The following days were bleak—dreaded.
The hospital ward was piercing cold. Sakura awoke in a sweat, recollecting everything that took place in the grim forest. She could recall the smell of warm blood, mixed along with the smell of the soil and cedar wood. Just the thought of it was enough to empty the contents that rose from her stomach.
Still ill with the familiarity of the previous day, she was sent to give her account of what had occurred. She sat, weak, across the oak table of two esquires. Her skin was drained of any color. And her voice was trembled, tired, as they made her swear an oath to speak only the truth of what had occurred in that forest. Trying her best to not retch, she truthfully answered every pressing question they had asked of her to give. And with her account fully recorded, she was sent back to the hospital ward, in order to bring her back to standing health.
It was day three of dealing with the delicacy in her stomach, and there was still no word from the prince himself.
Tsunade cleared her well enough to continue her recovery from Ino's chambers. However, at the end of the day, it wasn't her chambers.
"My goodness Sakura, you look as pale as a ghost," Ino frowned, as the pink-haired woman came through the doors of Ino's room.
Sakura, face undeniably pale and lifeless, slowly closed the door behind her. "I'm sorry if I scared you."
Ino fiercely shook her head, "Come, lay down,"
Ino gently took a hold of Sakura's thin arm, and walked her over to the awaiting bed.
"I'll bring you a proper meal, that should make you feel a tad bit better." Ino fluffed her pillow. "And an entire pitcher of water."
"Thank you," Her emeralds glistened, as the blonde began to tuck her into the quilted comforter. She knew she wasn't deserving of the hospitality she had been receiving left and right.
"Save your voice, will you?" The blonde smirked.
"Ino," Sakura swallowed hard, feeling apprehensive about her reply to her incoming question. "Have you heard from Sasuke?"
Guilt. Guilt was heavy on her shoulders, and was riddled on her entire body. What was suppose to be a simple trek up north to gather herbs for the apothecary, turned to be a reckless ambush. An ambush that could have cost them their lives.
And it was all because of her, of the bounty on her head.
"From what I've heard, they arrived with you and the Terra prisoners before dawn." The blonde's lips turned into a straight line before speaking again, "But that was the last I heard."
"I hope they're alright."
"They're fine, they're trained soldiers." Ino gave her a reassuring nod. "The only thing you should be worrying about right about now is regaining your health."
"I didn't even get to bring back the perilla." Her voice trembled.
"Sakura," Ino huffed. "I'm sure you coming back alive was far more important than a plant."
"But-"
"And I'm certain the prince himself can agree with me on that."
The trek to Terra was merely a days length away. But alas, they arrived, prisoners in tow.
Sasuke, rallied by a small regiment of soldiers behind him, steered his horse in front of the large wooden doors. Two of Terra's guardsmen, stood atop of the adjacent towers that held the door in place.
"What business do you have with Terra?" One of them called. "We were not ordered to open the door for any visitants today."
Naruto scoffed, "Visitants?"
"Tell Sasori I've brought two of his men, found obtruding on my territory, in the presence of a noble." Sasuke called.
"Prince Sasori is unavailable for the day." The guardsmen called from atop.
"You fools," Naruto snarled. "Do you not recognize a prince when you see one?"
After hearing word from Sasori himself, the triad of men were let through the monstrous doors.
Cold, onyx eyes scanned the broken cobblestone road that was paved ahead. From his current standing, he could see the grey, decaying buildings that Sakura had spoke off. The shrubs and thickets that sprawled around were dry and unkempt.
But once inside the iron-clad gates, it felt as if he was transported to an entirely different world.
Freshly cut grass and perfectly shaped hedges surrounded the castle grounds. The mason stone that lined the ground was in pristine condition, almost as if it was just constructed. And the castle itself was just as immaculate. Stone walls and towers stood tall, wrapping several hundreds of feet across the courtyard. It was nothing like the unkept scenery he had just passed outside the gates.
It was a mirage of lies.
And awaiting outside the perfectly polished doors, stood the red-haired prince himself.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Sasori's cruel voice was unhinged, a fire gleamed in Sasori's grey eyes.
