CHAPTER 9

Month 1

The first month of Sakura's new life as future queen of Nippon Koku was nothing short of overwhelming. Every morning began early, with Hinata gently waking her at the crack of dawn, and the day's lessons following in rapid succession. From the moment Sakura stepped into the palace, it had become clear that this role wasn't simply ceremonial—it required her to become an integral part of the kingdom's leadership.

The first few weeks were packed with lessons that ranged from historical briefings about the monarchy's relationship with parliament, to political science refresher courses that focused on the intricacies of foreign policy and trade agreements. It was a crash course in everything she had never thought she would need to know in such depth. The palace tutors were firm but patient, and her schedule left little room for personal time.

Diplomacy was perhaps the most demanding aspect of her training. The tutors, led by Mikoto Uchiha and Izumi, emphasized the importance of subtle communication and understanding the nuances of court interactions. Sakura learned how to greet foreign dignitaries with the right tone of voice, how to stand during royal audiences, and even how to use silence to her advantage in conversations with aristocrats.

She also had to brush up on foreign languages. Twice a week, a tutor came in to help her with the two languages she would be expected to know fluently—one for trade negotiations, the other for cultural diplomacy with key allied nations. It was draining, and many nights she would collapse into her bed exhausted

Hinata, gentle and thoughtful, had become a source of comfort amidst the chaos. The two of them were getting along well, and despite her shy nature, Hinata proved to be incredibly insightful. She helped Sakura navigate the overwhelming palace life and acted as a quiet, supportive presence during difficult days.

"She's doing well," Hinata had confided to one of the palace staff after the first week. "But I know it's all so much for her. She just needs time."

Sakura found herself opening up to Hinata more than she had expected. Hinata's calm, soothing presence helped her through the endless stream of expectations, lessons, and protocols. They even shared quiet moments of laughter when they found humor in the palace's more absurd traditions—like the intricacies of setting a royal dinner table with twelve different types of silverware.

But despite the demands on her time, one thing loomed in the background: the wedding. Though it was still nearly a year away, planning had already begun in earnest. While Sakura wasn't directly involved in every detail yet, she was regularly briefed on major decisions—everything from venue options to potential guest lists

One thing that caught Sakura completely off-guard was the biweekly meeting Sasuke had scheduled with her. She had been told early on by nearly everyone, including Neji and Hinata, that Sasuke's duties were so expansive that any one-on-one time with him would be extremely rare. So when Hinata informed her that the king had specifically put a meeting with her in the diary every two weeks, she was genuinely surprised.

"Are you sure?" Sakura had asked Hinata, confusion written all over her face. "I thought his Lordship was too busy for... well, anything."

Hinata smiled softly. "The schedule was updated this morning. He's made time for you."

When the day of their first meeting arrived, Sakura's heart raced a little. It wasn't that she was nervous about meeting him—well, not completely. But she was curious. They had only spoken briefly since her selection, and there was a lot she still didn't know about him. He was an enigma to her, a powerful but distant figure who carried the weight of the entire kingdom on his shoulders.

When she entered the room, she found Sasuke already seated at a large wooden desk, a few scattered documents in front of him. He looked up briefly as she walked in, his expression unreadable, but there was a subtle softness in his eyes, perhaps an acknowledgment of their shared future. He motioned for her to sit across from him, and the meeting began.

They talked about how she was settling in. Sasuke's questions were direct but not unkind. He asked if she was finding the lessons manageable, if she needed more time with any of the material, or if anything had become too overwhelming. His concern was practical, not emotional, but Sakura appreciated it nonetheless.

"I'm adjusting," Sakura replied, her voice steady. "It's a lot to take in, but I think I'm keeping up."

There was a lull in the conversation after that, a comfortable silence hanging in the air. Sasuke didn't seem particularly inclined to fill it with idle chatter, and Sakura wasn't sure what else to say. But then, a memory from their very first meeting crept back into her mind, making her squirm slightly in her seat.

