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Hm...I'd say it's pretty much the same as the last one XD.. Hope you enjoy this chapter a bit, considering I'm thinking of extending them 'cause my friends complain the chapters were too short..hehe..ENJOY!
The Meeting of Betrothal
Startled, Sakura nearly jumped, causing her to spin around, facing a properly dressed man, perhaps the same age as herself. Surprised and taken aback, she kept her gaze still, more or less fixated upon his good-looking features. He was indeed good looking. But it wasn't his looks that were captivating; he certainly had a stunning presence. A faint blush rose from her cheeks as she realized how long she had stared. Still a bit shaken, she nodded politely in response, "Yes....sire?"
He had frightened her; something he thought was not called for. That he was indeed sorry for. He had not meant to surprise her, yet his usual ways of discreting himself from others was something he could not change. Letting his gaze fall upon her, he recalled her plain dressed clothing, her well worn burgundy brown dress which obviously showed she was a maid. But other then that, she was indeed a very appealing and charming. Her looks were in a way that would catch a man's attention not by beauty but by presence and personality. Already he had seen her polite side, perhaps he would enjoy seeing another side of her. Apologizing for his interruption, he returned the polite nod. "Indeed sorry for my intervene miss, but I was just wondering, are you perhaps the one who formed this divine garden?"
The girl was still a bit startled, but calmed just enough to keep a proper tone. Shaking her head lightly, she gave a quick glance at the garden she had currently been working on. "No sire. I have been working on them a couple of times, but the castle gardener takes care and forms these gardens. I am but just a mere helper with the process."
Intrigued, he stroked the bottom of his chin with his hand. The two which stood by him interrupted his thoughts abruptly, halting the conversation. "My lord, I believe this is improper for a royal to be involved in...Thy father will be most displeased..."
At those words, Sakura's eyes lit up with horror and realization. Bringing her hand over her mouth in shock, she bowed politely and quickly muttered a goodbye before heading off. "I'm sorry sire, but I must be leaving." At that she headed out of the courtyard and back towards the servant's wing. How moronic of her to not notice these things sooner, of course he was the prince of De'rinian, which would obviously explain his good manners and charm. Shaking her head with mortification, she quickly removed the embarrassing thoughts. To think she was able to talk to a royal. If it was to get out, she would definitely be in more than just trouble.
The prince merely raised a hand to halt the other's words. He was definitely not in the mood to here ramblings of improper behavior from another. That lesson had been taught too many times to him during his early childhood. It was that which drove him insane and angry. At times which he wished those words were never to be uttered again. Drawing a long heavy sigh, he watched the girl rush out of the courtyard. Of course she would. By rules within these walls, servants were forbidden to speak with the higher class. Yet he always seemed to break that rule. For a certain reason, he had enjoyed speaking with the servants, they had always something to talk about, unlike others who seemed to be consulting him with only betrothals and lectures of manners and required knowledge. How he loathed such consults, bearing through every singe one was too hard too take. If he were subjected to anymore, he thought he would explode with fustration.
Though marriage he thought of most of the time, he knew the time would come. Yet he did not want to marry a girl for her name and wealth, he wanted to do it for love. The many he had met were truly beautiful, well mannered and charming, but none had done anything for him. Thier interest for him was not of himself, but of his position as the next king. But the real problem was, he was not the one who decided he was to be married, it was his parent's. It was indeed not fair that he could not choose his own bride, yet the decision was not his. His mother understood his problems but his father had never approved. Approve or not, he did not want to marry just yet. It was time to have another talk with his mother, ones he seemed to have trouble with. Walking out of the courtyard quickly, he dismissed his followers and made his way towards the Queen's Chamber.
Sakura quickly made her way through the hallways, never stopping until she reached her room. Shutting the door behind her, she heaved an inaudible sigh. The unexpected meeting in the courtyard had almost given her a heart attack. To think she was able to speak with the Prince, though she really had not known it was him. Perhaps if she did, she would've kept her mouth shut, like all the servants were required to do as a royal of higher class addressed them. Yet she seemed to think he was too a handsome man. Her feelings for him had sprung without warning as he did as well. But she did not fall for him for his position. That was far from the case as she had not known until it was told. She was sure he had a captivating personality as his interest with flowers seemed bemused. She had heard many rumors of the Prince. His usually delay in approach and confined solitude that he always bestowed. But the Prince she met was open, willing to express his interests with her.
