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When the start of winter begins to make its presence known, Haruno Sakura, age of twenty eight springs, ends her daily rounds as the new and talented intern of a small rural hospital.
Living alone in the countryside for almost four years, there was a sweet feeling of relief from the simple peace this town brought her. Her clear, yet distant, gleaming jaded irises stares at the gloomy horizon behind the floating pliant wisps, the sun shines weakly like a fading grief.
Even though the bitter wind whiplashes the stray strands of cropped roseate hair against her flushed face, she smiles and looks at the cream colored horizon, shoving her hands in the large pockets of her hand-me down, comfortable coat.
"It's time to visit."
the conspiracy
--always read underneath the underneath--
"Breaking News: to ensure the fragile stability of the government--"
"Has officially announced earlier, that the Overlord is going to be--"
It was already three o' clock in a Monday morning when Sakura was eating her bucket of gooey chocolate ice cream. She was sitting on her very run-down chintz chair in the center of a huge dormitory room. Her knees were drawn up supporting the delectable dessert, with a plastic spoon dangling in between her teeth. Exhausted olive eyes were glued upon the small minute fonts of her broad course book on her lap, trying to absorb the whole medical gibberish with her already bombarded mind.
"The candidate has already been chosen by The Council but still remains as a secret—“
"Recently, all twenty one year old females in the country were selected--"
The radio blared on the daily morning news, but its sole audience was not even paying any attention. The droning sound of the announcer’s voice was enough to keep her awake. But the need for sleep was already overpowering and with an instinctive glance to the digital clock on her wrist, she was finally informed that there were only five hours left before her examination for med school.
"Now, in the weather report, it looks like that there will be some flakes later--"
"We might have a white Christmas for the 25, folks. The temperature drops a bit--"
There was that buzzing anticipation in her chest that she will finally be able to attend again in The University. Ever since her family died because of the lack of financial means to get the best medical attention, she had sworn that she will do whatever it takes to become a doctor.
Finally deciding that she needs to attend to her already sleep-deprived body, she stretched her numbing limbs, slammed the thick textbook and proceeded to return the brown, fluffy sweetness. As soon as she shut the door of the refrigerator, a shrill ringing went up all through those unintelligible broadcasts.
With sharp twist of her neck, she glared at that innocent, dark, metallic cell phone on the coffee table.
That cursed communication gadget was the bane of her existence for almost a decade. It was a customized sleek, black cell phone which can never be used for anything. The phone cannot be utilized to send messages or call someone else, but its only function was to receive only one call from a certain man.
The person who nearly made her insane for all her life.
Picking it up, she flipped it open with a swift flick, pressed six numbers as a code and the screen suddenly lit up.
"Sir."
"Are you alone?"
"Yes, sir." She replied curtly. As she slapped the freezer with her right hand, she reached out on the small knob of her old radio, turning it to increase its volume. "At this time?"
"A target."
"It's in our deal," Her hoarse voice felt awfully sticky. "that I am exempted from all that crap when I have some school matters."
"A new deal, then." She can definitely hear the sneer, telling her that he was becoming impatient. "I will grant your freedom."
All Sakura can hear now is the sudden rush of blood in her head and the palpitations it caused.
"Freedom?" She weakly responded, suddenly flopping back down to sit on the counter.
There was a chuckle from the other side of the line. "A chance to be 'normal', as you say"
Stiffening her relaxed body, a pair of green glittering eyes alighted in suspicion. "You’re not pulling my leg?"
"I won't even give a damn about you if you accomplish this."
"And the money?"
"Enough to last up until your final year for residency."
She grit her teeth and finally gave up.
"Okay.Fine. You win."
Rising from her slouched position, she paced towards her window to draw the blinds slowly. Her callused fingers wrap around small copper keys, hanging from a hook, concealed behind a frame. The intricate, little keys unfasten an assorted set of locks of a small armory hidden underneath her bedroom closet.
Clipping the phone in between her cheek and shoulder blades, she was already crouching to reach for the latch when she asked. "Who?"
"You don't need to use the guns right now." A malicious snicker reverberated from the speaker. "Not the big ones. This calls for a long-term assignment."
"Eh?"
"Uchiha Sasuke."
She dropped the keys to her cold floor, wide startled eyes staring at the chipping wood of her nearly dilapidated closet. "Are you out of your mind? He's got the top security. Not even any people in his palace can enter his office or bed chambers without any thorough inspection. Then you’re telling me to kill him? I did some of the big shots under him because I can draw them out of that heavy security but this! This is different!"
"You are the chosen candidate."
How in the seven heavens did he--?!
"The hell?”
Sakura knew that this was a very, very bad idea.
“How in the world would you know? The public doesn't even--"
"Silence."
It means: Shut up, no questions, do your business.
She bit her lips to prevent shouting her befuddled brain out of her mouth.
"At exactly 0800 hours, two of his personal guards will pick you up. Both of them will discreetly take you to the palace.” The apparent electronically manipulated voice droned on. “They will drill you about his background details, his work schedule and his direct, close vassals. You will also be oriented about your duties."
"But sir!"
"Gain his trust. This might take years, but you need him to be unguarded.” With a drawl, he continued, "You will not kill him until I give you the command."
He’s closing the call.
If the line went dead, she can never call him back.
“Hey!”Better cut across his words. “Wait a darn minute!”
Of course, that never worked. "Good luck, Lady Uchiha."
When the click signaled that the phone call had ended, she cursed violently with her scowling face directed on the keys that scattered on her stone floor.
Looking back at her digital clock, she surmised that she will have about three hours to dismantle her firearms and figure out where to hide them to avoid detection. Of course, as a foresight, they will search her house in order to look for any evidences that she can be a threat. She might as well start now to prepare for her role.
Besides, she had to figure out on how she could finish this in the end.
