Hey everyone! I just want to say-again as always-thank you all for your reviews! They really help get me through my rough days. Once again I'm sick (viral infection, apparently) and my depression has been taking a nose dive lately. I hope you all enjoy this chapter too :)

Sakura chose to stop for the night once it became dark. She fed Amalthea and ensured she had enough to drink before making herself something to eat.

While she lay beneath the stars that night, she ran her fingers over the pin as she wondered how it would lead her back home.
"Where am I supposed to go...?" she wondered aloud.
With a small sigh, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

She dreamt of a familiar forest and creek, the place where she had been taken to heal quickly. The leaves remained lush green all year round due to the magical properties of the land, only snow covered a lot of the greenery.

Her eyes flew open. It was early morning with pink and purple hues spread across the sky.
Amalthea's face appeared above hers and the horse nudged her.
"Hungry, huh?" Sakura smiled and moved to stand up and feed the hungry horse. While she did so, she thought about her dream and lifted her hand to the pin. Was that where she needed to go?
"What do you think, Amalthea? Is that forest where I'm supposed to go?" she murmured softly.
Amalthea snorted and continued eating. Sakura giggled.

After eating and packing up camp, Sakura continued on her way. Amalthea maintained a gentle pace that was easy on the both of them and Sakura hummed an old song her mother used to sing.
A number of days passed until they came to a village where Sakura found a room in a small inn to stay for the night. She ensured Amalthea's comfort first before heading inside and out of the cold. It was warm inside with a fire burning in the fireplace. She ordered herself a bowl of hot vegetable soup before seating herself at a table and pulling out her medical notes.

"Excuse me, miss?"

She looked up to see a man probably two or three years older than her; he had pale brown hair and hazel eyes with a square jaw and muscular build. There was interest and something more in his eyes, which unsettled Sakura.
"How can I help you?" she asked kindly.
"I couldn't help but notice you were alone. Surely you're not travelling on your own?"
She glanced over and spotted three of his friends watching curiously.
"I am. Why do you ask?" Sakura replied.
He moved to sit down and leant back, his hazel eyes looking at the bound notes in front of her. "Are you a medic?" he asked.
"Yes."
He smiled, "The name's Ethan, by the way."
Sakura didn't say anything.
"Since you're alone, why don't we get to know each other?" Ethan smiled.
"I'm flattered, Ethan, but I can't." Sakura said with an apologetic smile.
"Come on-it'll be fun. If you're worried about those guys, they won't get in the way." Ethan pressed.
Sakura shook her head, "I'm afraid my husband is waiting back home, so I really can't."
"He doesn't have to know about it." He winked.
"I said no." Sakura spoke firmly, "Please leave me alone."
A waitress walked over carrying Sakura's meal, "Is there a problem?" she asked kindly.
Ethan maintained cold eye contact with Sakura as he stood, "No," he murmured, "Not at all."
The waitress watched as Ethan walked back over to his friends and she turned to Sakura, "Be careful around them. They're pretty dangerous if they get mad."

Sakura smiled, "Thank you for your concern, but I'm not totally unprotected."
She watched as the young woman's eyes darted to her ring for a moment. "Don't let them see that crest." She whispered to Sakura before hurrying away.
Sakura frowned in confusion but tried not to think about it too much and ate her meal while reading her notes. She could feel the eyes of the men watching her and so when she finished her meal, she headed to her room for the night, passing them and heading down the hall.
She closed the door behind herself and walked over to the bed, listening for following footsteps. She didn't see herself getting much sleep that night.

She dozed in and out of sleep for most of the night, keeping herself alert to threats, but by the time the sun rose she was exhausted from doing so. Thankfully she was used to running on little sleep and didn't have much trouble getting ready to leave.
She ate and then moved to leave the inn, greeting Amalthea with a soft hello.
"Have you been fed?" she asked softly.
Amalthea turned her head to an empty bucket and Sakura smiled. "That was nice of them."
Amalthea made a disgruntled noise and Sakura heard footsteps behind her. She frowned.
"You seem to be in a hurry." Ethan smiled. Standing with him were the other men he'd been with the night prior.
"There are people waiting for me." Sakura replied. She tried to stop the shaking in her hands and the fear she felt. She might be able to control her magic now, but that didn't mean she could control her fear.
"Now, now, don't be rude." Ethan grinned, "We just want to get to know you."

