***I do not own neither Cardcaptor Sakura nor the 1998 film Ever After (which this story is based on).***

Ages:

Sakura, Tomoyo, and Meiling – 19

Syaoran, Eriol, and Ryan – 21

Chiyo – 53, Maiyume – 50

Mina – 21, Yoojin – 20, Satsuki – 43

Ever After

Chapter 13 – The Long Awaited Happy Ever After

Recap

"She has been sold, sire." Tomoyo answered. It was then that Captain Jin and Yoojin both appeared beside the carriage.

Syaoran's heart felt heavy. "Sold? But to whom?"

Yoojin cut in and answered, "To Sir Takeshi Oshiro, Your Highness. Just after the masque."

Syaoran's mind began spiraling all over the place. 'She's been his servant for two weeks now?! How could she ever forgive me?' Then the image of her smile appeared in his mind, and that calmed him down in order to think clearly.

The prince glanced from Yoojin to Tomoyo.

"Tell no one we have spoken...for all shall reveal itself in due course." Syaoran ordered, his blood beginning to boil at the thought of Sakura being mishandled by one of the Li Kingdom's notorious womanizer.

Both Tomoyo and Yoojin glanced at each other, then nodded to the prince.

"Come, Jin. There is much to be done." Syaoran informed, before running off. Captain Jin glanced back at Yoojin with a smile, then followed after the prince.

Oshiro Castle

Takeshi Oshiro's castle was located in the outskirts of the Li kingdom, secluded from everyone else. It would take a person an hour ride on horseback to get from the castle to the kingdom's center, where the marketplace is. Takeshi's property was vast and abundant and their castle soared above the forest canopy. The Oshiro family have been one of the top richest nobles in the Li kingdom for decades due to their successful businesses. However, they also had a reputation of being the greediest family as well. The money they had was never enough and they continued to pursue more and more throughout the years.

Sakura's new life as Takeshi's servant had been miserable the moment she was forced into that carriage. At every opportunity he got, Takeshi would make a move on Sakura, groping her in areas that were inappropriate. As a punishment for every time Sakura would fight back, besides getting whipped, would be to place an incredulous amount of chores on top of her already immense workload. If Sakura did not finish all her chores by the end of the day, she would be thrown into the cold, bleak dungeon to spend her night along with no bed or dinner. Throughout her two weeks as Takeshi's servant, Sakura had to spend four nights in the dungeon and that was only because she had attempted to escape from the castle those four times. To finally stop Sakura from any more escape attempts, Takeshi placed heavy iron shackles on her ankles that she was forced to wear all the time, even in her sleep. They restricted her movement so much that they reduced her normal walking pace by half.

Sakura did not have time to dwell on her new life, since she was preoccupied at every second. In a way, it was blessing in disguise, having a never ending list of tasks. She had no time to think of how her only mother figure sold her. She had no time to contemplate on the best friends she was forced to leave behind, for she would only break down in tears at the thought. And she especially had no chance to ponder over the prince. Sakura slowly began to accept the fact that she will never be happy again.

Her hope for happiness was further besmirched, when one day she was tasked to clean out Takeshi's study. Sakura had swept and mopped the floors, dusted the bookshelves, and washed the windows. All that was left to do, was to organize and tidy up Takeshi's desk, which was filled with piles of books and papers. She was rearranging all of Takeshi's correspondences, when a small envelope with a broken royal seal caught her eye. Sakura slowly walked over to the door, careful to not make any loud noise due to her shackles and quietly closed it. Her hands were shaking as she debated reading the letter's contents. Finally, she opened the envelope and read the letter.

The letter read, "Let it be proclaimed that at the second hour past noon, on the ninth day of May, Prince Syaoran Li and Princess Kimiko Avalon shall be united in marriage. King Hien and Queen Yelan formally request the company of Takeshi Oshiro at the Xingjiao Temple with a grand reception to follow in the castle's Great Hall."

Sakura dropped the envelope and letter, leaned her back against the door, and slowly slid to the ground. Tears she had thought were all dried up began to cascade down her cheeks profusely. She had just begun to forget about the prince, but learning of his upcoming marriage brought back a flood of emotions.

