In the common room of their chambers, Sasuke, reeling from his meeting with Naruto and the queen in the gardens, finally gathers the courage.

"No, I won't do it," Sasuke tells his mother when she tells him he should be ready.

"Sasuke!" Mikoto says incredulously.

"Whoever it is, I won't do it," Sasuke insists. He sees his father about to turn red in his immense displeasure at his youngest's insolence.

"If you don't obey this instant—"

"You'll what?" Sasuke sneers at his father. "Disinherit me? Disown me? Is that it? Fine, do it. I've no real use to you anyway, as a spare. Obito-san can relieve me from my post. Remove the fan from my back if you so wish it," he gasps the words out as he removes the haori and throws it over a lounge chair, leaving him only in his nagagi and hakama. "I'll earn my life by serving the village just like everybody else," he pants—the emotional stress and pounding heart stealing the breath from his recovering lungs, "But I won't bend to your politics… and power play. I'm in love somebody else… and I'm going after them,"

"Sasuke!" Fugaku barks at him, but Sasuke is already out the door.

Sakura tracks Naruto down into one of the temples deep in the gardens of Azuma Kaigan Palace.

"Are you here to take me back to my grandmother?" he asks, sitting in front of his small, personal shrine to the Nine-tailed beast with a bowl of rice and a lit stick of incense.

"No," says Sakura, "I'm here to take you to Captain Uchiha,"

Naruto finds himself not wanting to see him. He's embarrassed to tell Sasuke his fiancé didn't even show up. Maybe his fiancé thought he wasn't worth even seeing. "Why?"

"Because you seem like you need him,"

Naruto doesn't answer. Instead, he lights another incense stick and brings his hands together over his chest to say another prayer.

"What else do I have to give?"

Sakura's confused brows meet. "Pardon?"

"What else do I have to give?" Naruto repeats.

There is no answer Sakura can give that will assuage the pain of a life so controlled like Naruto's. His life has been written for him, set in stone since he was born. Such is the burden of title like his, of his responsibilities. Sakura used to think being a princess was all about being pretty, powerful, smiling at their subjects, and how it would be so lovely to be one. But ever since she joined the ranks of the royal family's protection, she's never once wanted to be a princess again. No one would want a life like this, to never think of the self. To give and give, until there is nothing left.

"My life, for service, for the people, for the country. My body, for the tailed beast," Naruto doesn't know why he's so hurt. He wanted this alpha to reject him. "Everything is about duty and sacrifice. Am I not worth a word, a look, or respect? I was willing to give him everything, for duty. Even my children, still just an idea, a concept, a dream, it is my duty to be bred and bring them into this life of sacrifice, to sit on that throne when I die. Beauty, power, rank, title, money. In the end it's still not enough,"

Sasuke half stumbles into the privacy of the gardens of the palace he and his parents reside in. He collapses onto his knees onto the ground halfway to the bench, panting and clutching his chest, willing the air to loosen his constricting torso and ease his struggling lungs. Sweat beads at his forehead and drips down his temple.

It would be a nuisance if he died here from asphyxiation, a disaster for both Uzushio and Konoha. What would the world say about Uzushio, where the two greatest doctors in the world lived, had a high level jounin die right under their noses? From something that could've been prevented, from something that he was under treatment for? Naruto's reputation would be ruined since the princess is his attending physician, and by extension, Queen Tsunade's because she trained him. What if the love of their people wavered just from the death of an insignificant shinobi?

He pants and pants, a slave to his weak lungs fighting to fill itself with life-giving air. He takes in more air, wills himself to his feet, then almost falls face first onto the blessed bench nearby, and it takes a long while before he doesn't feel like his lungs are full of water. There is hardly any breeze and sweat is dripping his temple from the heat and the struggle to breathe.

Maybe he shouldn't have done what he'd done—maybe he should have just listened. But what good would that do? Trapped in a sham of a marriage, he and his wife resenting each other. Treating each other with the barest of civilities because they had no choice in the union. If one day they do become friends and treat each other well enough to lift the resentment and find happiness with and in each other, how late would that be?

