I am back!

Let me start my apology by explaining that I took a break from writing because my mother passed away. I've been severely struggling with my mental health since then and just haven't had the motivation to do anything outside of necessities to make it through the days.

I am so sorry if you felt abandoned.

I'm unsure how often I'll be updating going forward, but I can promise there definitely won't be any gaps as long as this one. This story is about of the way through. I have the rest of it outlined and will do everything I can to dedicate time weekly to writing so I don't let you all down like I have recently.

Lastly, thank you very much for your comments, reviews, advice, and so on. You have no idea how much such a small act of kindness means to someone who has been in a dark place like I have.

This chapter is shorter than the others, but I didn't want to make readers wait even longer for an update.

Sakura, her heart heavy with the weight of betrayal, found it unbearable to face her husband after the shocking revelation. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion, trying to make sense of the fact that her entire life had been a lie. She was not a Haruno, but the daughter of the infamous wizard Orochimaru, who had cursed a young Sasuke. This revelation, which explained her healing magical powers, brought her no comfort.

As the days passed without any interaction with those outside Sakura's bedroom, Ino stayed by her side, keeping the princess company during almost all of her waking hours. It was clear that the maid was worried about her charge. Sakura couldn't bear to face her secret-keeping husband, the angry demon residing somewhere inside him, or the previously believed to be deceased wizard controlling her sister's body. The Yamanaka maid was Sakura's only remaining source of support. Without her, Sakura would have been utterly and completely alone.

"Please, you need to go outside."

As Sakura gazed at the falling snow, she couldn't help but feel the weight of her internal struggle. She absently caressed her swollen belly, a physical reminder of the emotional storm raging within her. She shook her head, avoiding Ino's gaze, 'I'm fine here, I can absorb sunlight from this room.'

The maid confidently placed a hand on the pregnant woman's shoulder, guiding her to face her fully. With her bright blue eyes shining with determination, she said, "You need some fresh air, Your Grace."

The pinkette felt warmth rise to her cheeks and scrunched her nose in distaste. "I told you not to use such formal titles while we're alone, Ino," she replied.

"You did, but since you're refusing to interact with anyone else, someone needs to remind you who you are!" Ino's lips were pressed into a firm line as she challenged Sakura.

As much as the princess wanted to argue, she averted her gaze down to her stomach and realized she couldn't continue living this way. Now more than ever, she needed to reduce her stress. According to the parenting books she had been devouring from the library, excessive emotional distress could lead to premature birth or hinder a baby's growth, resulting in them being underdeveloped even if carried to term.

Sighing, Sakura nodded and turned her gaze back to the snow outside, wrapping her arms around her midsection. She softly said, "You're right, but how can I trust Sasuke now? He promised not to keep anything from me, yet he immediately did."

This time, Ino took a moment before responding. She stood beside the princess, sharing in her gaze as the delicate white snow quietly blanketed the large yard outside. Finally, she turned to the princess and said gently, "I can see how you feel, and I truly empathize with you. However, I believe Lord Sasuke's choices are in everyone's best interest."

Sakura narrowed her eyes and turned her head to the blonde, giving her an incredulous look, "What?"

"Yes, he lied, but consider how you would react in his situation." Sakura searched Ino's face in disbelief, 'She thinks it was right for him to keep the fact that I've been living a lie my entire life a secret?'

Ino shook her head slightly, her hands balling into fists at her side as she visually attempted to keep her composure, "He was abandoned by everyone he loved because of something beyond his control. For a decade, he has suffered alone to ensure no one else would get hurt, no matter how lonely and afraid he felt," Ino said, her brow furrowing as her expression softened. She pleaded with Sakura to consider her words. "Then, this wonderful, selfless woman comes into his life, and his entire world changes. He has someone he loves, trusts, and cherishes more than anything else, but she keeps getting hurt. It feels like everything and everyone is trying to take his source of happiness away. Can you really blame him for wanting to protect you?"

Tears stung Sakura's eyes as she put aside her feelings and truly considered Ino's plea.

The maid noticed this and gently took the princess's hands, "He has watched you come close to death time and again. He just wants to fulfill his duty as your husband by protecting you and your child, Sakura. Although his methods may seem misguided, we both know he only wants what is best for you."

Sakura sniffled, gently brushing away the one tear that managed to overflow. After a moment, she nodded, "N-No, I can't blame him for being anxious after all we've been through together."

'It makes sense that he's acting this way when I consider how helpless he probably feels. Until now, there has been little he could do to protect me. It's understandable that he wants to do everything he can to prove his worth as a husband.'

A married man in Konoha takes great pride in providing happiness and stability for his family. A Konoha man is considered his wife's source of strength, and Sasuke, as a prince of this kingdom, felt a strong connection to that ideal. However, in his eyes, he believed he had failed in that role. While Sakura disagreed with his assessment, she understood him well enough to know that he held himself responsible for every misfortune that had occurred since their engagement.

'No matter how often I reassure him, he'll never believe that he has helped me more than harmed me.'

Sakura walked over to her desk, took out a piece of parchment and a pen, and wrote her husband a letter. As she did so, nostalgia enveloped her, reminding her of her first few days in the manor.

Again, I will try to update much more quickly, but I won't promise a specific timeframe because I don't want to lie to you unintentionally.

Thank you again to those who've stuck around after the hiatus. I'll try my best to make the rest of this story great!