The couple were woken urgently by Chii the next morning. Annoyed, Sakura groaned.
"What? What is it?"
"I'm sorry to wake you both, but you need to see this." Chii set one of the magical crystals that displayed live performances or those who gave news daily on the bedside table. Sakura sat up and Syaoran followed, watching the crystal carefully. Sakura's stomach made an uncomfortable flip as she heard what they were talking about.
She looked to Syaoran, crystal tears forming in her eyes. Syaoran automatically reached out to hold her, perhaps to comfort her more than himself.
"What's happened? This is a huge mess." Chii asked.
"Reporters are at the gates, right?" Syaoran murmured.
"Yes."
"I think we should go talk to them together, Sakura." He said softly, "We knew this might happen. Just not when."
Sakura took a few calming breaths and then pulled back. "I'll get ready."
"Shall I ask them to wait?" Chii asked.
"Ten minutes." Sakura answered.
Chii nodded and scooped up the crystal before leaving. As the door closed, Sakura sighed. "I guess that was our wedding present." She said quietly.
"Seems like it." He replied. "What will we say?"
Sakura lowered her eyes. "I'll explain that it was a joke with rather poor taste and reassure the public that you are not a threat."
"Are you prepared for the questions they might ask you?" Syaoran asked softly.
Sakura shook her head. "I'm tired. This will be why Anna made sure it was done this morning."
"I'll try my best to answer as well."
She smiled softly and then stood to get dressed. Syaoran did the same and they hurried down to the front gates to confront the noisy media.
As soon as they approached, they were bombarded with questions.
"Is it true that the man you just married is really an assassin?"
"From what bloodline does he really come from?"
"Can we trust him?"
Sakura held up her hand to call for quiet. They all fell silent as they waited for her answer.
"It seems that someone has decided it would be an amusing prank to give false information about Syaoran, but I assure you, he is not of any harm to the people of this country." Sakura spoke calmly, but powerfully.
Confusion rose among the reporters. "Why would someone try to prank you?"
"Is he really of noble bloodline? No one recognises him."
Sakura sighed softly. "I do not know why someone would wish to upset the people in such a distasteful manner. Please, name each of the noble bloodlines in the entire country, and for that matter, the world. Of course you don't know them all." Sakura spoke patiently.
Syaoran stepped forward to speak and Sakura looked to him for a brief moment before returning her gaze to the press.
"I do not know why someone would want to say these things about me, and if it's because I've upset them, then I would like to invite them to settle this issue personally. No more games. Leave our Queen out of this-she's not the one you want to hurt." He pleaded.
"Why would someone have a grudge against you?"
"As I said, I do not know." He answered.
There was silence for a moment, and then the reporters all broke out in numerous questions.
"Conference is over. Please leave the castle grounds or you will be arrested." Fai said as he stepped in front of the couple protectively.
Disappointed, the journalists headed off.
As the gates closed, Sakura looked to Syaoran who appeared troubled. She reached out and touched his arm, her ring glinting in the sunlight.
"I suppose this was what she was waiting for." He murmured.
"You mean why she hasn't sent anyone after me in the last three months?" Sakura asked softly.
He nodded. "I don't know what I can do to help with this situation, but I'll do what I can."
Sakura smiled, "I know. Let's go eat something-we're leaving on that tour tonight."
"Right."
They headed back inside and made their way to the dining room for their morning meal.
…
The first town the pair visited was small and quiet. They were staying at the only inn the town had, but it had a gentle atmosphere and was neat. It didn't take much time for Sakura to fall asleep-she was exhausted from travelling and so was Syaoran, but he was used to functioning on little sleep.
A knock at the door distracted Syaoran and he stood to answer it, finding the inn keeper looking rather nervous.
"Yes?" Syaoran greeted the man with a smile.
"Is there anything I can get for the two of you? A hot drink, perhaps?"
"Thank you for the thought, but we're fine. Sakura's fallen asleep." Syaoran answered kindly.
"I see. Very well then," the innkeeper answered and hurried off.
Syaoran closed the door and sighed softly as he sat down on the edge of the bed. He glanced out the window and frowned, hoping nothing would happen. He gently touched Sakura's cheek and moved his hand to brush some hair from her eyes before standing to get changed and slipping in beside her.
He woke to a loud thud and sat up quickly, looking around the room for a threat. He heard a groan and frowned, glancing over the edge of the bed to find Sakura on the floor wrapped in the bed sheet.
"Sakura?"
She pushed herself up into a sitting position and rubbed her shoulder. "That hurt…"
"Did you fall out of bed again?"
"You make it sound like I do it often." Sakura muttered.
He laughed, "You do."
Sakura stood slowly and sat down on the edge of the bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"What are we supposed to be doing today?" Syaoran changed topic.
"Um…I think we're supposed to meet with the towns' council today. I'm not sure how long that will take-they're pretty chatty." Sakura replied.
"Ok," he smiled.
Sakura briefly brought her hand to her head but dropped it before she thought he could notice anything.
"Are you ok? You're not sick again, are you?" he asked worriedly.
Sakura stood and she smiled at him, "I think I'm just a little fatigued. But I'll tell you if I need to rest. I promise." She answered honestly, "After all, I have a country to look after, and people who care about me."
