Thank you, Chai, for the review!

oOo

"She wants me to handle the administration of her clan?" Hinata could not keep the incredulity out of her voice. "Why not appoint an assistant? Why arrange a marriage?"

The Daimyo, who occupied himself with taking notes while she read, responded without looking up from his paperwork. "As a wife, you'd have more authority. The other clan members could not question you as much, even if you were an outsider."

She hummed in understanding.

"You would be doing administration here, anyway." He peered at her from behind the glasses perched on his nose. "If you married my son. I know that you planned on stepping down as his first wife as soon as he found someone he liked."

Heat crawled up her neck. "I um… I just wanted him to be happy."

The Daimyo shrugged. "It was a good plan. But now you have options."

"But… your contract with my father?"

"Lady Yoshino has offered to recoup the costs incurred on both my side and on your father's side. She'll also owe me a favor and I like that very much."

Hinata covered her mouth with her fingers as she giggled. The Daimyo plucked the glasses off his face and smiled indulgently at her mirth. He set his elbows on the table and leaned forward.

"What do you think?"

All her amusement abandoned her. She felt adrift.

"I don't know what to think. Have you talked to my father?"

He nodded. "Yes. And he is agreeable."

Hinata carefully set the letter on her thighs to keep from crumpling the paper in her clenching hands. Her father did not send her any message to warn her. He let this news blindside her.

The Daimyo sighed. "When your father and I signed the contract, your father saw you almost die. He wanted to get you out of the village without compromising your honor as a Lady of your clan. Being betrothed to my son was the best way he could go about it while also keeping you safe.

"And now you have a choice. Lady Yoshino wants someone with your knowledge of court life, your familiarity with nin villages, and I'm sure she doesn't mind having a beautiful wife for her son."

Hinata's cheeks bloomed with even more heat.

"What do you get out of this?" she asked because she felt like she missed something. "How are you okay with disappointing Tento?"

"Tento can stand to be disappointed," he said with mock sternness. "And like I said: I get the dowry, a favor, and a spy in the village."

Hinata blinked. "A spy? Me?"

The Daimyo smirked. "Your father also gets the dowry, he gets his daughter nearby, and the Nara owe him a favor. And you get to keep your honor, but now you get to choose where you want your life to go from here. You did not get that when you first came to me."

"This is a lot to think about."

"Take your time." He motioned for her to give back his letter and let her keep hers. "Talk to your Misters Itachi and Sasuke. When you're ready, I'll be here."

Hinata stood and bowed. "If… If I left, I'd miss you and Tento."

The Daimyo reached out and patted her hand. "I'd always consider you part of my court, no matter where you go. We won't forget you."

oOo

Coming up: Hinata does talk to Itachi and Sasuke. Shikamaru shouldn't be held liable for the things he says while tired.