Everyone wants to be the sun to lighten up everyone's life, but why not be the moon, to brighten in the darkest hour?

"You can't do this!"

The horrible injustice of this was enough to make Sasuke lose the composure he normally held, his hands clenched into fists by his sides, aching to collide with something. His father regarded him with cold eyes, clearly uninterested in listening to Sasuke's qualms with this situation. "I can do what I wish, you are my son. Our kingdom needs the assistance of the Uzumaki, and marrying you to their king will link us." Fugaku sighed and raised his fingers to pinch the bridge of his nose, because of course there was some level of empathy, but he knew he had to keep the greater good of his kingdom in mind.

Sasuke couldn't believe how casual his father was treating this, for the love of god he was practically giving his son away. Frantically, he turned his gaze to his mother instead in hopes she would have more understanding. He found nothing but a reassuring smile. "Sasuke, I was your age when I was married to your father. It isn't as scary as you're making it out to be." An affectionate glance was cast at her husband as Mikoto attempted to console her youngest son. Sasuke was their only hope; his older brother Itachi had already been married to a woman.

Both of his parents wanted to get rid of him? To throw him into a strange land with a man he had never met? How could they want this for him, Sasuke had thought he would be able to stay in his home. Of course it was childish to think he would stay home forever, but he had at least hoped to stay within his own kingdom, or to have a choice in whom he married. Mikoto had been friends with the previous queen of the Uzumaki before she was killed after an attack from the fox demon they called the Kyuubi, but Sasuke had never left the walls of his kingdom and had never met anyone outside of it. The fox demon had been sealed into the infant son of the previous king and queen, granting him unique power. Sasuke had heard those that held demons within them were greatly strengthened. Rumors had been told that the Uzumaki king had even mastered control of his demon.

"You're marrying me to someone I don't know, someone several years older!" Sasuke shook his head, every possibility of what could go wrong was flying across his mind. The people that held demons in their own bodies could lose control, what if the demon killed Sasuke? Or the king was bored with him, and sold him into slavery? Once married, a king could do as he wished with his partner without much repercussion. Mikoto covered her mouth with a giggle, which greatly infuriated Sasuke. How could this be treated so lightly when his entire life was crashing and burning?

"Sasuke, he is only twenty-seven. That's just eleven years your senior. There are much greater age differences, in fact people used to marry when they were barely a teenager at all." Mikoto rested a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, but he pulled himself away, unwilling to let her close to him. He knew that was cold, for once he was married and shipped off to this foreign land it would be a long time before he saw his family again. He would write to them, but it wouldn't be enough. Mikoto sighed morosely, but she allowed the teenager his space. "Naruto is a kind person, his people trust and adore him and his kingdom has done extremely well since he came to leadership." Sasuke cut his eyes at his mother, her cheerful and hopeful expression melted his icy glare a bit.

Shoulders sagging in defeat, Sasuke gave a low sigh. He knew it was impossible to win, everything had already been lost. Unless he thought he could outrun his fate, Sasuke was trapped to follow his family's wishes; thus, he had no choice but to acquiesce. He wouldn't pretend to enjoy the settlement of course, but as far as the law was concerned; Sasuke's opinion meant little. Fugaku raised his chin up, a pleased smile that came off far more arrogant than reassuring adorned his expression.

"He is journeying here to meet you and take you to your new home, you will be wed in his kingdom. He should arrive tomorrow." Fugaku's firm voice filled the room. "See the servants to make yourself presentable." Sasuke nodded his head curtly, body stiff with stress and anger; his jaw remained clenched as he turned around to exit the room, but his father called out to stop him. "Sasuke, you will be cordial and amicable tomorrow or you will regret it." Sasuke swallowed thickly and his eyes narrowed bitterly.

