*peeks around the corner* …Er…I'm not even sure what I'm supposed to say here *rubs neck*.

First things first though…I'M SO SORRYYYY! *bows down repeatedly* I really, truly did not mean to leave you guys hanging again for so long! I seem to be taking a lot of these uninformed absences (none of them were intentional though). I didn't mean for it to be this long this time but things happened in my life (death in the family, then my dog died which hit me pretty hard, then I quit my job, yada yada) so fanfiction got pushed off to the far corner of my mind. I did complete this chapter long back but I was just not satisfied with it (it came out a lot more angstier than I intended!) and I spent days re-writing it until I felt it ok to publish. So yeah, I'm really, really, really, really sorry I took so long! I promise this won't happen again so once again, please forgive me? *whimper*

*Gets a brick thrown to the head* Ok, I deserved that.

BUT, to make up for my lack of writing I made this chapter extra long and extra humorous (I think!) for you guys. And before I get into the chapter I must say, YOU GUYS ROCK! Seriously, I was pretty down the last many months since I lost both a family member and my canine friend that I couldn't bring myself to write anything sensible. But then I came back and re-read all your reviews and I realized how much you guys love this story and what an asshole I'm being by denying you the next chapter! So yeah, this chapter is for all those who stuck around to know what happens next and for encouraging me to continue with the story and helping me get back on track. HUGS AND KISSES TO ALL!

And special thanks to the guest reviewer Fan-san (please leave your name next time so that I can thank you properly): I'm really sorry for being a douchebag and bringing this chapter so late! *cries* I'm feel so blessed you love this fanfiction so much, it's truly a big boost and it helped me get back to writing. So thanks a million! I hope you love this chapter as much as you did the previous ones.

And to the guest who was unable to eat her sweets on time…so sorry about that! *sweatdrop* Please accept this virtual cookie as, er, compensation? I promise to update faster from here on! Pinky swear!

That said, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter. I've made quite a few changes which I think is for the best. Any OOCness you see in the characters will be explained in the upcoming chapters so for now, please enjoy.

Dayum I need to cut short my ANs! *sweatdrop*

Rating: Hmm…T…for now *evil grin*

Warning: Slightly OOC Eriol *sweatdrop*. Bit of angst in the beginning.

Disclaimer: I did try writing to CLAMP to get the rights to Sakura and Co. but they dismissed me off as a deluded fan *chibi pout* so yeah, I don't own it.

CHAPTER 3: THE PREPARATION

Tanaka Kenichi was not one to be easily surprised.

It was one of his job requirements after all, being a knight and all. He had prepared himself through the years to read people, gauge their emotions for indications of a surprise attack, and after years of training he had come close to mastering the art reading people's 'thoughts'. It was nearly impossible for anyone to catch him off-guard and he prided himself on that fact…

…Until the day he found himself stunned to silence as he sat in the Kinomoto castle's guest room, staring wide eyed at a somber King Fujitaka.

It took him a few more seconds before he finally found that his voice box still worked. "Ano…Kinomoto-sama…I'm afraid I misheard you but…"

The confusion at the end of his sentence caused Fujitaka to let out a sigh. "You heard right Tanaka-kun." He said grimly. Kenichi continued to stare at him. That can't have been right. Surely the king had to be jesting. That must be it. There was no way he heard what he thought he did.

That Sakura would be marrying a prince…there was no way he heard that.

Fujitaka watched as the young man's expression shifted from confusion to incredulity and sighed again. "It was a proposal decided upon by Queen Yelan and I. Sakura will marry Prince Li by the end of the month. We believe the marriage will strengthen our political relationship and personally, my family and I feel it is a good choice." He stopped talking when Kenichi opened his mouth, but the knight merely kept staring and didn't disrupt him. The king continued. "I wished to inform you of this personally considering…"

The knight paid no heed as the elder man trailed off at the end of his sentence; his head was reeling. Sakura was getting married? To the Prince of China? "Why…?" But as the word left his mouth he knew why. Fujitaka had mentioned it after all, to 'strengthen our political relationship', he knew what it meant, what it came down to.

And by God, he wished it not to be true.

"You understand." Fujitaka stated, not breaking eye contact with the knight. It was not a question. "I know you would Tanaka-kun, you are one of the smartest men I've known after all." The compliment would have boosted the knight's confidence in the past, it would have been a sign that said the king was trusting him to be a worthier candidate for his daughter's hand. It held no meaning to him now.

Kenichi cleared his throat, trying in vain to unclog it. Finally he spoke. "If I could speak to him…to Hyuuga-sama—

"It wouldn't change anything." Fujitaka cut him off as he stood from his seat and walked over to the window. The knight's eyes followed him and he met their reflection in the glass pane. "Forgive me Tanaka-kun, you are smart, but you cannot make Hyuuga rethink his battle strategy without giving away your closeness to me, to Sakura. And with all due respect, that is one fact I wish Hyuuga will never find out."

The king's usually bright green eyes were steely gray as they gazed at Kenichi unwaveringly. Of course, Kenichi knew that. It was the one condition Fujitaka had sternly asked him to take up when the knight had first requested the king's permission to court his daughter. He knew about, if not what, the danger he posed in loving Sakura, he knew how power hungry his king was and how he seemed to fixate on the Kinomotos even long before Kenichi had begun working for him two and a half years ago. Despite being ruthless, his king was not a tyrant and he was ever loyal to his ruler, but his love for Sakura was strong and he would never put her in danger by revealing their relationship. He respected Fujitaka's wish to not do so.

