Amaryllis
Chapter 9
The moment it was known that the Duchess had returned, the island was even busier than normal. It had been a year and a half since the Duchess had been home. Everyone insisted on a grand feast. Sakura wasn't feeling particularly festive. But she had come to understand that celebrations were just as much for the hosts as they were for the guests. She wouldn't begrudge these people an evening of fun just because she was tired.
Itachi and Sasuke sat on the back terrace of Sakura's apartment. Outstretched legs dangling over the water as they watched the servants running back and forth. One shouted something that sounded like a warning. A man lost his footing and slipped off the walkway, into the ocean. Laughter and jeering rose around him. Some of the other servants stopped what they were doing to haul him out of the water, along with a basket of sopping laundry.
"You lolo. Now we have to wash those again," someone scolded.
Sakura stepped out of the salon to join them.
"That man just fell into the ocean," Sasuke informed her. Like she wouldn't have been able to figure that out on her own. Sakura laughed.
"He must be new," she commented.
She took a seat between the brothers. Folding her skirt around her legs.
Sasuke glanced over as Sakura reached for a bowl. It was filled with silvery-blue flowers. He watched her lift a bloom to her mouth.
"I don't understand how you eat those," Sasuke griped. He grimaced as Sakura offered him the bowl. He shook his head.
"I wonder how that works," Itachi thought out loud. He hesitated when Sakura held the bowl out to him. Slowly, his fingers closed around the smallest flower.
"I just… chew?" he asked her. Sakura nodded.
Itachi's eyes widened as he took his first bite. The flavor was sweet, but delicate. It was different from the flavor of the tea that came from the leaves. Seeing his brother eat, Sasuke cringed. He eyed the bowl one more time before he turned his nose up at it again.
Sakura heard a faint creak. Glanced over her shoulder.
Temari stood in the shadows by the door. She leaned on the handle of her spear, staring out at the waters as if daydreaming. But when Sakura reached back with her arm, Temari's dark blue eyes flickered to her. Sakura motioned for her. Temari stepped forward. The sound of the butt of her spear on the floor made the brothers start.
"Prince Itachi, Prince Sasuke, allow me to introduce my dear cousin, Lady Temari Haruno," Sakura announced. Temari, fist over her heart, bowed.
"A pleasure," replied Itachi, his eyes widening.
"Yes, we're pleased to meet you," Sasuke agreed. His eyes lingered on the vicious curve of Temari's blade.
"An honor, Princes," was all she said. Her eyes rested on each of them for longer than necessary. Her unvoiced threat was clear.
"Temari, there's no need for you to stand the whole time. No one is going to assassinate me here," sighed Sakura. But Temari's eyes narrowed.
"No one has managed to precisely because I am here, Lady Sakura. I will stand guard. I can only be at ease when I am personally seeing to your safety," the other woman insisted. When Sakura didn't push any further, Temari took a few steps back into the shadows to resume her vigil.
"She's normally much more relaxed. She's nervous because she's unfamiliar with all of you. I'm sure she'll feel better after a few days," Sakura explained in a low voice. Her gaze darted back to Temari for a moment and Temari cracked a smile.
"You said she was your cousin? I thought it was just you and Sasori," Sasuke questioned.
"Technically, we're second cousins. But they've lived here since we were so young that we were simply raised as family," explained Sakura with another fond look in Temari's direction.
"She's the eldest. She has two brothers who I'm sure you'll meet tonight. It's a rarity. Women of the Haruno family have very few children. Three is almost unheard of," added Sakura. And though her expression suddenly became very sad, neither brother knew how to ask anything else. They sat, enjoying the sounds of the ocean. Itachi asked a few questions about the island. Sakura replied. Sasuke eyed the two of them without saying anything.
"Your Grace?" a voice interrupted them.
Sakura turned to find a servant standing by the door. When Sakura beckoned, he approached. He whispered into her ear. Sakura nodded every once in a while.
"Very well. Send word that I'll see to the matter myself," she replied. He bowed. And then he disappeared back into her apartment. And then, without looking, Sakura held her arm out. Itachi turned to look as Temari stepped forward. She grasped Sakura's forearm, clasping near the elbow. Sakura did the same. Temari pulled her to her feet as if she weighed nothing.
"Please excuse me. I need to attend to some urgent business," Sakura said.
Sasuke cast his brother a sidelong glance. And then he stretched his arms over his head.
"Good. I'd like to enjoy this view for a little longer," Sasuke said.
"Please take your time, General," Itachi added.
Sakura gathered her pale yellow dress, sweeping the skirt behind her. And then she strode off, Temari on her heels.
As they headed down the walkway, Temari's expression relaxed somewhat.
"Interesting guests you've brought home," she commented.
"Do you disapprove?" teased Sakura. "They're both actually quite witty. I think you'll like them, Temari."
"I'm sure. As long as they stay alive long enough for me to grow so fond. Lady Sakura, about your security…" Temari began. And a long sigh left Sakura's mouth.
"World travels quickly, I see." She offered her cousin a smile before she asked: "Alright. What do you suggest?"
"Increased guards. More frequent patrols of the island," Temari listed without hesitation. Like she had considered these ideas many times before. Which she likely had.
Sakura turned them over in her head.
"Very well. Increased guards would be good out of consideration for our guests. But the patrols I cannot accept," Sakura decided.
"Lady Sakura."
"No. Increased security in the market will only make everyone nervous. And inspections of the cargo will discourage merchants from using the port," Sakura explained.
"Is gold worth your safety?" muttered Temari.
"Yes. And we're safe here, Temari. You needn't worry so much," answered Sakura. She started when Temari reached out and grabbed her forearm.
"If anything were to happen to you, what would happen to Gaara?"
A soft smile crossed Sakura's face. She guided the arm Temari held until her hand rested over Temari's heart. Sakura shook her head.
"I'm indestructible, remember? I won't leave you all behind," she promised before she turned and continued walking. Temari hesitate for just an instant. And then she squared her shoulders to follow.
When they reached the throne room, the two women heard a loud gasp.
"My dreams have come true. Is this the vision of the lovely Lady Sakura before me? And has she become even more beautiful than before?" gushed Kankuro as he crossed the room in long strides to kiss her cheeks. And then he took both her hands and pressed a kiss to each palm.
