My Dear Princess

Chapter Twenty Five

"You've gathered everyone here?" Sakura asked both Sasuke and Naruto as she looked back and forth between the two. They continued to smile at her.

"Please take your seat. We'll have breakfast and then Sasuke, you and I have some things to discuss."

Sakura wondered what that could have been about, but she was so happy to have everyone together that she couldn't think too much about it. She looked at the seat, shaking her head solemnly. "No brother, you're injured… you take the seat."

"Ladies first." Naruto told her, his smile turning softer and Sakura found herself unable to deny him.

Taking the seat, Sakura looked ahead of her to all the women and children watching her, eyes full of admiration. Sakura thought it was silly of them to look at her in such a way, for she didn't think of herself as nothing special at all. She was just a girl who wanted to experience life, and now hoped to do so in as normal a way as possible.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting." Sakura addressed the room, giggling in spite of herself. "Let's eat shall we. I'm sure the rest of you lovely ladies will agree that we want our men to take a load off and fill their bellies as well. They certainly deserve it."

The women and even the children all around the table voiced their agreement and without further ado, several servers entered the room, loading the table with food. Everyone ate happily, not rushing, and yet not taking too long either. As pleased as they were with their men's considerateness, there wasn't a woman around that table that wouldn't have put their men before themselves.

"I thank you both… for doing this." Sakura told her brother and her husband, feeling eternally grateful for the thoughtfulness of those two. "Now take your seats and enjoy your meals."

Sasuke helped Naruto into the seat Sakura had just left from, but he made no move to take a seat of his own. Sakura frowned upon this, and before he could argue she pulled out a chair and ushered him into it.

"You think I'd let you skip out on this?" She murmured into his ear and he smirked.

"Thought it was worth a shot."

While the food was being served, Sakura took the time to walk over to where Itachi and Shisui sat beside each other. "It's nice to see those smiles on this new day." She told them honestly, surprising them by wrapping her arms around their necks and hugging them tightly. "Thank you, my brothers… I will forever be indebted to you both."

"Itachi, get her… she's cuter than she's ever been!" Shisui howled, his grin broadening.

Itachi laughed. "I think I'll savor this moment a while longer, thank you very much."

"I really love you both, you know…" Sakura was smiling brightly then. They'd definitely grown on her, and she would forever care deeply for them both.

She got up before they could respond and went around the table, greeting both the men who'd taken their seats, and the women and children who'd just gotten up from their own. She asked about injuries along her way, spoke reassuringly, asked to be notified of anyone's needs and even went so far as to ask everyone to move into the castle until the kingdom was rebuilt, even those few who hadn't lost their homes in the war.

The people couldn't have been happier with her request.

That went for Sasuke and Naruto as well.

"She's amazing." Naruto said as he admired his younger sister. She moved the Leaf's people unlike he ever could, unlike their parents ever could.

"She is." Sasuke agreed, eyes following his wife's every move.

"Do you think she'll fight me on my decision?" Naruto asked, and only then did Sasuke look away from Sakura, and to the prince instead.

He shook his head after a moment. "If you'd have asked me this before the war, I would have said yes… Now… I know you've made the right decision, and she will agree, even if she'd a bit hesitant at first."

"Hmm…" Naruto nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I figure she'll be surprised… but, she'll know it's the right thing to do, just like you and I know."

"Ah."

Sasuke's eyes found his wife once more and he smiled. He was glad to see her so happy and free as she conversed with everyone in the room. Before this breakfast was over, she would know everyone personally. She was taking her time, and enjoying conversing with each and every person there. Sasuke couldn't have been more proud of her for the woman she'd become. He adored her more than he ever had, but never again would he look at her as the poor defenseless girl she used to be.

…

After the excitement of breakfast dwindled down, Sakura and Sasuke met up in the long hall. They fell into step beside one another, not speaking for the first few moments. It was nice just to walk together, even though there was nowhere in particular to go. There was no destination in their minds, only the thrill of walking freely and alone together after all that had happened.

"Today we will start the preparations for a memorial." Sasuke told her quietly. He hated to bring it up at all, but she needed to know.

"Oh…" She nodded. "That's good. It's something we as a kingdom need to continue moving forward."