"Are we pretending to be dumbfounded? Is that it?" Sasuke probed, taking several steps closer to the Prince of Terra.
Sasori's brow twitched, unaware of the seething words the prince in front of him spoke. "I've heard my men were trespassing on your lands."
"Trespassing?" Sasuke asked roughly, his face filled with angst. "They striked my men, they striked me."
Sasori's eyes twitched, unaware that his men had laid a hand on the the Prince of Ignis. It was one thing to trespass, to commit treason, but to strike a member of royalty, from a kingdom his family had signed a treaty with; it was conflict waiting to unravel.
"Those idiots-" Sasori bit his tongue, the taste of rust now filling his mouth. He ran a busy hand through his crimson tresses; the crown that sat atop of his hair unflinching.
"I specifically asked for the girl-" Sasori's eyes gleamed with fire, anger caught in his throat. "Just the girl."
"Sakura-" Sasuke simply stated. "The girl—who is she to you?"
"My property. A citizen of my kingdom. My future concubine."
Sasuke felt pure rage sink into his skin. Property, Sasori had said, Sakura was his property. All the claims of Sasori's vile and outright spiteful rule had come to fruition right before his eyes. He indeed was straight malicious, taking advantage of his title.
"Sakura Haruno has become a refugee to my kingdom, she is protected by Ignis law."
"You can't be serious." Sasori let out a maniacal laugh.
"In a few days, once she recovers from your traumatic attack that hindered her wellbeing-" The dark-haired prince exhaled, his voice was like a warning, "She will sign official documents, already written up, and become a citizen of Ignis."
The fists of the flame-haired prince tightened, his nails digging into his palms, drawing blood. "That cabe be true."
"At the end of the day, Sasori, you've broken our treaty." Sasuke almost hissed. "What would your father, the king, think about this?"
"My father is on his deathbed," Sasori hissed. "I will soon reign!"
"Again, you've broken it, and yet I am so kind to let you re-sign it." The dark-haired man stepped even closer. "Or be punished as I see fit."
"That treaty is decades old, written by our ancestors that have not seen the light of day in centuries."
"The choice is yours, your highness. But I will have you know that my army, and my arsenal, is ten times the size of yours. I'd hate to see your beautiful city in even deeper ruins." Sasuke's voice was cold. "I'd think twice about it."
Fear and fury boiled in a mixture through Sasori's veins. He was a spoiled child, always being given what he asked regardless of the consequences it may bring. But he knew his army wasn't capable of doing what Sasuke's army was trained to do. He knew his own arsenal was fragile, weak, and lacking the latest weapons. Yes, his father may be dying, but his entire kingdom could go down as well, for a simple mishap he had caused. The kingdom could go to literal ruins and diminish in the blink of an eye, and he knew the crown can as well.
"Fine." He exhaled deeply, to the point his throat burned. "I'll re-sign the filthy treaty."
"Smart choice." Sasuke brought his hand up and twirled his finger to one of his soldiers, a signal to bring the paperwork.
"The girl, what will you do with her?" Sasori furrowed his brows, steaming with rage.
"She will decide her own fate, as any citizen of any kingdom should."
With a remedial of the apothecary's supply, and a lot of tender care from Ino, Sakura awoke the following morning with a tinge of color to her cheeks.
"Good morning," Ino chimed, as she looked at Sakura from their mirror of her vanity. "You look livelier."
"Ah, yes," Sakura spoke softly, now bringing herself to sit up. "Thank you."
Ino walked up to the delicate woman, and placed the back of her hand on her once warm forehead, "You broke your fever."
"Mm."
"Why don't you bathe and then we'll grab some breakfast?"
"That sounds doable today." A smile found Sakura's lips.
Distant music could be heard from the walls. Ino walked over to her window and cracked it open. A burst of music can now be heard. A wonderful melody consisting of strings and woodwinds now filled the entirety of her chambers. Sakura stood on her feet, glancing along with Ino at the rumble outside.
In the middle of the courtyard sat an orchestra, all clad in black. The ensemble of instruments played a heavenly tune, a tune seemed worthy of a waltz. But behind and around the orchestra, a storm of the castle staff walked rather quickly. Some holding mountains of flowers, while others carefully towed large vases. The grounds keepers could be seen cleaning every inch of the yard.
