The next say, Sakura was taken to the Queen's chambers. It was large and beautiful. It looked more like a banquet. There were different types of flowers in exquisitely patterned vases by the walls and on the window sill of the big room. The bed was a separate section from the lounge but they were all constructed in one spacious room. Sakura was amazed at everything that stood before her and as she laid her eyes on the Queen, her jaw dropped.

The Queen was standing infront of the window, facing her with a smile. The sunlight found its way through the window, pronouncing the Queen's physique, giving it an artistic appearance. She had snowy white skin and a slim stature which was hidden under the heavy looking, jewelry adorned flowery Jūnihitoe, but with less kimono layers. It was shimmering in its different shades of red and the outfit didn't need any investigation to proof that it was an extraordinary classic, meant only for royalty.

Apart from the fact that the Queen was dressed in an expensive attire, to look upon her face felt like a crime.

Her hair was tied up in an artistic way. It looked like a gnome, but it was adorned with jewels and held up with different kinds of Kanzashi, long golden hairpins. Her eyebrows were archy and jet black, complimenting her dark doe eyes. Her nose stood straight and proud. Her light-red coloured heart shaped lips were small and plump. Over all, she looked...

"Beautiful." Dumbfounded as she was, Sakura's lips made a sentence. "You're beautiful."

Koiko coughed and the Queen chuckled lightly. She seemed pleased. "Thank you, Sakura. You're beautiful as well."

Sakura looked away shyly as the Queen walked away from the window, gracefully, taking a seat by a peach coloured high stool which had cups of traditional tea on it.

Sakura quickly took a deep breath before she walked stiffly up to the table and sat on one of the golden rimmed chairs. She felt uncomfortable. She was having breakfast with Sasuke's mother, who was a QUEEN, a gorgeous one at that. Who would feel at ease?

"Sasuke's mate, huh?" The Queen began as she sipped from her cup of tea gently.

Sakura nodded stiffly, smiling forcefully. "Y..yes your majesty." She bowed. "It's an honour to be in your presence."

She laughed and it sounded like someone had cashed out. Her voice was brilliant and mirthful.

"Call me Mikoto, dear."

Koiko raised her eyebrows from where she stood behind them and watched as Sakura almost stammered. "Of course not, your majesty. I couldn't possibly..."

"It's okay, just be yourself." The Queen said. "We wouldn't possibly have fun if one of us isn't comfortable."

Sakura blinked as her fidgeting stopped and she straightened on her seat. She smiled at her. "You're right, your majesty, but I wouldn't dare take advantage of it."

The Queen blew raspberries. "I expected that." She continued. "Tell me, how have your days been in Isekai?"

Sakura hummed, racking her memory lane. "I've been unconscious most of the time so I don't think I've had much experience. This place is unfamiliar to me anyways."

"I see." She sipped from her cup. "How has Sasuke been treating you? I hope he hasn't been cold and rude to you?"

Sakura smiled. "We had our moments. A relationship must include arguments and all of that, but even that could lead to something beautiful. It's worth the while."

Mikoto noticed how red Sakura's face was becoming and she hid a knowing smile. "That's good. He doesn't really like the idea of having a mate. I'm glad you came along, Sakura. By the look of things, it seems you handle him just fine."

Sakura flushed and scratched the back of her head. I am sometimes a lot for him.

"I, on the other hand, am happy that you're here. It gets so lonely here at the castle." She gestured towards Koiko and the girls with her. "If it wasn't for them, I would've died sooner."

Koiko bowed to her waist. "We are honoured, your highness, but please, don't make that frightening statement again."

Mikoto laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "Tell me, Sakura, how is the human world like."

"Lots of things." Sakura deadpanned. "Different ways of living, slangs, new intonations, different customs. People lives differ in so many ways. We can come up with something little and it'll become the hot topic for tomorrow and the next day, only to be overruled by a new thing the next week. We have specific groups of people. We have the golden age, the millennial, the Gen Z which is going to be the forerunner of something called the Gen X someday!" Mikoto laughed, amused at the way Sakura was engrossed in her speech.

