Author's Note: I knew I should have updated earlier, but what the heck, I was so busy. Well, anyway...

By the way, for all Digimon/Takari fans, I have written a new fic called 'Wrong Number'. Check that out if you want. ;)

Oh yes, and by the way, I have noticed that in earlier chapters, I had said that the traditional colours for a bride would be red and yellow. It's changed now. A small fact.

Oh yeah, and in Chapter 9 Syaoran had thought that the wedding was a week away. I realize I have already included that in earlier chapters. So just pretend that he had not kept track of time.

On with the story!

Disclaimer: Don't own Card Captor Sakura.

I Choose Sakura

By: Wings of Jade

Chapter 11: Before The Wedding

Once she was dismissed, Sakura ran up to her room; very undiginifed for a 'Lady', but still, maybe not if you were shocked.

No, she wasn't shocked about tripped over the hem of her gown and falling down very embarrassingly...

...And no, she wasn't shocked because her arm throbbed because Syaoran had accidentally crushed it when he fell down on top of her...

No, she was shocked because of the kiss she had received from him...

xxx

What just happened? Syaoran traced his lips with his tongue. The lips which Sakura had touched before...

"That was weird." He knew they had to kiss at the wedding, too, but he hadn't been this nervous; after all, it was just flesh against flesh, right? He had not know the impact of something like that could be so damn big...At least I have some practice now, he thought glumly.

I hate getting married.

xxx

Sakura and Syaoran didn't meet until two days before the wedding--also two days before Syaoran's sixteenth birthday. That night, King Li held a large feast, inviting many important people; Seiichi, King Takahasi, King Izumi, Queen Rukako, King Yamamoto, and many others, in celebration of his son's wedding--again, according to tradition.

Syaoran was sitting in the most important place--on the right, at the end of the table. Sakura was given the place of honor, beside her future husband, on the left of the end of the table. She was dressed in red and yellow, though the fashion had changed when she had first come; when she was being Chosen, the 'in' colours were red and yellow; then, it was 'white'; and it was red and yellow again, but at the wedding she would be wearing white.

Sakura was very confused with all this fashion nonsense.

Still, they had insisted she wear something fashionable. Like a Chinese qi pao, the dress had an unique collar, and was made of the finest silk. It wasn't itchy at all, but it wasn't exactly comfortable either. Or maybe it was just the mere fact that she was incredibly embarrassed to be sitting next to a really cute prince.

King Li started talking to the other kings and queens about their kingdoms, their riches--the usual. Boasting, put-downs, the occasional yells, then apologizing, then drink deeply. Everybody was cheerful and laughing and comfortable.

Well, except for the women.

Okay, just one woman.

Fine, only Sakura.

And Syaoran.

Syaoran didn't know what was going on. He had already drank from his cup five times already, yet his mouth was still very dry. His body was tense, his eyes looking down at his plate. He tried eating, but the food kept sticking into his throat. For once, he didn't have anything good to say to the Kings.

"What do you plan to do with this kingdom, eh, Syaoran-san?"

"Uh...Follow in my father's footsteps?" All he got was a blank stare.

"So, Syaoran...I hear you are getting married?"

"Yes."

"How nice."

"Yes."

"How do you feel about it?"

"Yes." King Wang's eyes became question marks, and turned to whisper something to Queen Michiko, who stole a glance at Syaoran. He realized his error.

"I mean...um. Fine." Both of them raised their eyebrows and started a conversation.

Queen Rukako, on the other hand, was interrogating Sakura, but not in a rude way.

"So who are your mother and father?"

"My mother passed away long time ago."

"Your father then?"

"His first name is Fujitaka."

"Do you have any siblings?"

"Yes, a brother named Touya, but ever since I got here I haven't been able to see him."

"Oh..." and so the conversation went on.

A couple of minutes later, Sakura and Syaoran relaxed, as the adults soon didn't treat them like kids anymore. They warmed up to both of them, and soon they had already had some friendly talks with everybody.

Everybody but themselves.

After Sakura smiled and nodded and King Takahashi, and Syaoran smiled and nodded at Queen Michiko, they suddenly looked at each other...and felt shy.

"Uh...hi."

"Um...hi."

Silence.

Both of them went back to talking to the other royalties.

Sakura ate her food quietly, never looking at anyone directly. Her face felt hot and she was embarrassed, for some reason. Well, okay, not for no reason. Shepractically spat a mouthful of wine at Princess Sasaki when she accidentally choked on it.

Prince Syaoran seemed to be enjoying himself a lot. He talked and laughed and discussed foreign affairs, and seemed very expert on it too; Sakura, meanwhile, didn't know what to say to the queens and princesses, as she was a commoner before.

King Li suddenly stood up, his wine glass in hand. "A toast to my son, and Princess Sakura, the soon-to-be married couple and rulers of the kingdom!" he cried, raising his glass.

"Hear, hear!" chorused the royalties, raising their glasses.

Sakura and Syaoran sat still and looked very embarrassed.

xxx

"I want every nook and cranny dusted properly and not a trace of dust either!" commanded Madame Niao, ordering the maids and servants around. "When the wedding takes place, I want no complaints or you will all have your heads chopped off!"

Kyoko rolled her eyes. Just because they give her the responsibility of managing the wedding decorations, she thinks she's so great and almighty.

"Kyoko! What are you staring at?" demanded Madame Niao.

"Your ugly beast face," muttered Kyoko under her breath, but louder she said, "Nothing, Your Madame-ship" and resumed sticking paper flowers to the walls. Madame Niao looked at her suspiciously before turning to scream at a couple of men almost dropping a banner.

Sakura entered the church just then, wearing a silk dress and her hair just as silky. Madame Niao saw her and immediately called for the servants and maids' attention. They scurried up to her and bowed.

"Princess Sakura," they chorused.

"Um...you may rise?"

"Thank you, Majesty," they answered, and rose. They looked at her expectantly.

"Uh...please continue."

"Thank you, Majesty!"

"Princess Sakura!" greeted Madame Niao. "I see you are here to observe the fine decorations for the wedding?"

"Um...no, not really," admitted Sakura. "Did Syaoran come by, by any chance? I can't seem to find--"

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGHHHHHH!"

"--him."

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I wonder what Syaoran is screaming about? Read and review please! I know, I know, it's not much 'cuz it's basically just royal people fluff, and it's a little too short, but I promise the twelfth chapter will be longer and more romantic! Thanks to everyone who has already reviewed, by the way. I deeply appreciate it. It's the only reason why I continue this story!