Targeting the board with her bow, Sakura firmly clasped her right hand on the edge of the arrow as she slowly extended her arm. She cleared her thoughts, only focusing on the target. After heaving a sigh, she stared once again on the center of the board before she prepared to release.

"Oh, there you are! I have been searching for you two!"

The call disturbed Sakura's concentration, which made her let go of the arrow. It pierced the board—right next to the middle point. Sakura grew annoyed as she tilted her head to see Sasuke. "I, now, see where you received your intrusions."

"Better get used to it." Sasuke responded.

The Queen stopped her tracks when she was near the shooting area. "That was a fine start, dear." She pertained to the failed shot while she patted Sakura's head.

Sakura sulked and grasped another arrow after hearing her reply.

Mikoto put her hands on her hips. She gave Sasuke her threatening gaze as if he committed a crime.

"Is there something wrong, mother?" He focused his attention to the board while he stretched his arm.

"I heard from Temari." Mikoto simply answered, though it piqued Sakura's interest.

"About what?"

Mikoto shifted her position, folding her arms with a stern look plastered on her face. "You have not yet to accomplish the traditional lock with Sakura. Why is that?"

Sasuke let go of his grip to the arrow as it hit the line of the center point. "I believe that the shrine is only compatible to the rulers of the kingdom."

"Nonsense," Mikoto hastily motioned a gesture of silence. "Your grandfather's brother also had a lock with his wife. You lead our people to victory in the past battle—your name has the right to be imprinted. Furthermore, Sakura came from a different place, it could prove the kingdoms' bonds in the near future."

Returning the bow and the arrow in its original places, Sakura managed to join in the conversation. "Pardon? If you would allow me to know, what is this lock?"

Mikoto spared Sasuke a glance. This caused Sakura to look at Sasuke as well.

The prince exhaled as he left his archery equipment. He gently held Sakura's wrist before he talked. "Excuse us mother, we shall be going on our way."

"Hold on where—"

"Have a safe travel!" The Queen cheekily yelled as she watched the two run towards the stable. On the contrary, she knew where they were going.

Once Mikoto was out of the couple's sight, Sakura struggled on asking Sasuke about the discussion with his mother. After seeing the glint of guilt in Sasuke's eyes, she immediately kept her mouth shut. She waited for them to reach the horse before she began the conversation.

"If I may know, what is this traditional lock? Why must I be included? And why must we go?" She interrogated as Sasuke helped her go up the horse.

On the other hand, Sasuke oddly remained silent. He immediately went up and controlled his horse to go to a certain location. "The traditional lock is mostly concerned with the leaders of the Fire kingdom. There is a spot in the Konoha Monuement wherein the kings and queens would carve their names and the date of marriage on a padlock."

"Why then am I affected? I am no queen."

"Yes, you are."

Sakura arched an eyebrow at his statement. "In what kingdom then?"

The prince took a quick glance before he showed his signature smirk. "In mine." Then, he whipped his rope to fasten the horse's pace. Sakura could not even utter a word by the sudden action—though she did hold on to Sasuke to refrain from falling.

[···][···][···]

"Is that it?" She grasped unto the golden padlock wherein they wrote their names above the metal. Just then, she also clutched the pendant on her free hand.

It was nearly noon by the time they reached the top of the Hokage Mountains. The cold breeze passed by them as it brushed the strands of hair that was covering Sakura's face. Houses and stores were scattered from the view where the two were standing. The citizens around the area were as tiny as ants from Sakura's vision.

"Locking it on the chains and imprinting our names?" Sakura continued, pocketing the pendant she always had. She then looked towards Sasuke who finished carving their names at a stone inside the shrine.

"Precisely." He spoke once Sakura entered the shrine.

The shrine was covered by a wooden roof, with a size of an average cottage. A rectangular shaped stone stood at the center, shining like the morning sun. It consisted of all the names that had power and authority over the kingdom. Numerous padlocks hung on the chain-link fence at both opposite sides of the room which were attached to the wall.

"If I may," Sakura circled her thumb on the lock as she bit her lip. "Why have you not brought me here before?"

Sasuke paused and dropped the tools he was holding. Silence took over the conversation and it ticked Sakura off as every second pass by.

"Do you wish to bring another woman?" Sakura asked. She knew that her lucky guess was indeed the right answer when Sasuke flinched after returning the materials.

