Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura isn't mine.

Previously in Worth Fighting For:

"I promised you that I will take you traveling to other places when this is all over," he said to her. "Do you want to go with me? To Li Dynasty? We'll stop anywhere you like."

Her eyes widened at his invitation. "Yes! I'd love—" she stopped when something crossed her mind. She loosened her grip and shook her head. "But, I can't." she started to distance herself from him. "I promised my brother that I would help him to restore Clow. I can't leave now." She clenched on her dress. "When do you leave?"

"After sunset."

Sakura looked up at the sky. The sky is getting darker and she knew that she won't have much time with him. "Then, we have a few more hours. Will you stay with me until sunset?"


Worth Fighting For
Chapter 56: The King's Conditions


Crown Prince Eriol looked up when he heard someone running along the corridor. He stood in the middle of the hall and raised a hand. The prince cocked his head and watched Yamazaki panted. "Don't you know that it's against the rules to run along the corridor?"

"Apology, your highness," Yamazaki took a deep breath to calm down.

Eriol gave the prince's guard a look over and saw the white envelope in his hand. "What is that?"

Yamazaki did an attempt to hide the later behind him, but he knew that he was too late. The Crown Prince had seen it. "A letter for Prince Syaoran."

Eriol held up a hand. "I'll help you to pass it to him." He smiled when he saw the guard's hesitation. "I'm on my way to see Syaoran. I'll hand it to him. It must be an important letter."

"It is," Yamazaki nodded.

"You don't trust me?"

"It's not that."

"Then what?" He chuckled when Yamazaki made no move to hand him the letter. "I'm not going to throw the latter into the lake or something. Don't you trust me?"

"No," Yamazaki bit his lips when he realized what he had said. "I mean. No. It's not that I don't trust you." He sighed and handed the letter to the Crown Prince with a bow. "Please make sure this letter reach to Prince Syaoran's hand."

"I'll make sure of it," Eriol said as he took the letter. He waved his hand to Yamazaki and headed outside, to the training ground. These days, Syaoran spent a lot of his time on the training ground. He knew that Syaoran wanted to stay focus when he was in training. It helps him stop thinking and worrying too much about a certain someone.

Eriol held up a hand and waved to the guards when he reached the training ground. Soon, the guards left the ground quietly and Syaoran turned around to him.

"It was never a good sign whenever you come to see me." Syaoran heaved a sigh. He walked towards the bench and grabbed a cloth to wipe his sweat. "What is it?"

Eriol took out the letter and waved it to him. "Yamazaki wanted me to make sure this letter reached your hand."

Syaoran eyed the letter and paused. "You're holding my letter as a hostage again."

"Again?" Eriol scoffed at his accusation. "I did that one time. And it was for a good cause. To sign a peace treaty with them," Eriol pointed out. He smiled when Syaoran frowned. "Besides, you helping me was the only way to convince the ministers your support to me. You know very well that there is a few dissatisfaction among the king's court ever since you stepped down as the crown prince." Eriol glanced to Syaoran and then, back at the letter. "Are you not going to take this? Or do you need me to help you read this letter?"

Syaoran eyed Eriol cautiously as he took the letter. Swiftly, he placed it safely into his clothes before Eriol decided to change his mind. "Thank you," he looked up to the crown prince and tilted his head. "How did the meeting with the Emperor goes?"

"To be honest, I think the Emperor would still prefer to have you as his heir." Eriol smiled when Syaoran sighed. "But he's happy as long as the minister stop pressuring him on the succession matter."

"I'm glad to hear that," he grabbed the water flask on the bench and took a few sips. "I trust that there isn't anything else I can do to help you with this succession issue?"

Eriol shook his head. "Are you planning to return to Clow after this?"

Syaoran took a deep breath. "Maybe. I will need to talk to the Emperor soon. But it seems that he has been avoiding to see me recently. His servants said he won't be seeing me for a while."

Eriol nodded slowly. He could take a guess why the Emperor has been refusing for an audience with Syaoran. The Emperor knew that Syaoran was going to request to go back to travel around. Now that the court has accepted Syaoran's refusal to return to Li's court, the Emperor has no other excuse to stop Syaoran from going. In fact, Eriol knew that sooner or later, a few ministers and scholars are going to send a petition to send Syaoran out from the palace.

"Maybe I can help to convince him," Eriol said.

Syaoran met the Crown Prince's gaze. He raised a brow. "And in exchange?"

"You have to promise me your first newborn." Eriol laughed when Syaoran gave him a look. He raised a hand before Syaoran could say anything. "I'm joking. But," he smiled. "I do need your help with something."

xxx

Syaoran slid the letter into his cloth, close to his chest. Keeping Sakura's letter close to his heart makes him feel like she's near. He looked up and stood up abruptly when he met his mother's gaze. "Empress Mother," he bowed down.

Yelan raised a hand and glanced towards her maidservants. The maidservant took the cue to step away and disappeared behind the wall. "Rise," she spoke to Syaoran. The Empress sat down on the bench and patted the empty seat next to her. "Come. Sit with me."

Syaoran clenched his hands as he sat down. He would always tense around his mother. The Empress has always been strict with him ever since he was a little kid. It was understandable. He was the Crown Prince and the Empress wanted the best for him.

"I heard from the Emperor that you're planning to leave Li Dynasty," Yelan said.

