Sooo, I have no life and I'm writing this at 2 in the morning. Enjoy.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"I'm bored."

"Maybe if you stopped talking you'd feel better."

"That was mean."

"We kidnapped you. I don't think being nice is at the top of our priority list."

Sakura sighed and leaned against Mizu. "How much longer?"

"Look, you can see the castle right over there. Now shut up, we don't want our people thinking we made friends with a Li."

"But you did." She paused. "I'm tired."

"You'll get plenty of time for rest once we get to the castle."

"Is your castle as big as mine?"

"I don't know. Rooms aren't as nice."

"Why? Are you less fortunate than Li kingdom?"

Mizu scoffed. "Maybe because you're a prisoner, Sakura-chan."

"Fine, be like that," she mumbled.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Syaoran, don't destroy your workspace."

Syaoran took a deep breath and sat in a chair. "Sorry."

Yelan glided towards him, frowning. "Do you truly care for this girl?"

He buried his face in his hands. "I dunno," he muttered. "She feels different."

"Have you..." She paused. "I know that she's been here a while, and you have strong feelings for her. Have you-"

"Oh, mother, no. Just stop." Syaoran stood up and began pacing the study. "No. And I don't think of her as that. Well, I- this conversation ends now."

"Syaoran, I know you enjoy her company, but is she worth starting a war?"

He sighed. "Yes. I don't know."

Yelan nodded, smoothing her dress meticulously. "I will give you a week to decide. One day you will have to rule this kingdom, and if you want her by your side, you will have to fight for her."

"Mom... I don't know. Ugh. Can't you just rule the kingdom yourself?"

Yelan stood and bowed. "Whatever you decide, I will support you." She exited the study with grace, leaving Syaoran in a cloud of thoughts.

"I need her," he whispered.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sakura felt her pulse throb quickly. It didn't matter that she would be kept perfectly safe; this was the farthest she had ever been from her home, ever. Not knowing anything or anyone was a scary concept, and she was being held prisoner until Syaoran saved her.

If Syaoran saved her.

She was an idiot for running away from him in the first place. And she was an idiot for running into the forest. What she would give to go back to that moment... A lot of things.

"Sakura, don't say a word to me once we get in those gates, okay?" Mizu whispered as they waited for the drawbridge to lower. Sakura nodded and took a deep breath. Demoratia was much more... scary. Everything was guarded and menacing. It made her wonder what Li kingdom looked like to them. Probably a bunch of guys frolicking about all day.

...Which was actually pretty accurate.

All the streets were full of people; poor, starving people. Sakura felt guilt stab at her. Here she was, worried about not having a comfortable room, when these people were dying right in front of her.

When they recognized her as a Li, they screamed and began to throw things at her.

She felt a little less sorry for them.

Sakura was carried past the inconsiderate Demoratians and into the castle gates without question. The silence was more intimidating than the screaming. Mizu was somehow silently comforting her; it was nice to have at least one friend. Maybe it was just because she was pretty. At this point, she honestly didn't care.

At the entrance to the castle she was hoisted off the horse and led through the corridors with Mizu pushing her forward gently. His hand was prone to guiding her a little too well. Very annoying.

At the Li castle, the halls were wide and open with high ceilings. Demoratian halls were square and gray. And very intimidating.

The walk to their king was a long one. After a while of maneuvering through their creepy halls, Sakura stood in front of two huge doors. Menacing doors.

"Enter."

Sakura tried to press against the hand on her back, but he pushed her forward without effort. The doors opened ominously and she almost screamed.

They walked into the throne room quickly(at least, too quickly for Sakura). She kept her eyes on the ground, looking at the intimidating tiles.

"Demoratus-sama, we found this woman on our scout of Li's castle." Mizu nudged her, and she looked up at the king.

He was... gorgeous. Maybe 35, at latest. Sakura tried to control herself as she bowed. His hair was a honey gold, eyes bright blue, and a body built like a warrior. Captivity may not be so bad.

"What use is she to me?" he barked. His voice was like honey. Very angry honey.

"Sir, she is a mistress to the prince."

Sakura groaned.

"I see. What is your name?"

"Kinomoto Sakura, sir," she said confidently. He'd like that, right?

"Sakura. Well, put her in the dungeon. I'll write a letter, and I expect it in Li's hand by tomorrow. Understood?"

"Yes sir," Mizu replied, and escorted Sakura back the way they came from. Sakura sighed happily.

"Wait, dungeon?"

Mizu laughed and looked behind him to make sure no one heard. "Shut up, idiot."

Sakura was ready to punch someone in the face, if her hands weren't tied behind her back. Once they were alone, she exploded.

"Why am I being kept in a dungeon?! What did I ever do wrong?"

