Chapter Text
A diamond is the most expensive jewel in the trove. If one treats a diamond with respect, the owner will seek nothing in life. They will be the riches, in a sense, where they find only happiness.
Sakura Uchiha was such a jewel. She was the woman who would bring about a new age of Uchiha’s since the near extinction of the race thirteen years prior. When Itachi Uchiha wiped his clan off of the face of the earth, there left only himself and his younger brother Sasuke. Sasuke was the soul heir to the name of the fierce clan and would be the only one to father a child that bore his name; Sarada Uchiha.
* * *
Before Sakura gave birth to their precious princess, there was a time when the village she looked over was on the brink of war and the only way to save it was to wed a lord from the outside. Unfortunately for her, the leader of the land far from home was an elder twice her age. He had warned that if the Princess of the land of Fire would refuse him he would wipe out the people she so loved dearly. Of course after what had happened to the clan nearby, the royals couldn’t risk another massacre. Instead, they agreed to the union against Sakura’s silent objections.
The jewel of her kingdom; she was named after the blossoms that bloomed in the spring because she too sprang up in the warmth of the sun. Light reflecting off of her cherry pink locks and shining through her emerald green irises. A treasure for any man to hold in his palms if she so desired him too. The emperor made her nearly untouchable due to her never leaving the grounds of her palace home. The princess could wander her home freely but anywhere else was off limits. The emperor was afraid that a heathen would abscond with his precious petal and vanish. These are things he wanted to prevent in order for his bloodline to live on through his only heir. Though she was forbidden from traveling, Sakura would watch the horizon and wish that she was unbound. All she seemed to have wanted was her freedom.
Standing on the balcony of her room, the pinkette leaned gracefully on the marble railing watching her people walk amongst each other. They would greet their friends and strangers. Laughing together like she had longed to do for so long. Yearning for friendship was truly a nightmare that came with its companion loneliness. Loneliness would tag along with depression and soon a person would find themself surrounded by darkness but Sakura let the sunlight shine into her bedroom every morning and the moonlight every night. She had found little ways to keep herself entertained when she wasn’t the hostess of an invent for her father’s friends in high places. Sighing, the flower turned and went back into her bedroom wondering what the day would bring next. It was morning time after all so the day had only gotten started. The ladies-in-waiting had already come dressed her in a fine gown and pinned her long hair up in a royal style fit for a blue blood. Hair pins given to her by the empress of China stuck out of her bun giving her a radiant look. To be honest, she never cared for the pounds of silk she had to wear to form her kimono, or the millions worth of jewelry. Choices were worth more than all of the gold in the world. As soon as she could, she pulled the decorative pieces from her hair and placed them on the bed. Simply, she tied her long strands back with a simple white ribbon. The palace court didn’t approve of her decisions but she was comfortable just being one of her people. They did not adorn heavy jewels and expensive tastes but they were filled with happiness.
The springtime air was warm as it danced across her pale color skin. This accentuated her features. Beauty untouched by even a simple blemish. Flawless would be the correct term. Making her way down the grand hallway lined with painting of the past, her kimono tail trails behind her like a shadow. It was all too much. The fabric she wore probably weighed more than she herself. Brushing the walls lightly with her fingertips, Sakura began to wonder. Wonder if she should bring up the rules to the emperor himself or continue to live as a bird trapped in a golden cage. Life would pass her by within an instant. Life was unforgiving unfortunately. Regret was a side effect of wasting time and time was precious. Stopping midway, emerald eyes stared out of the window at the emperor’s samurai warriors in charge of protecting the royal family and there she saw him. The most brutal amongst the lot; Sasuke Uchiha. He himself came from a family of rare blood but was now orphaned by war. The Uchiha clan was a fierce people who fought bravely when death raided their land but spared one. He was the sole survivor of a massacre but never made it known though everyone knew. His hair was black with a slight tint of midnight blue like the night sky. Eyes black, full of hatred. Skin that mimicked the full moon. An ‘angel with devils blood’ as the town had labeled him. The men stood in formation practicing their swordsmanship, striking the air. Sighing, Sakura leaned on the window ledge admiring the brave men. They were all dressed in the same color Kamishimo Hitatare with the Haruno Blossom insignia on the back. They were loyal to the crown only. Smiling lightly, she didn’t realize the black haired Uchiha had glance up at her making eye contact. It nearly took her breath away when their pupils met. Blushing lightly, she quickly pulled back from view and placed her hand on her chest feeling her heart jumping out of her frame. Her blood was pumping harder to her body making her insides warmer than usual. Bashful as she was, Sakura made haste and continued on her way, pictures of the Uchiha male flashing through her memory.
after getting sidetracked, Sakura finally made it to the inner chamber where her father and mother were sitting patiently waiting on her arrival to start breakfast.