Syaoran smiled softly. "Thank you."
Sakura looked around and spotted her belongings. "Now, time to get dressed…"
After dressing comfortably, they headed downstairs to eat breakfast. Sakura was greeted with kind and cheerful smiles, while some were rather wary of Syaoran, probably afraid of him after the news that had spread around like wildfire.
It was the same with the council as well, and for that matter, the entire town. Syaoran showed no signs that it bothered him, but Sakura could tell with ease. When they were alone later that afternoon, she turned to him and took his hands in hers. "I know it hurts," she said softly, "It's alright for you to show weakness in front of me."
He reached out for her and held her in his arms, burying his face in her shoulder for a moment. She smiled gently.
"Things will smooth out soon, I'm sure."
Syaoran pulled back, "What makes you so sure?"
"Just a feeling."
He couldn't help but feel relaxed by her gentle warmth. "Thank you, Sakura."
"Always." She smiled softly.
…
They thanked the innkeeper and his family for their generous hospitality before leaving the next morning. The city they were headed to was located near a large oasis, a popular place to swim for travellers and locals.
The city was beautiful with its blooming flowers and tall buildings. Most of the city residents had gathered at the edges of the main road to see the newly married royal couple arrive. As it was quite late in the evening when they arrived, beautiful lamps lit the streets brightly.
"Wow," Syaoran stared at his surroundings as they passed, "This city is beautiful."
"It is, isn't it?" Sakura smiled, "Wait-you've never been here before?"
"I think this is the only city I haven't been to for a job, for whatever reason." He confessed.
"There's a nice café we could go to for lunch tomorrow, if you'd like?" she suggested.
"I'd like that." He smiled.
The carriage drew to a stop and they stepped out, heading inside the large and expensive hotel. They were lead to a room and their baggage sat waiting for them inside.
"Ah, peace." Sakura sighed blissfully.
Syaoran slid his arm around her waist and brought her close, resting his head against hers.
"Syaoran…" she whispered.
"Can we stay like this for a moment? I just…"
"Of course," Sakura smiled. No more words were spoken in their moment of intimacy until Syaoran drew back and feathered a kiss on her lips.
"I'm going to have a shower," he murmured, "What about you?"
"I think I'll get changed. I might have a shower tomorrow." She replied.
"Alright," he smiled, and then headed to the bathroom.
While Syaoran showered, Sakura found her favourite cotton nightdress and quickly changed into it before sitting on the edge of the bed. She admired her wedding ring in the golden light and a warm feeling entered her chest as she thought about the possible family they might have in the future. However, that warm feeling was shot down by the sudden cold fear that took hold of her as she remembered her doctors' words.
"Sakura? You look rather pale."
She looked up to see Syaoran grabbing some clean clothes before he headed back to the bathroom. He looked concerned for her wellbeing.
"Ah-sorry. I might go to bed early." She said.
He watched her for a minute. "Are you positive you're well enough to travel right now?"
"I'm ok to travel," she said, "Really, I just need sleep is all."
He didn't look convinced, but Sakura obviously didn't want to say anything more on the topic and so he dropped it. "I'll be out shortly, then."
Sakura nodded as she slipped beneath the sheets and lay on her side. She stared out the window, too lost in her thoughts to notice Syaoran had finished his shower and had turned the light off. She felt the mattress dip beside her and she rolled onto her side to face him, closing her eyes.
…
As they were lead through one school after the other, one thing became very apparent to the young couple. People watched Syaoran warily and most shied away from conversation with Sakura, which was unusual. Whispers surrounded them, stopping only when Sakura glanced up.
After they finished the last school tour for the day, Sakura turned to the principal and smiled, "It seems that someone has been telling the media some rather nasty lies. What do you think of them, Principal?"
"I've heard that the source it came from was rather reliable…" he stammered.
Sakura raised her brow. "Oh really? And just who told you this?"
The Principal looked past Sakura's head and beamed, "Ah, Lady Anna, it's so wonderful to see you again."
Sakura turned and Syaoran pulled her close to him, holding her protectively. Anna came to a stop beside them and she smiled, "It's lovely to see you, Your Grace. I hope you are doing well?"
Sakura returned her smile, "Yes, we are both fine."
"That's wonderful to hear." Anna replied, "I do hope you find whoever is taunting you."
"It won't be long now, I assure you." Sakura replied.
Anna looked at Syaoran and raised her brow, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think that you're scared of something."
He smiled stiffly. "Is that so?"
"Well, have a good night, you two." Anna giggled.
Sakura turned and they left the school grounds, heading back to the hotel.
As the door closed behind them, Sakura turned to him. "Syaoran, I didn't realise this was the city Anna watched over. I'm sorry."
"It explains a few things though." Syaoran murmured, "Such as why I was never sent here."
"Everyone here is under her thumb. I don't know what to do." Sakura bit her lip anxiously.
"Let's see how things go for now. We still have three more weeks of travelling around." He said softly.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Syaoran smiled, "So far the only people who have been afraid of being near me are the people from this city. I'd like to make sure."
Sakura nodded, "I understand."
He kissed her lightly on the lips before parting, looking into her eyes. She smiled softly at him before turning and making her way further into the room.