Even if she had fallen for such a person, it was impossible for anything of that sort to happen. Servants were forbidden to love a royal and vice versa. Her mood had suddenly changed from shock to disappointment. Even if the rule had not existed, she was definitely sure, he had seen many girls more beautiful then she. To him, she was probably nothing. Sighing once again, she laid on her bed with tiresome ease, trying to remove his image which was implotted in her mind.
Standing before the large metal door, it seemed to be out of place within the castle settings. Perhaps that was an understatement. With hesistation, he knocked a few times, waiting for it to be answered. A servant had ushered him in, announcing his arrival to the Queen, his mother. From her chair, she looked up and gave him a loving smile, nodding politely as usually. "Syaoran..." She would reply improperly, as always. Her attitude towards manners had been thin, always more concerned of others then herself. Mere addressing others was plain and common, her thoughts of using such formal language was not needed. Perhaps her attitude in such a way had made her so understandable.
He nodded in return, staying by the doorway as he spoke. "...I do not wished to be married.."
His mother looked at him with no surprise, as if she had always known what he was about to say. Her lips twitched into a small frown, giving him a questionable look. "But my dear Syaoran...betrothal is mandatory for a fine Prince as yourself."
"But mother!" He retorted quickly. "I have met many charming women over the time, but they do not appeal to me and are hard to approach.."
"I understand Syaoran, but yet, so many princesses have been offered and you take none. For your sister, Eliza had managed to find a King. That seems dreadful indeed. perhaps I will talk to your father about these matters."
Syaoran nodded gratefully, content his mother has always understood him, but was surprised she did not question him further. But of course she didn't understand, how could she? He had not told her...but why would he?
His mother gave her son a stern look, seemingly to read his thoughts as she looked at him through watching eyes. "Something is on your mind my dear. What is it? You can tell me.."
His features bestowed hesitation as he lingered a small sigh to escape his lips. "There is something else..."
Her lips formed a clear smile, content as she ushered him forward, which he obeyed. "So is there someone then?"
He merely shook his head, a no. "No...." But he paused slowly, remembering the servant girl from the courtyard. "Something else..."
She nodded truthfully, unttering the word easily and knowingly. "Love...you want love Syaoran.."
He nodded, she did understand, but what baffled him was her ability to know such things.
"Everyone wants love my dear. But you may keep your secrets. Betrothal will be discussed with your father soon enough..."
Syaoran understood and nodded towards his mother. He thanked her greatly and left her chambers for his.
The throne room was very well furnished. Anitiques and beautiful furniture lines the area, magnificent paintings plastered the cobble-stoned walls. Zaoan, the Queen made her way to the throne, seating herself politely and waiting for the king. He entered just the same, sterning making his way towards her and taking his seat rightfully beside her. His features were taut, strained and seemed fustrated. She gave him her usual smile and spoke reasonably.
"Perhaps you know why I have called you here my dear?" She started slowly.
He nodded and replied, "Betrothal..I thought we had already spoken of these matters Zaoan.."
She just shook her head. "It's not what he wants dear..."
"And perhaps you do? Name and wealth is everything nowadays. Would you rather he marry a women who has nothing? Like...a servant?"
"I understand my darling. But the princesses you sent were all charming, and beautiful. But they all are...arrogant. He doesn't want marriage with someone he does not feel comfortable with..he was love...Derek..wasn't that why you married me?"
"Fine..the ball of your birthday will be in two days. It will also become his day of choosing a bride. If he does not choose one, I will make the choice."
The queen nodded in understanding. "Yes dear..." Standing, she dismissed herslef and headed to Syaoran's chamber to tell him of the plans. It was not what he wanted but it was all she could do.
