Chapter 5

Sleeping in Sasuke's room for the first time was just as tumultuous as I thought it'd be. The prince didn't turn his lamp off until the early hours of the morning and I found the light incredibly hard to ignore.

On top of that, each time I'd manage to fall asleep that flash of red eyes would shock me back awake. By the time morning arrived, I'd only managed to get an hour or two of sleep.

The book that I'd decided to read to try and understand Sasuke better only left me more puzzled than before. What I thought was a novel ended up being an odd sort of guide to mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, and sirens. Not only that, but it was written in extremely old wording which made it hard to understand. The book was written as though it were non-fiction, but since those creatures are mythical, it's a fictional work. Last night, after ready the first few chapters, I'd stared at Sasuke's turned back in confusion. This book is definitely not what I'd pictured when I imagined the Uchiha's favorite piece of literature. It did, indeed, shine a new light on him.

I scoffed to myself as I washed my face in the ensuite bathroom. No matter how many new lights shine on the man, he'll still be a jerk who cornered me in a bathtub.

"Is something funny?"

I glanced over the towel in my hands to see the man in question standing in the doorway with a glare directed to me as he buttoned up his shirt. Fighting to keep a blush from rising to my face, I averted my gaze from his chiseled chest and focused on running a comb through my hair, "It's like you're two different people: the curious one from last night and the jerk you usually are. What's up with that?"

He'd told me yesterday that I didn't have to hold my tongue around him as long as I slept in his room and I was taking that deal to heart and speaking my mind. I wanted to ask him in an even more blunt manner, but decided against angering him so early in the day. His eyes narrowed at me for a moment before he wordlessly turned and exited his bedroom.

I glanced at the empty doorway for a moment before cleaning the mess I'd made in the bathroom whilst getting ready for the day. Mikoto had bought me a few beauty products, like makeup and perfume, and I didn't want to insult her by not using them. I was grateful, really, because the concealer helped cover the dark bags under my eyes from my struggle to sleep for three nights already this week. I didn't want anyone to question why I looked tired the morning after sleeping in Sasuke's room.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw Mikoto sitting daintily on the edge of Sasuke's bed as she waited for me calmly. She was dressed in another one of her extravagant, almost gothic-style, gowns and looked as stunning as ever when an elegant smile graced her painted lips, "Sakura, dear, I was worried when Madara went to check on you last night and you were nowhere to be found!"

An amused look dawned her beautiful face, an expression I hadn't expected, "Luckily, Sai told me he heard you arguing with Sasuke in here last night. Don't tell me he convinced you to join him in his bed?"

My entire being would've exploded right there if it were humanly possible, instead I tried to sputter out an explanation, "N-N-No, Ma'am! I slept on the couch!" I desperately gestured over to the mentioned item of furniture and she glanced over to see my blanked and pillow folded nicely atop the cushions.

When her eyes met mine again, they still held an amused glimmer and she let out a small laugh, "Of course, Dear! I know you're not that type of girl. I was only teasing you." She gestured for me to follow her as she rose from the bed and walked gracefully out into the hall.

"I must admit I'm relieved to hear you have the courage to argue with my son. It's been a long time since any of us have met someone who sees us as anything other than royalty."

I didn't know what to say so I just nodded with a slightly pink face.

"I just hope he isn't treating you badly. You'll tell me if he is, correct?" I nodded, a little uncomfortable picturing how Sasuke would react if I told his mother about what he did in my bathroom last night and deciding against it.

As we landed on the ground floor, a few unfamiliar faces passed by us in the direction of the kitchen, telling me that the king and queen didn't feel like cooking today. Mikoto pulled my attention back to our conversation, "Sakura, I can't imagine how scared you've been, but I want to thank you on behalf of my husband. He and I have been talking about how unfamiliar your mannerisms, clothing, and overall character are and we realized that we've been out of touch with our city for too long."

My eyes widened and I looked up to look at the back of her head as she continued, "When we spoke with Madara, he agreed that this is an issue that we urgently need to address. As a result, we will be throwing the first royal ball to held in this castle in over seventy years."

She turned to offer me a brief smile before continuing on, "I know it's kind of short notice, but I'm so excited about it and have decided it will be held in three days, on Saturday. I was wondering, Dear, if you would be willing to lend me a hand with the preparations?"

My mind was reeling with the sheer amount of information she'd just dumped on me. Is it really because of me that they suddenly want to open their doors to the public? I've barely spoken a word to Fugaku, but she's telling me that they've spoken about me together and he agrees with her. Is this one of those things that Mikoto wanted and Fugaku couldn't tell her no? Either way, my heart was soaring with excitement. This ball could lead to so many great things! The Uchiha family, in over seventy years, have not opened their doors to the public, must less hosted a party for them! Tears rose in my eyes and I forced them back, overwhelmed with my emotions. This could potentially be a shaky first step for the Uchiha's to realize the state of their city and finally make some changes!

