Sasuke rushed down to the castle grounds when he heard his aniki's entourage coming to the front of the castle. He had spent the last couple hours getting his notes ready, he needed to talk to his aniki on all his findings, research and he was certain Itachi would have great suggestions. He had slipped on a fur so he could stand outside in the cold until the carriage pulled up.
The sounds of hooves and winnie's from the horses filled up the air, Sasuke pulled his fur around his neck to keep the wind from slipping down his shirt. Kakashi stood beside him and to his right was a line of servants. Several young boys guided the knights on their horses to the stables, where Sasuke could hear the greetings from the other Uchiha knights that were still here. The grand carriage that Sasuke immediately recognized finally pulled up to the doors.
Kushina then came out, with her own long fur coat on to keep the chill out, her ladies in waiting trailing behind her. Kakashi made his way to stand behind the queen as the footmen from the carriage prepared the steps for the king to come out. Several knights were at attention when the carriage door was finally opened.
Itachi's hand grasped the footman's and he stepped out, looking intimidating and forceful, as always. He saw Sasuke immediately and smiled warmly at his brother. Taking a few steps towards his otouto, he opened his arms and Sasuke warmly embraced him.
"Majesty Uchiha," Kushina called out while coming up behind Sasuke. She wore a large smile and gave a small nod of acknowledgment.
"Majesty Uzumaki," Itachi responded with a nod and a smile. He released Sasuke, but kept a hand on his shoulder. A subtle message that Itachi wished for him to stay. "You are looking amazing as always." Itachi grasped Kushina's gloved hand gently and planted a soft kiss on the top of her hand.
"Was the trip smooth?" Kushina asked.
"It was as smooth as one expects," Itachi nodded. "I have someone I need you to meet otouto, and you as well majesty."
Sasuke found himself surprised when Itachi turned back to the carriage and held his hand out to the door. Kushina stepped beside Sasuke, just as curious to see what Itachi had planned.
A small gloved hand came from the shadows of the carriage, fell into Itachi's larger hand, and Sasuke watched a petite figure come forth, covered in gold and white robes. A gold veil covered the face, but the figure was much shorter than Itachi and stepped out so delicate like they were floating through the air. They also wore a large white furred coat that reached down to the ground. Itachi waited for the figure to stand solid on the ground, he held his arm out while the other held themselves sturdy beside him. Itachi smiled at the small figure, his hand grasping his cane firmly in the other hand, and he looked up to Sasuke.
"Otouto, may I present my bride. Haku Yuki." Itachi nodded.
Sasuke looked between his aniki and the small bride. "What? Really? When?" Sasuke all but blubbered out. To say he was shocked was an understatement. Itachi chuckled.
"Oh my goodness, my young highness!" Kushina called out, stepping forward. Haku curtsied to the queen while his one hand held Itachi firmly. "Oh how adorable you are! My lord, how lucky you are! My congratulations!" Kushina clapped her cheeks and gave a large smile.
Sasuke snapped at attention, took a step forward and bowed towards Haku. "A pleasure to meet you, highness. I apologize for my earlier behaviour. I was struck by your beauty," Sasuke hummed.
Haku giggled and held out his hand towards Sasuke and Sasuke grasped it lightly, kissing the top of the gloved hand. "The pleasure is all mine. My lord has spoken highly of you and I certainly could not wait to meet you!" Haku chirped.
Sasuke stood and raised a brow at his brother. "Certainly he has not told too many stories that may not be true?" His voice was full of mirth as he smirked at Itachi.
"Tut tut otouto. You know all my stories about you are always true," Itachi retorted with a chuckle.
"Let's all get indoors, it's too chilly out here!" Kushina announced. "I'll have the servants show you to your quarters and allow you to get settled." Kushina led the way inside, Sasuke, Itachi and Haku followed quickly. "Dinner will be in an hour, so do get some rest. I'll have the servants come for you." Kushina smiled warmly as slipped out of her warm fur, handing it to a servant. "If you need anything do not hesitate to ask. I need to attend to some matters, I shall see you at dinner." Kushina nodded her head and headed off down one of the corridors, barking out orders at the various servants as she went.
