7.

Even though it was the wedding celebration party of Madara and Yuna, the focus was on the two families bonding which outshined the couple, and both of them didn't mind really.

A small smile was frozen on Yuna's lips while her mind seemed to be travelling elsewhere. It was only there because it was good manners.

She couldn't even talk to her sister because the 'close relatives had to get to know each other', and they were separated soon enough. An arranged marriage was almost always for two families to merge or bond and to unify powers, meaning that all she had to do was look dazzling and eat.

Yuna took a small sip of wine from the cup and placed it back on the table. She hated alcoholic drinks, but she couldn't spot any water or juice on the table. It was affecting her too quickly, and for once she was glad that she remained seated.

Madara was right next to her, drinking much eagerly.

That action was done again to be polite in front of others, Izuna sent Madara to sit next to Yuna because she was alone behind that table.

"Why are you assigning me a bodyguard? I'm quite happy with just Saia on my side," Yuna asked, breaking the silence that had lingered there for nearly an hour. It was part boredom and another part alcohol that made her so bold to question Madara's decisions.

Madara's eyebrow rose and a smirk appeared on his lips, "Are you that attached to Saia?" he asked mockingly. Yuna's eyes moved to Madara's face, fiercely trying to prove that sentiment wasn't her only motivator.

"Stop avoiding the question. I'm simply asking why. You know very well that I'm capable of protecting myself," she said in a calm tone, but there was a hint of annoyance. Yuna didn't enjoy that Madara treated her like a weak woman who can't put up a fight. Madara sighed.

"What about now? Under the influence of alcohol could you swing a proper kick?"

"Well I have you here for that, don't I?" she said sweetly, smacking his thigh as if Madara were a fine horse.

"I'm assigning the bodyguard because otherwise it will be assigned by someone else. Saia though will be your maid, but she doesn't have to be by your side. It's simply the rule because if I were to die in battle then the clan's mistress is the one who has to rule the clan until they assign a new leader and that means that the mistress has to be safe at all times. Though you don't have to worry about the second part because Izuna is the next leader, and I won't get killed," he said cockily, swinging another gulp of wine.

The arrogance caused Yuna to snort and she rolled her eyes.

"Confidence will get you killed," she noted.

Madara grinned, "You really haven't seen me in battle, and probably won't because the Uchiha doesn't send women to war," he replied patiently, amusing himself with the lack of discipline Yuna held herself with under the influence of wine.

Yuna could tell that he was in a good mood. Why? That remained a mystery to her hazy mind.

"So, who are you going to assign as my guard?" she asked with a hint of amusement in her voice. Madara's expression didn't change.

"Uchiha Mamoru is his name, third best in genjutsu in the Uchiha clan." Madara watched Yuna's expression carefully.

"Mamoru?" she snorted, giggling like a child, "I didn't know you had a sweet spot for puns, Madara!" she cackled on, even drawing a grin from Madara.

"Does Mamoru know already that his abilities are being wasted on babysitting the mistress?" Yuna asked innocently. Madara's fist clenched and a deadly frown appeared on his forehead.

"You should be thankful. You don't really have a choice to refuse because it would be considered offensive for you to refuse someone so respected who was chosen by someone like me."

His tone lacked the usual sharpness, but it sounded more like a threat. Yuna's eyebrow rose and she smiled softly.

"When do I get to see the so called guard?" Yuna asked and plopped a berry into her mouth. She chewed it slowly, without much hurry. There was still a few hours left for her to indulge.

"This is a wedding celebration. He is not allowed to attend a private event."

Yuna nodded slowly and noticed her sister wandering in the crowd all alone. She got up and quite quickly headed to her, mustering all of her willpower not to stumble upon her feet. Eiko turned to her with a smile on her lips. Yuna walked to her and leaned down to Eiko's ear.

"Yasu won't be here darling," she teased before blowing into Eiko's ear, making her jump in surprise with a red face.

"You know I hate when you do that! I had to remember so many names and faces...shouldn't this be your wedding party?" Eiko asked with a pout. Her hands were crossed on her chest childishly. Yuna allowed a laugh escape her lips.

"An arranged marriage is usually about the families, not the couple itself so it's natural that the wedding party is about the families as well. Believe me I don't want to be at the centre of attention."

Eiko sighed and looked up to the sky. It was a clear night and you could see the stars quite clearly because the lighting on the training field wasn't too bright.

"Try to accept Madara...You're spending the rest of your life with him you know that right?" Yuna looked at Eiko with a raised eyebrow before she grinned childishly.

"That has to be the most reasonable thing ever came out of your dirty little mouth," she mocked. Eiko blushed and held back the urge to openly smack Yuna. Before she could snap at her Yuna hugged Eiko.

"Come to visit me often alright? I'll be lonely without you...If you don't want to look lame wandering around with your old hag of a sister...just drop by to say hello. Do you promise?" She whispered in Eiko's ear.

The young girl didn't understand that bitterness in her sister's voice. She always knew Yuna was a strong woman who could take on almost anything, but it sounded like she will break into pieces without her.