If she was lucky, maybe the man sleeps with a gun underneath his pillow.
Weakly grinning, she estimated that the time available for her to get some wink will be only two hours if she starts to move her lazy ass.
Knowing that she was going to turn the brass doorknob for the last time, her mind unconsciously began to glorify this quaint little room. It was not as extravagant as the other suite deluxe that University students were provided with, but at least she was given a very comfortable shelter. Besides, the area was secure, undisturbed for most times and just plain perfect for those people who just had too many secrets to hide.
Unlocking the door chains, she opened the door slowly. Outside, three people heavily dressed in black suits with their thick sunglasses over their eyes stood rigidly. Lips thinning, she gives them a lukewarm 'good morning' and a polite, exquisite bow.
"I believe you are Miss Sakura?" The shortest of the three spoke tersely, a dark auburn-haired female who was glowering at her, obviously scrutinizing her behind those tinted glasses.
"Of course, dimwit." The young man on her left responded, grinning mischievously. "The profile said pink hair. It's a shade lighter than yours, if you forgot what the color pink is."
"Yes, May I help you...?"
Letting the sentence end in eclipses, she allowed them to fill her in on the details about why they are here. They didn't know that they were expected, after all.
"We're from The Palace, Madam. I'm Suigetsu." replied cheerily the young man with a sleek, pale turquoise strands held back in a low ponytail. Outstretching a hand for a shake, Sakura complied with a firm grasp. Then he pointed to his two companions with a jerk of his thumb. "Juugo." The indicated person nodded his head. "And the red bimbo is Karin."
"Shut up, pointy teeth." Karin growled and socked his mouth with a clenched fist, after which Suigetsu howled and nearly chomped off his companion's fingers, but the aggravated female was really too fast to avoid the retaliation. "That's for acting so stupid."
And this is point where she inserts her reply. "Excuse me, Miss Karin?"
"You are coming with us." Then she pulled on her arm, rumpling the white sweater covering it and tugging Suigetsu by his fish,er, ponytail, "I will explain all the details as we go to The Palace."
"The Palace? But Juugo--?"
"He will inspect your belongings and determine which will be delivered to your quarters."
She was right. That huge, almost indifferent carrot-top was going to inspect her apartment
"I don't understand, Miss Ka--"
"Not now." Her voice cut rather impatiently. "We are already late."
Her treacherous cell phone, which was the only incriminating evidence of her true identity, was hidden inconspicuously in her pocket. Strangely, that small little thing that she loathed for years was now her reassuring amulet.
They descended the old, unpolished stairs of the dormitory and finally reached the dark, glinting long limousine that was stationed in front of the small establishment. With a courteous opening of the door, the confounded woman entered the car without any inquiries.
Sakura’s simple spring green blouse, fading pair of jeans, overused white cardigan sweater and mud-crusted sneakers were an absolute contrast to the expensive items inside the car. Once inside, she inhaled fresh scent of wood spices and fidgeted uncomfortably. She was certainly out of place with all of these costly things. She sat on glamorous fresh leather seats, enclosed in these solid, bullet-proofed tinted windows and was leaning her elbows on a small, overflowing ref bar beside her.
After a second, Suigetsu's face was shoved into a seat in front of her while Karin took a place beside him.
The moment the car door snapped shut, the vehicle revved its engine and it slowly drove to the completely empty streets.
It was really this quiet in the Capital, especially on such an early morning. The Uchiha insignias that hung on the lamp posts fluttered against the gentle wind, reminding her that this might be the last time that she will freely view the city.
"We must now begin." Karin finally spoke in a dead-pan voice, and Suigetsu, who was going to pull off another stunt to annoy Karin further ceased when her glowering burgundy eyes halted his actions. "First of all, I would like to tell you that as of today, you are Lady Sakura Uchiha. You have been chosen by the entire Council as the most suitable wife for Lord Uchiha."
A recalcitrant silence.
"Why?"
Both of the guards were amazed at how calm and composed she was. They were expecting some kind of jubilant reaction but they only received a slight increase in her breathing, which indicated that she was uneasy.
"One of the factors for Lord Uchiha's wife would be a twenty-one year old, like him.”
"So I've heard." Sakura agreed.
"According to those files, you are quite brainy, sister. Not bad, since you're quite a looker too." The pale-skinned young man whistled and slid his glasses down an inch. "You're ten points above Karin in IQ, you know."
A soft crimson streak accentuated her cheeks in embarrassment while Karin's red flush was caused by a different kind of humiliation.
"You moron! Will you shut your trap?!"
Pulling him back to his seat and glaring at the young man that would make any feminist proud, Karin gave a disgruntled cough and proceeded to continue. "According to the deliberations made by the Uchiha clan, even though there is no noble blood in your line, you are quite an exceptional student. Not to mention that you were orphaned in a young age, which means that there are no...future troubles that the clan might encounter with your family."
"I see."
"But before I go on about the explanation." Karin now turned to the pile of folders that sat in between the two. "I would like to orient you first about the true reason of your marriage and how the reign of the Uchiha clan started. It was--"
"The Minato Clan was the first to rule the country for almost five generations." Sakura nearly smirked when both of them gaped in disbelief. She had enough of being interrupted when speaking, after all. "Upon the death of Kamikaze Minato, the only remaining one from his descent, he passed a testamentary document, or his last will--in layman's terms. It was stated that the Uchiha Clan, the next powerful clan after his death, will decide among themselves on who will replace him. The Uchiha clan was renowned as the most powerful elite force in the military, knowing the political affairs and the needs in handling the country than any subordinate of the late Lord Kamikaze."
"..." Both of them were silent, surprised at her suddenly speaking long sentences.
