Disclaimer: Ahhh....school's been keeping my too busy to update. BUT! I
managed another chapter. Gomenasai! I didn't think it would take that long,
but I hope to have another chapter up soon! Hopingly I won't have more work
to do. Geez...school's going to kill me one day... =___=;;;;;; Forget about
me! Now on with the story!!!
*************************************
The Wonderous Scheme Unfolds
The trip back too the castle was far too long for Sakura to endure. Especially with the handsome, radiant man who strode ahead of her. They were both silent along the way, but Sakura was relieved, she was most certainly still recovering from that kiss and the violent scene before. Though she thought she had been lucky, she still couldn't help wondering what had happened to Eugene. She hoped they didn't do anything too harsh to him, after all, it really wasn't his fault.
As she recalled the story many times before, Eugene had never been this way before. His life used to be a content one, he had lived happily with some wealth and had no care for the world. He married a beautiful woman, who he loved and cherrished very much and had the greatest son. She had imagined his life, being so happy, she even felt envious of him, that she knew someone was capable of having such a content life she so very desired. But his life was quickly shattered as he lost both of them in an accident. They were sailing, and a vicious storm had bombarded them without warning. Sadly he was the only survivor of his family.
That was only the beginning before he had gone into greiving. Then the drinking. She couldn't remember him having any happy times while she was around. He always had the same solemn and sad face he carried around. And his violent streak was part of it as the drinking caused his anger to surface, lashing out at anyone he could.
She shuddered at the thoughts. Trying to fixate her attention to current times, she glanced quickly to the man who walked in front of her. Both of them never uttered a word, which made her a bit more nervous as she really had nothing to say. She should, of course, thank him for his help, but she couldn't weld herself to say it. Her stomach was too full of butterflies to do anything but let him lead her back.
His grip on hers made her feel weak with need. She hated how he could do such confusing things to her and yet, she could not deny the fact that she enjoyed them. Staying silent the rest of the way, she didn't bother to speak. FOr some odd apparent reason, she enjoyed their 'walk' back to the castle.
Damn, damn and triple damn. It was so hard for him to concentrate where they were going. It was difficult to remember where they were heading, especially when he had the most amazing person in his grasp. He could not deny that fact. Not until he say her again, his body ached. Longing swept over him faster than a bullet and it was all he could do not to stop and take her into his arms. These feelings were odd, and he'd be damned to do such a thing. Not only was it improper, his father would have a coniption. Dammit. He cursed silently beneath his breath. It was times like these he wished he was not a royal.
Upon returning to the castle, he lead her into the castle courtyard again, where they had shared a special time the other day. That thought had caused Syaoran to give a wry smile. What wouldn't he do to have another one? Shaking the thought away, he turned and faced her boldly, his hands holding her arms firmly. "Are you sure you're alright?" He questioned again, still feeling doubtful.
Sakura nodded positively, feeling a bit awkward. She was so content when he was around, but deep down inside, she would never have this dream. She was a servant, him a prince. It would never happen and no one would ever understand. She looked away for the moment, saddened by the thoughts. She really did want to be with him, to be happy.
He sighed lightly with relief and it took a lot of energy in him to hold back the anger. If he wasn't so into manners, he would've killed the man, no matter who was watching. He knew that any man had no right to hit a woman. That gave him enough fury to do some real damage. Seeing as they survived most of the event, it was best he take her back, and it be best if she never returned there.
Staring into her eyes, he searched for any signs of lies, but he saw nothing, nothing but the sincerity and amusement that had caught his attention before. Seconds seemed like eternity as he was, once again, drawn to those amazing eyes. Drawn to them like a magnet, he dipped his head over her's, his eyes finding their way to stare at her lips. Trying to remember his manners, he shook the thought away quickly, turning around and walked off towards the castle again.
********
Queen Zaoan sat patiently in her room, eyes locked towards the view the window held. It wouldn't be long before she arrived, she was sure. The plan was going to work, Zaoan intended so. The only problem now was if her hardheaded husband will fall for such a devious act. It would take a bit of time, but she was positive this plan will go well, very well.
