Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura isn't mine.

Previously in Worth Fighting For:

"Can I suggest something to you?"

She watched him and nodded.

"Why don't you invite the prince or a representative from Mikage to Clow a few weeks after the coronation and tell them that you, as the new ruler as Clow would like to establish a new relationship with them."

The princess smiled. She knew that he meant well with his suggestion, but know that there's no way Mikage would want to continue a political relationship with them just like that. "It's not that easy," she said. "My decision to stop trading with them will only spark their anger. There's a huge possibility that they will decline the invitation for a new friendship and instead, declare war towards us."

"Not if you invite the other princes or representatives from your neighboring country," Syaoran said. "I think there must be a few other countries who valued their friendship with Clow who would accept the invitation, and a few who were looking to establish a relationship with Clow. When the representative arrived," Syaoran continued. "Mikage will have to think twice before they do anything. It would be stupid to declare war against Clow when the representatives from the other countries were residing in Clow as your guest, don't you agree?"

Worth Fighting For
Chapter 37: The Regent Queen

Perhaps it was a bad decision to meddle in Clow's business and suggesting to the princess to invite the representative of their neighboring country to join them for a festive. Syaoran may have kept his profile low during his time as the former crown prince, but there will be a few representatives who might recognize who he was. If his guard, Yamazaki found out that it was his idea to invite the representative, he'd be furious. He should really restrain himself from meddling into Clow's political scene.

But it was all done. He can't turn back the time and change it all. The princess had sent out letters and deep down, Syaoran knew that this was the only way for the princess to avoid any more conflict with Mikage. At least for a while. Maybe he could try his best to hide himself when the representatives are around.

Syaoran watched the princess kneeled before her parents' grave. As according to Clow's tradition, she was supposed to visit the grave early in the morning to pray for her ancestors and asked them to look after her as she begins her reign. Then, the ceremony will begin in the afternoon. He was worried about what will happen during the ceremony or during the parade. There will be too many people going in and out of the palace. He knew that the commander had stationed his men and the palace guards to watch the princess, but he can't help but to worry.

The warrior glanced around his surroundings, looking for any sign of danger and was glad to find none. He tilted his head to his left when saw his guard, Yamazaki in a conversation with the princess maidservant again.

Yamazaki looked up, knowing that he was being observed. He met the prince's gaze, bid Chiharu farewell, and headed towards him.

"How's everything?"

Yamazaki blinked at the prince's question.

Syaoran suppressed a smile, watching his guard dumbfounded expression. "I meant the area. Security. Is everything alright? Something amiss?"

"Oh," Yamazaki shook his head. "Everything's alright. Mori and the others are securing the area. I don't think we have much to worry about. Commander Yue and his men are securing the road. We're ready to leave for the palace whenever the princess ready."

Syaoran looked up and noticed that Chiharu was watching them. He smiled and nodded towards her, then, watched her do the same. "I think that the maidservant was worried that I might be scolding you."

Yamazaki chuckled. "I don't think I did anything wrong to receive any reprimand from you, did I?"

Syaoran shook his head and turned to look at the princess, who was still beside her parents' grave. "She cared for you," he said to Yamazaki.

Yamazaki smiled. "I know," he said with a sigh. "But it doesn't matter."

Syaoran turned to his guard again. He was surprised that Yamazaki wasn't trying to avoid the matter. "Why are you saying it as if you had no chance to be with her?"

"Because I don't. I can't," Yamazaki turned to face him. "Because whatever happens, my loyalty lies with you, your highness," he said, in almost a whisper. "And hers will always be with the princess."

"Yamazaki," he began to say something. "Surely—"

Yamazaki held up a hand to stop him. "You will always be my top priority no matter what. And I didn't want to hurt her. Not when I had my heart set on you," he smiled cheekily when the prince sent him a dirty look. "I made a vow when I start serving you and I didn't intend to break the vow. Don't worry so much about me. I'll live. But you. What are you going to do about the princess?"

"What about it?"

Yamazaki watched the prince with narrowed eyes. "We both know that you like her," he noticed Syaoran's stiffened. "But are you going to tell her about it? About whom you really are?"

xxx

Commander Yue spoke to one of his loyal men, Naruse, who brought him news about Officer Hinohara's death. Naruse has found out that Hinohara's wife and a few of his close family didn't know that he was into gambling, but was curious when he suddenly had more money in his pocket.