I'm sure the queen could sense my eagerness when I beamed at her, "Of course I'll help!"

An idea came to mind and I hesitated to bring it up, but figured now would probably be the best time to do so, "Do you think my family would be permitted to visit and help as well? I'm sure they're eager to offer their apologies for my crime."

To my surprise, Mikoto gently waved a hand of dismissal, "Of course they can come, Dear! I'll send for them as soon as we're finished here. I can only imagine how much you've been missing them. On that note, what do you think of this location for the festivities to be held?"

I'd been so enthralled in our conversation that I hadn't notice she'd led me to a part of the castle I'd yet to see. It was on the level below the main floor, which I didn't know existed until now. There was a wide stairwell that led straight down into the massive ballroom that had wide double doors at the top. The room itself had thick black pillars and shiny black flooring.

My mouth dropped open in awe of it's beauty and size. How could I not be aware of such a giant room?! It looked just like you'd picture the ballroom Cinderella had gone into, but painted black. I simply nodded my approval to her, which she responded to with a small girlish giggle. A part of me that I've never realized existed was rising in my chest. It was a girly one that couldn't help but picture wonderfully dressed couples waltzing around the room and hopefully she would be one of them. I shook my head of the fantasy. I don't even know how to waltz! These days I seem to be relating more and more with Ino.

"Of course, we'll have to lighten up the place with decorations. Not every family is as fond of black as we are."

She shrugged as though she could barely fathom the idea before turning to me with her usual grin, "Well, then, it's settled! I'll let the boys know that you'll be unavailable to them for the net few days. Meet me in the dining hall after lunch and we'll get started!" I nodded and watched her walk across the room, her heeled shoes clicking starkly against the polished floor.

Once she was nearly up the stairs, I let out a soft sigh, glancing about the room once more. Will I be on the guest list or would I be expected to work the night of the ball? I walked slowly over so I could gently feel the coldness of one of the pillars against my palm. This would be my first time seeing my family since our house had been ransacked and I'd been arrested. Had they managed to get back on their feet? Were they able to feed themselves while I've been away?

With one last wistful glance around the romantic room, I turned to head back upstairs for breakfast, only to come face to face with Madara. A small shriek of surprise slipped past my lips and I rose a hand to my chest, letting out an uncomfortable laugh to cover up my embarrassment, "M-Madara, Sir! I didn't hear you approach!"

The long-haired man didn't offer me his usually welcoming grin, which reminded me of the reason I hadn't spoken with him in days. When he gently grabbed onto my hands and held them between us, my blood ran cold, but I couldn't force myself to move in fear of offending him, "Sakura, allow me to apologize for my negligence. You were injured as a result of my carelessness."

My heart rose in my chest as I gathered the courage to pull my hands from his, but I was still terrified as I took a step back, "What happened the other night? Where were you?" My voice wavered with emotion as I tried to keep myself from panicking once more.

A flash of something crossed his face, but it disappeared so quickly that I had to have imagined it. He shook his head and ran a hand restlessly through his wild hair, "You don't remember it, do you? I suppose that's a fairly normal reaction to such a traumatic event. I apologize, again, for making assumptions."

His eyes danced over mine and I searched his face for any hint of deception. "After serving you some tea, I'd gone to the kitchen to search for some type of cookie or cake to go with it. When I returned, you were gone. I searched for you everywhere, but couldn't find you, so I assumed you'd gone back to your room. You weren't in your bed, but the door to your bathroom was closed and I didn't feel comfortable checking there."

The memory of Sasuke helping himself to my bath crossed my mind momentarily, but I shoved the image away and focused back on the apologetic man in front of me. "I've been riddled with guilt since I heard the news of your state upon being found in the morning. Can you ever forgive me?"

I thought about his explanation for a moment. I remember hearing someone ask about my family before seeing those eyes, but I wasn't looking at them and had assumed it was Madara because it made sense at the time. Now that I thought back, could it have been someone else? My brow furrowed as I tried to sort out my jumbled memories, but the harder I tried the more confused I became. Flashes of that night, the pain running through my body as I struggled and the foreign feeling of a strangers hands touching my body...

My chest felt tight and wave of dizziness rolled over me. I didn't realize my legs had given out from under me until Madara lurched forward to catch me before I could become a crumpled heap on the floor, "Sakura!"

He helped me lean against the pillar and cupped one of my cheeks with a cold hand, "Are you still feeling ill? Should I help you to your room?"

I was pulled from the dark thoughts and searched his eyes once more. He really seemed to be telling the truth. I took a few breaths to calm my quickly beating heart so I wouldn't feel faint once more before putting a hand over the one he held to my face, "I believe you. Please don't blame yourself for what happened. Neither of us could've known I'd be attacked right then."