"Walk with us otouto," Itachi spoke. Sasuke nodded and fell in step beside Itachi. "We should meet before dinner, there is much to speak of I am sure. From you and from me."
"Hn," Sasuke replied.
Haku tilted his head about, taking in the scenery, before he squeezed Itachi's arm. Itachi looked down to his bride, who's veiled head was tilted slightly to be looking up at him. Itachi nodded, indicating he got the message and again looked forward.
"How are you feeling as of late?" Sasuke asked while they slowly made their way to the assigned rooms.
"As well as can be," Itachi hummed. "My legs continue to ache when the weather changes. I feel like an old man otouto," he chuckled.
"Well with all those gray hairs coming in, it is beginning to show just how ancient you are niisan," Sasuke chuckled. He squeaked when he felt a shove on his shoulder that caused him to stumble. "Hey!"
Itachi mischievously grinned, "those are signs of my infinite wisdom." He flicked his head, that had the loose hairs around his head flutter. He stuck his nose up straight, chin out, acting like a prestigious snob. Haku giggled at the sight.
Itachi got Haku settled in his own smaller room right next to his. His servants assisted in getting Haku settled in his room, unpacking and drawing a bath. Itachi informed Haku that he would retrieve him before dinner and gently kissed Haku's covered hand. Haku giggled again and Sasuke rose a brow watching the exchange. Seeing his aniki act this way towards another was new.
Sasuke joined Itachi in his room, and Itachi quickly dismissed the servants when they were done bringing in his luggage and showing him the room. Itachi took a seat in one of the lush chairs in the room, nodding at the other for Sasuke. The fire was creating a warm blanket in the room and the cracking sounds from the burning wood was soothing.
"Where do we begin?" Sasuke asked first.
"Tell me what happened with the dragon. Kushina had sent me the message that you were taken by it." He laid his cane on the floor and grabbed a cup of tea that the servants had brought in earlier. "But do be sure that you keep your voice low. We don't know what walls could be listening." Itachi glanced around the room. "I do know of the Sound King being present." Itachi then nodded, and Sasuke moved his chair closer to Itachi.
"Hn." Sasuke explained all the details of when he became trapped with chains, the discovery in the cave, interactions with the dragon and what he had discovered about the dragon. He kept his voice low, Itachi leaning over slightly and nodding his head, or raising his brows as Sasuke told the tale. "I have brought my notes for you to review niisan." Sasuke pulled a notebook out from behind him. He had it tucked into his pants. "I managed to compile what I know, and do the points for you, as well my own theory." He held the journal out to Itachi, who took it and tucked it into his sleeve. "We are running out of time. I need to find an answer quickly, or I fear that Lord Orochimaru will have enough power that no one will be able to stop him," he whispered even lower. He wouldn't risk any of Orochimaru's spies to overhear him.
Itachi nodded his head, humming his agreement as he began to review his otouto's notes and listen to his theories. The complexity of the whole situation had just gotten deeper.
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Kushina's hand quickly clasped across her lips to suppress her gasp when Konan had pointed to Naruto's picture. Her eyes quickly watered up, spilling over the rim of her eyes and she found herself a loss for words.
Konan felt the fear rise within seeing the sudden shocking emotion from the Queen. She shook her head and started to move backwards, unsure of how to react, and nearly shrieked in surprise when the Queen quickly reached forward and grasped her arms.
"Child! Child! Are you certain that is who you saw!?" Kushina struggled to keep her voice stable, holding Konan in her grasp, searching her large fearful golden eyes for any sign of dishonesty. When the girl didn't answer, Kushina squeezed the girl's arms, her tears falling, "please! Tell me! .Certain!" Kushina nearly screamed out the request.
Konan pulled against the Queen's grip, fear striking through her at the sudden change of demure of the red head. She struggled to get out of the Queen's grasp, shaking her body and jerking her arms up to break the painful grip on her arms. She whimpered out a scream and scrambled across the large bed as fast as she could, getting far away from the Queen.
Kushina suddenly dropped her face into the palms of her hands, unable to hold back the sudden onslaught of emotions from the words and realization of what Konan had told her. She let herself cry, knowing she couldn't hold it back anymore, and the rush of losing her only son again, after finding out he was probably alive, she felt hopeful, and now what Konan had just said…
Konan stopped at the far side of the bed, hugging her knees close and watching the red headed woman at her most vulnerable. She was confused, scared yet curious at the sudden behaviour of the Queen. She had not witnessed such sorrow from the woman as of yet. She remained quiet, uncertain of how to react.