Knowing already of how the girl acted, she would be able to play a lady without difficulty. That thought made Zaoan smile. As many may already knew, she truly loved her son. And if this was going to make him happy, she'd die a happier mother.
Sighing lightly, all she needed to do now was to convince the king of her plans. Not of what she was planning to do of course, but a little deception will be needed to be played if it was going to win him over. Striding around the room, she continued to wait, playing the plan over in her mind several times.
********
It didn't take long for them to reach the castle grounds, actually, it took much faster than Syaoran had predicted, tyhough he regretted much of it. What he really wanted to do was prolong the walk, wanted to talk to her, wanted to know her, and wanted other things above all else. But he knew it wasn't proper. Anything he wanted with Sakura was indeedly insane and absurd. Sakura...how he loved the sound it made, the music it created at the tip of his tongue when he spoke it.
Turning around quickly, he took a leisurely bow and smiled. "It seems we have come to our destination.."
Sakura returned the smile with one of her own, bowing lowly also. "I believe we have.."
"Sakura-chan!"
Both turned around quickly to watch the familiar femme with dark smokey blue hair run towards them. "Sakura-chan! Sugoi! You're okay, I thought you might've been hurt, or worse.."
Sakura smiled lightly, understanding her friend's concern. "Ne Tomoyo, as you can see, I'm fine. By the way, how did you get back?"
Tomoyo gave a sheepish look, turning around and gesturing towards the approaching male. "Ah..Eriol-kun escorted me back and told me most of the details..we got back just a while ago actually.."
Sakura looked a bit confused but ignored the feeling. Instead she watched the man approach Syaoran and bowed, quirking an eyebrow at the look Syaoran gave his companion. Ignoring that too, she quickly brought her hand to her mouth in shock. The meeting! Sakura quickly excused herself and quickly made her way to the chambers, leaving the three of them to look after her with utter fascination.
*********
Straightening up as best as she could, Sakura took a few deep breaths and stood outside the Queen's Chamber. No matter how much confusion took hold of her, she still did not understand why Her Majesty would want to see her. Also the fact that she was a servant as well. Fear quickly took hold of her as she thought of the obvious. What if she saw what happened in the courtyard? Would she be punished?
Taking a gulp and another breath, Sakura braced herself for the worse and knocked on the door. The door was quickly opened by the Queen's maid and was ushered in quietly and discreetly as well. Odd. Sakura didn't think there was a need to be so secretive.
Standing just inches from the door inside, Sakura looked around and admired the interior design. She knew the queen had a wonderful room, but didn't know how wonderful until now. Bowing politely, she moved to the side and watched the queen with curious, yet cautious eyes.
The queen gave a brilliant smile, warm and inviting as she gestured Sakura into a seat nearby. Sakura quickly obeyed and watched with questioning eyes towards the queen. Zaoan walked a few paces around the room, then after a few moments turned and faced her.
Sakura bowed low and polite. "Kinomoto Sakura at your service.."
"You may be wondering why I have summoned you here..." She waited for Sakura's nod and continued. "As you might not know, I have seen the scene in the courtyard, presuming you know what I am talking about..." Again she waited for her nod, but frowned at Sakura's horrified look. "Now now my dear, please don't be alarmed, I am not made, if you think that.."
Sakura took in a sharp breath but shook her head. "No...of course not.."
Zaoan continued. "You see...my Syaoran has been...how would you say...depressed. Betrothal isn't something he desires, yet it is an aquired tradition. But, I did see something strange in him at the courtyard. He was very....smitten towards you."
Sakura shook her head. "No, I don't think so.."
Zaoan smiled ruefully. "I do not doubt my indications my dear. For, as you can see, I am never wrong." Striding across the room, she stood in front of the window and stared out. "I know for a fact that my Syaoran wishes to marry only by love and I think he has found it." This time, she turned and stared directly as Sakura, who, by this time was appauled with shock. "But my dear, the King himself disapproves of marriage with lower classes and I believe we can change his mind..."
