Author notes: A number of you wanted to be notified of my updates so I have
a list now. It is listed at Tekimai-ccs...
(). If you have any problems,
email me at cherrypie_ksk@yahoo.com For all you Tomoyo & Eriol Fans, this
is your chapter. I haven't forgotten about any of my ficts. I've just been
extremely busy. Sorry for the long wait and the semi short chapter. I'll
try and get two or more out in the next two weeks.
Chapter 6
Tomoyo sighed as she glanced out the open window, her long purple hair was in French braid with a rope of pearls intertwined in the locks. Today promised to be another perfect day, and one she would have to spend with other royals and nobles. The garden below was a bustle of activity as gardeners, soldiers, and servants alike hurried along with their day. She envied their ability to enjoy this time of the morning outdoors, while she had to remain cooped inside doing nothing but getting ready for breakfast.
She leaned further out the window, her body fully supported by the purple bay window seat. She took a few deep breathes, trying to ingrain in her mind the sweet smell of the flowers below. Creeping ivy glided up towards her window, soft blue and purple flowers opening as the sunlight began to reach for them. She reached out and touched a petal softly, before she withdrew her hand back into the warmth of her room.
Sakura was so lucky, sometimes. She never had to worry about talking to dignitaries and other high ranking officials all the time, especially ones she didn't like. She never had to worry about offending people. She never had to sit down and learn the customs of a half dozen cultures, just to prevent such offenses. She didn't have to get up at dawn, so that the maids could get her ready for the day- which apparently took several hours. She didn't have to act her station and set an example for others. And most of all Sakura could do whatever she wanted, outside the lessons given by her father.
Tomoyo sighed. How she would love to be that free. Then again she knew that Sakura hated that part of her. The lack of responsibilities played a heavy toll on the young sorceress. Without responsibilities, Sakura was dreamed a ghost as she had no rank. Tomoyo, however, would prefer to be a ghost for she felt it would be a whole lot easier than being some captive princess. Sure she got everything she ever wanted, but that still didn't make her happy. What she would give to have no responsibilities for a while. She would have snorted at the thought, but that was so unladylike. After all, she learned and memorized her stories and lessons well.
The servants that had been cleaning up the room, shuffled out finally leaving the melancholy princess to her own devices. Her life was so incredibly boring that even grass had more excitement than she did. Nothing ever amazing, catastrophic, or mind-altering ever happened to her. Each day she got up, dressed, ate breakfast, sang, talked to herself, changed clothing, ate lunch, met dignitaries or potential husbands, dinner, more potential suitors, and then off to bed so that she could start the whole vicious cycle again the next day.
She loved to sing and sew outfits which was the only bright part of her days, but ever since Sakura changed all the Clow cards, Sakura avoided her like a plague. Sakura did still wear the outfits she made, well the ones less eccentric and with fewer bows, but it wasn't the same. A slight giggle escaped Tomoyo's pursed lips. She had just remembered the time when Sakura was changing loop, and all the ribbons on her costume had become a problem. This ultimately led Sakura to have a slight aversion to the whole lot. Though, she was still glad that Sakura did wear the clothing she made, even if they tended to be her less 'amazing' works.
Tomoyo smiled. Sakura always looked the best in all her designs, especially the more eccentric ones. She slightly hoped that Sakura never married because she would never loose her one and only true friend. She crushed that thought as soon as it came. If Sakura wanted to get married, that was her own business. "Besides," she thought, "I could make a fabulous wedding dress, and a husband would not stop me from making clothing for my best friend."
She glanced back outside and she grew slightly depressed. How she wished she could just get away for a little while and explore. It had been years since Sakura and herself explored the palace grounds together. She even missed the ruins by the edge of the forest, where Sakura always whimpered about ghosts. Maybe she could convince her mother to give her some time later this week to go out and just enjoy life outside the castle. If she brought Sakura and some escorts, her mother might let her. "I think I will ask, though, I must ask Sakura-chan first. I do not want her to do anything she does not want to." That said, she turned her head away from the window.
Breakfast would be served shortly in the great hall for all the dignitaries. It was never good for a princess to be late or too early. If she left now and took the small graceful steps that one such as her should, then she should make it in the respected timetable. She wished Sakura could keep her company, but sadly her rank meant nothing to the ones of nobility.
