Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura does not belong to me in any way possible.
"After meeting with the last two knightbloods, I'll escape outside immediately," Sakura explained as she and Tomoyo made their way to the main hall, where the candidates from the two families await. Trailing behind them were two palace maids and Sakura could hear their skirts shuffling as they struggled to keep up with their fast pace.
"'I'?" Tomoyo's sudden outburst echoed through the empty halls and a chorus of surprised squeaks was heard behind them. Sakura immediately shut Tomoyo up with a single look. "I thought I'm going to help you!" She whispered fiercely as she gave her a pleading look.
Beyond those walls are people who will not kiss her feet and bend down to her will as soon as they see her. If she went outside without any indication of her royal blood, she will be treated like any other person, or maybe even worse; and if someone recognized her and found out that she's walking around without any guards, it might turn into the worst disaster. Tomoyo nearly fainted at the horrendous images that filled her imaginative mind.
"Sakura, you haven't been out there for more than five years. Why don't you send me instead?"
"Well, all the better to see the outside now, and no, you'll be staying here," Sakura said sternly. "It's too dangerous and you're not exactly used to being around…other people," she hid a smile behind her fingers but Tomoyo caught it nonetheless, making her frown.
"Are you implying that I'm too cultured to mingle with people of lower status?"
"Tomoyo, I am your friend. I'm not implying, I know you're too cultured and won't be able to blend in."
Tomoyo hated that she had a point, but she wasn't going to say that out loud. She wasn't a snob, but she grew up in ballrooms and banquet halls, not in markets and alleyways.
Still, Tomoyo opened her mouth to protest, only to shut it again when the doors leading to the main hall met her sight. Suppressing a sigh, she decided to convince Sakura out of her plans later–or at the very least, let her in it.
"Princess Sakura and Lady Tomoyo arrives," the herald who stood by the large doors announced as soon as it opened.
Eyes were instantly glued to her, and Sakura subtly raised her chin higher. She's in a room filled with men. If she wants their respect, she has to appear to deserve it. To accomplish that, she has to show them who exactly held the upper hand.
She stopped in the middle of the room, where seven young lads await with their heads bowed, crouched on one knee with their forearms resting over it.
"Rise," it was a single word, yet the power behind it seemed to radiate as it echoed through the hall. They wasted no second to oblige, and slowly she looked straight into each every one of them. She stared at their eyes as she silently assessed them and measured their worth. Nothing.
Sakura was about to tell the guards to escort them away when the last person in the row cleared his throat. Sakura stared at him, waiting for him to explain his sudden need for her attention. His eyes were blue and devoid of any emotion, and she can already imagine herself disliking this guy. A person as unreadable as he is bound to annoy her one way or another.
He was taller than all of the other men, yet he was the leanest and carried himself with a grace that rivalled Tomoyo's. He smiled, gentle and mysterious, but Sakura couldn't tell if it was genuine or pure mockery.
"Princess," he bowed deeply. "If I may introduce myself, I am Eriol from the Hiiragizawa family," his voice was calm and smooth, as if he was reading a book right before her.
Now that she thought about it, even if she disregards that fact that Hiiragizawa is a knightblood, it still rings familiarity in her head. "Are you perhaps related to the royal line of the same name?" She fully turned to face him, trying to read his body language for any indication of false pretenses. It irked when she found none. She really hates people like him.
"Yes, the king of the Hiiragizawa country is my uncle, Princess," he bowed to properly acknowledge her. "He sent me here not for the position of your knight, but as a business associate." Leave it to the Hiiragizawa to take business everywhere. They come and go wherever anything beneficial comes up and appears in front of you with a tasty proposition.
Sakura had to hand it over to them though, among all of the royal lineage in these lands, they are by far the best at negotiating; and that skill has maintained their country's stability for the past few generations. Maybe having an ally from that family would not be so bad,Sakura thought. Even with his unreadable expression, he looked trustworthy enough.
"Guards, escort these men away," Sakura ignored the sudden gasps of surprise and continued, "And you," she directed her stare at the blue-haired man, "let us talk after I finish some of my personal matters." She summoned a servant and whispered orders to her. With a flick of her wrist, the maids quickly led him away.