"Ah." Sasuke agreed. Actually, the preparations had already began, but she didn't need to know that much. "I'm pleased to see you're feeling better."

Sakura smiled sweetly at him and stopped in the hallway when he did. He stepped closer to her, looking down at her from his height advantage as his right hand raised to caress her cheek.

"You're so beautiful." He murmured softly and smiled when her cheeks turned rosy from his compliment. His other hand came up to her face as well, fingers inching into her long soft hair as he leaned down to kiss her. His lips touched hers so softly at first that she barely felt it, but it was teasing enough for her to cling to him and force him down to her until he was kissing her harder, lips parting, tongues meeting, hands grabbing.

It felt like it had been ages since they were last able to enjoy the feel of each other and so for the next several moments, they savored each kiss and each soft caress. They held each other closely, and lovingly, the only sounds between them the panting for breaths that came each time their lips separated before diving back in.

Only when Naruto showed up, making a sound in his discomfort did they pull apart, both of them blushing shyly. "Sorry to interrupt." Naruto chuckled nervously and Sakura's blush only deepened.

"Forgive us." Sakura gave him an apologetic bow and Naruto waved her off quickly.

"You have every right to enjoy moments like that with your husband. Don't ever forget that." He'd turned serious on her, which had her nodding quickly.

"R-right."

"Now," He sighed as he carefully began walking past them. "Follow me you two, we have much to discuss."

Sakura gave Sasuke a curious glance but the only thing he offered her was a smile, then they followed Naruto together down the halls. He was slow in his steps and obviously still in pain, so as soon as they were in his room Sakura started treating him again. Now that her strength had returned, it was easy enough to heal him completely. He hugged her once she went to move away, thanking her kindly.

"You're so amazing. Thank you, Sakura. I love you."

Tears welled up in her eyes as Sakura hugged her brother back. "I love you as well, brother, and thank you."

"Silly girl… you have nothing to thank me for."

"Just you being here is more than enough for me to be thankful for."

Naruto laughed, hands on her shoulders as he leaned back to look at her. "There's something important we need to talk about."

Sakura nodded in understanding. "I'm listening."

Naruto and Sakura took a seat on his bed while Sasuke leaned against the wall, observing them from across the room. He was only here because Naruto had asked him to be here, but in a way, he supposed he did have direct involvement in the conversation to come.

"Please don't hesitate. Whatever it is you want to discuss, I want to hear it now." Sakura told him seriously. She didn't want to beat around the bush, whatever he had to say she wanted it said directly.

"Fine with me." Naruto sighed as if to prepare himself for what he would say next. "I've realized since your marriage to Sasuke many different things. From your undeniable determination, to your unyielding strength, and even your deep consideration of others. You're younger than me and yet, far wiser… even after all the work I've done to become the man I now am. My entire life has been spent preparing to one day become king and yet, all along, it was you who was born to be the rightful successor of our kingdom."

"Wait…" Sakura looked to him in confusion, unable to grasp what he was getting at, even though she understood exactly what he was saying.

"Don't." He shook his head at her. "You know as well as I, and even Sasuke do that you were born for this, Sakura. You're meant to be a leader and you'll be a damn good one too… and with Sasuke by your side, I'm certain the two of you will be the best thing that's ever happened to this kingdom, and our people will surely agree."

"But, Naruto…" Sakura frowned, upset that he would give up on his life goal so easily.

"I'm just not cut out for it, Sakura… I've known it for a long time… but, you are. Even Sasuke says so."

Sakura turned to her husband then, looking him over from where he stood against the wall, eyes closed as he listened to them quietly. "You two really think I'm capable of ruling this kingdom?"

"Absolutely." Naruto nodded, nothing but serious as his cerulean eyes met her viridian. "You're the only one that is capable… well, and I'm sure Sasuke will do pretty good as king." He laughed then and Sakura smiled before looking back at Sasuke once more.

He was watching her now, trying to gauge her reaction. Though it was hard to accept herself as being born for such a role, or her brother thinking so highly of her, she could easily picture Sasuke as king. He had that noble aura, that royal persona. That determined confidence, and that calm collectedness. He would do well as king, for he was knowledgeable, strong, and eternally loyal.