'The ninth day of May? But that's tomorrow…,' Sakura thought.

Sakura clutched at her chest as her heart ached. She realized her feelings for the prince would not dissipate so easily. The letter had crushed the tiny bit of hope that Sakura had that the prince would come and whisk her away from this dreadful place.

'I am a fool to have hoped he still loved me.' Sakura hugged her knees to her chest and buried her head into it.

She suddenly thought of her future. 'Will I never see Ryan, Tomoyo, Chiyo, or Maiyume ever again? Will I continue to suffer under Takeshi's roof? Will I die an old maid in this horrid castle?'

After a long pause, Sakura lifted her head, slowly stood up, and wiped the tears from her face. She placed the wedding invitation back inside the envelope and returned it on top of Takeshi's desk.

'No. I will not be staying here much longer…' Sakura declared to herself, as she walked out of the study.

By the next morning, Sakura had a plan. She knew the first thing she had to do was to get Takeshi in the same room with her alone, which would be no trouble at all seeing how much he lusts for her. Next, she needed a way to get his keys to unlock her shackles. She could not run far from the castle with those still holding her down. Sakura could barely walk normally with the shackles on and they were beginning to bruise her ankles. Lastly, she needed to temporarily dispose of Takeshi or else as soon as she walks out of the castle he would chase after her, bringing her right back. She knew her punishment, should she be caught this time, would be far more torturous than before. However, Sakura had no intention of returning ever again the next time she sets foot out of the castle.

When Sakura was given her list of chores that morning, she saw her opportunity. It was as if some higher being was granting her wish. In the late afternoon, past three, Takeshi will return from sword practice. He had requested Sakura's service in the armory to clean his swords. Sakura knew immediately that Takeshi would try to make a move on her again.

Sakura busied herself with her other chores, while patiently waiting for the hour Takeshi would call on her. When the clock struck at two, Sakura's heart went numb.

The prince's wedding had been in her mind all day and now that it was two she knew the ceremony had just begun. Sakura swept the kitchen floors, imagining what the extravagant ceremony would be like. She pictured all the noble guests in their formal attire eagerly waiting for the bride to make her way down the aisle. She envisioned the temple would be decorated with an abundance of flowers and cherry blossom petals on the floor. The Li family's crest hung proudly on each column right next to the Avalon family crest to display an important partnership not only among the prince and princess but also with each of their kingdoms. This marriage would bring about an alliance that everyone would benefit from.

Then finally, Sakura could see the prince himself, waiting for his bride at the foot of the altar. He wore a traditional red Chinese suit embroidered with gold and silver design. His smile was one filled with pure joy and pride as he was about to wed the most beautiful lady in the world.

The bride was making her way closer to the prince, her eyes glued to the floor. At the queen's behest, the bride wore a traditional Chinese red qipao that made every eye automatically turn towards her wherever she went. Her dressed hugged her entire body accentuating her beautiful curves. Her face was hidden behind her fengguan headdress made of pearls and emeralds.

The bride walked slowly, as if she could trip over herself at any moment. However, to the crowd, she appeared to be holding herself with much grace and poise. They were pleased that the prince chose her to be his wife. As she finally took her place beside her husband-to-be, she continued to glance at the floor, her hands shaking. The prince noticed the nerves emanating from the woman in front of him. He smiled, grabbed her right hand and held it firmly. His other hand cupped her chin and gently lifted her head and that was when his amber eyes met her emerald eyes.

Immediately, Sakura snapped out of her daydream. Before she knew it, she was imagining how her wedding would have been if the prince chose her to be his wife. Sakura placed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart pounding heavily.

'Syaoran…' Sakura's heart ached.

It was then that another servant walked in carrying a bundle of swords wrapped securely with a thick cloth. He informed her that Master Oshiro was expecting her in the armory and handed her the swords. Sakura was so distracted with her thoughts that she had not realized it was already past three.

'It's now or never.'

Ten horses galloped through the forest pathway. Their hooves pounding on the dirt ground like an earthquake. Leaves were whirling through the air as they rode quick as lightning. Syaoran and Captain Jin led the group, tugging at their reins to have their horses go even faster.