Kushina cried for some time until she bit her lip and realized where she was. Quickly wiping her eyes, she raised her head and looked to find a frightened girl upon the bed, her chin resting on her knees, eyes red rimmed and wide watching her. "Oh Konan-chan, I – I'm sorry, I–I must of — you must think —" She quickly stood up, straightening out her dress before wiping her tear strained face. "Please forgive me, but — understand what you have said, or seen, hit me by surprise," she choked on her hiccups. "My son, the one in that picture, my only son, has been missing a decade… I had lost all hope but between you and Sasuke-kun, your words and his, I'm beginning to feel hope." She sighed loudly as she picked up the small picture, tracing her fingers along the picture.
Placing the picture back down, she sat in the edge of the bed and looked sadly at the young girl. "If you permit, would you meet with king Uchiha and his younger brother?"
Konan looked upon the sad face of the queen. The woman looked haggard, as if she had travelled through hell and back. She had come to feel trust for the Queen, and though she still had a spark of fear, she determined that the queen had yet to show any reason for Konan not to trust her. She bit her bottom lip in thought before nodding yes to the red haired queen. Kushina let out a sobbed gasp of relief.
"Okay," she sniffled. "Let's get ready for dinner. You can meet the Uchiha brothers there to start." She gave a smile to the girl and held out her hand.
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Itachi went to get his betrothed for dinner, knocking softly on the door and announcing his presence before quietly opening the door. He found his young bride standing out on the small stone balcony attached to his room. The winter winds were chilly and Itachi immediately worried for Haku's health.
He quickly went out and stood behind the younger, putting a small shawl around his shoulders. "You will catch a chill if you stand out here too long," Itachi whispered. He rubbed his hands up and down Haku's shoulders. "What has your interest?"
Haku hummed a thanks for the shawl and nodded towards the lands. "I see that the king of Sound has set up camp in the distance."
Itachi looked in the direction, seeing the smoke rising from the various fires in the encampment.
"He is hiding something powerful," Haku whispered. "I can feel it."
Itachi raised his eyebrows at his betrothed words. He didn't know Haku had any type of magical ability. He suddenly felt honoured that Haku would share such an important secret with him. He said nothing and just hummed a soothing sound in response.
"It is powerful, but there is something else." Haku scrunched up his nose in thought. "The best way I can describe, is pain." Haku turned and his covered face looked up at the Uchiha king. "Forgive me for speaking so freely," he whispered.
Itachi kissed the top of Haku's veiled head. "There is never a need to apologise for your thoughts. I welcome them, you have nothing to fear." He smiled warmly. "We will need to attend dinner. I am to meet the Sound king, and I fear that the night may not end peacefully."
Haku grabbed Itachi's hands and squeezed them gently. "I will be honoured to be by your side, my king," he whispered. Itachi smiled at the declaration. "Let us get this over with so that we can spend more time with those that matter." Haku gave a firm nod.
Itachi chuckled and pulled Haku's covered hands to his lips to press a gentle kiss upon his hand. He had to admit, his betrothed intrigued him more and more every day.
Orochimaru growled loudly and crumpled the message from Kushina in his hands. He barked a response to the messenger boy to take back to Kushina, who bowed hastily and scurried out of his tent.
"Kabuto!" he snapped loudly while throwing the message into the small fire in the fireplace.
The smaller man suddenly appeared behind him, his dark grey cloak covering his face. He dropped to one knee, head bowed, "yes my lord?"
"We have a problem. Will we have enough to take care of the Uchiha forces should the need arise?" Orochimaru snarled as he turned to look at the kneeling man.
"Depending on what you may require my lord," Kabuto quickly responded.
"The Uchiha king has arrived suddenly, though the queen claims it is an honest visit, for Itachi to introduce his betrothed, I am not foolish enough to believe that is the reason he is here!" Orochimaru growled. "He is certainly aware of the dragon, since his younger brother was here — his spies will no doubt be on the move to steal what we have rightfully captured. I will not be overthrown!"
