Yes. Short chapter but I'm alive apparently.

Went ahead and rewrote the initial part of Chapter 1. I initially made this story more complex than I should and I really felt like of all chapters, it remained the weakest part of the story.

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'Where is he?' Arturia frowned, eyebrows scrunched together while staring idly at her bowl.

It's strange… almost a month had passed since she'd last seen the infuriating blonde deviant. Albeit — her lips twitched, angling slightly downwards — the last time they had interacted, he'd been bearable—somewhat that is… but perhaps it's that marvelous, succulent dish that's clouding her…

"Ahem."

Arturia's gaze glided up to see Sir Ector dabbing a neatly folded handkerchief on his lips.

"Manners, Arturia. I raised you better than this. Not everyone is entitled to a full bowl of food, you know that." He chastised. The budding teen flinched, before steadying into a controlled countenance.

"Yes, father." Arturia replied. She did, however, send a short sharp-eyed glance to the snickering Kay.

Nonetheless, ever the compliant daughter, Arturia took a spoonful of the… potato mush in her bowl, swallowing her displeasure as she partook of the tasteless, mushy and absolutely *vile* dish.

Make no mistake, Arturia Pendragon wasn't a picky eater by any means. She's able to stomach Sir Gawain's — bless his heart — dishes after all. But she'd gladly endure whatever concoction he'd formulate over this bland, goopy… mush they called mashed potatoes.

Arturia briefly shuddered, remembering the day she had to endure a combination of Gawain's terrible cooking alongside this terrible wax paste when he'd discovered its existence.

*Knock. Knock.*

"Ah! That must be our guest." Sir Ector exclaimed, settling his utensils down for the moment and rose up from his seat. "Pardon me."

Arturia blinked, following Sir Ector's example along with Kay. "We're expecting guests, father?" She questioned. She also sent a questioning glance over to Kay, from his expression, he seemed to be expecting too.

"Oh, right." Sir Ector briefly turned to her, "Your brother and I met the new neighbors over at the old Warren's residence. Migrants from the eastern continent, very well-mannered and polite. The patriarch is a reputable warrior I hear, a friend of the duke's, in fact he's just knighted recently." He paused briefly, mulling over for a moment. "I must say, Usually such things would be the talk of the town, so I found it strange that they've escaped the notice of the townspeople considering they've been here for more than a few weeks already. Then again, he does look remarkably more similar to us than the eastern warriors I've met."

Sir Ector pursed his lips. "I suspect that they're having difficulties adjusting to their situation with the cultural differences and the change in environment, so I invited their family over for lunch. I'm supposing I need not mention that I'll be expecting you both to be at your best behavior and treat them with your utmost best?"

"Yes, father." They both replied, prompting a small smile to slip past Sir Ector's lips, before endearingly resting his hands on the top of their head. "Good..." Then, Sir Ector turned toward the door and twisted the knob.

As the door swung open, Arturia finally got her first-look of their guests. There's a woman with striking crimson hair with a wide grin on her lips, even as a woman, Arturia could very well tell that the woman was a beauty, despite that, it's the man that had her breath stuck on her throat. The combination of the man's blonde hair and cool blue eyes was eerily familiar to a certain blonde, that along with the man's natural sharp and angled features almost made her stomach drop.

It reminded her all too much of a certain egotistical blonde, or rather his 'lighter' counterpart.

But she's able to right herself in time, retaining her firm posture just as they greeted Sir Ector with a polite and brief bow. "Sir Ector."

"Good tidings, Sir Minato, Lady Kushina. You've met my eldest," Sir Ector gestured over toward Kay, who made his approach, offering them both a 'knightly' smile. "T'is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance again, Sir Minato, Lady Kushina."

"Indeed, indeed! Sir Kay, isn't it?" Kushina replied.

The pair turned to him, offering him the same polite bow from before.

"Correct! T'is an honor to have it remembered by such an esteemed woman." Kay responded, not missing a beat.

"Your words are most kind, Sir Kay."