And the children. They'd bring forth children who would later begrudge them for the heavy responsibilities they'll be raised for. Because even though they'll be children of a spare, it didn't mean they wouldn't be saddled with responsibilities just as heavy as Itachi's children.

And the same will happen to the princess. Smiling and performing duties when facing his people. Accepting his fate behind closed doors, raising children for the throne and to lead an army like himself.

Somehow, Sasuke can't accept that. He has to try again. To try and change both their futures, to chase a dream that has a small possibility of coming true. All he has to do is ask. And even if Her Majesty declines his request, maybe the important thing about it is that he tried. At least, if Naruto saw that he tried, he'd know Sasuke's feelings are genuine and not some momentary or shallow infatuation for a princess.

Sakura brings Naruto to the garden at Nishi Kaigan Palace. Again, she serves as chaperone, but doesn't interfere when Naruto throws himself at Sasuke who jumps from the bench he's seated at toward Naruto, relieved to be with him again.

Sasuke keeps his hands and arms hovering over the princess, looking over to Sakura for permission. When she nods, Sasuke wraps his arms around Naruto and envelops him in a crushing hug.

"Why are you here?" Sasuke asks, "What happened with your courtship?"

Naruto shakes his head.

Sasuke sees Sakura urge him to bring Naruto deeper into the garden, and Sasuke lets go a smidgen and follows Sakura's lead into some tall and squared off hedges, where a bench is hidden. "Hime-sama?" he says as they settle on the bench.

"He didn't show up," says Naruto into Sasuke's chest. "He didn't want to go forward with the engagement,"

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't be," he lays his head on Sasuke's chest. "I don't blame him. I hope the one he is in love with loves him back more than words can say. I envy him,"

Maybe that's why he was so angry this morning. It's not that he was just offended that his fiancé absconded, but he was jealous of his freedom.

Naruto then jolts, his sharp ears hearing Sasuke's laboring lungs. "You're having trouble breathing," he looks up at him, cradling Sasuke's cheek with the palm of his hand. Sasuke is fatigued. "You should be resting,"

Sasuke gives him a small, strained smile. "I am resting here with you," he wheezes.

Naruto reaches for the handkerchief Sasuke handed over earlier and wipes the cold sweat from the clammy skin of his neck and face. "Sakura-san, water," he reaches behind him, into the large bow of his obi, and pulls out a large fan to bring air to Sasuke's pale visage.

"What else do you have sealed in your scrolls?" Sasuke asks with genuine interest and bewilderment, taking the opened, small bottle of water Sakura hands him. He doesn't expect her to give him a serious answer.

"Everything His Highness may need in case of an emergency situation or evacuation. Food, water, medicine, emergency medical equipment, clothes, battle gear, weapons,"

"Oh. I see," Sasuke takes a few glugs of water.

"I told you to rest," Naruto chides him gently. "You poor thing,"

"I'm resting now," Sasuke, having finished the water, lays his forehead on Naruto's shoulder, finding the gentle, powdery, and floral scent of his perfume calming.

Naruto runs his hand through the dark hair. "We'll get you better. It'll just take some time,"

If getting better meant releasing Naruto as his primary physician, he'll gladly live with weak lungs for the rest of his life, however long these lungs let him breathe. "Hime-sama,"

The princess shushes him, patting his shoulder and running his palm over Sasuke's broad back. "Later. Catch your breath first. No talking until you don't sound like you're drowning,"

It does take a while for Sasuke to regain enough air in his chest to allow him to breathe and speak without wheezing or gasping.

"My intention still stands, Hime-sama," Sasuke says as he lifts his head off of Naruto's shoulder. "I wish to enter courtship with you,"

"I…" Naruto breaks eye contact. If he accepts, he's afraid of what his grandmother might say. He squeezes Sasuke's hands. "I… Sasuke-san… what if she…"

"I'll ask Her Majesty again," his perseverance might count for something.