"I shall ensure the troops are prepared and ready for an unexpected immediate assault my lord," Kabuto answered quickly.
Orochimaru seethed through his teeth before flicking his eyes at the other. "Is it still under your command?" Orochimaru hissed, narrowing his eyes at the other.
"Yes my lord. Though it is weak, it will still be able to do as I command."
"We will be attending dinner, to show our allegiance to the Uchiha kingdom through Kushina," Orochimaru snarled in disgust. "Be ready should we need to make a move. We leave in thirty minutes." He nodded firmly to the other.
"It shall be done my lord," Kabuto smirked.
Kabuto bowed and left the king's tent, swiftly heading towards his own tent. Ducking inside, he quickly gathered what he needed and headed out towards the confined beast. As he got closer to the chained dragon, he smirked when the beast began to growl and shift its body. It was testing its chains, he was certain, and knew that the beast most likely wanted to chew his body to shreds.
"Miss me my pet?" Kabuto purred when he came up to the covered head of the dragon. A long deep growl erupted from the throat of the beast, breaching its muzzle. Kabuto just chuckled. A tremble washed through the dragon's body, causing wounds to rip open, chains to rattle and its clawed toes to curl into the frozen ground. Kabuto snorted at the poor attempt of the creature to scare him. "Time for your medicine my pet," Kabuto laughed. The dragon shook its head beneath the burlap covering, but with all the chains and spikes used to hold it steady, it could do nothing more than make threatening sounds. Kabuto paid no attention to the sounds and slipped the covering off the dragon's head. Its large eyes looked at the cloaked man, its lips curled up to reveal what it could of its rows of teeth, trying its best to strike fear into the man.
Kabuto smirked and pulled out the purple orb from within his cloak and held it up, making sure the dragon could see it plainly. The dragon pulled on its chains once more, spitting out snarls but it was in vain.
"This would be so much easier if you would accept that you are mine!" Kabuto snarled in response. The dragon continued to pull at its restraints, hissing and growling. "I figured as much," Kabuto tsked. Stepping up to the muzzle he took the purple orb and shoved it deep up the dragon's nostril once more, saying the familiar incantation. The purple mist flowed through the dragon's eyes, filling the area and the purple mist swirled from the nostrils when Kabuto removed his arm. The dragon immediately became quiet, breathing long breaths as Kabuto began to run his hand along its head. "Be ready my pet. If all goes well, you will be able to take revenge on the kingdom tonight."
~later that night - dinner~
Itachi led Haku through the small crowd of people into the dining room, Sasuke following closely behind him, the servants and courtiers of the kingdom bowing deeply as they walked through. Servants pulled out their respective seats at the immaculate table where the kings and queen were to sit. They remained standing at their required seats as Kushina was announced to be entering.
Kushina entered, giving a stern smile at all those around her and nodded warmly at the Uchiha brothers when she reached her seat. Konan followed behind her, her head facing the floor as she quietly went to her seat that was two seats away from Kushina. The Sound king was expected to sit next to Kushina. They all sat together and waited patiently as the servants began to fill their goblets and prepare their plates.
"Majesty, I trust you rested well?" Sasuke decided to break the silence.
"Thank you Sasuke-kun, I did. I was able to meet with Konan-chan and have a woman to woman chat with her as well," she laughed lightly. "Poor girl hasn't had the option to meet with a younger woman for ages!" She again laughed loudly, sounding as if it was the funniest thing to happen.
Sasuke nodded his head a few times while reaching for his goblet to take a long drink. He knew Kushina acted this way for the eyes of the Sound king. He glanced around and noticed that the Sound king's men had already been seated as well as the Uchiha's knights. Each set of knights sitting on the respected side of their king. They all talked low, staring at each now and then as they waited respectively for the last of the royalties to arrive.
"Lord's, may I present to you Konan-chan. She arrived shortly after Lord Orochimaru, she is a personal servant to the king," Kushina directed her comment to Itachi and Sasuke. "I was most certainly pleased to have her attend. It has been so nice to speak to another young lady such as myself!" Kushina giggled and fanned herself.
"It is good to know that you have someone to keep you company, lady Uzumaki," Itachi purred.
