Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter of Captive Bride! Thank you all for the reviews-it's nice to see so many people enjoying this story. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter, too.

Akiho sat in the garden on one of the carved stone benches, staring at her feet whilst lost in thought. She didn't know what to do with her very sudden free time; she knew Sakura wanted her to tell Yuna about her feelings, but she didn't feel she could. After all, he had been her butler and she had been-or was-a princess. They couldn't be together.

"Lady Akiho? What are you doing out here alone?"

Crap. Why did he have to show up now, of all times? She turned her head to see the man she least wanted to see; Yuna D Kaito was tall with a lean build. His short hair was black while his eyes were a deep amethyst.

"-Lord Kaito!"

He smiled, "You can just call me by my first name here."

Akiho shook her head, "That would be-"

"-hardly inappropriate. No one here knows of your true identity except for the royal family." He stated as he sat next to her.

She sighed gently. "Their majesties dismissed me for today. It seems they want some private time together."

"You don't seem happy about it." He frowned.

"Of course, I'm not! I'm her majesty's knight-it's my duty to protect her!" she said.

He was quiet for a moment as a small but sad smile graced his features. "I'm glad you have found a purpose in your life, a reason to live. I respect that you're serious about it, but you're allowed to live as well."

Akiho looked at him with confusion. She was living, right? She was alive and breathing.

He chuckled, "Your face tells me that you don't understand at all."

"Because I don't." she replied bluntly.

He sighed. "You need to let yourself feel. You've been separated from your family who tried to kill you, and suddenly your parents are right here in front of you, yet out of your reach. That would be painful for anyone, and yet you won't let yourself grieve."

Akiho stayed silent. It frustrated her, but he was right. She did miss her mother and it was painful seeing her, but not being seen.

"I can't let my feelings influence my work." She finally said.

"Then you should deal with them, and not bottle them up."

Akiho stood from her seat, "And how do you suggest I do that?"

"Confront them." He answered simply.

Akiho said nothing as she turned and walked away, leaving him behind. She felt agitated and all of her feelings from the past were resurfacing-she forced them back down and put a tight lid on them, reminding herself that she was a knight and couldn't lose control.

Checking the time, Akiho noted that the trial was underway. She felt uneasy, not being by Sakura's side, and picked up her pace. She didn't know what it was, but something told her the trial was going to be dangerous-or perhaps she just knew the nature of some of the elders.

"Lady Alice!"

Akiho turned her head towards the voice, watching as Kaho came running towards her. In her hand was a file.

"How may I help you?" Akiho asked.

"Are you headed to see the queen?" she asked breathlessly.

Akiho nodded.

"Can you deliver this to her? I think it might be important for the trial."

Akiho nodded again, "I'll head there as quickly as possible."

"Thank you," Kaho breathed, "I've already started working on a medicine for the illness. Please tell her that."

Akiho took the file and broke into a run. She was on the other side of the castle to where the trial was being held, so she needed to be quick. She dodged the castle workers, weaving her way around them. People shouted at her or in surprise-she didn't care which-as she flew past, not pausing for any reason. Upon approaching the doors, she quietly slipped in. Elder Maiko was shouting at the king and queen; Sakura looked exhausted and Syaoran was holding her.

Out the corner of her eye, Akiho saw Elder Jiang moving towards Sakura; her instincts kicked in and she lunged forward, drawing her sword and jumped into the air, losing her wig in the process. She landed in front of Sakura and blocked the incoming attack; a very loud CLANG echoed through the hall followed by manic laughter from Elder Maiko.

"Akiho!" Sakura gasped.

Akiho lifted her knee into Elder Jiang's gut. He bent over, winded, and she took the chance to kick him down the stairs.

Then, she turned to meet her fathers shocked, confused and possibly outraged gaze. Sylvia cried out from where she stood with the other guests.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Demetrius roared.

Syaoran frowned and stepped in front of Sakura protectively. "This trial is postponed. I want everyone to leave. NOW."

The guards took Maiko and Jiang as everyone moved to leave. Akiho broke eye contact with her father and walked over to Eriol, handing him the file.