"Let's… let's get you inside first," Naruto avoids the conversation. "It's noon and it's not healthy for you to be under the sun for so long, not in the state of your lungs,"

A parasol is suddenly over their heads.

"Thank you, Sakura-san," Sasuke suspects the parasol must have been in the scrolls.

She says nothing.

He nods and relents to Naruto's wishes before he collapses from the heat and lack of air.

A member of staff lets them know the queen is waiting in the drawing room Naruto was in that morning. Naruto goes with Sakura, but not before instructing staff to provide Sasuke with something to drink to cool him down some more.

Later, after Sasuke has another glass of cold tea, he's brought to a hallway leading to some grand doors. There, he finds his parents waiting.

"I have half the presence of mind not to strike you where you stand, child," Fugaku snarls at his youngest. "You humiliated us, you foolish boy. You haven't the faintest idea what you've done,"

"I would if you told me anything!" counters Sasuke angrily, voice shaky and breath again stolen from him. "How should I know when you tell me nothing!"

Mikoto is instantly at Sasuke's side in case Sasuke loses his balance from the lack of air in him. "Breathe, Sasuke,"

Sasuke wants to snap at her that he can't.

"You would know if you did as you were told. All you had to do was listen and obey," the Uchiha head hisses at his child and shoves his crested haori at him. "Dress properly and get in that room before I make you, Sasuke,"

"Naruto," says the queen when Naruto and Sasuke are properly in seiza before her, "What is formality for?"

Naruto looks at Sasuke beside him, then, back at his grandmother, and behind her, his parents and grandfather. Behind him and Sasuke, Lord and Lady Uchiha. "Tradition, etiquette, respect, dignity, discipline, and order,"

"Tell me which ones you both abided by in today's formalities,"

Neither of them answers. Sasuke bites his tongue. He's done enough damage for one day. For an entire generation. For the clan.

"I know you have a lot to say but for the love of the heavens, let me speak before I completely lose. My. Patience." she says tightly, emphasizing every word. "And by the Sage, you will listen,"

When she's met with the silence confirming their acquiescence, she speaks again.

"I have kept secrets from you, and I've told you my reasons. It may have been the wrong decision to keep them for so long, but I did it for your safety and personal growth," she pauses. "Naruto, I'd like you to meet your betrothed,"

Naruto lowers his head and closes his eyes.

"Jounin Uchiha Sasuke of Konohagakure,"

The princess gasps.

Sasuke is in shock. He doesn't see his parents' reactions, Lady Uchiha with a big grin and his father with a knowing but annoyed smirk. When he turns to meet Naruto's eyes, he sees them wide in surprise, but there is also shock, relief, hope, and… hurt.

"It's you!" Naruto cries, hitting Sasuke's chest with his fists lightly. "You didn't want to come see me!"

The jounin panics, then reaches his hands out to the princess in an attempt at an apology and to try and calm and console him. "I didn't know!"

Dan and Minato look at their princess with fondness as he sulks. Kushina is so glad her son is getting the boy he likes. It seems like Naruto will be just like the Queen and the Crown Princess—what a relief. Jounin Uchiha will have his hands full.

"I ought to throw you out the window!" says Naruto through his tears. "I'd beat you up if you weren't sick!"

"Beat me up when I'm better,"

"I will! Just you wait!" Naruto huffs and crosses his arms. "I'll heal you and beat you up!"

"I look forward to it," Sasuke gives him an enamored look and pulls him into an embrace—Naruto places his head on Sasuke's shoulder just like how Sasuke did with him in the garden.

Sasuke doesn't know what to do with the happiness currently bursting from his heart. He has Naruto to love and hold.

The queen lets out a resigned but fond sigh. "Jounin Uchiha, your intention of courtship is accepted. Please take care of our princess,"

"I will, Your Majesty," Sasuke answers when he and Naruto have straightened themselves back up on the zabuton, hands entwined.

"Well then," says Tsunade, "With the dramatics out of the way—"

"You started the dramatics, my love," interjects Lord Dan.