"But it's the diversity that makes us who we are." Sakura added with a smile, then frowned immediately. "Though we should remember that bad things are bad and murderers, sexual harassers and evil doers should be taught a deep freaking lesson."

Mikoto's brows rose when she noticed the anger etched on the pinkette's face and the way she gripped her tea cup. It might break if she continued holding it like that. The Queen closed her eyes. "Well, there are good and bad people. In Isekai, the reward for committing crime is instant death."

Sakura snapped backed to reality and lessened her grip on the cup. "We give those who've committed other crimes, apart from murder, a chance to change but if they don't, when next they're caught, they won't escape the law."

"The law?" Mikoto took a steady breath. "You should be careful, my dear, even the law is imperfect." She took a sip from her tea cup. They are evil. "The truth of the matter is to not trust anybody. You say you take criminals to atone for their sins? What about the ones who plot against people from their depths? Who set up people just to destroy them? Who because of their wondering mouths, vile lips, and actions has led some people to commit suicide?" She looked up at Sakura. "What do you say about them?"

Sakura held her gaze. For some reason, she felt Mikoto was speaking from experience. It was like she wanted to tell her something but couldn't directly.

Mikoto shook her head. "I apologize, I'm speaking out of line. I was carried away."

Sakura frowned. "Why should you apologize? You're talking about what concerns you, you shouldn't apologize. What's wrong with saying what's on your mind once in a while? You should talk about what bothers you sometimes to someone you think highly of and trust even if it's one person or it might eat you whole eventually and you won't be able to stop it."

Mikoto smiled. She's bold. I like her. Truth was, Mikoto had found her pleasant her since the time she set her eyes on her. "Thank you, Sakura. Who knew Selene would bless me with such a beautiful and smart daughter?"

Sakura looked away. She was flushed. "You flatter me, your highness." She had grown too comfortable with Sasuke's mother that she forgot that she was a Queen.

It was alright. Mikoto wanted it that way.

"Your highness, there's..." Someone opened the door, interrupting them, but stopped speaking when they saw the Queen with a guest.

Mikoto and Sakura turned to the people at the door, and Sakura quickly analysed them. One wore a grey kimono, he looked old and the side of his face was covered with a white linen. The other had shoulder length silky, black hair. His skin was whiter than snow. He looked pale. His eyes were golden and slanted, and his pupils were thin and straight like a snake's. He was taller than the old man and he looked sick. He had needle shaped earrings on his ears and he wore a beige coloured yukata.

Instinctively, Sakura frowned. There was something about them that she didn't like. The atmosphere around them felt oddly out of place.

Sakura wasn't the only one displeased at their intrusion. Koiko immediately walled over to them with an annoyed facial expression. "This is the Queen's chambers. You have no right to barge in without an appointment, my lord." Although her eyes foretold something else, her tone was calm.

"I apologize but this is important." The one-eyed man looked at the Queen. "Your highness, forgive my intrusion. I only have this time to speak with you so I thought to inform you of a new development."

Mikoto was aggravated but she collected herself. However, her frown didn't disappear. "What is this new development, Danzo?" Her eyes flickered to the other man. They were asking the obvious question.

Danzo moved closer to her, with the man following him. "The meeting with the young masters concluded yesterday. The King passed on a new rule. One I have not heard of." He looked annoyed. "Humans can now be considered as mates?" He took a step forward, his voice calm. "Where did that come from, your highness?"

Mikoto closed her eyes as she brought her cup to her lips. "Why are you edgy? You're the King's advisor."

"I perceive you're the real advisor since you're not in any way surprised at the information." He steadied his tone. "I wasn't informed and that's uncalled for, you know, your highness."

Mikoto glared at him. "Danzo, I order you to speak with maturity. Your words are being exposed to the ears dispersing a meaning that you do not know your place anymore."

Danzo became silent for awhile, before a smile graced his lips. "Aha, I might've become comfortable for a minute. I don't expect your forgiveness." He bowed and turned to the pinkette beside the Queen, his eye widening slightly. "Oh."

Mikoto followed his line of sight and coughed to grab his attention. "Who might your acquaintance be?"

Danzo smiled at her as he introduced the other man. "This is Orochimaru, my personal advisor."

