I do not own Naruto, nor do I make any money off of this.

"talking"

'thinking'

Chapter 6: Begonia

"It is a good thing I came early," Ino said. "Honestly, what would have happened if I came later? We wouldn't have time to get rid of this puffiness." She pressed a warm wet cloth to the swelling. "Hopefully this will lessen it enough that we can hide it with makeup." She paused. "Was it really just a nightmare?" Naruto nodded. "I still think you should go talk to Tsunade about them." She finally put the cloth down. "There. Makeup should hide the rest." She walked to the side, opened a draw and pulled out some makeup. She began to cover up as much of the redness as she could. "You know, you can always come talk to me. I may not be an Omega, but I'm sure I can still help you."

"It has nothing to do with being an Omega," Naruto said. "At least not entirely." He paused. He didn't want to tell Ino about his nightmares, as he wasn't sure how she'd react to them.

"Is it about Prince Sasuke?" Ino asked. Naruto's eyes widened. "I saw the way he looked at you when you left with Prince Itach earlier. And when you came back, you looked a bit out of sorts. It reminded me of last night. Did something happen?"

"He…" Naruto shook his head. "It was nothing."

Ino suddenly grabbed Naruto's chin. "You don't have to hide it from me. Just because I'm your servant, doesn't mean I can't be your friend. You are important to me, and I'm willing to do anything to help you."

'Then why did you betray me and poison my food,' Naruto wanted to ask, but instead he chose to say, "I appreciate that. It's just something that I have to work out on my own. If there is ever a time when I need your help, I'll be sure to ask for it." He smiled. "And I also see you as a friend." Ino smiled before she finished putting on the makeup. She stepped back and admired her work, giving Naruto the approval to go down for dinner. The two blondes left the room. As Naruto reached the end of the hallway, someone got in his way. He looked up into the dark eyes of the Crown Prince.

Sasuke held out a hand. "May I escort you to dinner?"

Naruto gave Ino a confused look. Ino motioned for Naruto to go ahead. Naruto placed his hand on Sasuke's. "You may." Sasuke nodded, bringing Naruto's hand down and stringing it around his arm. Ino had a smile on her face as she and Shino followed them. Upon their entrance, Sakura looked up. She glared at Naruto before putting on a fake smile. Sasuke brought Naruto to his spot next to Itachi, and he helped the blond to sit down. He hesitated for a few seconds before sitting down next to Sakura.

Sakura instantly clung to Sasuke. "Sasuke, I'm glad to see you! I bought you something while we were out earlier." She motioned for a servant to step forward with a small box. Sakura took it from the servant and handed it to Sasuke. Sasuke opened it to find a brooch. It was black with silver swirls around it.

"Hn," Sasuke grunted. He took the brooch and inspected it before replacing it in the box. "Thank you Sakura. I'll wear it to the Ball."

"I knew you'd like it," Sakura smiled. "I also got something for you, King Fugaku." Again, Sakura motioned to the servant. This time, the item inside the box was a pair of gloves. "They are for horse riding."

"That reminds me," Mebuki said. "We have some horses for your majesties as part of Sakura's dowry. If you'd like, we can show them to you later."

"In the morning is fine," Fugaku said, accepting the gloves and handing them to his knight.

"Naruto, I saw that you also bought some things," Mikoto said. Ino smiled, glad that she put Naruto on the spot like that.

"I did," Naruto blushed. He motioned to Ino who was carrying several boxes. Ino handed them all out. Even Sakura and her parents got a box each. Itachi opened his gift first, smiling at the brooch. Kizashi also happily approved of the pocket watch he received. Mebuki and Sakura were less pleased as neither had thought about getting a gift for Itachi or Naruto. They put on a fake smile as they opened their gifts, but neither could deny that the necklaces inside weren't beautiful. Mikoto helped put Fugaku's brooch on him before he in turn helped her wear the red butterfly pins. Everyone then turned to see Sasuke just staring at the contents of his box. Itachi got up and looked over Sasuke's shoulder at the cufflinks.

"Those are lovely," Itachi said. "I think my dear little brother is too surprised to express his gratitude.

Sasuke shook himself out of his stupor. He offered them to his servant who instantly swapped his old ones out for the new ones. Sasuke stared at the new links before giving his thanks to Naruto. "I love them. Thank you."

Naruto smiled, making Sasuke's heart race. "I'm glad."

Mebuki clapped her hands, gaining everyone's attention. "Food seems to be ready." Itachi returned to his seat as the maids brought in their food. The evening went by with Naruto glad that he'd gotten the courage to buy a gift for Sasuke. Once dinner was over, the adults left to talk more about Sasuke and Sakura's wedding. Itachi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura moved to another room for tea.

"That brooch really does look nice on you Prince Itachi, doesn't it Sasuke?" Sakura said.

"Hn," Sasuke grunted.

"It is a lovely gift," Itachi said. He turned towards Naruto. "Thank you Naruto."

"You're welcome," Naruto smiled.

"So Prince Itachi," Sakura began. "Sasuke already has a bride, what about you?"

"I'm not really interested in getting married," Itachi said.