She glanced at him, biting her lip before she spoke. "I owe you an apology."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "For what?"

Sakura hesitated, then sighed. "When we first met, I... I asked if you were gay. It was a stupid thing to say, and I'm sorry."

A ghost of a smile flickered on Sasuke's lips—just barely, but it was there. "I remember." He leaned back in his chair, studying her for a moment. "Is there a reason you're bringing this up now?"

Sakura flushed, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. "I just... well, I'm marrying you. And if there was any truth to that, I figured it would be good to know."

Sasuke's eyes gleamed with a touch of amusement, though his expression remained mostly neutral. "You're asking if I'm gay?"

Sakura groaned inwardly, realizing how absurd this conversation had become. But she pressed on, her voice slightly defensive. "Well, I'm marrying you, so yeah, it'd be nice to know if my future husband actually likes women. You know, just so I can... prepare accordingly."

Sasuke exhaled softly, a trace of amusement finally creeping into his stoic features. "No, Sakura. I'm not gay."

Sakura blinked, slightly taken aback by his blunt answer. "Oh. Okay, then."

Sasuke looked at her, the small smile still tugging at the corner of his lips. "Is that all?"

Sakura nodded quickly, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Yeah... that's all."

They sat in silence for a moment longer, the awkwardness lingering for only a few heartbeats. But, despite the odd turn the conversation had taken, Sakura felt more at ease. At least now she knew where she stood with him—or at least, she understood that part of the equation.

She stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye, noting the sharp angles of his face, the regal posture, the quiet power that seemed to radiate from him without effort. Well, she thought, at least he's pretty to look at.

The rest of their meeting passed without much fanfare, but there was a subtle shift in the air between them. Sakura couldn't pinpoint it exactly, but something about their exchange—however awkward—had made her feel just a little more connected to the man she was going to marry.

Month 2

By the second month, Sakura was beginning to settle into her new routine. The palace was no longer the intimidating maze it once seemed, and she had learned to navigate her royal duties with more confidence. Her days were packed with lessons, briefings, and etiquette training, while the looming wedding was being planned behind the scenes. It was exhausting, but she managed to carve out small pockets of time for herself, moments when she could relax and unwind with her own thoughts.

One evening, during her biweekly meeting with Sasuke, she found herself opening up about things she hadn't intended to share. Their conversations had started out formal and business-like, mostly revolving around how she was adjusting to palace life. But tonight, it took a different turn.

They sat in Sasuke's private study, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. He was reviewing some paperwork while she sipped tea, appreciating the warmth it brought to her hands. Their meetings were mostly quiet, with Sasuke asking a few questions here and there, but tonight, she felt comfortable enough to ask him something she'd been curious about.

"What was your life like before you became king?" Sakura asked, her voice light but curious.

Sasuke glanced up from the papers, his expression thoughtful. He wasn't one to offer personal details easily, but something about the question made him pause. "It was different," he said slowly, as if weighing his words. "Less controlled. I had duties, of course, but there was more freedom… more time to think."

Sakura nodded, intrigued. "I can imagine. It must've been hard, stepping into your brother's shoes so suddenly. You didn't exactly have time to prepare, did you?"

Sasuke's face tightened slightly at the mention of Itachi, but he didn't seem bothered by the question. "No. I wasn't ready for it, but there wasn't a choice."

There was a brief silence, and then, almost without thinking, Sakura added, "I guess we all give up something for the roles we're expected to play."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean?"

Sakura shrugged, glancing down at her cup of tea. "I mean, I didn't exactly plan to end up here, either. Before the raffle, I was a nutritionist. It wasn't my dream or anything, but it was a stable career. I liked helping people with their health, but deep down… I always wanted to pursue medicine."

Sasuke's gaze sharpened with interest. "Medicine?"

Sakura nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah, but by the time I thought about it seriously, I felt like I was too old to go back to school. So, I settled for something close—nutrition. I still read medical journals for fun, though." She let out a soft laugh. "I actually brought a few with me when I moved here. It's my way of staying connected to that dream, I guess."