Hm...I'd say it's pretty much the same as the last one XD.. Hope you enjoy this chapter a bit, considering I'm thinking of extending them 'cause my friends complain the chapters were too short..hehe..ENJOY!
The Meeting of Betrothal
Startled, Sakura nearly jumped, causing her to spin around, facing a properly dressed man, perhaps the same age as herself. Surprised and taken aback, she kept her gaze still, more or less fixated upon his good-looking features. He was indeed good looking. But it wasn't his looks that were captivating; he certainly had a stunning presence. A faint blush rose from her cheeks as she realized how long she had stared. Still a bit shaken, she nodded politely in response, "Yes....sire?"
He had frightened her; something he thought was not called for. That he was indeed sorry for. He had not meant to surprise her, yet his usual ways of discreting himself from others was something he could not change. Letting his gaze fall upon her, he recalled her plain dressed clothing, her well worn burgundy brown dress which obviously showed she was a maid. But other then that, she was indeed a very appealing and charming. Her looks were in a way that would catch a man's attention not by beauty but by presence and personality. Already he had seen her polite side, perhaps he would enjoy seeing another side of her. Apologizing for his interruption, he returned the polite nod. "Indeed sorry for my intervene miss, but I was just wondering, are you perhaps the one who formed this divine garden?"
The girl was still a bit startled, but calmed just enough to keep a proper tone. Shaking her head lightly, she gave a quick glance at the garden she had currently been working on. "No sire. I have been working on them a couple of times, but the castle gardener takes care and forms these gardens. I am but just a mere helper with the process."
Intrigued, he stroked the bottom of his chin with his hand. The two which stood by him interrupted his thoughts abruptly, halting the conversation. "My lord, I believe this is improper for a royal to be involved in...Thy father will be most displeased..."
At those words, Sakura's eyes lit up with horror and realization. Bringing her hand over her mouth in shock, she bowed politely and quickly muttered a goodbye before heading off. "I'm sorry sire, but I must be leaving." At that she headed out of the courtyard and back towards the servant's wing. How moronic of her to not notice these things sooner, of course he was the prince of De'rinian, which would obviously explain his good manners and charm. Shaking her head with mortification, she quickly removed the embarrassing thoughts. To think she was able to talk to a royal. If it was to get out, she would definitely be in more than just trouble.
The prince merely raised a hand to halt the other's words. He was definitely not in the mood to here ramblings of improper behavior from another. That lesson had been taught too many times to him during his early childhood. It was that which drove him insane and angry. At times which he wished those words were never to be uttered again. Drawing a long heavy sigh, he watched the girl rush out of the courtyard. Of course she would. By rules within these walls, servants were forbidden to speak with the higher class. Yet he always seemed to break that rule. For a certain reason, he had enjoyed speaking with the servants, they had always something to talk about, unlike others who seemed to be consulting him with only betrothals and lectures of manners and required knowledge. How he loathed such consults, bearing through every singe one was too hard too take. If he were subjected to anymore, he thought he would explode with fustration.
Though marriage he thought of most of the time, he knew the time would come. Yet he did not want to marry a girl for her name and wealth, he wanted to do it for love. The many he had met were truly beautiful, well mannered and charming, but none had done anything for him. Thier interest for him was not of himself, but of his position as the next king. But the real problem was, he was not the one who decided he was to be married, it was his parent's. It was indeed not fair that he could not choose his own bride, yet the decision was not his. His mother understood his problems but his father had never approved. Approve or not, he did not want to marry just yet. It was time to have another talk with his mother, ones he seemed to have trouble with. Walking out of the courtyard quickly, he dismissed his followers and made his way towards the Queen's Chamber.
Sakura quickly made her way through the hallways, never stopping until she reached her room. Shutting the door behind her, she heaved an inaudible sigh. The unexpected meeting in the courtyard had almost given her a heart attack. To think she was able to speak with the Prince, though she really had not known it was him. Perhaps if she did, she would've kept her mouth shut, like all the servants were required to do as a royal of higher class addressed them. Yet she seemed to think he was too a handsome man. Her feelings for him had sprung without warning as he did as well. But she did not fall for him for his position. That was far from the case as she had not known until it was told. She was sure he had a captivating personality as his interest with flowers seemed bemused. She had heard many rumors of the Prince. His usually delay in approach and confined solitude that he always bestowed. But the Prince she met was open, willing to express his interests with her.