"Ah, what's happening below?" Sakura asked.
"It's Spring Solstice tomorrow." Ino remarked, admiring the music. "The orchestra is rehearsing, and the staff is making it's preparations."
"A festival?"
"Yes," The blonde elaborated. "We'll hold a large service at the church, and then their royal highnesses will host a festival, from the castle to the towns."
"Oh." Sakura was in awe, never having seen or experiencing the busy holiday before.
"After breakfast, I have to tend to the gardens, so I'll return back to the chambers later today."
"May I go with you?" Sakura asked, desperate to breath in fresh air.
"Ah, you need to rest," the blonde countered. "Perhaps take a stroll, but nothing more, understood?"
Sakura nodded fiercely, "Understood."
The day progressed, and Sakura regained her strength back slowly. After Ino bid her farewell for the day, Sakura found herself tidying Ino's chambers for a majority of the day. After being pleased with her cleanliness, she decided to take upon the stroll she was allowed.
However, once she took step out the doors to the main courtyard, she couldn't help but think she was nothing but a burden. As she saw earlier, the castle staff continued back and fourth, in preparations for tomorrow's holiday. The orchestra was now dismissed, a sign that their rehearsals were tested and finished.
"Ah, excuse me-" An older woman called as she crossed swiftly by Sakura. She carried a wooden box that smelled nothing but delectable. She darted straight into the doors, presumably to the kitchen. The pink-haired woman quickly apologize, but wasn't heard.
"I'm just in the way." Sakura muttered to herself.
The sun was setting, as the color of the sky turned into different hues of oranges and pinks.
She knew where she had to go.
And just as quickly, she found herself in front of the apothecary's wooden doors.
Wanting to make up for her shortcomings, Sakura didn't dare spare a second. Quick hands went to work on the apothecary's work table— sealing concoctions, prepping raw materials and tidying the workspace was just some of the things Sakura had tasked herself to do. With the apothecary empty, she had found deemed it as the perfect time to put in her time and her service.
After her ordeal in the forest, she wanted to prove herself, not just to others but to herself. She wanted to prove her capabilities and the strengths she could bring. It didn't matter how long it'd take, but she'd devote her days, weeks and years to her craft, to prove to Tsunade and to the entire Kingdom of Ignis that she was worthy of giving them her aide.
And although she failed the simplest of task— attaining perilla roots—she swore, that even with a bounty on her head, she'd go back and gather them once more.
As soon as she finished storing the now filled jars on their shelves, Sakura leaned against the wall, heaving a heavy sigh. Her head was filled with untamable thoughts, and it didn't help to feel a surge of dizziness from the day she laid unconscious.
Her ears perked as she heard the front door open. Quickly, she gathered herself and made her way towards the front of the apothecary.
"Ino said to take a stroll." A seemingly fine looking Naruto huffed, his arms crossing against his chest. "Not go to work."
The herbalist stilled at his voice, and at the mere sight of him. He was alright, or at least he looked alright. Naruto had battled those soldiers from Terra, along with Sasuke, for her. And they defended her, protected her, until the last of the men went down.
"Naruto." Sakura placed a hand over her heart, a sign of relief, a wave of emotion surged from her. She scanned him, delighted to believe he was in one piece. "Are you well? Are you injured?"
"Ah, yes, perfectly fine." He smiled as he opened his arms to give her a tight hug.
"I'm so happy." She managed to say through a sniffle against his chest.
"No cheer to cry." He let out a heart laugh, patting her back. "We're all fine."
"And the Prince?" Her vivid eyes widened, shifting with worry. She looked up at the blonde, awaiting his words.
"Sasuke is doing well, swamped with work at the moment, but fit as a fiddle."
Her heart pounded at the mere mention of his name. But that fluttering feeling quickly faded. Her hands dropped from her chest and then pulled at the apron carefully tied around her waist. Guilt resided itself heavy on her shoulder— knowing that those two men risked their lives for her.
"Did… did you really to go to Terra?" She found it difficult to speak.