Sasuke studied her for a moment, thoughtful. It was clear that Sakura was more than just someone thrust into the role of queen; she had her own aspirations, her own interests. He admired that about her—how she found ways to hold onto parts of herself, even in the midst of overwhelming changes.

"You don't seem too old to pursue anything," he said finally, his tone quiet but firm.

Sakura blinked, slightly taken aback. "What?"

"You're not too old," Sasuke repeated, his gaze steady. "If you wanted to study medicine, there's no reason you couldn't."

Sakura smiled softly, a little flustered by his directness. "I appreciate that, but I think being queen might take up most of my time."

Sasuke didn't respond immediately, but he made a mental note. He could see how passionate she was about medicine, and it sparked an idea. But for now, he left it unspoken, choosing instead to let the conversation flow naturally.

Sakura leaned back in her chair, her gaze drifting to the papers on Sasuke's desk. He looked tired—more tired than usual. His sharp features were slightly softened by the shadows in the room, and his shoulders held a tension she hadn't noticed before. On impulse, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small vial.

"Here," she said, sliding it across the desk toward him. "You look exhausted. I made this herbal concoction the other night when I couldn't sleep. It might help you relax."

Sasuke picked up the vial, his eyes narrowing slightly as he inspected it. "You made this?"

Sakura nodded, smiling a little. "I like experimenting with herbs and natural remedies. It's a hobby of mine."

Sasuke looked at the vial for a moment longer before setting it down on the desk. "Thank you," he said quietly, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'll try it."

A few days later, Sasuke gathered his inner circle in the palace's council chamber. Shikamaru, Neji, Naruto, and several key advisors were seated around the long table, their discussions focused on the usual state affairs—trade, economic reforms, and diplomatic relations. But as the conversation shifted toward the upcoming wedding, Sasuke's thoughts drifted back to his earlier conversation with Sakura.

"The wedding preparations are progressing," Shikamaru said, his tone as calm and bored as always. "We're working with the media to keep the public engaged, but we'll need to start finalizing the guest list soon."

Naruto grinned, always excited about these kinds of things. "The public loves her, you know. She's really winning people over."

Neji nodded in agreement. "Her progress in the palace has been impressive as well. She's adapting quickly to her lessons, especially when it comes to diplomacy. I've been keeping an eye on her interactions with the staff, and she's handling it well."

Sasuke leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "She's doing better than expected," he admitted. "But there's more to her than just diplomacy. She has interests outside of her royal duties—things she sacrificed to be here."

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Such as?"

Sasuke's gaze drifted toward the window. "Medicine. She wanted to be a doctor."

There was a brief silence before Naruto spoke up, looking surprised but impressed. "Really? That's… actually really cool."

Shikamaru leaned forward slightly. "Are you planning to do something about that?"

Sasuke nodded slowly. "I've already arranged for her to attend recreational medical lessons with Tsunade Senju. It's something she's passionate about, and I want her to have that."

Neji's expression softened, a rare moment of understanding crossing his features. "That's a good move. It'll help her feel more connected to herself, even with all the changes happening."

Naruto grinned widely. "Tsunade's the best. She'll love it."

Shikamaru smirked, his eyes glinting with approval. "It's a strategic choice too. Keeping her engaged in something she's passionate about will only make her a stronger queen in the long run."

Sasuke said nothing more, but the discussion moved back to state matters. As they reviewed the kingdom's diplomatic ties and trade agreements, Sasuke's mind remained focused on the balance he was trying to create in his life—and in Sakura's. This marriage, though politically advantageous, was becoming something more. And with every decision he made, he felt more certain that Sakura was the right choice, not just for the kingdom, but for him.

As the meeting concluded, Sasuke's gaze lingered on the documents in front of him, but his thoughts were with Sakura. She had already proven herself to be capable, resilient, and kind. And in this kingdom, those traits were worth more than any royal title or bloodline.

