"Shall we?" She asked smiling.

Syaoran glanced up from his desk chair to see the princess's proud look. He took a moment to grab a sample from her work. Not ready to leave if, in fact, the work was not completed to the caliber he expected.

The sheet he grabbed was a note requesting grains for their soldiers stationed at the kingdom's northern wall from different farmers. Her handwriting was elegant, and the note was incredibly considerate and gracious. Syaoran looked up at Sakura, who was rocking back and forth on her heels and toes.

Our prince put the note back in its respective stack and gave his own piles one last straightening before standing wordlessly. He started walking towards the door, leaving Sakura to take the hint and start following.

They turned down the hallway in a new direction Sakura had not yet been. She craned her neck in every direction. The ceilings were high and detailed with intricate carvings. The walls covered in portraits and still-lifes. On more than one occasion the princess had to run to catch up with the prince, who had no intention of waiting for her to stop gawking.

He did once, however, pause and slow down for a moment. Sakura had stopped dead in her tracks in front of a family portrait. At first glance, Sakura thought it was Li himself, but she quickly realized it was in fact his father. Yelan, as graceful as she was in the throne room the day prior, stood by his side. Surrounding them were four beautiful women and a small boy. A small, smiling boy with beautiful amber eyes and chestnut locks.

"Is this you when you were young, Prince Li? You looked so sweet… and your sisters are absolutely beautiful…" Sakura trailed off, now curious about Li's father. She had been told of his passing when learning about surrounding kingdoms in her studies. But this was Syaoran's father, someone he loved and still loves in grief, not just something to note in royal politics. She found herself reaching to outline his face, but stopped before she could touch the canvas, hearing Syaoran's gruff call of "Princess." from several paces ahead.

None of Sakura's questions, spoken or thought, were answered. And she accepted that for this moment as she ran to once again catch up to Syaoran.

A few silent moments more, and they were at a stone entrance that was illuminated by the sun beginning to fall lower in the sky.

Sakura let out a characteristic "Hoe…" as she took in the sights and sounds of the garden. The stream she saw earlier was bubbling, birds were chirping in the trees and flying overhead, and the salty breeze coming from the not-too-distant ocean filled the princess's lungs.

The princess's eyes closed as she tilted her head back to take in the sunshine on her face. Syaoran stood a few paces ahead still, but looked back at the princess.

As much as he hated to admit it, her childlike nature fascinated him. How she could be the picture of what a princess should be, but then take in the world with rose-colored glasses and cup beyond half full. It seemed as though mundane moments were miracles to her. It made his brain spin in circles at how someone could be filled with such hope. He would be foolish to not acknowledge the fact that she is, and he knows now, genuinely concerned about her kingdom. He can see the moments where it tears her up inside, she wears her feelings so plainly.

His train of thought was cut short when Sakura opened her eyes and caught the prince's amber ones staring. He looked down at the ground, cleared his throat, glanced at the garden, and then back at the princess. It was probably one of his least suave moments to date.

"Is there anything, in particular, you'd like to see, Princess?" Syaoran asked her as she walked towards him, a gentle smile still gracing her angelic face.

The princess thought for a moment, looking around at the expansive grand space. "What's your favorite flower, Prince Li?" she asked in earnest.

Syaoran's eyebrows raised at the inquiry. "They're… peonies…" he admitted after a beat.

"Are there any here?"

At this Syaoran nodded and began walking. Sakura followed, taking in every gorgeous tree, flower, and sculpture along the way. They found themselves crossing over a red bridge where the stream widened into a pond. Looking over the edge of the railing, Sakura's eyes widened at the sight of all the koi below.

"Neh, Prince Li, these koi are gorgeous! Look how big some of them are…" Sakura was now standing on the lowest peg of the bridge's fence, leaning over to take in the swimming frenzy of orange and white and black below. A wave of nostalgia rushed over Syaoran as he remembered standing the very same way before he grew taller to feed the koi and watch them swim.

"Perhaps we can come back with food for them, some time…" Syaoran suggested although he did not remember willing his mouth to speak.

Sakura whipped her head towards him grinning, sending honey tresses flowing with the light breeze in the process.