The queen glares at her husband but the consort pays no mind and keeps that fond smile on his lips. "—Uchiha-san, your courtship with Naruto is to be announced within the month. It will last for a year, and you will be going on appearances to the public. Your public social engagements will be scheduled, and you will have a chaperone at all times,"

"A chaperone!" Naruto frowns at his grandmother.

"Naruto," warns Kushina.

"That is non-negotiable, child," says Tsunade. "Your chaperone will be the same people for the entire courtship. It doesn't mean that you and the captain will not have privacy. They're just there to ensure you don't do anything,"

Naruto lets out a scandalized, "Baa-chan!" while Sasuke avoids the queen's eyes as the blood rushes to his face and ears. "Just how many people are you going to have watch us?"

Tsunade gives his grandchild a knowing smirk. "The details will be discussed with you in private," she says, referring to the removal of the scent blockers to let them get to know each other. She's already let Kushina know she'll be the one doing this with Mikoto. "Well then,"

Sasuke now manages to look at the queen and give her the attention she demands.

"This calls for a feast, don't you think? For tonight, in celebration of Princess Naruto's courtship and engagement to Captain Uchiha Sasuke,"

When the formalities are over, Sasuke is speaking with Princess Kushina and Lord Dan, Minato with Lord and Lady Uchiha, and Naruto can't help but run into his grandmother's arms.

"My gorgeous, gorgeous child," she whispers into Naruto's hair.

"He showed me the moon, Baa-chan," he breathes into her kimono, and Tsunade can practically feel the child vibrating with excitement. "The moon!"

"The moon? Is that so," she says as she pulls away, then brushes a stray hair back behind Naruto's ear.

"The moon was so close! We went flying!"

"Flying?" Her tone is both surprised and impressed. It seems her youngest princess is showing off his beloved.

"On his summon! A great hawk. Oh, he's brilliant, Baa-chan! His name is Garuda, and his feathers are so soft, and he was lovely!"

Sasuke can hear Naruto telling his grandmother about Garuda and the time they spent flying, while his own father says nothing but relief to Lord Minato that finally someone can put Sasuke in his place. It's true, though. But also, because from the moment they first met, Naruto hadn't let him feel like the only thing that is important about him is his face. Most won't regard Sasuke as anything other than a handsome alpha to be bagged, but Naruto looked at him as a shinobi first.

Nothing will ever probably make Sasuke fall in love faster than when Naruto first kicked him on the grounds of his post. Sasuke really has found his match.

While Naruto is singing praises for Sasuke to his grandmother, Sasuke approaches Kushina and Minato.

"Sumimasen, Denka, Kakka." Excuse me, Your Highness, Your Excellency. Sasuke bows. Now that he's gotten a lot closer to Naruto's father, he can see how similar his likeness is to the hokage mountain.

"Sasuke-kun!" says Princess Kushina jovially, "How are you feeling?"

Sasuke can't help but let out a nervous chuckle. It's the attention that's a bit of a choke. "A little overwhelmed, actually,"

"It is a little scary isn't it? But you'll be fine!" says Minato, patting his shoulder. "It'll take time to get used to it. I've been put in charge of your training, so be ready,"

"Thank you for your guidance, Yondaime-sama. I'll be in your care,"

"I have not heard that in a long time!" Minato grins, reminiscing about his days as Konoha's reigning hokage. "We're not in Konoha, and I'm not your Hokage," he taps the Uzumaki crest on his left breast.

Sasuke knows that soon, he'll have to turn over his hitai-ate to the Hokage and receive another bearing the crest of Uzushiogakure.

"And I'm sure Kakashi is doing a splendid job,"

"It is a reflection on the teacher that his student can succeed him as kage," says Sasuke.

"Ah, ah, ah," Minato winks as he waves a finger at Sasuke. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Jounin Uchiha," Kushina chuckles, and just as Sasuke is about to nervously explain himself, "Just kidding! Though I am a very proud teacher,"

Sasuke breathes a sigh of relief. "I do have something to ask,"

"Oh, and what might that be?" says Kushina.

