Yuuta's smile was warm as he delicately sipped his tea, the porcelain teacup gliding effortlessly against his fingertips. "I heard you had a great time at the Apricot Blossom Brothel with Naruto-denka," he commented, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Across from him, the eldest prince, Sasuke, fidgeted on the tatami floor, a disinterested expression molding his features, but he was perfectly aware of what Yuuta was alluding to. Naruto, with his unquenchable enthusiasm, had dragged Sasuke to the most exquisite brothel in the Fire Nation capital to celebrate his impending marriage to Prince Hyūga Neji of the Moon Nation.
Despite his initial misgivings, the evening turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. A wave of nostalgia washed over Sasuke as he remembered the crown prince of the Wind Nation ordering the most expensive sake, the rich, golden liquid flowing as freely as his laughter. They shared stories, the sound of a geisha's shamisen weaving a melodic backdrop to their childhood reminiscences.
Through the open shoji screens, Sasuke's dark eyes were drawn to the exotic gardens of the Red Palace. The vibrant hues of fire lilies danced in the afternoon breeze, their petals glowing like flames against the backdrop of a crystal-clear lake. He felt a sense of calm wash over him, a stark contrast to the swirling emotions building inside him.
"I haven't slept with anyone," he muttered defensively, as Yuuta's laughter rang out, a melodious sound like silver bells carried by the wind.
"I know you haven't," Yuuta replied, placing the chawan gently on the tatami mat. His gaze softened, understanding the weight of tradition and expectation that hung over Sasuke like a shroud. "And I know you understand the importance of this alliance. After all, our nations have been allies since the time of our ancestors. Your marriage to Neji-denka is a way to strengthen those bonds."
Sasuke nodded, acceptance settling deep within him. "I do not dislike this union, itoko."
Yuuta's smile widened, his ethereal features glowing with warmth. "I am glad to hear that. But have you heard about Shisui's possible engagement to Haruno Sakura? It is said that Tsunade-hime's apprentice possesses talents that rival her master's."
A frown tugged at Sasuke's lips. "Yes, I have. But Madara-ojisan has ruled out the union. Our uncle knows that Shisui has feelings for you." His voice was barely above a whisper, as if the truth would shatter the fragile balance of the conversation. "And you for him. I know that you will be his mate."
"Shisui is the crown prince of our nation, a political marriage with another clan would be advantageous to our people," Yuuta replied, his gaze wandering toward the garden, lost in thought.
The sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the ground, as if nature itself were weaving a tapestry of light.
Sasuke laughed, the sound tinged with amusement. "But Shisui will not give up the Dragon Throne, much less his feelings for you and Itachi-niisan. He will sit on the throne of our nation with you and Itachi-niisan by his side."
A gentle breeze blew through the garden, carrying the sweet scent of moonflowers that had been planted in anticipation of the upcoming royal wedding. Yuuta's gaze drifted to the pale flowers, their petals echoing the rumored beauty of Sasuke's future mate.
"The crown demands sacrifices," Yuuta murmured, though the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his true feelings. "Sometimes we must—"
"No," Sasuke interrupted, surprising both himself and his cousin with his vehemence. "Some traditions are meant to be defied. Shisui will be a stronger Fire King with you and Itachi by his side. Three souls united by love will bring greater prosperity than any political alliance."
Yuuta's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush coloring his pale cheeks. "You have become wise, itoko. Perhaps this deal with the Moon Nation has matured you."
Sasuke smiled, remembering Naruto's words from the night before, spoken over the melodious chords of the shamisen: "Sometimes, the most powerful alliances are forged not by duty, but by heart."
"Is Cousin Obito going back to the Wind Nation with you?" Shisui asked, watching the bamboo sword fall with a soft thud to the tatami floor after a friendly sparring session with Kakashi-dono.
"Only after His Highness's wedding," Kakashi dropped down next to Shisui, as he reached for the cold drink that a servant had brought him moments ago. "He's going with the entourage to the Lunar Festival in the Moon Nation."
The prince nodded at his friend's words. Shisui would be staying behind in the Fire Nation, since his uncle no longer had the strength to travel. However, Fugaku-sama would be the royal family's representative during the stay in the Moon Nation, as Itachi would also be expected to go, since he was the groom's brother.
"And you?" Kakashi asked suddenly. "When will your engagement to an omega noble be announced?"
Shisui had stuffed a piece of candy into his mouth. "I don't intend to marry outside the clan," he replied, making Kakashi chuckle knowingly.
"Does this decision have anything to do with Yuuta-kun?" he asked, smirking.
"Who knows," Shisui said vaguely, but they both knew the truth. And then Shisui had abruptly changed the subject. "Any news on Hidan's whereabouts?"
Kakashi's eyes narrowed, his playful expression turning serious as the topic demanded. "No," Kakashi sounded frustrated, Shisui understood the sentiment. "It will be very difficult to pinpoint Danzō-dono's involvement in Asuma-denka's suspicious death. And now he's on the throne of the Wind Nation, making Konohamaru-denka a puppet."
"And Kurenai-hidenka doesn't have the support of the nobles, much less the Elders—Danzō-dono has them in the palm of his hand." said the prince.
"The Elders of Earth are rotten mikans just like Danzō-dono," Kakashi muttered disdainfully. "If Hiruzen-heika hadn't been so lenient with his childhood friend, Danzō-dono would have been in exile long ago."
It was true, the Old King had turned a blind eye to all of Shimura-kakka's mistakes, and now his two grandsons—two children—were battling it out for the throne, Mirai-oujo only a few moons old, while Konohamaru-denka was eight years old, too young to be involved in the tumultuous world of politics.
Shisui took a sip of tea, before looking at Kakashi.
"How about a game of shogi to relax?"