"Don't lose it." She said, and then walked back to Sakura's side.

"I'll declare war on this country," Demetrius snarled at Syaoran, "You've been hiding this girl from us!"

"I have a better idea." Akiho replied coldly as she stepped forward.

Demetrius snickered, "And what could that be?"

"Trial by combat." Akiho answered. "I will be your opponent."

He snorted, "You can't be serious."

"I am very Serious." She growled, "If you kill me, then you win-but you will leave this country alone-I'm the one you want, not them. If I win, then no one in Lumis will know if my existence and you will leave me alone."

Syaoran looked at Demetrius who appeared almost smug. "If I win, it's war."

Akiho looked at Syaoran waiting for approval. He nodded, "Very well. You both have 24 hours to prepare."

...

Sakura read the report Akiho had delivered for Kaho, and then she handed it to Syaoran to read himself. She watched as his eyes scanned across the page, his brow furrowed as he read the contents.

"Do you know who the signature belongs to?" Sakura asked.

Syaoran nodded. "It was who I had suspected. Elder Jiang."

She looked at him with confusion, and he elaborated.

"He's always been familiar with the medical field-excelled at it, actually. I didn't think the elders would stoop to such lengths to regain power." He murmured.

"Don't blame yourself. You're not the one at fault." She said, "They had a choice. They could have advised you. But instead, they chose power over family."

Syaoran laughed bitterly, "That's so like them."

"So... What will happen?"

"They committed treason, and there's only one sentence for that." He answered. "They can wait for now, though. We have a much more pressing issue to address."

Sakura looked into the fire, her mind moving to Akiho. She was worried for her knight-not because she was scared for her safety, but because Akiho was about to fight her father.

"How is Sylvia?" she asked.

He sighed. "She's fine, physically."

"I have a bad feeling about the fight, Syaoran." Sakura said, "But regardless, I will put all of my trust and hope in Akiho."

Syaoran smiled. "Good."

…

Later that evening as she was heading to her chambers, Sakura could hear gossip about what had happened at court during the trial, and about Akiho. There were whispers about who the knight really was, and rumours that she was a double agent. Sakura hated this aspect of castle life. She hated the castle gossip. Back when she was living with her father and brother, the family servants never once behaved in such a way. She wished she could go back, but sometimes there were things in life people just didn't get to choose. With that bitter thought, Sakura slammed the door shut behind her. She looked up to see Syaoran and Eriol staring at her with surprise.

"What?" she frowned.

"The last time I saw you this angry was back when I dropped you on the floor, if I remember correctly." Syaoran said.

Eriol raised his brow at Syaoran, shocked but amused.

Sakura glared at him, "I still remember that, clear as day."

"Anyway, what's on your mind?" Syaoran asked with genuine concern.

"The castle servants gossiping amongst themselves like stupid teenagers." She snapped, "Back home, my family's servants would never do such a thing!"

Syaoran flinched and Sakura realised what she had just said.

"I think I'll excuse myself. Have a pleasant night, you two." Eriol excused himself and left the room.

An uncomfortable silence filled the air around them until Syaoran sighed gently. "Sakura, we need to talk about this."

"There's nothing to talk about." She snapped, "I've accepted that I won't see my father and brother ever again. After all, I'm your prisoner."

Syaoran was silent for a long moment. "...Is that all I am to you? Your captor?"

Sakura looked up, shocked. "What-no!"

"Then trust me! I promised you I would get you back to your family. Do you really think I had forgotten that promise?"

When Sakura said nothing, Syaoran sighed heavily as he stood and walked over to her.

"Am I not your family, as well?"

Sakura felt herself cave in as he held her. "Of course, you are." She whispered.

"Then give me just a little more time. I made you a promise-I fully intend to keep it." Syaoran kissed her temple.

Sakura nodded. "I'm sorry."

He smiled, "Blame the hormones."

This, at least, made Sakura smile at least a little.

"Tomorrow is going to be another long day; let's get some sleep...before I bite your head off again." Sakura grimaced, and then headed for the bedroom.