He moved to grab her, and Sakura made quick eye contact with Amalthea before dropping to the floor; the horse kicked out, making contact with Ethan who clutched his knee in agony. His friends stayed where they were, not daring to get anywhere closer to the horse, so Sakura took her chance to pull herself up onto Amalthea's back.
"You should get that knee looked at." She said before urging Amalthea into a gentle trot.
"We'll find you!" Ethan shouted after her.
Sakura swallowed her fear and Amalthea picked up her pace in an attempt to put as much space between them and the men.

…

They came to a stop in the late afternoon and Sakura dismounted, moving to feed Amalthea before anything else.
After setting up camp, Sakura pulled out her map and looked over it, searching for the quickest route to where she needed to go.
She glanced at her ring for a moment, curious about the waitress's words from the night before, but put the thought to rest. It didn't matter, nor did she want to know.
After eating a warm meal, she made herself comfortable and rested her head for the night, picking up her journey the next morning.

...

After a couple of weeks of travelling, Sakura arrived at a small city she was familiar with. It was one of the few she'd been to, to get medicinal needs, and the area they'd been staying in wasn't too far from the city.
She'd decided to grab a few things while she was in town to give Amalthea a break.
Sakura bought some apples to feed Amalthea and herself something to eat before sitting down with the horse to relax and eat.

"I heard the king's camp was attacked last night."

Sakura looked around, heart thundering, searching for the source of information. She hoped it wasn't who she thought it was.
She spotted a couple of townsfolk standing outside their houses, talking.
"I heard about that too. A number of soldiers were quite injured." A woman responded. "I hope the king and queen are ok."
"Apparently the queen isn't in the camp at the moment for whatever reason. The king said she had some personal business she needed to tend to."
"Really? For a whole year?"
Sakura stood and walked over to them, "Pardon me for interrupting," she said, "But would you happen to know which king it was whose camp was attacked?"
The man nodded, "Syaoran, I think it was."
"Do you know where they're staying?" Sakura pressed urgently.
"By the river in the forest, I think."
"Thank you," Sakura breathed and rushed back over to Amalthea, climbing onto her back and rushing out if the city.
She hoped dearly that there hadn't been too many casualties. She hoped no children had been harmed.

She shrieked as pain pierced her arm and she looked over her shoulder to see Ethan and his men pursuing her. Irritated, she wondered how long they'd been following her.
'Amalthea, the forest!'
Amalthea immediately headed for the cover of trees, weaving through them as Sakura guided her to where she needed to go. She could see the camp but guided Amalthea away in fear of her pursuers causing more harm to the people.
Another arrow whistled past her ear and she ducked to dodge a branch. Her blood pounded in her ears.

Amalthea changed direction, turning to the left and rode straight past the camp. Sakura was sure there would be protective charms to alert the soldiers of a threat but didn't dare to think about what might happen if she'd accidentally set one off.
She glanced over her shoulder again, finding the men were still chasing after her. Fear swelled up in her throat as she heard the sound of hooves getting closer and she glanced to the side to see a number of soldiers riding out from the camp-she felt confused when she realised they weren't heading for her. Instead they formed a barricade between her and the group who were chasing after her.

As the group neared they started to slow, coming to a stop several metres away from the barricade of soldiers.
"What are you doing?" Ethan demanded. "This issue is none of your business."
The soldiers didn't move, but as soon as Ethan and his men moved forwards they all drew their weapons.
"So protective over one travelling woman." He sneered. "If you want a fight, then so be it."
"Is that wise, thirteen against three?"
Sakura felt her heart skip a beat as Syaoran appeared on his own chestnut coloured horse. She watched as her husband approached the small group and Ethan raised his brow.
"Your grace," he greeted Syaoran.
"So, why do you chase after her so relentlessly?" Syaoran enquired curiously.
"We have our reasons." Ethan answered coolly.
"Really? I'd like to hear them."
"They don't concern you, your grace."
"Oh, I think they do." Syaoran replied with some amusement, "For I would really like to know why my wife is being chased."
Ethan turned pale and glanced at Sakura; she saw his rage and embarrassment, and struggled to get a hold on her fear.
"You can leave, and I won't mention any of this to your superiors, or you can be punished to the fullest extent of my law." Syaoran said coldly, "Your choice."
It was clear what the better option was. Ethan turned, though not without one last look of hate towards Sakura and left the forest with his companions.