'Wait for me, Sakura. Please be alright,' Syaoran thought, as he jerked his reins harder.

Sakura walked up to the door of the armory and knocked two times. It was not until she heard a loud, icy, "Enter," that she opened the door and walked inside. The sound of Sakura's shackles dragging on the floor behind her echoed in the room. She made her way to the long table in the middle of the room where Takeshi sat at the head of.

"Oh, I do so hate to see you in irons." Takeshi started as he stood up from his chair. Sakura placed the swords down on the table.

"I'd remove them, if only you promise not to run away again." Takeshi offered, standing on the opposite side of the table from Sakura.

Sakura focused on her task at hand and unwrapped the bundle of swords. She could feel Takeshi's gaze on her body like a hawk eyeing its prey.

"I have no reason to stay." Sakura responded firmly.

"You belong to me now." Takeshi stated with a hint of annoyance.

Sakura spread out the swords so that they were about an inch apart.

"I belong to no one...least of all you." Sakura remarked, avoiding eye contact with Takeshi.

As Takeshi slowly walked around the table towards Sakura, he said, "Oh, I wish you'd reconsider my offer."

When Takeshi got closer to her, Sakura stopped what she was doing and sighed, "I would rather rot."

Takeshi placed his hand on her shoulder and brushed it all the way to her chin so that she could look at him. Sakura took a quick glance at Takeshi's sheathed sword attached to his belt.

"I had a horse like you once. Magnificent creature. Stubborn, just like you. Willful to a fault." Takeshi started.

Sakura slapped his hand away and turned away from him. Takeshi then began to run his fingers through her hair.

"It too just needed to be...broken," Takeshi continued, as he gently grasped a strand of hair and brought it up to his nose, sniffing it.

"You will maintain your distance, sir." Sakura said, her hands shaking in a fist. Anger was boiling inside of her.

"Oh, you didn't say please." Takeshi retorted.

Sakura quickly grabbed at the hilt of Takeshi's sword, drew it, spun around and touched the tip of it underneath Takeshi's chin.

"Please." Sakura said.

Caught off guard, Takeshi replied, "I can hang you for this."

"Not if you are dead." Sakura remarked, glaring at Takeshi.

"I do love your spirit." Takeshi smirked, as he slapped Sakura's wrist away and lunged at her mouth to kiss her.

Sakura reacted fast and pushed him back by his throat before their lips can touch. She grazed the side of his cheek with his sword, causing him to bleed. Then, with her free hand, Sakura grabbed another sword from the table and directed it towards his stomach, forcing him to keep his distance.

Takeshi stumbled back towards the wall, his hand on his cheek to stop the bleeding. He was stunned that Sakura actually cut him.

"My father was an expert swordsman and he taught me well," Sakura explained.

Takeshi glared at the woman in front of him and let out a "tch". He had underestimated her.

Sakura walked forward, slowly applying pressure to his throat and stomach with both her swords.

"Now give me the key to these shackles, or I swear on his grave I will slit you from navel to nose." Sakura declared.

Takeshi slowly pulled the key out of his chest pocket and handed it towards her.

"Your freedom, my lady." Takeshi said.

Sakura walked out of the Oshiro castle with a huge grin on her face. Once she locked Takeshi in the dungeons, she freed herself from the iron shackles. Her plan had worked perfectly and she was finally free.

Suddenly, Sakura heard a storm of horses riding towards her. She stopped in her tracks, as her heart was pounding heavily. If someone found out what she had done to Takeshi, she would receive a punishment so worse she would rather die. Sakura frantically looked around, but there was nowhere to run or hide to.

The horses made their way inside of the castle gates and it was then that Sakura recognized the man who was leading the charge.

The prince noticed the gloomy air the castle was giving off and the smell of dead rats filled his lungs. To learn that Sakura was forced to live in this place for two weeks, angered him the most. Syaoran did not wait for his horse to come to a complete stop before he jumped off the saddle. As he glanced towards the entrance of the castle, he was surprised to see Sakura standing there staring straight at him, stunned as well.

