So I decided to go ahead and post chapter 2 of this story. Hopefully this will give you all a better feel for the plot/characters etc and then you can let me know what you think :)

Going to work on YMMH right now! Going...going...gone...

After the recent excitement, most of Hutson had been thoroughly cleaned in preparation for the prince's arrival. Even Viv had given Kero's coat a good brushing.

Sakura wasn't entirely sure what was going on. Touya had basically told her that the prince was coming to stay and that she was to abide to his wishes. She'd heard of the Prince of Threna and had heard that he wasn't particularly nice, but not being one to judge she was ready to make her own opinion of him.

The past two days had been hectic. Touya in particular had gone to extreme lengths to ensure the prince would blend well into society but also maintain his royal position. The finest foods had been gathered, softest mattress fitted and everyone had been warned of the need to conceal his identity.

Now everyone was waiting nervously for the royal carriage to arrive. Sakura was gathering berries in the wood, not particularly interested on greeting the prince that instant.

Hoofs were heard but to everyone's dismay, no royal carriage arrived. All that came were three hooded men on horses. Two men dismounted and approached Touya once more. He nodded curtly to them and then nodded in response.

"Queen Yelan has supplied all costs for his stay and if he is any bother she insists you report it" one of the two men said.

"Understood" Touya smiled kindly "He will return to you a new man"

The three men laughed. That was doubtful. Prince Syaoran would never change.

Seeing everything was safe. The two men mounted their horses and rode away into the distance, leaving the third still on his horse. Slowly, almost sadly, he dismounted and walked towards Touya. Touya bowed before the prince and awaited orders.

"You may rise" came the sharp voice of the prince. Rising, Touya put on his best winning smile.

"We welcome you to Hutson Prince Syaoran" he smiled.

The prince looked up. "I am to be known as Li during my stay here, understood?"

Touya was slightly taken back, but quickly shook it off. "May I take your cloak? Everyone is waiting to meet you"

The prince was hesitant, but eventually removed his cloak and followed Touya to the heart of the village. There practically the whole village had gathered. People greeted the prince warmly, offering him food and drink. He declined all coldly, barely seeming to acknowledge the people. Touya smiled apologetically to them as he guided the prince towards his home.

Anyone could tell Syaoran was not happy with the appearance of the quaint cottage. Granted it needed a little work, but it served its purpose. It had been their mothers, and now Touya and Sakura lived comfortably there. Opening the door, Touya stepped aside to allow Syaoran in. The young prince entered timidly, cautious of the overbearing smell of manure. However, the inside of the cottage took him away. Despite its exterior, the cottage was spotlessly clean and neatly organised. There were paintings everywhere of various things. One captured Syaoran's attention most. It was of a young girl with brown hair and the most exquisite green eyes.

"Is that your daughter?" The prince shamelessly asked Touya who laughed in response.

"I'm not quite ready for children" he admitted "that's Sakura, my sister. But don't worry, she's a lot older than she was then"

The prince looked at him curiously. "How old is she?"

Again Touya laughed. "You can ask her when you meet her, she should be home soon"

Syaoran pondered why she hadn't been there to greet him like the others but shook it off when Touya offered to show him to his room.

Having gathered lots of berries, Sakura decided she had better return home. After all, she'd have to meet the prince sooner or later. How bad could he be? Humming softly to herself she began the walk home.

As soon as she reached the cottage she knew there was a presence in her home. She could smell it in the air. Cautiously she opened the door a fraction and stepped inside quietly. Not hearing anything she proceeded into the kitchen area to wash her newly picked berries.

Meanwhile, Syaoran, who had been in his room unpacking, was now walking towards the stairs, curious about the noise. However, nothing could have prepared him for seeing her. Standing rinsing berries was possibly the most bizarre girl he had ever met. She didn't seem particularly old, yet she stood tall and proud like a sophisticated woman should. She was rinsing each berry individually, as though it was a precious gem to be handled with care. He was captivated by her and found himself frozen as he watched her work.

Sakura sensed a presence behind her that was unfamiliar. Having totally forgotten about the prince she could only assume it was Benji, the towns well known thief. Calmly grasping a pan that was on the side, she swung around to face the stranger, swinging the pan wildly.

"Get out you pest!" she yelled continuing to swing around. "Out!"

"What the?!" Syaoran jumped out the way of the pan. Having taken several martial art classes when he was younger Syaoran was well trained in self defence but he hadn't quite been prepared for this.

"Benji I'm warning you. Out!" Sakura yelled, targeting his voice and coming closer towards the prince.

"Who the heck is Benji?" Syaoran questioned as he dodged another attack. "I am Sya..Li. I'm staying here"

Sakura was about to attack once more when sudden realisation hit her. She dropped to her knees, the pan clattering at her side.

"My sincerest apologies your highness. I had forgotten your arrival. Please forgive my behaviour" she said, her face staring at the ground.

The prince huffed. "Well I should hope so too. You could have hurt me!" he growled. "What on earth did you think you were doing?" he demanded.

Sakura blushed. "I..I was p..pr..protecting myself" she stammered. "I..I thought y..you w..were a thief!"

The prince did not empathise with her at all. Instead he simply looked down at her.

"Well as you were peasant" he said.

At this Sakura felt herself grow a little agitated.

"Sakura" she said as she stood "My name is Sakura Kinomoto"

The prince looked at her once again. He noticed the sun shades on her eyes, the way her clothes ruffled from her attacks and how her auburn hair was now slightly messy. Like the girl in the painting, she seemed filled with youthfulness.

"Fine, as you were, Kinomoto" he exaggerated before storming back to his room.

Sakura pulled a face at the spot where he had been standing before returning the pan to its rightful place and continuing to wash her berries.

Sooooo please R&R :) xx