Disclaimer: All characters (except OC's) belong to their respective owners
Chapter 1:Proposition
After the Great Southern War, the land was split into three massive Kingdoms and named to represent the Sun, Moon and Stars.
To the north of the land is where Sun Kingdom resides. Sun Kingdom is the oldest out of the three kingdoms and the largest in size. The region is known for its vast plateaus and plains. The Kingdom is very prosperous and wealthy, able to hold its own against the odds.
Located to the east is where Moon Kingdom resides. For hundreds of years, Moon Kingdom had isolated itself from the other kingdoms, keeping many secrets hidden from the others. The region is mostly made up of hills and mountains with deep valleys in between. Though Moon Kingdom has been closed up from others for years and is the smallest in size, it is known to be quite a powerful kingdom.
Finally, off to the west is where Star Kingdom is. The region varies from area to area, though Star Kingdom is known to be very pastoral and is ridden with many waterways. Star Kingdom is the youngest kingdom and was very small when it was first formed. However, it managed to become a powerful nation in a short amount of time and expand into the south.
For centuries, the three kingdoms have been at war against each other over land and power. Bloodshed covered the lands due to the continuous battles, taking numerous of lives. Even Guardians, who were once feared for their tremendous power were accepted to fight alongside the warriors and soldiers in the kingdoms.
After hundreds of years of fighting, the Sun Kingdom eventually proposed a treaty to end the wars. The treaty made sure that all kingdoms would be treated equally and that it would hopefully cease the needless killing. Though Star Kingdom had agreed to do so, Moon Kingdom's pride prevented them from agreement, refusing to make peace with the other Kingdoms.
Moon Kingdom further isolated themselves, wanting nothing to do with the other two kingdoms.
Unable to come to an agreement, wars continued to break out between the three kingdoms.
To this day, Moon Kingdom still refuses the idea to a treaty, though Star and Sun Kingdoms have become neutral towards each other…
"Miss Sakura, are you paying attention?" The instructor asked, looking up from the history book he was reading from.
The question was ignored as Sakura continued glancing out the window. She watched drowsily at the cherry blossom petals floating gently to the ground outside. Day in and day out was nothing but studying and lessons. If it wasn't etiquette lessons, it was studying history. And it if wasn't any of those, it was dance lessons. The mental and physical drain was starting to really wear on Sakura and she wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to handle the stress.
Today was especially tiring for her as she failed to get a good night's rest the night before and her instructor, Roderich insisted on extra lessons. She let out a sigh before a loud cracking sound snapped her out of her thoughts. Sakura jolted into an upright position, her eyes wide with shock and confusion.
" Miss Sakura. Have you been listening to a word I have been saying?" Roderich asked sternly while tapping a wooden conducting baton impatiently against his palm.
"Y-Yes, of course!" Sakura lied as she quickly straightened her sitting posture.
Roderich let out an exasperated sigh and lightly tapped her on the head with his baton. Sakura let out a small squeak and giggled nervously.
"Pay close attention now. I'm about to go over very important details over Sun Kingdom's peace treaty."
"Y-Yes sir…"
As Roderich went on with the next lesson, a young girl with long black hair and a pale complexion watched the scene from the doorway.
"Sakura-chan looks especially tired today. I hope she'll be alright."
Behind her, a small bear-like creature with wings and beady eyes floated over onto the girl's shoulder. Its face twisted into a mild look of irritation.
"I know, it looks like she's going to pass out from boredom any minute now. Sheesh, four-eyes really needs to learn how to lighten up."
Roderich furrowed his brow and shot the two sharp look, causing the two of them to flinch and accidentally bump into the door.
Sakura turned around and was surprised to see the two of her friends. "Tomoyo-chan? Kero-chan?"
Roderich glanced out the window to see the sun starting to set over the horizon. He let out another sigh before he pushed his glasses higher up onto the bridge of his nose.
"It is getting rather late. I suppose the lesson is done for today. But please, pay more attention from now on."
Sakura nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry. I'll try harder next time, I promise."
She quickly got out of her seat and bowed politely to her instructor before hurrying over to her friends. Once she was out of the study room, Sakura let out a weary groan.
"Professor Roderich is probably going to double my lessons for not paying attention…"
"I'm sure you can pull through. After all, you are one of the heirs to the throne of Star Kingdom." Tomoyo said encouragingly.
Sakura nodded dully as they continued walking down the large hall. There were times that Sakura wished she wasn't the princess. There were so many responsibilities and formalities that she would eventually have to take on that the thought of being partially responsible for the welfare of the country frightened her.
"Cheer up! Why don't we talk to that ol' brother of yours. He can probably do something about that stuck up old geezer." Kero said as he flew in front of her.
Tomoyo giggled. "You make it sound as if he's an old man. He's still only in his twenties."
"Hmph! Not my fault he chooses to act like one." Kero scoffed while crossing his arms.
Sakura couldn't help but smile. "I'm grateful, but I doubt that my brother will have the time to do anything about it."
"About what?"
Sakura came to a sudden stop to see her brother staring down at her curiously.
"Oniichan!" Sakura exclaimed in surprise as Tomoyo bowed politely.
"Yo! Just the guy we wanted to see!" Kero said as he lifted a paw over his head in an excited manner.
Touya stared down at the small Guardian with an annoyed look at the lack of respect. He reached down and poked the creature on the head. "That's your Highness to you."