...

Akiho stared at herself in the mirror. It felt good not having to wear a wig and coloured contacts-she didn't have to hide anymore. And yet...some part of her still felt weighed a soft sigh, she studied the features she shared with her mother and father-her platinum hair, her cerulean blue eyes and her gentle face and fair skin.

All that she lacked was magic.

And that was why her father wanted her dead, because people like her were deemed weak. Unfortunately for Demetrius, he was about to learn that she was far from weak.

She pulled on her gloves and stood, leaving the room to head out to the arena with her eyes forward and back straight. As she stood at the gates waiting to enter the arena, a small part of Akiho feared what was to come. She had always been fearless in battle-she hadn't gained her title as the Queen's knight lightly, after all. But this time... this time was different. It had been more than ten years since she had seen or spoken with her father-since he had been ordered by the elders to kill her-and now she was about to face him in a duel. Finally, after so many years, she would be able to put her past to rest and leave the darkness behind to enter the light.

The seats were completely full. She spotted Yuna standing with Syaoran and Sakura, all three looking concerned for her wellbeing. She spotted her mother who was sobbing in the stands, and a small part of her cracked as she walked out. Standing on the other side of the arena was Demetrius; he drew his sword, while Akiho kept hers sheathed.

"You seem to be hoping to die, since you won't unsheathe your sword." He said.

"Bold of you to assume I'll need it." Akiho replied calmly.

Demetrius smiled as he readied himself. Akiho took her starting stance as well, waiting, until Syaoran rang the bell to start the battle.

Demetrius was quick-she knew that from their spar the other day-But she was quick too. She dodged his swing and blocked the following punch and continued to do so as she waited for an opening, watching his movements carefully. She blocked a kick and dodged his sword again, and then went on the attack herself.

He blocked her punch, dodged her following high kick and punched her in the stomach. Akiho gasped, winded, but brought her fist up into his jaw, hearing a satisfying crack. They stumbled back from each other and Demetrius spat blood out before turning his cold gaze back to Akiho, only to find she was already running towards him. She kicked him in the chest, sending him across the arena, and when she saw him regain his feet, she spotted surprise in his eyes for a split second as she closed in again.

But he didn't make the same mistake again; he was ready for her, blocking all of Akiho's attacks. As she moved to punch him, he grabbed her arm and threw her into the ground. As he swung his sword down, Akiho rolled to the side and jumped back to her feet.

She drew the dagger she had strapped next to her sword and they both started exchanging blows again. He moved his head to the side, and she adjusted slightly so that the blade of her dagger just cut his cheek, while his sword managed to graze her thigh. Then, the temperature of the arena started to plummet drastically.

She had been waiting for this-for her father to finally live up to his name as The Ice King. She kept her composure. Akiho was not concerned about the use of magic-she had long since learned how to defend herself from magic and how to fight it. Everything she wore and all her weapons were equipped and tailored specifically to defend and fight magic, but it seemed Demetrius still hadn't figured that out yet.

Meanwhile, Sakura stood at Syaoran's side, holding onto his arm tightly as she watched the battle, worried for her knight as the temperature fell into negative temperatures.

"Syaoran, he's using magic against her-she could die." She whispered.

"Akiho entered this knowing death was a possibility." Syaoran answered, "However you should know that she has been trained how to fight and defend against magic. I wouldn't have chosen her to be your knight if she was not capable of being able to protect you from any and all forms of danger."

Sakura squeezed his arm and looked down at the two fighting.

Akiho observed her opponent as he formed shards of ice and discharged them in her direction. She dodged each one, except for the one that caught her by surprise from behind. It pierced her shoulder but shattered immediately.

"Her clothes were weaved with magic," Sakura murmured.

"They were. Her armour and clothing are unique, and part of the reason why she is your knight." Syaoran answered. "Her weapons are the same."

"Your grace, this needs to stop." Yuna spoke.

Syaoran frowned, "The duel has commenced. I cannot stop it."

"Princess Akiho needs to know the truth about her father." He implored.