Syaoran turned to his mother abruptly. He didn't expect that the news would reach to his mother this soon. He met his mother's eyes and instantly lowered his gaze. "Yes."

"It hasn't been long since your return. Why are you leaving so soon?"

"I've helped Crown Prince Eriol to strengthen his position in the Emperor's court," Syaoran said. "If I didn't leave the palace, the ministers and scholars are going to take advantage to weaken the Crown Prince's position. I can't let that happen."

Yelan studied his son's face. "You really won't return to your position?"

"I made up my mind."

Yelan took a deep breath. There was a long silence between them. Finally, the Empress spoke up quietly. "Are you still angry at the Emperor and me? Because of Meiling?"

"No," Syaoran denied. His body tensed. "I could never be mad at the Emperor and you."

"Your father only want the best for you."

"The Emperor and you made a decision to save me from the ministers. I understand that." He looked up at his mother. "But Meiling and her family became the political target because she was my fiance." he grimaced. "I couldn't let her take the blame for everything. I can't abandon a loyal subject just to save myself. Meiling is innocent. Abdicating from my position was the only way for her to be able to leave the palace and live normally. "

Yelan closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She turned to Syaoran again. "You love her?"

Syaoran gave her a small smile and relaxed his shoulder. "I care about her. But not in that way."

"Then, why are you leaving again?"

"The Crown Prince needs my help with some matters with our new alliance," Syaoran said. "It hasn't been confirmed, but the Crown Prince is trying to convince the Emperor to let me deal with the matter." The Prince reached for his mother's hand. "I'm not going to leave right away. There are things that we need to prepare before we depart."

The Empress's gaze fell on the paper that Syaoran had kept in his cloth moments ago. She had seen the smile on his son's face when he was too preoccupied with reading the letters. The Empress didn't know what was written, but she can tell that the content made him happy. "The princess from Clow?"

Syaoran felt his body stiffen. He wondered for a moment how did her mother know about the princess, and how much did she know. He was sure that he has warned Yamazaki and Eriol not to say a word to his parents.

"I've received letters from Fuu Tie," Yelan admitted. "She wrote a few things about the princess. Fuu Tie said the princess is a lovely girl."

"She is," he said with a smile.

"You love her," Yelan said. This time, it wasn't a question.

"Yes," he replied without hesitation.

"Is that why you stayed in Clow and aided the princess to fight a war against their enemy?" Yelan frowned when Syaoran didn't answer. "You do know that with one wrong move, you could put your life in danger?"

Syaoran evaded her mother's gaze and swallowed. "I know. But still, I couldn't leave the princess facing her enemy alone when she didn't have any experience in politics or on the battlefield. The princess," he paused to take a deep breath. "She's worth fighting for."

Yelan stared at her son for a long time. She could see that he really does like her. "What is her name?"

He looked up. "Sakura. Princess Sakura."

"Princess Sakura," Yelan nodded. "I would love to meet her."

xxx

King Touya was heading towards his quarters when he saw his sister with her books at the shack near the lake. He approached the shack and signaled their maidservant to retreat quietly. He was about to scare Sakura when he noticed that she was staring blankly at the pages. Touya heaved a sigh and rapped his knuckles against the wooden panel.

"Oni-chan!" Sakura looked up with a gasped. She noticed the way she addressed her brother in public and placed a hand on her mouth.

"I've sent the maidservants away," Touya said. He entered the shack and peered at the princess's book. He chuckled when Sakura made an attempt to hide something under her skirt. "What are you hiding?"

"Nothing," Sakura smiled nervously. "Did you just got back from your meetings with the ministers?" she made an attempt to change the subject.

Touya nodded. He didn't have to question her sister further to know what she was hiding. It must be a letter from that brat. He knew that his sister and that brat has been exchanging letters since he departed back to his country. That the letter would always arrive at Lady Tomoyo's residence. His sister was worried that he might intercept the letter before it reached to her. Touya couldn't believe how much Sakura didn't trust him. If he wanted it, he could have intercepted the letter before it reached Daidouji's residence. But, it wouldn't be a wise idea.

"How was it? Your meeting?" Sakura asked.

"It went well," Touya said with a shrug.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

He ruffled the princess's hair, and she yelped in protest. "You don't have to hide that from me. I know it was a letter from that brat."

Sakura looked up at her brother with a sheepish smile.

Touya sat down across her sister. "It has been a while since his last letter."

"How did you know?"

"Did you forget that I have eyes all over?"

Sakura squinted at her brother. "Were you spying on me?"

Touya answered her with a smile and reached for a book on the table. "Are you studying properly?"

"I am," she pulled a face. "Lady Sonomi taught me to manage the internal court and Yukito is helping me with things I don't understand."

Touya glanced around the and saw his adviser stood just outside the building with a few scrolls in his hand. He waved a hand to Yukito, signaling him to approach them. "How long have you been here?"

"Not too long," Yukito answered. He was just around the corner when he saw Touya messed with the princess's hair.

"Were you in the middle of a lesson?" He took the scrolls in Yukito's hand and placed it on the table.

Yukito bowed. "Yes, your majesty."

Touya glanced towards his sister and then, back at Yukito. " Did the princess study well?"

"Princess Sakura has been a very good student," Yukito said.