"It was then decided that the youngest son from the main family to take over the position. That also makes him as the youngest Overlord in history, who managed to rule Nippon-koku on at the age of sixteen. Because of this, coup d' etats run rampant all throughout in the past five years. As of recently, there were about ten assassinations of his subjects and three failed attempts on our Overlord's life." With a shrug, she gave an exhausted sigh. "I guess making him marry a commoner like me will at least show that the government does not overlook the society and that the higher-ups do care about the poor masses. It's an overused facade, but it does work, with the entire ruse in media right now."
"You are right on the mark." The red-head agreed with a grim smile. "How did you get to spew such rubbish?"
"Newspapers." She laughed at their dumbfounded expressions. “And I took some subjects in political science and government in my general academics as a requirement for premed. I'm just reciting one of those answers I gave from my oral examinations back then."
"We both slept on History." Their only male companion grinned. "Karin thought that you need the review lesson."
"What I want to know," Her pink head inclined, slightly leaning her temple against the tinted window pane. "Is why Uchiha Itachi did not ascend the throne as he is the eldest in the direct bloodline."
"I'm afraid we cannot tell you." Karin pursued her lips in vexation. "The Council deemed it as something that should never be disclosed to anybody."
"But I'm not 'anybody'" A wry grin flitted across her face.
"As much as I wanted to answer your question, Milady." There was a mocking tone on Karin's rich alto voice as she mentioned the title. She was probably annoyed at being questioned and lectured with an impromptu History lesson unexpectedly. "We need to discuss his work schedule, his vassals and your duties."
"My duties?"
"As our Mistress, you were chosen not only because you are incredibly reliable to learn in many things swiftly more than any average commoner, but because genetically, you are capable of producing a perfect, intelligent heir for the throne."
If it was possible, Sakura felt her intestines summon up her chocolate ice cream to rise to her throat.
"He-heir?" She did not choke on air. Oh no, no, no.
When Suigetsu smirked like that, she really wanted to imitate Karin and deck him to hell.
"Of course, that was the fatal mistake of Lord Minato. So we are going to make sure that the throne won't go to the wimps, see?" Sakura was looking a little green on her pale cheeks which made the male guard to add quickly. "It won't be problem, Milady. I assure you that your partner is really as good-looking as you've seen in the tube. But I can't really say when you get to bed him. Because we haven't confirmed if His Lordship is really--" Then he held up his hands and imitated putting quotations on his words.
"Suigetsu." There was a dangerous, lethal growl that escaped Karin's furious face. "Stop talking and just drink from your tumbler!" With that, Karin shoved a turquoise container to his mouth, nearly missing his nose from being punctured with a plastic straw.
Sakura managed to drown out the squabbling when she saw tiny flecks of snow whizzing pass her window pane. Reflexively, she clenched the fabric of her denims. But she did not show any other signs that she was truly afraid. The deal said that this might take years, yet the nerve of that blasted employer! He did not even tell her that she was getting herself knocked up with a kid.
But, she can't help but feel so stupid. Of course, this was like a royal family.
She needs to bear children.
With a weak rationalization, she calmed herself that she might even get to murder the bastard before he can even make her pregnant.
Sakura could not help but be astounded at the sight: a huge palace founded on white stones, with large, quaint windows that were overlooking a humungous frozen lakeside. The place was incredibly furnished and decorated with wooden bridges over the man-made canals, finely structured murals and artistically crafted hedges. If she came here during the time of spring, the lawn would be probably filled with lush greenery and blooming flora all over. Instead, the towering trees were bare and it was apparent that the winter was not really complimentary to such a regal place.
"Milady?" She was shaken off her reverie when the car door was opened and both of them were calling her from the outside. Stepping out of the compartment, she finally let her numbing foot on the rough marble.
She did not expect such a number of people waiting outside, dressed in frills of fluffy white and with such beaming smiles on their faces. They were on the lower appendage of the elongated staircases that lead to the huge entrance of the Palace.
"Welcome." They all curtsied uniformly, with their heads bowed. The handmaidens were about eleven females, with a large-breasted blond female in her thirties in the very middle. Almost all of them were very pretty and younger than her, but then a slight cough from her right told her that it was appropriate for her to say something in response.
She stumbled upon her words. "Thank you. Please take care of me."
"I'm Tenten." came a woman from her left with her chocolate tresses arranged into two elegant buns. She had striking hazelnut eyes and a firm smile that was meant for business. Raising a hand which Sakura shook with the same strong grasp, the girl in the power suit bowed at her politely. "I'll be your personal secretary, Milady."
Then astoundingly, the females descended on the stairs rather swiftly, flanking into a triangle formation with its apex reaching her. Sakura nearly tripped over her own feet when the big-breasted blond woman inspected her flushing face closely, a firm hand on her chin. "Hmm, nice complexion. So we're going to keep it all peachy-natural."
"This woman has some serious issues about clothes." A blond woman with baby blue sky eyes glinted with mischief, looking at the choice of her wardrobe disdainfully as she glanced at her appearance from head to foot. Then she wailed at her frilled companions with a worried expression. "Can we make it? We might need to cover this hideous forehead."
"Excuse me?" Sakura glared at the concerned female who was looking at her with a teasing smile.
"Nah. Just kidding." The girl laughed and proceeded to inspect her nails with a positive appraisal. "You just need to freshen up, I think."
"We need to change some accessories. Her hair is a shade lighter than the pins. I never saw such a nice color. It's like a cherry blossom petal." A dark-haired female combed on her long pink tresses, snagging upon a few stray tangles when she reached at the strands on her waist. "But it needs more conditioner. The whole thing can be fixed into in an updo about an hour, though."
"Then, can we ask for some extra thirty minutes?" Tenten nodded towards to her two companions earlier. She seemed to write on the comments that the ladies were firing off about her on an electric organizer. "The ceremony is this afternoon, after all."
What?
"We can inquire for more time." Karin answered haughtily. "But we can't promise you."