Syaoran looked at the man with confusion, wondering what on earth he meant.

"You know the laws, minister Kaito."

Yuna turned his gaze back to the fight with worry in his eyes.

Blood dripped down Akiho's arm and onto the dirt. Demetrius smiled, "You still refuse to draw your blade?"

Akiho struck her foot out to kick him in response; he caught her foot and threw her across the arena. She hit the ground hard and rolled through the dirt-judging from the pain in her ribs and shoulder, she assumed she may have cracked or broken bones. She struggled to regain her breath and pull herself to her feet; Demetrius walked towards her as he started casting a high-level ice enchantment.

She forced herself to her knees but lacked the strength to get to her feet; she looked up to find she was surrounded by shards of ice, all ready to pierce her body upon command. As soon as she saw Demetrius's lips move, her hand flew to the hilt of her sword. She drew it and a bright light blinded everyone; while Demetrius was blinded, Akiho sprang forward.

But Demetrius was sharp. He had already planned another two attacks, both of which she fought off-though with some difficulty-and then she closed in on him. He looked surprised and then did something she did not expect-he smiled warmly. She stopped her blade short of his throat. Something was amiss.

"Akiho, don't kill him!" Sakura cried out.

Akiho looked over at her queen with shock and confusion.

"It looks like I've been found out." Demetrius sighed.

Akiho frowned. "Care to enlighten me?"

Murmurs ripples through the crowd as Sakura, Syaoran and Minister Kaito walked across the grounds.

Syaoran turned to the audience and spoke. "This matches victory belongs to Lady Akiho Shinomoto, the queens knight!"

Cheers erupted around them. Flowers were thrown into the arena along with other gifts, but they were not Akiho's immediate concern. She sheathed her sword and looked to the king and queen for an explanation.

"Let us return to the palace. Minister Kaito can explain everything to you there, Lady Shinomoto."

Akiho nodded and Sakura took her arm, "Let's have those wounds looked at, alright?"

Akiho smiled, "Thank you."

Sakura returned her smile and led her back inside to have her injuries tended to before they headed back to the palace.

...

The last of Akiho's wounds closed up with Chiharu's healing arts and the pain faded away. "Be careful with your arm. I may have healed the wounds, but the muscles are still recovering. The same for those ribs of yours."

"Thank you, Chiharu." Akiho smiled.

Chiharu nodded, "Are there any other wounds I should tend to?"

Sakura shook her head. With that, Chiharu gathered her things and left the room as Yuna entered.

"I take it Eriol is seeing to Demetrius and Sylvia?" Syaoran asked him.

He nodded, "Sylvia is resting in her suite. The nurse gave her some medicine to help calm her down. Demetrius is with her."

Akiho turned her gaze to her butler. "I want an explanation, Lord Kaito."

The man smiled sadly and nodded as he sat down. He sighed gently, wondering where he should start or how to word what he wanted to say.

After a few moments, he spoke. "The one who got you out of the country when you had been sentenced to death by the elders was your father."

Akiho frowned. That had to be a lie. "No, it was you."

He shook his head, "I acted on his orders to get you to some place safe."

Akiho said nothing as she continued to frown, so Yuna continued.

"The day the sentence was passed, Demetrius called upon me, knowing that we were close. He couldn't bear to see you die just because you lacked the ability to use magic-he told me that he wanted you to live happily in a land where you would be safe. So, he gave me the means to get you away."

"But my mother thinks I'm dead!" Akiho growled.

Again, he nodded sadly. "You were to be killed during the night, but I got you out beforehand. From what I've been told, only the elders and Demetrius knew you had disappeared, and the news they gave the public was that you died in a tragic accident."

Akiho didn't know what to feel. She had been so angry with her father and family for what they had done to her. But now she was hearing that the one who passed her sentence was actually the one who saved her life-her father.

Sakura looked at Syaoran with worry. He squeezed Sakura's hand gently and then spoke.

"If you don't want anything to do with them, then that's okay. But if you want to have them back in your life, no one will blame you."

