CHAPTER 9 - Meeting With Yelan
By the time the group of four had reached Turento, Sakura had transformed half the cards, and most of what Kero called the `important ones.' Her magic had reached the point that she could transform two before she fainted away. Kero said it was encouraging.
Once in Turento, they dressed Sakura in a plain white dress she disdained. Tomoyo wore an impressive-looking green dress with frills and ruffles. Included with this were three emerald rings and a jeweled tiara. She really looked the part of Lady Riya, although Sakura thought that maybe she was going overboard with the tiara.
Syaoran was hiding himself deep within an oversized cloak with Kero. He felt too many people would know him if they got a good look at him, and Sakura could not take Kero into the Li residence, because so many of them had magic and would be able to feel his presence. Kero didn't think Sakura's magic was quite strong enough yet that they would notice it unless they were looking for it.
The change in plans had Sakura going with Tomoyo into the castle as the Lady's servant. Syaoran would wait with Kero in an inn, while Tomoyo worked to get Yelan alone. Tomoyo had even given Sakura a new name: Saki, which she thought was an absolutely adorable nickname. Sakura preferred Kutoe, as bad as that was.
The Lis had their own castle, even though they were not technically the rulers of any land. Turento had a king, but he was weak and powerless. He ruled in name only. The Li family had a stranglehold on the power in Turento, a fact virtually everyone knew, and it was because of Clow Reed. Sakura noticed that more people seemed to honor even the lowliest Li better than the king, giving anyone they knew was in the Li clan their deepest bow or curtsy.
Tomoyo bought a nice looking horse, refusing to announce herself as royalty riding the "ugly packhorse", and rode it up to the castle gates, with a grumbling Sakura trailing it and dragging along the bags they had brought. The guards stopped Tomoyo, who announced herself.
"I am Lady Riya Daidouji, speaking on behalf of the Duchess Sonomi Daidouji, who wishes me to have an audience with the Duchess Yelan Li on behalf of the King of Maghin." It didn't sound quite right to Sakura's ear, but apparently Tomoyo had thrown out enough names to impress anyone.
"Duchess Li is currently away, but we will allow you to stay with us as a guest of honor, my Lady. The Duchess shall return shortly, and speak with you."
"I am most appreciative," said Tomoyo. Sakura was getting tired of holding the bags and wanted to set them down, but didn't think it would look good. Although, she wasn't sure how a servant was supposed to act, since her father never had any, even though he was noble.
"Follow me," said one guard, and he led the two girls inside the castle courtyard. A man came to take Tomoyo's horse. "Don't worry, he's very good with horses," said the guard, and Tomoyo nodded and allowed the horse to be led away.
Once inside the castle itself, Sakura marveled at the architecture. Tomoyo elbowed her, whispering, "Don't look so awestruck. A servant is not to be looking impressed by anyone's beauty except for her mistress' own." The guard led them into the guest quarters, and showed Tomoyo to a room that Sakura felt could have been its own house.
"I need My Lady's maiden to be in our records," the guard said. "Then she may stay in the servant's quarters. It's tight living, but the servants seem to enjoy each other's company." Tomoyo shook her head as Sakura gave her a wide-eyed look.
"No, Saki stays with me." Sakura shuddered at the name. "I believe she will be more comfortable sleeping here," said Tomoyo.
The guard shrugged. "I'll arrange for a small bed to be brought here, if that is what my Lady desires." He bowed deeply, and said, "My Lady is welcome to explore the castle, if she likes, and is welcome to take her maiden with her into most places."
"Saki is very well behaved," said Tomoyo proudly. Sakura became angered, but managed to hold her fury in. At least until Tomoyo patted her on the head. Sakura growled, and fought off Tomoyo's arm. Tomoyo looked surprised, as did the guard, not used to seeing maidens who acted that way around someone with the rank that Lady Riya was supposed to have. "Well," she said, nervously, "most of the time. She is new to this, but she is also my favorite. I like her spunk." The guard bowed, clearly finding Sakura an odd servant, and left.
"Spunk?" spit Sakura. "And what was with the petting? I'm not a horse!"
"You are my maiden, and you need a little work at it. You're supposed to enjoy compliments and head patting. At least, all of the servants at the Daidouji residence do."
"Well, I don't." Sakura sighed, and sat down on a wicker chair covered in pillows and lace. "And to have to play at this for days...until Yelan gets back!"
