Hi! I haven't been here for a loooong time because I've been busy with my schoolwork. But I solemnly promise that I will update faster because it's nearing the summer holidays! YAY!
Before I Knew You
Chapter 6- Supposed Scandal and Lost Cousin
Greenleaf Blossom
Recap:
The door closed behind her and Sakura broke down on the floor. "I can't believe it!" Sakura pulled her hair in distaste and rocked back and forth on the floor. "Why didn't I just tell him! I'm so sorry Meiling….I can't save you!"
A hand reached out to comfort her and Sakura looked up to see warm brown eyes looking down at her in concern. She gasped and the boy smiled.
"May I ask why you were weeping Princess?" the boy said and helped Sakura up to the nearest chair. The torch lights beamed down at rows and rows of books and Sakura felt uncomfortable.
She turned to look at the boy and smiled. "Prince Syaoran, may…may I ask you for a favour. I-I promise I will repay you!" Sakura said and held on to Syaoran's hand to wait for his answer.
Syaoran's body tingled with her touch and nodded feebly. "Of-of course."
Sakura seemed relieved and blurted everything out. "Prince Syaoran, you have to save my advisor! She was sent out to journey with me to this castle. But…but we lost each other in the forest. I was rescued by you…but I don't know whether she is okay or not! I want to know where she is!" Sakura said and looked up and Syaoran's eyes to see his reaction.
Syaoran seemed lost in thought and for a second, Sakura lost her hope. Meiling, I can't save you…I'm so sorry…please forgive me.
"I'll help you." Sakura looked up, stunned. Did… did I just hear Prince Syaoran tell me that he would help me?
"Princess, I will help you find your advisor if you help me paint a picture of her so I can know what she looks like. However…" Syaoran cut himself off to see what Sakura would do.
"..you have to be strong….and don't cry anymore….i'm sure that my brother wouldn't like to see you cry…and nor would I" Syaoran said the last part quietly and looked to see Sakura's face brimming with cheer.
"Arigato Prince Syaoran….thank you so much!" Sakura bowed deeply to show her gratitude and Syaoran smiled.
"Could you get the portrait ready by tonight then?" he asked and Sakura nodded feebly.
"Hai….I will bring you the portrait tonight after dining."
"Do..do you know where my room is?" Syaoran asked and crossed his fingers that she didn't so that he could show her to his room then offer her a cup of tea.
"Uh….I do….I'll see you tonight then?" Sakura said softly and nearly burst out laughing at the Prince's curious expression.
"Oh…I'll see you then…." Syaoran said and left the library.
Later….
"Hmmm…just one more dab here and it should be finished!" Sakura said cheerfully and put her brush down. Tomoyo stood up and walked over to where the painting lay. She nearly gagged when she saw the portrait and made a face.
Sakura looked to see what Tomoyo was doing and cocked her head to one side. "What's wrong?" she asked and looked over the portrait again. "There's nothing wrong with this! It looks like Meiling!" she exclaimed. Tomoyo tsked and smiled.
"Sakura, Meiling doesn't have purple hair! She has two buns on her head and she always wears ribbons! Meiling doesn't have such big ears and she doesn't have dots for eyes and-"
"Tomoyo! I don't have black paint so I had to paint the hair purple and how was I supposed to draw Meiling's eyes? They're so complicated!" Sakura said and slumped into a chair.
"Tomoyo, I can't get this right!" she pulled at the pink frills on her slip and tapped on her chin. Tomoyo pulled up another chair to the table and motioned for one of the servants to get another piece of paper.
"Here, I'll help you," Tomoyo volunteered and Sakura handed her the brush.
"You better hurry. I have to get this ready by after dinner!" Sakura warned and rubbed her eyes sleepily.
"I'll just take a short nap while you get the portrait ready…"
Meanwhile:
"Tsk….I can't believe this!" The King pounded his clenched fist on the table and the Queen rushed to his side.
"You don't have to get worked up about this!" The king sighed and called up one of his servants.
"Go inform Prince Ho, that I want to see him NOW!" the servant scampered away and found safety in the hallway outside the king's study.
"Uh oh, I hope this isn't about 'it'!"
After dinner:
Sakura took a deep breath as she knocked on the big brass door that led to Syaoran's room. The foor opened and a maid welcomed her warmly.
"Good Evening Princess." A familiar servant named Hoshi came up to her, took the big package from her and led her into the waiting room.
Sakura sat on a fancy green couch and fingered one of the cushions. The silk brushed over her fingers and she gently tugged at one of the stray edges.
Her heart was filled with nervousness and she wondered how the prince was going to help her find her advisor.
"What it…she isn't here anymore?" Sakura wondered out loud and she couldn't keep the tears from flowing freely down her cheeks. A pair of footsteps stopped behind her and she turned around.
Emerald met amber as they helped each other's sight. Sakura was first to break their hold and greeted him graciously.
"Good evening Prince." Prince Syaoran cast her a worried look for a spilt second, but a serious expression was finally the one to settle on his handsome face.
"Princess, I assume that you have the portrait ready?" he said and waved for the servant to bring the portrait forwards. Sakura and Syaoran both reached for it at the same time and their fingers touched for a spilt second. They both jumped at each other's touch. Sakura felt the heat rise to her face and stole a glance at the prince. He was calm and collected.
Syaoran unwrapped the portrait and Sakura helped hold it.
"This is my ad-" Sakura began, but was cut short by Syaoran's gasp.
"Meiling." Syaoran uttered in astonishment. Sakura was bewildered.
"You know my advisor?" she asked and scratched her forehead in confusion. Syaoran turned to look squarely at her and answererd in a small voice.
"She….she is my cousin. We…we lost contact of each other when her Mom and Dad died. The last I heard, she was sent off to another place."
Sakura smiled weakly when she saw Syaoran's eyes gleam with determination.
"Don't worry Princess. I'll do my best to find her- for you and for my family."
To Be Continued….
I am terribly sorry if this chapter was dull and boring. The funny moments will start to become noticble in later chapters…..i'm working on the seventh chapter so it wouldn't be long for it to come online…..
Thanks to the four people that reviewed….
Callista Miralni and FlowerLover…..you guys rock!
'till the next chapter..
Greenleaf Blossom