Month 3

It was early evening when Sakura's phone buzzed, breaking the quiet of her room in the palace. She'd had an exhausting day and wasn't particularly looking forward to more human connection. Still, she glanced at the screen, a slight frown forming as she noticed an unfamiliar number. Since moving to the palace, her private number had been guarded closely, only shared with family and palace staff. With a curious flick of her thumb, she opened the message.

"Sakura, it's Ino. I got your number from your parents. Can we talk?"

Sakura's heart clenched painfully. Ino. Her best friend. They hadn't spoken properly since the raffle—a long, awkward silence punctuated by unspoken resentment. Losing Ino had been one of the hardest parts of this new life, a void that grew deeper with each passing week. She hadn't realized just how much she missed her until she read that text.

Without hesitation, Sakura dialed the number.

"Sakura!" Ino's voice exploded through the phone, bright and familiar. It was like hearing a song she hadn't realized she needed until that very moment. Sakura felt her chest tighten, her throat constricting with emotion.

"Ino..." Sakura whispered, unsure of how to even start. The silence between them, so thick and heavy for months, suddenly felt fragile, like one wrong word could shatter everything.

But in typical Ino fashion, she bulldozed right through it, her voice softening but still strong. "Listen, I know I've been an absolute ass. And I'm so sorry. I don't know what got into me after the raffle... maybe it was the disappointment, or my own stupid pride. But I need you to know—I'm so damn glad it's you, Sakura."

Sakura's breath hitched, her eyes instantly welling up. She hadn't expected this—hadn't expected Ino to reach out, let alone apologize with such sincerity. The flood of emotions she had been holding back for months surged forward all at once.

"Ino..." she started, but her voice wavered. "I thought I lost you."

"I thought I lost you too," Ino replied, her voice thick with emotion. "And it was my fault. I let my own jealousy get in the way of our friendship. We both entered that raffle for fun, and when you got picked... I don't know, maybe I just didn't want to admit that you're the one who deserves it."

Sakura felt tears spill down her cheeks as Ino spoke. She tried to wipe them away, but they kept coming, carrying with them the weight of the last few months.

"You were always the best," Ino continued, her voice cracking slightly. "Smartest, kindest, hardest-working... I mean, you're going to make a great queen. I see that now."

Sakura couldn't hold it in any longer. She sobbed openly, the relief of hearing her best friend's voice, of reconciling after such a painful silence, overwhelming her. "I missed you so much, Pig."

"I missed you too, Forehead," Ino sniffled, her voice wavering with emotion.

They both burst into laughter through their tears, the playful nicknames tugging them back to a simpler time. It was like old times, the distance between them disappearing as if it had never existed.

Sakura wiped her eyes, letting the warmth of the moment wash over her. "I can't believe you're calling... I was so afraid I wouldn't hear from you again."

"Well, I needed to get my head straight," Ino admitted. "I actually went to Paris for a therapy retreat. You know, to clear my mind and figure out what the hell I was doing. And, uh... I met this guy named Sai."

Sakura blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Yeah, I know, right? I go to Paris to 'find myself,' and instead I find a guy," Ino laughed, a hint of her usual playful spirit returning. "We're in a long-distance thing now, but I really like him. He's... different."

Sakura couldn't help but grin. "Only you, Ino. Only you could go on a therapy trip and end up in a relationship."

"What can I say? I've got a gift," Ino teased, but her voice was warm. "Enough about me, though. What about you? How's life in the palace? What's it like... prepping to be a freaking queen?"

Sakura sighed, glancing around her room—the opulent furniture, the immaculate decor, the air heavy with expectations. "It's... a lot," she admitted. "My schedule's packed with lessons—traditions, etiquette, court politics. It's exhausting."

"And Sasuke?" Ino's voice turned mischievous, as always ready to poke fun. "What's he like? Still as broody as ever?"

Sakura snorted, despite herself. "Broody doesn't even begin to cover it. He's... he's practical. That's the best way to describe him. Not exactly the charming prince, but... he's thoughtful, in his own way."