Yue stopped immediately when he saw Yusuke approached. He still hasn't made up his mind about Yusuke. Sure, he was one of King Touya's trusted people in the palace. He was the king's royal guard. But Yue found it strange that Minister Abe was the one who offered Yusuke this job as his second-in-command. Especially when Abe made it no secret that he didn't support the princess. The commander dismissed Naruse, as Yusuke came closer, but not without giving him another assignment.

"The princess is ready to go back to the palace," Yusuke reported.

"Good. Is everything in place?"

"Yes," Yusuke said. He accompanied the commander back towards the royal mausoleum to escort the princess back to the palace. "This is going to be a long day." He smiled when Yue turned to him. "It feels like it hasn't been long when I escorted King Touya through the same ceremony."

Yue went silent for a while. "It must be hard for you when he died. I know that you have served the previous king for a long time."

His smile quickly disappeared. "Yeah." The last he saw the king was in that old shack where he left them to die in a fire. Later on, he heard that the King, Kaname and the old physician has disappeared. Minister Abe had sent out a secret task force to look for them, and so far, they haven't found anything. Yusuke watched as the princess stood to give a last bow to her ancestors and soon, two of her royal guards moved close to her. "Who is that person?"

Yue looked towards Yusuke's view and saw Syaoran. "He's called Syaoran. The princess's warrior."

Yusuke turned to the commander with shocking expression. "A warrior? Is he that good?"

"He's very good. I think his skills might be better than mine," Yue admitted. He has been the one who oversaw the princess's guard selection. He also knew that Syaoran and his friend, Yamazaki has been holding back their true potential during the selection. Truthfully, he didn't think that he could win against Syaoran, or Yamazaki if he had to fight them with their true skills.

Yusuke frowned at Yue's appraisal. "Where did you find him?" He turned to Yue and shrugged. "I heard that you're the one who recruited and oversee the princess's guard's selection."

"I didn't find him," Yue said. "He answered the announcement posted in the city."

Yusuke kept his gaze trained on Syaoran from his distance, assessing his movement.

"Why the sudden interest in the princess's warrior?" Yue raised a brow. "Are you planning to transfer from this department to the princess's royal guard?"

"What? No." Yusuke shook his head. "I'm just curious. That's all. I've never seen that guy before. And to be elected as a warrior," he paused. "He must be something."

"Why did you choose to work under the justice department?" Yue asked. "With your skill and experience... You know that you can join the royal guard."

"I can't," he took his time to reply. "It wouldn't feel right. Not after how I lose the princess's brother."

xxx

Syaoran made his appearance at the princess's quarters as soon as he finished a briefing with the other royal guards. He wanted everything to be perfect for today. He wanted everything to be safe for the princess, especially, during the parade where the princess will left the palace and headed towards the city square to meet her people.

Syaoran nodded towards the maidservant at the princess's door. "Is she ready?"

"Yes. Chiharu, Naoko and Asami are helping with the final touch," the maidservant answered. "Do you want me to announce your presence?"

"Yes. Please." He stood there for a few seconds before Asami, her highness's royal guard, swung open the door. He watched Asami bowed and stepped out to let him in. "Your highness," Syaoran nod to bow when he approached the princess. "Commander Yue is on his final security check up. We may depart from the palace once he's done."

"Thank you," Sakura spoke. She waved a hand to dismiss her maidservants. She turned to face Syaoran once her maidservants were out from her room. "What do you think? Do you think this is too much?"

Syaoran raised his head and watched the princess dressed in her ceremonial garment. A long, cream colored dress adorned with gold and red embroidery. Her hair was pulled up into a bun and was secured with a hair stick with flowery decoration hanging on a bead spring. He thought that she looks beautiful. The dress made her look much more regal. But he preferred her in much, simpler dress and her hair down. "You look beautiful."

She took a step back, because she didn't expect him to say that. "Thank you," she smiled, feeling her face getting warm from his unexpected compliment.

"How are you feeling?"