"Honestly, I don't know who's worse- you or Sasori," sighed Sakura even as she smiled at him. But then she caught sight of someone else over his shoulder and pulled out of his grasp. Positively beaming, Sakura almost ran across the room to envelop Gaara in an enormous hug. The acting lord, in the middle of reading a document, hadn't noticed her approach. He tensed, shoulders rising up to his ears and his back stiffening until he twisted his head to see pink hair. His look of unease melted into a smile.
"Welcome home, Your Grace," he greeted her.
"Thank you, Gaara. It's so wonderful to see you. I feel like I've really come home now that I've seen you," replied Sakura in a voice that radiated warmth. She kissed his cheeks, her fingers lacing with his.
"Am I an invisible existence then?" muttered Kankuro. The butt of Temari's spear smacked him in the shin. Eyes watering from the pain, Kankuro shot his sister a glower.
"Preparations are going well, Your Grace. Some of the men wanted to catch a boar for you but we managed to convince them to settle for a goat. Temari assumed that you would be sick of pork by now," Gaara reported. As dutiful as ever. But Sakura shook her head. She linked her arm through his.
"That can wait. Walk with me," she said instead.
No one protested as they followed her out of the throne room. Gaara had held his usual session in the morning, listening to the people's troubles and offering aid when he could. With all that taken care of, there was just enough free time to relax for a bit.
"So, tell me. How have you been?" asked Sakura as she and Gaara headed down the wooden walkway together, hands still linked.
Temari and Kankuro walked behind them. Their expressions were deceptively relaxed. Even Kankuro had his arms crossed behind his head as he moved. But Sakura knew they were watching for any danger. Kankuro had chosen to focus his talents on administration, but he was still quick with a dagger.
"Me? I've been very well, Your Grace. I wrote to you often," Gaara responded with obvious confusion.
Gaara's hair was a mop of red on top of his head. The tips curled and waved slightly. His bright viridian eyes were always outlined with kohl, making them pop more against his fair skin. Overall, Gaara had a very pretty face. Sakura had only seen one or two portraits of his mother but she could tell right away that Gaara took after her. After all, Gaara's father was a desert man through and through with his dark hair and his tendency to tan dark during the summer.
"You wrote to me about the island. Not about you. The job isn't always pleasant, is it?" Sakura clarified.
It was a testament to Gaara's good manners that he did not immediately agree. Sakura could see him arguing with himself before he met her eyes again.
"It can be trying at times," he divulged. But Sakura's smile stayed the same.
"Good. Nothing in this world worth keeping is simple," Sakura responded before they moved on to a different topic. She pretended not to notice Gaara's hand tightening around hers as they walked.
"Your father?" she asked as they took the right path.
"Irritable," Kankuro remarked.
"Drunk," snorted Temari.
"Difficult," Sakura guessed as she caught Gaara's expression. "Is he still hitting you?"
"No, Your Grace. He hasn't laid a hand on me since I've been made your regent," answered Gaara.
"Good. I'll still have a talk with him. Don't endure things when you don't need to," Sakura promised, patting the back of Gaara's hand. "I won't have that man harassing my baby cousin. Uncle or not," she then muttered. And though Gaara kept his eyes on his feet, a smile crept up on his face as he listened to Sakura's lecture.
"Now, what's this business?" she then asked.
Kankuro took a few steps forward to walk beside her now. He pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket. "It's about the Caldera. I wanted to consult you about something."
Dinner was at sundown.
Servants had spent all day bringing supplies down to the beach on the southern tip of the island. The market was bright, despite the late hour. People had traveled the entire day from the Caldera up north to join the festivities.
The feast was held on the shores, where the white sand still held some of the heat from the sunlight. And as it cooled, it grew noisier and noisier. There were long tables groaning with wine, fruits, and a variety of steaming dishes. At the far end of the beach, men and women dug in the glowing sand to pull out the food that had been roasting for hours. The sounds of drums and flutes danced through the air as people ate and chattered.
The table at the very front of the celebrations sat empty. Draped with a length of dark cloth. Candles flickered in the middle. Plates and cups sparkled in the firelight. Waiting.
Sasuke was the first to arrive, along with Itachi. The brothers were unused to spending this much time together. But in a strange place with strange people, it felt better to at least have each other. They didn't speak much. Sasuke noticed that as he fumbled to find topics, he often found his brother's eyes wandering until he found Sakura, who was often speaking to her cousins or directing the servants. And Sasuke found himself watching her too. Maybe it was the reflection of the sunlight off the ocean that made her sparkle here.
To their surprise, the servants waiting indicated that Sasuke sit to the right of the centermost one. The place of honor. And then Itachi was directed to the seat to the left of the middle. They sat on the cushion. They regarded each other through the empty spot that Sakura would eventually occupy.
Servants appeared to fill their cups and their plates with hot food. They recognized some of the fruits by now, but others remained a mystery.
As the citizens continued their merry conversations, the members of the Haruno family trickled in to join. They were garbed in rich silks that made the the fine gowns in the Mountain Kingdom look like rags in comparison.
Kankuro strode up, chest puffed out and eyes gleaming brightly through the dark kohl lining them. His shirt was nearly transparent and his baggy pants were deep purple that almost bordered on black. From his neck hung several different golden chains that matched the three bangles on his left wrist. The scarf around his head was dark red with tiny golden rings dangling along the lower hem.
"Evening, gentlemen. Have they brought the goat out yet? I would hate to have missed the butchering," greeted Kankuro with a lopsided grin. He stood behind Sakura's empty seat and Itachi noticed that his feet were bare.
"Ah, not yet, I suppose? I'm not quite certain but I haven't noticed a goat," Sasuke replied with some confusion.
"He's teasing. He tries to make everyone think that we kill animals in front of guests," Temari sighed as she appeared and nudged her knuckles into her younger brother's head. Still chortling, Kankuro reached over to accept a glass of wine from a servant. And then he nodded toward them before he began striding down the sand.
"Dry your tears, ladies! I'm here!" he called as he approached a group of women. Laughter greeted him. He nudged into the conversation with ease.
"Is he not…?" Itachi trailed off, puzzled.
"Kankuro doesn't sit with us," answered Temari without even needing to hear the full question.