"No need for any extensions." The tall blond woman in pigtails (who remarked about her skin earlier) bellowed to the younger females bustling around her. "We can do this if you follow my instructions. Ino, inform the make-up artists about the change of foundation then prepare her after grooming. Shizune, get the hair stylist. Tenten, go ahead and make some calls about the ring size. The others, prepare her chambers and I'll be the one in charge of her ladyship. We have until noon."
It was like the end of a trance when all of them snapped up in their postures and began walking off to different directions. If Sakura was edgy earlier, now she was plain terrified. But she only managed an exasperated glance and did not reflect the storming and tremulous myocardial infarction that her hidden, dormant, violent self was undergoing.
"Come along." said the commanding lady who was giving orders earlier, inclining her head to follow her large strides. Sakura kept up, walking briskly beside the tall woman. When they reached the entrance to the grand beautiful, white-stone built palace, its elaborate carved doors opened to reveal a large hall.
"What's happening?" Sakura was now dreading for the answer as she now tried to keep her pace normal across the black marble floor. Her awareness took notice the busy strides of people inside the amazing hall. There were hanging elegant, contemporary chandeliers in the high ceilings and large windows that gave the view of the small flakes that were gradually descending to earth.
"I'm Tsunade, your Lady-in-waiting." It was very short and curt.
"Ah, Okay." They were silent as Tsunade led her to a maze of doors and corridors. If Sakura was not nimble enough to follow the quick pacing of her newly-introduced Lady-in-Waiting, she would easily get herself lost.
Then in her surprise, the elder woman halted her steps and grinned.
"Don't worry, Lady Uchiha."
Those golden bronze stared confidently at her vexed expression.
"We'll make you the most beautiful bride the world has ever seen within three hours."
After that electrifying statement, she was whisked away by a horde of females, carrying cream towels and bottles of different colors imaginable. It was all happening too fast for her liking, but before she even had the time to protest, she was dunked into sweet-smelling bubbles, aromatic candles and a warm, lulling tub. These made her intelligence drop temporarily and savor the onslaught of comfort seeping through her cold bones.
It was granted that she can afford heated water in her dormitory, but she can only enjoy that once a month. However, the fact that she can have this everyday, bathing and scrubbing frequently in such a cozy and warm thing made her forget that there were so many wrongs in this bizarre situation. The relaxing, languorous ordeal went for about thirty minutes until she was woken up frantically and dressed in a fluffy, pink cotton robe and abruptly shoved her into a suite room that was bustling with adrenaline-powered females.
The whole thing was like a raging blizzard of fabrics, powders and pins.
All around her, they were panicking out of their wits and waving needles, beads and brushes like they were possessed.
Slightly fidgeting near the comfortable plush stool, which was nearly impeding the circulation to all of her limbs, she snuck a sly glance to every individual in the room. One was sewing small, rough diamond crystals in patterns on a white long chartreuse cloth. Some of them were arguing on the type of cathedral veil she was going to use. Others were creating silver chains in what looks like a high-heeled shoe that she can surely handle later on, if she concentrated enough.
But Sakura was slightly not herself, as the events that came washing down on her finally got to her.
Med school is definitely as nerve wracking as this.
"Crazy." She muttered under her breath as she placed a shaking palm against her damp forehead. "What I am doing is crazy."
The young girl, wearing a lavender apron over her frilled white uniform, came up beside her. "Milady, you can sit down now."
This was the one who insulted her forehead earlier. She complied with a guarded expression.
"Call me Sakura, please." The title was unnerving her.
The blond helper responded with a congenial smile as Sakura finally sat on the prepared seat. "Can't. If somebody hears us and it's my life on the line. Call me Ino."
"Why?"
"No one can actually call you here by your first name." Then she grabbed her head and began to start on unwinding the soft towel wrapped around her drenched locks. "It's because you will be different from us."
Sakura was silent, staring at the methodical way Ino was gathering the cord of that bright yellow hairdryer and a round, thick brush. She can still feel the rush of footsteps that were thundering and scampering behind them, but she stopped giving them attention when Ino started to attack her hair and feel the warmth of air that was caressing her nape.
"I-" Her chapped lips opened up, chilled and shivering. "I never imagined that I'll even get married."
Laughter, small and unbelieving, made way to her wet ears as Ino spoke up cheekily.
"Believe me honey, many of us dreamed of marrying Lord Uchiha."
Sakura knew that. It was very apparent that Lord Uchiha was not only famous in politics but also internationally for being the most handsome representative in every country expedition during treaties. That was why more and more females are willing to be ambassadors of other countries in order to gain a chance to meet him in person.
Those pliant fingers began massaging on her scalp, which felt so wonderful. "You met Karin earlier, right? She was absolutely smitten with our dashing Overlord, along with the rest of the female population." Then the comb spines began on tracing the lines of her tresses. "Naturally, I am also one of them, but because I'm a servant of the court, I think that dream won't be realized." Rolling her light cerulean eyes, Ino snorted in disbelief, as if remembering a certain comment from someone. “Besides, Lord Uchiha is just too resistant to our 'girlish, stupid, troublesome' charms."
"Really." Sakura managed to raise an eyebrow in cool interest.
"Yeah. But still, it didn't stop me from creating my own dream wedding." Ino supplied as she begun to untangle knots that accumulated at the bottom of her waist-length hair. "When all of us learned that Lord Uchiha was going to get married, I was actually kinda worried."
Her lax spine became rigid with that statement.
"Hey, relax." Ino smirked as she pressed her thumbs on her tense shoulders. "I'm just about to say that because you never imagined any dream wedding of your own," And then she began to squeeze the tip of her scapulae gently until the muscles uncoiled. "So I'm going to give you mine."
"What?"