Arturia's turn came as Kushina shifted her gaze toward her, Kushina's head canted to the side. "Ah, would this be your youngest then, Sir Ector?"

"Indeed, Arthur. " Sir Ector gestured toward her.

Arturia fell into step beside her adopted father, facing both Kushina and Minato as she introduced herself with a brief dip of her head. "Arthur Pendragon, squire to Sir Kay. A pleasure to meet you. Sir, Milady."

"Likewise, Arthur." Minato replied as he and Kushina also greeted her with a bow. A smile slips past his lips as he turns toward Sir Ector. "They're well-mannered and polite, very well expected of you Sir Ector. I'm sure they're bound to earn your house much honor and renown. Ah, also, I hope you don't mind but we've also brought our son here with us," The man raised his head, scratching the back of his head sheepishly before turning back and gesturing toward the third person. "Naruto."

"Not at all, not at all! In fact, I find it quite merrier the bigger the company." replied Sir Ector

"Gkkh—!" Arturia almost choked on her saliva, her heartbeat coming to a sudden halt for several seconds as a familiar voice made itself known. Thankfully, everyone was mostly distracted by the new arrival to notice.

"Sir Ector, Sir Kay! A pleasure to meet your acquaintance again." And there he was. Within the time frame it'd take for a person to blink, an amused smirk flashed over his lips only to be replaced by a pure and sickeningly sincere smile.

This… this vile fiend, he's been gone for so long and the first thing he does is make a fool of her family?! No, absolutely not! She won't allow it!

Kay blinked, "Arthur's friend, right? From a few nights ago?" On which Naruto responded with a nod and a grin.

Minato and Kushina blinked at that, turning toward Naruto in question. "You've never mentioned about a friend, Naruto."

A sheepish grin forms on his lips, his hand coming up the back of his head in the same gesture as Minato. "Apologies father, it completely slipped my mind. I met Arthur out in the woods while he was practicing his swordplay. He's quite the… introvert at first, but he's amiable after he agreed to our first spar."

Naruto turned to face Arturia, sending a 'bright' smile her way. "How's it been, Arthur?"

Play along.

Arturia stood still, fists clenched, a shard of sharp loathing sinking into her chest as she stared at the abhorrent man. So, *this* was his ploy... but what else could she do here? She couldn't exactly reveal to her family that before them was the same man who'd forcefully coerced her into marriage. There's no doubt that her brother and father would seek retribution for her, but she'd seen Naruto's power first-hand… they wouldn't stand a chance.

She gritted her teeth. To force her hand by using her family hostage, unforgivable.

Arturia swallowed her pride and anger, forcing a smile on her lips, doing her best to make it seem as genuine as possible. "I am quite well, thanks for asking, Naruto." Years of experience in reigning in her emotions came into a great play here.

"Seems our boys know each other. Small world huh?" Minato chuckled, once again scratching the back of his head.

"Indeed, Sir Minato. And likewise, it's a pleasure to have you accompany us, Naruto. Ah! Where are my manners, come in, come in!" Sir Ector opened the door wide, welcoming them. "Kay, do prepare a plate for the young man."

"Yes father."

As the Namikaze family went in and the others began to seat themselves, Arturia's hand quickly snatched Naruto's own in a firm and painfully tight grip. She leaned in close, leveling an icy gaze towards him. "What's your game, Naruto?" She hissed.

To his credit, Naruto barely flinched at the crushing grip. Despite her petite frame, the bristling blonde squire had quite the strength on her… but he's far too amused to allow such a thing to diminish his enjoyment.

If possible, the smirk in his lips widened even further. "Hohoho... I must say, there's something quite endearing in seeing such a fire in your eyes… such raw emotions." He leaned in, just a bit closer, even as the Arturia continued to apply even more pressure on her grip. "Hah…! Are you trying to tempt me, Arturia? You know, I'm not opposed to playing our usual game here if you so wish?"

