Amber Eyes

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!

Authoress Ramble: Over 200 reviews- wow! I never dreamed of such success. =3 I hope that I continue to please all of you with the new chapters. Keep enjoying my story, everyone! ^_^

Note: If the Òs,Õs and ,s are not quotes and commas, go to View ------ Character Set in Internet Explorer and change it to Western (Mac)! Or change the character set some other way to fix it, itÕs possible!

Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, SweetCherryBlossom, diablo, Laura, Raymisha, Blozzomz, ZetaBee, Pink Sakura, Kinomoto, Shima And Tempis, HikariWolfSky, Riconne, Cherry Blossom, Kawaii-CherryWolf (cute name!), Rae-Rae (another cute name!), dangerous-beans, ZetaBee, Cute_Leen, Zara, Ebony Black, Shima And Tempis, Mini Sweety, Bloodlust Night, Meinien, :I, Lady Dez, Kat, *~*princess*~*, Jamie, silverymare, LilÕ Fairy, Feathers, CoolCat, Val (great idea!), D, Athar-Luna, Azn-Angel, Dark-Luv3, cherryblossom, Li-kyoko-cp, Mysticalia, AnimeObsessionFantasy, Cute Emerald, Friends4Eva08, Cherry13, LilDragonGurl28, Pink-CherryBlossoms, Flaming Sakura and finally, Kitty Neko (IÕm a big fan of yours! =3 I am honoured that you like my story!)! Thank you all again for your support!

Also, it seems that Little Wolf LOVER is quite the authoress. ^_^ Mini Sweety reviewed and told me how successful you are, so IÕm quite honoured! Thank you for reading my humble story! =3

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

ÒI look like a Kaeran,Ó Meiling mumbled in annoyance, tugging at her red silk ball gown. She had combed her long, beautiful ebony locks, letting most of them hang loose with only a small bun in the back of her head, holding back the sections of hair that were closest to her face. Her ruby eyes matched the gown perfectly, and her pale skin contrasted stunningly with its bright colour.

The only part of her that did not appear beautiful and elegant was her frown. Syaoran looked her up and down, amused and also amazed; his second cousin rarely looked so beautiful and womanly.

ÒNonsense,Ó he mused with an amused smile. ÒYou look beautiful.Ó

MeilingÕs eyes met his at this, and she blushed slightly. Her frown, however, did not fade; his compliment did not comfort her much, because she knew that his kindness was merely platonic. He would never love her in that way.

Interally, she sighed sadly. On the outside, she smiled weakly.

ÒThank you,Ó she said. ÒYou look good too, you know.Ó

Syaoran frowned, fidgeting in his white silk suit, accented with blue. He had tried his best to tame his chocolate brown hair, and his amber eyes were nervous and sad. He wanted everything to be perfect tonight, because it was probably going to be the last night he spent with Sakura . . .

His frown deepened, and he dugged at the suit warily. ÒItÕs uncomfortable,Ó he said simply. Meiling raised an eyebrow in annoyance.

ÒYou arenÕt wearing high heels,Ó she said condescendingly. Her look was so serious and angered that Syaoran couldnÕt help but laugh.

ÒThank you,Ó he said, ÒFor helping me to get ready. The suit that you picked out for me is nice, even if it is a bit . . . formal.Ó

Meiling smiled sadly. ÒOf course,Ó she said. ÒYou want to look charming for Sakura, donÕt you?Ó

At the mention of her name, SyaoranÕs eyes darkened, deepening with sadness. He wanted to see her as soon as he could. Thankfully, the feast was beginning soon.

ÔI wonder what sheÕs doing just now,Õ he thought, growing impatient. Would the clock never strike eight?

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._ . . . . .

ÒYou look lovely, Sakura,Ó Tomoyo mused with a warm smile, staring into her friendÕs reflection in the mirror. She ran a hairbrush through her long red locks, smoothing them so that they fell over her shoulders like waves of silk.

Sakura smiled at this, blushing. ÒThank you,Ó she replied warmly.

ÒOf course,Ó Tomoyo said, continuing to brush her long hair gently and with perfected skill. They were in SakuraÕs guestroom, Sakura sitting on a petite chair in front of dresser complete with a large mirror.

ÒI very much appreciate you helping me to get ready, Tomoyo,Ó she said with a blush, smiling nervously. The girl with sad amethyst eyes smiled in return at this.

ÒThink nothing of it,Ó she replied. ÒIÕm happy to help.Ó

ÒYouÕre doing a beautiful job with my hair,Ó Sakura continued, ÒAnd this gown youÕre allowing me to borrow is simply . . . amazing . . .Ó

ÒIÕm glad you like it,Ó Tomoyo said cheerfully. ÒIt looks lovely on you. WeÕre lucky we share the same dress size! I was starting to think that you might be a bit too thin.Ó

Sakura blushed, eying her reflection nervously. She wanted to look beautiful tonight, not only for the king and for his royal guests, but also for Syaoran. She wanted him to remember tonight.