They all stood watching Kankuro. Someone said something that made Kankuro throw his head back in a raucous laugh. He said something before he strolled off to join another conversation, shoulders still shaking with laughter.
"He likes the people. He enjoys spending time with them and learning about their lives," she said. And then her gaze refocused and she gave an odd sort of smile.
Temari's dress hung from a golden choker around her neck and ended at her feet. It was a long sheath of lilac fabric that made her look even taller than she actually was. Her bare arms and shoulders shone with a dewy glow in the low light except for what looked like a black sun etched into her skin across her left collar bone. Her sandy hair was down, hanging around her face in loose curls. On her arms were stacks of bangles that tinkled musically each time she moved.
She crossed her arms over her chest.
"It's odd, but Lady Sakura likes it. He is supposed to take over Father's position as Lady Sakura's chamberlain. He says that if he's going to spend the people's money, it's good to know where it comes from and where it's going," added Temari. She bowed to them. And then she walked over to sit at the far end of the table.
Sasuke looked over at Itachi again. But the older brother was looking over at Temari.
"She was barefoot as well," observed Itachi in a low voice that Sasuke nearly missed.
That was the last thing either of the brothers uttered to one another for a long time.
Soon, Sasori arrived, his presence announced by the fragrance of sandalwood.
"You're not eating," he simply said without any previous greeting.
"Wouldn't it be rude to eat without the host?" queried Itachi in return. At this, Sasori put his hands on his lips and laughed. The stack of three bangles on his right wrist shifted with the movement.
From head to toe, Sasori was the very picture of relaxed comfort. Sasori wore a linen shirt that he had only bothered to button-up about halfway. On top was an azure vest made from a shimmering, iridescent fabric. The intricate patterns of gold and silver beads along the collars and down the back glittered in the firelight. His trousers were made from the same smooth fabric, coming to a tapered fit just above his ankles. And beneath the edge of the hem, there was a single gold band.
"A party is for the guests, not the host. You should eat," Sasori urged them. He took a seat. He raised his hand to Temari in greeting, who returned the gesture.
Naruto joined them shortly after, with the same vaguely flustered expression he had been wearing upon first stepping foot on the island. When one of the servants directed him to the spot between Sasuke and Sasori, the red-head barely managed to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Still, Sasuke politely engaged the other prince in conversation. His parents had reminded him to build bridges, not to burn them. And Sakura was right. Naruto was a little oblivious, but kind. He wasn't an unpleasant person to deal with.
Without warning, Temari rose to her feet. Sasori caught the beginnings of her movement out of the corner of his eyes and also rose. Itachi and Sasuke stared at one another before Itachi shook his head; the brothers chose to remain seated. Naruto rose, though, his eyes glimmering with wonder and confusion.
"Gaara, you don't have to escort me everywhere. I can get around on my own," laughed Sakura as she approached.
Itachi's mouth had opened so that he could greet her properly. But all words left his mouth and he was left gaping at her like a fish out of water.
After the summer festival in Ispolin, Itachi had believed that he had a relatively good understanding of the fashion of the Southern Tea Isle. It hadn't occurred to him that perhaps Sakura was erring more on the side of modesty for the sake of her hosts.
The top half of Sakura's dress was completely sheer, sleeves slipping from her shoulders and falling to her elbows. On her wrists were thick gold cuffs that matched with the large golden suns dangling from her ears. Her white skirt fell in translucent folds that hinted at the lines of her thighs.
The cousins greeted each other. Kisses on the cheeks. hands gripping each other's forearms. Kankuro, down on the beach, spotted the commotion. He sprinted up to kiss Sakura's cheeks too.
"No shoes?" Sasuke observed out loud, his eyes darting to his older brother. Itachi nodded.
Instead, the stack of bangles on her left ankle jangled merrily as Sakura moved toward her guests.
"Sasori, didn't I tell you to let them eat?" Sakura scolded as soon as she saw their full plates.
"I did," Sasori defended himself.
Gaara sat between Itachi and Temari. Temari ruffled her youngest brother's mop of curls. He was the most modestly dressed of his siblings in a purple tunic and matching pants. The only thing that stood out on his person was the series of gold rings on his fingers.
"Try the goat when it comes out. You'll swear off pork forever," Sakura advised Sasuke as she nudged him with her elbow.
"Come, Prince Sasuke. They might be carving it now," Sasori invited, holding out his hand. Sasuke glanced over at Sakura, who nodded. Sasori pulled Sasuke to his feet and began guiding him down the beach.
With Sasuke gone, Naruto had a clear line of sight to Sakura. She looked at him too.
"Um… are there any table manners I should know about?" questioned Naruto after a brief silence. His eyes remained fixated mostly on the tabletop, only briefly flickering over to Sakura every now and then.
That surprised Sakura. That he would even think to ask something like that. His carelessness had always irritated her.
As Sakura held out her glass for a servant to fill with wine, Sakura thought.
"Eat. Don't leave food on your plate. And don't forget to thank the people who serve you," said Sakura. With her last statement, she dipped her head to the servant girl who smiled shyly and backed away from the filled cup.
A grin brightened Naruto's face at those simple words. Something about that look stung her. Sakura turned away from him, cutting off anything else he wanted to speak to her about.
And to her left, sat Itachi, who was staring at the large pile of mussels that had just been placed in front of them.
"Unfamiliar with these?" she asked, pulling him from his surprised stupor.
"Ah. Well, I've read about them," admitted Itachi. Sakura reached over his arm to grasp the serving spoon. When she began spooning the food onto his dish, her hair brushed against his cheek. It was out of the slick ponytail she always seemed to wear. Her hair was longer than he had anticipated. It fell past her shoulders, waving slightly and gleaming with whatever fragrant oils had been combed through it.
"See how the shells are open? They open up when they're fully cooked. You just pull them apart and then eat the flesh inside," she explained in a low voice, leaning against him to point out the parts of the foreign creature.
Her eyelashes were dark and her lips were almost smiling. And the smell coming from her- floral and perfumed was so pleasant. Itachi found his eyes glued to her mouth as she spoke. When she finished speaking, she caught his gaze focused in on her lips.
"Do you need me to feed you, Your Highness?" she teased.