Tomoyo smiled mischievously. "Saki is so cute when she gets angry." Sakura gave her such a look that Tomoyo thought she might bite her head off.
*****************
Dinner that night did not help matters. Sakura's duty was to stand behind Tomoyo and watch her eat the feast provided for her, as guest of honor. She could see no reason for her to be there, watching Tomoyo eat, however, and it bothered her. Her mouth watered over the roasted duck and turkey, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables. And some of the softest bread she had ever seen. Her teeth clenched over the fact that Tomoyo got to eat it while she stood and watched.
Sakura was provided later with day-old bread and a rotten apple. "Typical servant fare," the boy who delivered it said. Sakura made a face, and left the castle, explaining that she was to do her Lady's business in the city. She left the rotten apple and rock-solid bread in Tomoyo's pack, where she would find it later that night, and smiled with satisfaction.
"How are things going?" asked Syaoran when she met with him at his inn.
"Oh, wonderful. Do you happen to have any food? I didn't get anything to eat in that place."
Syaoran grimaced. "They treat noble guests very well, but the servants are not so lucky. I'll go order some nice stew. It's actually very good here." He went downstairs, and returned a few minutes later with a steaming bowl of the stew and a glass of water.
"Yelan isn't here," said Sakura, between spoonfuls of stew. "She's supposed to be back `soon', whenever that is."
"No, I'm sure she's there. She has a policy, `Don't let them think they're important'. She always finds a way to make even kings and queens wait a few days or even a week to see her," said Syaoran.
"A week!" cried Sakura. "I can't do this servant crap very much longer."
"Oh, come on, Saki," Syaoran teased, and Sakura hit him in the face with his pillow.
"And this bed is better than mine," she said ruefully, bouncing on the mattress. "They brought me a board with an old, thin blanket. It's only slightly better than the one I had in jail!"
"Remember why we're doing it," said Syaoran. "And of course my bed is nice, it's a nobleman's room. You get extra perks, like as much food as you want for no extra cost."
"Yeah, well, I think you'll be getting me a lot of this stew, then," said Sakura. "Especially if its free. I won't eat their stupid rotten fruit."
Syaoran laughed. "Okay, okay, you can have all the stew you want."
Tomoyo burst into the room. "What a bad servant!" she cried, causing Sakura to drop her spoon in surprise. "Being in a room alone with a boy! And you," she said, pointing to Syaoran. "How could you try to bed my poor Saki! She wouldn't be able to say no to a noble, and you know it!"
"Wha...?!" sputtered Syaoran. "Hey, wait a minute!"
Tomoyo was followed in the room by two of the servants who lived in the Li castle. "These servants followed Saki here and saw her go into your room. One of them was good enough to come and warn me." She smiled at the servants and handed each a gold coin. They thanked her profusely. "Now, return with me to the castle, and we'll discuss punishment."
Sakura looked at her stew, half full, and moaned. Tomoyo grabbed the stew and put it aside, and shook a last wagging finger at Syaoran. "Don't you go near her, do you understand?"
"But...!" said Syaoran. Tomoyo didn't give him a chance to answer. She had Sakura by the ear and was dragging her out. When she was gone, Kero emerged and said, "Well, you've just earned yourself the reputation of a man who tries to intimidate and bed servant girls. Nice." Kero seemed amused.
"Shut up," grumbled Syaoran.
************
"I'm so sorry," said Tomoyo when she and Sakura were back in Tomoyo's room at the castle. "They said they saw you, and I couldn't think of a way to explain it."
"That was good stew, and I didn't get to finish it!" whined Sakura. "And now everyone probably thinks Syaoran is a disgusting creature who tries to bed servant girls who can't say no."
"Yes, it is a mess. You should have been careful to make sure no one saw you!"
"I didn't expect...hey, don't pin this on me!"
"Well, now you just can't meet with Syaoran anymore, it's too risky if you're seen together again. I might have to punish you publicly." Sakura jumped up from the `bed' she had been laying in.
"I have to, he's the only source of food I have!"
"You have this," said Tomoyo, motioning to the apple and bread, as she pulled it from her pack. "Yuck," she said, smelling it. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
Tomoyo was practically asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Sakura went to sleep that night, but it was fitful. She just wanted her strange tenure as servant to be over.