Her bright green eyes flickered with antipipation. In her reflection sat a shy girl with a pale, fair complextion, her long red hair spilling onto her pale, bare shoulders. Its rich colour contrasted beautifully with her gown, made from pale blue silk with elegant white accents. Its bell bottom made Sakura look like a princess herself.

ÒThank you so much,Ó she whispered gently. Tomoyo smiled warmly.

ÒYouÕre very welcome,Ó she replied. ÒYou want to look beautiful for Prince Syaoran, ne?Ó

Sakura blushed and nodded; she did wish that.

The princess grinned at her friendÕs obvious blush. It faded quickly into a gentle smile, filled with yearning.

ÒAre you in love with him?,Ó she asked softly, with kindness. Her voice was gentle and sad.

SakuraÕs blush deepened. She did not even have to think about her reply.

ÒYes,Ó she said simply, smiling. Tomoyo saw her smile in the mirror, and she smiled in return, secretly jealous of the love that the two lovers shared.

ÒI wish you two all the luck in the world,Ó she said compassionately. ÒIÕm afraid youÕre going to need it, him being the only heir to the Li throne and you being, well. One of us.Ó

ÒThank you,Ó Sakura said again, staring into her reflectionÕs calm, clear eyes. ÒAnd I know that we will need it, as sad as that is.Ó

Sensing her friendÕs sadness, Tomoyo smiled brightly.

ÒWell,Ó she said quickly, suddenly cheerful, ÒItÕs almost eight oÕclock! LetÕs go to the ball!Ó

Sakura nodded, standing as Tomoyo set back down the hairbrush. Smiling and carefully prepared, the two girls, who appeared to be both be princesses, headed for the door.

Sakura opened it, and she and Tomoyo stepped out into the halls of the castle. Shyly, she followed Tomoyo though them until they reached the throne room.

Stepping through the great wooden doors, Sakura gasped. The throne room had been richly decorated, banners for the Kaera kingdom hanging from the ceiling in colourful waves. Music was playing softly, created by a group of musicians near the corner of the room.

The room was filled with many royal guests, courtiers and courtesses dressed in rich finery. Already, she began to feel ackward and out of place.

Tomoyo, on the other hand, smiled fondly, happy to be home.

ÒI guess weÕre a bit early,Ó she said to Sakura. ÒThe feast will start soon. For now, weÕll just socialize, maybe dance a little.Ó

ÒOh, okay,Ó Sakura said weakly, nervous. ÒSocialize with who, exactly?Ó

As if on cue, a finely dressed gentlemen approached the two girls. He bowed to both of them elegantly, his blue silk suit complimenting his clear blue eyes and sandy blonde hair perfectly. He was very handsome, his smile warm and alluring.

Sakura noticed all this with eyes that were wide from surprise. The young man quickly spoke.

ÒMy ladies,Ó he said as he rose from his bow. ÒLady Tomoyo, it warms my heart to see you safe at home once again.Ó

ÒThank you,Ó she replied with a smile. ÒIt is good to be home. You have not yet met Sakura, I trust?Ó

She gestured to Sakura eagerly, who darted her eyes from the young man to Tomoyo nervously.

ÒSo that is your name,Ó the young man purred. He smiled.

ÒMy Lady Sakura,Ó he said fluidly, ÒWould you honour me with a dance?Ó

Sakura blushed deeply, flattered and surprised.

ÒI, ahh,Ó she stuttered. Suddenly, a deep yet youthful voice spoke from near them.

ÒActually,Ó it stated, ÒShe has promised me the first dance of the evening.Ó

Syaoran stepped forward, glancing at his lover with amusement in his eyes and a warm smile on his face. Sakura smiled warmly in return, secretly relieved.

The young gentlmen looked at Syaoran with annoyance, frowning, but said nothing. Obviously, the pair were lovers. The chemistry between them was blatent.

ÒOf course,Ó he said simply. He turned back to Sakura with an eager smile.

ÒSave a dance for me, my Lady,Ó he requested. She nodded nervously, blushing.

ÒHave a good evening,Ó the young gentleman politely said to all. With that, he turned and walked away. Meiling joined the group before anything more was said, Syoaran and Sakura still smiling at one another.

ÒYou look gorgeous tonight,Ó he said to her. Sakura blushed deeply, adverting her eyes to the polished white marble floor.

ÒThank you,Ó she said shyly.

ÒOf course,Ó he replied with a smile. ÒWould you like to dance?Ó

ÒI would love to,Ó Sakura answered, looking up with a smile. SyaoranÕs own smile deepened, and he reached out his hand. She slid hers into his elegantly, and with that, he led her out onto the dancefloor.

Meanwhile, Tomoyo studied Meiling, pleasantly surprised.

ÒYou look beautiful!,Ó she exclaimed warmly.

Meiling blushed slightly, though not much.

ÒThank you,Ó she said quietly, watching Syaoran and Sakura reach the center of the dancefloor out of the corner of her ruby eye. She frowned, her heart filling with jealousy and sadness. Tomoyo saw her frown, and her cheerful smile faded until her expression mirrored that of the object of her desire.

Sakura blushed as Syaoran took her into his embrace, sliding his arm around her thin waist as they began to dance slowly.