She rose, gracefully from her seat, the cream satin rustling softly. A string of peals lined her slim waist matching the choker around her neck and the pearls in her hair. Soft sleeves descended from her smooth shoulder, flaring into transparent silk at her elbows. Flowers were embroidered all over the dress in the same color as the dress, therefore only up close could one actually see the designs. Unlike last night, she didn't have to wear a corset, as corsets were only used for special attires. Lucky for her, corsets were starting to loose favor in the fashion world. Good thing too, since she couldn't stand how tight they constricted her.
She made her way across the room and opened the door. In front of her stood a man wearing black pants, with a silver trim, and a blue tunic with matching trim. A black belt hung around his waist, holding a ceremonial sword and dagger. The dagger caught her interest the most, since she carried her own under her dress. Her mother always wanted her daughter to be safe, even if it meant giving the sweet child a weapon. Tomoyo, however, didn't really know how to use it for her mother made sure she was always well protected. Her eyes traveled up to his framed blue eyes, that glinted mischievously. It seemed that he had caught a joke that she had failed to miss. Confusion flashed across her face before she noticed what it was.
The young man had his hand up in the air in a preparation move to knock on the door. To his slight disappointment, she had opened the door just before he would have knocked. Furthermore, his hand was only a few inches from her face and he would have hit her had she been any bit later. Her eyes widened in surprise as he slowly dropped his hand, a slight smile carved on his face.
Finally, Tomoyo registered, who was in front of her. She would forget those mystical navy orbs in her lifetime. "Sir Hiiragazawa. Good morning." She curtsied lightly, the material making minute sounds.
"Good morning, hime-sama. I had thought it would be polite to escort such a treasure to breakfast. As I can see now, you do not seem to need such assistance from such a low noble as myself. I will not trouble you-"
"I would be delighted for your assistance, kind sir," interrupted Tomoyo. Her cheeks suddenly flushed red with embarrassment, a small delicate hand raised to her mouth in horror. She had just interrupted someone else. If her mother caught wind, she would be lectured for hours. "Excuse me, Sir. That was very impolite of me." She made to curtsy again, but a gloved finger under her chin, raised her head again.
Eriol's eyes twinkled behind his glasses, as he watched the myriad of emotions play in the amethyst eyes. "You need not humble yourself on my behalf, my lady." He pulled his hand away from her chin. "I am greatly honored by your presence and acceptance, your highness." He bowed his head slightly then held out his arm.
Tomoyo took it, gratefully. A servant moved forward to close the door as the two walked down the hallway, and to Tomoyo's amusement, at just the right pace. "Are you enjoying your stay, Sir Hiiragazawa?"
"Aa, very much so. Your kingdom is magnificent and your hospitality is exceptional. Such exceptional service that I have not seen in a long time."
"Thank you very much, kind Sir. We do try our best to please our guests. Whatever you need is yours for the asking." A slight pause was filled her. Tomoyo felt the slight tension of the arm before she ever heard the words whispered into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Anything?"
Tomoyo, upon reflex, tilted her head to the side to rid her neck of the chill. Deciding that she did not want to go any further in that topic she asked, "How is your friend, Prince Li getting along?" It was a good safe switch. Her mother had always told her that to know how well your service was, it must be judged by other high ranking nobles. She decided to ignore the strange sensations she felt from the man beside her.
"Well, I assume he is fine," Eriol said, his voice laced with a little skepticism. No one had yet found the errand prince this morning. His room had been vacant of life, as if he didn't even sleep, which he probably didn't. His sword and gloves were found outside near the training area, but it appeared that he hadn't been there for awhile. The gardens nearby and the training facility were empty as were most of the second, third, and fourth floors.
Eriol had spent the better part of the morning trying to find him. Sadly, everyone in the Li house expected this from him. The only problem was that no one could find him. Even Queen Yelan couldn't search him out with her normal calling way. Eriol had gone as far as trying to track the prince's aura, but failed. This most likely meant that Syaoran was near or around another magical device or person.
Eriol had lost the chance to seek out any such devices as breakfast was almost upon him by that time. Then he, of course, wanted to escort the lovely princess to breakfast. This of course took time, as he had to find his way to her chambers. After thirty or so minutes, after having some pretty embarrassing moments, he finally arrived at her chambers, just in time.
He wanted to know more about her as he found her unremittingly intriguing. She had a very keen eyes, much like himself, he realized. Everything she said or did was always produced at just the right moments. 'Fascinating' was all he could say to that.