**************
Despite Tomoyo's warnings, Sakura still left the castle at night to visit with Syaoran and eat the food he provided. Tomoyo only managed to bring up tiny morsels to Sakura, who still felt hungry after eating them. Also sitting around in the room while Tomoyo walked around with other nobles during the day made her itch to do something at night. So she sneaked out each night, wearing a cloak to conceal herself, and met Syaoran outside the inn, in a different location each night. He had a different food each time, too. "I've gotten friendly with the cook," he would explain each time. Sakura would just nod as she wolfed down the food. The cook was very good at what she did, Sakura was sure of that much.
On the fifth day in the castle, Tomoyo was told she would finally get to see the Duchess, because she had recently returned from her trip and was fully recuperated. At least that was the story. Sakura was ecstatic, because they would be leaving soon. The two were led to the throne room, where Yelan met them, seated in a chair off the throne, an empty seat across from her.
Once the Duchess Yelan was certain neither girl had any weapons, she snapped her fingers, and her servants left. The only three in the room were Tomoyo, Sakura, and Yelan.
"Lady Riya, your presence is both welcome and surprising," she said to Tomoyo, the words not quite ringing true. Sakura doubted Tomoyo's presence was welcome. "We had not received word that you would be visiting," said Yelan, disapproval clear in her voice.
"My apologies, Duchess, but the King of Maghin made it clear I should leave immediately."
"Yes, of course, I understand." Sakura was beginning to despise the regal tones and formal language of the nobles. It was so boring and stiff.
"I have come to deliver this to you personally. I do not know what it says, but the King said it was very important." Tomoyo handed the letter to Sakura, who trotted over to Yelan, curtsied while delivering the letter to the woman, and then obediently returned to Tomoyo, feeling good she had done her duty. She tensed as she realized Yelan was still looking at her. "This maiden of yours is very cute," Yelan told Tomoyo.
"Isn't she, though," said Tomoyo, pride again touching her voice, making Sakura want to smack the pride right back out of her. "Saki is a good servant, although sometimes she can make bad decisions."
"Yes, I've heard of her liaisons, running off to meet some noble man," Yelan said, an eyebrow up. Sakura felt red with embarrassment when Yelan said that, Syaoran popping into her head, but it turned to fury when Tomoyo signaled for her to kneel down. When she did so, she felt Tomoyo's hand stroke her head compassionately and simmered with anger. "I must say, the Daidouji's do pamper their servants."
"They are very happy when you treat them well," said Tomoyo. Sakura felt demeaned. She couldn't imagine anyone being happy with this situation!
"May I see her for a moment?" Yelan asked, and Tomoyo nodded. Sakura supposed she was to go visit Yelan, so she walked over to the Duchess and attempted a curtsy, but not having practiced much, and trying to go too low, she nearly fell over. Yelan had an amused look on her face.
"Oh, she tries so hard to be good sometimes, it's adorable," Tomoyo said, the same amused look also on her face. Sakura decided Tomoyo would receive a slap for that later.
Yelan cupped the kneeling Sakura's face in her hands, and stared into her eyes. Sakura felt unsettled, as if Yelan was looking into her soul. Then she realized the woman was finding her magic abilities, and she panicked, squirming away. Yelan raised her arm as if to slap Sakura, but then stopped, and let Sakura return to Tomoyo's side.
"Oh dear," said Tomoyo. "She shouldn't run away like that. Well, rest assured she shall be punished for that. Although I do hate having to do that."
"I find her to be interesting," said Yelan. Sakura kept her gaze on the floor, like a good servant. She suddenly had to urge to leave, but knew she could not do that. "I should like to purchase her from you."
Sakura grew very nervous. Turning away from Yelan, she said, in as quiet a whisper as she could muster, "She saw my magic." Tomoyo seemed to hear, but gave no indication that Sakura had spoken.
"I'm afraid I cannot sell Saki. She is my favorite."
"You can get a new favorite, can you not? Besides, she seems to need some discipline. She will be better off here."
"No, Duchess, I am not under authority to sell off servants."
Yelan looked injured. Even Sakura, untrained to noticing those types of things, could tell it was being faked. "If that is so, it is so. I thank you for visiting me and giving me the letter. I only wish our friendship, the Li clan and the Daidoujis, went deep enough to where you could sell me that servant."
Tomoyo rose and curtsied. "I'm sorry, I cannot. And I thank you for your hospitality."
"It is late, Lady Riya. Please stay for one more night." As Tomoyo agreed, Sakura had to stifle a disappointed groan.