"I'd really like that."

To this Syaoran nodded, indicating it was an agreed-upon plan.

On the other side of the bridge was the sought after flower. Large bushes of white peonies awaited them. Sakura bent down in a squat to smell one, smiling at the scent.

"These are incredible, Prince Li. Thank you for showing me them." Sakura said, still taking in the delicate features of the flowers in front of her.

Syaoran was watching her trace the petals ever so gently. He swallowed.

"It was nothing…"

A slightly stronger breeze rustled the bushes, sending the looser petals flying. Sakura's head turned to follow their journey in the wind.

All the while Syaoran watched this moment, his breath hitched because the sight before him was like a beautiful painting he would never be able to capture on canvas, as much as he wished he could.

As the wind died down, he found himself asking the princess, "What is your favorite flower?"

Sakura turned to face him, still crunched down on the balls of her feet. "It sounds silly" she looks at the ground with a smile "seeing how it's my name and all. But, my mom named me after the cherry blossoms. So, whenever I see them, I feel a bit closer to her." The princess turned to look at Syaoran as she finished and began standing up.

Syaoran nodded, and without another word began walking along the edge of the pond. Sakura followed in a pattern she was growing accustomed to. They came upon a small path into the woods, one you wouldn't see unless you were confident in your memory. They kept walking further into the forest. Sakura would occasionally look up to see the dappled sunlight pierce through the leaves of the trees.

The trees. In an instant she became distracted with thoughts of her home. How will Touya react when he hears? Tomoyo? Her father? How are her people doing? Are they panicked? What about-

In her distraction Sakura tripped over a root, letting out a small "Ah!" as she closed her eyes and prepared for impact on the forest floor.

The impact did not come as she expected, however. She felt warm pressure on either side of her upper arms. She dared to open an emerald eye to look up and see Syaoran gazing down at her. They both took a breath.

"You are the clumsiest person I have ever met," Syaoran stated plainly.

It wasn't meant as a joke, but Sakura found herself laughing as she made to stand on her own.

"It's really a miracle I've made it to 18… thank you, Prince Li, I'll try to be more careful," Sakura said, tucking a loose tendril behind her ear, a darker blush than normal painting her cheeks and nose.

Syaoran grunted in response, seemingly unaffected by the moment as he turned and continued walking. However, in reality, his hands were on fire. He flexed them in front of his torso. They were craving to be where they were just a moment ago. The prince did his best to ignore it.

A few minutes more, and the royal duo's destination was apparent. Ahead of them was an expanse of pink and white cherry blossom trees, a whole clearing.

Our princess brought her hands to her face in disbelief. They were breathtaking. She made her way into the center of the clearing, turning to take in the beauty of the moment at all angles. She was in a sea of pink and white. Her heart swelled thinking of how much her mother would love it here, perhaps they could have had a picnic in the very center, surrounded by petals passing by.

Syaoran once again found himself forgetting the simple process of breathing. He understood completely why Sakura's mother had named her such, the beauty of the moment before him was baffling. His brain battled to comprehend it all.

"Thank you, Prince Li…" Sakura barely breathed those words, but the breeze carried them in all their gentleness to Syaoran's ears.

They both took in the beauty and tranquility that surrounded them. Syaoran broke through the reverie, though, noting that the sun was beginning to set.

"We should head back soon; before it gets dark." He said looking at the sun inching ever closer to the horizon.

"Mmm." The princess nodded in agreement.

The two walked back through the woods, around the pond's edge, over the bridge where Sakura made a point to wave goodbye to the koi, all the way back to the stone entrance from which they came. They walked in silence, but both would later individually note it was a far cry from uncomfortable silence. Sakura would additionally note that she was not scrambling to keep up with Syaoran's strides as they walked back to the castle. She was not certain whether she had grown used to his pace, or if the prince had shortened his stride. The princess believed it to be the former.

Waiting in the archway was Wei.

"Your highnesses," the butler started with a bow, "the Queen requests your company for dinner this evening at the top of the hour."

Sakura could hear Syaoran exhale sharply from his nose. He grunted in understanding, while Sakura curtsied to show Wei her thanks. The butler smiled at her before turning back into the castle.

