Chapter Nine

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.

The lovers are finally together, all shall be well.

- Chinese Proverb

"Hoeeee!"

Sakura could not believe Syaoran's birthday was the following day. He never mentioned such a thing.

"Tomoyo-chan, I don't have any money," said Sakura. "I cannot get him anything."

"Calm down, Sakura-chan," said Tomoyo. "Even if you had money, nothing you can buy him could rival anything the emperor will give him."

Sakura relaxed somewhat. Tomoyo was right. Still, what could she get him?

"He talks to you. Correct?" said Tomoyo.

Sakura nodded, not sure where the woman was going with this.

"Then you know him. Think. What does he like?"

"He told me his favourite flower was peony," said Sakura. "And he once said that his favourite dish was dim sum. But how can that help me?"

"You have to give him something unique," said Tomoyo. "Something no one else can give him. If you had more time, perhaps you could have sewn something for him..."

The two spent the rest of the day coming up with ideas about what to get for Syaoran. They lay on Sakura's bed in opposite directions, heads near each other, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly, Sakura sat up, her heart beating fast.

"I know what I can give him!"

Tomoyo rose up as well.

"I will help you with whatever it is, Sakura-chan."

"Thank you, Tomoyo-san," said Sakura. "I will need some help."

The following day, Tomoyo arrived at Sakura's room with a beautiful ruqun she had finished a few days ago.

"I am so delighted that there is actually an occasion for you to wear this Sakura-chan!" she exclaimed. "We must be quick. The emperor would send for the Great Imperial Son's women at a moment's notice."

"Why?" asked Sakura.

Placing her mouth near Sakura's ears, she whispered, "My husband and Huangdi and preparing a secret banquet for the prince. He will send a servant to inform the others, an hour before it commences. But I am informing you now because you must be the shining star of the evening. Let's begin!"

She ordered a milk and rose petal bath for Sakura. Then she had the servants paint Sakura's nails red, and decorate her fingers with long, gold rings shaped like a talon's claw. Sakura wiggled her fingers, feeling like some strange bird of prey as she could no longer see her own fingertips, but the tips of the pointed claws.

Tomoyo then parted Sakura's hair down the middle and made two small buns on either side of her head. She adorned the buns with various jewels that she brought from her own collection. She brushed Sakura's bangs until they were light and feathery. Then she brushed Sakura's eyebrows so that they were neat and defined.

The ruqun she dressed Sakura in was vermillion and dark-blue, with gold lapel and numerous, tiny intricate patterns embroidered into the entire garment. On Sakura's feet were dark-blue shoes embellished with miniscule, white flowers designs at the toes.

Tomoyo handed Sakura a hand mirror and she gasped.

"I look beautiful."

"You are," said Tomoyo who was satisfied with her work.

"But Tomoyo-chan," said Sakura gazing down at her bosom. "You forgot my inner garment with the collar."

Without the garment, the rise of Sakura's bosom were exposed provocatively.

"This is the latest fashion. The women in the harem are doing this now."

"Then why aren't you wearing one?"

Sakura looked at the ruqun Tomoyo had brought for herself. Tomoyo blushed.

"Someone like kawaii Sakura-chan needs to wear it, in order for the trend to truly catch on!"

"Are you sure?" asked Sakura doubtfully. "What if Xiao Lang becomes angry?"

"He won't," said Tomoyo, matter-of-factly. "Not when he sees the other imperial concubines dressed as you are. What is good enough for Huangdi's women is good enough for all."

After Tomoyo had finished pinning her hair on top of head in a classic hairstyle and slipping on her blue ruqun, a eunuch came to summon them.

Meilin and Hua-Ling scrambled to find something to wear, while she and Tomoyo sat in the common room, tranquil and unflustered. Meilin had glared at them – mostly however, at Sakura. When the First Wife's gaze had passed over her exposed bosom, she shifted on the sofa self-consciously. She had never worn anything like Tomoyo's creation before. Meilin had shaken her head in disgust, before hurrying to her room.

"Why didn't you warn them about the secret banquet?" asked Sakura.

"They did not tell you about his birthday," said Tomoyo. "One must treat others fairly, if one wants to be treated in kind."

Sakura smiled.