Sakura's heart pulsated even faster now that she saw Syaoran walking towards her. She nervously met him halfway, trying to flatten her hair out to make it look as decent as possible. She was a mess, with dirt smudges and sweat all over her face, hands, and dress, meanwhile it was as if Syaoran had appeared straight out her daydream. He was still wearing his wedding attire.

'Did he not go through with the wedding?' Sakura thought. She was trying to read his face to get a hint of what he was thinking, but to no avail.

When they were only a few feet apart, Syaoran greeted Sakura with a nervous "Hello."

"Hello." Sakura whispered back hesitantly.

Syaoran didn't say anything next and continued to gaze at her. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but he could not find the words.

Sakura, finding this awkward silence unbearable, asked bluntly, "What are you doing here?"

"I-I um...I came to rescue you." Syaoran admitted sheepishly, realizing Sakura had freed herself already.

Sakura was taken aback by his response, remembering his treatment of her at the ball.

"Rescue me?" Sakura asked, walking past him. "A commoner?"

Syaoran followed her. "Actually, I came to beg your forgiveness. I offered you the world and at the first test of honor, I betrayed your trust."

When Sakura did not stop walking away from him, he called out, "Please Sakura."

Sakura stopped in her tracks, turned around, and glanced at the prince. "Say it again."

"I'm sorry." Syaoran repeated slowly, meaning every word.

Sakura shook her head and smiled, "No, the part where you said my name."

Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief. Seeing Sakura's smile, he beamed back. "Sakura."

Sakura giggled. Hearing her name come out of his mouth for the first time, felt like a breath of fresh air.

The prince then took out a familiar slipper from his jacket, walked closer to Sakura, and said, "Perhaps you can be so kind as to help me find the owner of this rather remarkable shoe."

Sakura put her hands to her mouth and gasped. "Where did you find that?"

"She is my match in every way. Please tell me I haven't lost her." Syaoran replied.

Sakura's face filled with doubt, as tears began to form in her eyes. She turned around to sit on a stone ledge nearby. "It belongs to a peasant, Your Highness, who only pretended to be a courtier to save a friend's life."

"Yes...I know." Syaoran responded, "And the name's Syaoran if you don't mind."

The prince knelt down on one knee and gazed into Sakura's vivid green eyes.

He held out his hand to hold hers and said, "I kneel before you not as a prince, but as a man in love."

Syaoran then took her left foot and rested it on his knee, causing Sakura to blush.

"And I would feel like a king, if you, Sakura Kinomoto, would be my wife." Syaoran proposed. He removed the shoe she was wearing, and gently placed the glass slipper in its place.

Tears were pouring down Sakura's face as she began to giggle. She could not believe what the prince had just said to her. Sakura could not believe any of this. She briefly thought for a moment that she was still Takeshi's servant dreaming up all of this. But no. The prince was, indeed, in front of her, and he had just asked her to be his wife.

Sakura nodded wholeheartedly and opened her arms wide and embraced her new fiancé. Syaoran bursted in laughter, hugged Sakura back lifting her up in the air, and showering her with passionate kisses.

Hamasaki Residence

"How was I to know he'd coming flying out the side door? He was supposed to be getting married." Yoojin exclaimed, defending herself against the suspicions of her mother and sister.

It was the morning after the prince's wedding debacle and they were all having breakfast. All the while, Satsuki and Mina were interrogating Yoojin about her encounter with the prince.

"I heard the prince talked to you. What did he say?" Mina asked sharply. She hated the fact that her sister got the chance to speak with her future husband.

"Well…" Yoojin, started, stirring her bowl of porridge with her spoon. "I can't be sure. It all happened so quickly! But I think what he said was, 'Serves me right for choosing a foreigner over your sister.'"

Mina and Satsuki glanced at each other and started squealing in joy.

"Very good. Well perhaps we should just let him fret about it for a few days." Satsuki proposed smirking.

It was at that moment, the entrance bell began to ring throughout the manor. All three ladies bursted out of their chairs as if it were on fire and ran to the front door.

"I'll get it!" The three of them shouted in unison.

Once they opened the door, they saw Captain Jin of the prince's royal guard outside.