Slowly. Almost too slowly. His eyes moved back up to hers.
He shook his head a little. "Forgive me. It's just… you look so happy," he said.
"I"ll be even happier once you eat. Let me help you with this first one," she quipped.
Itachi leaned in to watch as she snapped the shell apart. And then she lifted half to her mouth to suck the mussel into her mouth.
"Oh. That's so simple," he observed. When he copied her, his eyes widened.
"Good?" she asked.
He nodded as he chewed.
The rest of dinner was pleasant. By the time the food was gone, everyone leaned back in his or her seats to enjoy the feeling of being almost uncomfortably full. Then the performers who had been singing and playing their drums and pipes throughout the night suddenly started again with renewed vigor. The drums were louder, almost insistent in their pounding tempo.
Sakura's face lit up as she noticed the change. People began to rise from their tables, pulling each other toward the sand. Kankuro's roar of laughter rose. He was one of the first people moving his body to the beat. He ran around, grabbing people and pulling them along with him.
Sakura finished her drink. Once she set down her glass, she held her hand out to Itachi.
"Dance with me?" she asked. Itachi stared at her, into the expression of glee that he had never seen on her before. Then, with reluctance, he shook his head.
"I…cannot," he responded as he put his hand over his chest. Disappointment deflated Sakura's look as she remembered his physical condition. And then she nodded.
"My love, shall we?" Sasori instead offered. He pulled her to her feet, fingers lacing with hers as he guided into the gathering group of dancers in the middle of the festivities. Itachi watched her hair whip around her head as she spun and clapped her hands. The jingle of her and Sasori's bracelets filled the air with another kind of music. She laughed with her mouth opened wide. Her skirts flew up around her legs as she twirled around and around. And following along with the fast beat of the drums, her feet led her in intricate patterns over the sand.
Even Gaara and Temari got out of their seats to join in. And as soon as they approached the edge of the group, hands pulled them in.
There was childish delight in Sakura's face as she raised her arms high above her head. She grasped the hands of people as she twirled past them, meeting and separating just as quickly as she moved. There were no set routines or patterns to this dance. It was just movement, Eyes meeting in a flash of shared joy. Even children ran around their feet, spinning in wild circles until they grew dizzy and toppled over in the sand.
Firelight flickered across Itachi's face as he watched her. Sasuke looked over and the look of stark longing on his brother's face surprised him.
"Sasuke!" Sakura called out in the middle of the chaos.
Sasuke raised his eyebrows when Sakura beckoned for him. When he hesitated, Sasori also appeared from the crowd to motion for him to join in. Sasuke looked over at his brother again for a long moment, at his thin silhouette and the slump of his shoulders. Sucking in a breath, he rose to his feet. Kicking his feet off into the sand beneath the table, Sasuke moved around the table to join them.
A joyous cry greeted him.
Sakura grabbed his hands and dragged him around and around in circles. Without regard for the rhythm or the lyrics of the song, she moved him until all he could focus on was the dizzying blur of the white stars circling around in the black sky. The smells of woodsmoke and food and perfume mixed in his nose in an almost overwhelming combination. And when Sakura's hands let him go, Sasuke found that someone else was taking his hands now.
He didn't realize that he was laughing until he felt the cool air in his open mouth.
When he looked again at the table, Itachi's spot was empty.
The time difference between Goliaf and Sami was challenging. And no one had told him that being at sea would make it so difficult to adjust to the usual patterns of sunrise and sunset. By the time he woke, it was almost the afternoon. And when he fell asleep, it was usually to the chirping of the birds that liked to perch by his window.
That was quite alright with Itachi.
Because he liked to stay awake until dawn. Just so he could hear Sakura wake.
The apartment she had provided for him was actually in the western wing. Where members of the Duchess' family lived. It was a great honor, according to one of the attendants assigned to him. And while the place was beautiful, one of his favorite things was that his bedroom window had a direct line of sight to Sakura's apartment. The only reason he had discovered this was that one morning, he saw her climb out of her window. And without hesitation, she plunged feet first into the ocean.
The morning after the feast on the beach, Itachi woke. Sunlight slanting in through the window. Warming a spot on his blanket. When the servants arrived to greet him, he requested breakfast out on the terrace.
Sakura found him as he had his first meal. Which was difficult to call breakfast given the late hour.
He sat examining the food on his plate. His left hand tucked under his chin as he glanced back and forth between his meal and a book in his lap.
"They're called bananas," Sakura said.
Itachi started. His hand twitched as he tried to decide whether to hide the book or not. She held her hand out. Itachi relinquished the book to her. It was an old text with a battered spine.
"Ah. Exotic Flora and Fauna of the Orient," Sakura read the title. She set the book down on the table as she took a seat across from him. "Although, this might not be in there. This is native to the island."
"I haven't seen this before," he confessed as he looked down at the food again.
"They're soft and sweet. Children love these especially," Sakura informed him. She picked it up and peeled away the bright yellow exterior. Revealing a creamy white fruit. She held it out to him. Itachi grasped the bottom of the odd yellow object.
"Take a bite," she encouraged.
Itachi's eyes widened as he chewed the alien fruit. It melted in his mouth. Sakura watched his wondering expression and laughed. She pointed out a strange, spiky thing called a pineapple. And a bright orange fruit with a surprisingly mellow sweetness.
Once Itachi had finished his breakfast, Sakura got to her feet. She held her hand out again. This time, not for a book.
"I have someone I'd like you to meet," she said.
Itachi looked into her eyes. At her eyes that seemed so bright. He took her hand.
They traveled on the sun-bleached walkways. On the way, they passed a gazebo that sat by itself. Unattached to any other building. Light purple flowers wrapped up each of the pillars supporting the roof, which was also covered in the vines and petals.
They passed another gazebo. A woman with dark hair sat in it. Sakura raised her hand in greeting. The other woman returned the gesture.
"Why are these isolated from the rest of the palace?" Itachi queried.
"These are private rooms. Where we eat or relax. And on occasion, see guests. That one was my mother's favorite," Sakura said, pointing to the one they had passed with all the purple flowers. When she lowered it, it brushed against Itachi's. They both murmured apologies without really meaning.