"Thank you. But she is going to be horrid for the rest of the week."

"The Great Imperial Son said you were his favourite," reminded Tomoyo. "Neither she nor Hua-Ling can touch you. Complain to him if you must and he will sort it out her behaviour."

When Hua-Ling and Meilin were finished dressing, they all left for one of the Great Halls. Many servants were running back and forth, but they did so as quietly as was humanly possible. Officials, nobles, wives, consorts, concubines, musicians, dancers – they were all present and speaking in hushed tones. Huangdi, the Empress and the other members of the royal family entered last. Sakura saw Yukito sitting on the opposite side of the Hall talking animatedly to another gentleman. She felt a bitter-sweet twinge but turned her eyes away from him.

Huangdi raised his hands for attention.

"As you know, today is Xiao Lang's twenty-first birthday," he said. "And as you all must know also, he is incredibly difficult to surprise."

The guests laughed softly.

"Empress Li has shielded our auras from my son," he continued. "Yue will bring him to us at any moment. For now, we will remain silent but alert. And when he comes in we shall shout, Happy Birthday, Great Imperial Son."

They waited. It seemed a long time, because there were no conversations. Yet, there was a tingle of excitement rippling through the Hall. Suddenly, they heard footsteps outside. They all turned to the entrance. The doors flung open wide and Syaoran ran in. He skidded to a halt, his eyes surveying the horde of people in the Hall.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GREAT IMPERIAL SON!"

On cue, a gong sounded, and the drummers drove their sticks against the skin of their drums with a rapid tempo. Male performers ran onto the large, free space of the Hall, placed burning canes to their mouths and spit fire several feet into the air.

Sakura saw Syaoran glaring at General Yue. But he walked off towards his brother, nonchalantly.

"Xiao Lang," bellowed Huangdi. "Come, come!"

The festivities had begun. All the musicians played their instruments and the dancers began their routines. Everyone laughed, and drank, and was merry. Syaoran disappeared briefly after speaking with Huangdi and then returned in an intricate yellow and gold hanfu with a matching cloak. He was still glaring at everyone, but people were having too much fun to notice. This made him glare more. Sakura surmised that Yue must have told him that there was some danger in the Great Hall. Syaoran was too serious to let such deception be a good excuse for a surprise birthday party.

Later that evening, he was made to sit in the middle of the room so that he could collect his many presents.

The nobles and officials presented various artefacts and gems, both foreign and native to Syaoran. It was a long process, each man trying to outdo the other by using flowery speeches to present his gift. Yukito gave Syaoran a large tray of delicacies. Everyone laughed when they saw this. It was very typical of Yukito. Sakura expected to see some emotion from Syaoran, but his face was blank. Were they not his friends? Yue gave Syaoran a well-made bow with his name in Chinese characters engraved on it, and a quiver of arrows to go with it. Syaoran accepted it with a curt nod. Even so, Sakura could tell that he was pleased.

Hiiragizawa Eriol stood in front of him next.

"Xiao Lang," said Eriol. "Sadly, you have already received my present."

He waved around the room.

"With Huangdi's permission, all of this was prepared for you, under my specific instructions. A long life to you!"

The guests present erupted in cheers. Sakura thought Syaoran was going to attack Eriol at any moment. The expression on his face was quite brutal. In her opinion, everything was splendid. Why was Syaoran not enjoying it? The eunuch who was moving the proceedings along summoned yet another guest.

Doctor Qiao gave Syaoran rare, powerful herbs for various ailments. Yamazaki gave him a book of tales he had written himself – he was the only servant allowed to approach the prince in this circumstance. Meilin gave him an exquisite piece of calligraphy she had completed. Her art was applauded by all. Hua-Ling performed a dance for Syaoran, using two paper fans. Sakura never knew she was so nimble. Her greatest skill was throwing the fans into the air and catching them perfectly. Again, applause sounded.

Sakura became nervous when she realized she was next.

"Hoe, Tomoyo-san, I can't give him my present now!"

"You must say this," said Tomoyo. "It will be alright."

"I'm scared. Everyone will be watching."

"Don't look at anyone else, just look at him," Tomoyo encouraged.