"Well," she considered. "My scalp is starting to itch from all the pins," she laughed a little. "And I'm nervous. It doesn't feel right to have this coronation when my brother should still rule Clow. I have to remind myself that I have to do this so that I could help my brother to arrest the person who wanted to harm our family."

"You'll be alright." Syaoran said. "I'm sure your brother will come back to the palace before long. It is just like Terada said before, after the coronation, whoever it was that wanted to harm you will be desperate. When they couldn't oust you with the ministers' support and your brother's letter, that's when they will make their mistake."

The princess heaved a sigh. "Do you think my brother will be there?"

"Maybe," Syaoran said. "It will be dangerous for him to be there where all the authorities and people who know how he looked like gathered. But I think, he will try to be there."

"Will you tell me if you see him?"

Syaoran nodded. "Certainly." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package. "Here, take this."

Sakura eyed the wrapping curiously. "What is it?"

"A candy." He offered. "It's something from where I come from. It will help you to relax." Syaoran heaved a sigh of relief when the princess took the packaging, slowly peeled off the wrapper it and consumed the candy.

"What is it made of?" Sakura asked. I never had anything like this before."

"Honey," Syaoran answered. "And other ingredients that the cook refuses to tell me." He didn't have to tell her that the candy contained a few powders to help counteract with poison. The candy was actually a potion to neutralize poison if someone decided to add something to the princess's food or drink today. But, he didn't have to tell the princess and spook her. He always carried the candy around with him just in case if he ever needs it. It was rare and expensive, which was why it was only available for the royalties of Li's.

The princess chuckled at his answer. "Thank you. It definitely helped me to calm down my nerves, I think." Absent-mindedly, she touched her scalp, softly patting them to ease the itchiness.

Syaoran hesitated. "Do you need me to help with the pins?"

Sakura tilted her head and frowned. "Hoe?"

"Your scalp was probably itchy because your handmaiden pinned your hair too tight. I could loosen up the pins just a bit."

She looked at him questioningly. "What do you know about pins and fixing hair?"

"I have four sisters," he told her. "There were a few occasions when my sisters would force me to play as a hairdresser when I was very little. I learned a few things from them." He held out a hand. "Do you trust me? I promise that I wouldn't mess up with your hair."

"You mentioned that you have sisters before," she took his hand to let him look at her maidservant work on her hair. He spun her around and motioned her sat down. She smoothed her dress and sat down. Her maidservant would make a fuss if she made a wrinkle. "It must be lively to have a lot of siblings."

He touched her soft hair and loosened the pins in her hair, his fingers held her hair in place. "It is. But it can also be exhausting, especially since I'm the youngest and also the only male."

Sakura laughed quietly at this new information. "Really?" She tilted her head up to look at him and was surprised when she saw his face close to hers. Her eyes widened, just as his. Swiftly, she looked away. It was then that she felt his finger away from her scalp and her hair fell down. "Oh god," she gasped and turned to face him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do that."

"That's alright. I—I can fix that. Your maidservant won't even notice anything. Come on." Syaoran clenched his fist to control his anxiety. He spun her around and carefully adjusted the pins and secured it back to its place, this time, not too tight. "Is this okay?"

"Yes. Thank you." She glanced at the mirror and was glad that her hair looked just the same. Then, she turned to look at Syaoran. "You're a miracle worker. You never stop to amaze me with your knowledges and skills. If you didn't tell me, I wouldn't guess that you're the youngest child. You seem so independent and responsible to be the youngest."

He smiled. His father didn't like it when his sisters dote on him. And he tried his best to look the way his father had wanted him to look. He was a crown prince. The heir to the throne. He had an image he had to protect. There was no way his father would let him act like a spoiled brat, no matter if he was with his sisters or with his mother. Fanren, his eldest sister would be the one who would spoil him, and Sheifa would be the one who bullied him into playing house, hosting a tea party or playing dress up. He and Sheifa used to argue a lot, back then.

"Do you miss them?" Sakura asked. "Your sister?" She remembered the time she snuck out with him and he was going to check for letters from his sisters.

"Of course," he admitted. "They have a different life now that they are all married. But I would still keep in touch with them through letters."