"Thoughtful, huh?" Ino sounded intrigued. "Maybe there's more to him than meets the eye."

Sakura chuckled, but deep down, she knew Ino was right. "Yeah... maybe."

"Well, I'm sure he's got the looks, but I guess beauty and brains don't always come with charm, right?" Ino teased.

Sakura wanted to agree, but she found herself hesitating. In a strange way, she had begun to appreciate Sasuke's practicality. His care wasn't loud or affectionate, but it was there in his actions—like how he'd arranged for her to take recreational medical lessons with Tsunade Senju. Every time she sat down with Tsunade to discuss a new medical journal or dissect the latest research, it was like a part of her old self had come back to life.

"He's... done more for me than I expected," Sakura admitted, her voice soft. "I'm starting to like parts of this life, actually."

"Wow," Ino said, her tone teasing but affectionate. "Look at you, already falling for the king."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "It's not like that. It's just... I appreciate him, that's all."

"Uh-huh," Ino hummed, not convinced but letting it go. "So, tell me about the wedding. What's the plan? I assume it's going to be the event of the century?"

"Oh, it's going to be massive," Sakura sighed. "We're having a traditional Japanese ceremony, and then a Western-style reception with dignitaries from all over the world. My schedule is packed with learning about all these traditions, and I'm honestly struggling to keep up."

Ino whistled. "Damn, that's huge. I'll be there, cheering you on from the sidelines. You better believe I'm going to be the most fabulous guest in attendance."

Sakura smiled, the warmth of Ino's words wrapping around her like a hug. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

By the time they finally hung up, Sakura felt lighter than she had in months. Talking to Ino again was like reconnecting with a part of herself she had almost lost. It reminded her that no matter how much her life had changed, some things—like her friendship with Ino—would always be there, unshakable.

And for the first time in a while, Sakura felt a little more ready to face whatever came next.

The familiar scent of polished wood and parchment filled the room as Sakura sat across from Sasuke in his private study, their biweekly meeting underway. These sessions had quickly become part of the rhythm of palace life—a chance for them to discuss her progress, for him to check in on how she was handling the transition to becoming queen. But today, she felt the weight of more than just lessons and royal duties pressing on her shoulders.

"So," Sasuke began, his voice even and calm as always, "how are you finding the lessons?"

Sakura exhaled softly, twirling a strand of her pink hair between her fingers as she thought about her answer. "It's... interesting. I've learned a lot, especially about Nippon Koku's history and its relations with other countries. But some parts are harder to digest."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp but curious. "Which parts?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward, her tone shifting slightly. "Well, I had a bit of a disagreement with one of my tutors recently. We were discussing the role of queens in history, and the idea that a queen's primary responsibility is to support her king in a purely symbolic capacity. I... didn't agree."

Sasuke's eyes flickered with interest. "What did you say?"

Sakura's fingers tightened slightly on the armrest of her chair. "I argued that a queen can be more than just a figurehead—she can play a real, strategic role in governing the kingdom, especially when it comes to social policies and public welfare. The tutor wasn't exactly thrilled with my 'radical' view."

A faint smile tugged at Sasuke's lips, though his expression remained mostly composed. "And why do you believe that?"

Sakura felt her heart beat a little faster. "Because the people need more than a figurehead. They need someone they can relate to, someone who understands their struggles and can influence policy from a place of empathy. I think a queen should be involved in shaping the future of the kingdom, not just... standing beside the king."

Sasuke leaned back slightly, his gaze thoughtful. He remained silent for a few moments, as if weighing her words carefully. "You're right," he finally said, his voice low but certain. "The role of the queen is what you make of it. The traditions are there, but they don't define everything. If you want to influence policy, you'll find a way."

Sakura blinked, a little surprised by his response. She hadn't expected him to agree so readily, and the validation made her feel more confident in her stance. "You think so?"