*************
"Thanks for not selling me," said Sakura, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, she and Tomoyo were back in their room in the castle for the last night, a fact Sakura was glad for.
"You could use the discipline, though, Yelan was right about that," said Tomoyo.
"You stroke me again like that in front of other people, I'll lose it."
Tomoyo put her hands up. "Okay, okay." Sakura could hear Tomoyo's chuckling. Sakura as a servant had been a huge provider of amusement for all three of her friends.
After Tomoyo went to sleep, Sakura stayed awake, as she had done every night. She wanted to get out and tell Syaoran that the letter was delivered, and to get ready to leave. As soon as she was putting on her boots to leave, however, she found Syaoran already at the window to the room.
"Syaoran!" she said, "What are you doing here?"
"I think you two should leave," he said as way of greeting.
"We will in the morning..."
"No," he cut her off, "now." His tone was deadly serious. "I overheard some soldiers outside talking. Yelan means to kidnap you and make it look like you ran away with me!"
"Me?" cried Sakura. The sound of something big banged into the door and spooked Sakura, who shook Tomoyo somewhat violently. The other girl looked dazed and irritated.
"What's the problem?" she asked, angry to have her sleep interrupted.
"We should go now," said Sakura, already stuffing as much as she could into their sacks.
"Don't worry about the stuff!" said Syaoran. "Let's just go!"
Sakura had Tomoyo by the arm and was leading her still slightly sleepy form to the window when the door flew open, the battering ram held by four big men in armor suits being responsible. Tomoyo was now wide awake, and shrieked. Sakura shrank back toward the window.
"Come with us, servant," said one of the armored men. "The Dutchess requires your presence."
"No!" said Sakura. She reached down on the ground for anything, while she felt Syaoran leap over and in front of her.
"Get out of here!" he said. "I'll meet you later."
"But...Syaoran!"
"Go!" he yelled, sword drawn. He was in a fighting stance, facing away from her.
Sakura didn't want to leave, but finally helped Tomoyo out the window, and clambered out herself. The two ran through the castle grounds, and were met while running by Kero. He handed Sakura the key and cards. "You're going to need these, I believe." Sakura agreed when she saw more armored men in front of her. As the key turned into a staff, she hoped Syaoran would be okay.
Continued in Chapter 10
By the time the group of four had reached Turento, Sakura had transformed half the cards, and most of what Kero called the `important ones.' Her magic had reached the point that she could transform two before she fainted away. Kero said it was encouraging.
Once in Turento, they dressed Sakura in a plain white dress she disdained. Tomoyo wore an impressive-looking green dress with frills and ruffles. Included with this were three emerald rings and a jeweled tiara. She really looked the part of Lady Riya, although Sakura thought that maybe she was going overboard with the tiara.
Syaoran was hiding himself deep within an oversized cloak with Kero. He felt too many people would know him if they got a good look at him, and Sakura could not take Kero into the Li residence, because so many of them had magic and would be able to feel his presence. Kero didn't think Sakura's magic was quite strong enough yet that they would notice it unless they were looking for it.
The change in plans had Sakura going with Tomoyo into the castle as the Lady's servant. Syaoran would wait with Kero in an inn, while Tomoyo worked to get Yelan alone. Tomoyo had even given Sakura a new name: Saki, which she thought was an absolutely adorable nickname. Sakura preferred Kutoe, as bad as that was.
The Lis had their own castle, even though they were not technically the rulers of any land. Turento had a king, but he was weak and powerless. He ruled in name only. The Li family had a stranglehold on the power in Turento, a fact virtually everyone knew, and it was because of Clow Reed. Sakura noticed that more people seemed to honor even the lowliest Li better than the king, giving anyone they knew was in the Li clan their deepest bow or curtsy.
Tomoyo bought a nice looking horse, refusing to announce herself as royalty riding the "ugly packhorse", and rode it up to the castle gates, with a grumbling Sakura trailing it and dragging along the bags they had brought. The guards stopped Tomoyo, who announced herself.
"I am Lady Riya Daidouji, speaking on behalf of the Duchess Sonomi Daidouji, who wishes me to have an audience with the Duchess Yelan Li on behalf of the King of Maghin." It didn't sound quite right to Sakura's ear, but apparently Tomoyo had thrown out enough names to impress anyone.
"Duchess Li is currently away, but we will allow you to stay with us as a guest of honor, my Lady. The Duchess shall return shortly, and speak with you."
