Authors Blabbering: I updated it! I updated it! We should all jump for joy! … Actually, this isn't the one that came from my diskette. I actually made this chapter out of scratch, out of reading the 5 other chapters. I edited the former ones though so if you read it, there might be a few differences from the last. Now, I'm not giving any promises on this fic, okay? I'm still quite lost on the story (even though it's mine) since it's been a while. I'm TRYING to create more chapters but my mind just wouldn't cooperate. And I still have to update The Testament and Survivor and make a gift-fic for my friend and continue La Princesse du Cygnes at Deviantart. So, as you can see, my sched this sem-break is quite hectic. Please, oh please, be kind to me.
CHAPTER 6: BROKEN OR NOT BROKEN?
Yukito shook his head as Tomoyo downed the potion he made for her. She was beaten up pretty badly and looked terrible but thankfully, the princess still has that bright, cheery aura surrounding her. Not like Eriol who looked pensive and brooding as ever.
It's been two days since that incident happen and even though many of her bruises had already cleared, Tomoyo still felt limp and weak. Her jaw would sometimes just hurt without any reason or her lower lip would start bleeding again. Yukito has tried several potions to heal them but many of them just don't work on her.
"You should consider next time about venturing outside, princess," the silver-haired mage told her gently, taking the silver goblet from her hands. "The world outside the walls of the palace is certainly dangerous for someone like you."
The young lady said nothing, just stared at her silk lavender comforters, tracing invisible patterns on the cloth. She had been staying in bed for the last two days now, not even going out unless it was very important. The King and Queen understood what was happening to her. They both knew the injuries she had received, but for her, it was more like a traumatizing experience.
She had never paid attention to what had happened to her until she felt the pain of the aftershock, physically and mentally. Never in her life had she been hit by someone, not even her mother. But that incident would surely stay with her for a long time.
"Your Highness…"
"Have you released him?" she asked softly, her amethyst orbs meeting the mage's hazel ones. "The man who gave me these bruises…"
"Prince Eriol was adamant. He would not release him, Your Highness."
Tomoyo hung her head. "I see…"
Yukito peered at her intently, smiling slightly. "I know what you're feeling right now, Highness," he said gently. "You must be feeling guilty for the man now, are you?" She nodded meekly and he chuckled. "You're really kind-hearted, princess. If you were the real Cleira, she would've probably given the man a sentence of lifetime imprisonment."
"But he was drunk when he hurt me… It wasn't his fault…"
"Yes, his instincts were induced by alcohol but still, he didn't have the right to touch you," the mage told her. She looked up at him. "You are part of a royal family, someone who is believed to have descended from the gods themselves. You are part-celestial therefore no mortal can touch you, much more hurt you."
"But I'm not—"
Yukito shook his head, his white hood falling down his back. "You may not be the real Cleira, but to the people, you are her," he explained. "You are Cleira, a demi-goddess, someone out of reach. A celestial being."
"Does that mean that man could earn a death sentence?"
"It is possible, taking into account the gravity of the bruises and wounds he inflicted on you," he replied in a grave voice. "What he had done was a serious offense, something that could cost him his life."
"But I don't want anyone to be killed because of me!" Tomoyo shook her head violently.
The older man smiled at her tenderly then ruffled her dark hair. "Yes, I'm sure you don't. And I'm sure Prince Eriol is the same." He got up, his robes rustling and the golden ornaments producing a soft tinkling sound. "You should rest, princess."
But before he could leave, a small pale hand grabbed his cloak, stopping him from his tracks. He looked around at the young girl. "What is it?"
"Can you take me to him? Can you take me to the dungeons?"
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Tomoyo clenched her fists as she and Yukito descended to the dungeons way below the castle interior. It was the same as those she had read in books and seen in movies. It was cold, damp and dark, lighted only by torches lining the stone walls. A cold shiver ran down her spine when she thought of how many people must've died down here, imprisoned for life.
"Are you all right, Highness?" Yukito asked her softly. "You seem cold."