"You sound like you're facing the gallows. Of course I'll come to see you whenever I can."

Eiko's hands were down on her sides. Yuna didn't mind. She just felt like she has to feel close to someone. It wasn't depression that was coming to her but fear. She didn't know much about the traditions and expectations of the clan and Madara wasn't in any hurry to educate her, enjoying watching her crash and burn.

Yuna let go of Eiko, interrupted by a loud crashing noise that sobered her up in seconds. She turned to look towards Madara's table like every other person in the room.

Apparently he had slammed the cup he was holding to the ground. A startled Uchiha man was next to him. With just a second Izuna was next to Madara, who whispered something to his ear hurriedly.

Izuna's eyes looked worried for a moment but he nodded. Madara got up and Izuna turned to the crowd with a polite smile, taking on his public persona once more.

"I have to apologize but apparently due to some circumstances we have to cut the celebrations short. The Kunisada clan will be escorted out; the Uchiha council members please come to Madara and me," he instructed in a loud, but clear voice, making it sound as if this was the most reasonable course of events in a wedding.

Yuna was as confused as everyone else, but the Uchiha members looked more concerned than confused. Madara wouldn't lash out in public unless it was for a good reason.

She glanced at Eiko who smile apologetically before waving and running to their parents. Yuna didn't quite understand where she was supposed to go so she went to Madara before all of the council members had arrived.

"Madara what just happened?" Yuna demanded from the already angered man. She was quite sure that he wasn't going to do anything in public. Instead of Madara Izuna answered Yuna's question instead.

"Our weaponry supply wagon was attacked and the clan members were all killed in an unusual way. It's nothing for you to worry about Yuna-sama. Please go to your room and rest."

Yuna was surprised, shocked at the same time and even felt a little bit selfish happiness. That incident wasn't positive in any way, but it did steal her wedding night.

"What?" asked Izuna when Madara shot a menacing glare in his direction, "She would've found it out eventually anyway! I saved you some time and breath."

She took a few respectful steps back with a small pout on her lips. She turned around just to see all of her family and clan members being led through the corridors by smiling Uchiha maids. The council members hurried to Madara and everyone else vacated the training field.

Some maids hurried to the field and started to clean up.

Yuna slowly retreated to the edge of the field. Her eyes looked at the council along with Izuna and Madara. They explained the situation to them. It didn't take them very long to agree to send a small troop with both Izuna and Madara to investigate it.

"Yuna-sama, please allow me to escort you back to your room." She heard a man's voice. Yuna felt a bit startled but did her best not to show it. The man on her left was just an inch taller than Madara, but his body wasn't as muscular. The tips of his hair barely touched his shoulders. The man had onyx eyes that looked quite cold.

"You're Uchiha Mamoru if I'm correct?" Yuna asked. The man nodded and gestured Yuna to follow him. Before she left Yuna saw Madara walk to the opposite direction.

"Wow, you work fast…" she mumbled in awe that was easily ignored by the bodyguard.

Mamoru led her through the halls. There were actually quite many people there. Some were hurrying around; others were maids or just wandering around.

Madara's room was quite a bit away from everything and everyone else so it took them a few minutes to get there.

Saia was already waiting behind the door with a small bowl of water and some towels. When she saw Yuna, she bowed to the new mistress. Mamoru walked past Saia and stayed next to the door. Yuna walked inside her room and Saia followed. Yuna heard her close the door behind her.

"Yuna-sama, I just heard that the celebration was cut short due to some circumstances. It's a pity that Madara-sama had to leave on his wedding evening..." Saia was talking while she helped Yuna remove the kimono. The many layers didn't make it the most comfortable attire she had ever worn, no matter how beautiful.

"He was in a good mood before the news. It's a pity that something like that happened. Now it has caused him a lot of trouble."

Saia's hands moved quite quickly. Soon the kimono was off and Yuna got to change into a pair of shorts and a shirt. She wasn't very careful to save the hairdo because Saia was going to get rid of it soon anyway.

"Yuna-sama is so considerate, thinking about Madara-sama's feelings."

Yuna sat down on the chair and Saia started pulling out the decorative pins and hairclips that held her hair in the bun. Yuna let a small laugh escape her lips.

"I'm not considerate...it's selfishness. I'm worried about myself, because when he gets back I highly doubt that he'll be in a good mood." Yuna had no idea what should she expect from Madara when he returns. Saia sighed while brushing Yuna's hair.

"Yuna-sama should try to get along with Madara-sama, or her life will be very difficult here." Saia said. Yuna's eyebrow rose, this was the millionth time that she was told this same sentence!

"He has nothing to offer me."

Yuna didn't plan to hide it in front of Saia. The woman only smiled softly.

"Madara-sama has made you the clan's mistress. That is something any man can't offer," she pointed out. Yuna closed her eyes and sighed.

"Is that really something you look for in a man? A way to power and splendour instead of simple joys?" She asked with a small smile. Yuna frowned for a second when Saia put the cold damp cloth against her eyelid and started wiping away the makeup on Yuna's face.

"But have you ever heard of someone giving up power for love?"

2014