"Is that so?" He turned to Sakura. He reached for the book on the table and closed it. "Since you're a good student, it's only right to reward you." His smile widened when he saw the way Sakura's eyes sparkled.

"What kind of reward?" she said carefully.

The king reached into his pocket and for a wooden plate with a jade ornament hanging. "For you." he waved the plate in front of Sakura. "I know you haven't been out of the palace for a while. You've been busy helping me with disaster relief after the war and I know that you've been studying diligently with Yukito." Touya smiled. "It will be good for you to take a quick break from studying. I've sent a note to Tomoyo. She will be in your quarters anytime soon. Why don't you visit the city? I heard that there was going to be a festival in the city tonight."

Sakura lurched towards her brother and hugged him tightly. Seconds later, she pulled away and bowed down. "Thank you. Your grace is immeasurable, Your Majesty." She leaned forward to grab the plate, but the King pulled it back.

Touya chuckled when Sakura looked at him with a frown. "On one condition."

"What?"

"Take a few guards with you."

Sakura nodded. "Of course."

"I mean it. We're expecting a big crowd for this festival. I would be at ease if you take your guards with you," Touya said.

"I will. I promise."

"Go now before I change my mind."

Sakura gasped at his threat. She gathered her belongings and headed towards her quarters.

Touya shook his head as he watched his sister ran on the palace's ground. He was sure that the ministers would scorn at the princess when they saw her acting so not princess like. Soon, the princess's maidservant chased after her, begging her to slow down. Touya turned to his adviser and stood beside him.

"The Princess seemed happy that you're giving her permission to go out," Yukito commented. "I'm glad. She's been spacing out a lot recently. It seems that something is occupying her mind, but when I asked, she didn't want to talk about it."

Touya heaved a sigh. "It's that brat."

Yukito looked at the king with a puzzled expression.

"Sakura is worried. It has been sometimes since the last letter from him." Touya heaved another sigh when he sensed that his adviser was staring at him, agape. "Don't worry. I didn't do anything to their letters. I know where to draw the line."

Yukito smiled. He knew how protective the King can be over his sister. Sometimes, he worried that Touya would do something stupid like spying on the Princess and intercepting her letters to shield the Princess from others.

"I didn't need to send over a few men to look into this matter," Touya continued. "I could tell from Sakura's expression that she was worrying that his letter hasn't reached to her. At least Sakura can take that brat off her mind while she's outside." Touya heaved. "I heard Li Dynasty is sending an envoy to Clow. It has been almost two years since we signed the alliance. Maybe we'll hear news about that Prince from them." Touya shook his head. "I don't know why I'm concerned about one stupid letter."

Yukito laughed. "Because you're a good brother, Your Majesty."

Touya scoffed at the adviser's comment. "Walk me back to my palace, Yuki," he waved a hand to Yukito, signaling him to follow. He descended from the hut and stayed in silence as his entourage started lining behind him. "Do you think my sister would be happier if I didn't stop her from going with that prince?"

"Stop her?" Yukito lowered his head. "I'm afraid I don't understand what do you mean."

"I asked Sakura to stay and help me rebuild Clow to stop her from going with that Li's prince. I know that the Prince will be asking her to go with him. That was why I asked Sakura to stay." He turned to his adviser. "So that she will have a reason to decline his offer."

"Your Majesty," Yukito gasped because he was unable to comment on it. He never thought that there was a reason behind the King's request.

Both Yukito and Touya looked up when a servant approached them hurriedly. The servant bowed to the King and approached them when Touya waved his hand.

"Your Majesty," the servant lowered his head. "Queen Fuu Tie of Suiho is here to visit you."

Yukito turned at Touya. "Were you expecting visitor?"

Touya shook his head.

xxx

Lady Tomoyo watched the princess stopped by a stall and to talk with the vendor. Chiharu, the maidservant, and a female guard were beside her.

The princess's mood seemed to improve when she was talking to the people outside the palace ground. A few hours ago, Sakura seemed worried when she learned that Tomoyo hasn't received any letters from the prince yet. Tomoyo too was worried. The letter usually didn't take this long to arrive. Her usual contact told her that they haven't been able to contact the prince's side. Her guess was that the prince was probably preoccupied with helping the Crown Prince with palace's matter.

Thinking about the Prince makes her feel a little bit sad. She knew that one day when he returned to her side, he will take her away from Clow. Sakura had told her about his invitation and how she declined for Clow. But Clow's situation has gotten a lot better since then. This time, when he asked her again, Tomoyo was sure that Sakura will not hesitate to agree.

Tomoyo turned to Asami, the Princess's guard and raised a brow. "What's the matter?"

"There are too many people," Asami commented.

Tomoyo chuckled at her answer. "It's a festival. Of course, there's going to be a lot of people here."

Asami shook her head. "His Majesty wanted the Princess to bring a few guards with her, but," she glanced towards the new guard beside the Princess. "The Princess thinks two guards are more than enough."

"The Princess didn't want a parade," Tomoyo said. "Don't worry. The crowd will slowly go down in two weeks. Those from the eastern part will have to depart back to their country before the storm season. This is the only time when they can trade with the other merchant from another country. Besides, the King decided to call off the harvest festival last year to focus on rebuilding Clow after the war with Mikage. The citizens are excited."

"I'm just worried that I won't be able to keep my eyes on the princess with this crowd," Asami said.