Tomoyo, who has been standing behind her quietly, finally spoke once they were unattended, "How can you immediately reject all of the men without even talking to them?" She asked in mild surprise. "It's even faster than when you reject your suitors!"
Sakura scoffed, "All of them were unworthy," she gathered her skirts and slowly started to walk to the study, where she ordered the maids to take Eriol to.
Tomoyo followed suit yet remained a few steps behind her pace "How can you say?" She can hear instead of see the scowl that accompanied those words even without looking back.
"If you look closely enough, Tomoyo, you can see a person's soul though his eyes."
"Excuse me?"
"You can thank my mother," Sakura whispered to herself.
Amamiya, the family where Sakura's mother came from, were direct descendants of powerful sorcerers. They were nomads and lived in harmony with nature. For centuries they rejected contact with strangers to protect not only their secret, but the whole world as well. Because of that, they are the only people who has awakened and mastered magic which was unknown to the rest of the world. Precognition.
Humans are naturally hungry for power; they destroy and tarnish everything they see if it means getting a leverage against their enemy and sometimes, even against their own kin. It did not take long for humans to taint the Amamiya's purity as well. As soon as they found out about the abilities they possess, they wasted no time to conquer it and keep it for themselves.
The Amamiyas were gentle people and are against fighting, yet when they saw the intruders ravishing their beloved land, they had no other choice but to protect it. It seemed like an endless battle, however, both forces eventually destroyed each other.
The remaining Amamiya women and their children fled throughout the land and hid, sealing their magic and vowing to never again use it. Because of that, their powers slowly depleted until it ultimately disappeared. That started the decline of the Amamiya, and their practices and magic were lost forever.
Sakura's mother, Nadeshiko, was said to have a very special ability because of her blood, for she was the last Amamiya who ever lived. No one, not even her father, knew about it, but Sakura suspected that precognition was indeed her mother's gift.
Before she died, she had talked to Sakura as she lied on her bed, thin and frail. She had asked her to lean down for she had something to whisper to her. However, as their foreheads touched, Sakura felt a tingling sensation, as if lightning had suddenly coursed through her body and she remembered jerking back in alarm.
Her mother had only smiled at her reaction before she said her final words, "My precious Princess, may my gift help you find the one who will light your dark path. You are bound for great things and I fear that it may fright you, but be strong, my love, for someone will always be there to protect you."
Sakura hadn't known what that present was and had asked Yomu about it a few days after her mother's burial, yet the older man mentioned that neither Fujitaka nor Nadeshiko had left any gift for her. However, as she got older, she finally figured out what it was. It seemed unbelievable and laughable, but Sakura was quite thankful for it.
Tomoyo, realizing that Sakura wouldn't answer her anytime soon, decided to simply change the topic, "That person doesn't seem worthy of your trust," she was referring to the blue-eyed man.
"We'll see about that," were the Princess's only words before the servants opened the door leading to the library.
Eriol was sitting amidst the tall stacks of books in the center of the room when the princess entered his line of sight. He smiled at them and pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose.
Slowly, he rose from his chair and bowed in respect, hoping to make a good impression. The Princess was just as his uncle told him; reserved, calculating and not to be underestimated. Not only that, but just as how the stories are told, she bore a lot of resemblance with her late mother, who was once known as the fairest lady throughout the lands.
Whomever he is who manages to have the Queen's hand in marriage is a lucky man who deserves his respect. His uncle hinted that he court her as well, but he politely declined. He is not looking for a wife and the thought of him being with her made him suppress a chuckle.
The lady who was with the Princess earlier trailed slowly behind her, stopping a few steps behind her back when she stopped walking. He didn't bother to pay her any attention when they were at the main hall, but now that he did, he can't help but study her. She has pale white skin which was lightly tinted pink around her cheeks and long ebony hair that complemented her purple eyes. Now, how many people does he know has eyes like that?
"State your business. I have an urgent matter to attend to," the Princess's words were crisp, strict and cut to the point. Eriol found himself liking the heir more and more.
"I am here in behalf of my uncle. I have been told that he has been eyeing your kingdom for quite some time, but couldn't act because of lack of information."
Sakura's eyes slightly narrowed in suspicion.