A relieved smile graced his lips and nodded eagerly, "Of course! Thank you."

After helping me back to my feet, I made sure my dizzy-spell was completely gone before we headed back up the stairs, side by side and talking about the upcoming ball. We also talked about me sleeping in Sasuke's room for protection and how my family would be arriving today. As soon as we arrived on the ground floor, we came face to face with the twins. The young men seemed to be mid-argument, but their mouths clamped shut when they noticed us approaching.

Madara smiled and I bowed. "Ah, my nephews, good morning. Are you headed to breakfast as well?"

Sai gave his usual masked grin and replied as he always does, like a robot, "Yes, Uncle. Shall we walk together?"

The older of the two gestured for him to lead the way and the two walked side by side ahead, leaving Sasuke and I to trail behind them. I dared a glance over at the taller man and noticed he looked particularly more annoyed than usual, making a point not to look at me. I rolled my eyes and looked away. His negativity won't ruin the wonderful mood I'm in so I'll simply ignore him.

My attention turned back to the two walking in front of us. Sai and Madara were speaking in quiet voices, so I couldn't hear what the topic was, but I found it odd how formal they were with each other. I mean, they're family and live together. Even the king doesn't talk to his family with such formality. I shrugged it off as Sai being his usual odd self and Madara simply humoring his nephew's quirks.

We soon arrived in the dining hall, a beautiful room that stole my breath each time I entered it, and sat in our usual spots to eat a meal together. A few minutes into the meal and the queen's pleasant voice broke the silence, "Your family will be arriving shortly, Sakura. I must say, I'm excited to meet the relatives of such a wonderful young lady."

I gave Mikoto a close-lipped smile with a nod as I chewed a bite of pancake. I was so caught up in the fact that I missed my family, that I hadn't considered how they would actually act in front of the royal family. I think Ino will be able to control herself, maybe even better than I have, but my mother on the other hand...The thought of how many ways things could go wrong when it came to my mother had my stomach churning anxiously. The woman could and probably would say things without realizing how rude she sounded. I prayed she would take the advice she'd given me and simply keep quiet. The only thing I was worried about with Ino was her being able to resist the urge to throw herself at any of the gorgeous men in the royal family.

Mikoto's grin widened and she gently patted my hand, "Don't be anxious, my dear. I'm sure they'll be more relieved to see you well than upset with you for your mistake. They are your family, after all."

An odd feeling came over the table for a moment and I glanced up to see her holding Itachi's gaze sharply. It was clear, to me at least, what she was insinuating.

Madara cleared his throat loudly, obviously trying to steer the topic away from the eldest Uchiha prince, for which I was thankful, "I hear that you have a twin sister, Sakura. Is this true?"

Sai, Sasuke, and Itachi all looked over at me with varying levels of curiosity. I nodded, uncomfortable with the sudden attention, "Um, yes, Sir. Her name is Ino."

Sai spoke up and for once, his voice didn't sound like it was a rehearsed answer being read off a script, "Are you two identical, like my brother and I?"

His tone threw me off, but I ignored it as I internally disagreed with part of his question. He and Sasuke may have been identical at birth, but the two are incredibly easy to tell apart. Their hair is styled differently, their skin two different tones, and Sai was more lean than Sasuke, not to mention the latter always has a scowl on his face.

"No. We barely look related."

The queen let out a small laugh, "Well I'm sure she's a beauty, just like her sister."

My face warmed slightly at her compliment and I dipped my head in embarrassment.

Once breakfast had come to a close, I stayed in the kitchen to help both Mikoto and the few hired staff members clean up the mess and do the dishes. The anxiety of waiting for my family to arrive was making me antsy.

I heard a few pairs of footsteps behind me and turned, expecting to see my mother and sister, only to see Sai and Madara looking guilty for misleading me. My face fell and they escorted the queen and I to the family room so we could wait more comfortably. I glanced at Sai as he spoke quietly with his uncle once more. This is the first time since my arrival that he's gone out of his way to be near me. Is it because he's curious about my family?

We were unpacking a few of the large totes of party planning supplies that the queen had had the boys get out of storage when two guards appeared with my mother and sister in tow. The two didn't seem to be trying that hard to hide their awe as they glanced around the large room. My mother's eyes finally landed on me and I rose to my feet.

She pushed past the guards and I thought she was approaching to pull me into a hug so I met her half-way, my voice wavering with relief, "Mom, I've-"

The unmistakable sting of a slap across my face had my head turning to the side. The sound of it echoed loudly through the room. It became so quiet that you could hear a pen drop.

My eyes stung and one of my hands shot up to touch the stinging skin, "Why..."

You'd think that a mother's first reaction to seeing her daughter for the first time after she was almost executed would be a bit less aggressive. My face burnt as I felt the three Uchiha family members rise to their feet in shock behind me. How humiliating.