"Well, it's because I approve of you to become his wife. So be proud." The smirking blond winked. "You just don't feel sure that Lord Uchiha will like you, right?"
"No." Sakura breathed a shaky sigh. "Not really."
I'm just thinking about how I will ever survive in this situation.
"Hmm, I think a complete updo doesn't suit you."
Glad for a change of topic, Sakura inquired. "An updo?"
"It's like raising all of your hair on the crown of your head." As if on emphasis, Ino gathered her pink strands and created an intricate, albeit messy, twist on the back of her skull. "But because your hair is thick and pretty, a half updo will suit you better." Then she let the hair on the base of her head to hang to show her point.
"Oh."
"An updo is often used in weddings." Her mindless chatter was comforting to Sakura, as if Ino sensed the confusion and anxiety this chaotic scene was making her feel. "It's because it makes the woman feel more elegant than what she usually feels, but I think that with your odd appearance, you command a sort of presence that captures the attention of every man."
Her throat constricted with these words. Her mind could not decide if she was going to be offended or glad with that compliment.
It was totally uncomfortable for Sakura, who took pride in her knowledge of various topics, to possess the inability to confront the subject of fashion. All she has worn in all her life was simple sweaters and blouses, with only one floral skirt to make her look feminine. Besides that, all of her lower garments were jeans and shorts. She never minded being fashionable and looking good too much because it might get some attention from the others.
The only thing that she knew that was chic was her single all-black attire of calfskin stiletto boots, leather jacket and fitted jeans. The only thing in her wardrobe that made her slightly more of an independent woman was unhesitatingly burned in the waste incinerator before dawn. The scent of blood adhered so much on the clothes that it became too overwhelming to be buried along with dismantled firearms.
"Don't be so nervous. It shows on your face." A pinch on her cheek woke her up from her train of thoughts. "Right now, feel like a queen."
She didn't need to be told. With all the amount of attention and detail that these professional people were giving her, she felt like she was not only a queen, but she was taking an uncomfortable place in a bright, blinding spotlight.
"I don't know how to act like a queen." Sakura frowned.” Or even look like one."
"That's why we're here." In a sudden twirl, Tsunade came with a sequin studded corset in her hands and a purple-haired lady hairstylist beside her, chewing on a bubblegum with a bored expression. "Ino, everyone decided that we are going for an empire cut. The bouquet needs some pink."
"Alright." Swiftly, Ino put the dryer and brush back into the table beside her.
"Be sure to use small FLOWERS!" Tsunade hollered the last word furiously after her as the blond swiftly ran to the doors.
"Will dooo." It echoed through the hurriedly opened door.
"Stand up, Milady. We'll start on fitting the corset." Then Tsunade scowled. "And don't you give me that look. You can breathe on this thing."
"I will not wear that." Sakura asserted. She was going to be the lady of the house right?
"If you want to know, yes, this can be easily removed later this evening. Have faith on that boy’s skills." Tsunade smirked sinisterly when she saw that Sakura's face turned into the deepest shade of red.There's the beautiful blushing bride.
"Then, we go to your hair. It's slightly damp, but this will be fine for the curling. Name's Anko, dear." That Cheshire cat grin on Anko’s face made her wish that she could just follow Ino's advice and not be intimidated. "We won't let you use the mirrors until you are all dressed up for our grumpy groom."
"Here." Ino suddenly popped up and slipped to Sakura's hands a small roseate cylindrical tube.
A lipstick? Sakura asked to herself incredulously.
"That's for back-up" There was a burst of laughter. "After he chews your mouth on the altar."
"Ino!"
"Good thinking!" Tsunade snickered. "Okay, Shizune, open them."
With an amused grin, Shizune complied.
It was a three-way folding, full-length mirror.
The reflected images of an astonishing woman that she had never seen in her life surrounded her.
Her ivory, pale shoulders were bare, revealing her soft, supple arms, which complimented her lithe figure. Her gown was amazing with its length, with its snow white gossamer silk underskirt slightly exposed. This was covered by soft layers of white satin, with patterned laces and beads on its edges, then a third layer of translucent tulle with laces on its hem, albeit shorter than the rest of the layers, completed the whole look. All the fabrics were gathered, seemingly crumpled and stitched together with careful embroidery in the center of her slim waist.
"Turn around." She heard some encouragements.
Too flabbergasted to be even answering, she did.
On her rear, the lacy corset crisscrossed over her well-formed back, stopping its descent very low on her waist when two white pleats run through her backside till it swept the dark marble floor. On the opposite edges of each pleat were white swarovski crystals patterned into small, vine blossoms. She ran a well-manicured finger over the sleek, hanging curls that accentuated her heart-shaped face. Half of her hair was hanging to the middle of her back was curled into soft ringlets. Those other long strands on the uppermost of her head were sleek and smooth, held together with a vintage antique barrette band, embedded with hard, clear-cut pink diamonds and then fashioned to resemble the flowers of her namesake.
"Is this even allowed?" Sakura whispered as the small vanity in every woman's own beauty reawakened at the sight.
"What?"
"This gown is sweeping the floor, and this gown is so expensive! I feel exposed, and there are too many pretty things that I am wearing. And--" Her mouth can't help but babble. No matter how she tried not to speak too much in order not to get herself close to anybody was finally diminished. She gave in more favor of showing her appreciation for the sudden transformation. "It's just, I want to say thank you."
"Don't be stupid." Tsunade narrowed her bronze eyes in mock sternness. "It's your wedding."
"And brides are the most beautiful creatures in weddings." Shizune added. "It takes a little tweaking for you to be the best of them all."
"Lord Uchiha will surely be pleased with our work." Ino clapped to herself in excitement.
Sakura was already beet red with their compliments when the doors suddenly burst open to reveal a panting young brunette.
"Tenten?" The three females, except Sakura, inquired worried.