"I am most appreciative," said Tomoyo. Sakura was getting tired of holding the bags and wanted to set them down, but didn't think it would look good. Although, she wasn't sure how a servant was supposed to act, since her father never had any, even though he was noble.
"Follow me," said one guard, and he led the two girls inside the castle courtyard. A man came to take Tomoyo's horse. "Don't worry, he's very good with horses," said the guard, and Tomoyo nodded and allowed the horse to be led away.
Once inside the castle itself, Sakura marveled at the architecture. Tomoyo elbowed her, whispering, "Don't look so awestruck. A servant is not to be looking impressed by anyone's beauty except for her mistress' own." The guard led them into the guest quarters, and showed Tomoyo to a room that Sakura felt could have been its own house.
"I need My Lady's maiden to be in our records," the guard said. "Then she may stay in the servant's quarters. It's tight living, but the servants seem to enjoy each other's company." Tomoyo shook her head as Sakura gave her a wide-eyed look.
"No, Saki stays with me." Sakura shuddered at the name. "I believe she will be more comfortable sleeping here," said Tomoyo.
The guard shrugged. "I'll arrange for a small bed to be brought here, if that is what my Lady desires." He bowed deeply, and said, "My Lady is welcome to explore the castle, if she likes, and is welcome to take her maiden with her into most places."
"Saki is very well behaved," said Tomoyo proudly. Sakura became angered, but managed to hold her fury in. At least until Tomoyo patted her on the head. Sakura growled, and fought off Tomoyo's arm. Tomoyo looked surprised, as did the guard, not used to seeing maidens who acted that way around someone with the rank that Lady Riya was supposed to have. "Well," she said, nervously, "most of the time. She is new to this, but she is also my favorite. I like her spunk." The guard bowed, clearly finding Sakura an odd servant, and left.
"Spunk?" spit Sakura. "And what was with the petting? I'm not a horse!"
"You are my maiden, and you need a little work at it. You're supposed to enjoy compliments and head patting. At least, all of the servants at the Daidouji residence do."
"Well, I don't." Sakura sighed, and sat down on a wicker chair covered in pillows and lace. "And to have to play at this for days...until Yelan gets back!"
Tomoyo smiled mischievously. "Saki is so cute when she gets angry." Sakura gave her such a look that Tomoyo thought she might bite her head off.
*****************
Dinner that night did not help matters. Sakura's duty was to stand behind Tomoyo and watch her eat the feast provided for her, as guest of honor. She could see no reason for her to be there, watching Tomoyo eat, however, and it bothered her. Her mouth watered over the roasted duck and turkey, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables. And some of the softest bread she had ever seen. Her teeth clenched over the fact that Tomoyo got to eat it while she stood and watched.
Sakura was provided later with day-old bread and a rotten apple. "Typical servant fare," the boy who delivered it said. Sakura made a face, and left the castle, explaining that she was to do her Lady's business in the city. She left the rotten apple and rock-solid bread in Tomoyo's pack, where she would find it later that night, and smiled with satisfaction.
"How are things going?" asked Syaoran when she met with him at his inn.
"Oh, wonderful. Do you happen to have any food? I didn't get anything to eat in that place."
Syaoran grimaced. "They treat noble guests very well, but the servants are not so lucky. I'll go order some nice stew. It's actually very good here." He went downstairs, and returned a few minutes later with a steaming bowl of the stew and a glass of water.
"Yelan isn't here," said Sakura, between spoonfuls of stew. "She's supposed to be back `soon', whenever that is."
"No, I'm sure she's there. She has a policy, `Don't let them think they're important'. She always finds a way to make even kings and queens wait a few days or even a week to see her," said Syaoran.
"A week!" cried Sakura. "I can't do this servant crap very much longer."
"Oh, come on, Saki," Syaoran teased, and Sakura hit him in the face with his pillow.
"And this bed is better than mine," she said ruefully, bouncing on the mattress. "They brought me a board with an old, thin blanket. It's only slightly better than the one I had in jail!"
"Remember why we're doing it," said Syaoran. "And of course my bed is nice, it's a nobleman's room. You get extra perks, like as much food as you want for no extra cost."
"Yeah, well, I think you'll be getting me a lot of this stew, then," said Sakura. "Especially if its free. I won't eat their stupid rotten fruit."
Syaoran laughed. "Okay, okay, you can have all the stew you want."