"This one is my favorite. The Lily Garden," Sakura then directed his gaze. There was a smaller gazebo that seemed to float on the waves. White water lilies surrounded the gazebo.
"My grandfather gave them as a gift to my grandmother. They're bred to live in saltwater," she explained. Lengths of white cloth wrapped around the beams of the building. The inside was filled with cushions and a variety of rugs that should have clashed. And yet it was charming in its own way.
"I don't mean to be rude. I truly am enjoying this tour. But… where are we going?" he wondered.
"Here," she replied. And then they stood at the entrance of a building. There was a beaded curtain across the archway. Sakura pushed her arm through it. The wooden beads clattered against each other like chattering teeth.
"Yashamaru," she called.
"In here, Your Grace," a man's voice replied.
Sakura waited until Itachi took a step toward her before she ducked past the curtain. Inside the building was Yashamaru's lab, which also served as the infirmary. Dried herbs hung from the ceiling in neat bunches. The displays lining the walls were filled with a rainbow of tinctures and balms. The long work tables in the middle of the room held books and a variety of glass containers. One bottle sat bubbling over a low flame. A man with fair hair stood bent over one of the tables. He raised his chin.
"Yashamaru," Sakura greeted him first.
"My, my. I wondered when you would stop by," Yashamaru said with a smile. He reached out with both hands. Sakura grasped his forearms. They kissed each other on the cheek. When Sakura drew back, Yashamaru's smile faded.
"Ah, look at my sleepless liege. And I should take a look at that back of yours," he observed.
"At a later time, Yashamaru. For now, I'd like you to see to my friend," Sakura redirected his attention. She gestured to Itachi, who gave a cautious nod. Yashamaru bowed in response.
"Yashamaru is my physician," Sakura announced as she took a seat at one of the stools without asking permission.
"Prince Itachi of the Mountain Kingdom," Itachi introduced himself. But before he could extend his hand, Yashamaru placed his palm over his heart and dipped his head even more deeply this tije.
"An honor, Your Highness. How may I be of service?"
Itachi glanced back at Sakura, who had her elbow up on the table now. She peered at the boiling flask. It took a second for her to notice his gaze. And then she raised her eyebrows.
"Tell him about your condition. Yashamaru can work his magic on anyone," Sakura urged.
"As I've said before, Your Grace, it's not magic. Simply a comprehensive understanding of the workings of the human body," he sighed. And then his eyes lit up as Itachi began describing his illness since childhood. As Itachi spoke, Yashamaru nodded, his hands clasped together.
Sakura watched as Yashamaru then began flitting around. He took Itachi's pulse, listening to his breathing. He checked his eyes, even the colors of his tongue. And then he began rummaging around in his vast stores of herbs and roots.
"Oh, this is a challenge. It doesn't seem congenital. But childhood onset… hm…" Yashamaru muttered to himself.
Sakura recognized that look. She got to her feet.
"We'll leave you to your work," she half-declared, half-suggested.
Yashamaru gave a distracted wave. "Tomorrow," was all he said.
Sakura turned to Itachi. "In the meantime, come to the bazaar with me. There's more than bananas to try," Sakura offered.
"You must be quite busy being home after so long. It wouldn't be an imposition?" Itachi inquired, even as his eyes lit up.
"My cousins have done an excellent job keeping things in order. And this is part of work. No one knows money better than the people who earn it." And with that, Sakura held out her hand.
Itachi took it. "I would like that," he responded.
Two guards fell into step behind Sakura as they made their way out of the palace. Past the archway marking the entrance. And out into the bustling city. For Itachi, who had grown up with the barrier of an entire mountain to separate the castle from the people, the closeness was jarring. But for Sakura, to have her beloved citizens within arm's reach was comforting. And the people seemed equally pleased about the closeness.
"Duchess! Come try this new pastry!"
"Your Grace, welcome home. I'll discount this silk for you."
Sakura slipped her arm into Itachi's, resting her hand inside his elbow. Her hand was warm and her gold bangles were cool against his skin. And she only laughed a little when he started at the contact. His face turned a little pink.
"So we don't get separated," she explained before she led him on through the crowds.
Her hair was loose, falling down her back in soft waves. There was a thin chain of gold around her neck that draped down between her shoulder blades. Her blouse was transparent enough that Itachi could see the soft tan of her skin underneath. But underneath, she wore the thick breeches and lace-up boots of a soldier.
There was a certain dissonance to Sakura. Pink hair and a decorated military uniform. Dangling gold earrings and a sword hanging from her belt.
Feeling the stare on the side of her face, she tilted her head to look at him.
"Are you alright? Do you need to sit and rest?" Sakura asked. Itachi shook his head.
There was no way he was willing to pull her out of this strange new world where she seemed to fit in perfectly.
His second time in the bazaar was just as chaotic and fascinating as the first. He lingered at a stall where two women sold silk the same color as the ocean. When he noted this out loud, they both burst into laughter. Sakura, who had been standing at another stall, turned toward the noise.
"Your Grace brought home a charmer!" one of them teased.
"He compares rags to the great seas!" the other hooted.
Sakura stepped over to join them. Her arm naturally looping through Itachi's again. Like it had always been there. She leaned in to examine the bolts.
"Nonsense. The color truly is lovely this time around. I'd like a dress made of this," Sakura declared. And as Sakura reached into her pouch for gold, they began squabbling about the prices. The women moaned about how their duchess was cheating them out of money. How they would die of hunger at these rates. But in the end, when money changed hands, everyone was smiling.
"Could you send this to-" Before Sakura could finish her sentence, the women were nodding.
"The kane with the gold hair," they guessed. And Sakura spoke with them a little while longer before they moved on to the next stall.
They strolled down the twisting path of walkways until Sakura spotted a few children standing near a big building. At Sakura's approach, their eyes lit up.
"Tita!" they called, rushing toward her.
Sakura knelt to greet them. They smothered her in hugs. And when Sakura lifted one into her arms, the rest crowded around her. Pressing tiny hands to her legs.
"Have you been good?" she queried.
"Yes! I drew something for you!" one yelled in response. And then the rest were clamoring to yell about what they had made for her too.
Sakura chuckled. "Alright. I'll come visit you soon," she promised.
Itachi couldn't stop staring at her open smile. At the softness in her expression as she spoke with them.
