StarJade

Crystal Tears

Chapter Two

Princess Kinomoto

Fire crackled in the hollow stones , that lighted up the whole house with a brightness that lasted inside everyone's hearts. Carpets of red and gold swept the floors , and moonlight wafted in through finely crafted windows , creating a atmosphere of luminosity. Glasses tinkled , voices of cheery folk chattered and laughter of children rung through the air.

Princess Kinomoto ran towards the dining hall , quickly readjusting the unfamiliar tiara. Skirts of silk material rustled painfully against her legs as she remarkably jumped down the main staircase , startling many servants. Yelling a quick apology , Sakura burst through the wooden doors that bore a large gold K upon its surface and met the eyes of the many.

" Uh...may..I..present Princess..uh...Kinomoto ," stumbled the Usher that stood by the door looking at her doubtfully.

Sakura knew how she must look Her dress was wrinkled and displaced , her hair tangled and wild , her tiara askew and her face red with exertion. Criticizing voices chattered , and she felt herself flush. Walking slowly to her seat , she sat down her face to the table. Yet that didn't serve to help , for the silver plate just reflected her face. Grrr....

Surprisingly a cool hand was placed over hers. Sakura raised her eyes to meet her mother.

" You are a fine sight , Sakura. A real Kinomoto daughter."

Sakura smiled happily. Trust her mother to make everything alright! Yet her mother's eyes seemed especially worried. What was wrong?

" Are you okay , mother?" she asked. Her mother nodded , and smiled at her reassuringly.

" Don't worry , my daughter. I'm just tired today."

Sakura nodded , hesitantly. She glanced over at her father , in the head seat , who's face also mirrored her mothers. Touya , her brother , of course had a smirk on his face , yet his eyes held a special degree of worry.

This was getting weird , she thought , waiting patiently for her father to start the meal. I'll ask them later.

Finally , the King rose to his feet , and tapped his wine glass to quiet the table. All the eyes riveted on him and he smiled cheerfully.

" Today is a happy day for the Kinomoto Kingdom. Troubles that have affected the way we live have finally been overcome , and our success will finally shine through the darkness that has been enveloping our Kingdom. We have finally driven out those terrorizing bandits that have haunted the homes of our civilians , and victory has been on our side." The whole table cheered , and Sakura joined in. It was common knowledge that the bandits have been thrown out , but having it said by her father , made it sound more better.

" I would also like to add to this happy announcement. For weeks we have been searching for suitors for Sakura , our daughter."

Sakura felt her blood run cold , as she began to dread what came next.

" We have finally found the perfect match. Everyone , our daughter Princess Kinomoto Sakura will be betrothed to Prince Li Syaoran. We have rejoiced this fact , and soon this kingdoms daughter will have a husband to carry on. Let us begin the feast!"

Voices cheered , the happiness spread , yet Sakura stood there her heart cold. Ice flooded down her veins , terror and anger began to capture her mind. She slowly stood up , trying to process the information.

I will be married without my consent to a Prince I don't even know.

She finally finished her rise , and threw her chair back , racing from the room. Her family called for her , but she ignored them , and finished her race to her room. Tears had sprung to her eyes , and she threw herself on her grand bed sobbing her eyes out.

" Oh god. Why did they do this to me? I thought we had talked this over. I had to meet the guy first , before the betrothal would be announced. What is going on?"

A picture of Yukito rose to her mind , and she let out a heart wrenching sob.

This is not fair!

The door opened , and Sakura tried to muffle her sobs with her satin pillow. A hand ran through her air , comfortingly.

" Sakura , listen to me. I know the conflict that must be going through your heart. But I need you to remember this. You aren't going to be alone. I'll be with you always. The betrothal hasn't been finalized . Tomorrow we will be going to the Li kingdom and meeting your suitor. Do not worry. If you do not prefer the man , you can tell me and we'll cancel the engagement. But at least try two weeks. Get to know him."

Sakura rose her emerald eyes slowly , and met the comforting eyes of her mother. She knew her mother was right.

" Will you come with me , mother?"

" Yes , I will ," replied her mother

Sakura thought about her decision and finally sighed.

" Alright mother. I'll go."

a/n: Okay , thank you to all my reviewers. You guys are da best! Please review this chapter! Oh , and remember , Sakura's mom is alive for this story. Kay?

Oh and in the next chap , Sakura and Syaoran will meet! This will be exciting!