Tomoyo burst into the room. "What a bad servant!" she cried, causing Sakura to drop her spoon in surprise. "Being in a room alone with a boy! And you," she said, pointing to Syaoran. "How could you try to bed my poor Saki! She wouldn't be able to say no to a noble, and you know it!"
"Wha...?!" sputtered Syaoran. "Hey, wait a minute!"
Tomoyo was followed in the room by two of the servants who lived in the Li castle. "These servants followed Saki here and saw her go into your room. One of them was good enough to come and warn me." She smiled at the servants and handed each a gold coin. They thanked her profusely. "Now, return with me to the castle, and we'll discuss punishment."
Sakura looked at her stew, half full, and moaned. Tomoyo grabbed the stew and put it aside, and shook a last wagging finger at Syaoran. "Don't you go near her, do you understand?"
"But...!" said Syaoran. Tomoyo didn't give him a chance to answer. She had Sakura by the ear and was dragging her out. When she was gone, Kero emerged and said, "Well, you've just earned yourself the reputation of a man who tries to intimidate and bed servant girls. Nice." Kero seemed amused.
"Shut up," grumbled Syaoran.
************
"I'm so sorry," said Tomoyo when she and Sakura were back in Tomoyo's room at the castle. "They said they saw you, and I couldn't think of a way to explain it."
"That was good stew, and I didn't get to finish it!" whined Sakura. "And now everyone probably thinks Syaoran is a disgusting creature who tries to bed servant girls who can't say no."
"Yes, it is a mess. You should have been careful to make sure no one saw you!"
"I didn't expect...hey, don't pin this on me!"
"Well, now you just can't meet with Syaoran anymore, it's too risky if you're seen together again. I might have to punish you publicly." Sakura jumped up from the `bed' she had been laying in.
"I have to, he's the only source of food I have!"
"You have this," said Tomoyo, motioning to the apple and bread, as she pulled it from her pack. "Yuck," she said, smelling it. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
Tomoyo was practically asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Sakura went to sleep that night, but it was fitful. She just wanted her strange tenure as servant to be over.
**************
Despite Tomoyo's warnings, Sakura still left the castle at night to visit with Syaoran and eat the food he provided. Tomoyo only managed to bring up tiny morsels to Sakura, who still felt hungry after eating them. Also sitting around in the room while Tomoyo walked around with other nobles during the day made her itch to do something at night. So she sneaked out each night, wearing a cloak to conceal herself, and met Syaoran outside the inn, in a different location each night. He had a different food each time, too. "I've gotten friendly with the cook," he would explain each time. Sakura would just nod as she wolfed down the food. The cook was very good at what she did, Sakura was sure of that much.
On the fifth day in the castle, Tomoyo was told she would finally get to see the Duchess, because she had recently returned from her trip and was fully recuperated. At least that was the story. Sakura was ecstatic, because they would be leaving soon. The two were led to the throne room, where Yelan met them, seated in a chair off the throne, an empty seat across from her.
Once the Duchess Yelan was certain neither girl had any weapons, she snapped her fingers, and her servants left. The only three in the room were Tomoyo, Sakura, and Yelan.
"Lady Riya, your presence is both welcome and surprising," she said to Tomoyo, the words not quite ringing true. Sakura doubted Tomoyo's presence was welcome. "We had not received word that you would be visiting," said Yelan, disapproval clear in her voice.
"My apologies, Duchess, but the King of Maghin made it clear I should leave immediately."
"Yes, of course, I understand." Sakura was beginning to despise the regal tones and formal language of the nobles. It was so boring and stiff.
"I have come to deliver this to you personally. I do not know what it says, but the King said it was very important." Tomoyo handed the letter to Sakura, who trotted over to Yelan, curtsied while delivering the letter to the woman, and then obediently returned to Tomoyo, feeling good she had done her duty. She tensed as she realized Yelan was still looking at her. "This maiden of yours is very cute," Yelan told Tomoyo.
"Isn't she, though," said Tomoyo, pride again touching her voice, making Sakura want to smack the pride right back out of her. "Saki is a good servant, although sometimes she can make bad decisions."
"Yes, I've heard of her liaisons, running off to meet some noble man," Yelan said, an eyebrow up. Sakura felt red with embarrassment when Yelan said that, Syaoran popping into her head, but it turned to fury when Tomoyo signaled for her to kneel down. When she did so, she felt Tomoyo's hand stroke her head compassionately and simmered with anger. "I must say, the Daidouji's do pamper their servants."