"Really?" Sakura asked. "There isn't anyone you fancy? Like a Beta, an Alpha, or even an Omega?"

"No," Itachi said.

"That's sad to hear," Sakura said. "As your soon-to-be sister-in-law, I want you to be as happy as we will be." She hugged Sasuke's right arm.

"I'm happy as I am," Itachi said.

"Well Queen Mikoto, my mother, and I were discussing my Ladies in Waiting," Sakura said. "Maybe one of them will catch your fancy. Actually…" She turned towards Naruto. "I heard Lord Naruto has a cousin that is of age. She may only be the daughter of a baron, but since she's Lord Naruto's cousin, I think she'd make an excellent Lady in Waiting. What do you think, Lord Naruto?"

"Karin is indeed a good woman," Naruto said, knowing what Sakura was trying to do. "Though I haven't seen her in awhile. If she was to become your Lady, I'd be glad since that means I'll get to see her often." He took a sip of his tea. "I heard you also have a cousin, Lady Sakura. Will she also apply to become a Lady in Waiting?"

"She's too young," Sakura said. "Her Coming of Age Ceremony isn't until the end of the year."

"That is perfect then," Naruto said. "She'll be of age in time for my wedding with Prince Sasuke. Then she can be my Lady." He clapped. "Oh that is a brilliant idea! Then you'll have a family member at the palace as well!"

"That would be really nice of you, Naruto," Itachi said. "Especially since you haven't met Lady Sakura's cousin."

Naruto waved Itachi's comment off. "If she is anything like Lady Sakura, then I'm sure it will be fine." He turned towards Sakura. "After all, once I also marry Prince Sasuke, it will make all of us family. What better way to prove to our people that we get along than to accept each other's cousin as our Court Ladies?"

"That would be a very good political move," Itachi said. "Plus, it would strengthen our alliance with the Haruno Duchy even further." Sasuke nodded in agreement.

"T-then I'll make sure she comes to the wedding," Sakura said. "That way she can be properly introduced."

"I'd appreciate that," Naruto said.

Sakura got up. "Please excuse me. I must inform my mother of this request." She quickly left the room and Naruto couldn't help but smile as he took another sip of his tea. He wished he could see the expression on Sakura's face. Part of him wondered if she'd really talk to Mebuki about his "request."

"That was a bit daring," Itachi said.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked, trying to act innocently.

"Lady Sakura clearly doesn't like that thought of sharing Sasuke with you," Itachi said.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sasuke asked, glaring slightly.

"Did you honestly not notice it?" Itachi asked, looking at Sasuke in surprise. Sasuke raised an eyebrow causing Itachi to sigh. "She was trying to get me to say that I have feelings for Naruto." Sasuke felt a pain in his heart, but he ignored it as Itachi continued. "If I was to marry Naruto, she'd be your only wife. Her jealousy is really obvious."

"Why would she be jealous?" Sasuke asked. "Sakura will be my Queen while Naruto will only be a concubine. She'll have power second only to me."

"Power isn't everything," Naruto mumbled.

"Father doesn't have a concubine," Itachi pointed out. "Even Sakura's parents only have each other. She probably doesn't understand why you get to have a concubine."

Sasuke was about to say something when Sakura came back into the room. "Mother has agreed to send for Emiri."

"Thank you very much!" Naruto smiled, leapt out of his seat and hugged Sakura. He then pulled back, keeping a hold of his hands and looking slightly apologetic. "Oh, sorry. I was just so happy. I can't wait until we marry Sasuke. We'll be like sisters!" He dropped his hold on Sakura's hands before spinning around to face Itachi and Sasuke. He bowed. "It has been a long day. I'll see all of you in the morning." He put on a fake smile. "Have a good night, Lady Sakura!" He left the room quickly, leaving Itachi, Sasuke, and Sakura stunned. Ino followed closely behind him. Once he was back in his room, he dropped the act and sat down on his bed with a sigh.

"Are you alright?" Ino asked.

"Ye… I'm not sure," Naruto answered honestly. "I don't know if this will be a good thing."

"You mean Emiri?" Ino asked. "I've heard a few things about her, but from what I understand, she and Sakura don't get along."

Naruto nodded. "I've heard that as well. I'm hoping they can get over their dislike for each other and maybe even become friends." 'Then maybe Sakura won't see me as much of a threat anymore.' "I'd rather be Sakura's ally than her enemy."

Ino nodded. "If we are talking about Court Ladies, I believe there are a few better candidates, but I'm sure you know what you are doing."

"Like who?" Naruto asked.

"I heard Princess Hinata of the Hyuuga Kingdom is coming to the Ball," Ino said. "I think you'd get along lovingly with her."