Sakura nodded and rose to her feet timidly. Meilin cocked an eyebrow. Before, Sakura had been hidden behind many other women, but now everyone had a view of her. There was a hush and was it her imagination, or did the guests seem to be regarding her more intently than anyone else who had approached the Great Imperial Son?

Syaoran was drinking from a cup of wine, but his hand holding the cup wavered when Sakura stood in front of him. His gazed flicked from Eriol to Tomoyo, then back to Sakura - more precisely, her smooth breasts bursting out of ruqun! Why did Huangdi allow these kinds of garments to be worn by his women? Now his beautiful Sakura was wearing them too! Eriol's consort was certainly the perpetrator behind his concubine's exposure. He would have to advise her husband to restrain her.

However, Sakura was radiant and exotic. Her green eyes sparkled with life and her hair shined brightly. Every small move of her head made the jewels there sparkle. Her lips were naturally rosy, and her long lashes brushed her cheek as she looked down shyly at the floor. This only led his eyes once again, to the rise of her bosom. Syaoran breathed evenly to clear his mind.

"What gift does this beauty bring?" asked Huangdi.

Sakura did not speak. She seemed frozen with fear.

"Nothing?" said the emperor, from his seat on his throne.

Syaoran pursed his lips. It was him and Eriol who had wanted a surprise party. Did they think his concubine would be prepared for it?

Sakura was saying something softly, but he could not hear. He held out his hand towards her. She took it and knelt before him.

"May I give you your present later?" she asked.

"You may."

He appraised her body now that it was within reach. She could not imagine how badly he wanted to remove the eyes of the men in the Hall.

Eriol and his damn consort...

"Stay with me."

Sakura stood at the side of his ornate chair and waited with him to receive his gifts.

"Unable to part with your concubine indeed," Huangdi chuckled. "Continue with the presentation of gifts!"

Syaoran's brothers presented their gifts next. Then, Empress Yelan sent a servant to deliver a new jian to Syaoran. Syaoran unsheathed it. It was not new at all. In fact, it was many generations old, but still in immaculate form.

"Tonight," said Huangdi, in a booming voice. "I officially declare that Li Xiao Lang is the Great Imperial Son, future emperor of China."

There was an uproar as everyone cheered. More fire was spat into the air, and drums and gongs sounded. Syaoran looked at the sword of his ancestors. He closed his eyes. It was a great honour to hold something with such history attached to it.

"My second gift," said the emperor. "Is eighteen of the most beautiful daughters of my officials."

Eighteen girls with identical make-up entered the Great Hall in a choreographed procession. They stood in front of Syaoran before dropping to the floor in a kowtow. He felt, more than saw, Sakura glance at him. Her aura was distressed. Was she becoming like Meilin? Jealous of every woman that came before his path? His father had outdone himself this time. He supposed it was the long-time rule - nine concubines a night. So, he was to make good of the emperor's gift for two nights? Syaoran sighed. Would the emperor never stop sending women to warm his bed? He would have to accept them though. Huangdi took rejection of a woman he gave as an ultimate insult. Syaoran almost did not believe it when he saw Huangdi direct a smirk at Wei.

He was trying to surpass him?

Syaoran caught a waft of Sakura's perfumed scent. Surpassing Wei was impossible.

"Why the long face Xiao Lang?" called Renshu from a far side of the Hall. He was with two of his younger twin brothers. His eyes were heavy, and his cheeks were flushed. "Would you have preferred eighteen eunuchs?"

The guests laughed, thinking it was slight jest between two brothers. Syaoran normally would have remained quiet, but tonight was not the night to irritate him further. This party was enough.

"Would your wives?" he asked Renshu, Eriol's biting influence coming in handy for once.

The guests laughed again - hesitantly this time. Renshu was stunned momentarily by the highly unexpected retaliation.

"Of course not," said Renshu. "Only a real man can give them seed to bear children."

There was no laughter this time.

A dark cloud settled over the proceedings, and Syaoran's narrowed eyes were trained on Renshu. Huangdi must have thought Renshu's comment was out of line also.

"Xiao Lang," he said. "Respond."