"His Supreme Majesty, King Hien, requests an audience with the Baroness Satsuki Hamasaki and her daughters immediately." Jin proclaimed.

"Well, is anything wrong?" Satsuki inquired, hoping the captain would reveal the king's intentions right that very instant.

"No, my lady. But the king demanded you arrive in...style." Jin answered cheerfully.

"Hmm...then in style we shall be!" Satsuki stated, running back inside the manor, with a squealing Mina in tow.

Yoojin slowly closed the front doors, but not before giving a sly smile to Captain Jin.

Li Palace

Satsuki, Mina, and Yoojin were immediately escorted straight into the throne room upon their arrival at the castle. A large crowd of noblemen and women were already in the room patiently waiting for the Hamasaki family. The three ladies bowed as they entered and were announced, then gracefully glided their way to the front of the room and bowed once more in front of the royal family.

King Hien and Queen Yelan were sitting on their thrones on top of a raised platform so that they were above everyone else. Prince Syaoran was present as well, standing next to his father.

Satsuki and Mina were preoccupied with their deep bows in respect to the royal family, that they did not notice the seriousness in the king and queen's expressions.

"Baroness, did you or did you not lie to Her Majesty, the Queen of the Li Kingdom?" King Hien asked, in a harsh tone.

The wide smiles Satsuki and Mina were wearing immediately disappeared. Mina glanced at her mother nervously, just as Satsuki was trying to think of an answer. Meanwhile, Syaoran was smirking in the background.

"Choose your words wisely, madam. For they may be your last." Queen Yelen spoke aloud.

Satsuki had a helpless look on her face. She looked back and forth from the queen to the king, hoping they were just joking. However, the sternness in their eyes told her they weren't.

"A woman would do practically anything for the love of a daughter, Your Majesties…," Satsuki hesitantly answered. "Perhaps I did get a little carried away…"

"Mother! What have you done?!" Mina shouted, as she walked in front of her mother. "Your Majesties, like you, I am just a victim here. She has lied to us both and I am ashamed to call her family!"

Satsuki looked appalled at what Mina had just said and pushed her away with force.

"How dare you turn on me you little ingrate!" Satsuki yelled back.

"You see! You see what I have to put up with!" Mina screeched.

Yelen rubbed her temples, getting a headache from the bickering. 'To think this girl could have been my son's wife,' she thought to herself, shuddering at the thought.

Hien slammed a fist onto his chair and roared out, "SILENCE! Both of you! Good lord."

He then glanced behind them towards Yoojin. "Are they always like this?"

"Worse, Your Majesty." Yoojin admitted.

Satsuki and Mina snapped their gaze towards her in disgust.

"Yoojin, darling, I'd hate to think you had anything to do with this." Satsuki growled.

"Of course not, mother. I'm only here for the food." Yoojin remarked, glaring back at her mother.

Captain Jin who was standing close to Syaoran, grinned at Yoojin's retort.

"Baroness Hamasaki," Yelen started. "You are forthwith stripped of your title. And you and your horrible daughter are to be shipped to the Xi Kingdom on the first available boat."

Satsuki and Mina's complexion was suddenly drained of any color. Mina looked as if she was going to burst into hysteric tears any moment.

Yelen continued, "Unless by some miracle, someone here will speak for you."

Satsuki and Mina turned to the crowd of nobles with expressions filled with desperation. Satsuki eyed them one by one. She saw the two ladies she always had a chat with after Sunday services. She saw Sir Takahashi, with whom she thought was close friends with Fujitaka, only glare at her. Lady Meiling, who she talked with while the prince was escorting Mina throughout the marketplace a couple of weeks ago, stared back at her with disgust. Of course, she wouldn't go against her aunt and uncle. These were people she knew and got along with...or so she thought. As silence filled the room, hope was slowly fading away for Satsuki and Mina, as their new and dreadful future was closing in on them.

Satsuki turned to the king and queen and gave a feeble smile to them.

"There seems to be quite a few people out of town." Satsuki said.

Suddenly, a familiar voice spoke out from the back of the room.

"I will speak for her."

Everyone in the room bowed deeply in unison, as Sakura made her way towards her stepmother. Satsuki held her hand up to her mouth in shock. Mina bit her lip in frustration and jealousy as she hesitantly bowed with the rest of the crowd.

