Hi everyone! Sorry for the long wait, I promise I haven't abandoned this story! People who read my stuff regularly will know that I get distracted by other stories i'm writing (aka Story Hopping).

Here's the next chapter!


The carriage trundled along the road nicely with Akiho riding on her white mare alongside it. They were accompanied by a few other soldiers of the royal guard keeping watch for any sign of threats. So far there was nothing, meaning the trip was relatively calm and quiet.

Watching the familiar roads pass by brought back memories Sakura wished she could forget-memories of her time locked up in that dreadful manor. But she couldn't deny that there were good memories, too-such as her memories with Syaoran.

Almost as if he were able to read her mind, Syaoran asked, "Do you remember the first time we met?"

Sakura smiled, "It's hard to forget." She said, "I tried so hard to put up a front."

"And I saw right through it." He replied. "We were both so stubborn."

"We still are." Sakura laughed.

Syaoran couldn't help but smile. It was true-they were both still so stubborn, especially when it came to each other. But it was because of his stubbornness that he found the strength to assert his authority over the elders and was able to make taking Sakura to the festival possible. And soon...

"Syaoran?"

Syaoran snapped out of his stupor and looked over at his wife. She was looking at him with concern, and it was obvious she had said something earlier when he hadn't been paying attention.

"Sorry, what?"

"I asked if you were okay. You executed two of the elders..."

Syaoran had been trying hard to forget about that, but he knew he was being naive. He couldn't let it bother him-they committed treason and he delivered the sentence anyone who betrayed the crown got. There was nothing different about them.

"They knew the law." He murmured.

Sakura sighed, "You have stubborn down as a true skill."

He raised his brow as he scoffed. "And you don't?"

"We're not talking about me, Syaoran." Sakura smiled softly, "They did commit an unforgivable act, but regardless, they were still part of your family. No one will blame you for being upset about it."

Syaoran turned his head to look out the window, watching the green fields pass them by.

"I think what scares me most is that I didn't feel anything towards them." He confessed quietly. "I was never close with any of the elders. Our relationship was nothing more than that of an employer and employee."

Sakura wasn't sure what to say. She never had a big family, so she couldn't truly understand how he felt, but that didn't mean she couldn't try. But what was more, was that the recent ordeal had brought to light just how distorted the dynamic in the castle was. She had been naïve to think that the royal family had it easy-in some ways, they did, but compared to normal families it was an absolute nightmare. She felt bad about her previous presumptions before meeting Syaoran. Silence fell over them and lasted until Syaoran decided to speak once more.

"We'll be arriving soon." He murmured.

Sakura's eyes brightened, relieved of the change of topic, "That's great!"

He chuckled, "You remind me of a child opening their presents on their birthday."

Sakura frowned, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He laughed, "Nothing, nothing."

Sakura rolled her eyes playfully before sticking out her tongue at him, earning another laugh from Syaoran.

"What are you most excited about?" he then asked.

"All of it-I can't decide on just one thing. The flower arrangements, the performances, the moon lilies-all of it." Sakura chirped, "And I'll get to see it all, thanks to you."

He smiled. "It's the least I can do for you."

Sakura returned to watching the scenery pass by while Syaoran watched her for another few moments, then he turned his focus to the environment outside.

Upon arrival at the city of Nadeshiko, they checked in at the hotel they would be staying at before heading out to enjoy the festival. Once again, Sakura reminded Syaoran of an excited child, but he didn't mind nor did he blame her. She had been locked away for ten years, unable to enjoy any kind of festivities. He wondered how long it had been since she'd even been to a festival but didn't ask in fear of tearing open healing wounds.

Instead, he watched her lovingly as she joined in with some of the dances and engaged with their people. The music was lively, consisting mostly of wood and string instruments, much like folk music did. Everyone who had gathered around clapped along with the beat and some of the dancers swapped out with others joining in. Despite her protests, Sakura also got Akiho to join in the dancing, and it didn't take long for Syaoran to be pulled in as well. He didn't mind though-it had been a while since he'd been able to loosen up and enjoy a festival without any worries.

Later, the girls had flowers woven through their hair and they browsed the market stalls to their hearts content. Sakura was fascinated by the incredible detail that went into the jewellery and the beautiful clothes, and not to mention the decorations around the city. Syaoran was certain that if they had more time, she would spend hours marvelling at everything around her. He remembered back when he had first brought her to the city; Sakura had acted in similar ways back then, too.

He leant over to Akiho and murmured something in her ear; Akiho nodded and while Sakura was distracted, she picked up a few items of clothing, jewellery and a perfume Sakura seemed particularly fond of, to take back to the castle with them.

And as the sun was about to set, Syaoran took Sakura to the heart of the city. There, Sakura found people were beginning to gather, piquing her interest. In the centre of the area was a large garden with closed lilies in it, and in the middle of the garden was a crystal fountain in the shape of a lotus.

"Why is everyone gathering here?" she asked curiously.

"A lot of tourists come here to see the garden of lilies bloom during the festival. So, we needed to get here before everyone else." Syaoran replied.

"Oh wow, I didn't realise this was such a popular tourist place." Sakura confessed.

Syaoran flinched but she didn't notice. He took her hand and nodded to the garden. "They'll be opening any moment now."

Sakura kept her eyes on the lilies as the sun slowly disappeared below the horizon. Then, slowly, the lilies began to open and glow with a soft white light.

"Mummy, look up at the houses!"

The child's voice caught Sakura's attention and she too looked up at the surrounding buildings, finding more glowing lilies opening along their vines.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Syaoran murmured.

"It's breathtaking," she whispered.

He smiled, "I'm glad I was able to organise this for you. I know you've been stressed lately. I wanted to do something for you."

