Amber Eyes

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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!

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"Let's go see my father," Tomoyo said gently, "And change everything."

Sakura smiled, feeling calm and at peace. It felt to her as though the end were near now. Peace seemed close at hand.

"Yes," she replied softly, "Let's go."

Syaoran nodded, as did Meiling, and with an elegant turn, her long white gown twirling around her thin body, Tomoyo led the way to the palace.

The four walked silently up a long pathway, paved with red bricks that seemed new and barely walked upon. Tall walls that matched the palace, built from white stones, lined this pathway, giving it a feeling of majesty.

Sakura felt humbled and shy, darting her wide eyes, filled with wonder and amazement, above and all around her. She had never been to a place such as this, and she had never dared to dream that she ever would.

It was a whole new world for her.

The palace loomed ahead of them at the end of the pathway, a huge monument built from white stones. Its blue roof seemed to match the sky, though it was shades darker. It had several towers as well as spires that seemed to disappear into the clouds. Its majesty could be seen from miles away.

ÒItÕs like a palace from a faerie tale,Ó Sakura mentally commented. It easily took her breath away.

They reached it all too quickly, the pathway ending at the foot of a staircase made from white marble.

"Please follow me," Tomoyo said, turning around to speak to her three guests. She turned back and began to climb the staircase, the three of them following her in stride.

At the top of the staircase stood three guards. Upon seeing the four, they immediately drew their swords.

"Who goes there?," one shouted from a distance. Tomoyo smiled, approaching them.

She bowed gracefully, her eyes calm and dignified.

"Gentlemen," she said simply, with a courteous smile. They gasped, lowering their blades.

"My Lady!," one said. Immediately, the three men bowed deeply to Tomoyo. Then one of the men stood aside while the remaining two began to pull open a huge door that seemed to be over twenty feet tall. It moaned as it opened, and was clearly very heavy. The strong men were slowly opening the doors to the palace.

When they had finished, Tomoyo smiled gratefully.

"Thank you," she said to the two men, who were still holding open the door. She turned back to Syaoran, Meiling and Sakura briefly, gesturing them forward.

"This way," she said simply. She disappeared into the palace, and the three followed her quickly, Syaoran's eyes deep with seriousness. This was it; this was what all of them had been seeking and praying for all this time, for so long.

Meiling's eyes mirrored her second-cousinÕs. Sakura's were still wide, still filled with wonder, taking in her majestic surroundings. She was entering a palace, about to meet the king of her kingdom; all of this amazed and astounded her.

Following Tomoyo, the three stepped into what appeared to be a huge throne room. Banners hung from the room's huge cathedral ceilings, held up with tall marble pillars. The floor was also crafted from marble, white and smooth as glass. It was elegant and breathtaking, a room truly suited for a palace.

A red velvet carpet led from the door and down through the center of the throne room, leading to a sort of stage upon which there was the throne itself, a huge, elegant chair crafted from gold and cushioned in red velvet.

A man sat upon it, his light hair tousled and informal. His head was bent forward, and he was reading a scroll, though he did not appear to be at peace. His hand was pressed against his forehead, holding up his head; he appeared worried and tense.

"Yukito," Syaoran whispered. Sakura's eyes widened; he was the king of her kingdom, of Kaera.

This was true. His clothes were long, elegant light blue robes, made from fine silk. Upon his head, he wore a gold crown endowed with diamonds and sapphires.

Sakura gasped, her eyes alternating from the king to the huge, elegant room to Syaoran, who appeared calm, as though he had seen all of this a thousand times before. It was purely amazing. She had never seen such wealth and beauty.

Tomoyo's smile deepened as her young amethyst eyes filled with joy.

"Father!", she exclaimed happily, running forward. Yukito's eyes shot up, and the scroll fell to the floor with a quiet thud.

"My daughter!," he shouted, standing and running forward as well. They met near the center of the room, Tomoyo throwing her arms around her Father's neck as he held her tightly, embracing her.

"Tomoyo," he said, his voice grateful and filled with joy, "Thanks the gods you're alright.Ó

"I missed you so much," she said, burying her head into his shoulder. "I was so scared!"

"It's alright now," he said soothingly. "You're home, my princess."

A quiet moment passed, filled with joy and love, as the two embraced. Regretfully, they pulled away from one another.

"Father," Tomoyo began, gesturing to the three to step forward, "This is Lady Meiling and Prince Syaoran of the Li kingdom, and Sakura, a peasant girl from our kingdom. They have saved me, and they wish to talk of peace."

Syaoran and Meiling bowed respectfully and quickly, their eyes calm and their expressions dignified and firm. Sakura, on the other hand, bowed so deeply that her head became briefly parallel with her waist.