"Oh, my," Eriol chuckled, "Please don't take it the wrong way, your highness. Business is all about information, and it is pretty normal for negotiators like us to investigate first before making a move. Isn't that what most sensible people do?"
He had a point and Sakura found herself smirking a little bit. "What does your uncle want with my kingdom?"
"An alliance, your majesty," his reply was instant, "I am sure you have heard of the invaders that came from the north."
"So I have," Sakura nodded as she sat on one of the chairs and motioned for Eriol to do so too. He complied, sitting across her with his hands on his knees. Tomoyo walked behind the chair Sakura was occupying, yet she remained standing.
"They are a becoming quite a threat, your highness, and they are getting worse. Reports say that they are aiming for Saeki," his tone was grave and Sakura's brows pulled together as she felt the weight of his words. "The Kinomoto is surely one of the most powerful kingdoms, however, it is nothing compared to Saeki. Soon they'll be eyeing your country too, your majesty, and you'll be quite in a handicap, seeing that you lack a knight by your side."
"What are you proposing?"
"As I said, an alliance. An alliance so powerful that those invaders will have to think twice before damaging even one of our livestock. I'm sure you know how the Hiiragizawa has risen to power these past generations. We'll use Intimidation, in other words, and I am willing to listen to your conditions, your majesty."
"I understand, yet I don't see the reason why you're approaching me and not the royal adviser, Lord Hiiragizawa. I still do not have full reign, and the royal adviser can surely come up with far better terms than I."
Eriol smiled, "That is indeed true, yet don't forget that it is you who will be crowned and not him. Whenever I lay out a deal, I like to discuss it with people who does not have a temporary position."
They stared at each other for a long time and when Sakura spoke once again, it was as if a few eons had passed, "I'll think about your offer," she quietly stood up, "In the meantime, I'll have servants prepare your own quarters."
"It would be my pleasure, your highness," Eriol bowed politely, and Tomoyo saw the smirk that he expertly hid. She frowned and told herself to keep a vigilant eye. Despite the respectful behavior he showed in front of them, she knew better than to trust a stranger. In fact, if anyone asked her, he looked like someone who will readily stab anyone on the back while smiling.
"If you need any help, please do not hesitate to ask Tomoyo. I'm sure she's more than willing to be of assistance," both parties looked at her, and Tomoyo smiled as she did a compulsory curtsey.
"Of course," she chucked. "Anything to help a guest." If Sakura wanted to her to act as a spy, then she would do so without any question.
"I'm afraid I've kept you from your matters long enough, your majesty. Though I must admit that I have taken a liking to your library. Can I stay here a while longer? You have such an interesting collection," Eriol, smiling, lifted a book which had the word 'Astronomy' adorning its cover.
"Any guest is welcome to the library," Sakura simply stated as she rose from her seat and started walking towards the door.
"Your majesty," she halted and turned around upon hearing his grave tone. "If your books are to speak about you, it seems that you are very interested in magic," his eyes were hooded with an unnamed emotion, yet his lips wore a cheerful smile.
"I like reading fairytales," was her humorous reply.
"So it seems," Eriol laughed. Sakura couldn't fathom whether there was something more to his statement or not, but instead of questioning him, she decided to ignore it.
Sakura's hand froze from patting the dust away from her dress. Behind her, Tomoyo was oddly silent. It worried her, for Tomoyo was never quiet. She straightened from her bent position and whirled to meet the eyes of her closest friend.
"Well?" Sakura asked, arms raised on shoulder level. Instead of her usual royal garments, she wore a simple wool dress which hung loosely on her small frame and around her waist was a thin leather belt to give her even just a small look of decency. The heeled shoes which she usually wore inside the castle was replaced by simple leather sandals which looked like it had seen better days and her hair, which was always styled into a chignon, now flowed to her back in soft waves.
Tomoyo sighed softly. No matter how much Sakura dressed up as a peasant, her face will still attract unwanted attention. It was like placing a bar of gold on top of dirty rags. "You look…" she trailed off, struggling to find the right word, "alright." Since she had always called Sakura 'beautiful', she figured 'all right' will suffice in this case.
Sakura's face lit up in a small smile, yet it did not quite reach her eyes. It goes without saying that both of them are uneasy of what they're about to do.
