Chills
Goosebumps erupted across her skin as she stepped into the throne room. The shiver that ran through her body had nothing to with the cool evening air and everything to do with the menacing aura of the man that stood before her parents.
Sakura swallowed and then schooled her face into a mask of indifference. Such nonchalance was harder to achieve when she saw the tears streaking down her Mother's cheeks, the mixture of anger and fear that was clouding her Father's eyes.
Normally she would have been announced as she entered the throne room but the ashen-faced servant who had ushered her in had hurriedly shut the door behind her, choosing not to linger. However, it seemed this man did not require her presence to be announced. Such formalities were beneath him.
He turned around to look at her, eyes cold and calculating. If not for his intimidating presence, she would have found him quite handsome. He was tall and lean, his dark hair and eyes standing out against his pale skin. His features were sharp, aristocratic and the dark cloak he wore looked expensive.
"Ah, Princess," he said with a smirk. Sakura would have bristled at his impertinence if it weren't for the fear that he had induced in everyone else. "How kind of you to join us."
Sakura held his gaze for a moment before her eyes slid to her parents. "Mama, Papa, what's going on?"
She knew she had displeased this stranger when she felt a pulse of energy. It filled the room and she shivered again as it sent chills down her spine. However, she held her composure and her Father rose to his feet.
"My dearest daughter," he spoke loudly but there was a tremor in his voice that she had never heard there before, and she knew she hated the stranger for this terrible effect that he had on everyone she loved. "This is Sasuke Uchiha."
'Uchiha?' she thought. Now she understood. The Uchiha were a noble and long-established clan. There were renowned for their power, considered dangerous by many and much feared across the continent.
"You and Lord Uchiha are," her Father seemed to choke on his words for a moment but then continued, "to be married."
The room was silent and then Sakura exploded. "Married? No!"
That strange pulse of energy filled the room again and though it wasn't physical, Sakura raised her hand as though to slap it away. Surprisingly it was her Father's voice who cut through the chaotic silence.
"Sakura! You are the Princess of this land, but I am the King. Lord Sasuke has requested your hand in marriage and, on your behalf, I have accepted."
Her eyes widened and, hesitantly, she stepped closer to her Father. "Your Majesty, why?" she asked, her voice no more than a whisper. 'We are the royal family,' she wanted to say. 'What hold do the Uchiha's have over us?'
There was a breeze by her side and a hand clasped her shoulder, giving her chills once more. "Because," a voice that was all too close spoke, she could feel the warm breath on her ear and neck, "I want to."
Sakura stepped back, trying to pull away but the hand on her shoulder tightened. Fear began to take hold but she remained defiant. "Well I don't!" she stated.
The hand on her shoulder tightened once more, beginning to hurt her, and only her resolve not to show any fear kept her from whimpering. "What you want is unimportant. By sunset tomorrow, we will be married," he told her, and she could have sworn his eyes had turned red.
Sakura gulped and this time, with his hand on her shoulder, Sasuke didn't miss the chills that ran down her spine.