Hello Again hopefully chapter 1 was good for everyone.
Chapter 2: Decision Made
Japan
The Castle Kinomoto
NORMAL POV
During the afternoon of early spring within the castle gardens a young woman no older then 16 years wearing an elegant light blue kimono made of fine silk with white birds printed on the long sleeves as well along the bottom hem that touched the ground, her eyes gazed into the pond with flower petals floating on the surface along with koi fish swimming about.
" I must fulfill my duties as princess " she says sadly just as a light breeze blew causing her auburn locks that cascaded down her back to move lightly but once the breeze was gone her hair fell back where it reached her thigh. Her rare emerald green eyes expressed sadness, usually they would be bright with joy but a few days she was told news...
Flashback
Visitors from China had arrived to talk to King Fujitaki and while that conversation was being discussed, in the princess quarters her mother queen Nadeshiko held her close while gently caressing her daughters hair. " Okaa-san what is happening? " she voice trembled trying not to let tears fall, " it's alright my flower " answered the queen knowing all to well what was happening, " no matter what happens always know your loved " she added as her tears fell.
A while later the door slides open revealing the princesses hand maidens Tomoyo and Chiharu with sad expressions, both the Queen and princess look up. " Princess Sakura it's been decided " said Tomoyo rushing to her side and holding her hands , " you will marry the Prince of China so that the alliance between both countries can commence ". Queen Nadeshiko tightened her grasp on her daughters shoulders as tears flowed.
" I understand " said Sakura looking up to her mother, Tomoyo and Chiharu, " Princess as we heard the announcement they also said that Japans soldiers will help aid China in the war coming " explained Chiharu nervously. Looking to the side Sakura eyes showed more sadness," I'll do what I have to do...for the sake of not only our countries but so that also the people may live peacefully " she said calmly even with tears showing.
End of Flashback
Sakura's POV
Since the announcement I've asked to have space from everyone including my hand maids as dear as they are to me I couldn't be near anyone with the news of my engagement to a stranger I've never met made me feel something I've never felt before. I always imagined that when I did get married it would be to someone I fell in love with, just like Okaa-Dan and Otou-san did. But I guess that dream will never happen now.
Even in the past couple days all of the servants have been busy preparing the castle for the arrival of the man I'll be marrying. When father had a chance he came to me explaining everything that's going to happen shortly, he even said that if there were another way he would do it. I could see in my fathers eyes how difficult making this decision was for him, but I also know that he wouldn't do something drastic without reason.
Taking in a deep breath I look up at the clear blue sky " spring this year has truly brought more then a new beginning " I said bringing my hands together. Just then I hear footsteps from behind me, " here you Sakura " said Tomoyo smiling along with Chiharu " hello, is something wrong? " I asked turning to look at them. " Everything is fine we know that you've asked for space but we need to start your measurements for the wedding robes " explains Chiharu nervously only to make my chest hurt.
" I see...I guess I should after all it will take time to make " I reply trying to smile, " Sakura we know this isn't how you wanted to prepare for your wedding but you might never know the Prince could be a good person " Tomoyo said effortlessly trying to brighten the conversation, " yes Tomoyo is right he could be " added Chiharu smiling. I could tell they were trying to help ease the feeling I've been having.
I've known Tomoyo and Chiharu since we were children I saw them more as sisters then handmaidens but when both there parents died from illness, my father took them in and in return they both wished to serve me. Whenever it was just the 3 of us alone I asked them to call me by my name. Both were gifted in there own ways Tomoyo enjoyed making clothing and Chiharu would prepare flavourful teas and exquisite desserts. I've been so blessed to have them all these years but now I'm not sure what will happen.
" Your both right maybe when we meet the Prince could be a good person " I replied trying to smile " I hope we can learn about each other a bit before we're married " I added nervously before we went to my quarters to start preparing.
China
Training Courtyard
Syaoran's POV
I stood in middle of the training yard with my sword in hand taking deep breaths before getting in position followed by attacking and cutting down each of the straw posts that were used for training. Each time I cut one down it was a clean kill.
From the side both Eriol and Takashi stood watching, " the servants just replaced those posts the other day " sighed Takashi watching, " and the day before " added Eriol in pure amusement. " If you both have something to say I would prefer you say it me directly " I said watching last post fall to the ground.
Wiping the sweat of my forehead I walk up to my associates and carefully place my sword back in its sheath. " No no just that your training has paid off " said Eriol looking around the training yard, " shut up " I growl only to hear him laugh lightly. Shaking his head Eriol gets up from the steps and makes his way down " Alright, your angry about this whole marriage alliance? " he asks with his arms crossed.
I glare at him while clenching my hands tightly, " my country is going to war and instead of preparing myself to go to battle to confront this threat coming...my father the great king of China is having me get married " I explain followed by kicking the remaining post making it come clean out of the ground.
