Forgotten Cherry Blossom

Chapter 4: Engagements

Sakura walked slowly down the long hallway. She had awoken in a huge room in a bed to match the room's size. Her body ached, but she couldn't lay down any more. She managed to wash and change with great difficulty. She looked at the clothes she had on. A light blue longish chines shirt with matching silk pants, her feet were bare. She came apon the kitchen.

"Excuse me." Every one looked at her.

"Yes madam?"

"May I please have something to eat? I mean, if it isn't to much trouble."

"No trouble at all madam." She went to sit down at a table in the corner of the kitchen. "Why don't you go sit in the dining room madam?" The big friendly man asked her, she guessed him head chef.

"May I stay here please? It's been a long time since I've been in a kitchen and I missed the smells. Call me Sakura please."

" Make yourself at home miss Sakura. Would you like some juice?"

"Yes please."

"And what would you like to eat?"

"Anything will be fine."

Yelan entered the kitchen, she spotted Sakura eating a big helping of chicken soup and fresh bread. "Sakura dear, why are you eating in the kitchen?"

"Good day madam. I asked Mr Saotome and he said it's all right if I stayed."

"Why would you want to stay here?"

"Begging your pardon, your highness, but miss Sakura said she missed the smell of a kitchen. There's no harm in her staying. She's rather like Prince Xiao-lang."

"Very well." She smiled warmly at Sakura. "Mr Saotome, would you be so kind as to prepare your special dish tonight. Xiao-lang has been nagging me for some time now."

"Yes your highness."

Sakura finished her soup and slowly stood to meet Mr Saotome. "Thank you for the meal sir." She bowed politely.

"It's my pleasure miss."

Yelan lead Sakura to a private entertainment room. It was warm and held a cosy feeling to it. Books were lying around on the table and cushions were scattered on the couches. Yelan motioned for her to sit and she silently obeyed.

"Sakura dear, why don't you have any shoes on?"

"I beg you pardon madam. Those in the room where to big, and I borrowed clothes without asking."

"No dear they are there for your use, I'll make sure that you get some shoes that fit you."

"Thank you madam." The door suddenly opened and a group of people walked in.

"I want to see the new girl! Every one says she's so cute." A woman whined.

"I know!"

"Just don't pinch her like you do with all your victims. She has a broken arm."

"Brother! Your such a spoilsport."

"No I just know you four. You all switch in to 'cuteness mode' whenever a person or thing that falls in your 'cute category' walks past. Luckily you don't do it with me anymore."

"Oh brother, only because mother told us."

"Yes, but your still cute!" All four girls started pinching him and rubbing their hands through his hair.

"Stop that, will you? Can't you go torture your own children?"

Eriol grinned. "No way, it's great to see you in a battle you can't win."

"Oh oh oh oh, Syaoron you look so ruffled."

"Tomoyo?" Her voice was coarse and unsure. Every one stared at Sakura.

"Sakura." She flung her arms around Sakura causing her to winch.

"Not so hard will you?"

"Oh Sakura, you look a fright! What happened to your lovely hair?" She lightly pulled at the tangled mass that lay on her head and down her face to her back.

Sakura giggled a little. "It's called prison Tomoyo. They don't have you there to look after my hair and clothes."

"Why do you always make fun of me?" she pouted.

"Because it's fun. Cheer up miss fashion, you can give me a complete make over later on."

"Promise."

"I promise. And it's nice to see you too."

"She's so cute!" A woman squealed behind her. "Oh brother, you have to marry her."

"I have to do no such thing!" Syaoran was red with embarrassment. "Why do you always do this to me?"

"Children! Calm down."

"Yes mother."

"Yes your highness."

"May I be excused please?" Sakura looked tired and felt it too.

"Yes dear, you may leave. Do you need help?"

"No madam, I'm fine thank you."  She politely bowed to every one and left the room behind with a whining Syaoran arguing with his sisters.

Yelan motioned for Tomoyo. "Tomoyo dear, you do realise that when Sakura is fit enough she has a certain obligation she has to for fill."

"Yes, your highness. But her father never told her, nor did her brother. They wanted her to be free as long as possible, for her to be a child as long as possible. The obligation of marriage has always been kept from her." So many secrets, this one being the least of my worries.

"I know dear. We shall wait until she is both physically and mentally fit to bear such a burden."

"May I ask your highness something?"

"Indeed you may."

"Will you be so kind as to bless my engagement to Eriol?"

"Oh, what wonderful news! Your wedding must be held here at the castle. Welcome to the family Tomoyo." She embraced Tomoyo.

"Thank you highness."

AN: Wait until you read what Tomoyo's dress look like! ^-^