“My child,” The emperor beamed up at her. “You’ve finally decided to grace us.”
“My apologies father I had woken up later than usual.” She replied sitting on the floor. The tables were short. They believed this to be better for one’s back. “I see the men are training in the courtyard again…”
“Yes!” His voice boomed with delight. “They are the finest soldiers in all of Japan!”
“Yes dear.” Her mother replied as she used her elaborately decorated chopsticks to pick up the food before her.
“Father,” She started as she placed her hands gracefully in her lap. “Could a woman be a soldier in your elite army?”
This of course made her parents stop in their tracks and turn to her. “Absolutely not.” The man of power replied. “Women do not belong in the army of the emperor.” Sakura felt a knot in her belly almost like she wanted to vomit. Sakura sat there quietly losing the appetite she needed to eat. Standing, she retreated from the dining hall hearing her mother call after her. She was chained down in this position which was crystal clear now. She could be nothing more than a pretty face. Walking down the steps, she picked up the front of her elegant kimono slightly so she wouldn’t trip. The tears welling up in her eyes were begging to fall but Sakura refused to allow them. The world seemed so far away at this point. As she made her way to exit into the garden, she bumped into another body. She shuffled backwards but a hand reached and grabbed her arms before she could tumble to the ground.
“Apologies my princess,” A silky voice said as he stood her upright and bowed his upper torso to her with respect.
Without an answer, Sakura ran past the male before her tears escaped. Sasuke stood up and turned watching her flee. His thick eyebrows furrowed with question. Turning, he continued his route wherever he was going unconcerned. Sakura ran to the large waterfall blossom tree and stood against it hiding her face. Her tears finally falling down her reddened cheeks. The princess was angry, sad, all of the negative emotions at one time. If she were born a prince instead she would have had as much freedom as she wished. Her father would also praise her for her bravery instead of her beauty. Sitting down at the roots of the grand tree, she looked down at her soft hands wondering what she had done to be cursed.
Sasuke had gone to the second floor and stopped halfway up the steps viewing the pink haired woman from above. She looked like she was suffering but he felt it wasn’t his business nor place to impose in royal deeds. The man caught himself staring at her in a way he’d never noticed her before. Not because he could tell she was in emotional pain but because she was stunning. Beauty didn’t capture Sasuke’s eyes; he was more attracted to power and might. A woman could defend herself without being a damsel. The corners of his lips pulled back into a slight grin as he faded into the shadows like a ghost.
Wiping away the watery emotion, she bit her lower lip contemplating what to do. There were few options unfortunately with faithful servants watching her every move. The easiest choice would be to stay and live the rest of her life in extreme agony and regret. But there was another option too….
* * *
Night swept over the kingdom of Konoha. The palace slept in peace while their heiress was wide awake plotting her escape. Her heart longed for more than this. It begged for adventure. She had swiped a set of Kamishimo to blend in with the nighttime. Once she was dressed, she covered her noticeably pink hair with a black ninja like mask and pulled up the bottom so her mouth was covered. All that was visible were her piercing green eyes. Once she was in disguise, she threw a rope made of kimono fabric down from her bedroom window and carefully climbed down. Heights were never her strong suit but in this instance she had to suck it up. Inch by inch the ground got closer. Once reaching the last few feet she jumped down landing on her feet much to her own surprise. Quietly, she snuck through the shadows making her way to the front gate, dodging any guard who might bring er back to her prison. Once she had reached the grand gates she could taste freedom on her tongue. Now she had to figure out how to get out.
“Going somewhere princess?” A voice startled her and she jumped forgetting she was on a stealth mission.
Changing the tone of her voice to sound more manly, she turned to where the voice was coming from. “I am not the princess…I was merely surveying the uhh…the gate to make sure the royal family was safe…” not completely convincing.
Sasuke Uchiha steps out from the shadows with his arms crossed over his chest. “Okay then soldier, have you found any imperfections?”
Sakura tried to quickly come up with an excuse but her brain had gone numb. “N-No! Of course not!” She stiffed her frame. “It is perfect.” Sasuke took a few more steps forward eyeing her up and down. “Is there anything else I can do for you sir?” Sakura had watched the samurai her entire life and had mimicked the way they moved.