"Don't worry too much," Tomoyo said. "Natsumi and the others will help you to watch the princess." She frowned when she saw the anxious look on the guard's face. "What's wrong?"

Asami shook her head. "I don't know. I don't have a good feeling. The crowd makes me feel like we're being watched." She forced a smile to Tomoyo. "But probably I'm too anxious. Hopefully, it's nothing."

"You're too anxious," Tomoyo said. "His Majesty have assigned the police and imperial guards to tighten the security in the city for the festival." Tomoyo raised a hand and soon, her guard, Natsumi stood by her. There were a lot of people from various places. It wouldn't hurt to be extra careful.

"Lady Tomoyo," Natsumi bowed.

"Tell the others to keep their eyes close on the princess," Tomoyo said. "There are too many people around here. Anything could happen."

"I understand."

Tomoyo was about to turn around when she noticed that Natsumi wasn't going to make a move. She watched the guard fished into her cloth and pulled out a letter. She received the letter from Natsumi and met her gaze. "Is this?"

"Yes," Natsumi nodded. "Eri came to deliver this letter the second it reached Daidouji Manor."

Tomoyo smiled. She glanced towards Sakura and back to her guard. "The princess should be happy. Thank you, Natsumi." she watched her guard disappear among the crowd and smiled when the princess returned to her side with a bag of sweets.

"Look at what I got here," Sakura said as she showed the contents of the bag. She pulled out colorful sweets on a skewer and handed one to Tomoyo. "Wasn't Natsumi just—" She paused when she saw the white envelope in Tomoyo's hand. Her grip on the bag tightened.

"Natsumi was just here to deliver this letter," Tomoyo said. She thrust the letter and smiled.

"For me?"

"Of course."

Sakura handed the bag of sweets to Chiharu and reached for the letter. She took a deep breath as she stared at the letter. If she was back in her room, she would have read the letter from Syaoran immediately. But now that she's surrounded by people...

"Should we go somewhere else for a quick break?" Tomoyo suggested.

xxx

Lady Tomoyo watched the Princess unfolded the letter in her hand slowly. She knew that Sakura has been waiting for the letter for weeks. Tomoyo could imagine how anxious Sakura must have been to read the content. That was why she suggested them to stop by a stall for a quick break, to give the Princess some space.

Tomoyo approached the Princess when she saw Sakura put the letter down. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," Sakura nodded with a smile on her face.

"Judging from your expression, I'm guessing that it's a good news?"

"He said he's coming," Sakura said. "As part of the envoys from Li Dynasty."

Tomoyo sat down beside her cousin and reached for her hand. "That's good news."

Sakura folded the letter back and kept it in the small bag tied around her wrist. "The ambassadors from Li will reach Clow in a week."

"Then, you have a week to prepare before the Prince arrive."

Sakura nodded. She looked up and waved a hand to Chiharu when she noticed that her maidservant was waiting for her.

Chiharu lowered her head. "Are you ready to go now? I heard that there's going to be a firework show at the festival. We should get going if we want to catch a good spot for the show."

Tomoyo stood up and reached out her hand to help Sakura to stand. She waved a hand to the vendor and paid for their snacks. The group left the vendor and followed Chiharu lead to the spot.

Asami and the other guards inched closer to the Princess as the crowd build-up around them. But it was hard for them to stay closer to the princess with the people around them pushing and pulling. If only the Princess listened to her advice and didn't travel incognito, maybe they can have the guards to pave a way for them.

"Are you alright?" Tomoyo whispered to Sakura.

Sakura replied with a nod. "I didn't expect there would be such a crowd."

"If the crowd is too much for you, we can always go back."

"I'm alright," Sakura said. "It's a rare chance for me to go out and join the festivity in the city."

"Chiharu," Tomoyo called. Her voice louder amidst the noisy crowd. "How much farther are we?"

"We're getting there," Chiharu answered.

"Do you know any path that isn't as crowded?" Asami asked.

"It'll be a long way walk," Chiharu said. "Don't worry. There won't be too many people when we arrive."

Asami groaned in frustration when a group of men bumped into her. "That's it," she grabbed the Princess's hand and bowed. "Excuse me, Your—" her words were cut off when another group of men pushed her and got between her and the Princess. Asami cursed. She looked up and was mortified to find that the Princess was no longer beside her.

xxx

Sakura rubbed her shoulder when someone bumped into her. In that moment, she felt something slipped off her arm. She watched the string from her small bag slipped to her wrist and caught the end of the string just in time. She looked up and caught a glimpse of the thief trying to escape the crowd with her bag. "Wait!" she started running as was pulled away with the thief.

The thief tugged on the bag and the string slipped off the Princess's hand.

"Stop! Stop it right there!" The Princess shouted, panting. It was hard to chase after the thief with the crowd blocking her path. She was determined to catch the thief no matter what. She didn't mind losing a few coins, but Syaoran's letter was in that beg. She wasn't going to lose that.

The thief turned around briefly. His eyes widened, and he picked up his pace when he saw the Princess catching up with him.

She continued to chase after the thief and occasionally yelling for him to stop. But no one really heard her voice amidst the noisy crowd. Sakura followed the thief to a corner, into the alley and yelped when the thief stopped abruptly. She slid and fell on the ground. When she looked up, she found thief pointing a knife at her. Instantly, the Princess raised both hands to the air.

