Your arranged marriage to a prominent feudal lord has always been a happy one or so you thought. When he suspects your lack of fertility, he takes up a mistress much to your dismay. Your sister, no less!
The overwhelming depression forces you into...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
As per the advice of Madara, you fashion the ceremony into one of quaint intimacy. Only the Uchiha clan participates though it still entails a significant amount of people. They enter the estate, all with a light atmosphere and the intention to enjoy themselves.
You use the same reception area where Mikoto's engagement was held. Staple dishes belonging to the clan are lined for those hungry as everyone mingles with one another. Torched lights brighten the night veil outside where some linger as they speak in hushed whispers.
"This feels odd." Your comment earns the attention of Madara, who stands next to you. He had waited for you as you got ready and is now intent on entering the hall with you on hand.
"What is?"
"Not too long ago I wasn't allowed to be seen. Today, all will witness me in this state."
He bends his arm, a habitual action since his first time, and you take it to burden him with your weight. His eyes remain on the plump of your waist. He experiences his own moment of irony, how in the past he viewed you and the child as menaces to his solitude yet now he provides a gentle protection over the both of you.
"The world is ever changing," he responds as he returns to guiding you towards the hall while Toneri walks behind. You spot the speck of nerves on Toneri's expression, but he paves a smile over to keep you in positive spirits.
Until you arrive. You two are the last to enter and the whole room turns to stare. They bow at Madara but then the atmosphere drops to a cold tension at the sight of you holding his arm. The protrusion near your waistline makes it clear that you carry; with how Madara aids your steps, it is clear who the baby belongs to.
Fugaku and Mikoto stand in the center of the hall as they are the secondary hosts to the ceremony. It is an event where they must show how they are capable of leading outside of the Clan Leader's grasp. You are sure they were doing well so far, but your entrance surely ruined any interest in those two.
Guilt sews itself into your body, inhibiting it with fear. Your feet refuse to continue forward upon their stares, but Madara whispers encouraging words to keep you centered. "Hold your head up."
You do as told. With your head held high, you allow Madara to advance until he brings you to a nearby cushion. Your knees are used to being sat on due to the village's customs, but it feels painful when pregnant. Yet you appreciate the newfound pain as it serves as your anchor in the sea of nerves.
Madara releases you and departs to converse with some of the clan elders while Toneri tends to you. "Do you want a plate of food or water?"
"Both, please."
He nods and rushes to the table where the food is stationed. In full view of all, you try to mind your own business but the clan's stares dampen your confidence. You can sense their astute judgment of your state yet no one approaches. They wait for a brave soul to take the lead.