"I like hearing you talking about yourself," She said. Slowly, she walked towards him and smiled gently. "You have been by my side, protecting me for a while, and it's a shame that I didn't really know anything about you, Syaoran. I'd like to know more about you. Will you tell me more about you the next time?"

Syaoran took a step back. His expression vacant, but his mind was reeling with the princess's words. He wanted to tell her about himself right this time if he could. But not now or anytime soon. Maybe when everything's over, he would. "Sure," he swallowed.

The maidservant at the door spoke, announcing the Sonomi, Yukito and Commander Yue's presence. The three of them bowed as they entered the room. Sonomi, the princess's aunt, held a hand to her mouth, trying her best to control her emotion upon seeing the princess in her dress.

"You look absolutely stunning. I'm so proud of you. I'm sure your parents are too," Sonomi spoke. She inched towards the princess and held her hand. "Tomoyo sends her best wishes to you before she went with her father. I'm sure she wanted to be here and witness your coronation more than anything, but, they told me that they have a very important business deal to secure."

"That's alright." Sakura said to Sonomi. She turned to Yukito, and asked, "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, your highness," Yukito said. "Your entourage and palanquin are waiting for you outside."

The princess thanked Yukito and nodded to Commander Yue, hinting him that she was ready to depart as scheduled. Soon, it was time for the princess to depart from her quarters towards the palace hall. Sakura entered her palanquin and they carried her with both Syaoran and Commander Yue beside her.

The hall was decorated with colors of ribbon. It was amazing how the palace staffs decorated the place with such a short amount of time. The ministers were already lined up it the hall. Everyone bowed when the men set down the palanquin. The music started to play. Chants of wishes for the princess to have a long, prosperous life and hope for the princess to rule the country justly began when she stepped out. The chants only stop once the princess reached to the podium.

Soon, the coronation began. The official read aloud the constitutional and the princess read aloud her vow to keep the country peace and order, to rule the country with kindness and without prejudice, until the time comes. Then, another official appeared with two servants behind them. Each servant was carrying a silver tray. One contained a red robe and a golden crest, and the other contained a bottle and a cup.

Advisor Yukito stepped forward and helped the official with the robe and the pin. The princess stood still as Yukito hung the red robe with gold embroidery and beadings on her shoulder. Then, he clipped the pin with her new crest onto the robe. The crest has an image of a sun, a star and a moon aligned.

Syaoran glanced towards Haruki, a royal guard, and saw he nodded, signaling that he had tested the cup and drink for any trace of poison.

The princess turned to face the crowd and raised her glass. The ministers and officials followed the princess to raise the glass. They began to congratulate and chanted more wishes, this time, for the new appointed ruler. The ministers had discussed earlier that Sakura will bear a new title as a Regent Queen, until she is married and a male heir is born.

"That went well," Yamazaki said to Syaoran as the new queen left the hall and headed towards the small banquet with the ministers and the officials. "It felt weird to address her as a queen now."

Syaoran chuckled. He too will have to get used to address Sakura as a queen. "I'm more worried about what will come next."

"The parade to the city is a go?"

Syaoran grimaced. "I wish Her Majesty would cancel the parade for the sake of her safety. But she was persistent to do this," he said. "There's going to be a lot of people in the city who wanted to look at her. Whoever wanted to harm the princess may try to harm her during this parade. Be prepared."

"Absolutely." Yamazaki bowed and disappeared into the crowd.

The warrior watched as they descended from the stairs with Asami and Mori as her escort. He craned his neck to search for the commander and frowned when he saw him with Yusuke. The line on his forehead deepened when he realized that Yusuke was wearing a uniform almost identical to the commander. Syaoran followed the queen closely, taking his place to concentrate on his duty. He will ask Commander Yue about Yusuke as soon as he got his chance.

xxx

The warrior watched the Regent Queen smiled happily as he walked beside her palanquin. He knew she was happy to see the people, but it was worried that someone from the crowd might try to harm her, even though she had told him that the people from the ministry of justice will be around to protect her and control the crowd. The crowd was crazy. A lot of people had come to see their first Queen to rule Clow.

Syaoran glanced around his surrounding and walked closely to Commander Yue. "I have something to ask."

Yue kept his face straight. "What?"