Yukito smiled warmly at the three. ÒIt is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Meiling, Prince Syaoran. And Sakura, of course.Ó

ÒIt is an honour to meet you as well,Ó replied Syaoran courteously. Yukito stepped forward, shaking his hand firmly, and did the same with Meiling. When he turned to shake SakuraÕs hand, she blushed deeply, staring at his outstretched hand shyly.

Hesitating, she bowed deeply again.

ÒI-IÕm honoured to meet you, Your Highness,Ó she began, stuttering shyly, ÒIÕm not like Syaoran and Meiling, I mean, IÕm not royalty or nobility. IÕm just a simple peasant girl.Ó

The king pondered this, then smiled.

ÒYou cannot be so simple, to be traveling with these two,Ó said Yukito with a grin. Sakura raised her head and looked at him curiously, then relaxed. His warm smile reminded her of her father.

She smiled back hesitantly. ÒThank you,Ó she said.

ÒThink nothing of it,Ó he replied. He turned back to Syaoran and Meiling.

ÒSo you have saved my only daughter?,Ó he asked them with a smile. Tomoyo nodded to him eagerly before either could say anything.

ÒThey did, Father,Ó she said enthusiastically. ÒThey bravely risked their lives to save me!Ó

Her father smiled, grateful.

ÒIs this true?,Ó Yukito inquired of Syaoran and Meiling warmly. Both hesitated, neither wanting to sound boastful.

Syaoran eyed Tomoyo and her eager smile warily for a moment before responding.

ÒYes,Ó he said finally, ÒWe did rescue her. It was nothing that we would not do again, should we have the need to.Ó

ÒI pray that you will not,Ó Yukito replied, ÒAnd IÕll make sure my men fulfill that prayer.Ó

Syaoran nodded, unsure of how to respond. Meiling eyed her second-cousin impatiently; they were here to talk of peace.

ÒIn any case,Ó Yukito began warmly, ÒI am eternally grateful for your bravery. It was a noble act indeed, to rescue my daughter, especially seeing as you are our enemy. You must have a kind heart.Ó

Syaoran flinched at this, but nodded forcefully. ÒThank you, Sir,Ó he said stiffly.

ÒOf course,Ó Yukito said. ÒIf there is any way I might repay you for your noble-Ó

ÒThere is,Ó Meiling interjected. ÒWe rescued your daughter out of necessity and kindness, yes, but we also had our own motivation. We rescued her in the hope that we might be able to bring about peace between our two kingdoms.Ó

ÒAhh,Ó Yukito began. ÒI see. A noble goal indeed.Ó

He smiled, and SakuraÕs heart filled with hope. He did not seem opposed in any way to this idea.

ÒI wish for peace as well,Ó he continued warmly. ÒThis War has dragged on for far too long, and had I the manpower I would have stopped it by now. My people are suffering, our cities burning . . . it must be brought to an end.Ó

ÒExactly,Ó Meiling replied. ÒThatÕs why we bring this request. Please, consider signing a peace treaty with our kingdom.Ó

ÒI would sign one gladly,Ó Yukito began, ÒWere your king here to discuss its terms with me. Does he seek peace in the same spirit as the two of you?Ó

Silence fell between Yukito and Syaoran and Meiling, the two of which were looking at one another warily. Finally, Syaoran broke the silence.

ÒMy father does not wish for peace,Ó he began hesitantly. ÒHe is too stubborn, too drunk with pride, IÕm ashamed to say.Ó

Yukito frowned at this. ÒI thought as much,Ó he said.

ÒHowever,Ó Syaoran continued, ÒWe feel we can convince him if we know for certain of your willingness to sign a treaty.Ó

ÒHmm,Ó Yukito said, thinking. ÒAs I said before, I cannot draft a peace treaty without first meeting with your father. However, if itÕs my willingness he needs, then IÕll offer you this. WeÕll draft an agreement here and now to end all battle until further notice. IÕll sign this agreement, and you, perhaps, could deliver it to your father when you return home. He can sign it, and once this temporary peace has been established he can travel here, or I to your kingdom, to discuss the terms of a permanent peace treaty.Ó

Meiling smiled despite herself, as did Sakura, her eyes jovial. Syaoran did not smile, keeping up his cold, proud front, but his amber eyes were warm with hope and relief.

ÒThat would be wonderful,Ó Meiling said warmly. Yukito smiled, pleased.

ÒGood,Ó he said, ÒIÕll write up an agreement as soon as I can. When it has been completed, IÕll sign it and transfer it into your hands, Prince Syaoran. If you would not mind delivering it, of course.Ó

ÒI would not mind at all,Ó Syaoran said. ÒIÕll need to be there to reason with my father, anyway.Ó

ÒAs will I, IÕm sure,Ó Meiling added.