"The bride." She panted, trying to keep steady in her heels. "Follow me. It's starting."
Gathering the heavy layered dress into her hands, Sakura walked clumsily over to Tenten who was already outstretching her hand to take it. Tsunade motioned for three servants to carry the ten yards of a lacy cathedral veil. Ino whisked a bouquet filled with white lilies, cream orchids, pale-half opened roses, small buds of cherry flowers and minute cosmos blossoms wrapped in a thin layer of tulle.
While they were hurrying again in the dizzying maze of hallways, they finally made it somewhere outside where a large overhanging path, sheltered with a pretty white stone ceiling. This was supported with delicately designed pillars.
"Where are we going?" breathed Sakura, who was already finding it hard to keep up.
"The cathedral near the garden court, Milady." She replied without so much a nod, except a burst in her steps.
"A cathedral? Inside the palace?"
Sakura heard a burst of giggles from the females trailing behind her.
"Yes, yes, hold them for a minute. We're already halfway there." Tenten spoke swiftly, her right fingers on her ear speaking to her hidden black transmitter. "No, can you allow the bride to freshen up for two minutes when we arrive? I know." Sakura heard the faint crackling monotone voice. "Well, those meddlers were gatecrashers in the first place so tell them to shut up." Grimacing, she then added with a yell. "And please, stop making us hurry! Try to walk in heels, girly boy!"
"Neji?" Ino quipped.
"That prick." Tenten agreed then pressed again to the lapel when another crackling interrupted her. "And I don't care if you heard that"
Finally, after passing endless of withered greenery and the soft flurry of flakes dancing in the wind, they finally arrived at a wide succession of stairs.
"Milady, I can only give you three minutes. The doors will open after that." With that, Tenten--breathing heavily--stalked away.
"We are lucky that its winter, or else we have to redo that beautiful makeup. Quick!"
She was too accustomed to hard work out to even sweat with such a long walk in high heels.
Tsunade muttered furiously under her breath instructions to the maids that were paling the white thick veil over her head, swallowing her whole. Then the bouquet was shoved into her hands quickly and others begun to arrange the fabrics into order. As they were now checking each fabric arrangement in her gown, two warm hands touched her clammy shoulders.
"An Uchiha does not have any excuse for disgrace." There was seriousness in Tsunade that made its impression on Sakura. "Don't forget when those doors open."
Sakura hardened her features, straightened her spine and gave a small, impassive smile. "I shall remember."
And thus, it has begun. The creaking of a probably century-old door revealed to her a magnificent view of assorted colorful stained windows. They were about sixty feet tall, in every side of the ancient establishment. Chandeliers hung from the unreachable, painted ceiling, accompanied by rolls of white chartreuse and cream orchids that decorated each gothic-themed pillar. But what astounded her was that there was a mix of white rose and cherry petals that floated with the slight breeze, like wilting leaves every autumn that spiraled towards the crimson carpet beneath her feet. Her nose caught the smoky scent of fragrant incense; from that alone she surmised that indeed, this was a pre-planned wedding all along.
When the first notes of Pachelbels Canon In D started on strings from the unseen orchestra, Sakura held her head high and saw from the endless stretch of the aisle were flashes of white, fluorescent lights. There were cameras whirring and filming, hushed whispers that floated all around the over large space among the pews. She could see reporters and other people who were peering up to her curiously, but she never heeded their abrupt attention. Her eyes only stared ahead of the minister who was like a small dot in peripheral sight because of such a long distance.
It was as Ino described.
A dream wedding.
She went on silently, oblivious to the soft words (either praising or condemning) around her, when a man with hair as bright as the illuminated lightning sky approached her and took her elbow.
"Stand-in as your father." The man whispered behind his mask. Sakura didn't lose her composure, but merely slowed down her already gradual pace.
"Who are you?" She asked behind her teeth, grinning in order for the cameras not to catch the awkwardness on her painted face.
"Hatake Kakashi." He chuckled. "Just very glad that my seemingly asexual pupil is getting himself married first than li'l old me."
Noting the obvious distress in Sakura's eyes, Kakashi added. "I'm also making sure that you don't trip."
"Is that it, geezer? I can handle my own heels, tha--" Abruptly, Her logical mind, defenses and everything that existed was gone.
"Hey, hey. I'm helping you out, you know. It won't do well when you're on national tele--" He saw the direction that Sakura's gaze at and could not help but smirk underneath the cashmere collar that made up his mask.
It was different seeing Uchiha Sasuke painted across a billboard, when he's behind a glass or just someone who you knew lived in the palace to rule over all. Or someone that you knew that would lead up on the receiving end of your silencer one day. But seeing him up close, real, made an impact to her. Standing over there, with his cold coal eyes, meeting her gaze equally without any decipherable emotion, and looking delightfully sinful in a simple black suit that you knew he probably wore everyday from state meetings (the only difference was the small white bud on his jacket.)
She could now fully understand what Ino meant.
If she was normal, like Ino, she could have dreamed of something like this.
But Sakura realized that since she was going to marry such a man, this would be probably called as an ideal fantasy.
Then she held his unblemished hand and reminded herself that she will not fall.
It's a disgrace for her true purpose, whether she is an Uchiha or not.
She was inside a great indoor garden, with a glass ceiling that revealed that it was already night. It was supported with golden plated steel frames with grandiose chandelier hanging from there, a soft light casting over the silent people alike. There were fragrant flowers all around, the sweet scent of white night flowers starting to bloom as the warmth was welcomed to her already freezing bones. Seated in the glamorous presidential table with the ever impassive ruler on her left, she ate silently, never minding that her husband was not even touching the food laid in front of them.
She wanted to break the tremulous silence, but she was in untested waters.
So she settled for not talking with the only companion in this long, lonely table, glancing at him.