Orochimaru bowed. "Greetings your highness." His voice sounded like it was mocking and falsely praising her.

Sakura's frown deepened. A personal advisor has a personal advisor? She almost laughed out loud like it wasn't possible, but she controlled herself. She already felt irritated by their presence.

"What is his role, if I may ask?" Mikoto eyed Orochimaru skeptically. "Why do you need a personal advisor?"

"Don't you think sometimes the job load on one person is too much, your highness?"

"Then the King would've had two or more." She glared at the old man.

"I wouldn't want anyone other than me to be near the King." He held her gaze. "No one should be trusted. You know that better than anyone."

Speak for yourself.

Their eyes were locked in an intense battle, until Danzo looked away and smiled with his eyes closed. "It seems we have another unfamiliar face in our midst, your highness." He opened his eye and stared at Sakura. "A human, I see."

Sakura frowned, looking away from Danzo as he and his personal advisor continued staring at her. "Might you be lord Sasuke's mate?"

Sakura's eyes widened and she glanced at Mikoto. How did he know?

Mikoto turned towards Danzo but he'd already started speaking. "I knew lord Sasuke wouldn't just come to the court and be surprised at the upliftment of a mere rule. The King also changed the rule then. The timing is too perfect. And the Queen wouldn't just have meal with a mere mortal. Again, the timing is perfect." He paused, but with a fake smile. "It seems that I am the one who's in the dark here, even though I'm the King's closest ally."

Sakura glanced at Mikoto, who nodded at her. She stood up and bowed slightly. "I apologize for not making my presence known, my lord, but I am not remorseful. You were having a discussion with the Queen."

"Of course."

Sakura could tell that he was not pleased in any way. "I am Haruno Sakura, Sasuke's mate." Definitely not pleased to be in your presence.

"A mortal." His voice sounded like venom. "You are welcome. I hope you have a wonderful stay here."

You don't sound like you want me to. "Thank you, my lord."

"Ah." He added. "I've been meaning to speak with your mate privately but I haven't got the chance."

Mikoto opened her mouth to talk but Sakura took the chance. "I do believe that if you have something to tell him regarding an issue, you should talk with him. Why are you informing me?"

Mikoto's eyebrows drew upwards in amusement and she looked at Danzo to see his reaction.

His lips were upturned in a little smirk and his eyes were cold. "He hasn't responded gracefully. Unfortunately, he declined it. It is a very important meeting, you see, but he wouldn't hear it out. Don't you think it's irresponsible and unfit for a future leader someday?"

"Don't you think that him declining the meeting with you means he doesn't want to have the meeting with you? What use is it for me to still be aware of it?"

She knows he's trying to put words into her mouth by badmouthing Sasuke and deducing her personality from her reaction but she's not giving in. Mikoto smiled. She's smart. Really smart. What wondrous thing you've done, Selene. Seems like I don't even have to say anything. The Supreme Luna could almost chuckle at the displeasure on Danzo's face.

It was only for a second, but he smiled. "Of course, forgive me."

"No, my lord." Sakura lowered her head as she replied softly. "You were only trying to see if I could speak to him for you, but I can't change the mind of my mate when he's decided on something, I apologize." Her eyes flickered upwards scarily even though they couldn't see it. "I believe that with your cleverness, you'll be able to find something that will benefit the stability of the country without the meeting with the royal alpha which I'm sure isn't past a reliable reason."

Mikoto's heart beat joyously. Brilliant! The play of words with underlining meaning is just brilliant!

Danzo swallowed in displeasure as Orochimaru chuckled. "I appreciate your courtesy and gracefulness, Luna Sakura." He turned to the Queen. "Supreme Luna, we will take our leave now."

Mikoto looked at him with an amused mocking smile. "Ah yes, please do. And next time, prepare appropriately before entering my chambers. I might be with a visitor." She added with a straight stern stare.

Danzo bowed before walking out of the room with Orochimaru and gently closing the door behind them, leaving Mikoto and Sakura alone.

Mikoto turned to the pinkette and saw her sighing out with her hand placed on her chest. She laughed. "That was some exquisite talking you did there."