She smiled back at him. "It's okay. I'm just, well, feeling apprehensive of this place."
He nodded in understanding then placed an arm around her shoulders, his thick cloak protecting her from the cold draft below. The guards bowed down to them and the head of them led the two deeper into the labyrinth of dungeons.
They passed by several dungeons with thick metal bars at the front. Tomoyo cringed inwardly. The cells were empty but she was sure the spirits of those who died there still lingered. And she was terrified that some of those spirits might suddenly appear before her.
They stopped at the end and farthest cell. It was different from the others which were open. This cell was closed with thick stone walls. The only way in and out was a thick metal door with a small window. There were two guards watching over the door. They bowed at their captain, the Royal Mage and the Princess before opening the door.
Tomoyo peered inside the dark cell, lighted only by one torch. A man, the same one who had hit her twice but now sober and grave, sat on the wooden seat hanging from the wall. His hands were locked in some kind of a wooden pair of manacles and his head was bent down, looking at the floor. He looked up when the door opened.
She smiled kindly at him but not leaving Yukito's side. "Hello," she greeted softly just as the door behind them was closed.
The man stood up then knelt in front of her, bowing so low that Tomoyo swore his face was nearly touching the stone floor. "Your Majesty, please forgive my insolence towards you. I was out of my mind when I… when I did those horrid things to you."
"It's all right. I've already forgiven you," she told him gently. The man looked up at her with tears running down his face. "It was not your fault entirely. You were just influenced by wine. I'm very sure you didn't mean those things."
"Are you here to condemn me then, Your Majesty?" he asked. "I would respect and accept whatever your decision is."
Tomoyo shook her head. "I'm afraid it's not my choice to either release or imprison you," she replied. "I just came here to see if you're well."
A smile broke the man's face. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."
Tomoyo gazed at his face, a faint, gentle smile on her lips. She could see the man's fear and anxiety in his eyes, as if afraid that she might strike him when he was least expecting it. More often than not, people drink alcohol to relieve their stress and to forget their problems. This man just might be one of those people who have grave problems, using alcohol to drown themselves and forget about everything. She couldn't blame him for doing that.
But maybe, Eriol could help her free this man. After all, he did nothing wrong. Everything was under the influence of liquor. And besides, she wasn't that hurt.
Before she could respond, the captain of the guards called them. She bowed slightly at the man then left with Yukito, still standing beside her. She watched the guards close the door before turning to the mage.
"You think he'll be all right?" she asked, warmth and optimism entering her voice.
Yukito nodded at her. "I'm sure he will be, Your Highness," he replied, smiling at her gently.
Tomoyo looked thoughtful for a minute, a slim finger under her chin. She gazed at the rough stone ceiling, her expression calm and reflective. "Yukito," she started slowly, looking up at him and meeting his golden eyes. "Do you think I can ask Eriol to help me free that poor man?"
The young man looked at her, amusement and bewilderment in his eyes. "I don't see why not, Your Highness," he answered and she brightened at his words. "Although I doubt that His Highness's answer would be positive."
"Yes, I have to agree to that," she said, pouting slightly. "He can get really stubborn when it comes to things. Still, there's nothing wrong with trying."
Yukito just chuckled at the young princess's antics. It was really amusing to see someone he knew as a stoic person could smile and laugh so lightly. "Come now, I'm certain the prince is wondering where you had gone already."
She smiled brightly. "Nah, Eriol's already used to my disappearing acts," she said with a giggle. "I've disappeared under his nose several times now."
"I'd say you'd make a fine magician then!" The silver-haired mage chuckled.
"Maybe you could teach me the basic on disappearing," she suggested thoughtfully, placing a finger under her chin. "That would really annoy Eriol!"
"Is that why the prince is often short-tempered during the past few days?"
"Maybe…" she answered light-heartedly, her giggles ringing in the dungeons. Somehow, the prison seemed a lot more brighter when she had came in.