"We...?" Sakura stated with confusion, obviously not understanding the Queen's indication.
She nodded gladly. "Yes, we. I believe that class does not matter and to prove that, I want you to do me a favor."
Sakura nodded. "Anything...my queen."
She smiled lightly and strode to Sakura's side. "I want you to live with the higher class, dress like the higher class and be part of the higher class."
Sakura stood abruptly and shook her head. "That's impossible. I couldn't...I mean...I can't..."
Zaoan held a hand up for silence. "It's the only way. We must show the King that love, above all else is strong, and also that class is not the matter of anything. If you can act and look the part of a lady, he will realize his faults and understand that expectations are highly unnecessary. Please say you'll do this. Not for me, but for Syaoran...this kingdom will be in ruins if he does not follow his heart. Now you must follow yours. Even in this short period of time, I can strongly tell the connection you both have, for I know that Syaoran would never approach a female unless he finds them very...interesting.."
Sakura blushed deeply, widening the Queen's smile and nodded. "Very well...I'll do it...for Syaoran and...myself.."
The queen clapped gleefully and turned towards the door. "From this day forward...Sakura, you will become a lady.."
Opening the door, Sakura stared at the very elegant woman standing before them. The queen motioned her inside and turned towards Sakura. "This, my dear, is Meilin. She will be the one to help you with your outfits and manners. I hope you both will enjoy yourselves."
With a nod, Meilin walked up to Sakura and led her outside. Once standing behind closed doors, Meilin scrutinized Sakura to the last detail. "I don't know what he sees in you, but you do have an interesting quality. I can't put my hand on it, but, I sense a lot of innocence and something else that gives you your free spirit. I guess, I can understand why I'm surprised." Plastering on a smile, she continued. "But right now, we will be surprising him, now won't we?"
Sakura nodded and followed Meilin obediently. What has she gotten herself into? She'll never be able to play such a role, and if the King found out..she'll be in deeper waters then she has already put herself in. Oh my...
*************************************
The Wonderous Scheme Unfolds
The trip back too the castle was far too long for Sakura to endure. Especially with the handsome, radiant man who strode ahead of her. They were both silent along the way, but Sakura was relieved, she was most certainly still recovering from that kiss and the violent scene before. Though she thought she had been lucky, she still couldn't help wondering what had happened to Eugene. She hoped they didn't do anything too harsh to him, after all, it really wasn't his fault.
As she recalled the story many times before, Eugene had never been this way before. His life used to be a content one, he had lived happily with some wealth and had no care for the world. He married a beautiful woman, who he loved and cherrished very much and had the greatest son. She had imagined his life, being so happy, she even felt envious of him, that she knew someone was capable of having such a content life she so very desired. But his life was quickly shattered as he lost both of them in an accident. They were sailing, and a vicious storm had bombarded them without warning. Sadly he was the only survivor of his family.
That was only the beginning before he had gone into greiving. Then the drinking. She couldn't remember him having any happy times while she was around. He always had the same solemn and sad face he carried around. And his violent streak was part of it as the drinking caused his anger to surface, lashing out at anyone he could.
She shuddered at the thoughts. Trying to fixate her attention to current times, she glanced quickly to the man who walked in front of her. Both of them never uttered a word, which made her a bit more nervous as she really had nothing to say. She should, of course, thank him for his help, but she couldn't weld herself to say it. Her stomach was too full of butterflies to do anything but let him lead her back.
His grip on hers made her feel weak with need. She hated how he could do such confusing things to her and yet, she could not deny the fact that she enjoyed them. Staying silent the rest of the way, she didn't bother to speak. FOr some odd apparent reason, she enjoyed their 'walk' back to the castle.
