Naruto woke up to find Itachi gone and someone knocking at the door. He yawned and made his way to the door, opening it and finding the seamstress and hairdresser there. Naruto let them in, having almost forgotten about the meeting today.
While they doted on him and pulled and tugged at his hair, he sat thinking, still unsure of how things would pan out. He thought of how he was excited to see his parents again, it was normal to keep parents away from newly betrothed couples. Especially keeping the princess' parents away so she can learn fully of her husband with no outside interference.
Naruto thought of Sasuke as well, how he felt tricked by both brothers in different ways. Somehow the hurt from Sasuke seemed to be worse, at least Itachi showed his true colors and the bruises faded. With Sasuke, he was given friendship, then made aware he was naive to take the friendship, and he imagined things would just be awkward in the future.
The two women seemed to be done so quickly, as Naruto got lost in his thoughts. But when Naruto saw himself, he still looked unfamiliar, in a new dress, this time his short hair styled instead of adding in extensions. He looked at himself, wondering if the reflection would ever become familiar in these clothes.
Then suddenly hands were wrapping around his waist from behind.
"This is what you should look like. I will make sure of it. Even if you must wake hours before me." Itachi whispered in the blondes ear, kissing at his neck.
Naruto still just looked in the mirror, until his eyes met with red ones. He then faked a smile and turned in the Uchihas arms, placing a kiss on the other man's lips. Naruto would have to get used to this, even if inside and in his reflection a moment ago, he saw himself going numb. Itachi smiled into their kiss but broke it quickly, "They are calling us to the announcement. Come."
Naruto nodded and the pair walked together to the grand hall, with Itachi holding onto the blondes waist.
When they entered the rest of the royals were already seated, and Naruto and Itachi sat between the families. Naruto looked at his parents who were watching him as he entered, seeming to be studying everything about him, worry written on their faces. Naruto just gave them a tight smile and then Fugaku began to speak.
"I have given Itachi plenty of time to decide and he has come to me with his decision." The king announced, all heads turning to him and then Itachi.
Itachi stood and cleared his throat, "This woman will not be my bride. I can't change her to my wills and she will only bring shame to me." After he said this he moved from Narutos side and went to sit with his family.
Naruto couldn't even keep his mouth closed, in shock. Everything he did, all the trials, they were for nothing. Itachi was playing with him, knowing he held the cards and playing them as he pleased. Naruto hung his head, his hands forming fists in his lap, he shivered with anger.
"I agree and we will figure out what will come of this sit-" Fugaku started but was interrupted.
"I want her." A voice said, Naruto cringed knowing it well, Sasuke. Why would he do this, wasn't it enough Itachi had used the blonde? Now Sasuke wanted to keep Naruto as his pawn forever? To keep chasing after his older brother?
"Sasuke. Don't be ridiculous." Fugaku said, his voice stern and furious.
"I'm not. I have no betrothed. Why waste our time and resources by going to war? Let me take Itachis place and the peace will be kept. I can even stay here to maintain Uchiha standards." Sasuke said, very serious and commanding. Naruto didn't even have to look up to know there was eyes on him and Sasuke, tension thick in the room now.
"Ah, but she's impure now." Itachi said in a matter of fact tone even though he was mocking Naruto openly.
"But only by an Uchiha. It should not-" Sasuke started but was stopped by a slam on the table.
"Sasuke." Fugaku said, anger barely being contained. The room fell silent, and Naruto heard only his soft hitched breathing as tears began to escape.
"We will meet independently and return." Fugaku said and Naruto heard the seats being pulled out, footsteps leaving and the grand halls doors closing. Once they left Naruto felt himself collapse, wanting to shout and break something, his anger overwhelming. He could hear his mother approach him and shouting just outside the doors, it was a mess.
Kushina came quickly to her son's side and pulled him to her, holding on tightly and shushing the blonde.
"I'm so sorry. Naruto, I'm so sorry. You've been so brave." Kushina cooed and knelt down, looking up at her son. Naruto knew his eyes and nose were soaked and still leaking hot tears, he imagined any make up put on him was now ruined.
"Come and sit by me. You don't need to be near them. Please." Kushina pleaded and helped Naruto up, walking him to the seat beside her. She continued to pet at her son and whisper consoling words until Naruto found himself rubbing the moisture off his face. He was still livid but his emotions more in control.
Shortly after, the doors opened again and when the Uzumakis looked at the entering family, their faces were unreadable, except anger still present on the king's features.
"We have come to a conclusion. If your daughter can be acceptable to Sasuke in 3 days time, he will take her hand. Following will be a wedding 7 days after. If he finds her not acceptable in any way, we will leave immediately." Fugaku stated.
Naruto just looked down, wondering if they would go about courting processes still. But before he could ask Fugaku stood and left the room, his wife behind him.
Naruto looked to his parents and simply nodded a goodbye. He wasn't ready but he had 3 days to attempt to fix things, to save his kingdom.