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Eriol met them at the entrance of dungeons, looking regally impassive in his dark blue cloak. Yukito stepped away from Tomoyo then bowed slightly at her and the prince before departing. She waved a cheery goodbye at him then turned to the stern-looking prince.
"What's the matter now?" she asked, taking his proffered arm, walking towards the East garden with him. He said nothing in reply. "Don't tell me you're jealous of Yukito now?"
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Why would I be?"
"I don't know," she said in a teasing voice. "Maybe because I've seen that look before… Not from you, of course, but I'm not mistaken with that look."
He scowled at her and she giggled under his cool gaze. "Anyway, I'm glad to see you out of your room finally."
"Well, it was really boring in there, I realized," she replied lightly. "And I couldn't tease you anymore!"
He said nothing about her last remark. Instead, he turned away, towards the entrance of the prison, a curious glint in his eyes. "What were you doing in there anyway?"
Tomoyo, who was busy checking a curious pattern on her sleeve, raised her eyes and met his gaze. "Ah, well, I was just visiting that man from a few days ago," she replied cheerfully, scratching her cheek with a slender finger. Eriol scowled at her. "Don't worry. He didn't do anything to me, really. I just want to know how he's doing, that's all."
"You shouldn't go in there," he chided her. "It's not appropriate for a lady your status."
She nodded slightly, her eyes glazing once more. "Your Highness…" He glanced at her briefly, wondering what it was. "Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Suppose there was a man who beat up another man," she told him. "And that man was beaten badly. Would you imprison the other man even though he had a valid reason for doing it?"
He looked at her as if he was going to say something but he immediately averted his gaze. He knew what she was talking about. It was too obvious. "It depends actually," he answered, clearing his throat. "If the other man was badly injured, then there would be no excuse for the other man. There is no reason for someone to take another's life, no matter how grave the situation is."
"Maybe you're right," she argued calmly. "But then, doesn't that apply to you as well? You have no right to take a man's life, no matter how grave his offense is."
"Well, yes," he admitted bitterly, feeling defeated by her argument. "Still, it depends on his offense. There are offenses that may seem shallow but in actuality is very grave."
"Then maybe you could make an exception this time—"
Eriol stopped in his tracks, stopping her as well. He looked down at her, meeting her lilac gaze. "No, I cannot, princess," he replied, his voice turning cold once more. "This man's crime was profane, laying a hand on—"
"But didn't you just agree that one cannot take another man's life, no matter how grave his offense is?" she argued. "I do not understand at all why you can't give him another chance. I wasn't hurt badly—"
"Yes, you were," he scolded her sternly, his voice never rising. "Why are you taking his side anyway?"
"Because it's not fair. It's injustice." She averted her eyes, biting her lower lip. "I don't want to feel guilty if something happens to that man. What about his family? What would you tell them? That he was killed because he had hit me?"
Eriol shook his head slightly, staring at her disbelievingly. "The Cleira I know would never—"
Tomoyo pulled away from him, a frown on her face. Her smile had turned upside down and her eyes narrowed into slits. "Have you forgotten, Your Highness, that I am not her?" she asked tartly. "Just because we look the same doesn't mean we have the same personality. Do not compare her to me."
"Princess—"
"Are you just going to let him die because of hitting me under the influence of alcohol?" she asked him, her eyes searching his impassive face.
Eriol stared at her. He can't go against the rules. He had vowed never to do it again. "Yes."
Tomoyo pressed her lips together, clenching her fists. She couldn't believe what she had heard from him. But then, she shouldn't be anymore surprised. She was talking to Eriol Hiiragizawa, the Ice Prince. There was no way he was going to say 'no'. Yukito was right and she had expected him to be wrong. Without another word, she turned at a corner, her gown rustling softly, and left the young prince alone in the corridor.
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Later that evening…
"Freid Aenthael, imprisoned for committing blasphemy and sacrilege to Her Highness the Princess Cleira Freyja til Leandros the 17th under the influence of liquor, is now hereby free of all charges against the Royal House by the order of His Majesty the Prince Eriol Hiiragizawa, Crown Prince of Azura. You are now free to go."