Several paces to the left of the stone doorway was a small window a few inches above the ground. If one were to look now, they would see two familiar faces squished up against the glass. Naoko and Rika were there, trying to keep their squeals as quiet as possible.

There, in the kitchen, was quite the clamor over the two royals. Various servant voices shouted out over one another.

"Naoko! Rika-chan! Let us have a turn! We want to see!"

"They make quite the handsome couple, neh?"

"I thought she was engaged to that Northern prince?"

"No no, she turned him down!"

"I wonder what Lady Meilin will think."

All the while, Naoko and Rika were in their own separate chat.

"It's like a fairytale, Rika-chan. I've never seen such polar opposites. They're yin and yang! I will have to keep a written record of how this unfolds…" Naoko said as she pulled a small journal out from her apron pocket, beginning to scribble.

Rika laughed at her friend's antics, confused as to where in the world she found a quill with wet ink in the kitchen but enamored by her excitement.

"I hope she's alright… do you know why the princess is here? With her kingdom and all?"

This caused Naoko to pause in her writing. The bookish servant girl did in fact know.

"Hai…" she started solemnly before an apparent light went off in her mind.

"I know Rika-chan! Princess Sakura said she wanted to be friends, neh? Perhaps we could come by her chambers with some books and tea and sweets later!"

Rika smiled at the idea. "Mmm, let's!"

With this plan, and the two royals now moving into the castle on the other side of the glass, the servant pair jumped down from their perch. Just in time, as the chef was beginning to yell at them to get back to work.

Inside the halls, Sakura and Syaoran walked towards their respective chambers. When the two landed in the space that separated their rooms, Sakura curtsied.

"Thank you again, Prince Li. Gardens have always brought my heart a great deal of peace."

It was such a sweet and sincere sentiment. Syaoran felt himself clamoring for a response to match. He landed on his usual; a single grunt. However, if one knew him, they would hear it was a noise with far less abrasion than normal.

Sakura smiled, and with a nod, turned towards her door. Syaoran stood there for another second more before turning to do the same. He quickly turned back around.

"Princess Kinomoto, do you know how to get to the dining hall?" he asked from across the way.

Sakura, her hand on the door handle, turned to face the prince. She shook her head with a laugh.

"I haven't the faintest idea, in fact." The princess told him honestly.

"I will accompany you there, then."

Sakura felt something in her stomach flutter. "Hai, thank you, Prince Li."

He nodded at her before turning to his respective door, entering and closing it behind him. The prince leaned his back against it, and let his head fall back with a thud.

"What." He breathed out loud to himself.

Across the hall, Sakura was in a similar position, leaning against her door, clutching her stomach as it continued to flip and flutter with a new unfamiliar feeling.

This moment did not last long for her, though, because from above she felt the familiar weight of one guardian of the seal plop onto her head.

"Nehhhhh, Sakura-chan! Where did you go! I woke up from my nap on the dessert cart and I was in the kitchen and it smelled really good but I couldn't eat any of it and I'm starvingggggg" Kero whined, sliding dramatically off his master's head into her outstretched hands.

Sakura giggled. "Dinner will be happening shortly, Kero-chan. I believe it will just be Queen Yelan, Syaoran, and myself. I can let you know when the coast is clear."

A moment after saying it, Sakura realized what she had done. He wasn't there, so she would not have to meet his disapproval, the princess had called the prince by his first name. Her mouth had just formed the sounds so naturally, she did not think twice.

Kero was too distracted by his hunger to have noticed her slip. He began floating lazily towards the window to where he could flop with dramatics onto the balcony's railing.

"I suppose I will simply waste away in the meantime! A yellow bag of skin and bones…"

Sakura shook her head with a smile at Kero's theatrics. He certainly provided consistency in her new reality.

She went to the bathroom to wash up before dinner and then joined Kero on the balcony for a few moments. The pair looked out at the sun setting over the horizon, reflecting its yellows and pinks and oranges across the salty water.

The princess took a deep breath and smiled at the sight. While it was true her life had been rearranged into something she barely recognized overnight, there had been so many moments of beauty in her new world. She longed to be on the sand, however. Put her feet in the water, let the waves gently lap up to her shins.