Soon, it was time to continue their stroll through the market. And as he listened to Sakura stop and ask some questions to a group of merchants, he felt a pain bloom in his right temple. His chest felt a little too tight.
Suddenly, there were so many people around him. It felt so cramped and then the sky was falling and spinning the wrong way. Sucking in a breath, he only felt the invisible hand constrict more and more around his lungs. As he let out a shaky cough, Sakura, who had been facing away from him, turned her head slightly to him. She could feel her eyeing him for a moment. And then she faced the merchants with a smile.
"Please excuse me," was all she said. And then she was leading Itachi through the crowd, her hand grasping his so tightly that he was sure that everything would be alright.
She guided him all to the way to the far end of a dock. Where only an empty fishing boat sat tied to a post. She helped him take a seat there. Away from the noise of the marketplace. The chatter and din was just a faint background noise from here.
She inhaled deeply through her nose. Exhaling in a long motion. Inhaling. Exhaling. And gradually, he felt his own breaths calming. He listened to her, tried to match his own rhythm to hers. When the world finally ceased tilting on a strange axis, he tightened his grip on Sakura's hand. Which he hadn't even realized that he was still holding.
When he could finally think straight again, Itachi noticed that Sakura sat with her feet in the water. At some point, she had taken off her boots. They sat lined up on the other side of her.
"Are you alright?" she asked when she felt him actually looking at her. Not just seeing her.
"Yes. Much better."
"I'm sorry. That must have been a little overwhelming for you," said Sakura after a long silence of listening to the waves crash on the shore.
"I actually enjoyed it very much. This is something I've never had a chance to experience before," replied Itachi. Then he glanced at her.
"I'm the one who should apologize. I interfered with your work," he added. Sakura waved a careless hand at the very idea.
"The merchants will be there today and the day after and for many days after. I would have returned tomorrow anyway," Sakura assured him.
As she spoke, she swung her legs back and forth. Itachi stared at them. And then he looked down at his own feet.
"May I also…" he trailed off. Pointing to his legs.
"Of course."
And then he was slipping his bare feet into the water. A sigh of relief left him as the cool waves washed over his skin.
"Your island is very beautiful. And your people adore you," he observed.
Sakura was smiling again. But there was something sad about the look she gave him. She turned their hands over until it was his knuckles facing the sun and not hers.
"And I adore them as well. If only everywhere could be like this," she sighed.
And then she looked over at him. Her voice and expression light-hearted once more. "You're a charmer, aren't you?"
"I was taught to be polite, above all us. So I should hope so," he replied. He laughed too.
And Itachi was, to be honest, quite beautiful. He had long eyelashes and shining dark hair that framed his face. His nose was straight and his cheekbones high. Sakura looked down at their joined hands. Her tanned skin looked so much darker than his. She could even see the blue lines of his blood vessels trailing up from his wrist.
"Your hands are so white," she marveled at them.
Itachi turned their hands back over.
"Yours aren't so dark," he protested.
Sakura's gaze grew distant again. That odd smile returned to her lips.
"My hands are more stained than anyone else's, Your Highness," she confessed in a soft voice. Her eyes returned to him when she felt his hand give hers a gentle squeeze.
"Aren't we past the point of such titles… Sakura?"
That was the first time he had used her name as she had requested. She couldn't help but smile a little. A real one, this time.
"… I suppose you're right… Itachi."
She leaned in, pressing her lips against his.
"Someone will see us."
"They will."
"They'll gossip."
"They should."
The sunlight warm on their foreheads. The screech of a seagull swooped past them. Cheeks flushing, eyelids fluttering, they leaned closer together and just laughed.
A few days after the duchess' return to the island, a bottle went rolling across the floor.
"Father, please be reasonable."
"You think I don't know what you're doing?" Rasa slurred.
His breath reeked of something sour. He teetered to one side, hip colliding with the edge of his desk. He leaned there, breathing heavy. And then his glare flickered up to his youngest son. Who stood there. His hands gripping the tray so tightly that his hands turned white.
"Coz-cozying up to that girl. Trying to push me out… you wretched boy," Rasa went on.
Gaara set the tray down. In slow, measured motions. Much like how someone would move in the presence of a rabid animal.
"Father, perhaps you should get to bed. You must be exhausted after all your hard work," Gaara said in a low, soothing tone. Still, Rasa's hand whipped out. He grabbed Gaara by the hair.
"Don't tell me what to do, boy. You think just because you have a title now that you can order me around?" Rasa spat. And then he wrenched Gaara's head back so he could stare down at him.
"You'll never be above me. Remember that," he hissed.
Rasa jerked back when a shadow fell through the doorway. And then a woman filled it. Her eyes sweeping across the room with its broken glass and the overturned chair at the far end.
"My. What a mess you're making in my home," Sakura commented. She took a step into the room. Then another. Two guards blocked the archway behind her. Their spears glinting in the torchlight.
"Your Grace," Gaara gasped. He took a step away from his father. Head hanging. As if he was the one caught doing something wrong. Rasa bowed too, his hand still gripping the neck of a glass bottle. He tried to hide it behind his body.
Sakura said nothing.
"I… please forgive me, Your Grace. I…" Gaara fumbled for words as he looked around the mess in the room too. "I tripped." His lie must have fallen flat, even to his own ears. He fell silent.
Sakura took a step. And then another step. Her sandals crunching over broken glass. She stopped directly in front of Rasa.
"Dear Uncle, I believe I've spoken to you about this matter. About not touching my things," she stated with a smile.
"I am merely disciplining my son, Duchess. Hardly a thing to be reprimanded for," Rasa replied.
Sakura's smile faded. She was still for just a moment. And then there was a flurry of movement. The bottle shattered, sending wine sloshing across the tile. It stained the floor like blood as Sakura lunged at Rasa.
Rasa's head slammed against the wall. Sakura's forearm pressed to his throat until he began to strain to breathe. She smirked.
"And I'm merely disciplining an insolent little rat that doesn't know his place," she replied in the same, pleasant tone. When Rasa reached up, Sakura held up her free hand, wagging a finger at him.
"Ah-ah. Be a good boy and listen, Lord Rasa," she warned. Her eyes flickering to the guards in the doorway. They hadn't moved.
