Hey, I hope everyone is well. I'm posting this with the hopes that all of my readers are in good health and that there are no structural issues with this chapter. Please let me know immediately if there are any. as for posting, you may have to wait longer than 2 weeks for the next chapter as I have finals, but the good news is I have already typed a little over half the chapter so provided I make the time, you could start to have weekly to bi-weekly consistent updates. Let me know how you feel about this chapter! later!
The pillars were up early. Another morning of primping, they climbed into their traditional gowns, adding on the pieces of fabric gifted to them by their prospective homes. Hinata found herself standing in the middle of a platform with her handmaid wrapping layer after layer of white, gray, and lilac before donning a black breastplate with a navy undercoat. With a red and white fan on the back. She smiled softly at the white dragon stitched up the side, symbolizing the heavenly hills.
Her hair, brushed until it shined and woven into an intricate braided updo, was decorated with diamond and ruby combs.
When the maids were satisfied with her makeup, she stepped down from the dais and followed her squealing handmaids into the waiting chamber.
She blushed deeply at the squealing the other women did as she entered. Tears glossed her eyes as she took in their jeweled forms.
"You all look so beautiful."
Ino stepped forward, pulling her into a soft hug.
No tears. That mascara will ruin everything if it runs.
Hinata laughed.
"It's funny. I always knew that if my goal was to be a pillar, it came with marriage; I guess I just hoped I'd be in love with him first."
Temari snorted.
Ino laughed well; "At least two of us are in love."
Who, Temari asked.
"Oh, that's obvious.' Ino smiled. TenTen and Lord Neji have been in love their whole lives, and we all knew that they would end up together whether the gods got involved."
Tenten blushed, rolling her eyes to cover her embarrassment.,
"Well, Sakura has been secretly in love with Naruto. I'm not sure how long, but when we were kids and had our sparring lessons together, she knocked him on his ass, and he said he would marry her while his eye swelled up."
The girls erupted into laughter as Sakura yelled out, "hey And sputtered out incoherently.
As their laughter died down, Anko swung into the room, shouting out, "time to go!" disappearing as fast as she arrived.
Outside, the young women climbed into large carrier boxes, whispering silent thank you's for the flexible roof that closed after they were seated. The transport was quick, a direct line from the castle to the front gates.
One by one, they were delivered, rising from the carrier box to bow to her audience before standing next to her betrothed and awaiting the arrival of the next pillar.
Hinata was the last to arrive. Her ornate box of solid silver and gold opened wide, and the roof was removed as she rose from her seat. The sunlight glinted along with her hair, and it was clear she was a creature born of her namesake. Sasuke blinked hard, startled by the thought; he bowed his head when she did, and together they stepped forward—led by Tsunade and Kurenai as the others fell in line.
Ever since the ceremonial procession, Sasuke had been tense.
The reality of the situation had woken him in the early hours of the day, and his mind remained occupied with future events. Marriage then the ascension of the High priestess. Ascension and then coronation, then the declaration of war. Investigations must be held, missions assigned, and training for the battalion overhauled somewhere during the process. Unconsciously, Sasuke's arms tensed beneath Hinata's hand. Immediately she began to rub circles on his covered arm. She was applying just enough pressure to catch his attention. Hetup, he froze before slowly relaxing under her hand and walking without delay. Glancing at her briefly, Sasuke's thoughts turned toward His Fiance. He was expected to share his thoughts, power, and weakness with this woman. He frowned, glancing at her again. At first glance, she was weak, nothing extraordinary aside from her looks which were admittedly above average. His frown deepened. There was nothing average about her. Considering who claimed her during the selection, she was positively abnormal. He pressed his lips into a thin line. How could he trust her? He glanced again and caught her eyes. She seemed nervous. He frowned once more. She should have been prepared for this. Sasuke shifted. Reminding himself that there is no definite future for a priestess.
Stifling a sigh idly, his thoughts drifted to Itachi. Had he survived, would he have found a way to trust Hinata? This time Sasuke clicked his tongue. No, Itachi would have found a way to love her and make it look easy.
He turned his head to look at her again. Hinata was a beautiful woman. He had recognized it as a fact the moment he had laid eyes on her. Fortunately, he had been far too preoccupied with other matters. He was now forced to deal with that on his walk to the cathedral, and he was grateful that the collar of his Kimono was high as he felt the heat rush up his neck towards his cheeks.
But how did he feel about her?
