Chapter 1
Sixteen
Seasons change and years passed. Another war is slowly looming in the corner. It has been a while since Sakura has been this busy preparing for another banquette for the palace. They were told that different aristocratic families will be visiting for the quinquennial gathering of the different nations under the Uchiha kingdom.
Aside from political talks of wars and land, this is also an opportunity for the princes to choose a bride from the invited families.
This does not go unheard of for the pinkette.
Sakura continues her day, delivering fresh linens for the guests. They were told to gather in the entrance after their work to greet the nobles, but Sakura excused herself to work on cleaning the apothecary shop. The head maid allowing her since Sakura was the only one willing enough to clean that place.
She headed her way; she mentally notes what needs to be restocked but she is distracted. The reason why she escaped is because she does not want to see her prince's future bride before her eyes.
She thinks of the prince. She hasn't spoken to him in three years. That last time he promised her he would come back. He never did. Since that day, he never took another look at her.
That was fine, she is happy to support him in the distance. She knows that she is his after all. Even if he will be wed to another.
A ruckus causes her to stop her work. She quickly went out to the courtyard to inspect what was happening. She hid behind a wall and peeked her head out, there she sees her prince sparring with his brother.
The two had their sword drawn before they started their spar. It went on for a while, Itachi easily overpowering Sasuke but the young prince's determination is easily seen as he meets his brother's aims. Sakura was enthralled with how they moved, each swing like a dance. She has seen her prince practice with his sword a thousand of times but each time she feels mesmerized by him. She remembers the time he would proudly show her the moves he learned and waiting to see her reaction.
They went over the potted plants, the flowers, and the barrels around, Sakura making a mental note on how to clean it all up afterwards.
After the spar, they both sheathed their swords before Sasuke collapsed on the ground due to exhaustion.
"You improved, little brother." Itachi says, giving a hand to help his brother sit up.
"But I'm still not as good as you." Sasuke replied breathlessly.
Itachi sat beside his brother, catching his own breath. After a while, Sasuke spoke up.
"Have you already chosen a bride, brother?" He asked quietly. Itachi knows Sasuke has been worrying about his future betrothed ever since their father suggested a list of noble women that he thought were perfect for him.
"I may have someone in mind, but I don't think she approved of the idea of being the next Queen." Sasuke was taken aback, he never thought that his brother already has someone he wanted to marry.
"Who is it?" he asked but Itachi only laughed before tapping his brother's forehead. Sasuke rolled his eyes, he always does this whenever he does not like to continue a topic, so Sasuke doesn't pester him further.
Sakura heard enough; she knows she is eavesdropping, so she quickly turned to go back but Sasuke's next question to his brother peaked her attention.
"Have you ever thought of marrying someone that Father hasn't chosen... like a commoner…?" Sasuke asked.
Itachi stared at him, a knowing look on his face. Before he could answer, they heard squeals coming from a distance. Sakura turned to where the sound was coming from, and she sees a mass of young woman swarming to meet with the two princes. Itachi was quick on his feet, tapping his brother's forehead before smirking at him. He quickly ran to the opposite direction, leaving his younger brother to look for another escape route.
He quickly got up as the women were fast approaching and Sakura took a while to register that Sasuke is coming towards to where she was hiding.
When he turned the corner, his eyes grew as he sees her. He stood there frozen, staring at each other. When the herd of women was coming nearer, he quickly took her hand before escaping with her back to the apothecary.
He quickly closed the door and turned the lock before staying still, concentrating on hearing if the women are gone or not. When the coast was clear it was then that the prince realized that he was holding the pinkette close the whole time, her on his chest staying perfectly still.
He quickly let go of her before apologizing.
"It's alright, my prince." Sakura tells him, as she can see Sasuke stumbling with his words. He looks at her, slightly embarrassed. This causes Sakura to giggle, missing his presence even more.
He cannot lie and say that he didn't miss her, too. Sakura knows this though, one look into each other's eyes and both can feel what the other is thinking. That is why Sasuke chose to distance himself. Sakura understands this, since she was young, she decided that she will support him in every decision he makes after all.
Sasuke looks around, he remembers the times they would play around this shop. He remembers how he would make up excuses to see Sakura while it was time for her to clean the place. He remembers listening to her talk about the different herbs and plants she learned from Lady Tsunade. He remembers the time he told her that he will come back again tomorrow but never did.
With that memory, he excused himself. Telling her that he is due to meet with some guests soon.
Sakura knows what that meant. She knows that he will be meeting a potential wife soon. So, she gives him a smile and bows her head. She will support her prince; in every decision he will make.