"And have you and your betrothed found your quarters suitable?" Kushina asked.
"I am thankful for your kind hospitality," Haku then whispered and bowed his head. "Her majesty is most kind."
Kushina then turned her head in a shy way and giggled. "Oh heavens child, I simply adore having company! You are all most welcome to stay until the ceremony. Lord Orochimaru and I are to wed in the upcoming weeks. It shall be a grand celebration!" She waved her hands around to emphasise her apparent excitement and smiled broadly. "Konan-chan has been a blessing to talk about the ideas, the colours, the food – I am blessed the king had brought her to me." Kushina waved her fingers in a dainty direction towards Konan with a smile.
Sasuke inwardly cringed at the show Kushina was putting on, though he knew it was necessary. With Orochimaru's men in the room, she needed to continue to put on a front to ensure Orochimaru would not be aware of what he and Kushina were doing to find Naruto. Not to mention, Orochimaru wasn't aware of the Uchiha's next plan if Naruto was not found. He took another sip of his goblet, wishing more than anything he didn't have to be there.
"His majesty, King Sanin," a voice bellowed from the doors.
All eyes looked to watch the long haired king make his way to the table, the people in the room bowing. His knights stood and bowed as Orochimaru made his way across to the table, Kabuto made his way to a seat with the knights. Kushina stood quickly with Konan, both bowing at the man.
"Darling lady Uzumaki, how ravishing you look this evening," Orochimaru purred as he took her hand and kissed the top. Kushina giggled and fanned herself at the movement. "Konan-chan, you are looking better, good to see." He glanced briefly at the young girl before taking a seat. "Sorry to make you wait, things just had to be settled before I arrived."
Orochimaru then glanced over at Itachi. "And I welcome you, majesty Uchiha, I trust your travel was well?" Orochimaru faked smiled at Itachi while grabbing for his goblet after it was filled.
"Hn, as good as it can be majesty Sanin. I hear congratulations are in order," Itachi added and lifted his goblet at the man, glancing briefly towards Kushina.
Orochimaru beamed in response. "Thank you, you are more than welcome to stay for the ceremony! It should be a glorious event! And who is this lovely sitting here?" Orochimaru purred loudly while looking at Haku's direction.
"May I present my betrothed, Haku Yuki," Itachi politely said, placing his hand gently on Haku's shoulder. Haku bowed his still veil covered head towards Orochimaru.
"Oh King Yuki, what a head strong king he is! Pity, I didn't know he had an heir up for grabs!" Orochimaru laughed, his head falling back from the force of his laughter. He didn't catch the frown from Itachi's lips. Orochimaru's laugh died to a chuckle before he looked at Itachi's way again, narrowing his eyes slightly in thought. "Though, I would not turn down a chance for more than one wife," his voice was thick with suggestion while glaring at Itachi.
Itachi did not bite at the bait, but he placed his one hand on Sasuke's knee under the table when he felt his otouto tense up and snarl at the suggestion. He gave a gentle squeeze to calm his little brother.
"Oh my lord, I don't know what I would do having to share you!" Kushina's trilled voice suddenly broke through the tension along with her giggle.
Orochimaru began to chuckle once more. "Fear not love, you are more than enough for me." He winked at Kushina.
The servants began to bring in the food, serving the head table first, and for a few minutes there was a silence while everyone started testing the food with their first bites.
Itachi wiped the corner of his mouth with his napkin then cleared his throat to get attention. "So majesty, my men tell me there was a successful capture of the beast a couple nights ago. Do tell me how that went," Itachi hummed calmly.
Orochimaru's hands hesitated for a moment, before turning his face towards Itachi with a smirk. "Well, I do have to thank your knights for arriving right on time when the beast appeared. They were of great help, adding to the numbers of men we had to take care of capturing the beast."
"And what have you done with said beast since its capture? Have you found a way to destroy it?" Itachi asked calmly before reaching for his water to take a drink, his eyes not straying from the Sound king.
"Currently my men are researching it first, to determine all weaknesses it may have, before we put the beast out of its misery. The research will assist should a dragon ever appear again. Do you agree lord Uchiha?" Orochimaru raised a brow at the other.
"Hn, sounds reasonable. Any intelligence shown?"