Since Sakura is heir to the throne, she's not allowed to step foot outside the castle without guards accompanying her. The last time they tried to sneak out was when they secretly attended the spring festival when they were nine years old.
"Wear this too," Tomoyo handed her a wool cloth, light brown in color, before continuing, "hide your eyes well." Green eyes wasn't very common in their country. Worry laced Tomoyo's tone and Sakura nodded in reply, gratefully accepting the cloak.
As Sakura was clipping the garment around her shoulders, Tomoyo walked over to the large painting that hang on the wall opposite the door. Her fingers gracefully touched the canvass, feeling the slight bumps on the dried paint before pressing a particular portion of its intricately designed wooden frame. With a small creak, the whole painting hinged itself off the wall, revealing a hidden passage.
Tomoyo pulled it open big enough for Sakura's slight to squeeze through. She stared into the darkness, her eyes unapproving as she observed the unkempt walls of the tunnel. She can already hear the echoing squeaks of rats and the smell of their pee nearly made her gag when it reached her nose. She frowned.
A hand rested on her shoulder and Tomoyo smiled lightly before turning to Sakura. She was an heir to the throne, and no matter how close they are, she doesn't have the authority to stop her actions. She can only wish for the best and hope for her safe return.
She stepped away from the opening to let Sakura walk by. Tomoyo held a lighted lamp in a knuckle-white grip and Sakura noticed this. She touched Tomoyo's hand to wordlessly tell her, it's going to be fine. Tomoyo smiled and handed the lamp over to her. "I'm counting on you," was Sakura's words as she let her hand go. Her amethyst eyes widened for a bit before it brightened into a smile.
Sakura was a few steps inside the tunnel when Tomoyo whispered, "Stay safe, my Queen," she curtseyed.
"Princess," Sakura corrected without looking back.
Tomoyo watched her figure until she rounded a corner and she can see her no more. To me, you are already a Queen.
She closed the hidden passage with a click. The silence was already deafening.
Before she can decide what her next move will be, a knock came through the door. She gasped in surprise and smoothed her hand over her hair and dress in panic. Gathering her skirts, she strode towards the door. The knock immediately ceased when she pulled it open a bit and peered outside. Blue eyes met hers and she resisted the urge to frown.
Eriol smiled, "Hello, Lady Tomoyo."
"Lord Eriol," Tomoyo acknowledged with a small smile.
"There is something I must ask the Princess. May I see her?" He smiled again before trying to peer over her head to look inside the room. Tomoyo's heartbeat quickened and she hastily tip-toed to block his sight of the room. Eriol raised a brow and looked down at her.
"The Que—Princess," she cleared her throat. "She doesn't want to see anyone right now."
"I see…" They both know she's lying, but thankfully he didn't inquire any further.
Eriol quietly noted the young lady's poorly hidden nervousness and the small, black smudge on her cheek and on the back of her hand. It looked like oil and grease, which he knew are the primary ingredients needed to start a fire. What did she do and where is the Princess? If he based it on appearance, she doesn't seem like someone who would cause the majesty any harm.
Tomoyo tried to avoid his scrutinizing gaze but no avail. She quickly raked her mind to think of something–anything–to lead him away from this room. "Oh, I know!" Her voice sounded too high and too squeaky. In record speed she opened the door, stepped outside and slammed it close, making the guards posted on either side of the doorway jump in surprise. Eriol took two cautious steps backwards. She grinned toothily before taking his hand and pulling him away.
"I'll tour you around while the Princess is still busy, is that all right?" Not waiting for his reply, she practically dragged him through the whole palace, pointing various things and explaining random procedures to him.
When they entered the garden, Tomoyo introduced the different flowers, herbs and trees that grew in their country. When Eriol reached out to pluck a blooming flower that caught his eye, Tomoyo slapped his hand away with a glare. He froze, shocked.
"Only the ones who grew these flowers has the right to pick them!" She scolded with a frown before plucking the flower and giving it to him. She laughed at his dumbfounded face as he tentatively took the blossom from her small hand. Well, this can be a bit of a problem, Eriol smiled to himself.
A/N: I'm deeply sorry for the short chapter! I'll try and write longer stuff T_T