He knew she was driven, strong, and intelligent. He scowled as the word beautiful ran through his mind. Yes, she was beautiful, but that had nothing to do with it. He frowned, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, forcing himself to keep breathing. He was not delusional, Nor was he an idiot, he reasoned. Begrudgingly, he allowed himself the last vestiges of his boyhood and admitted how beautiful he thought she was. He ran through the moments in his head. The ease she found sliding into her place on his brother's horse. The look of delight crossed her face briefly as she pushed off into a heavy gallop. The flash of purple light when they were in the tunnels, the intensity of her gaze focused solely on him. The guilt rushed through him as he stared at her tear-stained face and splotchy red cheeks. The excitement ran through him as he watched the hidden warrior she kept locked away during the selection burst out and fight with such ferocity in the training field. The moments through the betrothal announcements the coil of heat in his stomach when he pulled her close and brushed his lips across hers; He managed a smirk then, relaxing completely. There could be worse things than realizing that you had a crush on a woman you respected and were quite literally on your way to marry.
The rest would come at its own pace. And, as always, he was ready for anything.
Once they arrived at the doors of the cathedral. A bell began to ring, a sound that would be heard throughout the Kingdom. The Cathedral was Large with expansive windows and natural lighting. The high ceiling had a mural depicting the first grand wedding, similar to the way of lush golden carpet that led the way to a raised platform. Gold and white lilies climbed around the columns. Red silk had been draped along the walls, closing the space for a more intimate air. The candles were placed strategically. Sitting behind large magnifying glasses waiting for a flame and the first moment of darkness. There were three low tables on the dais, each adorned with small saucers and a golden decanter.
Near the palace gates, the nobles stood behind the king's Court.
All dressed in black Kimono with obi, the color of their clan flags. On the back shoulder and ends of each sleeve was a royal crest.
There, they waited in silence. The guests filled in around them. Settling into their seats, Anko slipped in from a side door; the ringing of the bells had begun to fade, settling down into a hushed silence as she and Kurenai bowed deep on the altar and kneeled on either side of her.
There was a breath, and Tsunade lifted a smaller bell. The sound of which commenced the ceremony.
They kneeled on red and gold pillows with their backs to the audience. Together Kurenai, Tsunade, and Anko reached for a golden decanter. They poured the clear liquid into each saucer with practiced hands. Together the kings drank three sips before returning the cups to the plates. The pillars followed. A history of each king's Clan was introduced. With each pillar swearing to honor and uphold the values of each Clan. A ceremonial blade was produced. Each pillar sliced open a finger to let her blood pool onto the flat saucer before them. She was then given a brush, which she dipped in the blood to sign her name on the scroll next to her husband's name. The materials were removed from the table, and a single saucer was set down with sake poured into it. The couple shared the drink and rose from their seats. Another small bell rang as the sun began to set, and the betrothed joined hands. Before sharing their chakra and directing it toward each perspective candle. Each glowing with a differently colored flame. As the light shone from behind the magnifying glass, the light bounced around until hitting the Jeweled crown on the carved map. As the darkness of the night rolled across the Kingdom, the symbol of the empire glowed brightly. First, within the chapel and reflected through a crystal to hover in the air above the cathedral bell tower. The Kingdom was complete again. The group turned, Bowing deeply before the last of the chakra slipped away, leaving glowing marks along their fingers.
Tsunade bowed her head, and simultaneously they shared a brief kiss. To which the nobles cheered. And the procession to the banquet hall began.
The walk back to the banquet hall was lit by glowing rose-shaped lanterns. Hinata smiled as she gazed at them. Forcing her arms to remain relaxed to keep them from touching her lips. There had been something in the kiss that she had not been expecting though the kiss itself had been brief. She glanced at him for a moment before shrugging it off. It didn't feel like a bad thing, and she resolved to let it be for the time being.
"Ah," she said aloud, breaking their silence. You proved you were a splendid dancer at the last Banquet. Sasuke looked down into her blushing face before smirking.
"Is this your way of asking me to dance tonight?"
Hinata Laughed "is this your way of telling me yes?"
He answered with a smirk.
"I could be persuaded with a bribe."
A bribe?
"Yes."
And what could I possibly bribe the most powerful man in this country with?
His smirk was mischievous then. "I'm sure you could think of something."
Hinata frowned. You own everything.
Sasuke lifted a brow, "I don't own you."
Well, no, but we are married now.
Sasuke paused, "do you think me a man that thinks of you as my property?"
No! Hinata rushed out, shaking her head quickly "no, it's just what could I have that I wouldn't freely give you?"