"Now, as I've explained this before, you need to drink in moderation. Which you've, clearly, failed to do." Sakura's gaze flickered to the spilled wine. And when she refocused her attention on Rasa, she gave him the same dismissive look.
"Perhaps your wine-addled brain forgot this. But Lord Gaara is my proxy in my absence," she added. And then something in her eyes changed as she leaned in. "Which is why I warned you before I left- keep your goddamn hands off him."
"I am your uncle-"
"Your wife was my cousin's aunt. You are nothing to me," she interrupted, her hand slamming down on the wall just beside his head.
"Just as you are nothing everywhere else," she added. Watching the way his eyes narrowed. "The last, forgotten son of a prince who refused to die. You clawed your way into a marriage with a woman with ties to the Haruno family. I suspect you expected to live out your days in luxury and comfort."
And then Sakura's smile returned. "It's a very clever plan. And it worked. We kept you because you are quite useful with numbers."
Just as she felt Rasa begin to relax a little, she pressed her arm harder. Listening to the breath wheeze from him. "But I will not keep you if you cannot obey a simple order. Do. not. touch. my. proxy."
"B-"
Sakura shushed him, leaning in closer. "Or else I'll gouge those beady little eyes from their sockets. And then I'll snap those fingers you so love to use to count all my gold."
"You cannot. My father-"
"Your father will tell my great-uncle?" Sakura guessed. She smirked.
"Oh dear. How can you have been playing this game for so long and not know?" she sighed. She drew her arm back. Rasa collapsed to the floor, wheezing and grasping at his throat. Sakura stare down at him. "Lord Rasa. Do you really think I would get more than a slap on the wrist? Know your place, little rat. And perhaps I'll let you continue to ride on my coattails."
With that, Sakura turned to Gaara. Who stood, trembling in the corner. Staring down at the encroaching puddle of wine like it would burn him. Sakura stepped right through it.
"Come. Let's get you cleaned up," she said, offering her hand to him.
Gaara's hand shook as he took hers. She wrapped her arm around him as she ushered him out of the room. Not even sparing Rasa another glance. The guards parted for them in the doorway. A few servants lingered just behind them, casting Sakura nervous looks.
"We heard… noise, Your Grace," one of them explained.
"Please clean this mess. And have…" Sakura paused, gaze flickering meaningfully back, "that taken to his room."
The servants bowed. "Yes, Your Grace," they replied. And then they hurried into the room to begin picking things up and setting them into place. One carried a stack of towels to mop up the mess.
Sakura heard Gaara sniffle. She paused. She pulled her jacket off to wrap it around Gaara's shoulders. And then she put her arms around Gaara, too as they continued walking.
"You should have called for me," Sakura said.
"I'm sorry," she heard him whisper.
"Hush. I'll take care of everything," she assured him.
Kurenai came hurrying down the walkway, her two attendants in tow. "Goodness, how noisy this is," she remarked. And then she fell quiet as she noticed how Gaara hid his face in Sakura's hair.
"Oh… what happened?" asked Kurenai, looking at Sakura instead.
"Lord Rasa decided to indulge in wine and make a scene of himself. I thought you were keeping an eye on him," Sakura replied.
"I was. He's been quiet in your absence," Kurenai defended. And then she glanced around before she looked at Gaara again. "Dry your tears, my love. Put on your best face on. What if a guest sees you?"
"The only shameful thing here is Lord Rasa," Sakura snorted. And then she lowered her voice. "I won't tolerate this, Aunt Kurenai. I will not have him near Gaara."
Kurenai's gaze flickered to Gaara. And then she nodded. "I'll see what can be done," she agreed.
With that, Sakura pulled Gaara along the path, seething until she thought steam would rise from her skin and hair.
An hour later, she stood at the foot of Gaara's bed, watching as he slept. Temari and Kankuro had come running when a servant had informed them of what had happened. Gaara's head lay in his brother's lap. Kankuro stroked his hair. Temari stood by the window.
"He said your father wasn't hitting him anymore," Sakura was the first to speak.
"That's what we thought, too," Temari sighed. Her expression tightened as she heard Gaara sniffle softly.
"Will you kill him?" asked Kankuro.
"No. I'm having him sent back to the Arids. I don't want to have to explain to my great-uncle why I'm starting a war by executing a prince's son," Sakura answered, her fingers touching her temple, "I'll explain the situation. And I'll send over some tea and gold to smooth things over."
They were quiet again. For a while. And then Temari bowed to Sakura.
"I'm so sorry. For all this mess when you have important guests," she apologized.
Sakura frowned. "Oh, Temari, I would rather this mess than for anyone to think that I don't take care of my family."
And for the first time that night, Kankuro smiled. "That's why we love you, Your Grace," he sighed.
Around this time, Sasori sat with Naruto, Itachi, and Sasuke. He wasn't sure why, but he had received a request from Sakura to keep their guests entertained for a while. He would get his answers later.
For now, they sat enjoying tea and snacks after dinner. The conversation had just reached a pleasant lull when Itachi took the conversation in an odd direction.
"Admiral, you're quite close to the General, are you not?" questioned Itachi. Eyebrows rose. The older sibling was not usually the first to initiate conversation. However, Sasori replied.
"Correct, Prince. Is there something on your mind?"
Sasuke looked intrigued as well.
Itachi looked down into his teacup. There were flower petals drifting on top of the dark red liquid.
"The Gene- Sakura told me earlier today that her hands are more stained than anyone else's. I thought that you, of all people, would know the story behind that," he picked the words delicately.
There was another pause. Sasuke also looked expectantly toward Sasori. Only Sasori took a long sip of his tea, his dark gold eyes as unreadable as ever. He slowly set the teacup down on the table before he turned to Naruto.
"Do you know the story?" he questioned.
It was so rare for Sasori to address him directly. Naruto jumped a little. He found all eyes on him. He nodded.
"How do the mainlanders tell it? I'm curious," Sasori prompted.
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, it's… they called Sakura 'The Heartless'."
"The Heartless?" Itachi repeated. "That doesn't sound like her."
"Um… the stories are probably exaggerated. But they say that she killed so many during one battle that they ran out of places to bury the bodies. And I heard that sometimes she would kill prisoners of war if opposing armies didn't do what she said."