"Take this seriously you debauched fiend!" If looks could kill, Naruto's head would've melted twice over at the burning glare he received from the young squire.

But even with this, the blonde only retained his smirk while idly raising a single amused brow at her. "Must I explain it to you again? You do know, had it been up to me, I'd be more than willing to allow you to live this heroic, fairy-tale fantasy of yours. I do find your stubbornness endearing after all. But even you can understand that I cannot simply allow my dear wife to face these 'outside' forces by her lonesome? I'm just far too selfish for such a thing. Thus, from henceforth,"

He stepped forward, lightly thumbing her knuckle as he whispered into her ear. "I'll be keeping you extra close to me."

"Gkkh! W-Would you stay back you perverted beast! Can't you see where we are?!" Arturia hissed, breaking her hold and jerking her hand back like she's scalded.

"Hoh…? Should I then consider this your consent to allow such things when we're alone?" He immediately quipped, the crinkle in his eyes barely-containing the excitement and amusement at her sublime reactions.

"Y-You…! N-No, absolutely not! Stop putting words in my mouth."

Arturia gritted her teeth, her face both red in embarrassment and fury, unfortunately, she was at a disadvantage here, as such, she's forced to break free from him.

She turned, sending him a sharp side-glare. "We'll continue this later." She whispered harshly, letting out a calming breath as she sat herself on an empty chair, which unfortunately was directly across the only other empty chair that Naruto naturally took.

For now, Arturia resolved herself to ignore the errant blond and focus first on defeating the common enemy at hand. Hunger.

She's just about to take a bite of the mushy guck when something suddenly nudged at her foot. A quick glance up showed an innocently smiling blonde, seemingly enjoying his meal.

Her brow twitched, clenching her teeth before taking a spoonful of the mash, not willing to give Naruto the reaction he sought.

*Nudge.* — *Nudge.* — *Nudge.*

It's going to be a looong breakfast.

xxxx

Heavens above.

Arturia felt her knees buckle slightly, almost collapsing into a lethargic heap as she found TWO of the same man that had tormented her since weeks past.

"Like I said, beloved wife of mine. These two are neither entranced nor brainwashed. Do give your dear husband a little bit more credit. Unlike the countless tyrants who've ruled your kingdoms, I've no wishes to impede upon man's free will." Naruto… or rather one of them waved his hand in dismissal as he nonchalantly passed by one of his copies, a copy that's formerly in the shape of his 'father'.

Then a smirk. That same dastardly smirk that sent a shiver of doubt and fear unto her gullet.

What is it this time?! Can you stop finding amusement at every little thing I do?! She yelled out internally.

"But to see you in awe does bring me an incomparable delight. Do make that face more often, beloved."

Uuughh…! Arturia almost threw up… almost but she'd rather not endure another helping of those dreaded potatoes.

At the very least, her reaction seemed to satisfy the egotistical blonde enough for him to turn back and return to sitting up at that throne of his. Yes, a throne. Naruto's 'father' had 'nonchalantly' suggested that the two 'boys' bond over at their place, to which the guilt-ridden Ector easily agreed upon.

The outside of their house seemed normal enough, but the inside foretold a completely different story. The absurd maniac had literally squeezed in a whole pocket dimension inside, fitting in the courtroom of a fully-furnished castle inside a hut that could— should never be able to contain it!

A frown wormed its way up her lips, this narcissistic king had arrived but a few hours ago and she's already on the verge of chucking her training sword at him. "Would you get to the point already? Surely you didn't seek to isolate me from my household simply to make sport of me?"

Naruto raised a brow at her, "How long must I keep reminding you that every word that comes out of my lips concerning is but the true reflections of my desire? You are neither my toy, nor a plaything. Besides, what reason does a husband need to want his wife by his side?"

Those sharp emerald eyes remained unyielding against his lofty crimsons, a stubborn gaze that he approved of greatly. A strong wife is a treasure that every man should covet, but if she really did expect anything more than his simple wishes to have her accompaniment then she'll be sorely disappoint—

"Fine. But if you are to make unreasonable demands off me then the same opportunity should also be extended to me." Arturia responded.