"It is quite a long story." Those were the only words that came out from Sasuke's mouth. Suddenly, regret swelled into Sakura like toxic.

"I have the time."

"I don't." Sasuke countered, now looking at her with those eyes that scream nothing but anger. The princess' eyes slightly widened in response.

It was the first time for Sakura to see him like this. He looked beyond terrifying. Although, Sakura did not feel the urge to run away like a normal person would do after seeing a petrifying monster. Instead, she felt the desire to help him.

Sasuke sighed once he noticed Sakura's actions. "—for now, but I do promise to tell you soon." He managed to say as he walked nearer towards her direction.

Sakura took note of how his aura changed when their eyes were suddenly locked in a trance.

Everyone had two sides. One that they showed to the public, and one only meant for their true colors. In that one moment, Sakura believed that Sasuke had a vulnerable side. There is a side of him as an observant and caring prince. While the other was hiding; like a lost boy in the woods, wanting to go back home.

"Promises are meant to be broken," Sakura told him while shrugging. "That is what my parents taught me."

"I assure you that I keep my word." He replied and advanced to the chain-link fence.

Sakura held his wrist tightly, much to Sasuke's surprise. "Remember, you are not alone."

Simple words, but those are the ones that are covered with thousands of meanings.

Sakura walked ahead to clasp the hook unto the steel, as Sasuke was left speechless. What astonished him was neither Sakura's actions nor her words—it was something else, something beneath those simple words and the warmth of her hand.

As fast as lighting, a hawk flew right into the shrine and Sakura shrieked at the quick entrance.

"Daichi? You arrived early." Sasuke commented while the hawk flapped its wings.

"What is that for?" Sakura questioned, holding unto the railing in fright.

"Daichi is a hawk messenger. I believe this is the first time you have encountered such specie." He referred to Sakura's shocked reaction towards the hawk.

Sasuke chuckled once Sakura glared at him. Nonetheless, he untied the string attached to the hawk's leg and unfolded the paper stuck into it.

"What does the message say?"

Sasuke's lips formed into small smile. Sakura did not have a clue on his reason, but she was sure that his dark aura had vanished.

"Just a message from mother. She was making sure that we we're here."

Sasuke let Daichi fly back to her home after reading the note.

"What is the purpose the lock anyway?" Sakura asked while she waited for her husband's answer. She inserted the key unto the lock before twisting it. "People can have no lock, yet they live happily ever after, as to what stories tell."

"Is that what you think?" He questioned, moving beside her.

"I believe so." Sakura answered, but it was more of a question than a declarative sentence.

Chuckling, Sasuke responded. "It is more of a rope."

"A rope? A rope that is shaped into a steel padlock." She spoke after observing the object. "How fascinating."

However, Sasuke did not fancy her sarcasm. He sees the lock as a serious tradition. "Rope that binds two people together. No one else must intrude their relationship." He pinched the bridge of his nose while answering. "You would not get it now, but you must do soon."

The prince embraced Sakura's hands, who was clutching on the padlock.

"Sakura, this marks that, in under no circumstances, you must not break our relationship. Do you understand?"

Sasuke looked down, expecting for the worst in Sakura offering her promise. She did dislike him, probably up until this point.

However, she proved him wrong.

"Yes." She responded with much determination and she tightened her grip on the padlock.

It took Sasuke a few seconds to realize that Sakura had confirmed. "I, Uchiha Sasuke, accept to be Sakura Haruno—now Sakura Uchiha's partner for all eternity and I will never do anything to break her nor us apart."

Then both of them sealed the lock and threw the key towards the pot that contains fire inside.

"You do realize that I am considered as an Uchiha for marrying you." Sakura reminded after they left the shrine.

Sasuke locked the shrine. "Your point?"

"You should have excluded Haruno." She walked, side by side with Sasuke, to the horse.

"Yes, but it does not change the fact that I am married to Sakura Haruno—the most determined human being alive."

Sakura laughed and Sasuke helped her in riding the horse. "Is that supposed to cheer me up? Because you are miserably failing."

The prince also went up on the horse's back. "You have not seen anything yet." He whipped the rope as the horse sprinted. The speed of the horse caused Sakura to cling unto Sasuke once again.

"Goodness gracious, would you at least give me a warning on your sudden actions? You are fortunate that I am not wearing a dress or else I would have fallen."