Even if she had fallen for such a person, it was impossible for anything of that sort to happen. Servants were forbidden to love a royal and vice versa. Her mood had suddenly changed from shock to disappointment. Even if the rule had not existed, she was definitely sure, he had seen many girls more beautiful then she. To him, she was probably nothing. Sighing once again, she laid on her bed with tiresome ease, trying to remove his image which was implotted in her mind.
Standing before the large metal door, it seemed to be out of place within the castle settings. Perhaps that was an understatement. With hesistation, he knocked a few times, waiting for it to be answered. A servant had ushered him in, announcing his arrival to the Queen, his mother. From her chair, she looked up and gave him a loving smile, nodding politely as usually. "Syaoran..." She would reply improperly, as always. Her attitude towards manners had been thin, always more concerned of others then herself. Mere addressing others was plain and common, her thoughts of using such formal language was not needed. Perhaps her attitude in such a way had made her so understandable.
He nodded in return, staying by the doorway as he spoke. "...I do not wished to be married.."
His mother looked at him with no surprise, as if she had always known what he was about to say. Her lips twitched into a small frown, giving him a questionable look. "But my dear Syaoran...betrothal is mandatory for a fine Prince as yourself."
"But mother!" He retorted quickly. "I have met many charming women over the time, but they do not appeal to me and are hard to approach.."
"I understand Syaoran, but yet, so many princesses have been offered and you take none. For your sister, Eliza had managed to find a King. That seems dreadful indeed. perhaps I will talk to your father about these matters."
Syaoran nodded gratefully, content his mother has always understood him, but was surprised she did not question him further. But of course she didn't understand, how could she? He had not told her...but why would he?
His mother gave her son a stern look, seemingly to read his thoughts as she looked at him through watching eyes. "Something is on your mind my dear. What is it? You can tell me.."
His features bestowed hesitation as he lingered a small sigh to escape his lips. "There is something else..."
Her lips formed a clear smile, content as she ushered him forward, which he obeyed. "So is there someone then?"
He merely shook his head, a no. "No...." But he paused slowly, remembering the servant girl from the courtyard. "Something else..."
She nodded truthfully, unttering the word easily and knowingly. "Love...you want love Syaoran.."
He nodded, she did understand, but what baffled him was her ability to know such things.
"Everyone wants love my dear. But you may keep your secrets. Betrothal will be discussed with your father soon enough..."
Syaoran understood and nodded towards his mother. He thanked her greatly and left her chambers for his.
The throne room was very well furnished. Anitiques and beautiful furniture lines the area, magnificent paintings plastered the cobble-stoned walls. Zaoan, the Queen made her way to the throne, seating herself politely and waiting for the king. He entered just the same, sterning making his way towards her and taking his seat rightfully beside her. His features were taut, strained and seemed fustrated. She gave him her usual smile and spoke reasonably.
"Perhaps you know why I have called you here my dear?" She started slowly.
He nodded and replied, "Betrothal..I thought we had already spoken of these matters Zaoan.."
She just shook her head. "It's not what he wants dear..."
"And perhaps you do? Name and wealth is everything nowadays. Would you rather he marry a women who has nothing? Like...a servant?"
"I understand my darling. But the princesses you sent were all charming, and beautiful. But they all are...arrogant. He doesn't want marriage with someone he does not feel comfortable with..he was love...Derek..wasn't that why you married me?"
"Fine..the ball of your birthday will be in two days. It will also become his day of choosing a bride. If he does not choose one, I will make the choice."
The queen nodded in understanding. "Yes dear..." Standing, she dismissed herslef and headed to Syaoran's chamber to tell him of the plans. It was not what he wanted but it was all she could do.