Suddenly, he thought of flushed cheeks, tousled hair, and an open mouth in a silent gasp.
As soon as the thought was there, it was gone, and, without thinking asked. "You would give yourself to me, here in the gardens?"
Hinata blushed a deep red.
Sasuke watched in mild fascination at the color. Noting it was one he had not seen before.
I-i ah,
He chuckled
"relax, Hinata. I will never ask..unless, of course, you wanted to.
She colored again, though it was not as deep as the previous one.
Sasuke mentally filed it.
Hinata was quiet for a moment longer before whispering.
"A kiss?"
"Perhaps," Sasuke answered with a smirk.
She smiled brightly. Turning away from him as she answered firmly.
Perhaps.
The Banquet went smoothly; it was a night full of merriment and cheer. Many a noble came together into a drunken choir to sing the serenade of the flame.
"Oh, how the cold winds have stolen my warmth,
Alone on the battlefields.
My blades are all nicked, and my suit is red with blood.
But for you, the journey has only begun,
Away from my love.
Away, away I've gone to defend.
For our fires burn bright with all of our might. Away away, my love."
The song was bellowed out by Jiraiya and Kakashi, two kings too drunk to realize they had changed the words... Not that anyone noticed or cared.
Hinata was delighted to find that she and Sasuke danced several times through the night.
Sharing rich smiles and glimpses of who he might be without the load of grief he carried.
When the night came to an end. The others disappeared using a portal created specifically for this night to return them all to their new homes.
Hinata was whisked away by her handmaids while Sasuke said goodnight to Kakashi and the last of the nobles. The makeup was wiped away quickly and reapplied, though lightly, in the form of mascara and reddened lips. She was stripped of her Kimono and very quickly scrubbed. Hinata drew the line at the fragrant oils they insisted she use, opting for her usual oils that smelt of honey and amber. Before they stuffed her into a sheer white gown and disappeared from the room. It was the Emperor's room, one that had not been used since the death of the first emperor and the split of the land of fire. She glanced about, noting that the room lacked any personality while extravagantly built. She frowned, hoping Sasuke wouldn't mind if she simplified the room later.
She turned, stepping onto the balcony, letting the ocean air cool her heated skin.
She heard the room door open and close, but she did not move. Sighing in relief that he had gone immediately into the shower.
She would not deny him should he come looking for her, but she was not going to offer herself to him. She felt that action had to be earned.
She was still standing on the balcony when Sasuke approached in silken pajama bottoms.
She heard his breath hitch as he moved closer. And for a long time, they stayed like that.
Sasuke attempted to say something several times before turning, leaving her on the balcony.
Hinata frowned, turning quickly and walking into their room. "Did I do something wrong- oof."
Hinata paused, pulling the silk button-up top off of her head.
"Put it on, please. That dress hides nothing."
She blushed heavily before pulling it on quickly.
She hissed as a sharp pain slid across her head.
Sasuke merely raised an eyebrow.
To which Hinata smiled sheepishly. The combs have become a bit painful.
She rose slowly to sit in front of the small vanity in the room.
Carefully she pulled the combs out. She glanced up to meet Sasuke's eyes in the mirror as he approached. He rested his hands on her shoulder for a second before he began removing the combs from the back of her hair.
"When I was young, my mother would complain about the combs they used to keep her hair up. My father made it his duty to remove them himself after every event. I used to sit on the bed there and watch as what looked like a hundred combs were pulled out. she always looked very relaxed afterward."
Hinata looked up at him through the mirror and smiled as she watched how carefully he maneuvered them from her scalp. That's very sweet, Hinata answered. "Hn," he hummed out, opting to step back when the braids tumbled down, and Hinata began to unravel them.
"I told her I liked her hair better down. His eyes watched her intently as she tilted her head to the side and unraveled her braids. The cream of her skin peaked out of his button-up top, and he swallowed.
I'll sleep in the drawing room tonight.
Hinata paused, glancing at him through the mirror. That doesn't sound comfortable.
He shrugged, "better than the floor."
Hinata shook out her hair, satisfied that there was nothing in it, and turned to smile at him.
"We can share the bed, Sasuke; It's big enough."
He paused, searching her eyes for something.
"I have realized that I am attracted to you, Hinata. Of the few things I can be certain about, this is the most obvious one. Should I reach for you in the night, would you give yourself to me?"
Hinata tensed slightly before nodding. I will not deny you.
Sasuke lifted an eyebrow before answering her, "if I reach for you, the need should be mutual anything less is a rejection."