Sakura had a thought. This was absolutely something she could do. Sakura ran back into her room to look at the clock, she had half an hour before the prince would come to take her to dinner. Plenty of time! She thought.

The princess sprinted back towards her balcony on the other side of the room, hiking up one side of her skirt and tucking it into her belt, revealing the knee-length pantaloons she wore underneath. Sakura found this a much easier way to fly when wearing a full-length gown. She looked around outside, the Li kingdom was known for its magic, surely no one would mind her wielding? Besides, there was no one she could see on the wall or grounds by the beach.

"Want to get some fresh air, Kero-chan?" Sakura asked as she untucked her star-staff necklace from her dress. Kero perked up, excited at the idea.

"Release!" Sakura shouted, revealing her staff at full size. From the pocket on her belt, Sakura instinctually grabbed the Fly. She smiled down at her friend. Sakura saw the cards as companions, they were part of her, and she was part of them

The princess called upon the Fly, causing angelic wings to appear on her back with a series of sparkles and loose feathers. Kero and Sakura then set off towards the water. It was not long until the sea spray was hitting them both in the face. The princess giggled, it felt incredibly refreshing.

Sakura dove to fly closer to the water, looking down at the wavy reflection of her and Kero in the sunset. She stretched out a hand, allowing the tips of her fingers to break the surface for a few moments before the two flew back up again.

They hovered for a minute or two, watching the sun dip further and further past the water's edge. Kero broke the simple sounds of the waves lapping and seagulls cawing.

"Neh, Sakura-chan, what's that?"

Sakura's eyes followed the path of Kero's gaze. Below them to the right was a small stretch of water that was completely black in color. It looked as if it was frothing and bubbly. A noise emanated from it, like a low static hum.

The flying pair drew closer, hovering 20 feet above the mass.

"I… I don't know, Kero-chan…" Suddenly, a single pillar of black water leaped up towards Sakura. The Fly acted before Sakura could even process what was happening, and elevated the Princess beyond the reach of the dark mass.

The princess gasped for breath. "Th-thank you, Fly… Kero-chan… what; what was that?"

Kero's small eyebrows furrowed in confusion and concern. Before the pair could take any counteraction, the mass seemed to sink deep below the water's surface, out of sight. The noise it created was no longer ringing in their ears.

"I haven't a clue, Sakura… Let's head back…"

The two landed softly on the balcony, Sakura's wings disappearing as quickly as they came in the same magical manner. They were both silent, taking deep breaths.

"Perhaps Prince Li will know something, I could ask him after dinner." Sakura proposed the idea to her guardian.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Sakura, I don't trust him yet… and it's not just because he's a southern gaki…"

Sakura bit her lip. She was known for being over-trusting. Touya had chastised her for it since she was a little girl. The princess nodded at her guardian's words.

A knock was then heard at the door. Sakura's eyes widened with panic.

"Speak of the devil" she mumbled under her breath, making haste towards the door.

A second knock had just started when the princess whipped open the door, leaving a surprised Syaoran standing there with his fist raised.

He cleared his throat and looked towards the hallway.

Sakura cocked her head to the side in confusion at this reaction to her, completely forgetting that she had tucked part of her skirts into her waistband for flying and that she was completely covered in sea spray. Her emerald eyes once again widened while her face flushed a full pink in embarrassment.

"Just a moment!" The princess squeaked as she shut the door. She called upon the Dash, moving quickly between the door and the wardrobe, muttering to herself about how absentminded she was.

In just a few moments the door opened again, revealing Sakura in a fresh gown, this one the color of cream. Her hair looked tousled and wavy, no doubt from the salty spray of the ocean. Syaoran would later admit to himself that he rather liked how her hair looked when she had spent time by the water, but he certainly did not in this moment.

This time, Sakura was the one to clear her throat. "My apologies, Prince Li."

Syaoran did not acknowledge her words, but rather set off in the direction of the dining hall, leaving Sakura to once again follow and catch up.