"Don't," the thief gasped for air. He shook his head. "Stop following me. Or. Or I'll hurt you."

The Princess gave the thief a look over. She blinked in surprise when she realized that it was a young girl in her teens. Her hands trembled as she pointed the blade. Sakura could tell that the girl wasn't used to handling the blade. "You didn't want to hurt me," Sakura said. "Just hand over my purse back. I promise I won't hurt you."

The girl looked at me in disbelief. "No," she waved his knife in my face. "You didn't get to give orders. I have a knife. So, you're going to listen to me. Not the other way around. Now. You are going to let me go, or I will seriously hurt you."

I nodded. "I understand."

"Good," she backed away slowly with his knife still pointing towards me.

"But I still couldn't let you go," I took a step forward to her carefully. "Not until you give me back my bag. There's an important thing in my bag."

The teenager frowned at me. She hesitated for a moment. She tightened her grip on her knife and lunged towards the Princess. The tip of the blade touched her arms. Her sleeve torn and blood seeped into her cloth. The sight of blood made the girl panic.

Sakura gritted her teeth to bear the pain. She grabbed the girl's hand and knocked out the weapon from her hand. Then, she hit a spot behind the girl's neck, and the girl fell down with both hands on the ground. Sakura kicked the knife far away and retrieved her bag. She checked the contents and sighed in relief when the letter was still in there.

The girl groaned in pain and cursed. "Who are you?"

Sakura thought for a while. "I'm with the police," she lied.

The girl's face paled. She kneeled down on both knees. "Please don't arrest me. I can't go to the police station," she pleaded. "My mother will murder me if she knew what I did."

"You should have thought about that before you try to steal from me."

She sat up and glanced around in fear. "Please don't take me to the station. They will tell my mom what I did. Please. I beg you. I'll do anything."

Sakura heaved a sigh. She felt sorry for the kid. She should be around... fifteen? Sixteen? How did she get start stealing? "What's your name? And don't try to give me a fake name because I'll find out about it sooner or later."

"Rena," she spoke after a few seconds of hesitation.

"How old are you?"

She looked up awkwardly. "Fifteen. And a half."

The Princess nodded. "Alright, Rena. I'm not going to arrest you or let your mother know about this." She turned around to leave. "But, if I ever see you stealing, or hear you doing this again, I'll put you behind bars, got it?"

She let out his breath and looked up with confusion. "Really? Are you not going to cuff me? Why?"

"Because everyone deserves a second chance," The Princess said. "If your mother finds out what you've been up to, she'll be disappointed."

"I have no choice," Rena said in frustration. "My mother is sick."

The Princess paused and turned around. "That is not an excuse. The King has set up a free infirmary and giving out free medicine for those who can't afford it."

"Yes, but the physicians are not going to give out the prescription without examining the sick," Rena said. "My mother can't walk. How am I going to take her to the infirmary for an examination if she can't walk."

"She can't walk?"

"Yes," Rena wiped her eyes quickly with her sleeves. "She has been diagnosed with a stroke two years ago after my father died in that war with Mikage."

The Princess's gaze softened. She stood there deep in her thought for a couple minutes. Finally, she crouched down, took out two silver coins from her bag and put them in the girl's hand. "Take this and buy your mother the medicine she needs."

Rena looked up with surprise. Her mouth opened wide. She looked at the coins in her hand, and back to the Princess.

"I'm going to send someone to check up on you. If I ever find out that you're lying, I will find you and you will be taken to the police, do you understand?"

Rena nodded vigorously.

"Now go." Sakura frowned when the girl doesn't move. "Before I change my mind."

The Princess smiled as she watched Rena stood up quickly and sprinted to the streets. She stood up and turned around with the expectation that Tomoyo and her guards would be just right behind her. Blood drained from her face. She was alone.

"Tomoyo? Asami?" The Princess called out their name. No one answered. She was away from her friends and crowd. Tomoyo and Asami must be worried to find that she was missing. She needed to find them, and regroup soon. If words reached the King... Asami, Chiharu, and even Tomoyo would be in trouble. Sakura turned around and tried to retrace her steps. She halted when she sensed someone stood in a few feet in front of her.

"How are you sure that the girl isn't trying to fool you?"

Her heart pounded. She could recognize his voice anywhere. "I'm not. But if she really is in trouble, my mind wouldn't be at ease knowing that I didn't help her when I could." She took a step forward and swallowed when she could see his face clearly. Her breath hitched when she could see him clearly under the moonlight.

"You weren't supposed to travel without your guards, princess."

"I know. But we got separated. We were supposed to see a firework later, but," she bit her lips. "Why are you here?"

"Looking for you," he moved towards her and now they were standing in front each other. "I heard you weren't in the palace. I came to look for you and I found Lady Tomoyo and Asami looking over for you. I saw you chasing after the thief. I was going to help you, but it doesn't look like you need my help." He tilted his head. "Have you been training?"

"Asami and my brother are giving me a few lessons whenever they could."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Sakura held up a hand to caress his cheek. "It's really you."

He caught her hand and held it in his. "Were you surprised?" The Prince smiled.

"I thought I was hallucinating," she said. Sakura closed her eyes when he pulled her into his embrace. She could hear his heartbeat. "Why are you here? I thought the emissaries weren't supposed to arrive this soon."