Damn, damn and triple damn. It was so hard for him to concentrate where they were going. It was difficult to remember where they were heading, especially when he had the most amazing person in his grasp. He could not deny that fact. Not until he say her again, his body ached. Longing swept over him faster than a bullet and it was all he could do not to stop and take her into his arms. These feelings were odd, and he'd be damned to do such a thing. Not only was it improper, his father would have a coniption. Dammit. He cursed silently beneath his breath. It was times like these he wished he was not a royal.
Upon returning to the castle, he lead her into the castle courtyard again, where they had shared a special time the other day. That thought had caused Syaoran to give a wry smile. What wouldn't he do to have another one? Shaking the thought away, he turned and faced her boldly, his hands holding her arms firmly. "Are you sure you're alright?" He questioned again, still feeling doubtful.
Sakura nodded positively, feeling a bit awkward. She was so content when he was around, but deep down inside, she would never have this dream. She was a servant, him a prince. It would never happen and no one would ever understand. She looked away for the moment, saddened by the thoughts. She really did want to be with him, to be happy.
He sighed lightly with relief and it took a lot of energy in him to hold back the anger. If he wasn't so into manners, he would've killed the man, no matter who was watching. He knew that any man had no right to hit a woman. That gave him enough fury to do some real damage. Seeing as they survived most of the event, it was best he take her back, and it be best if she never returned there.
Staring into her eyes, he searched for any signs of lies, but he saw nothing, nothing but the sincerity and amusement that had caught his attention before. Seconds seemed like eternity as he was, once again, drawn to those amazing eyes. Drawn to them like a magnet, he dipped his head over her's, his eyes finding their way to stare at her lips. Trying to remember his manners, he shook the thought away quickly, turning around and walked off towards the castle again.
********
Queen Zaoan sat patiently in her room, eyes locked towards the view the window held. It wouldn't be long before she arrived, she was sure. The plan was going to work, Zaoan intended so. The only problem now was if her hardheaded husband will fall for such a devious act. It would take a bit of time, but she was positive this plan will go well, very well.
Knowing already of how the girl acted, she would be able to play a lady without difficulty. That thought made Zaoan smile. As many may already knew, she truly loved her son. And if this was going to make him happy, she'd die a happier mother.
Sighing lightly, all she needed to do now was to convince the king of her plans. Not of what she was planning to do of course, but a little deception will be needed to be played if it was going to win him over. Striding around the room, she continued to wait, playing the plan over in her mind several times.
********
It didn't take long for them to reach the castle grounds, actually, it took much faster than Syaoran had predicted, tyhough he regretted much of it. What he really wanted to do was prolong the walk, wanted to talk to her, wanted to know her, and wanted other things above all else. But he knew it wasn't proper. Anything he wanted with Sakura was indeedly insane and absurd. Sakura...how he loved the sound it made, the music it created at the tip of his tongue when he spoke it.
Turning around quickly, he took a leisurely bow and smiled. "It seems we have come to our destination.."
Sakura returned the smile with one of her own, bowing lowly also. "I believe we have.."
"Sakura-chan!"
Both turned around quickly to watch the familiar femme with dark smokey blue hair run towards them. "Sakura-chan! Sugoi! You're okay, I thought you might've been hurt, or worse.."
Sakura smiled lightly, understanding her friend's concern. "Ne Tomoyo, as you can see, I'm fine. By the way, how did you get back?"
Tomoyo gave a sheepish look, turning around and gesturing towards the approaching male. "Ah..Eriol-kun escorted me back and told me most of the details..we got back just a while ago actually.."
Sakura looked a bit confused but ignored the feeling. Instead she watched the man approach Syaoran and bowed, quirking an eyebrow at the look Syaoran gave his companion. Ignoring that too, she quickly brought her hand to her mouth in shock. The meeting! Sakura quickly excused herself and quickly made her way to the chambers, leaving the three of them to look after her with utter fascination.