Eriol twisted the golden doorknob of the tall oak door, opening it as carefully and noiselessly as possible. He knew it was improper to do this at night, even in daylight, especially for a prince like him, but he had no choice. And even if he had knocked on the door, she wouldn't have answered him. She would've just ignored him, pretending to be asleep.
The light from the two moons of Azura shone brightly, illuminating the entire room through the open French doors leading out into the balcony. A soft breeze came in, barely moving the heavy velvet drapes of the door. He stood by the entrance, observing the slight movements on the four-poster bed. The figure under the silk covers shifted when he crossed the room in quick, silent strides until he stood beside the bed.
"I have done what you had asked me," he spoke softly, his voice as light as the cool evening breeze. He knew she wasn't asleep. She was just avoiding him. "I have set that man free."
No one answered him. Not a single noise was heard. There was no shifting on the bed, no movement. There was nothing.
"Princess…"
"Don't call me that," Tomoyo replied ever so gently, a pale hand clenching the satin covers of her bed. "Have you forgotten that—"
"You are not her, I know."
She said nothing for a while and he stood there quietly, waiting for her to speak again. "Tell me, Your Highness," she said softly, her face still hidden. "Do you convincingly see me as Cleira that you are already answering my wishes and doing what I ask?"
"I do not—"
"Please don't say you don't understand." She slowly sat up and switched the lamp on, facing him, her expression unreadable. "Tell me who you see in me."
The young prince stared at her, clenching his fists. Why is she making this difficult for him? Was she trying to test him? But for what? "I see… I see you."
Tomoyo immediately looked up, settling down on the bed once more, turning away from him. "Please don't lie to me," she murmured. "Your eyes and voice tell me otherwise."
"No, that isn't it—"
"You see Cleira in me but have you forgotten that I am not her?" she asked him quietly. When he tried to speak again, she cut him off. "Now, I am finally realizing what is happening. What I was dreading to happen is finally happening."
"Cleira…"
"The reason why you continue calling me Cleira, calling me Princess, is because you see her, not me," she told him, her voice even. She rolled to her side and propped herself on her elbow, searching his face. "You're falling in love with me, but not with me. You're falling in love with my face."
"That's not true—"
"Then, tell me, why do you constantly call me princess, even when someone's not around? Why do you constantly call me, not by my own name, but by Cleira's? Why don't you remember what my name is? Why?"
"Well…"
She shook her head. "I know you're still in love with Cleira," she told him. "I know because I've seen that look in your eyes whenever you look at me. You've always been protective of me, too considerate, too unselfish when it comes to me when you've just met me. You always wanted to please me, even though you often scold me, saying I'm not good enough to be Cleira. Sometimes, I'm afraid if soon, you'd feel that you don't only want to see Cleira. That you want me to become her.
"You've failed to remember that promise you made me some time ago…"
But Eriol hadn't forgotten that promise, a rather absurd one in his opinion in the past, but now, the words kept replaying over and over again in his mind. He had never forgotten about it.
"Eriol, I mean, Your Highness, I only have one condition. If you promise me not to break that condition, I'll promise that I'll pretend to be this Princess Cleira until you find me a way home."
"And what is that condition?"
"Promise me that, no matter how much you had loved Cleira in the past, you will never ever fall in love with me just because I look just like her."
"And why do you think would I even do that, falling in love with someone like you?"
"Just promise, okay? Or else I won't do this."
"Very well, on my honor as a prince, I promise not to fall in love with you, no matter how ridiculous the situation is."
"Right! Now we have a deal!"
He walked over to her and clasped her hand between his, kneeling on the plush carpet to her level. "I have not forgotten about that promise, dear princess," he murmured quietly. "And I have not broken it, I assure you. You have my word. Although I do admire your colorful imagination, dear princess. It was very amusing."
With a light kiss on her hand, he stood up and strode to the door, opening it quietly once more. But before he left, he looked back at her, a faint, almost invisible smile on his lips.