Takashi's eyes open slightly seeing the display " impressive Prince Syaoran " he says amused while I breath heavily, " marriage was the one thing I wanted to avoid for awhile and now more then ever with this war coming it should be put aside " I said walking up the steps past these idiots who I trust for some odd reason. " But you know well that the idea marriage has been going on since you were 15 and you being the kings only son and heir is unavoidable " Eriol sighs looking across the yard.
I hate saying it but he was right countless emperors have been offering there daughters to me as potential brides or concubines. Even after meeting many candidates who were from noble families I've turned them all down, both father and mothers lectures were loud enough to make anyone lose there hearing or make there ears bleed, in the beginning I would be frightened but then afterwards I was barely phased by there words.
I had more important tasks that I could focus on without a woman distracting me. All my life since I could walk I was put to train to become a fierce fighter, wield a sword just as all my ancestors did and to become a great king like so many before myself and my father. Each generation learned the same mannerisms and to rule the country.
My thoughts were interrupted by the doors opening making the three of us look, standing still in place with my eyes looking forward. A few handmaidens standing in a line in the back with a familiar figure in the front, slowly walking in was the woman who gave me life and raised me along side father so that I could be the man I am today. Dressed in her elegant royal robes made of fine silks and gold embroidery, long black hair tied high up, lips red as blood and skin as white as snow...my mother the Queen of China Yelan Li.
" Syaoran " she greets her voice so clear that it makes a drop of water unheard. We all bow to her " good afternoon mother " I greet standing straight once more, " Eriol and Takashi " said mother looking at them, " Queen mother " they greet together along with bowing to her.
Walking towards me mother slowly smiles at me which is very rare, " my son soon you will be married but I know all to well that your not pleased with the decision your father has made " she said looking into my eyes, " I'm guessing he told you? " I asked feeling bothered, " I'm the Queen and your mother I know you too well even though we've tried countless times to have you choose a bride you wouldn't consider the thought " she said looking around the cut down posts.
" I told both you and father that I didn't want to get married til I was ready and now with what's going to happen I have no choice " I replied turning my back to her, " especially when it's a stranger " I added at least when I was being bothered I met the candidates. " You know well that it's a traditional custom for royals but just once we thought we could break that tradition for you " answered mother sounding strict only to make me ease myself, " but no you refused " she adds in anger.
Looking back at mother her expression shows that she's upset this very moment, " I never asked for it " I replied angry only to suddenly feel a sharp strike across my cheek along with a deep frown on her face. " Never talk in anger to me...understood remember who I am child " she hissed " you will do what you are told and if this is the way to reassure that the Royal Li family will live on then so be it ".
My bangs hang over my eyes enough so that the anger in them isn't seen. " Is it or is that what you both believe " I answer only to receive another harder strike on the other side of my face, " your father may have spoken to you about this but my part is more effective and you WILL marry the Princess of Japan to keep the alliance so that this threat will be defeated...do you understand me Syaoran? " she said getting more upset.
" As Prince of this country I understand mother " I answer followed by her stepping back, " good you will be leaving next week to meet and marry your bride then return with her where afterwards we will have a banquet in celebration of your marriage and the union of both our countries " explains mother before leaving with her servants.
After she was gone I bring my hands up to smooth my face, " I can't recall the last time I saw her that angry with you " said Eriol looking at me while on the side Takashi dipped a cloth in water, " it's not wise for you to do so " he said walking back with the cloth in hand. Pressing it to my face I stay quiet as everything was still settling in my mind.
I forgot how strong my mother truly ( even though she doesn't appear to be ) is the last time she was this angry with me was when I 9 years old and had ruined the new robes I was to wear for a banquet. " As much as you don't find the idea pleasant Syaoran the princess could be a kind hearted woman who I'm sure as we speak is more afraid of marrying a stranger then you " Eriol explains while I move the cloth to the other side of my face.
My eyes opened hearing his words " how dare you Eriol!!!! What makes you think I'm afraid? " I said only to feel my anger rise again, " we both thought you were because whenever your afraid you train for longer periods of time then usual and you nearly destroy anything that's in your path " explains Takashi folding his arms over his chest.
" YOUR BOTH FOOLS!!!!! " I shout before leaving those 2 idiots behind, as I walk down the hall in my mind so much was clouding my thoughts but one thing I'm certain of is I'm not afraid of what's going to happen but angry with everything to do with this marriage...
Elsewhere
Other POV
I sit on my stone throne while gazing at the fire in front of me while 3 of my spies report what they've learned. " I see * chuckle * my nephew is to be married...well I guess we'll need to make sure the bride goes missing then " I said before sending them off.
AN: well here's chapter 2. But chapter 3 will be along to. Let me know what you think