"Yes, father." The words were hissed and left the air frigid as Sasuke finally escaped. Once he was out of earshot, he ran down the hall and up the stairs to his room, where he slammed the door and leaned his back against it. His hands cupped his face as he slid to the ground, trembling with fury and fear; this king could be cruel, sick or hateful. There was no denying the Uzumaki led his kingdom well, but how could Sasuke's family say that it wasn't because his people were too afraid to step out of line? Sasuke had seen his father demean his mother before, despite his love for her; it was simply how men treated their wives or inferiors. Fugaku didn't hesitate with physical discipline for his children, either. Sasuke would never consider himself inferior, but he was the second son; much younger and less experienced. He was being sold off, given away as a prize in order to link two kingdoms in hopes it would bring prosperity and to keep peace.

Sasuke inhaled slowly. This was for his people, for the good of his land. He would do anything it took to keep the happiness and to bring good fortune. It didn't mean he couldn't be unhappy with the deal, with what he was giving up and what may happen. The Uchiha had high expectations, and it seemed they only saw Sasuke worthy of being given away. The thought stung, but it was true. Sasuke's older brother had always held the highest praise, he had been a prodigy and was a natural leader. People liked and trusted his word, and he had married when he was eighteen to a woman from a distant land; they were preparing to take over as the king and queen in a few years, when Fugaku and Mikoto stepped down. Sasuke had never compared to Itachi, despite his determination and never giving up, no matter how hard he tried it had never been enough.

Well, perhaps now it would be enough. If this marriage did excellent things for Sasuke's home, his kingdom, then he would finally feel worthy. With a melancholy sigh, Sasuke rose from the ground with tired grace and readied himself for bed. He would need the rest to be prepared for tomorrow. He had to look pretty, after all. The thought made Sasuke scoff bitterly as he cast a glance into his mirror, his reflection glowered back at him. Sasuke's form was lithe, but still lightly toned with muscle he got from constant training or running. Sasuke was incredibly fast, it made him a talented and agile fighter despite his father strongly disapproving of Sasuke's passions. Itachi was the strong one, Fugaku wanted Sasuke to be more pristine. Despite the sun he got daily his skin was still soft and ivory, though bearing a few battle scars. Dark tresses swept about to his chin, the same color of the night sky as his eyes were.

Sasuke looked away before the urge to punch the mirror grew too strong. He had been fawned over by women and men alike, but the attention wasn't always good. Sasuke knew he was a more capable fighter than most of the guards here, yet his stature and figure drew comments about femininity despite everything. If he made the mistake of leaving home under a disguise without the guards, words such as slut were thrown at him if he ignored a man's catcall. To think this was what women had to deal with drove Sasuke insane with rage; no person should be treated so animalistically, it was appalling. Sasuke placed his old clothes in the basket to be washed, but he paused and looked around his room. What would they do with his belongings? Surely they'd let him take a few things, but not all. This thought dug a hole of sorrow in Sasuke's chest as he settled into bed and buried himself beneath the blankets and pillows.

Everything was sure to change, his fate had been sealed. But was it for good or bad?

AUTHORESS NOTE:

Prompt from tumblr. Can't remember exactly what it said, but the basics were an age difference AU list and one was a royalty AU where a younger one was being married off to an older one.

Sometimes I'm iffy about age of consent, but sixteen is the age of consent for most states in my country including mine. Plus the age of consent in Japan is thirteen. Which is of course disgusting, but I'm just saying, sixteen is no big deal. Sorry if you're offended though, I don't want to do that to anyone!

Warnings include; OOC. I always feel the need to put this warning because there are people that act as if the way they write the characters is the only correct way, and that's ignorant. Everyone has their own way of writing characters, and I do tend to stray from what most consider IC, thus I should warn you. Another warning clearly includes the age difference. Sasuke is sixteen, Naruto is twenty-seven; and though legal in Japan and in other places, I realize it will definitely make some people uncomfortable. If it makes you feel better also keep in mind this is really old times, like our great-great grandparents probably got married at fourteen. Also keep in mind this is all fake crap with fake characters! :D