A chill fell over the room.
"What's the big one everyone tells?" Sasori continued to urge him.
Naruto's eyes darted around.
"I… I don't think I know that one," he lied.
"Sakura executed three of her own officers," Sasori announced instead.
"What?" Sasuke whispered.
"They raped a civilian woman. She executed them herself. There were some that were upset by that, but she upheld the law," Sasori responded. "Some call her a monster, but I call her just. There are other things she did during the course of the war, but none of them were easy. And I suppose that's why so many are so loyal to her." He shook his head, chuckling. "One might even call it fanaticism."
A servant arrived then. He knelt to whisper something in Sasori's ear. Sasori listened. Nodded.
"Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me. Business calls," Sasori added before he got to his feet. He was gone.
It took several more minutes for the remaining men to move or to speak.
"Uh… I…" Naruto fumbled for words. Sasuke and Itachi turned to him.
"Sakura really believes in what's right. She never says, but the war must have been really hard for her," he said.
A sick feeling twisted deep inside Itachi's belly as he nodded.
"I… think I might go for a walk," he heard himself say before he left the room.
He had no way of knowing where Sakura would be. When he found the kitchen, it was busy, despite the late hour. Women stood scrubbing plates and pots. Others sat preparing linens in neat stacks for the following day's meals. Others sat enjoying cups of tea, their voices rising and falling in easy murmurs of gossip.
"Excuse me. Could you tell me where I could find the Gene- Duchess?" Itachi queried to one woman standing closest to him.
The woman bowed her head. But then her dark eyes darted back before she looked at him again.
"I'm sorry. The duchess is very busy…" she said, her tone more apologetic than it should have been. But then she inspected Itachi's expression. She blinked a few times.
"Little brother. Come," she raised her voice a little.
And one of the women scrubbing dishes raised her head. Tucked hair behind their ear. Itachi recognized the little servant girl Sakura had taken such a shining to. His mother had offered Sakura the servant as a parting gift. He hadn't really seen the child much in the last few days.
"Brother?" Itachi muttered to himself.
The child ran over. Dark eyes widening. It was the same servant.
"Yes?"
The servant girl put her arm around his shoulders. "The Prince wants to talk to Her Grace. Go ask. If can, come back and bring His Highness."
Haku listened. His wide eyes darted to Itachi and then back to the girl.
"She'll say yes," he replied. As if it were already a fact.
The girl tilted her head. "They say she seemed bothered."
Haku shook his head. Smiling, he turned to Itachi. "If you'll please follow me, Your Highness."
Since the sun had set, it had begun to grow a little chilly. Itachi followed Haku through the palace, marveling at how the child navigated the twists and turns with ease already. He almost forgot to notice the beauty of the warm glow of the candlelight in windows as they moved.
"You're…" When Itachi hesitated, Haku's steps slowed.
"You're the same servant girl," he half-asked, half-stated.
"Yes, Your Highness," answered Haku.
Itachi considered his words before he then questioned: "Is this a matter you will speak candidly on?"
Haku smiled a little. "No, Your Highness."
They were quiet for a while as they continued walking. Just the waves splashing and the wood creaking under their feet.
"Are you adjusting well here? Any difficulties?" queried Itachi.
That took Haku by surprise. His eyebrows rose. Mouth falling open. And then he shook his head.
"I'm very well here, Your Highness. Everyone has been more than welcoming," he answered. And then they stopped just at the doorway of a room. Its fluttering white curtain blurring out a lone figure sitting inside.
Haku's clear eyes stared right up at Itachi's. "You're very kind. I can see why she likes you, Your Highness."
Before Itachi could respond to such a brazen observation, Haku bowed and went on his way.
Itachi watched the boy run off. And then he took a deep breath before he pushed past the curtain.
Sakura sat leaning back on her hands. A piece of paper lay crumpled by her foot.
"There you are," he sighed with relief.
She started. And as she recognized the voice, she turned to look at him. Eyes wide.
"Good evening," she greeted him.
"Good evening," replied Itachi. He stepped into the room, taking a seat at her right. There were no chairs, but the floor was covered in an array of rugs and pillows. It was soft. And the patterns of the rugs clashed in a strange way that almost matched.
"What are you thinking about?" he wondered.
He looked down. Found her hand resting on top of the rug. He put his hand over hers. It took a moment, but she flipped it over, twisting her fingers with his. And even though they were both looking out at the summer sea and taking in a soft breeze, Itachi could swear he could taste winter in her words.
"When I was little," Sakura whispered, "I swore to the heavens that I would become as big as my father."
And everyone knew the story. Her father had been a massive man. A warrior through and through. His silver hair was a mane around his head that made him seem like some ancient, mystical lion. Itachi remembered seeing him once as a boy. This giant man with a booming voice who had come for a diplomatic visit.
"It wasn't until I grew a little older that I understood that that was a silly dream. I'm so little," sighed Sakura.
"In stature, perhaps," Itachi agreed. But something in his voice made her look at him. When their eyes met, Itachi offered a weak smile.
"You've always looked like a giant to me," he added.
Shaking her head, Sakura laughed a little. Itachi could feel her lean in, pressing against his arm. And then she turned her head towards him.
The soft press of her mouth against his felt cold in the warm night.
Dear Sakura,
Imagine my surprise when Naruto wrote me to inform me that he would be going to the Tea Isle with you. It warms my heart to know that you two are spending more time together. I hope that this message finds you in good health and in good spirits as the journey from Ispolin to Plumeria is not a short one.
In all the recent excitement here at the capital city, your uncle and I forgot that it was the anniversary of the late King Jiraiya and Queen Tsunade's passing. My deepest apologies for having been so thoughtless. Though these words are late, I am sure that they would be proud to see the fine lady you have become.
In other news,
Sakura didn't finish the letter. Crumpling it up in her shaking fist, she quelled the rising urge to scream. And just as she felt the hot hatred boiling up from her gut and into her chest, she heard his voice, as serene as the ocean breeze.
"There you are."
Had anyone ever said those words to her before with such relief?
Had anyone ever sat and not presumed? Just asked. Listened.
His hand was so soft in hers. He couldn't swing a sword. He couldn't best her in battle. But as her lips found his, Sakura was struck by how little she cared of such things.