Kero growled in frustration while trying to swat Touya's hand away.
"I-It's really not a big deal! I'm just a little tired is all." Sakura said waving her hands in front of her in a non-convincing manner.
Touya blinked at her actions before letting out an exasperated sigh. "Really? I didn't think monsters got tired."
Sakura twitched at the comment before looking away with an annoyed huff. Touya couldn't help but smirk teasingly at his little sister's reaction before Tomoyo took a step towards him.
"You see, your Highness," Tomoyo said. "Sakura-chan has been working nonstop on her lessons recently. And with the war that's been going on between the two kingdoms, things have been very stressful for everyone."
Touya lifted an eyebrow. "Where are you going with this?"
"So I would like to suggest taking her to the masked ball being hosted at the Heurassein mansion tomorrow night to relax and have a little fun." Tomoyo said as she held up an invitation.
Sakura and Touya both froze.
"Wait, what?!" Sakura cried. "Where did that even come from?!"
"It was actually given to Professor Roderich to give to Your Highness," Tomoyo replied as she passed the invitation to Touya. "But he said you were too busy to attend and was promptly going to decline. So I offered to dispose of it for him."
"You're one sneaky little lady, aren't you Tomoyo?" Kero said with a smirk as Tomoyo giggled innocently.
Touya furrowed his brow. "No."
Though Sakura expected that answer, she couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed. She wasn't particularly interested in going to a ball, but she had to admit that it was better than staying cooped up in the palace.
"Your Highness," Tomoyo pressed. "I think it's best to let Sakura escape the stressful of a princess every once in a while, don't you think?"
"Be as it may, the Heurassein mansion is located closer to the border between us and Moon Kingdom than I'd like it to be. I refuse to put her needlessly into harm's way." Touya said.
It was true that Moon Kingdom had been very aggressive lately and Sakura couldn't blame him for worrying. Especially after a certain incident that cost Star Kingdom one of its greater warriors.
"Please, we all care about the princess' well being and I don't think it's healthy for a girl her age to be locked up in the palace like this. Besides, this would be an excellent chance for her to mingle with the people of this Kingdom. To be a great ruler, one must know their people." Tomoyo offered.
Kero floated over to the prince and nudged him slightly. "Come on, we all know you're just being overprotective."
Touya frowned in annoyance as he tried to shoo Kero away with a wave of his hand.
"I understand you're all concerned but I cannot allow it. As I said, Moon Kingdom could strike at any given moment."
"Then allow me to protect her."
Everyone turned to see a young man with spiky reddish-brown hair, dressed in white clothing with silver lining. He had a determined look in his eyes as he clutched the sword at his side.
"Asbel-san?" Sakura said in surprise.
"I promise I'll watch out for her so that no harm may come to her." The young man said.
Touya scowled as he walked over to Asbel and looked down at him with his chin raised.
"And what makes you think I can trust you with my sister's safety?"
Asbel winced at how harsh his words were and swallowed dryly. He remained where he stood and looked up at Touya, determination still sparkling in his eyes.
"I swear to you I will protect her with my life. And if that is not enough for you, would you have any objections if one of the Heavenly Commanders were to accompany us as well?"
Sakura glanced uneasily between Asbel and her brother. It didn't take a genius to see the tension between the two. However, Sakura didn't want a fight to break out just so that she could go out of the palace. Maybe it would be best if she didn't go...
Touya narrowed his gaze before exhaling loudly through his nostrils. "If one of the Heavenly Commanders accompany you, I have no objections."
That surprised everyone, especially Sakura. Before anyone could say anything, Touya held up a hand.
"That is if you can get one of them to agree to be an escort. If not, I will have to refuse."
Touya glanced over at Sakura one more time before he turned and walked back down the hall. Tomoyo, Asbel and Kero all let out a relieved sigh and let their shoulders sag.
"I was beginning to think he'd never crack." Kero said.
Sakura turned and gave Asbel a grateful smile. "Thank you, Asbel-san."
Asbel smiled back and bowed politely. "It's my pleasure your Highness. I know how it feels to be cooped in one place too long. It's important to be able to walk around freely even if it's just for a little bit."
"However," Tomoyo cut in with a thoughtful look. "Aren't most of the Heavenly Commanders out on patrol during this time?"
"Leave it to me. I'll find one of them to agree before tomorrow," Asbel said. "For now, why don't you get some rest your Highness. I'm sure you had a long day."
Sakura gave Asbel a grateful bow before Tomoyo led her back to her room with Kero floating after them. The setting sun cast long shadows through the tall windows of the hallway as if lighting the way.
"Well now, there will be nothing to worry about now that Asbel and one of the Heavenly Commanders will be accompanying you. Though it would probably be best to get someone else to accompany you as well. It wouldn't hurt to be too careful, no?" Tomoyo said as Sakura nodded.
Sakura nodded. "But why a masked ball? I mean, a walk around town would have been fine, right? I don't even know how to dance or whether I can handle being around so many people…"
"Sakura-chan, you'll be fine. Besides, you should use this as a chance to get to know the people better so you'll know how to help them in the future." Tomoyo said.
Knowing she could never argue with her, Sakura just sighed. Everything Tomoyo said was true. With being in the palace all of her life, she didn't know much about the people she was supposed to protect. And it wasn't as if she was being sent to the masked ball alone, Tomoyo and Asbel would be there with her. She'll definitely be all right.