ÒYou truly do look beautiful,Ó he said, smiling down at her. Sakura blushed.

ÒThank you,Ó she said shyly. ÒI feel so out of place here. They all think IÕm, well, that IÕm-Ó

ÒRoyalty?,Ó Syaoran inquired. Sakura nodded, embarrassed.

ÒYes,Ó she said, blushing. ÒBut IÕm not a princess at all!Ó

SyaoranÕs eyes deepened with emotion at this, with love as well as sadness.

ÒI could make you one, if youÕd like,Ó he whispered. SakuraÕs eyes widened in shock, and she looked up suddenly into his eyes, surprised.

He blushed and adverted his eyes.

ÒNever mind,Ó he mumbled, his eyes darkening with sadness and desperation. Sakura blushed but frowned, longing to brigthen those melancholy amber eyes.

ÒIÕm not sure what to say,Ó whispered in return. Syaoran cleared his throat nervously, his eyes still dark.

ÒWith your kindness, you would make a wonderful one, a truly noble princess,Ó he began hesitantly. His frown deepened.

ÒToo wonderful for our kingdom. ItÕs too bad that Tomoyo isnÕt a boy. SheÕd probably fall in love with you immediately, and you with her, err, him, and then you could be a princess here, for a kingdom that deserves you.Ó

SakuraÕs frowned deepened as well at this, and she bit her bottom lip nervously. She paused, thinking.

ÒDonÕt say that,Ó she said finally. ÒYour kingdom is just mislead. Once we acheive peace, everything will be alright. Everything will be well once again.Ó

Syaoran sighed sadly. ÒI hope youÕre right,Ó he said slowly.

Sakura leaned forward and laid her head down on his chest affectionately. The two were still dancing with one another.

ÒAnd Syaoran,Ó Sakura whispered after a moment, ÒIt doesnÕt matter. I would never fall for a Kaeran prince, because . . .Ó

She smiled to herself, her eyes filled with love.

ÒBecause . . . my heart is already yours.Ó

Syaoran smiled at this, tightening their embrace.

ÒI love you, Sakura,Ó he whispered into her ear. Her smile deepened, and she closed her eyes as she signed contentedly.

ÒI love you too,Ó she whispered back.

She listened to his heartbeat as they danced, breathing in the scent of his warm skin and enjoying his warmth. Hope overwhelmed her, as did peace. Her peace was not the peace that is absense of hate, but rather peace that is absense of desiring more. She felt completely fulfilled, completely satisified.

With her head on his chest, the loving couple slowly danced, drowning in their moment of mutual contentment.

Twenty minutes later, when they were still dancing, all of the guests had arrived, and the banquet began. An trumpet-like instrument sounded, and a servent of the king announced the beginning of the feast. The guests were ushered hurridly to their seats.

Sakura blushed, feeling highly out of place as she looked around at the other guests that filled the huge banquet table, at the head of which sat Yukito. Tomoyo sat to his right, and to his left, Syaoran. Meiling was sitting next to Syaoran, and across from him, next to Tomoyo, sat Sakura.

ÔTheyÕre all so elegantly dressed,Õ she thought shyly. ÔThose clothes must have cost a small fortune! And to keep the company of royalty . . . it makes me wonder . . . how on the GoddessÕ Earth did I get here? Was it only a few weeks ago that I was chopping herbs in our little kitchen?Õ

At this thought of her home and family, now both gone, Sakura frowned deeply, sadly looking down into her golden-coloured soup. She sighed quietly, but did not have much more time than that to dwell on her sad thoughts. Yukito spoke a few moments later.

ÒMy honoured guests,Ó he began loudly, with a smile. ÒI am pleased that so many have chosen to gather here with me to celebrate the safe return of my daughter Tomoyo, your Princess.Ó

Many of the guests clapped, and Tomoyo smiled politely, flattered.

ÒI am also pleased,Ó he continued, ÒTo be honoured with the presense of the three people who have saved my daughterÕs life. They are Prince Syaoran, Lady Meiling, and Lady Sakura, all of whom have brave and noble hearts!Ó

Yukito had gestured to the three individually as he spoke each of their names, and now, the guests clapped for them as well. Syaoran and Meiling smiled politely and nodded, while Sakura blushed deeply. She was no Lady! Why on the GoddessÕ Earth had he said that? He knew she was nothing but a commoner.

Luckily, Yukito had wisely chosen to neglect to mention the fact that Syaoran and Meiling were from the Li kingdom.

ÒJoin me in a toast to honour these three,Ó Yukito continued, ÒAnd to honour the return of my daughter.Ó

He raised his chalice of red wine high.

ÒTo future peace for all nations!,Ó he said loudly. In unison, all of the other guests raised their chalices, including Syaoran, Meiling and Sakura.

For them, the toast truly meant something, and they all raised their chalices especially high, knowing that they were filled with hope as well as wine.

ÒTo future peace for all nations!,Ó they all repeated with passion, unified.

_.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-.__.-._

To be continued in the next chapter. The Ball is the last major fluff event, and then . . . dark drama. My story will get darker once they leave the Kaera kingdom.

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: More of the Ball . . .