In an instant, Syaoran was gone from his seat. He pelted towards Renshu. There was a glow and a sword appeared in his hand. He took a swipe at Renshu and then flicked his sword down at his side. A thin line manifested on Renshu's neck, blood flowing freely from the wound. Renshu had barely moved since Syaoran left his seat. The sword vanished and Syaoran returned to his place, his yellow robes luminous.

No one spoke. No one breathed.

He caught sight of Sakura's shocked face as he sat down. Now she had seen a glimpse of the stories she had heard of him. Was she afraid?

"Tonight, is a special night," said Huangdi. "I will have no one ruin it. Even you First Son. Show respect to Xiao Lang and you show respect to me. He is your future emperor and shall one day decide your Fate."

The party, amazingly, continued in full swing. It was as though there had been no interruption at all.

Sakura returned to Tomoyo's side as Syaoran went to sit beside his father. They and the Empress watched over the entertainment from their elevated thrones. There were fire-breathers, fire-eaters, acrobats, singers and several groups of dancers. After some time, Syaoran stood and walked towards the doors, his new concubines following behind him.

"Ping," the emperor called loudly above the music. "No less than nine concubines tonight. The prince is twenty-one!"

Meilin glared after the girls, and Hua-Ling turned her head, ignoring them as they passed.

Embarassed, Sakura gave a tight smile to Tomoyo.

"You should go to him," said the woman.

Sakura shook her head.

"Ping is coming to take us back to our quarters now."

"Go to him, Sakura-chan," insisted Tomoyo. "I will ask my husband to speak with Ping. He will listen to him."

Sakura agreed, and as Tomoyo had assured, Ping did listen to Eriol. Yukito was charged with Meilin and Hua-Ling's care and Ping took Sakura to Syaoran.


When they came upon the Great Imperial Son, he was dressed in only his hanfu. The room was dimly lit and as the emperor had commanded, nine concubines were present. Three were on his bed, some were sitting on the floor, and the rest were on their feet. Syaoran glared at Ping when he saw Sakura.

"I ordered that you be sent to bed," he told them. "It's late."

"I know," said Sakura. "But I came to give you your present."

"A present is not necessary Xiao Ying," said Syaoran as he sat on his bed. "Though if you feel you must, then I will accept it."

He looked down at her empty hands curiously. She did not move.

"Xiao Ying?"

Shaking slightly, she ventured closer to him. The other concubines were watching her. One had already positioned herself behind Syaoran. Sakura's heart pounded. Would Syaoran touch them like he touched her? Would he say the same things to them that he did to her? Things that would make them want him, as she wanted him now? When had she began to care this much? She felt a sob rising up the back of her throat.

Was this how Meilin and Hua-Ling felt?

Unable to breathe, she turned on her heels and bolted towards the partition doors.

"Xiao Ying!"

Syaoran's sharp call halted her steps, just as Ping tried to grasp her hand.

She turned slowly, to find Syaoran on his feet.

"What's wrong?"

Sakura looked around the room, at Ping and the nine concubines. Why had she listened to Tomoyo? How could she tell him in front of all of them what her gift entailed?

"I demand to know," said Syaoran, his voice powerful and imposing.

She closed her eyes briefly, and drew a deep breath.

"I know you have a lot of Yang," she said, clasping her hands at her waist. "I… wanted you to have Yin."

She looked into his face meaningfully, hoping he understood.

"Yin…?"

Brows knotted, he beckoned her over to him. He raised her chin with his fingertips and gazed deeply into her eyes.

"My waiting has reached its end?" he asked.

She swallowed.

"Yes."

Tomoyo had explained exactly what to expect tonight, adding to Miko's brief explanation on the ship.

Syaoran's eyes darkened.

"Leave us."

Ping immediately gathered the concubines and guided them past the large, partition doors of the bedroom.

"You have… many wives now," she remarked.

"Twenty-one," he told her, as he pulled the delicate hanfu ties beneath her bosom. "And you remain my favourite."

Her clothing slackened around her and Syaoran held her face. Leaning forward, he kissed her lips, gentle and unhurried, the taste of wine on his tongue.

"Doctor Qiao is going to have to make many more calendars," she said, quietly.

"It matters not. I only desire you."