Unbeknownst to her, Sakura was wringing her hands anxiously in front of her waist. It distracted Syaoran, as he kept looking out of the corner of his eye to see her petite hands perform their nervous dance.

Despite his best judgment, he asked her while looking straight ahead "Does something trouble you, princess?"

Sakura's gaze snapped up from her hands and up towards the prince's side profile, letting out a soft "hoe" as she did.

"Ano… I'd rather not pester you with my worries, Prince Li… you have enough on your plate…"

He did not combat this or push further. If she wanted to speak with him, he was certain she would.

They continued to walk in silence until the pair came upon yet another daunting set of large doors, with a royal guard on either side. The one on the left spoke as they both entered into a bow "Your highnesses…"

Sakura gave them each a polite nod and smile, while Syaoran simply stared straight ahead as they opened the double doors.

Inside, Queen Yelan sat waiting at the head of a long and impressive dining table. On either side of her was a single chair. Sakura noted mentally that she preferred tables with many chairs, there were more stories and laughs to be shared that way.

"My son, Princess Sakura, please join me." The queen gestured to the seats.

The royals moved to take their respective spots on either side of her, Sakura curtsying as a servant moved to pull out her chair.

"Queen Yelan, thank you for allowing me to join you both for dinner."

As Sakura sat down, she whispered her thanks with a smile to the servant that pulled out and pushed in her seat. It was a young woman with shoulder-length yellow hair, who smiled back at Sakura and nodded in response to her gratitude. Yelan followed this interaction out of the corner of her eye while taking a sip of red wine.

As the servants filled Syaoran and Sakura's wine glasses, Yelan turned her head to Sakura.

"I am told that my son showed you our gardens this afternoon, Princess. How did you find them?"

Sakura smiled at the memory. "They are absolutely breathtaking, your highness. I particularly loved the peonies and the cherry blossom grove."

Yelan raised her eyebrows ever so slightly at this. Her son had shown the young lady that sat before her two things very dear to him, after only knowing the princess for a day in change.

"Yes, they've bloomed most beautifully this year. Wouldn't you agree, Xiaolang?" Yelan asked, now turning to her son, who was in the middle of taking a rather large sip of wine.

He swallowed and grunted. "Yes… most…" was his only reply.

A thick silence hung over the table until Wei called out from a different door than the one they entered through.

"Your highnesses, dinner is served."

A stream of servants carrying trays of varying sizes entered in. They placed the main course in front of each of the royals, lifting the metal lids off with flair. Steam poured off of the dishes before them, clearing to reveal a full fish dish.

The queen brought her palms together at her chest, signaling Sakura and Syaoran to follow suit. In relative unison the three called out "Itadakimasu" before beginning to eat.

After several bites, Sakura turned to Yelan with a smile. "This is absolutely delicious, your Grace. I've never had fish so fresh!"

Yelan let a small smile tug at her mouth and the corners of her eyes.

"I'm glad you enjoy it, Princess. I will be sure to let the kitchen know."

A few minutes more passed as they continued with their meals, trying the various sides and sauces that accompanied the main plate.

As she cut the food before, Yelan spoke to her son. "You have a visitor tomorrow, Xiaolang. Lady Akari from our eastern province."

Syaoran did nothing to hold back his eye roll at the prospect of this, causing Sakura to hide her smile behind her napkin. His annoyance was a sentiment she knew well.

"Mother, I have already made it quite clear I do not have time for these meetings. Besides, Lady Akari was here last fall. I do not remember her leaving eager to come back." Syaoran smirked at the end of his last words, clearly remembering something at least a little bit devious.

Sakura continued eating, this meal was absolutely amazing and she had every intention of eating her fill, but her eyes flitted between the mother and son. She felt she was present for a conversation she should not be part of.

"Xiaolang. You will treat the lady of the Ren household with the utmost respect. I need not remind you how incessant the families of our kingdom are getting in you choosing your bride."

At this Syaoran breathed out in frustration. Dropping his fork with a clammer onto his plate and pushing out his chair with a squeak.

"Excuse me, I am quite full." He started walking towards the large doors from which he and Sakura entered. The guards on the inside of the dining hall bowed their heads as they opened the door for his exit.