"Well, yes, but I'm not allowed to discuss details about his diplomatic relations-" Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "But let's say he wanted to patch up matters nicely."
"Naruto," The pink haired woman pursed her lips, "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry, Sakura-" Naruto place a hand on her small shoulder. "Theres nothing for you worry about anymore."
"What do you mean?" She swallowed.
"Come along, there's something I'd like to show you."
They spoke of everything and of nothing ,as Naruto walked Sakura across the grounds. Try as she might, Sakura was unable to get any information regarding yesterdays events, as he stated it was privy information.
As they passed the Castle itself, Sakura stalled a small bit, admiring how an arch of white roses and peonies adorned the colossal doors that led inside the main castle doors.
"What? You've never been inside?" Naruto raised a brow, seeing the astounded look that was currently shone in Sakura's face.
"We'll, no." She admitted.
"Should we go in?" Naruto asked, a grin now plastered his face.
"Of course not." Sakura said in a hurried voice, her face turning red. "I have no business there."
She was never told to not enter the head castle, which held the private residences of the royal family themselves. But she would never think of stepping foot inside without an invitation.
"Well, perhaps you will one day." His grin seemed to grow in width.
"What does that even mean?" A pink brow raised.
"Make of it what you will." Naruto spoke, a coy look on his face.
Sakura furrowed her brows, unable to make sense of his puzzled wording. It wasn't until they reached a familiar building that made her head level.
"This is what you wanted to show me?" Sakura asked, as she looked up at the private apartments that housed the staff, Ino included.
"Half way there." Naruto mentioned, as he opened the large wooden door that led them inside. "Well, this is where I excuse myself."
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked.
"Your presence is formally requested." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Third floor, make a right, last room on the left. Don't knock."
"Naruto, that isn't where Ino's chambers reside." Sakura said, a worry looked graced her beautiful face.
"No, it isn't." The blonde replied, accompanied with a sly smile on his face. "Pleasant dreams."
Too stunned to think of a counter, Sakura watched as the knight walked out the doors with a quick stride. She turned to the grand entrance, and up at the set of circular stairs. She bit the inside of her cheek and allowed herself to walk forward and up the pending steps.
It didn't take long to find herself down the hall on the third floor. Her heart accelerated with a strange velocity, unknowing to what she was walking herself into. She didn't allow herself to think, not wanting to fill her head with even more abnormalities.
"Last door on the left." She whispered lowly to herself. And just as quickly, she arrived at the last awaiting door.
"Don't knock." She whispered again, as she then placed a hand on the ornate knob. In a careful matter, she turned the knob, and opened the door.
It was a chamber, just like Ino's. Wallpapers of pink and blue florals adorned the entirety of the walls. Peonies, roses and dahlias—Sakura fixated her eyes on the delicate pattern, so beautiful that it took her a second to notice the surrounding furniture.
Intricately carved wood furniture furnished the light room, complimented by rose and beige colored linens.
"Sakura."
Her knees buckled at the sound of that voice.
She peeked her eyes at the hidden corner of the room, spotting Sasuke standing near a window. He stood tall, regal—as he clad his usual regalia and hid it all under a cloak.
"Sasuke," Sakura called out with a tremble in her voice, relieved to see the familiar face.
Without any hesitation, she ran to the man, mindlessly wrapping her arms around him. Just for a second, she had forgotten his title, or what kingdom was under his rule. Because in that particular moment, she had only seen him as her savior.
And without doubt, he held her back.
Glossy emerald eyes looked up, as he placed a finger to his lips, indicating both their silence. She fiercely nodded.
"I'm sorry I couldn't see you sooner, Sakura. I don't have much time." His voice low, crooned to her. "I traveled to Terra, on diplomatic duties."
"Why?" Her voice was still broken, as she tried to remain as composed as possible.
"I confronted Sasori, and returned his men, alive." His voice turned stern. "He won't bother you again, Sakura." His grip tightened no her. "Ignis will be your home now."
"My home?" She whispered.
She fled from Terra in search of a new life, let it be village or Kingdom, she fled with the intentions of reviving her life. To be welcomed here, coddled into the Prince's arms and filled with his words of protection, was something she'd believe would pass as a fever dream.