"They are very happy when you treat them well," said Tomoyo. Sakura felt demeaned. She couldn't imagine anyone being happy with this situation!
"May I see her for a moment?" Yelan asked, and Tomoyo nodded. Sakura supposed she was to go visit Yelan, so she walked over to the Duchess and attempted a curtsy, but not having practiced much, and trying to go too low, she nearly fell over. Yelan had an amused look on her face.
"Oh, she tries so hard to be good sometimes, it's adorable," Tomoyo said, the same amused look also on her face. Sakura decided Tomoyo would receive a slap for that later.
Yelan cupped the kneeling Sakura's face in her hands, and stared into her eyes. Sakura felt unsettled, as if Yelan was looking into her soul. Then she realized the woman was finding her magic abilities, and she panicked, squirming away. Yelan raised her arm as if to slap Sakura, but then stopped, and let Sakura return to Tomoyo's side.
"Oh dear," said Tomoyo. "She shouldn't run away like that. Well, rest assured she shall be punished for that. Although I do hate having to do that."
"I find her to be interesting," said Yelan. Sakura kept her gaze on the floor, like a good servant. She suddenly had to urge to leave, but knew she could not do that. "I should like to purchase her from you."
Sakura grew very nervous. Turning away from Yelan, she said, in as quiet a whisper as she could muster, "She saw my magic." Tomoyo seemed to hear, but gave no indication that Sakura had spoken.
"I'm afraid I cannot sell Saki. She is my favorite."
"You can get a new favorite, can you not? Besides, she seems to need some discipline. She will be better off here."
"No, Duchess, I am not under authority to sell off servants."
Yelan looked injured. Even Sakura, untrained to noticing those types of things, could tell it was being faked. "If that is so, it is so. I thank you for visiting me and giving me the letter. I only wish our friendship, the Li clan and the Daidoujis, went deep enough to where you could sell me that servant."
Tomoyo rose and curtsied. "I'm sorry, I cannot. And I thank you for your hospitality."
"It is late, Lady Riya. Please stay for one more night." As Tomoyo agreed, Sakura had to stifle a disappointed groan.
*************
"Thanks for not selling me," said Sakura, a hint of sarcasm in her voice, she and Tomoyo were back in their room in the castle for the last night, a fact Sakura was glad for.
"You could use the discipline, though, Yelan was right about that," said Tomoyo.
"You stroke me again like that in front of other people, I'll lose it."
Tomoyo put her hands up. "Okay, okay." Sakura could hear Tomoyo's chuckling. Sakura as a servant had been a huge provider of amusement for all three of her friends.
After Tomoyo went to sleep, Sakura stayed awake, as she had done every night. She wanted to get out and tell Syaoran that the letter was delivered, and to get ready to leave. As soon as she was putting on her boots to leave, however, she found Syaoran already at the window to the room.
"Syaoran!" she said, "What are you doing here?"
"I think you two should leave," he said as way of greeting.
"We will in the morning..."
"No," he cut her off, "now." His tone was deadly serious. "I overheard some soldiers outside talking. Yelan means to kidnap you and make it look like you ran away with me!"
"Me?" cried Sakura. The sound of something big banged into the door and spooked Sakura, who shook Tomoyo somewhat violently. The other girl looked dazed and irritated.
"What's the problem?" she asked, angry to have her sleep interrupted.
"We should go now," said Sakura, already stuffing as much as she could into their sacks.
"Don't worry about the stuff!" said Syaoran. "Let's just go!"
Sakura had Tomoyo by the arm and was leading her still slightly sleepy form to the window when the door flew open, the battering ram held by four big men in armor suits being responsible. Tomoyo was now wide awake, and shrieked. Sakura shrank back toward the window.
"Come with us, servant," said one of the armored men. "The Dutchess requires your presence."
"No!" said Sakura. She reached down on the ground for anything, while she felt Syaoran leap over and in front of her.
"Get out of here!" he said. "I'll meet you later."
"But...Syaoran!"
"Go!" he yelled, sword drawn. He was in a fighting stance, facing away from her.
Sakura didn't want to leave, but finally helped Tomoyo out the window, and clambered out herself. The two ran through the castle grounds, and were met while running by Kero. He handed Sakura the key and cards. "You're going to need these, I believe." Sakura agreed when she saw more armored men in front of her. As the key turned into a staff, she hoped Syaoran would be okay.
Continued in Chapter 10