Sasuke just gave a smirk in response, though Sakura was not able to see it.

"And what do you mean by I have not seen anything yet? I believe I am already exposed to your idiotic actions."

Sasuke spared her a glance before answering. "You underestimate me too much."

[···][···][···]

The clicks of the horse could be heard as the two entered the barriers of the castle. Sasuke pulled the rope, which served as a signal for the horse to stop. He immediately got himself down once they arrived.

"No time to waste, Sakura!"

Sakura, who got her boots tangled at the stirrup, gave Sasuke a twitch. "If must go, why do you not carry me then?" She spat after freeing her leg.

"Miss out then." He shrugged then rushed to the castle.

Sakura's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Wait!" She yelled when she got off the horse and followed the prince's tracks.

"Slow down a bit!" She shouted again, but Sasuke was not stopping nor changing his pace.

After bickering and turning multiple times, Sakura finally saw Sasuke stopping at the grand living room. She had her hands on her knees as she breathed heavily. "W-What was that for, you imbecile!"

"S-Sakura-neechan?" A little girl called out from the couch. Had she heard it right? Or was it just her mind playing tricks with her? Sakura was left astounded when her eyes landed on the silky scarlet strands of a little girl she knew all too well. Tears formed in Sakura's eyes as the voice echoed once again. "Neechan?"

There were two soldiers positioned at the sides of the couch. They stood with stern looks while the edges of the little girl's mouth went up. Sasuke was near the door where Sakura entered.

"Sara-neechan?" Sakura was able to mutter before the little girl wrapped her small arms around Sakura's waist.

"How..." Finding no words to respond, Sakura stared at Sasuke—dumbfounded.

Sasuke simply gave her a smirk. "You are welcome." Those were the last words that Sakura heard from the prince before he snapped his fingers. The guards followed the prince to the exit. The two siblings were finally reunited after months of separation.

Sakura crouched down to reach her sister's level before she hugged her tightly. Sara giggled in joy when her big sister embraced her.

Her tears continued to stroll down while she hugged the only source of her happiness. When they both released their hold, Sara pouted and used her hand to wipe the tears that were falling from Sakura's eyes.

"Do not cry. I came here to see you smile, not cry, Sakura-neechan."

Sakura chuckled at her sister's antics. "I am only crying tears of joy because of you." A loving smile spread through Sakura's lips.

"Then stop crying and let's bake!" Sara cheered, but Sakura shook her head.

"Let's talk here first." Sakura spoke as the two sat on the coach. "Why are you here?"

"What, you do not miss me?" Sara looked down and pouted in sadness.

Her cute pout only made Sakura grin, as she pinched her little sister's nose mischievously. "No evidence is needed for you to know that I dearly missed you. I am just wondering on what is the reason you are brought here."

Sara lifted her shoulders. "I don't know. Naruto-san told me to come with him to see you."

"What, how come? Moreover, you know Naruto?"

"I met Naruto-san at the wedding before. Yesterday, he also told me that Sasuke-san wanted for me to go here and see you."

Hearing the message, Sakura could still not believe that Sasuke would have her sister come all the way to the Fire Kingdom just to see her. In a blink of an eye, Sakura recalled what Sasuke had told her.

"You have not seen anything yet."

Sara smiled. "Did you say thank you, Sakura-nee?"

Sakura was held back by Sara's words. "On second thought, let us bake cookies."

"Cookies!" Sara repeated as she dashed off to the kitchen, instantly shifting her mindset.

A couple of hours had passed by before Sakura and Sara finished off their last batch of cookies. The only thing they had to do was wait for their delicious treat.

"How have you been?" Sakura brought up the topic after she washed her hands on the sink.

"I'm good. Lady Tsunade offered me to be her apprentice as well."

"Is that true?"

Sara laughed once she saw the hurt in Sakura's expression. "I don't think so. I suppose she just misses teaching and having you around."

"Give her a hug for me when you get back and say I miss her too."

"Will do."

"How are mother and father?"

"As always. Controlling." Sara rolled her eyes while moving her legs up and down as she sat on a high chair.

"And the kingdom?" Sakura continued while gathering the materials they used.

"To be honest, the kingdom is getting better ever since Fugaku-san and Mikoto-san gave their help."