Sakura glanced up at her and smiled a little. "Yeah, I guess." Her heart was thumping like crazy. She almost exploded in anger. That Danzo had this negative aura around him. It annoyed her especially with the way he smiled and behaved even though he was aware of how evil a mastermind he was.

She was beginning to get an idea of what kind of a place the castle was.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was at the shrine, paying close attention to what Naruto was telling him as he sat near the bed with Shikamaru behind them leaning against the door. Masashi was sitting few inches away from Sasuke. Karin was leaning against a corner of the room with her arms crossed.

"And, uh... well, that's how I ended up in this situation." Naruto concluded, chuckling.

Sasuke hummed, frowning. "It seems I don't need to stress myself in teaching Ras a lesson, considering what you've done." Naruto was now an Alpha. Automatically, Shikamaru would become his Beta and Jugo would be his Gamma.

"You better believe it!" Naruto smiled at himself. "Ras still owes an awful amount of apologies."

Shikamaru sucked on his tongue in boredom and Sasuke turned to Masashi. "You said you had something to tell me?"

Masashi darted her eyes around the room, looking back at Sasuke for clarity. When he nodded, she sighed out hotly. "So many things have happened, my lord. We should know more about goddess Karin before..."

Sasuke shut his eyes. "We'll learn about Karin later, tell me about the important ones."

Karin scoffed loudly but she wasn't surprised. "Well, I'll make it quick because you might want to settle down for what she's about to say. I'm the sea goddess and I am your ally."

"Really?" Naruto looked at her. "How did you manage to make the elders and rulers acknowledge you?"

"I. Am. A. Goddess." She grinded out like that was enough explanation.

For a minute, Naruto was silent, then he nodded vaguely. "I guess that checks out. I mean one would remember a short-tempered girl with a bad haircut any day."

"What did you say?" Karin pulled up her kimono sleeves as she started towards him.

Shikamaru tried to hide his laughter as Masashi put up a hand. "That's enough, Karin, Naruto. That's not why we're here." Then she lowered her voice. "We're here for something that could change our lives."

"Masashi."

The old woman looked at the ravenette.

"Speak."

Rude dipshit. Karin scoffed.

Masashi didn't take it to heart, instead, she cleared her throat. "It's about the girl in the prophecy."

Naruto sat up immediately and fell back down against his will. "Have you found her?" He asked, his excitement obvious.

"No, listen." Masashi hissed and Naruto pouted a little. "My lord, the girl in the prophecy, she's in Isekai."

Sasuke's eyebrows bounced up but he didn't show any emotions on his face. "Where?"

Masashi swallowed. It was hard to say this. "She was brought here, my lord." But she had to.

Sasuke frowned in confusion, holding Masashi's gaze. "What do you mean?"

"A human sacrifice. The girl in the prophecy. She's been brought to Isekai."

"Emphasis on the human sacrifice~." Karin snag nonchalantly. "Who is the only human we know, who was brought here, and who is presently in Isekai?"

Sasuke's frown deepened and Shikamaru turned to the others with a shocked expression on his face. Masashi nodded at him and his wide eyes instantly landed on Sasuke. Naruto looked lost and confused. "Well, that would be Sakura chan, who else?" The spiky blonde Alpha said innocently. "Hey Sasuke, How's Sakura chan? I haven't seen her in a while."

"Bakayarou." Karin hissed out. "Read the room!"

Naruto scratched the back of his head. "That's exactly the problem. I don't want to. I feel like I won't like it if I submit to the realization of what's happening."

Masashi sighed. "Leave him." She told Karin and faced Sasuke.

The black haired Alpha was quiet. Too quiet. He didn't want to think. Not yet. It felt as though there was a racing competition in his head and his brain circuits were whiny. He didn't like that. "Masashi, what are you trying to say?" He paused, his voice low and a noticeable dark hood over his eyes was seen. "What about Sakura?"

Masashi sighed again. He understood but in a way, didn't. "My lord..."

"What are you saying, Masashi?" His tone grew darker, colder. "That she's in the prophecy?"

Oh, Selene. "She's not just in the prophecy, my lord." Masashi heaved out heavily. "She is the prophecy."