Akiho didn't look up. She was silent for a long few moments until she sighed heavily. "I need some time to think about all of this."

"Of course." Syaoran nodded. "We will leave you be for the time being."

Yuna hesitated to leave, but eventually came to the decision to give the woman the space she needed, closing the door gently behind him.

Akiho buried her face in her hands; her mind was a jumbled mess and she was struggling to understand everything that she had just been told. Though, the more she thought about it, the more things made sense.

Such as how he brought up that they had a son; at the time, she had dismissed it as pointless discussion that had led nowhere, but now she understood that her father had known who she was from the beginning, and that he was telling her she had a little brother.

He wanted to spar with her to see how much she had grown from the weak little girl she had once been.

Demetrius had been checking up on her because like all parents worried for their children, he worried about her.

But... It didn't erase her past wounds and scars. Her "family" had wanted her dead because she could not use magic. Scars like that didn't just disappear.

'What do I do...?'

...

Sakura knocked gently on the door to the guest suite Demetrius and Sylvia were occupying and waited patiently. She heard footsteps approach and the door opened, revealing Demetrius. He smiled tiredly and gestured for her to come inside; they both sat down on the couch and Sakura requested hot tea for them from the maids.

"How is Sylvia?" Sakura asked gently.

He sighed, "She's upset."

Sakura lowered her eyes and he leant back in his seat. "How is Akiho?"

"She's upset."

Demetrius smiled grimly, "I suspected as much. Did she say whether she'll see us?"

Sakura shook her head, "I think she'll need time to sort out her feelings, and I doubt it will be a few days."

He nodded, "That's understandable. I can't blame her-her own family wanted to have her killed."

"Would you mind if I asked you a question?" Sakura asked.

He raised his brow, telling her to continue.

"Why didn't you tell Sylvia?"

"The less people who knew, the safer Akiho would be here. I wanted to ruin those who wanted my daughter dead-and I did. But Lumis is still very intolerant of people who lack magic abilities-I needed to show them that even if you don't have any magic ability, it doesn't mean you're useless."

"That's why you agreed to the duel."

He nodded, "Word of Akiho's strength will travel fast in Lumis. And thus, they will start to discuss it."

"You're aware that it is possible she won't return to Lumis?" Sakura added.

Again, Demetrius nodded. "I just want her to know that she'll be welcome to visit-Sylvia will definitely want to see her again, and I'd like for her to meet her brother."

"I'll be sure to let her know." Sakura said.

"Thank you, I would appreciate that."

She nodded.

"Has your husband come to a decision about those Elders?" Demetrius then asked.

Sakura shook her head. "I believe he's in a meeting about that."

He smiled, "Well, I hope everything works out in your favour."

She returned his smile, "Thank you."

...

The sentence for treason was death. No matter who it was, no matter the reason, it had always been death. To the elders, if a magician posed even a small threat to the crown, then that person would die.

So, it was rather ironic when Elders Maiko And Jiang begged for their lives at Syaoran's feet. He looked down at the two traitors with disgust. He could not believe the height of their arrogance. They had publicly tried to kill him and Sakura, and yet they were begging for their lives.

"Please-we are your family!" Jiang begged.

"And yet, you betrayed me."

Family meant nothing to them.

"We only wanted what was best for the people!"

"And yet, you betrayed them." Syaoran answered coldly as he slowly walked down the steps towards them.

The people meant nothing to them. If they truly cared for the people, they would have ripped out the weeds in the government long ago.

They both looked up at him, but Syaoran made sure they could say nothing as he slit their throats with his sword. Once he sheathed his blade, he ordered the mess to be cleaned and left without another word.

I've really enjoyed writing Captive Bride. When I first began, I never knew I would end up going in a completely different direction than I had intended. I'm not sure how many chapters it will be until the end, but I sense it is close. I have one final arc for this story.

What did you think about this part of the story? Was it obvious that Demetrius and Sylvia were Akiho's parents? Was it too predictable? Is there anything I could have done to make it better?

Let me know in a review :) The next chapter should be out soon (fingers crossed, can't give a definite time)