The soldiers sheathed their weapons.

"Stay on the lookout." Syaoran ordered them before turning to head back to camp. Sakura followed him, very aware of how tired Amalthea was, and as soon as she dismounted in the camp she fed the horse and led her to a source of water, so she could drink and rest with the other horses while she removed her belongings and the saddle.
It seemed Syaoran was busy despite her return, so she carried her belongings to the tent before heading to the medical tent to have her arm looked at. She clutched the bleeding as her arm throbbed painfully. Everyone stared in surprise as she passed by, probably shocked to see her back after such a long year.

She slowed to a stop outside the medical tent and sighed softly before entering.
"Sakura!" Meiling cried.
The raven-haired woman was washing various medical utensils, her hands paused in mid-air as she stared at the young woman.
Sakura didn't know what to say, her mind completely blank.
"Hey..."
Meiling jumped to her feet and set the utensils aside.
"Sit." She ordered, and Sakura obeyed.
Meiling tended to her wound quietly and efficiently, tying off the bandage with a neat bow. There was a tense silence for a moment, and just as Sakura was about to speak, Meiling hugged her tightly.
"I'm so glad you're back."
Sakura returned her friends' hug and smiled. "Thank you Meiling. I'm here to stay."
"You promise?"
"While I was gone, I learned a lot...I'm never leaving like I did ever again. This is where I belong." Sakura said.
"Well that's good to hear," Eriol spoke as he walked over. "Welcome back, Sakura. We're glad to see you're safe."
Tomoyo came rushing through. "Sakura's back! Where is she?" she asked and then spotted her sitting in a chair, rushed over and hugged her tight. "You're back to stay, right?"
Sakura nodded. "I am."
"You'll have to tell us all about where you've been! We've been so worried." Tomoyo exclaimed.
"She can tell us everything once she's settled down. For now, she needs rest, for I'm sure it has been a very long and tiring journey." Eriol replied, looking into Sakura's eyes.
Sakura smiled gratefully.
"I have some clothes I want you to try on when you're available." Tomoyo added.
"I'll do that now...it looks like Syaoran is really busy at the moment." Sakura replied.
"He'll be with the council, yes. Meiling, why don't you accompany them?" Eriol offered. "We're quiet at the moment."
She nodded.
Sakura stood, "Very well then."

She left the medical tent with Tomoyo and Meiling, heading to Tomoyo's tent. People smiled and waved to her and others welcomed her cheerfully.
They entered the tent and the seamstress moved to pull out several clothing items.
"What do you want to try on first?"
Sakura shrugged, "I don't mind."
"Alright, this dress." Meiling picked up a white garment and handed it to Tomoyo.
Sakura removed her dress and Meiling gasped, "You have a mark on your shoulder!"
Sakura smiled timidly. "It's the mark for my magic," She said.
"I thought it might be. When did you get it?" Tomoyo asked curiously.
Sakura set her clothes to the side and then Tomoyo helped her into the white and gold silk brocade gown.
"I've had it since I first showed signs of being able to use magic, but I've been concealing it..." Sakura confessed.
"Will you continue to conceal it? It's pretty." Meiling said.
"It will stay visible always."
Tomoyo smiled. "That dress suits you."
"Thanks, Tomoyo. But...what's it for? It's very fancy." Sakura asked.
"It's formalwear. For when you need formal clothing."
"Did Syaoran ask you to make this?"
"He did."
Sakura smiled. "I see."
They slowly made their way through the pile of clothing, and when they were done Sakura headed to her tent. She was exhausted, but nervous. She desperately wanted to see Syaoran but was disappointed when she entered the tent to find it was empty.