"She is, afterall, my stepmother." Sakura added, coming face to face with Satsuki.

Satsuki eyed her stepdaughter up and down. Sakura was wearing a long red gown with a gold floral pattern throughout. Around her neck was the very necklace, Mina had returned to the queen that day after the Sunday service. Sakura's hair was glistening as it was reflected on the shiny object that was placed on her head. Satsuki gazed at Sakura's crown with eyes filled with envy and astonishment.

Realizing her stepdaughter's new title, Satsuki slowly bowed down before her and mumbled, "Your Highness."

"Mina," Syaoran called out. "I don't believe you've met my wife."

Mina looked at Sakura with her eyes stinging with tears.

Sakura peered down at her stepmother, who was still bowing, and said in a low voice, "I want you to know that I will forget you after this moment and never think of you again. But you, I am quite certain, will think about me every single day for the rest of your life."

Satsuki, who was avoiding eye contact with Sakura, replied, "And how long might that be?"

Sakura sensed the fury that Satsuki was trying to contain within her. Sakura sighed and looked up towards the king and queen.

"All I ask, Your Majesties, is that you show her the same courtesy that she has bestowed upon me," the princess announced.

Satsuki and Mina were immediately taken straight to the scullery at the lowest level of the castle.

"After you wash the table cloths, you can start on the napkins. And move those over there," the head laundress ordered. She was showing Satsuki and Mina around the big scullery while also putting them to work straight away.

"Mina!" Satsuki called out.

"What?"

"Well, you heard the woman." Satsuki replied.

"So did you." Mina pointed out.

Satsuki glared at her daughter. "Yes, but I'm management."

"Like hell you are!" Mina yelled, "YOU'RE JUST THE SAME AS ME! A BIG NOBODY!"

"How dare you speak to me that way?! I am of noble blood!" Satsuki shouted back.

The head laundress, who was holding a large sack of laundry, interrupted the squabble. "Both of you are getting on my last nerve!"

She threw the sack of laundry right at their faces, causing Satsuki and Mina both to fall back into a large pool of blue dye. Everyone in the scullery bursted out in laughter.

"Now get to work!" The head laundress ordered once again.

Mina and Satsuki lingered in the pool, their blue colored faces bursting in tears.

One week later

The royal carriage hastily rode through the forest from the castle, carrying the newly wedded couple.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to start a new life in the castle. But I must admit, it will be hard to leave the manor," Sakura said, glancing outside the carriage window at her father's manor coming into view.

The couple had planned to go to the manor today to assure all of Sakura and her father's belongings were packed and moved out to the castle carefully and accordingly.

Syaoran grabbed Sakura's hand firmly, causing her to glance at him.

"I'll make sure the next owners will treat the property well," Syaoran asserted, placing his lips on his wife's hand.

Sakura smiled, just as the carriage came to a full stop. Exiting the carriage, Sakura breathed a heavy sigh. She found herself in front of her childhood home, a place that held so many memories, the good, the bad, and the sad.

Sakura glanced at the manor door and saw a flash of her nine year old self, hugging her father goodbye as he departed for his one of many, many work trips.

Syaoran walked to her side and grabbed a hold of her hand. "Shall we?"

Sakura nodded and made her way into the manor. The couple walked up a flight of stairs towards the main hall, when Sakura heard voices. Initially thinking it was their attendants assisting them with the move, Sakura began to realize they were familiar voices.

When they walked into the main hall, Sakura found all of their friends in the room. Sakura cupped her hands to her mouth in surprise. She glanced back to a smiling Syaoran then to the group of people in front of her. Her best friend, Tomoyo, was standing beside Eriol, the world-renown artist. Sakura's two other best friends, Chiyo and Maiyume, were with her good childhood friend, Ryan, and Syaoran's cousin, Meiling. Lastly, Syaoran's captain of the guards and good friend, Jin, was standing with his arm around her stepsister, Yoojin.

"W-what are you all doing here?" Sakura finally asked.

"The prince invited us, of course!" Tomoyo answered cheerfully.