"You got with Li," Mizu replied, laughing. "I thought you'd figured that out already."

Sakura stiffened. "I am not his mistress. We just... talk and... stuff."

Mizu sighed. "Sure you do."

Sakura dropped it. She wasn't getting anywhere.

"Why do they trust you to restrain me by yourself?" she asked quietly, trying to ignore the sudden darkness and wetness of the corridor they entered.

"Because you're a Li, and you're a woman. You're basically powerless."

She held her tongue. She had to pick her battles.

"I think there's a Li scout down here too. You may know him."

Sakura felt her heart skip a beat. "Can I see him?"

"Sure. But only because we're friends, right?" Mizu smirked, hands going places they shouldn't.

"Oh yeah," she forced out clenched teeth. "Best friends."

"Good." He picked up a torch from the wall and carried it through the nasty dungeon. Sakura cringed in disgust. It was gross.

Syaoran would die. She smiled thinking of his reaction.

"Hey, there he is. You, make room for friend." Mizu pulled out a big key and unlocked the huge door with a guy huddled in the corner sleeping. Sakura looked at the guy, then Mizu, then the guy again.

"Seriously? Just drop me off like I'm at daycare?" She backed out of the cell. "I want my own."

Mizu scoffed and pushed her back in the cell. "Sorry, but no. We have a lot of people down here, and you two will probably be the only ones not to kill each other. Literally."

"Thanks," she muttered. Mizu blew a kiss and was gone in an instant.

She felt alone.

"Please just be pretending to be asleep," she whispered. "I'm lonely."

The soldier turned his head toward her. "What are you doing?"

"I'm... from Li kingdom? I don't know. I got kidnapped, and now I'm here, and it's totally exciting." Sakura squinted into the darkness to make out his face. "Kinomoto Sakura."

He stared at her for a moment, then lunged at her and grabbed her arm. "What did you say?"

"K-Kinomoto Sakura? I got kidnapped? I don't know?" she shouted. "Please don't kill me. If you need anything or..." He backed her up against the wall, arms on either side. Was she in trouble? "I don't want to die in this filthy cell-"

"Forty-three days," he interrupted. "Forty-three days. I don't know the rest." His breathing was heavy. "It's been..."

She stopped breathing.

"Since I... saw." He sighed. "You."

Sakura pushed his completely disgusting hair out of his face and looked into his eyes. It was definitely him.

"Can I..." He laughed. "Never mind."

Sakura observed that he was very, very close. Too close for just a friendly congregation. His face was all red, at least whatever of it she could see. It was filthy.

But, it was Cyou. That was a pleasing thought.

He bit his lip softly. She looked at them, chapped and dirty. Yet somehow...

She found them stunningly attractive.

Sakura hadn't realized she was stroking his face until he leaned closer to her. She stopped.

"Sorry."

He laughed; it was low and... it made her heart leap just a little. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

Sakura remembered the day he left. When she had made him a promise, she truly thought that he'd never come back. But a promise is a promise, and she may as well take advantage of his attractiveness while it lasted.

"Do you... want your kiss now or later?" she whispered.

Before she could take a breath he was pressed against her, like a huge weight crashing down. She felt him smile, finally claiming what should be his. What would have been his, if it weren't for Syaoran.

Probably not the best person to think about.

She rested contentedly as he slowly kissed her, countless desires rolled into one. He was nothing like Syaoran, thirsty and wild; he was patient, enjoying it while it lasted.

She never wanted to stop him.

He laughed. "I... ah." He hugged her tightly. "You're the best."

She smiled. He had never seemed so happy, especially considering the circumstances.

He pressed his forehead against hers. "Sakura. Sakura, Sakura." He paused. "I'm sorry."

Sakura grinned. "I forgive you."

"That won't... happen again," he said apologetically, helping her to the ground. "Sorry."

Sakura sighed. She didn't know if she was relieved or disappointed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Sir?" a soldier said timidly. "A letter... from King Demoratus..." he held out the letter with shaking hands. Syaoran swiped it and dismissed the boy impatiently.

"She... oh... no," he moaned, slamming his head against the desk. "No. no. no. no. no. Uhhhh."

Yelan took the letter from her son's feeble grasp and read it quietly.

"Son, this is trouble." She paused. "Have you made your decision?"

"I need... her." He sat up and got out a new piece of paper, writing quickly. "I have to have her."

Yelan rolled her eyes. "Are you an idiot? Demoratians may be smaller in number, but their soldiers will destroy us. Do you want to kill all your soldiers for one girl?"

"...All but one."

Yelan took a breath. "Syaoran, don't act like this. Have you thought this out? Do you have a plan? I'll support you only if you actually have a chance of winning."

"I'll think of one," he mumbled.