She smiled as Syaoran pulled apart her hanfu and drew it down her shoulders, letting his fingers glide over the skin of her arms as he did so. The hanfu fell in a pretty bundle around her feet. The rush of cool air caressing her warm, bare flesh made her tremble. Syaoran gazed down at her body, and though she hid what she could of it with her hands, he returned her smile.

"Get on the bed."

She sat on the edge of the bed timidly, her heart racing in her chest. Syaoran slipped off the top of his hanfu so that it hanged around his waist, and he came and sat beside her. He brought his nose near her collarbone and inhaled.

"You smell wonderful."

"Thank you."

He took her hand and gave it a tender kiss, before cupping the back of her head, and pressing his mouth to hers. Sakura closed her eyes, and kissed him back, her hands slipping from her bosom. His hand pressed into her lower back, bringing her closer to him. Her nipples poked against his chest but rather than pull away, Sakura moulded herself to him more.

"You're not afraid?" he murmured against her lips.

"No," whispered Sakura.

"Why not?"

"Because you're my husband."

"You trust me?"

She nodded.

"I trust you."

Syaoran trailed kisses down her neck, and Sakura moaned as a heat started to build in that space between her breasts and thighs. Her eyelids fluttered as he sucked on her skin, blazing a path back to her lips.

His mouth pried hers open and he slipped his tongue past her teeth. All the while, his hand was on her breast, rubbing the sensitive nipple with his thumb. When he covered it with his mouth, her head tipped back – the warm, wet sensation making her see stars. Suddenly, Syaoran grabbed her left hand, pulling her talon rings from them. Her eyes flew open as her hand was made to grip his manhood, its heat penetrating his hanfu like a flaming iron rod.

"Climb up farther," he said.

In between kisses, she pushed herself up the bed and he crawled after her, his mouth devouring hers greedily.

She saw him untie his ruqun and cast it into the air. Instinctively, her eyes glanced down to see him, but he lowered himself to trace wet kisses down her belly. Time did not exist as Sakura was consumed in the utter bliss of Syaoran's caresses and kisses.

Love. She loved this.

She must love him.

It was the only word and feeling in her mind and heart as her toes curled in yearning.

She moaned, "Anata…anata," her remaining talon rings scraping against his back, a liquid heat flooding her veins.

"… let me pleasure you too… anata… show me…"

Sakura blushed. What was she saying? Why was he looking at her so… affectionately? Was she imagining things? Did princes love?

He hugged her and rolled over on the bed, bringing her on top of him.

Syaoran guided her head to the crook of his neck, inhaling sharply when her lips touched his skin. She was imitating his movements, and she was doing them so precisely, his erection grew painfully hard.

And she was glowing. And he could not take his eyes off this woman who had conquered his every thought. Syaoran groaned when Sakura's tongue flicked across his nipple. He looked at her. Her gaze was trained on him, checking his reaction.

Was her shyness before even real?

She slid lower down his front, and his manhood brushed the wetness between her thighs. She leaped upwards, an audible gasp escaping her lips. Slipping off him, she stared at his erection; truly seeing him for the first time. A ribbon of fear snaked its way around her heart.

Was he really going to fit that inside her?

Clear liquid began to ease from its tip.

Syaoran watched with bated breath as Sakura, his Xiao Ying, reached out and touched his most intimate place. She scrutinized the fluid on her fingers before reaching for him again. But, this time, she hesitated.

"Hold it," he told her.

In one motion, she gripped him in both her hands, the tip of his manhood peeking out at her. Every nerve ending seemed to culminate in his member at that exact moment. Shakily, breathlessly, Syaoran directed her head lower. Uncertain, but willing to please him, Sakura stuck out her tongue nervously and licked him.

"Take me into your mouth," he instructed.

Syaoran who expected something quick and tentative, moaned in utmost pleasure as his woman, enveloped his entire head and sucked him firmly. His mind was transported to a paradise of raw pleasure – more because it was Sakura who was pleasuring him, than for her actual technique of which there was none.

She looked at him for approval. The sight of her, mouth full of him, eyes questioning, made his body tremble like a blade of grass in a storm.

Her teeth nipped him, and he grabbed her hair, wincing.

"Careful, Xiao Ying."

She nodded as she continued to suck him, her face growing redder and redder. She pulled her head away and gasped for breath.