Orochimaru shook his head, "hm, none, just a simple predator looking for its next meal." Orochimaru grabbed a bit of his meat and began to chew at it, looking away from Itachi, a subtle hint that he wasn't going to expand on his answer.
"I would appreciate a time to look over the beast, just so I could have that experience," Itachi hummed as he took a bite of his own meal.
Orochimaru turned to look at the other, his lips pinched tight before he gave a small smile. "Certainly lord Uchiha, how does tomorrow morning sound?"
Itachi gave an affirmative nod.
"Do tell me how things are going in your kingdom lord Uchiha," Orochimaru asked, giving a horribly fake smile and his voice sounding sickeningly sweet.
"Situations and information that have arisen certainly have made my days interesting," Itachi hummed in response.
"All good things I presume?" Orochimaru questioned while grabbing his goblet of wine.
"Hmm, well, I will say the information that had been presented to me could make for some positive changes for the Uchiha kingdom— and for Uzumaki," Itachi's voice dropped, his voice sounding icey and sharp. He kept his gaze on Orochimaru, to show that he was not the least bit intimidated.
Orochimaru jerked his head slightly at the statement and Itachi could see he struggled to swallow his wine. He had to hand it to the Sound king, he was good at hiding his discomfort and surprise, Itachi could respect that – barely.
"Oh? Well that does sound intriguing! Did you hear that love? Lord Uchiha has news about potential benefits for our kingdom," Orochimaru turned to look at Kushina, his voice raised a few octaves as if he was excited.
Itachi and Sasuke knew better.
"Oh dear me, that sounds lovely," Kushina chirped. "Perhaps that can be discussed tomorrow and not during dinner?" Kushina playfully scolded. "We can arrange to have tea in one of the meeting rooms, sound good dear?" Kushina fluttered her eyes at the Sound King.
Orochimaru chuckled and cupped Kushina's chin to have her look up at him. "Such a brilliant idea love, do make the arrangements for midafternoon?" He then leaned in and kissed Kushina's forehead before turning back to Itachi. "I look forward to our meeting, until then, shall we forgo the business and enjoy our meal? I am anxious to hear more about your upcoming nuptials." His voice was firm, a subtle hint that he was finished with the discussion.
"Hn," Itachi nodded and poked at some more food on his plate. He glanced at his bride, who quietly turned his head to look at him. He could feel the concerned glare coming from Haku and he turned the corner of his lip up ever so slightly to give the sign that he was alright. 'Tomorrow could get quite interesting,' he thought to himself.
Sasuke bit the inside of his cheek to hold his anger at bay after watching the display of power Orochimaru subtly set. Even though Kushina was acting completely out of character for her just to appease Orochimaru, the king was apparently oblivious to the queen's fake behaviour, Sasuke respected her for that.
He then glanced over at the Sound kingdom's knights that were murmuring loudly throughout their meal. He saw the one who came in with Orochimaru, sitting quietly, chewing his food and watching the Sound king's every move. Sasuke recognized the cloak he wore, as the one that forced the purple orb into the dragon the other night. 'A sorcerer? No, he didn't appear to have magic ability other than a few incantations to go with that orb,' he thought. If anything, Sasuke guessed that the man was probably no more than a farmer playing around with dark magic. A very dangerous practice indeed. He suddenly wondered if the man had information in his tent, something that would show what he was using against the dragon.
"Excuse me majesty's," Sasuke suddenly spoke up, wiping his lips quickly and standing to take a bow. Itachi gave him a concerned look. "I'm not feeling well, if you will excuse me, I'm going to rest," he added and bowed.
"Would you like the physician to see you?" Kushina asked quickly, her eyes wide with concern. "I can call him…"
"Not necessary majesty, I thank you for your concern," Sasuke whispered.
"Get some rest dear boy, you have had a long day, I'm certain," Orochimaur spoke next, his voice booming with authority. "You alright with that lord Uchiha?" He glanced over at Itachi.
"Hn, get some rest otouto," Itachi hummed with a slight nod.
When Orochimaru wasn't looking, Sasuke lifted his eyes to the queen and then flickered them quickly in Konan's direction, hoping the queen was catching his request. Kushina saw the move and lowered her chin to her plate, a small motion to him that she understood.