"That's really what you want… after everything you've had to go through?"

"It is." Naruto nodded once firmly and Sakura sighed.

"Well then, I have no choice but to agree and accept your wishes."

"I knew you would." He grinned and pulled her into another hug.

Sakura couldn't believe he could be so thrilled about handing the throne over to her, after he'd spent his entire life preparing to take it. Though she supposed in a way, Naruto had never been free either, just as she hadn't. But by giving up his succession, he was finding his freedom. For the first time in his life, he would be able to do what he wanted, when he wanted. There would be nobody dictating his life.

"I hope this makes you happy, brother."

"Same goes for you, little sister."

…

"You knew about this?" Sakura asked Sasuke once they were in the halls alone once more, walking along aimlessly. She was still surprised, even more so that Sasuke was in favor of the whole thing.

"I did. Naruto brought it up to me this morning." His hand found hers, their fingers twining together as they walked along. "It was rather easy to picture you as my queen."

Sakura blushed as he smirked at her. "I think it will be strange… and I still don't see the people choosing me over Naruto."

"They will." Sasuke said with certainty. "The Uchiha already have."

"They said that?" She questioned curiously.

"No, but they don't need to. I know my clan well."

That was one thing she found quite believable. She wondered just how different things would be as the two of them became the leaders of their kingdom. Things would be busy, there would be a lot to do and their work as king and queen would never end, but it was something that Sakura could look forward to.

Now if only she could find the right place and time to give Sasuke her news.

…

It was later that night, after a grand dinner with everyone in the kingdom and while she and Sasuke laid in bed together that she finally decided it was time to tell him. They'd talked over the funeral preparations, which were now complete. The memorial would be held the following morning, after everyone had agreed upon that.

The day after that, Sakura would announce to everyone that she would be crowned queen and there would be a coronation for both her and Sasuke soon after. There were several elite's keeping guard around the kingdom, for there was always the fear of an attack befalling them during this trying time. But, Sakura had faith in all her people. They weren't weak. They were fighters. She felt sure that not even their worst enemies would want to make the mistake of going against them.

"Sasuke… I have something to tell you." She told him after a deep breath. She was nervous, for she had no idea how he'd react to the news. She could only hope he'd be pleased.

"Oh?" He sounded curious as his fingers played with her hair slowly.

Sakura bit her lip, heart racing. It was now or never, but this was big news so it was hard for her to come out with it. "Um… well…"

"Just tell me, Sakura."

She took his hand from her hair and brought it down to her flat stomach and held it in place. "You're going to be a father." Her words were quiet, but he heard her loud and clean.

Sitting up immediately, Sasuke looked down at her with wide obsidian eyes, before they turned down to her belly. "What was that?... Say it again."

Laughing, Sakura repeated herself. "I said you're going to be a father."

Mouth falling open in surprise, Sasuke stared blankly at their hands on her stomach. It was the last thing he'd expected to hear from her. So much had happened that they'd barely had the opportunity to be intimate together and they certainly hadn't been trying to conceive.

"How long… have you known this?"

That was a question she could have gone without receiving. "…A while…"

Sakura would not lie to her husband. If he questioned her further, she would be completely honest with him, even if it wasn't easy. However, deep down she hoped he'd leave it at that. She didn't want him to be upset or disappointed in her. She wanted this to be a happy moment. Even if it wasn't planned, and the timing wasn't perfect, she wanted the two of them to give this child the best life it could have.

"You're pregnant…" He breathed, still shaken from the news. "I'm going to be a father…"

"That's right." She nodded, watching his face closely and meeting his eyes when he finally looked back to her. "I hope you're ready."

"As long as I have you by my side, I'm ready for anything."

The rest of their night was spent with overwhelming love and passion. The came together as one again and again, holding each other close and taking their time reacquainting one another with their bodies. Both of them were elated with the news of this new life made from them and them alone. They would be the most caring and affectionate parents. They would love their child unconditionally, and they would give them the world.

So much was about to change for them, but one thing would remain the same, and that was their unyielding love for each other.

A/N:

Ahhhh. What do you guys think about Sasuke and Sakura becoming king and queen? I know I'm excited. Haha.

And a baby on the waaaaay. Aw. Hehe.

Hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading.