Chapter Thirty-One

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.

Life can never give security, it can only promise opportunity.

~ Chinese Proverb

The great and divine Dragon throne of the Emperor of China was always an impressive, menacing sight to behold. The polished white marble, the glimmering jade and the revered dragons ever twisting and winding about its limbs, peered down on all subjects under Heaven from the very top.

Syaoran ascended the staircase that led to the throne and lowered himself onto the seat. The auras of emperors long gone seeped into his skin and he closed his eyes, feeling their residual energies and embracing his new oneness with them. On this throne, past, present and future collided in a seamless eternity.

Tomorrow, the coronation would commence and he would officially be the emperor of China, the greatest empire in the world. From this seat, every soul in the land was his to do with as he pleased. His authority would be unquestionable; his words, regarded as the voice of the gods themselves. He would no longer be Li Xiao Lang, Great Imperial Son. He would be Huangdi, the Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years, Protector of All beneath the Yellow Sun.

"Huangdi, your servant comes before you," said Ping, already enjoying his newfound position as the emperor's Chief Servant. "Empress Li has arrived."

The tall, dignified woman that was his mother, entered the room and prostrated herself at his feet. Syaoran did not know what she wanted but Sakura had convinced him to see her. When he had asked his concubine why, she had said, "Because she is your mother." That was not an explanation he understood but he could not say no because Sakura had kissed his lips soon after creating a fog in his mind. And, since he was becoming a new man, he would have to do things he would not have willingly done in the past. This was a step towards change.

"Speak Empress Li."

Yelan settled into a kneeling position. There was a smile on her face though she seemed to have aged greatly since he had last seen her. But she was still a striking woman.

"I came to pay my respects to you, Huangdi. It fills me with joy to see you on that throne."

Syaoran averted his gaze. Yelan always looked at him in a manner that made him uncomfortable. He glanced at her. But was not today different in a way? Today he recognized the expression on her face as the one Sakura wore when she looked at Xiao Dan and held him in her arms. Was it love, Syaoran wondered? But Yelan did not know him so how could she ever love him?

"Is that all?" he asked her, a strange longing aching his chest.

"Indulge me a while longer, Huangdi. I have spoken to First Wife Meilin and Consort Hua-Ling. You have not been to see them and they are anxious to know where they stand in the order of things."

Syaoran leaned forward to make sure she heard his words clearly.

"I will marry the Honourable Lady Kinomoto Sakura. That is the order of things."

Yelan did the impossible and sat up straighter, her mouth open in a silent gasp.

"The concubine?"

"The woman I chose," said Syaoran, his tone warning against any opposition. "The mother of my son. The only child I have."

"The laws-"

"Are but ink on parchment."

"Huangdi, some things cannot be-"

Syaoran raised his hand a few inches off his lap, palm facing Yelan. The small gesture silenced her.

"I will have everything I want," he told her. "Exactly how I want it. I will find a way Empress Li. Do not attempt to dissuade me because you cannot."

Behind Yelan, Ping smiled in satisfaction of the Empress' subjugation. He may have to bow to her but she was still a woman. Syaoran silently scoffed. Living vicariously through the emperor had its moments, it seemed. The dozens of advisors kneeling behind him and Yelan covertly looked at each other. They were beginning to understand that they had an emperor even more obstinate than the last.

"Your father, Huangdi before you," said Yelan. "Told me that your concubine will corrupt your heart-"

"Huangdi was wise," said Syaoran. "I'm certain he told you that she should die. That she would ruin his legacy."

Yelan smiled in defeat.

"You are your father's son."

"If I were him, I would have her killed," said Syaoran. "Women make men weak. That was a lesson he taught me. But being strong, does not make one right. And it does not mean, that one has all the answers to life. Our legacy will endure. It might not be exactly as he wanted it to be, but we will endure." Raising his voice, he added, "And if any harm shall befall my wife, natural or unnatural, anyone I suspect of betrayal, will suffer the punishment like none has ever faced within these palace walls."

His gaze rooted Yelan to the spot. Accepting his terms, she nodded.

"And what of your First Wife?"

"Meilin will remain a part of my household but I will divorce her."

"On what grounds?"

"Infertility," said Syaoran. "And infidelity."

"Infidelity?"

"How am I to know for certain that she was not dishonoured by the enemy?"

Yelan gave another nod even though they both knew Meilin was telling the truth as it pertained to infidelity. In his youth Syaoran had sometimes contemplated telling his father that Meilin had been with someone else just to be a single man again. But he knew his father would have killed her in an instant and Syaoran was too honourable for such a lie. And in any case, Yongzheng would have just found him another wife by the end of the day.

"And Hua-Ling?" asked his mother.

Syaoran thought about it shortly. He failed to protect Hua-Ling and though other men would make a different choice, he still felt some allegiance towards her. He had known her for many years too, and she had always been flawless in her faithfulness to him.

"She stays as well."

"I will inform them of Huangdi's grace and generosity."

"And what of your wives gifted by Huangdi on your birthday?"

Syaoran had almost forgotten about those.

"Our unions were not consummated. They are not my wives. However, they can have my continued protection as respected servants to my wives."

"I understand," she said. "Huangdi is merciful."

"Speak all that is on your mind Empress," said Syaoran, when she opened and closed her mouth - a rare moment of hesitation on her part.

"May I ask what is to become of Huangdi's women and I?"

Syaoran drummed his fingers against his thigh absent-mindedly. His father had had so many women, it was ridiculous. If he loved him, Syaoran might have buried some of his concubines in his empty tomb to show some respect.

"You will all remain in the harem. I do not have any use for the building. Your daughters and yourself can have quarters within the palace." Syaoran leaned back on the throne, tired of this 'questions and answers' affair. "You can leave now."

Yelan stood. She began walking away but then paused.

"Please Huangdi, one more request."

Syaoran could see his officials already preparing to try to fill his head with schedules and complaints. Whatever the empress was going to say would surely be better.

"State it."

"May I touch you?"

Syaoran shifted on his seat, tilting his head in confusion.

"Why?"

The corners of Yelan's eyes crinkled.

"Because you are my son. And I have not done so in a very long time."

And then Yelan got that look on her face that made him uncomfortable. But the more he thought about it, the less odd her request seemed. Did he himself not have a fascination with Xiao Dan's soft skin and scent?

Syaoran held out his hand and Yelan moved towards him. Kneeling at his feet, she pressed the back of his hand to her cheek. He felt her nose trail across his flesh, felt her smell him and as though she had inhaled a drug, her body slumped against his legs. Her shoulders trembled and her tears wet his hand. Months ago, this would have revolted Syaoran. But now, inexplicably, he reached out and rest a hand on her head, pulling her against his knee.

"I love you my son," she said with such emotion, it was as though he had died.

She kissed his hand and it felt like she was pouring her own spirit into him. Syaoran recoiled, suddenly feeling an odd tingle near his heart.

"Enough."

Yelan did not wipe away her tears or attempt to hide them. It amazed Syaoran that she seemed much brighter and happier at that moment. Her cheeks glowed and miraculous there was colour in her pale cheeks. So many times he had watched Sakura cradle Xiao Dan in her arms and refused to admit to himself that he had wondered if the empress had ever held him like that. Wondered, how it might have felt. Wondered if at least one parent had truly cared about him once. When Yelan had disappeared into the hallway, Syaoran found himself going after her.

"Empress Li."

She turned and was about to fall to her knees when he caught her arm and stopped her. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and feel her. Feel what she felt like, smelled like, but he could not do it. His father's voice was somewhere in the back of his mind preventing him from moving. He was not a doll for women to dress up and play with. He was a Prince of China.

Syaoran took a step back and walked away.

He saw the guards around him tense before he felt his own muscles contract. He stared at the hands wrapped around his waist and felt a head press against the back of his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" he asked the empress.

"Mothers always know what their children want."

Maybe she was right. Sakura often said Xiao Dan had over six different kinds of cries and she could tell what each one meant. Syaoran rest a hand over his mother's. He wished he had felt something burst to life within him but instead he felt lost and out of his depth. Someday, perhaps he could feel her love for him. Until then, simply knowing would have to do.

Sakura fiddled with her fingers as she walked along the hallways with her train of servants. Meilin had sent for her. For what reason, Sakura did not know. All manner of speculations were racing through her mind - the biggest one being the matter of her son. Was Meilin angry? A servant opened the door to the common room and nervously, Sakura walked inside.

It was as if nothing had ever changed. At least not on the outside. Meilin and Hua-Ling's faces were painted as usual, their bodies were adorned in the finest silks and their hair was waxed neatly into elaborate styles. Not a strand was out of place.

They sat at a low table, tea waiting to be poured. Sakura bowed to each of them in turn.

"First Wife Meilin, Consort Hua-Ling. I am very happy to see you both in good health."

Neither woman said anything but Meilin picked up the teapot. Hua-Ling pulled out her trusty fan and flapped it lightly in the air, her eyes fixed to the table. Now that Sakura looked closer, she could see the girl was thinner and her shoulders did not carry the same sense of dignity they once possessed.

Sakura made to sip the tea Meilin had poured for her but paused when she saw the woman's red eyes watching her intently. Pulling the cup from her lips, she glanced at the contents then back at Meilin. The last time she drank something Meilin poured, she ended up sick and Yukito told her she would bear no children.

"It is green tea," said Meilin, and she took a long drink from her cup.

Sakura nodded and took a sip. Surely Meilin would not try to harm her when Syaoran was in the palace.

"I was told that you gave birth to a boy," said Meilin. "Huangdi's son."

Sakura could not meet Meilin's gaze. It was silly, but she started to feel like she had done a bad thing. It was after all Meilin's place to produce Syaoran's heirs. Everyone knew she wanted to do so badly. She had tried for many years before Sakura had arrived.

"Huangdi named him Xiao Dan," was all Sakura could say.

"That is a wonderful name," said Meilin, turning her cup round and round in her hands.

Then she breathed in deeply and said something Sakura would never had expected to pass from Meilin's lips.

"My husband, my emperor, cares for you. More than he ever will for me."

"First W-"

"That's fine," she said quickly though her voice shook. "That is fine. I have accepted this."

She cleared her throat.

"He listens to you when you speak. Does he not?

Sakura nodded.

"Then you have his attention. You have his heart. You have his First Son. Do you need the title of wife too? Can you not leave me with that?"

"What do you mean?" asked Sakura.

Meilin stared.

"He has not yet told you that he plans to marry you? And divorce me?"

Meilin dabbed at the corners of her eyes with her fingertips.

"He told these things to Empress Li. I know I was horrible to you - in the most horrible way a woman can be to another woman. I have been horrible to Hua-Ling in the same vein. I confess my sins. But I did these things because before you both knew him, the only thing I have ever wanted was to be Huangdi's wife. Have his children." She clutched Sakura's hands. "Please ask him not to divorce me!"

Sakura pulled back in alarm. Syaoran had once said that he would have liked her to be his wife but she never thought he would try to make it happen for real. She did not know what to think. She wanted others to have their happy endings but she wanted one too.

"I don't... I - "

"Please," said Meilin again, grabbing Sakura's hands and squeezing them in desperation. "He will listen to you. I don't even mind anymore that he would rather be intimate with you. You won. You have his favour. You don't need to marry him."

"What is this?"

At once, Sakura and everyone present pressed their foreheads to the floor. Syaoran was staring down at them from the doorway. He took two steps into the room. When no one answered him, he turned to Meilin, the look on his face demanding that she speak.

"We were having tea."

"Tea? Do you know how late it is?"

Syaoran's gaze fell on each woman present, imperial and servant. He pointed to a black-haired, round-faced girl standing in the corner of the room.

"You. What were my wives speaking about?"

The servant's answer came swift.

"First Wife was asking the Honourable Lady to convince Huangdi to not divorce her."

The temperature in the room dropped to a winter's chill. Syaoran turned his focus on Meilin but Sakura braced herself.

"Have you gone mad?" asked Syaoran and he actually sounded genuinely concerned.

Meilin swallowed.

"No, Huangdi."

Syaoran cocked his head to the side, with a slight sneer slithering onto his features.

"You should have said yes."

"Please," said Sakura, rising to her feet. "First Wife-"

"Has overstepped her boundaries. A habit of hers."

Sakura glanced around at the room's silent inhabitants. No one moved. Even Hua-Ling was not fanning herself. Her frame was tense and she seemed to be living on Syaoran's every word. Yet, he spared her not one glance.

Sakura moved closer to Syaoran.

"Huangdi," she said.

"I have heard many a tale since I returned to the City," he said, staring into the depths of Meilin's soul through her horror-stricken eyes. "Fortunately for First Wife, I have become quite merciful. Because I am merciful, I will not strip her of her hanfu, beat her until her bones break, peel her flesh from her body while she draws breath, and hang her from her bedpost with her fine sheets. Indeed, I have become quite merciful."

Hot, plump tears streamed down from Meilin's cheeks as she looked into the face of her emperor.

"Because I am merciful, I will allow her to be a Consort to me. I will continue to provide for her. I will continue to protect her. I will not punish her for infertility. I will not put her out for infidelity. No. Because I am merciful."

Meilin's body shook with the force of her silent sobs and shame at having her shortcomings slapped in her face.

"Consort Li Meilin will submit to my new First Wife Li Xiao Ying... also called Li Sakura. She will watch over her and her son Prince Xiao Dan, and any other children she will provide me. And Consort Meilin will do this and more with pleasantness, soft words, and with a smile, for she understands that it is only for her, that I have been this merciful. And never again, will this quality of mercy be shown."

Syaoran took hold of Sakura's hand.

"You will all find yourselves in bed now. The coronation starts at dawn."

He led Sakura back to their room in silence.

"Your eyes are boring a hole in the back of my head," said Syaoran, turning to face her before they reached his quarters. "What have I done that has displeased you?"

Sakura froze.

"I didn't..."

"You can tell me. I will not be so easily angered," he said, his expression softening.

"You were... frightening."

"Meilin tried to cripple you. I steadied my hand. I showed great restraint." He rest a hand on her shoulder. "You should have told me what she did."

"I had a lot to be happy for when I found out I was pregnant. I didn't need to be vengeful."

"Tell me next time, if someone tries to harm you."

She nodded.

"I will. I promise."

"Good."

When they made it to his quarters, Sakura asked, "Why didn't you acknowledge Hua-Ling?"

"I have acknowledged her. Through the empress," said Syaoran. "I don't think you appreciate how much of a disgrace it is to keep her as part of this family. I did that for you because you have a kind heart and because I am learning to have one too. I wouldn't have otherwise."

"But it wasn't her fault what happened!"

"Yet, it did happen."

"But she loves you. Like I love you. Like Meilin loves you. She didn't want to be with anyone else-"

Syaoran rest a finger against Sakura's lips.

"I'm not going to argue with you about this."

However, that night, when they lay in bed together he said, "Do you really think I'm treating her unfairly?"

Sakura said nothing and he turned on his side to look at her.

"What do want me to do? Have tea with her? Take her to bed?"

"You can tell her it wasn't her fault," said Sakura. "That she did nothing wrong."

Syaoran raised an eyebrow.

"She didn't have to endure anything. She could have ended it whenever she liked. By rope. By opening her veins. Even by refusing to eat."

"You sound just like you did when I first met you," said Sakura, pulling the covers up over her face.

Syaoran ripped the covers back but his heart melted when he saw the tears in her eyes.

"When the palace was overtaken," Sakura said. "Hua-Ling and Meilin were going to be honourable women and take their lives. But I stopped them. I thought you would come for us. All of us."

"Sakura, what happened to Hua-Ling wasn't your fault," said Syaoran.

"Don't tell me it wasn't my fault," said Sakura, turning her back on him. "Tell her."

Syaoran draped his arm around her waist but she pushed it away. He stared at his concubine's back. The treatment he took from this woman.

"I don't even get a kiss goodnight?"

Sakura rolled over on her back and pressed her mouth to his. He held the back of her head in place, as warmth spread from her sweet lips down to that member between his legs. It swelled in an instant. What was it about arguments that were so arousing? Sakura's hands found their way into his hanfu and his skin tingled wherever they touched. He smiled and pulled the tie around her waist, revealing her entire body to him in that one movement.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, running his hand along her smooth thigh.

She blushed and he teasingly traced his fingers along the curves of her body, holding her gaze all the while. His teasing reached between her legs and Sakura averted her face, hiding it in the bedsheets. But her body shuddered.

"You like that," mused Syaoran in a husky and amused voice.

He did not need a mirror to know his face was as red as hers. He was smiling so much his cheeks hurt. Where did this burst of happiness come from? Syaoran turned Sakura's face and joined their mouths again, harder this time, as he untied his own hanfu and tossed the garment aside.

Sakura's fingernails scratched at his back as she clung tightly to him. He slid lower onto her so she could feel his hardness against her thigh, letting her know how much he desired her. His teeth clamped down on her neck as his fingers slid inside her, liking how her legs parted even more for him. Sakura twisted beneath him, her back arching as her centre became slick with her arousal. When his tongue found her breast, her fingers laced through his hair holding him tight to her bosom. She gasped when he sucked her into his mouth.

Syaoran looked up at her, his eyes dark and smoldering. Sakura pulled him up her body. He was rather enjoying the delicious tugging on his hair and the way Sakura held his head in place as she kissed him senseless. Whatever had gotten into her, he liked it. But he had to wrench himself away just to get some air.

Sakura was panting, her body shifting restlessly, telling him what she wanted; something her tongue was having trouble with. Syaoran held his hardness and positioned it between her legs, sliding it in slowly. Sure that it would not slip out, he bent over Sakura to take another kiss as he continued to push into her.

It was a cool night but between them there was an invigorating heat. Their pelvises rocked together gently and they sank into each other as pleasure rippled through them and into each other.

"Are you all right?" asked Syaoran.

"Hai," breathed Sakura.

Syaoran pulled out and pushed in his length carefully, watching her face for signs of pain. A few thrusts later, he grew bolder and quickened the pace slightly, biting his lips as his body screamed for him to move even faster. Syaoran sucked air through his teeth, his brows furrowed. His body was being very demanding right now. He was a warrior after all, not some gentle poet. But he wanted to be gentle. For her.

"I love you," Sakura whispered in his ears.

His hips bucked hard against her before he could stop himself. Her inner walls clenched around him and he moaned into the pillow above her head. How did he live without this sweet pleasure for over nine months. In an instant, Syaoran congealed on the spot, blood rushing back to his brain.

Sakura was so consumed by arousal, she continued thrusting her hips, unaware that he had stopped moving. Syaoran rose up and only when she missed his arms enveloping her did she cease all movement.

"What is it?" she asked, her chest flying up and down as she breathed.

When he did not answer, she ran a hand down his arm.

"Xiao Lang?"

He looked away and she followed his gaze to the baby cot that was positioned near his desk.

"Is it Xiao Dan?" she asked, hurriedly. She continued to caress his arm. "Him being here. It bothers you?"

Syaoran shook his head.

"No. Not exactly."

She panted, waiting for him to say something. To explain. He made to pull out of her but Sakura tightened her thighs around his hips.

"Xiao Lang..."

He ran his hands through his damp hair and exhaled.

"I don't want you having any more babies."

"Why not?"

Syaoran stared at her like the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Suppose you die next time?" He traced his fingers over her belly eliciting an involuntary tremor from her. "You feel so... unbelievably... but this is not worth your life."

He removed her legs from his hips and pulled out of her. Sakura sat up,and hugged Syaoran. Then she kissed the tip of his shoulder.

"Nothing bad is going to happen," she reassured him.

"You don't know that."

"So you don't want to be with me anymore? Forever?"

Syaoran shook his head, unable to meet her gaze.

"No. We can do other things. I'll show you."

Feeling bold from her arousal, Sakura gripped his softening member, making it twitch in her palm.

"But I want this," she said, giggling against his back.

Syaoran peeled her fingers away.

"Fine," said Sakura, brightly. "It's not like the palace isn't full of men."

The way Syaoran looked at her, she thought he was going to wrap his hands around her neck and crush it.

"Are you trying to be funny?" he asked, each word penetrating her like shards of ice.

"Hai," said Sakura, smiling to show that she was joking.

"That's a dangerous sense of humour you have." He gripped her chin - not tightly but it was a firm hold. "Don't say that again. Don't even think it."

"I'm sorry. It was a bad joke. You know I would never betray you," she said, taking his hand from her chin and kissing it softly.

"Do I?" he asked her, his eyes serious. "Remember when I told you I would kill any man you look at?"

Sakura was silent.

"Many things have changed since that day but that promise still stands."

"You said you'll kill me too..."

"No," said Syaoran. "I only let you believe I would. I could never willingly hurt you. I could never draw a weapon against you. That must make me a weak fool but I do love you."

His member jumped slightly and Sakura stared at it. It was full and thick. Her body was still yearning for him so she planted kisses along his jaw line. Half-heartedly, he held her away but soon she was straddling his waist. She placed him inside her and winced. But, it was a welcomed intrusion. She bit his shoulder as his thrusts grew faster, more intense; their hands clawing at each other's backs.

"A palace full of men," Syaoran whispered in her ears.

Sakura could not believe it. He was still angry? At a time like this? He held her hips and ground her down on top of him as he pressed up into her. The hungry, possessive emotions in his eyes blazed into hers.

"You think I'd let another man touch you like this?" he asked, his voice rough. "My woman?"

"Yes!" said Sakura, pulling him against her tightly.

"Yes?" asked Syaoran, misunderstanding.

"No," said Sakura but when he pinched her nipple she cried. "Yes!"

He tensed all over and gave a deep, guttural moan into her shoulder. His climax shook her and she felt his seed shoot deep inside. She kept moving trying to release her own sweet aches but Syaoran pulled her off him and pushed her back on the bed.

He stared at her, eyes filled with lust and pride. Then he lowered himself like a wolf preying on a deer, and he licked that little bud - her most sensitive spot. Her body undulated with waves of pleasures. She cried out and Syaoran put his hand over her mouth, looking back at the baby cot like a mischievous boy.

When she came back to earth, he chuckled, settling himself beside her. Their limbs coiled around each other in a loving embrace. They were both out of breath, bodies glistening with a thin layer of sweat. He idly passed a hand over Sakura's buttocks making her shiver.

"Think... no babies," Syaoran breathed.

Sakura smiled up at him.

"I don't think it works like that."

He kissed her bangs.

"I know. But it won't hurt to try."

Sakura kissed his collarbone.

"Alright. No babies."

Somewhere in a dark corner of the room, a little lion sat in shock, his eyes and mouth wide open. Stiffly, he keeled over. At dawn he would awaken, faint whispers of a terrible nightmare involving his mistress and her husband dancing at the back of his mind.

Hey Tomodachi! Read and Review. Until next time, Ja ne! ^_^