"Um," Sasuke swallows, hoping the anxiety he can push back down his throat. "I wish to enter courtship with His Highness the Princess Naruto,"

This confuses the crown princess and her husband. "Sasuke, the formalities are done. You already are," she says.

"Yes, I know,"

Sasuke tries not to sound or look frustrated with his feelings and words, or feel conflicted with the situation and his upbringing since he thinks he's done it all wrong. This isn't how he was taught courtship should be. For a moment he believes his lessons on courtship might be useless since he's been engaged all this time anyway.

And then it occurs to him, he has never shown interest in anyone else before he met the princess. Is that what is called fate or destiny? Or maybe he's just that uptight because it's rare that anyone's ever shown him the respect he deserves as an accomplished shinobi, only shallow infatuation because he's handsome.

Or, had he been, all this time, unconsciously (purposefully?) ignoring people around him and waiting for whomever he's engaged to since he'd been told after he hit his first rut at 12 years old? Besides, he's never been told not to act on his interest for someone. It's just that, that only someone he fell in love with turned out to be the fiancé he's never met.

"And Her Majesty mentioned earlier that she accepts, because I asked her—"

"You asked her?!" Minato cuts him off in surprise, and he receives a swat on his arm from his wife. He's only impressed because Sasuke had the knot big enough to ask directly to her face and not by letter.

"—but you're His Highness's parents. I would like to ask your permission, or blessing. It would reflect poorly on mine and their upbringing of me, and my character as a person, if not an alpha, if I don't ask you properly,"

"Oh no," Kushina gushes. "Honey, I like him,"

"You're making it hard to dislike you," Minato sighs. "I'm supposed to dislike you, you know? Like in the romance novels?" he gets another swat to the arm. "Ow!"

"Um,"

"Of course you have our blessing, Sasuke-kun!" says Kushina. "You had it since you were a baby! But it's a pleasure to give it to you again now,"

"But you know, Sasuke," says Minato solemnly. "I know I said, I'll be there to guide you as we welcome you into this family. You might think the position or job of a spouse to a member of the ruling royal family is about titles, official duties, and politics. I hope you know what is expected of you,"

"I do," answers Sasuke.

Kushina takes Minato's arm in hers.

"Oh, I hope you do," he says. "Because I don't know if you've realized this, but Naruto is the job,"

Sasuke is only now starting to understand. (12)

"The job, above all, is love, support, and protect him,"

The young shinobi nods, and before Sasuke can give his affirmative and thanks for the advice, Naruto is at his side.

"Sasuke-san!" At last, Naruto can wrap his own arms around Sasuke's without it being inappropriate. "Kaa-chan, tou-chan, stealing Sasuke-san for a bit!" he looks up at Sasuke, "Come with me!"

"Follow them!" Tsunade barks from somewhere in the room when she sees Naruto practically glued to the visiting jounin's arm, dragging him out of the room.

It's Sakura who tails them.

In Naruto's private garden, he sits with Sasuke under his plum blossom tree.

"Your Highness,"

"When we're alone, call me Naruto,"

That sends a shiver down Sasuke's spine. "Naruto-san," he says tentatively, and Naruto's face lights up in delight.

Sakura is right there watching them, and it makes Sasuke uncomfortable, but he forgets about it when Naruto presses a kiss to his cheek and lays his head on Sasuke's shoulder.

Naruto's heart is fuller than before. He's glad it's Sasuke. "You're alright though? With receiving our name when we get married?"

"Well, being an Uchiha is too much work anyway,"

"So will being an Uzumaki," Naruto points out.

Sasuke squeezes Naruto's hand. "But we'll have each other then,"

"Yeah, we will, won't we?"

"An announcement!" says a civilian as one of the guards of the royal estate posts a framed letter at the gates. (13)

Tourists (and some reporters who hang around to wait for announcements) rush to the gates, eager to read the announcement.