Sasuke nodded, his expression softening. "You'll face resistance, especially from the more traditional members of the court. But if you're determined, you'll find allies. Not everyone will dismiss your ideas."

Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. It was a relief to hear that, especially coming from him. "Thank you. I was beginning to think I was pushing too hard, but I just can't see myself standing by silently when there's so much to be done."

Sasuke didn't respond immediately, but there was a flicker of approval in his eyes as he watched her. "Your instincts are good," he said finally. "Follow them."

The conversation shifted after that, flowing more easily now. They discussed her other lessons—diplomacy, the intricacies of the court, and how she was navigating her new life in the palace.

"Some days it feels like I'm just trying to keep my head above water," Sakura admitted, a hint of a smile on her lips. "But I've been enjoying the discussions with Tsunade. It's like a breath of fresh air. The medical stuff... it remind me of what I love."

Sasuke's eyes softened slightly at the mention of Tsunade. "She speaks highly of you. Says you're sharp."

Sakura blushed a little, feeling both pleased and slightly embarrassed by the praise. "It's just nice to have something familiar in all of this."

Sasuke nodded, his usual reserved expression unreadable, but Sakura could tell he was listening closely. It was strange—despite his quiet demeanor, she always felt like he understood her better than she expected.

After a moment, the conversation took a more awkward turn as Sasuke brought up the topic neither of them had discussed much: the wedding.

"You've been engaged with the wedding planners, haven't you?" he asked, his tone carefully neutral.

Sakura let out a soft, nervous laugh. "Yeah... they've started asking me for my thoughts, but honestly, I don't have any. I've never thought about getting married, let alone having a grand royal wedding."

Sasuke's expression didn't change, but Sakura could sense that he was taking her words in. "What do you want?" he asked, the question simple but genuine.

Sakura hesitated, her mind racing. What do I want? She hadn't had the luxury of asking herself that. The weight of tradition, expectation, and the grandeur of the event had overshadowed her own desires. "I... I'm not sure. I suppose I want it to feel like me, in some way, even if it has to follow all these traditions."

Sasuke nodded slowly, understanding in his eyes. "It doesn't have to be just about tradition. If there's something you want, speak up."

Sakura smiled softly. "I will. Thanks."

There was a brief silence, and Sakura suddenly felt the urge to do something she hadn't considered before. She had been thinking about everything Sasuke had done for her—the support, the lessons with Tsunade, the way he had quietly made her transition easier. The thought came out of nowhere, but before she could stop herself, she blurted it out.

"Can I give you a hug, Your Majesty?"

Sasuke visibly froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "A... hug?"

Sakura's face flushed with embarrassment. She hadn't meant to ask that—it just slipped out. But now that she had, she couldn't take it back. "I just... I wanted to thank you. Properly."

Sasuke stared at her for a moment, as if processing the request. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded. "If you want."

Without hesitation, Sakura stood and crossed the space between them. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. She could feel the tension in his body, the way he hesitated for a moment before awkwardly lifting his arms and hugging her back. But then, something shifted, and his hold became firmer, more certain.

The warmth of his body against hers sent an unexpected wave of comfort through Sakura. It was a simple hug, but it felt like so much more. It was gratitude, connection, and something else she couldn't quite name.

When they finally pulled apart, the air between them felt charged, electric. Sakura's heart raced, and she found herself unable to meet his eyes. Sasuke, too, seemed slightly off-balance, his usual stoic mask slipping just for a moment.

"Thank you," Sakura whispered, her voice barely audible. "For everything."

Sasuke nodded, his voice quieter than usual. "You're welcome."

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the weight of the moment hanging between them. Something had shifted—something neither of them was ready to acknowledge, but it was there, lingering in the space between them.

Sakura quickly stepped back, her cheeks flushed, and Sasuke remained where he was, his expression unreadable but his gaze following her. The tension in the room was almost palpable, and Sakura's mind raced with thoughts she wasn't ready to confront.

But for now, she let the moment pass, knowing that this was just the beginning of something deeper.

tbc

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