*********
Straightening up as best as she could, Sakura took a few deep breaths and stood outside the Queen's Chamber. No matter how much confusion took hold of her, she still did not understand why Her Majesty would want to see her. Also the fact that she was a servant as well. Fear quickly took hold of her as she thought of the obvious. What if she saw what happened in the courtyard? Would she be punished?
Taking a gulp and another breath, Sakura braced herself for the worse and knocked on the door. The door was quickly opened by the Queen's maid and was ushered in quietly and discreetly as well. Odd. Sakura didn't think there was a need to be so secretive.
Standing just inches from the door inside, Sakura looked around and admired the interior design. She knew the queen had a wonderful room, but didn't know how wonderful until now. Bowing politely, she moved to the side and watched the queen with curious, yet cautious eyes.
The queen gave a brilliant smile, warm and inviting as she gestured Sakura into a seat nearby. Sakura quickly obeyed and watched with questioning eyes towards the queen. Zaoan walked a few paces around the room, then after a few moments turned and faced her.
Sakura bowed low and polite. "Kinomoto Sakura at your service.."
"You may be wondering why I have summoned you here..." She waited for Sakura's nod and continued. "As you might not know, I have seen the scene in the courtyard, presuming you know what I am talking about..." Again she waited for her nod, but frowned at Sakura's horrified look. "Now now my dear, please don't be alarmed, I am not made, if you think that.."
Sakura took in a sharp breath but shook her head. "No...of course not.."
Zaoan continued. "You see...my Syaoran has been...how would you say...depressed. Betrothal isn't something he desires, yet it is an aquired tradition. But, I did see something strange in him at the courtyard. He was very....smitten towards you."
Sakura shook her head. "No, I don't think so.."
Zaoan smiled ruefully. "I do not doubt my indications my dear. For, as you can see, I am never wrong." Striding across the room, she stood in front of the window and stared out. "I know for a fact that my Syaoran wishes to marry only by love and I think he has found it." This time, she turned and stared directly as Sakura, who, by this time was appauled with shock. "But my dear, the King himself disapproves of marriage with lower classes and I believe we can change his mind..."
"We...?" Sakura stated with confusion, obviously not understanding the Queen's indication.
She nodded gladly. "Yes, we. I believe that class does not matter and to prove that, I want you to do me a favor."
Sakura nodded. "Anything...my queen."
She smiled lightly and strode to Sakura's side. "I want you to live with the higher class, dress like the higher class and be part of the higher class."
Sakura stood abruptly and shook her head. "That's impossible. I couldn't...I mean...I can't..."
Zaoan held a hand up for silence. "It's the only way. We must show the King that love, above all else is strong, and also that class is not the matter of anything. If you can act and look the part of a lady, he will realize his faults and understand that expectations are highly unnecessary. Please say you'll do this. Not for me, but for Syaoran...this kingdom will be in ruins if he does not follow his heart. Now you must follow yours. Even in this short period of time, I can strongly tell the connection you both have, for I know that Syaoran would never approach a female unless he finds them very...interesting.."
Sakura blushed deeply, widening the Queen's smile and nodded. "Very well...I'll do it...for Syaoran and...myself.."
The queen clapped gleefully and turned towards the door. "From this day forward...Sakura, you will become a lady.."
Opening the door, Sakura stared at the very elegant woman standing before them. The queen motioned her inside and turned towards Sakura. "This, my dear, is Meilin. She will be the one to help you with your outfits and manners. I hope you both will enjoy yourselves."
With a nod, Meilin walked up to Sakura and led her outside. Once standing behind closed doors, Meilin scrutinized Sakura to the last detail. "I don't know what he sees in you, but you do have an interesting quality. I can't put my hand on it, but, I sense a lot of innocence and something else that gives you your free spirit. I guess, I can understand why I'm surprised." Plastering on a smile, she continued. "But right now, we will be surprising him, now won't we?"
Sakura nodded and followed Meilin obediently. What has she gotten herself into? She'll never be able to play such a role, and if the King found out..she'll be in deeper waters then she has already put herself in. Oh my...