KITA KAIGAN PALACE
THE ROYAL ESTATES

THE ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS NARUTO AND JOUNIN CAPTAIN UCHIHA SASUKE OF KONOHAGAKURE HAVE ENTERED COURTSHIP AND ARE ENGAGED TO BE MARRIED

The Crown Princess Kushina is delighted to announce the engagement of the Princess Naruto to Uchiha Sasuke-dono, a jounin captain of Konohagakure.

The engagement ceremony will take take place six months from now, and the wedding will take place at the temple at the grounds of Azuma Kaigan Palace in a year. Further details about the day of the engagement ceremony and wedding will be announced in due course.

The couple will appear in official duties together and engage with the public as the courtship progresses. Princess Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke-dono, who have been verbally engaged since the birth of the princess, formally entered courtship today at Kita Kaigan Palace, in the presence of Her Majesty, and Lord and Lady Uchiha, with the blessing of the Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure.

Following the marriage, the couple will reside in Azuma Kaigan Palace, and Uchiha Sasuke-dono will start to serve as a shinobi of Uzushiogakure.

"A royal wedding!"

"For Naruto-hime-sama!"

"Kyaa!"

"Oh, I'm certain the future Lord Princess is absolutely handsome!"

"Of course! Nothing less for our Naruto-hime-sama!"

"Uchiha Sasuke-dono, please take care of our precious princess!" (11)

The small group of tourists outside the royal grounds cheer in excitement for their beloved princess, glad that he's found the one. The reporters, of course, get to work spreading the great news.

"No way!" Kiba exclaims. They're in the park near Hokage tower having lunch at one of the stone bench and tables under the cool shade of a tree. "You're joking!"

The news travels fast, far, and wide, and Konoha is one of the places that gets a copy of the official engagement first, since the person the princess is marrying is from their ranks. And the copy was released from the Hokage's office, and is also posted outside Hokage tower, which has the citizens of the Village of the Hidden Leaf clamoring.

"It was Sasuke all this time!" Hinata giggles, finding glee in Sasuke finding love, and in Kiba's despair. "And they were promised to each other as children! And Sasuke-kun fell in love! How romantic!"

"How do you know he fell in love?" Kiba frowns at her.

Hinata rolls her eyes. "Anyone with eyes could see it," she says.

"Yeah," Shikamaru agrees, keeping his attention on his bento, not bothering to look over at Kiba who looks like he'll start sobbing soon. "I mean, who's ever seen Sasuke actually spend time with someone? We've known him since we were kids, and we've never even met his summons," this time he looks up when Hinata steals a dumpling from his lunch box. "Hey!"

"Why did it have to be Sasuke? Why is it always Sasuke?" Kiba wails. "I was ready! I had flowers! I gave him flowers!"

"Those were apology flowers," Shikamaru points out.

"Still! Flowers! Did Sasuke give him flowers? Did the hokage know about this?"

"Of course I knew about it,"

"Uwah!" Kiba, startled, almost sends his bottle of lemon tea flying into the air. "H-hokage-sama!"

All three stand at attention. Kakashi waves them off and they sit back down.

"You knew about it?" Hinata repeats.

Kakashi hums. "Since before Naruto-hime-sama was born. I used to babysit him a lot. Anyways, I'm going for lunch. I want whatever you're having, Jounin Hyuuga,"

"Oh, um, this is from the konbini down the street," she says.

"Great! Not that expensive then," and Kakashi goes in search of lunch.

Kiba stares at the Hokage's back as he leaves. The information may have been too much for him. "WAIT. Wait! What do you mean you used to babysit the princess! Hokage-sama!"

"Stop that," says Naruto, when Sasuke keeps fiddling with the strings that keep his black haori in place.

"I took it off earlier, but I tied it wrong," Sasuke explains as he tries to loop the strings around each other and fasten them properly.

"Here," Naruto reaches for his clothes, and ties it off properly. "I think that's proper enough,"

Sasuke looks up and he's brought back to Naruto's second day in Konoha. Even then, he knew there won't be anyone else other than this princess. Naruto is in almost the same dress, a white kimono, all with white accessories, and white embroidery of his plum blossoms that catch the light. His hair, pinned back with enamel plum blossoms painted white. His kimono's neckline low enough in the back to give Sasuke a stroke. His lungs have long since recovered in Naruto's care, but whenever he looks at his mate, Sasuke's breathless.