ÒGood, that is what weÕll do then,Ó said Yukito good-naturedly.

Sakura frowned suddenly, turning to her amber-eyed lover with worry in her usually bright green eyes. The joy seemed to have drained out of them.

ÒSyaoran,Ó she asked worriedly, ÒI will come with you and Meiling as well, wonÕt I? To the Li kingdom?Ó

He frowned deeply, his eyes darkening with sadness.

ÒWe can talk about that later,Ó he said. SakuraÕs frown deepened, her eyes widening in despair.

ÒBut Syaoran,Ó she protested, ÒI . . .Ó

ÒShh,Ó he said soothingly, silencing her. ÒDonÕt worry about that now. Just be happy that weÕve been given this chance at peace.Ó

ÒBut I,Ó Sakura stuttered, frowning; she looked as though she were able to cry. SyaoranÕs frown deepened as well, but he felt he had to hide his emotions so as not to worsen those of his lover.

ÒDonÕt worry,Ó he repeated. ÒWeÕll decide later.Ó

Sakura frowned deeply, worried. He would not leave her alone here . . . would he? Even if he was to go to the Li kingdom, the homeland of her enemies, he could not leave her here. He wouldnÕt do that, she knew that he would not.

Yukito had not overheard this conversation. Rather, he had been happily talking with his daughter. He now spoke.

ÒLady Meiling, Prince Syaoran, Sakura,Ó he began, addressing them, ÒYou are, of course, welcome here. I will not allow you to do anything less than stay the night. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you immediately.Ó

Tomoyo smiled. ÒThereÕs one thing more,Ó she added.

Yukito grinned at this. ÒYes,Ó he affirmed, ÒThere is. In honor of my daughterÕs safe return, we will be hosting a grand ball tonight. Short notice, I know, but the courtiers live nearby and will of course be eager to see my daughter once again. I would be pleased if you would agree to be our honoured guests.Ó

Sakura blushed at this.

ÒA ball?Ó, she questioned to Syaoran, ÒMe?Ó

Syaoran studied her out of the corner of his eye, smiling internally. She seemed so innocent.

ÒYes, you,Ó he replied. ÒDonÕt worry. A ball is like a party, only much more formal and about a thousand times more expensive. Oh, and with royalty.Ó

ÒThank you for that,Ó she answered sarcastically, smiling nervously. ÒI feel so much calmer now.Ó

Syaoran smiled mischievously at her.

ÒThereÕs nothing to it,Ó he said. ÒJust act like a princess.Ó

ÒThatÕs easy for you to say,Ó Sakura replied, ÒPrince Syaoran.Ó

He raised an eyebrow teasingly in response, but said nothing, his eyes flickering with amusement.

ÒLetÕs see,Ó Yukito mused out loud, ÒThe feast will begin at, hmm. Around eight oÕclock, I imagine, and the dancing at ten. Yes, that will do well. I will look forward to seeing all of you there.Ó

ÒThank you very much,Ó Sakura said eagerly, bowing deeply to him with a blush. Yukito smiled at this.

ÒYes,Ó Meiling agreed, ÒThank you. For all that you have done, and all that you are to do in the future.Ó

ÒI donÕt think of it as a favour to you, Lady Meiling,Ó Yukito replied, ÒBut rather as a duty to my kingdom.Ó

ÒOf course,Ó she said, smiling a bit. Her happiness at the peace agreement was too much for her to contain.

It was not too much for Syaoran, however.

ÒThank you,Ó he added simply, appearing quite calm and collected. ÒWe will see you at the feast, then?Ó

ÒOf course,Ó Yukito replied. He quickly called over one of his servants.

ÒNerissa,Ó he commanded, though kindly, ÒPlease show our three guests to their rooms. I trust they are all well in order.Ó

ÒOf course, Your Highness,Ó Nerissa, a middle-aged woman with braided dark brown hair tied up into circles on either side of her head, replied. Her warm brown eyes were filled with respect.

She bowed to Yukito deeply, then turned to Syaoran, Meiling and Sakura.

ÒYour rooms are this way,Ó she said warmly. ÒPlease follow me.Ó

ÒI will see you tonight,Ó Yukito said. ÒFarewell for now.Ó

ÒFarewell,Ó Syaoran and Meiling replied simply. Sakura blushed and said nothing, merely smiled, her eyes filled with respect and admiration for her kingdomÕs handsome, kindhearted king.

At this, Nerissa turned and began to lead the three out of the throne room. She walked to the side of it, opening an elegant wooden door that led to an enclosed hallway with thick, lush red carpet and white walls decorated with beautiful paintings.

She turned to her right and led the group wordlessly down the hallway. Sakura gasped at the paintings they walked by; they were nearly lifelike, beautiful and, in her eyes, miraculous. She had never seen artwork that was so stunning and true to life.