He glanced over to see Tomoyo frown slightly. Realizing that he had been silent, pursing his brain waves, he added, "But Xiao Lang is the hardest person to keep track of. I also would not judge your hospitality by him, unless you have quite a few climbing trees."
Tomoyo smiled again and glanced slightly up towards Eriol's grinning face. He was a few inches taller than her, which she was grateful because she really disliked having to stretch her neck to look at others. "Reminds me of Sakura-chan. You can never find her when you need her."
Eriol's glasses slid down his nose slightly. A sudden thought occurred to him. "Is Kinomoto-san up yet?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "Sakura-chan would need a whole army to waken her up before noon."
Eriol sighed. So much for that idea. He was hoping that Syaoran would be with the sorceress. Wait till he found out about her little 'secret.' He had discovered it last night as he reflected upon the decorations of the ball. The flowers were controlled to an extent, but as he recalled most of the magical persona had to keep knocking out the flowers. Flowery was not a very bright card when it came to showering her gift. Thus, all morning Eriol had been dying to tell Syaoran that Sakura was the new Clow Mistress.
He frowned slightly at that thought. That actually might cause problems. Syaoran always wanted to be the keeper of the cards, but most of the Elders believed that only Eriol would receive them. After all, Eriol was half the reincarnation of Clow Reed. Of course, Eriol failed to mention that the cards would not return to him, but to the destined child his former self foretold. The memories he had needed to know who the destined was, however, were in a different body. Now he knew, which would really tick off the council. He grinned, a little maliciously. Served them right for always getting on his case.
Then again, Sakura being the new mistress might actually solve some of those problems. In fact, Queen Yelan would find that very important. It could decide whether Syaoran married his cousin or not. Seeing how Syaoran disliked his obnoxious cousin, he decided that Sakura would make a much better choice. That is, if all goes well and Syaoran didn't screw it all up. He sighed. The prince would mess it up, he knew. Therefore he decided to keep her identity to himself until a more opportune time arrived.
"What's wrong, Sir Hiiragazawa?" asked Tomoyo, when she heard the multitude of sighs emitting from the blue hair man.
"Nan demo nai. I was just hoping that Xiao Lang would be with Kinomoto- san."
"Is he missing?"
"In a way. As I said before, Xiao Lang is hard to keep track of. He disappeared this morning."
Tomoyo giggled slightly. "A wish I could do that so well. I, however, cannot seem to find any suitable hiding place."
"Another reluctant royal?"
"I am afraid so."
Eriol laughed. "Is it something in the blood or in the water you drink?"
Tomoyo smiled and giggled again. "I think it is more in the people around us. They tend to hunt us down whenever something goes wrong."
Eriol smiled warmly. "I shall make a note to never become a royal, seeing how I do not like people hounding after me all day."
Tomoyo sighed inwardly. How she wished she could do that so easily. "And I will try my hardest to get rid of them."
Eriol laughed again. "I think you should take a page out of Li's book. I believe it is called 'A Thousand and One Ways to Get Rid of Annoying Nobles.' I believe he's currently working on volume two while we are here. I am afraid that you will have to wait for that addition in order to for your escape."
Tomoyo mocked a sigh. "Alas, I will. I guess I will have to refer to Sakura- chan and sleep my life away. Of course, I will need to lock the four doors in my room to keep out the servants."
"So, my dear lady. What does a fair lotus flower like yourself do in her 'free' time." He emphasized free, a glint sparkling in his eyes.
"Reading, sewing, and singing."
"What do you like to read?"
Tomoyo's face lit up. "Everything." She had a faraway look in her eyes as she said that. She rarely had time to read, but the times she was able to, she cherished.
Eriol noted the distant look. She was really stunning when she closed off what everyone else around her was doing. Often he found that most courtiers and nobles held many different masks over their faces, rarely showing their real side. He found that this young slip of a woman rarely hid her true colors from others. He could not think of another soul in the world that deserved to harness this girl. Even he felt dimmed by the utter radiance of her being.
At last the pair arrived at the banquet hall. With a quick glance, Eriol noticed that Syaoran was still missing. He was going to be in trouble with Yelan when she noticed he wasn't with him. He winced slightly, already feeling the gaze of the Queen on him. After breakfast he would have to find Syaoran or forfeit his head.