"You're gorgeous," (15)

Naruto giggles behind his sleeve. Sage, he's so in love with this alpha. "Yes, as you've said probably a thousand times today, husband,"

He takes Naruto's hand and kisses the knuckles. Today, they faced the gods at the temple in a private ceremony, and Sasuke laid out his vows to love, protect, support, and serve the princess as long as there is breath in him. In the near future, he'll be swearing his fealty to Naruto, too. "I don't think I've said it enough," (16)

"You're looking handsomely dashing yourself," Naruto pulls Sasuke down to kiss his cheek and steal a scenting when he presses another kiss to Sasuke's jaw.

The doors to a ballroom in front of them starts to creak open and the newlyweds straighten themselves.

"Are you ready?" Naruto asks Sasuke.

"With you? Always," replies Sasuke, taking Naruto's hand.

The doors open.

"Presenting, the newlyweds, Princess Naruto and Lord Uzumaki Sasuke,"

Chapter End Notes

(11) Dono（殿/どの）Originally "Lord" in the feudal sense. However, while -dono denotes high status on the part of the person being addressed (Sasuke), it does not necessarily imply lower status on the part of the speaker, unlike -sama. Nobody uses -dono in speech anymore, but it lives on in formal business writing (e.g., a letter from your bank).

(12) I hope you caught that I ripped that right off The Crown lmao

(13) The letter announcement of engagement I ripped of the Clarence House's announcement of Prince William's engagement to Kate Middleton. I have done a lot of googling and reading, and at the time of the then Crown Prince Naruhito's (Japan's current emperor who was enthroned in 2019) engagement to then Owada Masako, they announced the engagement through a press conference in 1993. The same happened five years before in 1989 when his younger brother, the Prince Fumihito (Japan's current Crown Prince) was engaged to Kawashima Kiko.

I opted for the announcement through a letter on the gates of the royal estate like what was done with Prince William's engagement to Kate since I look at this fic as somewhat historical, and if you've noticed there isn't much technology going on. Not that there actually isn't any since I mentioned there are toilets and heaters. I just didn't want to ruin the vibe with TV and cellphones. And also I didn't want to make a spectacle of the engagement and wanted it to be a little private.

(14) traditionally, two people aren't "officially" engaged until after the engagement dinner happens. so for example, if someone accepts another proposal and they invite friends to their engagement dinner, they can say "I'm getting engaged next month" or something like that. So there is still an engagement ceremony, where meaningful gifts (and sometimes money) are exchanged between families.

(15) the more neck/nape/back exposed, the sexier! Naruto is showing just enough neck, thank you. Sasuke is just too in love with his princess. Sasuke is also now wearing the black formal kimono for the groom, with a black haori and five crests, two in front, one in the back. He's now also wearing Naruto's crest.

(16) according to shinto wedding tradition (which how I imagine Sasuke and Naruto's wedding went), it is the groom who vows to the bride.

Other notes:

I hope you caught something I thought about carefully:

Naruto says "I am promised to an alpha my parents and my grandmother chose for me soon after I was born,"

While Sasuke says, "I, too, am promised to an omega my parents chose for me when I was barely a year old,"

And Naruto says to Sasuke, "Your duty to marry the omega promised to you as a son of a noble line."

While Tsunade says, "He may have been promised to you,"

As an omega, Naruto thinks he's the one to be given away to an alpha. As a spare alpha heir, Sasuke thinks he's the pawn in his parents' game of politics and power, that's why he says he's promised to an omega.

Sasuke has the right idea, he is a pawn in a game of politics and power, but he's also the one to be given away, since he's the one leaving the Uchiha clan and joining the royal house of Uzumaki.

ANYWAYS that's it from me! I hope you enjoyed it. I had a tough time with this last chapter because of all the goings on in life (I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression), but I hope it was worth the wait.

Thank you so much for reading!