Hinata paused; I am attracted to you, but I'm not ready. She hung her head. I know I am supposed to be-
Sasuke interrupted her.
"There is only so much we can prepare for Hinata."
He turned his head to stare at the bed.
We can share, and I will not touch you.
Sasuke turned to make eye contact with her again before smirking. When I take you, Hinata, it will be because you sought me out.
A shiver ran down her spine. And she nodded.
She lifted her hair into a loose braid at the nape of her neck before disappearing into the bathroom. When Hinata returned, Sasuke was already sitting in the bed with a scroll in hand. He appeared to be reading. She walked to the other side of the bed, missing that Sasuke's eyes were no longer on the paper he was reading but on her. Clad only in his pajama shirt that came just past her thighs. Was she teasing him?
He quickly put the thought out of his head. Nothing about her personality said that she was that type.
She climbed under the lush covers turning her head to make eye contact with Sasuke.
She blushed before whispering goodnight.
She hesitated and then smiled. "Ah, wait, I do owe you something promised."
Sasuke merely lifted a brow.
She smiled softly and said, "close your eyes."
He stared at her for a moment before he complied. Only shifting a bit in shock when her lips pressed into his. It was soft and hesitant at first, but Sasuke wrapped his hand around her waist and pulled her closer. She gasped in surprise. Sasuke slid his tongue into her open mouth. Probing for a second until she responded, following his lead until she got the hang of it. She pulled away to catch her breath, only to be pulled back in for yet another kiss. Deeper and longer this time. His hand came up and tugged on her hair; a mixture of a gasp and moan passed her lips. He bit down on her bottom lip before trailing the burning kisses down her neck, where he bit down hard just above her jugular.
An intense moan erupted from her throat. To which Sasuke smirked. Pulling away, leaving her breathless and mildly confused about what just happened.
Sasuke placed the scroll on the nightstand before blowing out the candle and whispering a very husky goodnight Hinata.
When she returned to the side of her bed, she could not stop herself from caressing her lips. Absentmindedly she answered him goodnight. Before she drifted off into sleep.
Sasuke laid awake for some time after. Falling asleep with the single thought that there would be many cold showers in the foreseeable future.
Sasuke woke slowly, which was odd. He usually woke abruptly with sweat on his brow and a scream lodged in his throat. He was either watching his mother die or, more recently, imagining the terrible way his father and brother fell in battle, powerless to help them. So why was he lethargic? He lay puzzled, waiting for his senses to awaken.
He didn't have to wait long as he felt a weight he had not been aware of shift on his chest.
He looked down. Blinking back the shock as he remembered the events of the previous night.
Hinata was wrapped around him; her head was burrowed into his neck, and her arms loosely wrapped around his shoulders. She was half straddling him; a bare leg was thrown over his waist. He paused, taking in their position. He flexed his right arm, realizing it was wrapped around her waist. Idly he wondered how they got to this position.
Interrupting his thoughts, a knock came at the door.
Sasuke glared at the door, hoping if he did not answer, they would go away,
And for a moment, he thought he was right, and then another knock. Forgive me, my lord, a small voice called out.
We have breakfast prepared for you this morning.
Sasuke took in their state of undress and inwardly flinched. He just knew she would die of embarrassment if she had been awake.
That is until Hinata shifted. Sasuke looked down, taking in her blushing form.
I'm sorry, she whispered.
Sasuke lifted a brow flexing his arm and pulling her tighter to his side.
I don't mind.
A-AH c-Come in! Hinata called out.
Sasuke pulled the comforter over their legs.
The maids entered. Heads bowed, they quickly set up the breakfast nook before making their departure.
Hinata shifted as the door closed with a solid click.
Sasuke tightened his hold on her waist. Calmly filing the shade of red that crawled up her face before slowly letting her go.
She sat up slowly, staring at the Banquet before her. This is excessive.
You are a queen now, Hinata. We deal in a tremendous amount of excess.
It will be quite the change. We operate as minimalists.
Weren't you a precious princess of the Heavenly Hills? The color drained from Hinata's face. "I-I was at one point, and it wasn't very long, and I didn't live up to the expectations of our elders. I was replaced."
Sasuke watched her. Noted the tightening of her fists and how her shoulders tensed and her eyes grew stiff and cold. Breaking her trip down memory lane, she shook out her now tangled hair and clapped her hands to her cheeks.
Cheeks reddened and eyes clear, she rose from the bed.
Let us not waste this food. Perhaps I'll find something new to enjoy.
Sasuke smirked, "perhaps."