"Now, sleep with the angels, dear Tomoyo…"
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Tomoyo sat on the stone bench in the gardens early that morning, twirling a thorn-less rose in her fingers, gazing intently at the vividly scarlet bloom. She could still remember their conversation last evening and it made her want to tear her hair out in frustration. A blush crept to her cheeks and she was certain, if her blood didn't stop, she'd be as red as the rose in her hands in just a few seconds.
She couldn't believe everything last night. She was already so sure that Eriol still hadn't forgotten about Cleira. She was this close to coming to the truth! Then… He had to deny it. And he even got the nerve to firmly deny and say how amusing that was for him. Just the thought of it wants her to crush the rose right there and then.
But I don't understand why he would deny it, she thought pensively, tapping her cheek with a slim finger. I already caught him and yet he still denies it. Does that mean he's telling the truth?
Tomoyo paused and raised her lilac gaze to the blue gaze. But it can't be, can it? She has all the evidences! She'd seen the way he speaks, the way he acts, the ways he looks at her, and it was definitely something more than friendship and protectiveness.
She stood up and started pacing in the garden, her arms folded across her chest. He had to be still in love. She already has proof. The only reason she couldn't prove it is his denial. She just couldn't understand why he needed to deny all of that.
He's stubborn and there's no way he'd concede to you.
If that's the case, then he's still hiding something. And if he's hiding something so deeply, then it had to be something big, right? He had to be—
She suddenly stopped herself, a frown on her face. Why was she so interested in him anyway? Why was she so interested in erasing Cleira's existence from the prince's life?
I'm just helping him, that's all.
"Still thinking about last night?"
Tomoyo turned around at the voice and scowled at Eriol, standing a few feet from her, leaning sideways on a white marble column, arms folded. "It's not your business what I'm thinking or not."
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not in love with Cleira anymore?" he asked in exasperation, fighting the urge to run a hand down his face.
"Why don't you, for once in your life, be honest with yourself?"
"I am being honest with myself and with you, Princess," he told her calmly. "I haven't broken any promises with you so keep your head on. I don't even know why you're actually doing this, pondering on something so trivial."
"What is it to you anyway?" she retorted.
"I don't know. You tell me."
Tomoyo let out a sigh and collapsed on the bench, her hands falling limply on her lap. It was impossible to win a verbal joust to someone cynical. She should've learned by now that fact of life. "I don't know why you're denying something so obvious…"
"And what I don't know is why you keep pressing this subject on when, clearly, it is already closed."
"I didn't say the topic is closed!"
"Neither did I, but I deduced, when you sat down, that you had let go of the topic already."
"Let's just stop, all right," she said with a slight groan. "I think I'm getting a headache."
"Tell me about it…"
She glared at him darkly. "I thought we've already let go of that topic, Your Highness!" He shrugged and she let out yet another exasperated sigh. "You know, Eriol, you're killing me. Maybe it was a bad idea to stay here after all. Everything isn't worth it with you around."
He narrowed his blue eyes at her, a dark eyebrow raised. "Are you insulting me?"
"In not so many ways," she muttered under her breath then smiled forcedly at him. "So… Are you looking for me? Is that why you're here?"
"Is it for me to stay inside my palace's garden?"
Tomoyo was about to retort once more, something she hadn't been doing for a while during the morning, when a servant suddenly appeared, handing a cream-colored envelope to the young prince. At the back, she noticed an unfamiliar seal, different from that of the palace. It had to be from somewhere else, perhaps another kingdom.
She watched carefully as Eriol opened the letter with his jeweled dagger and read its contents, his scowl getting deeper and deeper by the minute. She was sure of one thing: the letter didn't contain any good news.
When he was through reading the letter, he looked up at her, a grim expression on his face.
"Your brother, Darien Slanzar til Leandros the 6th, is coming to see you."
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Reviews! Reviews! Reviews!
Thanks very much to the following people who had reviewed! I can't enumerate you now but you know who you are! And will you guys stop flaming me? It doesn't really work and you're just wasting your time and energy to do it…