I've had some serious computer issues this past week! The chapters I've pre-written were somehow deleted, and I'm trying to rewrite them from memory! I apologize for the late and short update, but I wanted to get a chapter out for you guys. For the time being, I'll return to just one update a week. Sorry for the wait, and I hope you enjoy it!
Beauty couldn't begin to describe Sakura's appearance. Sasuke couldn't tear his gaze from his bride's as they danced their very first dance as a married couple. No longer did her hands shake. While watching her walk down the aisle earlier, the prince was concerned she'd be too overwhelmed to spend much time amidst the guests after the ceremony.
The corner of his lips tugged into something resembling a hint of a smile as he twirled the gorgeous woman, 'Ever since we kissed, she's been more relaxed.'
Sakura broke his train of thought by smiling, a vision of purity and grace, "His Majesty planned a beautiful wedding."
Sasuke nodded, noticing the many other couples joining them on the dance floor, but said nothing because he wasn't sure what to say.
'We're married now. Any time, we'll be leaving this castle to spend a week alone for the honeymoon,' his hands unconsciously held his wife's more firmly, 'I'm supposed to kill this woman soon.' Disgust brewed in the pit of his stomach.
She seemed to sense his mood change and allowed herself to be pulled closer so only he'd hear her whisper, "If you're concerned, we can excuse ourselves soon."
The pinkette had misunderstood. In her eyes, he was worried about the time, given that the sun would set within the next hour. He didn't correct her, instead nodding without another word. While enjoying the last few minutes of their wedding dancing, the prince tried to memorize the image before him and the way it felt to hold the fragile woman so shamelessly. Regardless of what happened in the future, he knew that he'd never want to forget this day.
Just as the song ended, the king gently struck the edge of his wine glass with a silver spoon, effectively silencing the room. As though he could read his nephew's mind, he lifted the glass with a seemingly proud grin and announced, "A toast to the happy couple as they embark on their honeymoon! Let us wish them safe travels!"
Goosebumps rose to Sasuke's skin as he felt the hundreds of pairs of eyes on them. He didn't let it show and bowed with his composure fully intact before guiding Sakura out of the massive ballroom. She sighed once they were in the nearby hallway, walking more leisurely, "What a relief…." He made a soft sound of agreement. Given how their life together had gone thus far, it wouldn't be surprising for something unwanted to interrupt the wedding.
Just when that thought crossed his mind, the couple stopped in their tracks as a familiar voice called out, "A moment, please."
Turning, the prince's already souring mood dropped yet another level. Baron Haruno approached with poorly masked irritation. Once close enough, he asked without taking his eyes off his daughter, "May I speak to Sakura alone for a moment?"
Sasuke looked at the woman in question, not missing the sudden tension in her demeanor. She glanced at him with a curt nod, though, so he bowed politely before excusing himself further down the hall and around the corner, where he froze because the man's hushed voice carried far enough for him to mistakenly eavesdrop.
"If you think my allowing you to live under my roof all these years comes free of cost, you're sadly mistaken."
Sasuke's brow furrowed angrily. He turned, ready to head back around the corner to confront the man who dared speak to Sakura that way, only to stop himself when he continued. "Either you seduce the prince like I asked, or I'll inform the king of your illegitimacy and have your marriage annulled. You'll have nowhere to go."
His blood ran cold as the air became silent. 'She's been trying to seduce me all this time?' He thought back to all she'd done and endured for his sake and shook his head, 'No. She's not that type of girl.'
As if confirming his thoughts, Sakura's voice came, though shaky and quiet, "Do as you please. Even when I'm dead, your son's reputation will never recover." She paused before adding more strongly, "That is, if he isn't caught and put to death before you can rescue him."
Then, an unmistakable sound met Sasuke's ears, and this time, he didn't hold himself back. He turned the corner to see Sakura holding her cheek, Baron Haruno's hand still raised from having slapped her. One moment he was staring at his wife's tear-filled eyes, and in the next, he had her father pressed against the wall with a fistful of his shirt and rage burning his blood, "Do you know what the punishment is for harming a princess?" Even to himself, his voice was chilling.
Sakura gasped, "...Sasuke…?"
The prince was too angry to notice her unease, instead pressing harder still so that Baron Haruno's face paled, "So much as laying a finger on her would would cost you a hand, and you've gone as far as committing an act of violence. Should I feed your to the royal family's hounds?"
Bloodlust with which he was unfamiliar flamed his actions, and he nearly lost control of it when a soft hand touched his back. His eyes widened, blood cooling in realization when Sakura's voice met his ears, "Can we go now?" He turned his head, meeting her emerald-colored gaze in disbelief. She said softly, almost pleading, "Please. I want to leave."
'What am I doing? What was I thinking, acting so violently in front of her? I must be losing my mind…' Sasuke turned his glare back onto the Baron, holding his terrified gaze one moment more before releasing him and stepping back to speak more calmly, "Be grateful your daughter knows mercy, for I do not, and I will not should you dare stand before either of us in the future."
Sakura seemed to naturally understand that he was livid and held onto his arm with trembling hands, guiding the way toward the back exit. Their carriage was waiting. Neither spoke until they were safely inside it and on the road.
After a while, the prince stole a glance at his wife. She was looking out the small window as she sat by his side with a small space between them so they weren't touching. Still in her wedding gown, he admired her elegant and foreign beauty while trying to figure out what to say to ease the tension. To say he was ashamed of his behavior would be putting it lightly. Of all the things he was, a violent man was never one of them. That adjective was saved for The Curse.
'Will she hate me now? I've acted no better than a demon, even if it was a result of her mistreatment.' Sasuke never wanted her to fear him. He wanted her to see him as someone to be trusted, someone of comfort.
"It was never my intention to seduce you. I simply-" "I know," he cut Sakura off.
He averted his gaze when she looked his way. His glare met the carpeted floor of the carriage. "I…. Allow me to apologize for losing my composure. I never wanted you to see that side of me." Being vulnerable with anyone, much less the person he cares about the most, wasn't easy. Sasuke had never opened up to anyone in his life. It was a foreign idea to the banished prince, but in his heart of hearts, he knew it was the proper thing to do, even if it was uncomfortable.
Sakura didn't respond for a long time. He couldn't bring himself to look her way, afraid of what expression she might make.
Eventually, a soft weight met his shoulder, and he nearly jumped in surprise, turning his head to see his wife had fallen asleep. Her head rested against him. For a moment, Sasuke didn't do anything, but then his anxiety faded, and he sighed warmly.
He gently pulled her closest hand into his and closed his eyes to attempt to get some rest, as well, 'I know her well enough by now that I shouldn't doubt her loyalty.' For the first time in over a decade, the prince felt he was where he was meant to be.