He guided Tomoyo to her seat beside Queen Sonomi before moving towards a lesser table to eat. As the meal started he was angered by the fact that Syaoran still hadn't appeared. One day he was going to have to learn the responsibility needed to rule his kingdom. May hap the sorceress would be needed far more than he anticipated.
Chapter 6
Tomoyo sighed as she glanced out the open window, her long purple hair was in French braid with a rope of pearls intertwined in the locks. Today promised to be another perfect day, and one she would have to spend with other royals and nobles. The garden below was a bustle of activity as gardeners, soldiers, and servants alike hurried along with their day. She envied their ability to enjoy this time of the morning outdoors, while she had to remain cooped inside doing nothing but getting ready for breakfast.
She leaned further out the window, her body fully supported by the purple bay window seat. She took a few deep breathes, trying to ingrain in her mind the sweet smell of the flowers below. Creeping ivy glided up towards her window, soft blue and purple flowers opening as the sunlight began to reach for them. She reached out and touched a petal softly, before she withdrew her hand back into the warmth of her room.
Sakura was so lucky, sometimes. She never had to worry about talking to dignitaries and other high ranking officials all the time, especially ones she didn't like. She never had to worry about offending people. She never had to sit down and learn the customs of a half dozen cultures, just to prevent such offenses. She didn't have to get up at dawn, so that the maids could get her ready for the day- which apparently took several hours. She didn't have to act her station and set an example for others. And most of all Sakura could do whatever she wanted, outside the lessons given by her father.
Tomoyo sighed. How she would love to be that free. Then again she knew that Sakura hated that part of her. The lack of responsibilities played a heavy toll on the young sorceress. Without responsibilities, Sakura was dreamed a ghost as she had no rank. Tomoyo, however, would prefer to be a ghost for she felt it would be a whole lot easier than being some captive princess. Sure she got everything she ever wanted, but that still didn't make her happy. What she would give to have no responsibilities for a while. She would have snorted at the thought, but that was so unladylike. After all, she learned and memorized her stories and lessons well.
The servants that had been cleaning up the room, shuffled out finally leaving the melancholy princess to her own devices. Her life was so incredibly boring that even grass had more excitement than she did. Nothing ever amazing, catastrophic, or mind-altering ever happened to her. Each day she got up, dressed, ate breakfast, sang, talked to herself, changed clothing, ate lunch, met dignitaries or potential husbands, dinner, more potential suitors, and then off to bed so that she could start the whole vicious cycle again the next day.
She loved to sing and sew outfits which was the only bright part of her days, but ever since Sakura changed all the Clow cards, Sakura avoided her like a plague. Sakura did still wear the outfits she made, well the ones less eccentric and with fewer bows, but it wasn't the same. A slight giggle escaped Tomoyo's pursed lips. She had just remembered the time when Sakura was changing loop, and all the ribbons on her costume had become a problem. This ultimately led Sakura to have a slight aversion to the whole lot. Though, she was still glad that Sakura did wear the clothing she made, even if they tended to be her less 'amazing' works.
Tomoyo smiled. Sakura always looked the best in all her designs, especially the more eccentric ones. She slightly hoped that Sakura never married because she would never loose her one and only true friend. She crushed that thought as soon as it came. If Sakura wanted to get married, that was her own business. "Besides," she thought, "I could make a fabulous wedding dress, and a husband would not stop me from making clothing for my best friend."
She glanced back outside and she grew slightly depressed. How she wished she could just get away for a little while and explore. It had been years since Sakura and herself explored the palace grounds together. She even missed the ruins by the edge of the forest, where Sakura always whimpered about ghosts. Maybe she could convince her mother to give her some time later this week to go out and just enjoy life outside the castle. If she brought Sakura and some escorts, her mother might let her. "I think I will ask, though, I must ask Sakura-chan first. I do not want her to do anything she does not want to." That said, she turned her head away from the window.
Breakfast would be served shortly in the great hall for all the dignitaries. It was never good for a princess to be late or too early. If she left now and took the small graceful steps that one such as her should, then she should make it in the respected timetable. She wished Sakura could keep her company, but sadly her rank meant nothing to the ones of nobility.
She rose, gracefully from her seat, the cream satin rustling softly. A string of peals lined her slim waist matching the choker around her neck and the pearls in her hair. Soft sleeves descended from her smooth shoulder, flaring into transparent silk at her elbows. Flowers were embroidered all over the dress in the same color as the dress, therefore only up close could one actually see the designs. Unlike last night, she didn't have to wear a corset, as corsets were only used for special attires. Lucky for her, corsets were starting to loose favor in the fashion world. Good thing too, since she couldn't stand how tight they constricted her.