"Thank you for your hospitality lord Sanin," Sasuke said, ensuring he followed protocol and he certainly didn't want Orochimaru to be suspicious of him. Orochimaru waved his hand up and down with a 'mhm', without even looking up at him, and the point was simple, Sasuke was dismissed.
"I'll check up on you later," Itachi whispered and touched Sasuke's arm.
Sasuke stood up and nodded to his aniki, and then quickly caught Konan's eyes. He flickered his eyes towards the door and back, and the blue haired girl's eyes widened suddenly. Unable to do any more without attracting suspicion, Sasuke stepped back from the table and headed towards the exit.
When Sasuke had left for several minutes, Kushina leaned toward Konan, her finger pointing at the various cakes and desserts that were brought to the table. She whispered in Konan's ear, "can you meet with Sasuke? He needs to talk to you it seems." Kushina continued to point to each plated dessert, to give the impression that she was talking to Konan about them. "You need not fear him, he has seen things that he needs guidance on, someone with some knowledge of the magical world. It would mean a lot to me if you could meet with him," she whispered again and then started giggling. She then reached for a plate of pie, taking a fork and broke a piece off. "I swear it's an amazing flavour, Konan-chan!" Kushina trilled loudly and held the fork up to Konan's mouth.
Konan opened her mouth shyly and nodded her head while opening her mouth. Kushina giggled and allowed the girl to eat the piece of dessert.
Sometime later, Konan excused herself, Kushina quickly whispered where Sasuke's room was located before Orochimaru gave his blessing for her to leave and she left the dining room. Watching over her shoulder, making sure she wasn't being followed by taking other passages to her destination. Making sure nobody was around, she knocked quietly on the room door, and slipped in when the door opened.
"Thanks for meeting with me Konan-chan. I know we won't have much time, so I'll get to the point," Sasuke started, pointing to a chair on the one side of the fireplace. "I have questions that I hope you may have an answer to or suggestions that can help me." He quickly settled into a chair near Konan's and pulled out his journal and pencil.
Konan said nothing and only nodded her head slowly. She did not know much about what the young prince had been doing, but she knew that the Uchiha's were long time allies and friends of the Uzumaki kingdom.
Sasuke quickly stated that he had been with the dragon and found some interesting things in the cavern. "The dragon wears a gold band on one of its toes. It appears magical, the dragon can't get it off, and there was a pile of golden treasures that the dragon would not let me get near. Does that sound familiar?"
Konan looked at her lap momentarily, rubbing at her knuckles and she bit her bottom lip. She shook her head then, "the only thing I have ever heard is in fairy tales my lord." She took a shaky breath. "A dragon's treasure is always cursed. In what ways, I suppose there are many curses." She glanced up at the Uchiha prince.
Sasuke tapped his pencil on his chin. "You're right, I've heard something similar." He quickly wrote something in his journal.
"Do you know any information about dragon's from lessons or books?" Sasuke asked in a whisper.
Konan shook her head no. "I no not how to read my lord," she whispered.
"Hmm, that's alright. I'm going to read this to you, a song." He turned the pages of his journal. "The mirror crack'd from side to side… the door to another realm opens wide…" Sasuke continued to speak the words of the song the old woman sang.
Konan listened carefully to the words as the Uchiha prince whispered. She had not heard it before but — "wait.." she whispered quickly.
Sasuke stopped speaking and looked up at the young girl.
"The mirror and the shattering cage." Konan bit her lip in thought. She thought back to her visions. The lava lake surrounding her, the long reflective glass where she saw another realm, it broke… the blond boy on the other side, disappearing when the glass shattered. "I've seen things that seem related to that verse…"
"Please tell me?" Sasuke asked gently, leaning slightly forward, his eyes wide. "Anything might be able to help the Kushina's kingdom, help me and Naruto," he whispered.
Konan looked at the young Uchiha prince's eyes, seeing the veil of heartache and pleading in his face. Though she had only been here for a short time, she had seen the compassion and caring of the queen and the bonding between the two kingdoms. For once, she was feeling hope. She slowly stood and took the two steps to stand before the prince and dropped to knees. She grasped Sasuke's one hand and gently squeezed. "Yes, I will help you."