He would not catch her sneaky glances. He was too busy in with his calculating gaze over their guests.
"It's time for the pictures." A man approached them with a black bowl-haircut. Then he smiled brilliantly as if blinding the whole audience.
Sakura wanted to decline but she remembered that this was a wedding. A very publicized wedding. Where she had to stand up, socialize and pose with these well-wishers, scattered in the seemingly hundreds of tables.
"Milord, Milady?"
It was very disturbing. But she had to do it.
Standing up, with her hands gathering the heavy trail of fabrics, she gave an assuring smile and answered with a tired affirmative.
The camera whirred sporadically every now and then. They were walking around the tables, a vapid smile on her face. Her lower limbs were finally starting to loose its sensation. She didn't let it appear though, but this was already dragging far too long, and her stomach was already clamoring for a bite.
That is when she saw a bright, blond man, loud and brash, near their table clapping his hands against Sasuke's back. Her nose picked up the scent of ramen even with a few steps away. He was wearing a black suit, but unlike Sasuke's white and black combination for his shirt and tie, Naruto has a bright yellow shirt and a dark blue tie underneath his black coat.
"Congratulations, you bastard." Grinning like there was no tomorrow, Naruto turned to her. "I was engaged first. But he's the first to get hitched."
Sakura could not help but blink at this sudden revelation. "Um, I'm--"
"Idiot, this is Uchiha Sakura. Sakura, this is Uzumaki Naruto." Her husband introduced, with his monotone voice overshadowed by a wild protest from Naruto, who was riled up with the 'idiot' comment.
"Me an idiot? Hah, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here getting married and still be branded as an ase-"
"Shut up, idiot."
"Oi, oi, have you told her that I saved your butt back in the academy?"
"I have no intention to tell her about your stupidity."
"Um, pictures?" Lee, the photographer, inquired as the males conversed in sarcasm.
As soon as the click and the flash was finished, Naruto managed to shake her hand with a foxy grin while Sasuke inclined a nod to excuse himself for a minute to converse with some of the dignitaries on the other side of the table.
"Hah, so you're the wife, eh?" he whispered, as his tanned hands were shoved into his slacks, which he looked so uncomfortable with right now.
"Huh?" Sakura only managed an intelligent response.
"Well you see, that bastard is my best friend." Naruto gave a wry smile. "We were team mates under Kakashi back overseas. So I really know him."
She followed her husband through her careful, green gaze. "Hmmm?"
So this is Uzumaki Naruto, one of the two individuals who can enter his offices without any inspection.
"Sakura," He gravely lowered his voice, so no one can hear him address her name. "Did you really agree to this?"
"Yes." She answered resolutely.
"Because you like him?"
"Because it's something I have to do." Sakura persisted, olive gaze firm. "I was chosen, right?"
"Ah, marrying such a bastard is tough." He chuckled with a grin. "But I think you'll find it easier."
Then Naruto bowed before her and walked off, as Sasuke came and held her hand to introduce her to his awaiting family.
When everyone was satiated and Sakura was totally ravenous, the couple finally sat back on their table. The bride, who was really dead tired and hungry, was finally munching on a heavenly hors d'oeveur when a man with an infectious grin, dark eyes and unruly hair stood up and shouted,
"I would like to propose a toast!”
Sakura turned her head to see this young man, around his early thirties to grin and raise his wine glass.
“For their union and the betterment of the clan!"
She knew him to be Uchiha Obito, the youngest member of the Uchiha Council. As soon as his declaration was made, Hatake Kakashi and a woman she haven't been introduced with (probably she was Rin, whom she just knew by the news) stood up and raised their glass.
"For the Nippon-koku!"
"For a Prosperous rule!
And many people started to speak up their wishes.
Sakura could not help but sigh at all the fuzz.
These were the moments that made her never regret her real profession.
"For my little brother," Sasuke stiffened at the sight of Uchiha Itachi, which Sakura took notice very well. "And his wife."
"For the success of the night later." Naruto raised his glass and gave a mocking snort.
This earned him a glare from the Overlord.
A Hyuuga lady dressed in her clan colors of bluish and smiled serenely then stood timidly, raising her glass with the grinning Naruto.
So that's the fiancée. Sakura thought, amused.
Which made another cousin of Sasuke, Uchiha Sai, follow that idiot. (Sakura could not help but agree with Sasuke.)
"And for the brats as its result." The clammy, white skinned man smiled a false upward curve on his lips.
Sakura swore that she saw her eyes almost flare in anger with Sasuke.
Then Uchiha Fugaku and Mikoto stood up, with their faces soft and tender in old age. (Probably to prevent casualties from his temper).
"For their happiness." And they raised their glass.
With these, all of the people in the crowd were already standing up, Sakura finally got up to her feet. The delicate champagne flute on her steady hand swirled the alcohol inside. She was just going to thank them and wait for Sasuke to initiate the drink when Sasuke stood up and raised his glass. He said his statement in a smooth, modulated voice, yet it was loud and clear for everyone to hear.
The words were thrumming like a heartbeat in Sakura's ears.
"For Lady Uchiha."
And as they drank, she didn't know why those half-hooded stares were focused on her.
Finally as they reached the largest wing of the house that gave the most breathtaking view of the frozen lake, Uchiha Sasuke grabbed his keys and inserted them to a black door. As Sakura was going to follow him, a disgruntled Karin held up a hand and told her that she needed to be inspected for a minute. Smiling at the soft congratulations from the three who would be probably staying up late all night, she whispered a gentle thanks and followed her husband.
The Uchiha Grand Suite was filled with muted colors of steel gray and midnight black. On its entrance, there was a tempting black leather sofa in front of a huge plasma television hanging in the dark gray wall. Opposite this wall was a huge glass window that served as their veranda, only covered with dark chartreuse with silver angel trims. Behind the sofa was a small table that can be used for meetings and guests who would like to visit. A high crystal chandelier was hanging from the ceiling, giving a majestic air to the minute room.
