Naruto sat by the pond, looking into the water again, pondering how things had changed. Over the last two weeks he and Sasuke had grown closer. They spared in the day and spoke at night, they bonded over their hate of the older Uchiha and their competition to be the strongest prince.
Itachi had never been as bad as he was the first days, but he still persisted for Naruto to please him. Naruto tried to fight him sometimes but found Itachis reaction to this was only expressed in physical abuse. So Naruto would avoid Itachi and try to sneak away at any moment, normally finding Sasuke and hiding away with him.
But the first week came to an end and there was no word on how the Uchihas had decided to proceed with the marriage. Naruto felt anxiety at not knowing but also relief, as he had more time with his new friend.
While Naruto thought of all these thoughts he missed the sounds of approaching footsteps, and before he could react he was being pinned onto the ground.
"See? I'm the stronger prince. My guard wouldn't be so lowered as yours." Sasuke said smugly, and Naruto smiled, trying to roll them over. They regularly fought and tried to win any battle between the two of them, even when it was unnecessary. Who could throw their apple core further? Who knew more about worldwide history? Who could climb a tree faster?
But both of them seemed to enjoy these meaningless fights as it brought a new challenge between them.
Naruto pouted and stopped trying to fight the Uchiha above him, "Fine. This time I had my guard down. But next time you won't be so lucky."
Sasuke chuckled to himself and rolled off the blonde, grabbing at an orange in the pile of fruit Naruto had.
"I heard tomorrow my father will be making some announcement. They didn't tell me what, but I assume it's about the deal." Sasuke said, as he peeled the orange.
Naruto nodded. "I was wondering." Was all he said as he grabbed an orange too.
"What will you do?" Sasuke asked as he leaned back against a tree, watching the blonde.
"Hmmm... I don't know. In reality it's not my decision." Naruto said simply, giving a shrug. "If I had any choice it would be go with Itachi or stay and prepare for war. And I can't put our kingdom at that risk. Especially if it's just for me, they have Hinata. She can lead them without me."
Naruto looked over and met Sasukes eyes, the brunette looking angry, but didn't say anything.
"I can't deny your family. I need to be a strong leader for my people, and your family provided protection in return for me. So if I must go, I'll go." Naruto continued and laid down on the grass behind him, now popping orange slices in his mouth and looking at the stars above.
"They want you to be happy too. Your parents, your people.." Sasuke started but found himself at a loss for words.
"Which is why I told them to go through with the arrangement. We are too small to fight back. I can't be the reason these people lose their lives. I think, 'if I were king, I would die for them'. And if this is my own way to die for them, so be it." Naruto wasn't sad to say these things, they were fact. A fact he was familiar with and not scared of, so he was surprised to find a orange peel being thrown at his face.
"Ow why-"
"That isn't how it's supposed to be. You shouldn't have to think like that. I- There must be some third option you aren't thinking of." Sasuke interrupted, frustration on his face.
"Sasuke. There isn't. Our families have a major difference in power. I don't get the luxury-"
"So what of power? Are you going to deal with Itachi forever? What if I leave? What will you do?" Sasuke asked, his anger growing.
"I'm strong. I'll be okay. My kingdom fuels me to be str-"
"Stop talking about your kingdom. He's a demon in human skin. How will you handle him? Will you just be like I thought? Someone who will bend to his every will?" Sasuke asked, squeezing the orange in his hand.
"If I have to." Was all Naruto said as he stood up and wiped himself off. "If you'll excuse me, Itachi is waiting."
Naruto turned and walked away, ignoring Sasuke calling for him. He felt burned by the words Sasuke was saying, he was wrong, Sasuke wasn't trying to trick him. Sasuke was just spoiled and wanted someone to help him reach his goal, to defeat his brother. Naruto was dumb to trust him, he should've known a royal of his regard would never understand.
Naruto made his way to his room and stopped at the door, not wanting to enter but not wanting to be found either. After a moment he opened the door quietly and laid on the sofa in the corner, not wanting to be near any Uchiha man.