"Was that good?" she asked.

Syaoran, ready to burst, could only nod. He pulled her down to him and flipped her over.

"Open your legs for me," he told her huskily as he kissed her ear. "Now."

Sakura blushed madly but did nothing. He held her thighs and spread them wide. She gasped.

"Obey next time."

She made to cover herself with her hand, but he caught it, and held it far away from the stunningly erotic sight that lay before him.

Kissing her on the mouth hotly, Syaoran moved his fingers between the folds of her womanhood. Sakura panted heavily, her spine arching into the air as her body twisted on the sheets.

"Let me show you the best way to take Yin," said Syaoran.

His eyes never leaving hers, he positioned his head between her legs, embellishing the spot with light kisses that quickly increased in pressure. His tongue darted out and licked her in long strokes, focussing his attention on her most sensitive point. It sent her hips bucking wildly against his face.

Syaoran smiled into her center. He was not supposed to succumb to women, but look at him now. He was enjoying every moment. Raising up to see the results of his labour, he smirked. Sakura's lips were full, red and swollen. Her eyes were closed, and her body was dancing on his bed.

"Please... please…"

Syaoran indulged her some more, and suddenly, her legs pinned him on either side of his head. She shuddered. Once. Twice. Syaoran's tongue continued stroking her, the smell of her, mesmerizing him completely.

He shot up and kissed her on the lips. Sakura pulled him into her, willingly opening her mouth to receive his tongue. His erection accidentally brushed against her womanhood again, sending a shockwave through his body, and blurring his vision.

"Now, you'll become a woman."

Syaoran lined himself up with her. Sakura's rings bit into his back as he pushed forward determinedly until the head of his manhood was completely inside her. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and he trembled, in her warm, tight wetness. Sakura squirmed around on his member and Syaoran cursed in his head. He could not halt his actions when she was doing that. Squeezing his eyes tight, he pushed into her with a loud groan. Her gasp was muffled by his lips as he kissed her hard.

Gradually, he rocked his hips back and forth. Little by little she began to respond, pushing her groin into his. Syaoran's restraint was crumbling fast. He had wanted her for so long. He broke their kiss and looked at Sakura apologetically. Gripping her hips, he plunged into with firm, long strokes.

Her breasts bobbed up and down with the force of his thrusts and her face did not seem to know if her body was experiencing pain or pleasure.

Syaoran threw his head back in pure lust, wetness flowing between her legs, allowing him to slip in and out easily. Was she enjoying this? Syaoran hoped so. He could not bear it if he hurt her. He slowed his thrusts as he felt himself reaching a climax. He pulled Sakura up onto his waist. Holding her there, he raised her and brought her down on his erection.

"So beautiful," he murmured, and she gave a low moan. "So beautiful."

She hugged his neck for support. He could feel her insides gripping his erection, milking it of everything it possessed. His mind screamed to slow down, enjoy her longer. But his body ignored it. He licked Sakura's neck.

"Anata…" she moaned, in a daze.

Sakura was overcome by the sensations. The pain at first was piercing and loud, but the pleasure overcame it all. His words to her, caressed her ears and her heart. And she was wholly satisfied being joined to Syaoran as she was now.

Why had she waited so long to give herself to him? Would they be like this every night? Oh, how she wished they would be.

Make me your woman, Xiao Lang.

She kissed him with as much intensity as she could muster, and they fell onto the bed. He thrust into her unceasingly, his hips bucking faster and faster.

She could feel a sweet tension building inside her again, like before when he had licked her womanhood with his tongue.

"Ohhhh...!"

He plunged into her for the last time, spilling molten fire deep within her belly.

He flattened his body against hers, and rolled over with her on top of him, his manhood softening inside her.

"Each night… of every year," he promised.

He ran his hand over her buttocks as they regained their breaths, their bodies clammy and flushed. His smile was the last thing Sakura saw before drifting off to sleep. Pulling the covers over them, he too succumbed to dreams that could not possibly be as sweet as the woman on top of him.


A/N:

Hey Tomodachi!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thank you for all reviews. Glad you all are continuing to enjoy this oldie.

Best wishes for 2018. Live long and prosper, yo!

^_^ Until next time, Ja ne!