than the usual chapter so that's a plus right?

Hope you liked it!

-Hulk