“Yes there is one more thing…” Sasuke quickly drew his straight katana and placed it on her shoulder making her gulp. “You should not be out here Princess Sakura….”
“I am NOT the princess…” She gritted her teeth.
“Oh really?” The man mocked her. “There is only one family in the world with pink eyebrows…..”
She had forgotten to use foundation to change the color of her extremely light pink brows. Cursing herself, she sighed. Taking off the mask, she revealed her face to him but now she was feeling fire course through her veins. “I will give you anything if you let me flee this night…”
Sasuke pulled his blade away from her and sheathed it. “There is nothing I desire.” He lied.
“Then let me go…”
“Why do you want to leave so badly when you have more than anyone could long for?” Sasuke was indeed curious.
“This is not a life…this is prison. And I am a lowly prisoner who wants to know what the world looks like.” Her eyes sparkled as she went on about her dream.
“There is nothing out there for you your majesty….” Unfortunately, the Uchiha had been known for being extremely blunt with words. “If you leave, I can’t guarantee your safety…”
Sakura turned to him and glared. “I don’t need your protection.” Sasuke shrugged his shoulders. “What I need you to do is shut up about this.”
Sasuke’s hand rested on the hilt of his blade getting ready to halt the princess or not. “Sakura…” He said through his teeth then he grinned. “Then go.” This was the perfect beginning to his own plan. “I didn’t expect someone like you to come quietly anyway.” The male turned his back on her and began walking away. Sakura was left dumbfounded believing he would have really stopped her. Shaking her head, she pushed the gate open only slightly. Leaving enough space to shimmy through. Pulling her mask back on carefully, she slipped out into the night as red eyes watched her from a distance. “Run little princess,” sasuke hissed in a whisper. “I’ll hunt you down eventually.” He watched with his ability called the Sharingan. It was a curse placed on the Uchiha in the beginning of time.
Slipping into the shadows, he vanished.
Sakura, on two feet, strolled along the green meadows finally feeling the grass under her bare feet. They tickled her toes as she walked. There was a smile on her face that no one would wipe away. The full moon was beaming down on her as the stars covered the sky. The blackness of the sky kissing the ground and she couldn’t get enough of this view. Sakura twirled along like a little girl at a party. The air was warmer than usual making a journey like this worthwhile. With her newly found freedom, she travelled a distance and came across the village where her father was praised for governing. They were having a festival in honor of springtime finally arriving. Cherry blossoms covered the streets. Music was echoing into the night air and food circulated making villagers hungry. Everything smelled delicious which made Sakura’s belly grumble in protest. Feeling hungry, she strolled over to a stand that was selling grilled chicken pieces on a stick. “One please.” She said holding up a single finger and exchanging currency with the seller. She had brought a small pouch with enough coins to buy her what she needed. Consuming the food gracefully, she smiled with delight. It was delicious but was definitely filling. She couldn’t believe all of the things she was missing on the inside. Looking around, she would smile at scenes of children running, families enjoying dinner, and little puppet shows of stories from their beloved kingdom.
“…And they named her Sakura, after Konoha’s beautiful trees…” A narrating voice said with a smile. “She is the most beloved princess in all the land but unfortunately the people do not get to gaze upon her for if they do, they’ll fall deeply in love with her and spiral into madness…”
That wasn’t quite the story she was hoping would be told on her behalf but it was truly entertaining. After the show had ended and clapping echoed, she stood and looked around to see what she could see next. This was only the first stop to a long journey she was willing to take. Unbeknownst to her, her shadow learned in the darkness between the huts, watching her every move. Sasuke had easily followed behind her knowing she would visit her people first. It almost made his chuckle at the way she was behaving. Wandering around like a peasant child. “Hmph.” He leaned against the wall observing. His piercing red eyes glaring at her person as she wandered. These midnight festivals were full of life, as if these happy people didn’t have sleep. It was a celebration that only came once a year after all so they made the most of it. Sasuke wasn’t one for these mediocre parties. In fact, he would rather not be around people at all if he had a choice.
When he fun had ended, the princess in disguise made her way to the village entrance turning back before completely stepping over the threshold admiring her people with a satisfied smile. Turning back to the darkness of the path leading toward destiny, she stepped hesitantly. She’d never gone off on her own before. Slightly biting her lower lip, she inhaled deeply and finally took those much needed steps toward freedom. “Alright…” She said to herself.