Disclaimer: I must repeat. No matter how much I wish it so, I do not own Card Captor Sakura.
Tomoyo had always considered herself smart and capable. The past years had proven that. She faced the difficulties life threw at her like a warrior. She searched for ways to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads as soon as she was able to count. She managed their domestic expenses as well as any man on his estate, maybe better. She found a discreet occupation, so her mother wouldn't have to sell more jewelry or heirlooms. Yes, Tomoyo is a smart and capable woman.
So when the Duke of Clow presented her this difficulty, she did what a smart and capable woman would do. She fled.
When Sakura found her, she had her composure back in place, and they chatted about the gowns of several guests. She wasn't being a coward. One has to pick one's battles, after all. Or so she kept telling herself for the past hour.
Tomoyo took in the hopeful faces of youthful lads about them. They ranged from foppish dandies to fashionable gentlemen. It seemed the supper dance would begin soon.
Sakura's mind was adrift as she absentmindedly conversed with Tomoyo. She had heard of the rumors about the sinful Duke of Clow. She had also seen the dangerous duke talking to Tomoyo. At first, she thought the duke was just another eager suitor based on the disapproval she had glimpsed on Tomoyo's face. The next moment though, Tomoyo had disappeared. She observed the duke silently as he followed Tomoyo with his eyes, eyes of a very hungry panther finally finding a morsel of meat.
Sakura knew Tomoyo believed her innocent and even naïve. With the attention she gets though, not even Tomoyo could keep her unaware of everything. She indulges her friend, nonetheless. Her best friend had so few people to care for, and she knew Tomoyo saw this as an act of gratitude. However, Tomoyo believed herself plain and boring. Sakura knew better. All it would take for everyone else was a closer look to conclude the same. Tomoyo had always reminded her of the late beautifully stunning Lady Avalon, the mother she missed dearly. Both women share more than looks though, they alike have a scandalous past, and if what Sakura suspected was right, a shared past.
Sakura did her best to distract any bounder's attention from Tomoyo. She made sure to keep her friend's reputation spotless. She knew Tomoyo had suffered more than enough. Now, it seemed Tomoyo had wandered too close to dangerous waters. She had caught the eye of the most wicked of them all. His eyes never left her.
"Sakura, Lord Terada is somewhat old, but he is knowledgeable and polite. Perhaps you should engage him for the supper dance." Tomoyo whispered.
Sakura snapped out of her musings. "I believe he is preparing to ask Lady Sasaki."
"Hmm, I have forgotten about that rumor. What about Lord Yamazaki?"
She was about to reply when the duke emerged from behind them and bowed.
"Miss Daidouji, a pleasure to come upon you again. Would you be so kind as to introduce me to the exquisite lady with you?"
Tomoyo could have kicked herself. She could have steered them away before he reached them, but that dimple at the corner of his mouth had flashed at her as he strode to them. Dratted dimple.
Tomoyo gritted her teeth. "Sakura, may I present, His Grace, the Duke of Clow." Sakura curtsied.
"Your Grace, Lady Avalon, sister to the Earl of Avalon." She hoped the reminder might warn him away. Touya's reputation of protectiveness preceded him. But no, this man is a duke. It was hopeless.
"An honor to finally meet you, Lady Avalon." Eriol bowed over Sakura's proffered hand. A wayward ebony lock falling into eyes that spoke secrets of midnight. Carved lips, fit for seducing the most experienced courtesan, lifting in one corner. Tomoyo glared.
"The honor is mine, Your Grace."
Eriol fancied hearing a warning in her tone. Lady Avalon was smiling pleasantly though, so he might have imagined it.
Syaoran not so subtle nudged him aside and bowed before Lady Avalon too. "Lady Avalon, you become more beautiful with every meeting."
"And you grow bolder, Lord Wolfcrest," Tomoyo glared harder.
"That is a marvelous gown, Lady Avalon. I have never seen anything of its likeness." Eriol interrupted smoothly.
Sakura beamed as Tomoyo frowned. She should have remembered to talk to Sakura.
"Indeed, it is another original of Madame Taylor."
Eriol stared blankly. Syaoran grinned, finding a common topic. "Ah yes, my sisters adore her works. Is it true you're the only one in Society who knows the woman?"
"I'm sure I'm not the only one." Tomoyo nudged Sakura.
"I was not aware of this mysterious lady. Perhaps you can tell me more about her over supper?" Eriol said while looking at Lady Avalon.
Tomoyo grew alarmed. She almost forgot why the duke was here in the first place. How could she get so distracted and let her guard down. Sakura saw this as her opportunity to divert Clow's interest, and was about to accept when-
"It would be my pleasure." Tomoyo said with a forced smile, offering her hand.
Eriol, far from annoyed at the change of plans, grinned and led her to the dance floor.