Nerissa turned left and then right again, leading them through the hallways until they finally reached a hallway with three white doors. She stopped and turned around, facing them.

ÒThe guest rooms are very similar,Ó Nerissa explained. ÒYou can decide amongst yourselves who is to stay where. I pray that they are to your liking.Ó

ÒThank you, Nerissa,Ó Sakura said warmly. She smiled at the woman, who smiled back hesitantly.

ÒAye,Ó she replied. ÒIf you have any needs, please just call me. There is a bell system throughout the castle. Just ring the bell youÕll find in your guestroom to call for me.Ó

Syaoran and Meiling nodded simply, used to this, while Sakura retained her smile.

ÒThank you again,Ó she said. Nerissa, obviously not used to being thanked, appeared flustered. She smiled back hesitantly once again.

ÒOf course,Ó she said. ÒI bid you well.Ó

She bowed respectfully to all three of them, and with that, she turned and walked back down the hall, her long, dark blue dress and its long white apron swaying at her ankles.

ÒIÕll take this room,Ó Sakura said, gesturing to the first room with a smile.

ÒAnd IÕll take this one,Ó Syaoran said quickly, walking to the second door, next to the door of SakuraÕs guestroom. MeilingÕs eyes narrowed in annoyance.

ÒFine with me,Ó she said simply, masking her irritation. She walked to the third door, opening it and slipping inside.

Syaoran smiled at Sakura warmly, walking to her and putting his hand on her upper arm affectionately. She smiled back gently.

ÒYouÕre happy because of the peace agreement, arenÕt you?,Ó she questioned softly. ÒYou donÕt show it.Ó

ÒI am happy,Ó Syaoran replied simply. ÒAnd youÕre right, I donÕt suppose I need to.Ó

ÒHeh,Ó Sakura said, unsure of how to respond to this. How did you teach a man who had been raised to be cold that it was acceptable to smile when he was happy?

ÒAnyway,Ó Syaoran said. ÒI would love to talk with you, but IÕm going to see if I can find something in my room to wear to this ball. They usually keep the bureaus full, just in case.Ó

ÒAlright,Ó Sakura said, smiling. ÒIÕll check my bureau, too, if I have one. And IÕll see you there, ne?Ó

ÒYou do, IÕm sure. IÕll come to your door at eight, howÕs that?,Ó he replied. SakuraÕs smile deepened, and she nodded eagerly.

He laughed at her innocence. ÒAlright. Goodbye for a while, Sakura.Ó

He leaned forward and pressed his warm lips to her forehead tenderly as her eyes slipped closed contentedly, enjoying the moment.

He pulled away all too quickly, stepping back slowly.

Sakura opened her eyes, and when she did, they were warm and bright, filled with pure love.

ÒGoodbye,Ó she said softly. Syaoran nodded.

ÒSee you soon,Ó he replied with a smile. In a moment, he had opened the door to his room, disappearing inside.

At this, Sakura turned to her own door, opening it. The polished silver doorknob was cold to the touch, but as she opened the door, a wave of warm air hit her.

Stepping into her room, she gasped. Her room was one of the most beautiful she had ever seen. The walls were purple, embossed with gold and silver. The centerpiece of the room was a four-post bed with purple bedding, some velvet and some silk, covered with matching purple pillows with silver and gold tassels. A sheer gold canopy hung over the bed, glittering in the light of the fire, which was burning in the roomÕs fireplace, warming the otherwise chilly room and filling it with light. Thick purple carpet cushioned her weary feet.

Elegant furniture completed the roomÕs perfection. Amazed, Sakura moved over to the bed, sitting on it. She sunk into it slightly, pleased; the bed was soft and seemed to be incredibly comfortable.

Looking around with wide, awestruck eyes, Sakura took in the roomÕs beauty. Smiling, she noticed a bureau on the roomÕs right side.

Suddenly relaxing as happiness overtook her, Sakura fell back onto her bed, her long red locks spilling over the elegant purple bedding. She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly.

Everything seemed to be perfect.

She opened her eyes slowly, holding them open only halfway, peering at the bottom of the gold canopy through her thick eyelashes. She let her smile fade.

Syaoran . . . would he . . .

Perhaps it was too perfect.

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To be continued in the next chapter. Ahh! The ball is the last major fluff event, and then . . . drama.

If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.

Special thanks to Azi, who helped me with a new summary! =3

I hope you liked this chapter! ^_^

And finally, IÕd like to take a poll. Do you like a little bit of slash, or do you hate it? IÕm pretty sure what I want to do with it (itÕs a compromise), but IÕd like to, well, ask the audience. =3

In the next chapter: The ball . . .