"That man who was with you earlier," he spoke in a low voice. "Isn't he used to be in the previous king's royal guard?"

Yue turned to him. "Yusuke? Yes. He's the former royal guard for King Touya."

"Why was he wearing a uniform as yours? Is he with the justice department now?"

"Yes. Minister Abe sent him to my division a few days ago as my second in command," Yue told him. "Why?"

Syaoran shook his head. "Just curious." He went back into his position with a frown. The queen could be in danger now that Yusuke was with the justice department, especially with Kaname and the king's warning about his betrayal. He needed to send a warning to the king soon.

The warrior felt the hair on his neck rose, as if he was being watched. He looked around, scanning his surroundings. People were lining up the street to catch a glimpse of their new queen. When the palanquin passed, they would kneel down and bow in respect. A few officers were controlling the crowd, keeping them in line. He saw Yamazaki and Haruki, observing the place in the higher place. Then he saw him, Yusuke. He stood not very far from him and he was among the officers who were controlling the crowd. Their gaze met. Syaoran frowned at him and he returned it with a smile.

xxx

Sakura smiled when she stepped down from her palanquin. She followed Yukito's lead to the podium in the center and took her place behind the food table. She had decided to hold a feast for the people, regardless their class and position. Although the rich and the poor may have gathered at the feast, they all lined and sat at a different table, following their social status. The Regent Queen sighed quietly as she took a large wooden spoon and scooped some rice for them and the line move to the next counter to get their side dishes.

She looked up when she heard a gasp. Her eyes widened when she met her gaze with a little girl, who she would frequently see when she snuck out of the palace to send the less fortunate people some aid in food and medicine. Sakura glanced around sneakily and held a finger to her lips. The girl nodded, understanding her secret and smiled.

"Your Majesty," Syaoran whispered to her. "It's time."

Sakura frowned at him. She was not used to have people addressing her as 'Your Majesty'. "Now?"

The warrior nodded. "I'm afraid so. We have a schedule to follow. Come on. I promise that you can come here and do this again when you sneak out from the palace."

Sakura watched him expectantly with a mischievous smile. "You promise?"

"I promise." He smiled at her thrilled expression.

Soon, he led her through the crowd of people, who gathered to have their chance to get a closer glimpse at her face. Syaoran was helping her into the palanquin when he felt that intense stare again, like someone was watching him intently. He turned around and his eyes widened, and instinctively held his sword when he saw someone on the rooftop not far away from him aiming an arrow towards his direction. "Protect the Her Majesty!"Swiftly, he returned to Sakura to protect her. He held a sword before him to block the arrow from them.

It happened so fast.

"Your highness!"

The shooter released the arrow from the bow as he heard Yamazaki's voice. When he looked again, he saw that Yamazaki had jumped in front of him to take the arrow for him. Then, chaos began. People started to run and screamed.

Syaoran turned to Sakura and heaved a sigh of relief to know that she was alright. Soon, the officers on duty gathered closer to her. Commander Yue, Advisor Yukito, Mori and Shinjiro inched closer to the palanquin to form a human barricade to protect the queen. Syaoran saw Haruki ran after the shooter and Asami raised her bow and released an arrow to the shooter. The arrows pierced the shooter's leg, preventing the shooter from fleeing and Haruki caught the shooter.

Syaoran bent down to check on Yamazaki and saw the arrow pierced on his upper body.

"You're safe," Yamazaki whispered.

"Shut up," Syaoran frowned at him. "Don't say a word."

He smiled, knowing that his prince was safe, that he hadn't failed in protecting him. "Thank you, God." He groaned in pain when Syaoran snapped the tail of the arrow. His breathing became heavy. Soon, he closed his eyes.

End of Chapter 37: The Regent Queen

Sorry for the delayed chapter, and thank you to everyone who wrote me a review.

So many things happened this recently. I'm pushing myself out from the writing slump and it wasn't easy. Haha... So... Sakura has finally been coronation as the new regent queen. And we'll know Yamazaki's fate in the next chapter. What do you think will happen next? Please write me your review :D

Anyway, I heard that CLAMP will add new instalment to Cardcaptor Sakura manga series for the 20th anniversary. Aren't we all excited?

10 March 2016