As Sasuke unceremoniously opened the door to their bedroom, she was in awe of the large space that greeted her.
She just married the Overlord, of course, what could she expect?
A king size bed framed with sturdy mahogany was in the center, covered with a dark silky comforter and surely customized soft black pillows. Beside it was a desk that was filled with paperwork and a lampshade that was still alight over it. A small bar was on the other side near the curtains while a vanity mirror was on its opposite side. The walls were lined with gray and black stripes, giving it a more restful atmosphere than the usual blinding whites that she had seen today.
Taking off her veil, while Sasuke took off his coat, she dismissed the thought that she felt his eyes when she was surveying the room.
Not bothering to undress herself, Sakura walked over to where her husband was, uncovering his white sleeves.
Her husband was already raking his hands through his raven strands in exhaustion when she turned to him with a determined face.
"Honestly," Sakura placed her hands on her hips, brows furrowed and annoyed. She was glaring at Uchiha Sasuke, who was disentangling the dark necktie on his neck and was now unbuttoning his white collared shirt. "I think you are really good-looking."
Sasuke stopped and stared at her, but still it was expressionless.
So she continued.
"But I don't like you."
Closing their distance and raising her head up to meet his cool onyx stare, her mouth went on.
"I know what you want. What your family wants. I agreed to this damn marriage. Hell, I even agreed to be married on the day that I learned that I was engaged. But I will not," She then pressed a finger to his chest, knowing that she cannot find it in her self to punch the daylights out of him. (Because he was really that pretty.) "agree to bear you a heir. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
The young man merely removed the offending finger off his sternum and glared at her with the same intensity. "You have no word in this matter."
And then Sasuke stormed off in front of their bed to take off his shirt.
How dare he? This insufferable man, who made her whole day almost unbearable to survive with all this tension, turned his back on her. She was hungry, she was tired and she was really full of his indifference and silence.
"What?" Sakura fumed, followed, still in her gown and grabbed his elbow, turning him to face her angry countenance. "I do have a say in this--"
She didn't know how it happened, all she knew that she was already flat on her back in the very soft, comfortable mattress with Sasuke hovering over her.
"You are annoying."
Sakura was going to retort back. Something witty. Something that would surely help her win this argument. And tell him that he was more annoying. But Uchiha Sasuke was here, in his half-naked glory. The soft light of the lamp made his pale ivory features glow, ghosting over his aristocratic face, his eyes glaring at her with silent fury. Her eyes skimmed over his well-formed body, over the planes and soft, sharp edges that lined over his chest, his abdomen, then to his arms that imprisoned her head to only stare at those unseeing onyx eyes.
Her mind (or her alter-ego she calls Inner Sakura) was rational and screamed that she open her mouth and say 'move'.
So she opened her mouth. She tried to let her voice take over this awkwardness but her dry throat closed up and she can't even say a word.
And she felt the heat that flushed her face, realizing that this was the first time that she was this close to the one she must kill.
The one she was so attracted to, right at this very moment.
Stunned, her body was immobilized when his lips fell lightly over hers.
Maybe it was the alcohol taking over, or her cramping calves or her itchy undergarments, but all she did was close her eyes and feel.
"It was such a wonderful wedding and the bride was astounding. Thumbs-up to the seamstress and the--"
Uchiha Sakura woke up earlier with a headache and an empty bed. Right now, she was drinking a cup of chamomile tea which she found earlier on the small counter outside the bedroom and was now watching the large, prattling television.
"Extraordinary! Her hair is in an outstanding shade of pink. Nobody could have that--"
"Graceful! She walked with poise that could have rivaled--"
With all that praises that deafened her suddenly sensitive ears, her head began to ache again.
She wished for med school right now so badly.
An intercom beeped in front of her, on the elegantly furnished coffee table.
"Lady Uchiha, your induction to the Clan will be in a few minutes."
Sakura managed to croak out a sensible reply. "Yes. Please call Ino to help me."
At least, she was lucky.
He was indeed sleeping with a point 45 caliber pistol underneath his pillow.
Grinning and shutting the TV off, she started to prepare for her day.
Pachelbels Canon In D - The piece is commonly played at weddings and is frequently present on miscellaneous classical music compilation CDs. Originally, it's played a piece of chamber music for three violins and basso continuo, but has since been arranged for a wide variety of ensembles. It's being played in orchestral arrangement by Gloria Sklerov and Barbara Rothstein in this story. (Information from wikipedia.)
The items/clothes that Sakura wore in her wedding: (without spaces)
http / s17 . photobucket . com / albums / b87 / mikochannoda ?action (equal sign) view¤t (equal sign) weddingpics.jpg
I know that the story drags. And long. And I am speaking too much. Bu-but this plot bunny was living in me for almost two years and I just recently had the time to write it.
For:
Heartbit, the reason why my sister forced me to post this today. (Happy birthday!) I was supposed to post this late December, but hanabi-no-ai pressured me to post it for you.
white epitome. Who also, like Heartbit, had allowed hanabinoai to kill me in order to finish the chapters. XDD I’m older than the three of you but you all bully meee. TT (But still kisses and hugs to all of you.)
Melpomene Melancholica (because she provided me Japanese gag shows for entertainment while working on this as my break time. And an accomplice for the attempted murder.)
puRpLebLuSh017 for thinking that it can be posted (and I’m amazed that you’ve read it without falling asleep. XDDD It’s boring. And I fail in the attempt of some humor.)
PaperWings28 my first beta reader for this fanfic (for this chapter only, because I don’t want to disturb her studies.) and for her wonderful fanart.
http/ lalapooch . deviantart . com / art / Lady-Uchiha-71242923