She made her way across the room and opened the door. In front of her stood a man wearing black pants, with a silver trim, and a blue tunic with matching trim. A black belt hung around his waist, holding a ceremonial sword and dagger. The dagger caught her interest the most, since she carried her own under her dress. Her mother always wanted her daughter to be safe, even if it meant giving the sweet child a weapon. Tomoyo, however, didn't really know how to use it for her mother made sure she was always well protected. Her eyes traveled up to his framed blue eyes, that glinted mischievously. It seemed that he had caught a joke that she had failed to miss. Confusion flashed across her face before she noticed what it was.
The young man had his hand up in the air in a preparation move to knock on the door. To his slight disappointment, she had opened the door just before he would have knocked. Furthermore, his hand was only a few inches from her face and he would have hit her had she been any bit later. Her eyes widened in surprise as he slowly dropped his hand, a slight smile carved on his face.
Finally, Tomoyo registered, who was in front of her. She would forget those mystical navy orbs in her lifetime. "Sir Hiiragazawa. Good morning." She curtsied lightly, the material making minute sounds.
"Good morning, hime-sama. I had thought it would be polite to escort such a treasure to breakfast. As I can see now, you do not seem to need such assistance from such a low noble as myself. I will not trouble you-"
"I would be delighted for your assistance, kind sir," interrupted Tomoyo. Her cheeks suddenly flushed red with embarrassment, a small delicate hand raised to her mouth in horror. She had just interrupted someone else. If her mother caught wind, she would be lectured for hours. "Excuse me, Sir. That was very impolite of me." She made to curtsy again, but a gloved finger under her chin, raised her head again.
Eriol's eyes twinkled behind his glasses, as he watched the myriad of emotions play in the amethyst eyes. "You need not humble yourself on my behalf, my lady." He pulled his hand away from her chin. "I am greatly honored by your presence and acceptance, your highness." He bowed his head slightly then held out his arm.
Tomoyo took it, gratefully. A servant moved forward to close the door as the two walked down the hallway, and to Tomoyo's amusement, at just the right pace. "Are you enjoying your stay, Sir Hiiragazawa?"
"Aa, very much so. Your kingdom is magnificent and your hospitality is exceptional. Such exceptional service that I have not seen in a long time."
"Thank you very much, kind Sir. We do try our best to please our guests. Whatever you need is yours for the asking." A slight pause was filled her. Tomoyo felt the slight tension of the arm before she ever heard the words whispered into her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
"Anything?"
Tomoyo, upon reflex, tilted her head to the side to rid her neck of the chill. Deciding that she did not want to go any further in that topic she asked, "How is your friend, Prince Li getting along?" It was a good safe switch. Her mother had always told her that to know how well your service was, it must be judged by other high ranking nobles. She decided to ignore the strange sensations she felt from the man beside her.
"Well, I assume he is fine," Eriol said, his voice laced with a little skepticism. No one had yet found the errand prince this morning. His room had been vacant of life, as if he didn't even sleep, which he probably didn't. His sword and gloves were found outside near the training area, but it appeared that he hadn't been there for awhile. The gardens nearby and the training facility were empty as were most of the second, third, and fourth floors.
Eriol had spent the better part of the morning trying to find him. Sadly, everyone in the Li house expected this from him. The only problem was that no one could find him. Even Queen Yelan couldn't search him out with her normal calling way. Eriol had gone as far as trying to track the prince's aura, but failed. This most likely meant that Syaoran was near or around another magical device or person.
Eriol had lost the chance to seek out any such devices as breakfast was almost upon him by that time. Then he, of course, wanted to escort the lovely princess to breakfast. This of course took time, as he had to find his way to her chambers. After thirty or so minutes, after having some pretty embarrassing moments, he finally arrived at her chambers, just in time.
He wanted to know more about her as he found her unremittingly intriguing. She had a very keen eyes, much like himself, he realized. Everything she said or did was always produced at just the right moments. 'Fascinating' was all he could say to that.
He glanced over to see Tomoyo frown slightly. Realizing that he had been silent, pursing his brain waves, he added, "But Xiao Lang is the hardest person to keep track of. I also would not judge your hospitality by him, unless you have quite a few climbing trees."
