Sacrificed To The Banished Prince

Chapter 27

Sakura was head over heels for her husband in a way she never imagined she'd feel about anyone. She loved him before the wedding, but after their marriage was officially consummated, it was as if their souls had become intertwined. Perhaps it was just her that felt as such. Sasuke spoke about his feelings relatively often, but it was evident each time that it made him incredibly uncomfortable.

'That's just fine,' the pink-haired princess mused while chopping vegetables in preparation for dinner, 'He's more than proven himself a great man. I no longer need words to reassure my anxieties.'

The prince in question was not present. He'd taken Shadow to the nearest town, which was a few hours' ride away, for supplies. They'd only packed enough clothing for a couple of days, after all. Since they discovered just how compatible their bodies were, Sakura assumed he wanted to stay a while longer.

Blush warmed her face as affection swelled within her chest. 'To think that someone like me can feel this happy,' she sighed dreamily, reminiscing about how gentle and loving Sasuke had been last night.

Then, as all good things must end, the sad truth decided to make itself reappear in her head.

She mumbled to herself, lips turning downward, "This won't last. It can't."

Disappointment so strong overwhelmed the young woman to the point that tears welled in her eyes. Life always had a bittersweet way of showing Sakura what she could have before ripping it away. This would be the harshest experience other than the death of her mother. Now she was glad Sasuke was away. Yes, his presence often helps calm her, but not when his happiness was on the line.

With a resolute huff, the princess steeled her nerves. She'll do this, no matter what. The prince had rescued her from her pitiful existence and showed her unimaginable kindness and care. Because of this, she'd do anything to ensure his safety.

The sound of the door opening and closing met Sakura's ears, so she sniffled and wiped at the few tears that'd risen so her husband wouldn't notice and worry.

"Welcome back. How was the trip?"

Before she could even turn to lay eyes upon him, a sharp pain hit the back of her neck.

Then, she was unconscious.

Sakura's throat was so sore that she couldn't bear to even groan when she next awoke. It felt like someone had forced her to swallow pins and needles. Groggily, she blinked to clear her vision, but still, she couldn't see a thing. That was when she realized a thick cloth of sorts was tied over her eyes. Terror iced her veins, waking her the rest of the way. The woman tried to get up. She couldn't move far because something dug into her neck. When the rattle of a chain reached her ears, she realized some sort of collar was around her neck. It was tight enough that breathing was difficult, too. When she tried to call for help, unbearable pain shot through her throat. Confused, Sakura cried and attempted to remain calm, failing miserably.

'It must be an enchanted object, but who would kidnap me that has access to magic users? Where am I? How long have I been unconscious?'

As if those holding her captive could sense her wake despite her inability to make even the smallest sound, heavy footsteps were heard approaching somewhere outside the room she was in. Her pulse quickened with each one until the sound of some kind of lock being turned came, then a door opened nearby, and a voice she recognized but couldn't pinpoint met her ears, "You're a hard woman to find, y'know that?"

'I know this person, but from where...?' Sakura couldn't ask even if she wanted to because of the collar.

She bristled, scampering backwards until her back hit the wall when those heavy footfalls swiftly approached.