Yelan shook her head and walked out of the room. "Men."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Hey!" Mizu shouted. "Sakura-chan! The king wants to see you!"

Sakura opened her eyes slowly, wincing from the huge lantern he carried. Cyou subconsciously wrapped an arm around her waist, undisturbed from sleep.

"Okay, you guys are really friendly. Seriously. Get up."

"Now?" she muttered. "I'm sleeping."

Mizu rolled his eyes and opened the door quickly. "Come now. I don't know how patient your brat is, but King Demoratus doesn't wait for anyone."

Sakura stretched and slowly rose from the hard concrete floor. "Why am I meeting your king?"

"I don't know. He just said he wanted to see you. Ugh, you look horrible. And you smell."

"Sorry, I'm kind of in a dungeon." Sakura looked down at her dress, which was of course ruined. She liked this dress.

Mizu covered his nose and led her up the stairs.

"Can I please at least change out of this dress?" Sakura pleaded. She didn't want to look like a creepy dungeon-lady.

"No. I mean, I'd be fine if you just took it off, but-"

"Never mind." She hugged it tightly to her body. "I'm okay."

The rest of the trip was silent. Sakura wondered what Cyou would do when she wasn't there. She wished he was beside her.

Soon enough they were in front of the huge doors again, this time wide open. Sakura walked in meekly.

"Kinomoto Sakura, sir," Mizu announced, then walked out. Sakura froze. She didn't want to be alone with him.

Demoratus motioned for the guards to leave, and the huge gray doors closed ominously. Sakura held in a squeak.

"How long have you lived in Li's company?" he asked suddenly. Sakura paused.

"A few months. Sir." She curtsied quickly.

He nodded. "Li sent a letter to be delivered to you." He walked down the steps from his throne to her. His face towered over hers as he handed her a scroll.

Sakura nodded and fumbled to open it. Her hands shook; she hoped he didn't notice.

Sakura,

This is why you should never run away from me. I'll be there soon.

Syaoran

Sakura sighed and rolled it back up. "Thank you-" She looked up and realized that the king was closer than she expected.

He clutched a lock of her hair and examined it. "You're filthy."

Sakura kept her eyes on her feet and stayed silent.

He smiled crookedly. "Mizu!"

Mizu appeared in the doorway. "Sir?"

"Make sure Sakura is cleaned and put in a nice room." He stroked her cheek gently. "I hope you can join me for dinner."

Sakura bowed and walked away from him, heart pounding. Yum.

Mizu rolled his eyes and escorted her out of the room. "You could start the biggest war in history if you play your cards right."

She let it slide.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Syaoran ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what to do."

Yelan sighed. "You'll leave tomorrow." She got up from her chair beside him. "Honestly, Syaoran. If you love her, you need to fight for her."

"I'm not..." He cupped his head in his hands. "I don't know."

Yelan left her son alone, hoping for once he would just make a decision.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sakura felt her body shaking.

She was clean; that was nice. Her old dress was discarded with good reason, and she was now covered in dark violet.

"The king is ready for you," a guard announced, gesturing her into a private dining hall. She wasn't used to this; Syaoran and Yelan always ate with their court. Apparently not here.

She saw the king and tried to smile convincingly. To be honest, she wasn't sure what she felt. Sure, he was gorgeous, but he seemed... impersonal.

"Sakura, thank you for joining me. Sit," he said warmly, gesturing to the seat across from him. She sat down slowly.

"Thank you for having me, your highness." She adjusted her sleeve and looked at him.

He shrugged. "I'm not hungry. Please eat."

She nodded hesitantly and began eating quietly. She tried not to look at him; he was staring at her. She hated it when people watched her eat.

The food was amazing. Of course, she hadn't had a decent meal in days, so mostly anything would have been acceptable.

"Sakura," he muttered. She looked up quickly. "You deny that you are Syaoran's mistress?"

She nearly choked. "Yes. I definitely deny that."

"Have you ever been with him?" he asked seriously. Sakura's eyes widened.

"Oh no. Never. No." She laughed at the thought. Then cringed.

The king smiled. "I want... what Syaoran wants. I want to rob him of everything he has."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "You..."

He nodded. "I want you."

Her smile disappeared.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Syaoran glared at nothing in particular.

He was in a bad mood. Yelan ignored him and tried to continue her work in silence.

"Do you think I should?"

She set her pen down with less patience than normal. "Syaoran, I already told you that you're going. I don't care what you think, honestly."

"What is going through your head?" he yelled, finally losing his patience. Again. Yelan stood and walked toward him with malice.

"Because, boy, I know much more than you most likely ever will. She has changed you more than anyone else ever has, including me." She took a deep breath. "Pack your things. You leave in the morning."

He watched her exit slowly and exhaled. She was very persuasive.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blahh.