Ryan stepped forward and added, "You didn't think we'd miss your housewarming party."

"Housewarming party?" Sakura repeated, confused, "But-"

Sakura's husband then appeared in front of her and held both her hands.

"What's going on, Syaoran?" Sakura asked.

"I've realized you're a hard woman to keep surprises from, but at least I managed this one," Syaoran confessed with a smile.

"Father and Mother gave us permission to reside here for the time being, until I become King. It did take some persuading, especially with my father." Syaoran revealed.

"B-but…-" Sakura started, but was interrupted by her husband.

"Before you say anything, my parents agreed with me that it would be good for us to have our own place. And if any royal business comes up, the castle is just a short carriage ride away."

Sakura's doubts turned into a smile. "I don't know what to say."

She could not find the words to describe how grateful she was to her new husband, but instead planted her soft cherry lips on his. After a moment of passionate kissing, their guests broke out into a cheer, causing them to break apart, blushing.

"Eriol, you must show Sakura your gift!" Meiling suggested.

"What gift?" Syaoran asked, looking at Eriol.

"Oh, it's just a small portrait," Eriol replied, walking towards the corner of the room, where an easel holding a frame covered by a white sheet stood.

Eriol carefully removed the white sheet, revealing a delicate watercolor painting of Sakura's face. The painting exposed the most serene expression of the princess.

Sakura was astonished, as she walked closer to the painting. She realized that it was the first time in many years that she really did feel like the person in the portrait: overjoyed and peaceful.

"Eriol...it's wonderful!" She turned and gave Eriol a warm hug.

Eriol hugged back and said, "Think of it as a belated wedding present, Your Highness."

At the hearing of the words 'Your Highness', Ryan let out a chuckle.

Sakura slowly walked towards her childhood friend and asked, "What?"

"I just can't get over it, that's all...Your Highness." Ryan answered as he continued to chuckle. Chiyo, who was standing next to him, slapped him lightly in the back of his head.

Sakura smirked, "Well, royalty or not I can still whip you."

Ryan laughed, as Sakura started to poke him in all of his ticklish areas.

Meanwhile, Syaoran stepped forward towards Eriol's painting, examining it thoroughly.

"I must say, Eriol, for a man of your talents, it...um...doesn't look a thing like Sakura." Syaoran admitted, then walked away laughing, leaving Eriol perplexed.

Sakura heard what Syaoran said and walked towards him, grinning, "You, sir, are supposed to be charming."

Syaoran placed his arm around Sakura's waist, bringing her body closer to his. He replied, "And we, Princess, are supposed to live happily ever after."

"Says who?" Sakura responded.

"Hmm...I don't know." Syaoran confessed to his wife with a smile.

Sakura smiled back and leaned forward, kissing her husband with all the passion and love she has for him and he for her as well.

"Sakura's portrait hung in the university, her husband built for many, many years up until the war. And now it hangs upstairs in the main hall." Grandmother finished the story, rocking a sleeping Hiro in her arms.

Ami felt sad that her grandmother's story ended. Wanting to know more, she asked, "So grandmother, did Sakura and Syaoran really live happily ever after?"

Grandmother let out a quiet chuckle and caressed her granddaughter's cheek, "Of course, my dear. Or you and your siblings wouldn't be here if they hadn't."

Ami shared a confused glance with her older sister, Miki.

"Who were Sakura and Syaoran, grandmother?" Miki asked curiously.

Grandmother gently wiped away a strand of Hiro's hair away from his forehead, before responding.

"My mother's last name was 'Avalon', but my father's last name was 'Li'. Sakura and Syaoran were my grandparents, making them your great-great grandmother and father."

Miki and Ami smiled at each other. Knowing they came from the same family as Sakura and Syaoran made their grandmother's story mean so much more than just a fairytale.

"Grandmother, can you tell us more? We want to know everything about them." Miki declared.

Grandmother smiled and said, "Tell me what you want to know."

-Fin-

A/N: I just want to thank you guys so much for sticking with me and this story throughout the years. Please let me know what you thought of this final chapter. I hope you liked how I ended the story. I am already working on a new, original story. So be on the look out for that!