"There has been a change of plan," he said. He pulled away to look at her face again. "I came here with my sister for another matter. But the emissaries will arrive later as planned. I will be joining them when they arrive." He studied her face and gave her a look over. His eyes darkened at the sight of her blood. Syaoran took out a piece of cloth.

"I'm alright," she covered the wound with the palm of her hand. "It was just a scratch. You shouldn't worry too much about it."

"I will always worry about you,"Syaoran said. "What will happen if you get an infection?" He removed the princess's hand and tended after her wound.

"You should listen to him."

Sakura almost yelped when the Prince's guard, Yamazaki appeared next to him.

"He was worried when he heard you went missing," Yamazaki said. "Your Highness," he bowed. "It has been a while."

"We need to take the Princess back to the others before they get worried," Syaoran said to his guard. "Can you find them?"

Yamazaki rolled his eyes. "You need some personal space. Sure. I get it." He turned to the Princess and smiled. "I'll be right back. It was nice to see you again, Your Highness."

xxx

King Touya pulled the string and kept his focus on the target. He took a steady breath and released the arrow. He watched the servant waved a flag and knew that his arrow had hit the target. He looked up when his adviser approached him with a towel in one hand and a flask in another. The King handed his bow to one of the servants and grabbed the flask from his adviser. He drained half of its contents and wiped the corner of his mouth with his sleeve.

"How was it?" Touya asked.

Yukito glanced towards the target. "Your archery skills are still good, Your Majesty." He flinched when he felt a touch on his forehead.

"I meant, the Suiho's Queen," Touya chuckled when Yukito rubbed his forehead. He knew that he didn't flick Yukito's forehead too hard. "Weren't you visiting the Northern Palace just now?"

Yukito smiled. "Queen Fuu Tie thanked you for providing accommodations for her and her men. The Princess went out to accompany the Queen to the city after breakfast this morning."

Touya nodded. "And the Li Prince? Is he with them?"'

"No. Queen Fuu Tie went out with Princess Sakura and a few maidservants," Yukito said. "Don't worry. I've arranged for a few guards to go with them. Commander Yue is going with them. They should be safe in the city."

"I wasn't worried about that," Touya heaved a sigh. "Tell the servants to prepare some refreshment. We're expecting a guest later today."

"A guest?"

Touya smiled. "You'll know later."

The adviser nodded. He waved a hand and a servant approached. Yukito turned to the King when the servant walked away with a few more helpers. "Are you going back to your quarters?"

"No. I'm going to stay in the training ground for a while longer." He grabbed a katana from the cabinet. "Besides, it would be better if we wait here." Touya headed to the center and started practicing his swordsmanship.

xxx

"Your Majesty," the adviser bowed. He waited until the King stop and spoke again, "Prince Li Syaoran is here to see you."

Touya panted. He wasn't sure how long time has passed. He only stopped when Yukito approached him. He slid the katana back to its sheath and nodded. "Call him here." He took a towel from the servant and wiped his sweat.

"Your Majesty," Syaoran bowed. He looked up and saw the katana in his hand. "You're in training," he took a step back. "I can come back later when you're free."

"Nonsense. Come with me." Touya grabbed another katana from the rack and threw it to Syaoran. He narrowed his eyes when the Prince caught the katana with ease. "I could use a sparring partner."

"Your Majesty," Yukito called. His voice alarmed. He saw the King raised a hand and withdrew. The adviser took a deep breath. He can't help but worry about what the King was up to. The King's action could start a new conflict between Clow and Li Dynasty.

Syaoran glanced towards the katana and back to the King. He took a deep breath when the King raised his eyebrow as if he was challenging him. Syaoran followed the King to the center of the training ground. He clutched the sheath tightly as the King turned to face him and crooked his finger at him. He charged towards the King and withdrew his katana.

Their blades clunked and slid down from tip to the edge.

Touya pushed Syaoran with his strength. He adjusted his stance and moved forward for another attack.

Yukito closed his eyes as their swords clunked again. He worried that one of them might get hurt from this. The adviser glanced around hoping that there was someone who could stop this so-called training. He met Kaname's eyes and the King's guard replied him with a shrug. The servants lowered their head as if they could pretend that the King wasn't engaged in a sword fight with the Li's Prince. Yukito took a step back, deciding that it was probably the best for him to call the Princess, but stopped when he remembered that the Princess was out accompanying the Suiho's Queen to the city.

Touya gritted his teeth. He landed a kick on Syaoran's stomach, causing the Prince to fall back on his butt. Swiftly, Touya pointed his blade at the Prince. "Stop holding back," Touya said. "I know your skills are better than this. Get up."

Syaoran frowned when the King stepped back from him. He stood up from the ground and adjusted his stance. He took a deep breath. He held the blade in his right hand and the sheath in the other. Seconds later, he marched forward for another round.

Their swords met again.

Touya smiled at the contact. He noticed that the Prince didn't restrain himself as much as he did earlier. Touya pressed the back of his katana with his left hand to bear the force. His foot skidded on the sand. He stopped and quickly swung his sword for a counterattack.

Yukito clenched to his cloth. It was unbearable for him to watch. Their second round was much more intense. Their movement was faster. The sounds of the metal clanking were deafening. There was nothing he could but to pray that no one would get hurt from this. The adviser felt as if he might faint every time the sword nearly touched their skins. The other guards appeared to watch the match. Even the servants sneak to lift up their head to witness the duel.