"Sasuke… I'm-" She whispered again, her mind running in circles. Her body began to shake with emotion. "This is all my fault. Every trouble that had followed me, it was at your expense."
She felt herself fall to her knees, letting go of the warmth that was him, and kneeled deeply at the prince that stood before her.
"I'm sorry, your highness." Tears began to flow freely now. "I should have never put you in such danger."
Soft onyx-colored eyes studied the girl now knelt at his feet. And just as she did, he kneeled next to her fragile body.
"Do not apologize. Never apologize."
She looked up at the man as his words made her blood sing—what did she do to deserve such kindness? Such hospitality?
"You've been a great help to Tsunade, aiding her from dawn to dusk, you've proved yourself not just to her, but to my counsel, to me."
"I feel as if it hasn't been enough." She was honest. "I've only been here for such a small amount of time and-"
"No." He halted her, as he grabbed her shoulders, making her sit up straight. "You are a valuable asset to our court, like the many others who have found sanctuary in Ignis. Promise me, Sakura, you will continue to thrive, continue to make Ignis your home."
A smile finally graced her pink lips, "I promise."
"Good girl." He returned her smile, and reached out his arm to her own, bringing them both up from the marble floor.
Green eyes met his own, as they both now stood dangerously close within each other's proximity. Sakura swore she could have felt the warmth of his breath linger on her cheeks. She could only imagine what his supple lips would feel like—how soft they would be.
Her heart pounded against her chest, like a fierce drum filled with sound. With timidity, she pursed her lips, and averted her eyes from his own as a tinge of pink began to fill the soft skin of her cheeks.
All the Prince could do was smile, as he found her mousiness as charming as he found her.
"I hope you don't mind the room, It's a bit too bright," Sasuke broke the silence, clearing his throat.
"Whose chamber is this?" She managed to speak again, her voice wasn't broken anymore, but light and airy.
"Yours or course." He cocked his head. "Do you like it?"
"Mine?" Dumbfounded, green eyes widened. Her breath hitched, as the sudden news perplexed the very depths of her soul. Again, she looked around the room. Dainty and warm, it was a room fit for a dame, a room far too beautiful to be hers. Her eyes circled back to his own. "But I'm staying with Ino."
Sasuke cleared his throat, making sure she heard him well. "Well, as an apprentice of the apothecary, you're assigned to your own chambers. If you're going to be working on the grounds of the court, you reside with the rest of the staff."
"Sasuke." A solemn looked painted her face. "I don't deserve this."
"Of course you do, Sakura. You are apart of my court now, you deserve to have the same amenities they do."
How was this extent of his generosity possible? She wondered. "But I didn't even gather any perilla roots."
"Yes you did." He smiled.
A commotion of noises outside the window seemed to catch the attention of the Prince and his herbalist. Sasuke moved the curtains just an inch, allowing himself to peek out the court grounds.
Pulled by two white stallions, a white carriage arrived at the front iron gates. Knights quickly ran up, bowing as the carriage doors opened. Queen Mikoto, his mother, had returned from her day trip, and was expected to be filled in from today's talk with Terra. She'd be expecting him the second she stepped inside the castle halls.
Sasuke gently closed the silk curtains. He knew the little time he had with the pink-haired herbalist had come to an end.
"My mother has returned." Sasuke gave Sakura a nod. "I must get going now."
"Of course, your Highness." She bowed.
"Don't call me that." He smiled, grabbing a hold of her hand.
"I will see you tomorrow, Sakura," His voice was soft, filled with promise. And in a gentle manner, he brought her hand up to his lips, and placed a gentle kiss on her open palm. "Sleep well."
Frozen in place, Sakura nodded, as a surge of blood rushed straight to her head. Her body, especially that hand that was graced with the lips of a Prince, felt undeniably filled with warmth— hot to the touch. She prayed he didn't notice.
"Yes, goodnight." She managed to speak. He nodded as he gracefully dropped her hand, and allowed himself out her chambers, closing the door behind him.
And as the night couldn't seem more confounding than it already was, Sakura noticed a basket near the door— a basket of vibrant, green perillas.