'Princess Hinata,' Naruto thought. He remembered seeing her in his dreams. She was a quiet girl that also got picked on by the other nobles. She was a Beta, but she acted like an Omega, which only made people tease her more. Her bullying was more subtle though since she was a member of royalty. Words might hurt, but she was lucky that she couldn't hear all of them. On the other hand, no one was afraid that Naruto would hear the bad things they said about him. In fact, some even spoke louder if they knew he was there. Hinata had heard some of the cruel things they said, and she tried to stick up for the blond, but her words were ignored and she fell silent at their heated glares. Hinata and Naruto managed to become friends shortly after the Ball, however, it didn't last long. Naruto forced himself to stay away from Hinata since he didn't want to drag her into his problems. And Hinata couldn't stay, as she was needed back in the Hyuuga Kingdom. Rumors were that she was forced to marry one of the King's aides, a man nearly twice her age. Naruto hadn't heard anything about her after that, even though he sent her a couple of letters. He guessed they never made it to her, since Hinata wasn't the type to ignore him. 'It will be nice to see her again. Since things are a bit different now, maybe we can be friends.' He suddenly frowned. 'But she'll most likely still be forced to marry that older man.' "Hey Ino?"

"Yes?" Ino asked, getting what looked like a makeup remover ready.

"If someone was asked to be a Court Lady, would their marriage be put on hold?" Naruto asked.

"If someone accepted the offer of Court Lady, they may only marry at their master's exceptions," Ino said. She made her way towards Naruto with the remover. "The only way a marriage can happen against their master's wishes is if the Court Lady is of a higher status than their master and they willingly accept the marriage. That or they conceive before the Appointment."

Naruto grinned. "Then I guess I have my third Lady."

Ino paused as she raised her hand towards Naruto's face. "Third?"

"Well," Naruto lifted up his hand with three fingers up. "We have Lady Emiri and Princess Hinata…" he lowered two fingers. "...and of course you."

Tears suddenly rolled down Ino's face before she dropped the remover and hugged Naruto. "Thank you, Lord Naruto! Thank you so much!"

Naruto just laughed. "You're welcome." Ino instantly grabbed a new container of remover, promising to clean up her mess. Naruto just played it off as an accident, before letting her get back to work. He put on a fake smile to hide his dark thoughts. 'Ino, this is your last chance to prove to me that you are my ally. You won't have a third chance.'

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'Where is it?' Naruto was in a panic. His diary was missing. The last time he saw it was a few days prior. He didn't believe that he misplaced it, but that didn't stop him from still looking. He searched everywhere, creating a mess.

Ino walked in on him crying as he looked under the bed. "Lord Naruto!" She ran to his side, helping him up. "What's wrong?"

"I can't find it," Naruto cried.

The first thing that came to Ino's mind was Naruto's necklace, but he was wearing it. "What are you looking for?"

"My diary," Naruto sniffed.

Ino nearly cursed before putting on a reassuring smile. "I'll look for it while you get yourself cleaned up." Naruto nodded, letting Ino escort him to his bathing chambers. He was left to wash himself while Ino returned to his room to 'clean up.' In truth, she replaced the diary from where she had taken it. She had already shown it to Sakura who surprisingly didn't seem to care about it. Karin on the other hand copied down some of Naruto's words carefully. Her handwriting was oddly similar to Naruto's. Ino then cleaned the room. She then frowned as she steered at the diary. It was too obvious for Naruto to have missed. Grabbing it, she placed it under the desk, making it look like it fell there. When Naruto returned to his room, Ino pretended to find it and Naruto hugged her, thanking her. Ino felt a bit guilty, but she was doing all of this for her family. She was sure that if Naruto ever found out, he'd forgive her once she explained herself. Her mind went to Sakura, wondering if that evil woman of a Queen would ever let her go. As Naruto ate the food Ino had prepared for him, there was a tug at her heart as she knew what was hiding in it. She didn't understand why Sakura was adamant about making Naruto infertile. Sasuke had never chosen to bed the blond. In fact, the only time he ever showed any affection towards Naruto was when he had his necklace fixed.

Ino glanced at it hanging around Naruto's neck. She knew it was from Naruto's mother, Kushina. But she hadn't been the one to step in when Karin accused him of stealing it. She knew better than to go against the throne. Her back still hurts from when she protected Naruto from Sakura's Ladies in Waiting. Ino felt bad about what happened to Hana, but she was also grateful that it happened to her instead. Ino also believed that Karin got what she deserved. Her hatred for the redhead was clear and the two always avoided each other.

Her mind went back to the food. Sakura had told her that it would only take Naruto a month before he became infertile. What the Queen didn't know was that although Ino was feeding him the poison, she wasn't giving him the right amount. She wondered how Sakura would even know if Naruto was eating it. That thought made Ino begin to worry. What if the Silphium was so poisonous that it killed Naruto? Ino would be tried for murder! The next day, Ino snuck out of the castle to find an apothecary. They informed her that it was mostly harmless as it was really only a contraceptive. Ino held herself back from crying out in relief or simply laughing at Sakura's mistake. Ino made it back to the castle in time to wake Naruto up for breakfast, where she gave him the correct amount. She had no idea that one of Sakura's spies had seen her leaving the apothecary.

Begonia flowers are a universal symbol of warning or caution. The flower also means 'deep thinking.' Begonias in literature also means there is danger up ahead so be warned.

Although they are often used to symbolize misfortune or impending bad luck, they can also be used to express gratitude, peace, and harmony.

Silphium is an unidentified plant that was used as a seasoning, perfume, aphrodisiac, and medicine. It also was used as a contraceptive by ancient Greeks and Romans.