Syaoran controlled his breathing as the King attack was getting quicker and persistent. He took a step back after each attack and soon, he found himself inching closer towards the palace wall. If he didn't act soon, it would be harder for him to win. Syaoran jumped up to duck from another swing. He used the wall as the leverage and did a wall flip.

Yukito held his breath when the two finally stopped.

The King's sword was an inch away from the Prince's neck and the Prince's blade was an inch away from the King's stomach. Any sudden movement could injure any of them.

Touya narrowed his eyes when he realized that Syaoran had blocked his katana with his sheath. He scoffed when Syaoran retreated and slid his katana back into its sheath. He walked to his adviser and handed over his katana.

"Are you alright?"

Touya replied with a nod. "Is the refreshment ready?"

"Yes," Yukito said.

The King grabbed a towel from one of the servants and threw it to the Prince. Then, he sat down on the bench and waited as Syaoran caught his breath. "Sit down," Touya said to Syaoran.

Syaoran did as he was told. He watched a servant approached them with a pot of tea and cakes.

"I hope you like tea, Prince Li," Touya reached for the teapot and poured tea for both of them. He took one cup and gave the other to Syaoran. "Drink. You must be tired after sparring."

Syaoran took a sip from the tea and watched the King cautiously. He came to meet the King to invite the Princess to Li Dynasty, but he can't seem to say anything. Not when the King was acting weird. First, sparring, and now, he had invited him for tea.

"Your skills have improved a lot since the last time," Touya commented.

The last time they had a duel, he had thought that the King and his guard were an intruder. "I had a feeling that I wouldn't be able to spar with you well if you weren't in training before I showed up."

Touya laughed at his comment. He knew that wasn't true. The Prince was younger and he had fought a lot more battle than he has.

Syaoran bit his lower lips when the King didn't say anything. He sat down on both knee, straightened up, but kept his gaze low. "Your Majesty, with your permission, I—"

"I know why you came to see me today," Touya said before he finished.

Syaoran looked up to Touya in surprise. He wondered if the King really know why he came to see him, personally.

"I know really well how my sister wanted to travel to other countries. She has been living in the palace too long. The only way she got to hear about the outside world was when Lady Tomoyo came back from her business trip." Touya poured himself another cup of tea and drank it slowly just to make the Prince wait. "Have you asked the Princess yet?"

Syaoran shook his head. Of course. He was planning to see Sakura and ask her if she would like to go with him. They will travel to a various place if she agreed. And then, he will take her to Li Dynasty. His mother had mentioned that she would love to meet her. "Not yet."

He glanced at Syaoran. "And if she wanted to stay?"

It took him a while before he answered, "I would stay if she let me. If she doesn't," he didn't finish his sentence. It never crossed his mind that Sakura would not want him by her side.

Touya raised a brow. "The Emperor wouldn't mind if you did not return to Li?"

"I have stepped down from my position as a Crown Prince, and helped Crown Prince Eriol to straighten his power in court," Syaoran said. "It would not be wise to stay too long in Li Dynasty. It might someday cause a problem to the Crown Prince and the Emperor."

"The fact that you asked for my permission first must mean that you know how dear the Princess is to me."

"Yes."

Touya let out a small chuckle and studied his face. He can see how serious the Prince was. To come up to him with his request. It annoyed him knowing that he will be the one who would take his sister away from him. But Sakura's happiness will always be his top priority. "I could give you the permission if Sakura agrees to it. After all, I want the best for my sister. But," He stared into his empty cup and grimaced. "As her brother and only family, I can't allow for my sister to go with a man who wasn't a relative. I can't let my sister's reputation went downhill because of it." He stood up and smiled when the Prince looked at him with confusion. "You're a smart guy. I hope you understand what I mean."

Yukito smiled. He finally understood why the King wanted to spar with the Prince earlier. He wanted to test him. The King was well known for his overprotective towards the Princess. He must be struggling to say what was on his mind. If he didn't know Touya well enough, he wouldn't be able to decipher his words.

The Adviser was about to follow His Majesty and his entourage when he saw the Prince blinked with puzzling expression. Judging from his expression, he wondered if the Prince understood the King's intention and worry. He wished that Touya would speak to the Prince truthfully instead of giving him hints. But still, Yukito understood Touya's ego. He won't make things easier for them. Yukito waited until the entourage disappeared from his eyesight and approached Syaoran. "Do you need more tea?"

Syaoran looked at his empty cup and shook his head. "No."

"I hope you don't mind when His Majesty asked to spar with you," Yukito said. "He was merely testing you. From what I see, His Majesty was happy with how much you have improved your skills."

Syaoran forced a smile. Right now, he can't really listen to anything. He couldn't stop thinking about the King's rejection. He stood up abruptly and glanced towards the teacups in front of him. "Thank you for the tea."

"How do you feel about the Princess?"

Syaoran stopped in his track. Slowly, he turned to face the adviser.

Yukito lowered his head for a bow. "Pardon me for asking, Your Highness." He knew that the Prince had misunderstood the King's answer. Yukito took a few steps to the Prince. "But, this is an important question."

Syaoran stood in silence. After that brief chat with the King, there was a lot in his mind right now. He wasn't sure why the adviser would ask such question. "I love her."

Yukito smiled. He knew about the Prince's feeling towards the Princess, but this is the first time he had to hear it out loud. "Then, it shouldn't be too hard to obtain his permission."