Tomoyo smiled again and glanced slightly up towards Eriol's grinning face. He was a few inches taller than her, which she was grateful because she really disliked having to stretch her neck to look at others. "Reminds me of Sakura-chan. You can never find her when you need her."
Eriol's glasses slid down his nose slightly. A sudden thought occurred to him. "Is Kinomoto-san up yet?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "Sakura-chan would need a whole army to waken her up before noon."
Eriol sighed. So much for that idea. He was hoping that Syaoran would be with the sorceress. Wait till he found out about her little 'secret.' He had discovered it last night as he reflected upon the decorations of the ball. The flowers were controlled to an extent, but as he recalled most of the magical persona had to keep knocking out the flowers. Flowery was not a very bright card when it came to showering her gift. Thus, all morning Eriol had been dying to tell Syaoran that Sakura was the new Clow Mistress.
He frowned slightly at that thought. That actually might cause problems. Syaoran always wanted to be the keeper of the cards, but most of the Elders believed that only Eriol would receive them. After all, Eriol was half the reincarnation of Clow Reed. Of course, Eriol failed to mention that the cards would not return to him, but to the destined child his former self foretold. The memories he had needed to know who the destined was, however, were in a different body. Now he knew, which would really tick off the council. He grinned, a little maliciously. Served them right for always getting on his case.
Then again, Sakura being the new mistress might actually solve some of those problems. In fact, Queen Yelan would find that very important. It could decide whether Syaoran married his cousin or not. Seeing how Syaoran disliked his obnoxious cousin, he decided that Sakura would make a much better choice. That is, if all goes well and Syaoran didn't screw it all up. He sighed. The prince would mess it up, he knew. Therefore he decided to keep her identity to himself until a more opportune time arrived.
"What's wrong, Sir Hiiragazawa?" asked Tomoyo, when she heard the multitude of sighs emitting from the blue hair man.
"Nan demo nai. I was just hoping that Xiao Lang would be with Kinomoto- san."
"Is he missing?"
"In a way. As I said before, Xiao Lang is hard to keep track of. He disappeared this morning."
Tomoyo giggled slightly. "A wish I could do that so well. I, however, cannot seem to find any suitable hiding place."
"Another reluctant royal?"
"I am afraid so."
Eriol laughed. "Is it something in the blood or in the water you drink?"
Tomoyo smiled and giggled again. "I think it is more in the people around us. They tend to hunt us down whenever something goes wrong."
Eriol smiled warmly. "I shall make a note to never become a royal, seeing how I do not like people hounding after me all day."
Tomoyo sighed inwardly. How she wished she could do that so easily. "And I will try my hardest to get rid of them."
Eriol laughed again. "I think you should take a page out of Li's book. I believe it is called 'A Thousand and One Ways to Get Rid of Annoying Nobles.' I believe he's currently working on volume two while we are here. I am afraid that you will have to wait for that addition in order to for your escape."
Tomoyo mocked a sigh. "Alas, I will. I guess I will have to refer to Sakura- chan and sleep my life away. Of course, I will need to lock the four doors in my room to keep out the servants."
"So, my dear lady. What does a fair lotus flower like yourself do in her 'free' time." He emphasized free, a glint sparkling in his eyes.
"Reading, sewing, and singing."
"What do you like to read?"
Tomoyo's face lit up. "Everything." She had a faraway look in her eyes as she said that. She rarely had time to read, but the times she was able to, she cherished.
Eriol noted the distant look. She was really stunning when she closed off what everyone else around her was doing. Often he found that most courtiers and nobles held many different masks over their faces, rarely showing their real side. He found that this young slip of a woman rarely hid her true colors from others. He could not think of another soul in the world that deserved to harness this girl. Even he felt dimmed by the utter radiance of her being.
At last the pair arrived at the banquet hall. With a quick glance, Eriol noticed that Syaoran was still missing. He was going to be in trouble with Yelan when she noticed he wasn't with him. He winced slightly, already feeling the gaze of the Queen on him. After breakfast he would have to find Syaoran or forfeit his head.
He guided Tomoyo to her seat beside Queen Sonomi before moving towards a lesser table to eat. As the meal started he was angered by the fact that Syaoran still hadn't appeared. One day he was going to have to learn the responsibility needed to rule his kingdom. May hap the sorceress would be needed far more than he anticipated.