With a small sigh, she sat on the bed.

Syaoran entered the tent several moments later. Sakura stood and for what felt like an eternity, they looked into each other's eyes.
She felt her eyes tear up and slip down her cheeks. "I'm home." She whispered.
He stepped forwards and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. "Welcome home."
She rested her head against his chest and clung to his warmth and breathed his scent.
"There's so much I want to tell you," she said.
"It can wait until tomorrow," he said softly, "Just rest for now."
He parted a little and leant in to kiss her, holding it for a long time before parting.
"Sir, your meals are ready." Someone called out.
"Bring them in." Syaoran answered.
Sakura watched as an attendant walked in and set two plates on the table along with some bread. Once the attendant left, Sakura and Syaoran sat down to eat.
"I heard there was an attack on the camp recently..." she said.
"There was." He answered, "A few men died, but not many."
"I was worried." Sakura confessed.
He smiled, "It was a group of bandits. Thankfully we had the upper hand."
"How have things been while I was gone?" she asked.
"They've been fine. The children are all healthy and there wasn't any serious epidemics." He explained with a soft smile.
Sakura smiled, "I'm glad."
"Yes, me too."
"Did you know who those men were? The ones chasing me, I mean." Sakura asked.
"Yes. They work for one of the other kings, finding anyone they think would be suitable to fight and forcing them onto the field without their consent." He explained.

Sakura suddenly felt ill. A form of slavery that no one should ever have to suffer under. The thought of nearly being caught made her lose her appetite completely.

"That's wrong." She whispered.
"Perhaps, but I'm not allowed to interfere unless they've taken any of my people." Syaoran said, "I can only act if they're in my lands."
Sakura swallowed. "A few weeks ago, I stayed at a small inn. That was where I met them." She said.
"I'm not surprised. They often circulate a couple of inns while looking for suitable candidates." Syaoran murmured.
"The waitress told me not to show them my ring, that it would be worse for me if I did." She confessed, "I'm not sure I understand her words even now."
"There could be two possibilities. The first being that the waitress was working for them in secret."
She frowned, "So...she gains the trust of the person by warning them or giving little tips, and they fall into a trap?"
"Basically, yes."

Sakura shuddered as the full reality of the situation started to crush her beneath its weight. "What's the other reason...?"

He sighed softly. "Men like those three don't care if you're married or not. If they think you'll be entertaining, they'll do as they please. It's possible she wanted to shield you from perhaps what some might consider a far greater threat, for not even that ring would be able to protect you in certain parts of this country unless you're with me." He murmured. "You know what I'm talking about, don't you?"

She could feel herself shaking, remembering her time held prisoner. "Rape..." she whispered.

There was a short silence before Syaoran spoke again. "All that matters is that you're home safe."
She nodded. "You're right."

He stood and walked around to her, pulling her from her seat. "Are you up for a walk?" he asked.
She smiled, "Sure."
They left the tent and made their way quietly through the camp holding hands, coming to a stop in a small clearing.
"Syaoran, is something on your mind?" she asked.
He squeezed her hand gently. "A few things, but they can wait." Syaoran said softly.
She smiled, "Are you worried about upsetting me?"
"I just want to enjoy my time with you this evening." He smiled.
Sakura hugged him, "I'm sorry." She whispered. "I left, but it won't happen again."
"I'm not mad about you leaving, Sakura. You've learned a lot and that's good." He assured her.
"I missed you." Sakura said, "I missed everyone."
He smiled, "We missed you too."
She brushed her hand against his arm and he winced. "Are you injured?" she asked, noticing.
"Yeah." He replied, "It's not a deep wound, but it is painful."
"Let me know if I can help." She said softly.
He kissed her cheek, "Thank you."

They walked back, passing several families who were playing games around a camp fire. Others had retired early or were occupied with other leisure activities.
They entered their tent and Sakura moved to remove her shoes, looking up to see Syaoran had dimmed the lights. He stepped closer to her and pulled her in by the waist, taking in her gentle features before leaning in to kiss her.
Sakura responded eagerly, and he moved to remove her dress before pushing her back into the sheets.