Syaoran frowned. He heard the King's words clearly. The King would not allow his sister to go without a family member as a chaperone. He also knew that the King was her only relative. He could ask Lady Tomoyo to help, but she would be busy managing the Daidouji clan. "What do you mean?"

"Would you like me to tell you, how to get the King's permission?"

xxx

Sakura was having a stroll in her garden when she saw Syaoran stood, waiting under her favorite cherry blossom tree. Her face lit up. She sent her entourage away before she approached him. "Have you been here long?"

Syaoran shook his head and smiled. "Not really."

"Is the preparation for the emissaries going well?"

Syaoran looked at her questioningly.

"I haven't seen you in a couple days," Sakura said. "Yamazaki told me that you were busy with the preparation."

"I'm sorry," he lowered his gaze. "There are a few things I need to settle before they arrived." He said. He was grateful for Yamazaki's lies for once.

The truth was that he had stayed in his room as soon as he came back from the King's training ground. Even Yamazaki was worried. But, he needed to clear his mind after that brief chat he had with the adviser. Once he made up his mind, he had decided that he have to discuss everything with his sister before he could meet with the Princess. He wanted to do everything right.

"I—I miss you," she could feel her face turning hot even as she said it. "We haven't got the chance to talk since you came here," Sakura said. Her eyes were looking everywhere, but him. "How long will you be staying this time?"

He shrugged. "It depends." Syaoran looked at her playfully. "Do you want me to stay?"

Sakura took a deep breath. Syaoran may have returned to Clow, but it saddened her that she didn't get to see him as much as she likes. "I wish you weren't here as part of the emissaries." She bit her tongue. She knew that if he wasn't in Clow as part of the ambassadors, there would be no way that he would be standing in front of her. "Will you have to return to Li Dynasty once the discussion on our alliance finished?"

"I don't have to return with the ambassadors," Syaoran said. "I have settled my private matters in Li. I can stay here for as long as I like. Well," he heaved a sigh. "As long as there's nothing major happening in Li."

"That's good to hear," she said with a smile. "I'd love to have you around."

His gaze softened. He lifted up her face to meet her gaze. "I know that you can't leave Clow two years ago to help your brother after the war. But, things are improving in Clow. If I ask you the same question, will you give me the same answer?

Sakura stared into his eyes. His fingers rested on her chin, so she can't really look away from him. "No." Her lips curved into a smile. "This time, I will give you a different answer."

His eyes widened. "You will come with me?"

Sakura nodded. "Yes." She gasped when Syaoran caught her hand and pulled her into his embrace. Soon, she relaxed and burrowed her head on his chest. "I'm not sure what my brother is going to say about this, but I will find my way to convince him," she said with a smile.

"I will help you to convince him," he said.

Sakura giggled at his words. She can't imagine how Syaoran will help her to convince her brother. She could, however, imagine how furious her brother would be when Syaoran tried to convince him to allow her to travel to places.

"I love you."

Sakura froze. Her heart beat so loud that she can hear it. But, that might be Syaoran's heartbeat. Sakura placed both hands on his chest and pulled away. She could feel his heart thumping against her palm. Steadily, she looked up to meet his gaze.

"I love you, Sakura," he repeated. He clenched his teeth when she only stared at him in silence. "I love every day I was with you, even if I was beside you as your warrior. And now, I can't bear when you're not beside me."

"Me too. I love having you by my side. But," she gave him a playful smile. "Maybe not as my warrior."

Suddenly, he was nervous. He was happy that Sakura had agreed to go with him this time. But, there was another thing he needed to ask her before he can get the King's approval. He had been thinking about it for two days and he was positively sure that he wanted to spend the rest of his life by her side. "Sakura," Syaoran swallowed, feeling a lump in his throat. "Will you marry me?"

The world around her stopped. Suddenly, everything around her went silence. Her surrounding faded. In that moment, there was only them. Sakura searched into his eyes. Surely, she wasn't hearing things. But, looking into his gaze, she knew that she wasn't hearing things. Sakura clenched his cloth and pulled him closer. She had to tiptoe to kiss him on the lips. When she pulled away, she found him staring at her. "Yes."

xxx

The King watched as the Princess's guard, Asami approached Yukito with the corner of his eyes. Judging from their expression, he already knew what news the female guard brought with her. Soon, Yukito walked towards him with a smile on his face.

"It seemed that the Princess had answered him with a yes," Yukito reported. "Should we get started with the preparation?" Yukito asked when Touya didn't answer. "Should I summon the minister to choose an auspicious date?"

Touya let out a long sigh. He didn't expect things to progress this fast. "Do that. But, remind the minister not to choose an immediate date."


End of Chapter 56: The King's Conditions


I almost given up on writing the ending when I found out that my country blocked this site. Apparently, fanfiction is illegal. But, I keep receiving messages telling me not to give up. And I really need to give the couple a happy ending. I hope you will be happy with this long chapter. I hope the ending isn't too cheesy or anything. I'm probably not too good with romance. Haha. I know that there's going to be too much grammar mistake in this chapter... I apologize. There's probably not enough SS moments in this chapter too. So, I will post an epilogue later on. Please look forward to it.

Thank you to everyone who keeps telling me not to give up! Happy Lunar New Year!

15 February 2018