Sakura squeezed his hand and reached up to kiss him on the cheek. "Thank you for this," she smiled up at him with all her warmth and love, her face glowing.

"Can we stay out for a little while longer? I don't want to go back, just yet."

"Of course." Syaoran smiled, "Just not too late."

She laughed, "Thank you."

She returned to observing the lilies as he pulled her closer by the waist. Thankfully, due to the festivities, the two of them hadn't been swarmed with questions or stares by the people around them, and Syaoran hoped to keep it that way, if he could.

They continued to roam the streets, stopping every now and again to admire a show or watch some people play games to win prizes.

At one such stand, Sakura applauded a young boy who won the biggest prize only to gain the attention of a woman standing nearby. The woman gasped with surprise upon recognising the couple, and Syaoran knew the jig was up.

"Your Majesties!"

So much for going unnoticed, thought Syaoran.

Everyone turned their heads to see the royal couple and began gathering around. The woman gave them a big smile, "It's so lovely to see you here at the festival! How is it?"

Syaoran smiled, "Counsellor Yuki, correct?"

"Oh my-I didn't expect you to know me." She smiled bashfully, "I hope you're both enjoying your visit?"

Sakura nodded, "Yes, thank you."

Akiho noticed the increasing amount of attention they were getting, and she leaned over. "Perhaps we should retire for the evening, your majesty?"

Syaoran nodded and smiled at the counsellor. "I'm sorry, but we really must be going."

Counsellor Yuki looked shocked, "Oh yes, of course! Please have a pleasant evening."

Akiho stayed close to Sakura as they tried to weave their way through the crowds. They finally managed to get away after the local soldiers stepped in to handle the crowds, and Syaoran sighed heavily when they got back to their lodgings.

"Wishful thinking." He muttered to himself.

"Hm?" Sakura asked, but he shook his head.

"It's nothing," he smiled, "let's get some sleep."

Sakura laughed, "You could certainly use it."

He frowned, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know exactly what it means," Sakura continued to laugh, and Syaoran couldn't help but smile a little.

"It's not like I'm the only one who works themselves tirelessly." He replied, staring at her knowingly.

Sakura glared at him playfully for a minute before she laughed. "Well... I guess I can."

"You guess?" He raised his brow.

"You're the one who forgets to eat sometimes." She countered.

He groaned. She was right. She moved to get changed for bed, pulling out her cotton nightdress, and put it on. Syaoran was feeling exhausted too and decided on changing as well, slipping into bed beside her.

Both welcomed the sleep that claimed them that night. It had been a long day and longer week, but Sakura was becoming used to her new life. It was a big change going from being a prisoner for ten years to being a queen, and on top of that she was pregnant. So, she wasn't totally surprised when they had to return to the castle the very next day.

"I'm sorry we have to go back so soon," Syaoran apologised sincerely, but she shook her head and smiled softly.

"You promised you would take me to the festival," she said, "I'm so grateful we were able to come."

Syaoran just smiled. He wondered how, after everything she had been through, she was still able to be so selfless.

"Well," He murmured, "There is one other gift I would like to give to you, but I still need a little more time to prepare."

Sakura looked at him with disbelief. "Syaoran, you're spoiling me."

"I'm allowed to spoil my wife." He laughed.

Sakura felt her face turn red, but after a few moments, she smiled softly. "Thank you."

...

Tomoyo greeted Sakura with a hug upon her return to the castle and looked rather excited. Similarly, Syaoran also seemed like he was just barely holding back from telling her something. She looked at the two of them, wondering what it could possibly be they wanted to tell her so desperately.

"How should we tell her?" Tomoyo asked Syaoran excitedly.

"Tell me what?" Sakura asked. "You both look as though you're about to explode."

Syaoran grinned. "Why don't we sit down with some refreshments? I'm pretty exhausted from the trip."

Tomoyo took Sakura's hand, "Let's go-the quicker we sit, the faster I can tell you!"

Sakura laughed as her best friend pulled her along the corridor and Syaoran followed behind with Akiho.

"I don't think I have ever seen Lady Tomoyo so excited." Akiho confessed to Syaoran.

He smiled, "Neither have I."

Upon reaching the lounge, refreshments had already been prepared for their arrival and included hot tea and an assortment of cakes and slices. Sakura opted for a piece of strawberry cheesecake and sighed in bliss after swallowing the first bite.

"May I tell her now?" Tomoyo asked Syaoran, who nodded.

"Eriol informed me that everything was in place before we left."

"What is it?" Sakura asked curiously, her eyes sparkling with amusement at her friend's boundless excitement. There was a split second of silence before Tomoyo finally burst.

"You'll finally be reunited with your family!" Tomoyo squealed.

Sakura sat frozen in shock. Did she just hear that right? She was going to see her father and brother after so many years of being apart?

"Y-you're not pulling my leg, right?" she whispered, "This is really happening?"

Tomoyo nodded and Syaoran stood to walk over to Sakura, placing his arm around her shoulders as he sat beside her.

"This is real." He said, "I promise."

Sakura felt tears fill her eyes. At long last, she was returning to the arms of her family, just as Syaoran had promised. At long last she would finally see their faces again. She turned to hug him as she sobbed into his chest; he smiled softly as he held her and lifted his gaze to meet Tomoyo's. Tomoyo smiled gratefully as she mouthed the words "thank you", and he gave her a small nod.

Sakura was finally going home.


I'm sorry it's so short. This was one of those chapters that basically bridges to the next part of the story so I had quite a bit of trouble writing it. I've read over it so many times i'm sure i've memorised it by now. I'll try and get the next chapter out soon-ish... key word being try. I don't want to rush. Thank you all for your patience!

Also, I would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has sent me reviews or messages telling me how much they love this story! I promise to do my best for you all!