Sasuke was silent. It was as if he'd expected it.

Naruto stayed silent too. He put his arm over his head as he stared at the ceiling. "Shit."

Masashi watched Sasuke. He hasn't said a word. She wondered if she could tell him about the other news. She could imagine the pain he was feeling internally now, but he wouldn't show it.

Pain?

Pain, huh?

He wasn't sure if that was what he was feeling right now. His internal organs felt like someone had come to squeeze and twist the life out of them. His brain was still whiny and he felt irritated in his throat. He didn't like this feeling.

Sakura was the girl in the prophecy. She is the prophecy. His own mate, Sakura. He almost laughed but his throat felt cracked and choked.

You could've killed me off, Selene.

Right from the start, you could've ripped me apart.

Is this your new way of torture? He almost laughed again. Freaking screwed up goddess.

Why make her whole life full of sorrows? Hasn't she gone through enough?

The silence had gone on for quite some time now and Masashi still had something to say. "My lord..."

Sasuke answered her gently, almost immediately. "I'm guessing Sakura doesn't know about this?"

Masashi frowned in confusion. "No."

"Good." Then he added. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes..." But before Masashi could say any more, the curtain beads moved out of place and someone arrogantly walked in, standing over Sasuke, who still had that dark hood over his eyes.

Karin and Masashi exchanged looks of bewilderment and Shikamaru and Naruto stared at the man in awe. What was he doing here?

"Masashi." Sasuke's voice was cold and gentle. He was dangerous as it was.

"Since the time of the prophecy's birth, she's been watched over by a guardian placed before her by the goddess, to keep her safe from those who sought her life." Masashi didn't like the tension in the room. "This is the prophecy's guardian, Kosei Kyuuseki. He's the heir to the vampire race."

This time Naruto sat up straight, not caring about his injuries and Shikamaru had to look for something to sit on. Damn.

"Masashi, I would like you to refrain from calling my mate the prophecy. She has a name."

Kosei suddenly took hold of Sasuke's collars, glaring at him. "That's enough, old woman. I said I'd behave for a minute. Now, you bastard, what did you do to Sakura? You almost took her life?!" When he'd heard about it during the Seven Deadly Sins' meeting while he was chained up there, he couldn't sit back with a relaxed mind that Sakura's mate was going to protect her as he'd thought he would. "It's your fault those measly demons have their hands on Death. It's your fault Sakura almost died. Why do still keep hanging around her? Go to freaking hell already, Sasuke."

Masashi frowned and Karin sucked on her teeth in displeasure. Things were ending badly, fast. Naruto and Shikamaru were ready to pounce on Kosei but Sasuke stopped them, his voice sounding almost cynical.

"It can't be helped." He steadied his cold and intense eyes on Kosei, holding his bloodshot ones. "I needed an excuse to get some things off my mind anyways." As quick as a lightening strike, Kosei was seen sprawling out of the room and across the field, hitting dirt and tree trunks as he fell against them hard.

Sasuke walked out of the shrine, raising his chin at the vampire heir. "Come."

Chuckling, Kosei rose to his feet, wiping his chin with the back of his palm. "Come? You mannerless bastard, who do you think you're commanding?"

Sasuke was fast. Without words, he was infront of Kosei but it was as if Kosei had matched his speed. He was far away from his former spot where Sasuke was now standing. "Let me make something clear, dipshit. I'm not here to fight. I'm just here to let you know that I'll be leaving with Sakura soon."

Sasuke squinted his eyes at him. His aura was so daunting that Naruto, Masashi, Shikamaru and Karin who watched them from behind the beady curtain, felt it strongly.

"It's proven she isn't safe with you guys here, especially you." Kosei lowered his tone, looking serious. "I'll make sure I protect her."

And like that, he was gone. Kosei was gone.

"Fool." Karin muttered. It's the guardian's job to watch over the prophecy until she's ready to fulfill her purpose in life, but he doesn't want to let her go. He's a foolish one. Karin turned to Sasuke. But the thing is, will Sasuke hand over Sakura to the leaders so they can end the war? He is the head of the search team for her after all.

Sasuke stared into space with a scowl on his face. Annoying coward.