The princess was looking down at her lap, unsure of what to do or say. Queen Yelan broke the silence.

"I do apologize for my son's behavior, Princess."

Sakura started to wave her hands to dismiss the need for apologies.

"There's no need, Queen Yelan! It's quite alright, I can absolutely understand the pressure of one's kingdom on the prospect of marriage…"

Yelan nodded, "Thank you, Princess. Would you care to join me in the drawing room for a cup of tea?"

Sakura smiled at the offer. "I would love to, your Grace."

With that, Yelan beckoned Sakura to follow her. They exited through an equally grand door on the opposite side of the room, trailed by a royal guard and a young woman who appeared to be the Queen's attending.

They walked through new hallways Sakura had not yet seen until they came upon a door painted eucalyptus green. The attending lady first entered the drawing-room, and began lighting the lanterns and candles.

The female royals followed soon after. Yelan invited Sakura to sit opposite her on the same couch.

As they sat, the servant girl, who Sakura could now see in the new light of the drawing-room, began to prepare the tea. She looked a few years younger than Sakura. Her hair was short and black, but her eyes were that same fascinating shade of violet that her cousin Tomoyo had. It made Sakura's heart swell.

Yelan then spoke; "I have no doubt that my son has been brash towards you since your arrival."

Sakura's mouth pulled into a somewhat sad smile, it was in part true. The prince had moments where she felt the room had turned to ice he was so cold. The queen continued;

"He was once a very happy young man. You'd hardly recognize him as the same prince."

Sakura nodded slowly as she listened, remembering the portrait of the royal family she saw earlier.

"As you may know, my husband passed suddenly after falling ill many years ago. The elders of the Li family did not hesitate in urging him into responsibilities far beyond his years. He was only a boy, but they wished for him to be the man of the Li kingdom."

Sakura looked down as her fists bunched her gown's skirt, her eyes starting to water. It made terrible sense why the prince acted as he did. He was forced to harden or be considered weak at so young an age.

"I'm telling you all of this so you know. His coldness is not against or because of you, but rather his past."

Sakura looked up and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat, the second one today.

"Thank you for telling me, Queen Yelan. I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband, I heard many tales of what a great man and king he was."

Yelan smiled at the teary-eyed Princess before her. The empathy Sakura had for others was clear as day. She was certainly Nadeshiko's daughter.

The queen nodded, then turned to the now full tea cups on the table. She first offered Sakura one, which the princess graciously accepted, and then took her own.

"I am deeply sorry for the circumstances that brought you to our kingdom, Princess Sakura. But I must admit to you, I am quite glad you're here."

Sakura smiled at the Queen's sentiment, nodding her thanks. The two then sipped their tea and fell into more general conversation. Sakura asked about the different traditions she had heard about in her studies on the Li kingdom The queen asked after Sakura's experience in capturing and transforming the Clow cards. On more than one occasion the young princess made the Queen chuckle as she told stories of her adventures in magic. She got to describing her guardians.

"And Kero-chan, or Keroberos, excuse me. He is too funny, he's always hungry and-" Sakura stopped herself mid-sentence, realizing her mistake.

"That reminds me, your grace, I'm so sorry! In the rush to get to dinner I left Kero in my room! He's probably eating the curtains by now, oh gosh…"

Sakura's eyes looked around in horror. Yelan smiled and told her "You are excused, Princess. Go make sure he's alright. I'll send Naoko to your room with some trays shortly. Ito, the guard outside, will show you to your chambers."

Sakura placed her cup down on the table, "Thank you so very much, your grace!"

Sakura turned towards the servant girl with Tomoyo's eyes that had been standing by all the while, "Thank you very much for the tea! It was delicious!"

The girl's purple eyes widened at being addressed by the Kinomoto princess. "H-hai, your highness." she squeaked out with a curtsy.

With a quick curtsy to them both, Sakura made her way out of the drawing-room.

This left Yelan sitting on the couch alone. She smiled to herself as she brought her teacup to her lips and took a long sip.


ahahahah hi again! please enjoy this extra long boi! also thank you very much for your reviews! they inspire me to keep going with this project :) xo