Oh… H-Hoh?!

Naruto could barely contain the pleasant surprise that reflected off his countenance.

"A fair exchange should be a mutual compromise in this… relationship, should it not?" She continued.

"Ah, so that 'royal' part of you has finally decided to join the fold, hm? But indeed, I am more than reasonable as you must've seen by now. So if you're willing to acknowledge my station in your heart, then I too am willing to meet you at your own station as my wife." He folded his hands before him, leaning his chin forward. "So what's my wife's unreasonable request, hm?"

Arturia met his gaze steadily, her countenance masked in a completely neutral gaze. "My family is off limits, you can keep an eye on them to take care of these 'threats' that we're facing, but you do not make a fool out of them, you do not play games with them — you will not speak, nor interact with them unless you absolutely need to." Her words really didn't sound like a request, no it's a solemn demand.

There's a part of him that really wanted to rile her up with an 'And if I don't?' — however, he'd forgone it in favor something else he's seeing.

Two fingers beckon toward her, and with a steady gait she wordlessly followed his command, standing before him with those bright emerald eyes staring unyieldingly. It wasn't so much determination as it was a stubborn sense of protectiveness over her family. That same martyr-like protectiveness she'd extended over to her kingdom. A brilliant, foolish trait that made her the most valuable jewel in his eyes. No doubt if he asked even further she would…

His hand pats at his lap twice, "Sit."

Arturia's lips settles into a thin line, but wordlessly she approaches and lowers herself down to—

"Enough." The word came out almost like a sharp razor cutting through the thick tension in the atmosphere.

Arturia herself turned to him with a furrowed gaze. She was just a few inches away shy from having to debase herself with this perverted hog's antics only for that same hog to press a hand on her back, stopping her advance.

"Very well." Naruto stood up abruptly, "I'll comply with your demands, Arturia. On the condition that you comply with mine." He pressed on, leaving her no quarter as a hand raised to suddenly cup her chin. "You are never to repress yourself in my presence. Detest me if you wish, let your eyes fester with hate… I care not. But you do not compromise nor suppress yourself with me. I am not your underling nor do I require your sacrifice. Understand?" Much like her, it's worded as a demand, not a request.

Regardless, she's atleast able to blink and muster a confused nod.

"Good girl." A hand pats her head.

There's a full solid minute of awkward silence as Arturia simply stood stock still, brows scrunched in abject confusion while the blonde king merely continued on with his hand pressed against the top of head.

Only for the whole dynamic to shift as his lips tugs up into a familiar amused smirk. "I must say, I'm quite surprised to find a natural aptitude for docility at a mere display of benevolence." He leans in, his thumb lightly stroking her chin. "Tell me, beloved. Shall I spoil you even more then?"

"Y-You— l-lascivious beast! Have you no sense of propriety?"

"Isn't it a perfectly moral behavior for a man to spoil his wife?"

"W-Would you leave me alone already?! You've had enough games today! Begone!"

"On the contrary, I do believe I've only begun. Besides…" A snap of his fingers resounds about as the familiar aroma of those sweet, delectable skewers manifested on the table next to them. "I'm sure there's a part of you that's longing for my return, hm?"

This… this…! To use her own weakness against her. Does this man know no shame?!

"Well..? Are you sure then? Your husband is more than willing to spoil you beloved." He took a skewer, letting those tantalizing flavors waft into the air, dulling the poor knightess' senses.

Damn him! A thousand poxes unto him!

Arturia bit her lower lip, only to hang her head dejectedly as she gave a subtle, and slow nod.

"Marvelous. Come then, sit." Naruto patted the seat next to him as he leans against the table, propping his cheek on a raised palm. He wasn't really hungry, no… he's more in for this to see his beloved wife scarf herself full.

Fortunately, for Arturia all thoughts of shame flew by the window the moment she took her first bite.

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Till next time!