Relief was all that Sakura could feel when the kingdom's state could go from a developing one into an industrial state. And for her parents? Sakura could care less. She practically viewed them as leaders, not parents. Since she considered her parents as people who instruct younger ones what to do and what not to. She would even agree that Tsunade is more of a mother figure than her biological one ever was.

"How about you?" Her little sister flashed a grin. "How is your stay here?"

"It would be heaven if you were to stay here as well." Sakura confirmed as she thought about the recent events that had occurred.

"I'm here now, so is it heaven?"

Laughing together, Sakura managed to pat her sister's head. "You are one smart girl."

"Ne, do you like Sasuke-san?" Sara asked out of nowhere, causing Sakura to drop some utensils.

"What? We were in an arranged marriage."

"Well, it is clear that he loves you—"

"That is preposterous."

"Then if he does, would you return it?" Sara pressed the topic, much to Sakura's confusion.

"Why must you know?" Sakura questioned while checking if the pastries were baked.

"I'm sorry," Sara replied once she noticed her sister's discomfort. "It's just that this is the first time I saw you this happy."

Sakura became silent when she pondered onto her sister's words. She looked at her with curiosity, for she had never took note of her own joy since then.

"You are my sister, not just a beautiful princess. I know your bond. Sister, just don't break it, for me?" Sara embraced her tightly, hoping that their bond would be as strong as her hold on her big sister.

Her sudden embrace and thoughtful words brought Sakura to confusion. She did not clearly understand on what her sister had meant. Though, she took it into consideration since this was the first that she had witness her sister to plead for herself.

"Okay, I will not."

[···][···][···]

At the end of the day, not everything happy is permanent. Sara needed to go back to her home, despite the late time. Fortunately, Naruto volunteered to come with Sara, along with other soldiers, to ensure her safety.

Closing the bedroom doors with mixed feelings, Sakura spotted her husband at the balcony. She noticed that he was setting up some sort of short railing attached to the wall once she got a closer look. "What is that for?"

Sasuke did not look. He obviously knew who by just the tone and pitch of her voice. "For you to not feel like you are staying in a dungeon."

"Pardon?"

"Hawk messenger," Sasuke retorted as Daichi flew and stood on the railing. "I believe you have met Daichi. You can send messages through her to your family. She's faster than sending scrolls and letters through people."

In a snap, Sasuke was taken aback. It took a few seconds for him to realize that Sakura wrapped her arms around him, engulfing him with warmth only Sakura could give him.

"Thank you very much, Sasuke. This means a lot to me." Sakura muttered while tears began to form in her eyes once again. "Especially for bringing my sister here."

When Sakura released her grip, it astonished him to see Sakura truly smiling—as if her dreams were achieved.

"My pleasure." Sasuke replied as he slightly beamed.

Sakura walked towards the hawk. "How does this work?"

"Write a message on a paper and tie it at her foot. Let her fly off afterwards. She knows where to go."

Sakura ripped a piece of paper and scribbled her message to her sister. She folded the paper and tied it unto the foot of the hawk. Taking a step back, the animal flew off.

"That was easy." Sakura commented in awe just when the hawk left.

"She must return as soon as she received the response. I shall be doing paperwork if you need me."

Sakura glanced at the clock before answering. "At this late hour? How come?"

"The King handed over me a favor to finish his part to make time for his wife. He has been roughly loaded with work." Sasuke spoke, the doorknob already in his grasp.

"Let me help you then." Sakura answered once she saw a hint of stress in Sasuke's expression.

To Sakura's dismay, Sasuke simply shook his head. "No, you need to rest."

Although, Sakura could not even think that she would be in dreamland while Sasuke would lose energy. "No, we both need to sleep. If one does not, then the other should not as well."

"I am capable of doing it by myself."

Sakura scanned his features. Dark circles under his eyes, messed up hair, eyes half-lidded, paler skin—Sakura would indeed be of service. "I was not asking you. I am still going to assist you whether you like it or not." She folded her arms, challenging him.

Sasuke rubbed his temples. "Are you really stubborn?"

"Yes and you are an icicle." Sakura felt a hint of victory and she moved towards the door. "Let us go, shall we?"

Sasuke simply gave her a sigh of defeat.

In response, Sakura grinned. "Lead the way."

Sasuke did not know much when it comes to emotions, but he knew that he felt thankful that someone was by his side.

···》···》···》···》···》

PUBLISHED.//5.24.16//

~Kikaraaa