But if he didn't do anything he would lose her! He didn't think he could live with that.

Fujitaka's eyes never left him but he didn't make a move to speak further. Kenichi realized that the king was waiting for him to say something, to confirm that he would not jeopardize Sakura's trust in him by any means, even if it meant she would end up marrying another. An unnatural rage bubbled within his stomach. Well screw the king! Screw everybody! He loved Sakura, loved her with every fiber of his body. And he was mighty sure Sakura felt the same way about him. To force her, to cajole her into marrying some unknown prince in the name of politics, it sickened him! Sakura deserved to be loved, to be treasured. And no one but Kenichi could do that! Didn't they see? Couldn't they know that this would tear her apart? Was the welfare of their kingdom much more important than her happiness? So what if he was from the opposition, he loved her dammit! He would never, never hurt her! They deserved a chance too didn't they? Screw these politics, he would not agree with this!

Taking a deep breath Kenichi willed his shaking fists to relax. Calm down, he told himself. It would not do to get angry. King Fujitaka is doing what any king in his position would do. The Lis were a powerful kingdom, and considering Hyuuga had managed to take over Osaka, they would be looking for the right opportunity to get their revenge. A political alliance through marriage is the right solution for them to do so. In such a situation, Kenichi's protest will not only sound incredulous but attack-worthy. He had to think this through. He had to speak to Sakura. King Fujitaka spoke as though Sakura had agreed to the wedding but that couldn't be true. Sakura wouldn't have agreed on her own accord, she must have been guilt-trapped into it or something. He would talk to her, and together they would protest. Despite his loyalty to his king, he did not wish for the Kinomoto kingdom to perish at their hands. He would offer any support he could, but he would not give up Sakura.

Schooling his features appropriately, he looked up to meet the still silent king. "I understand…Kinomoto-sama." He said, eyes betraying nothing. "If that is what you have decided then, so be it." He licked his dry lips, forcing his voice to stay steady. "I have one request though, if you would please allow me to see Sakura…just once…alone."

Fujitaka's eyes narrowed for the briefest second before he visibly relaxed and turned to face the knight. He nodded. "She is in the garden, by the cherry blossom trees." When Kenichi looked surprised he gave a small smile. "You may go see her."

Kenichi said nothing but nodded his head and turned to leave. He stopped however, hand on the door knob, when he heard Fujitaka call his name. "Forgive me." He heard the older man say softly and without turning back, with a final nod of his head, Kenichi left the room. He didn't trust himself to be beside the king for a minute longer, for fear of pulling out his sword and aiming it at the other's neck. He knew it was foolish to think that but he couldn't help it, he was so angry! Allowing his rage to blind his path he rushed quickly out the entrance and down the castle's stone steps, taking off in the direction of the garden. He paid no heed to the valet bringing out his horse, or to the gardeners who exclaimed in surprise as he rushed past them. He broke into a run when the cherry blossom trees came into view and he spotted Sakura sitting beneath one of them, with a few of her maids beside her. He was glad to see Tomoyo was not among them, for some reason. Not pausing in his stride he came to a panting stop before the princess, causing her and the maids to gasp in surprise.

"Kenichi-kun"! Sakura exclaimed, quickly standing up. She stared, confused, as the knight stood heaving before her, his angry blue eyes zeroed in on her and ignoring her stunned maids. "What are you do—

Kenichi didn't allow her to finish her sentence as he pulled her into a tight embrace, ignoring the collective gasp that rang around them. He didn't care if people saw, he didn't give a shit if rumors spread because of this. Right now, he wanted to hold her, to console himself that Sakura, his Sakura was right there, in his arms where she was meant to be. Her soft unique scent calmed his erratic heart and he allowed it to soothe his mind as well.

Sakura for her part was blushing like crazy and trying not to hyperventilate. What was Kenichi doing!? Someone could see them! Her panic built up when she realized that her maids had seen everything, but when she looked around she realized she and Kenichi were alone in the grove. The other ladies seemed to have left them alone. Sakura didn't know if she should be relieved or flustered by that. But first things first, she had to deal with the quivering knight in her arms…wait! Quivering? The princess frowned when she noticed that, indeed, the knight was trembling. Willing her blush down, she rubbed the knight's back soothingly. "Kenichi-kun, what's wrong?" she asked softly.

Kenichi didn't let go of her immediately, instead he brought her closer and held her tighter. Sakura was utterly confused now. She had never seen the man act this way before and honestly, it scared her. She opened her mouth to ask him again when he beat her to it. "Kinomoto-sama called for me." He grit out rasply. "He told me about the…the wedding."

Sakura felt her stomach plummet at those words. No, she panicked, her father had told him already? But it was too soon! She was not prepared for this! She didn't know what to tell him!

Mistaking her silence for helplessness Kenichi quickly released her. He held her shoulders and met her gaze determinedly. "Don't worry Sakura, I know what happened. You were asked to agree weren't you? I know you, you have too caring a heart Sakura. You always forgo your happiness for others but this, you shouldn't have to do this! They can't ask you to leave me, I won't let them take you away from me! Kinomoto-sama forbade me from talking to Hyuuga-sama but I'll find a way, I promise! I won't let them marry you off to someone without your consent, I'll find a way for us to be together my princess, I'll—

Sakura stared at the knight as he continued to console her. Her eyes widened when she realized that her father had told him about the alliance alone, and nothing else. Kenichi was under the impression that she had been forced to agree to this marriage. She shook her head quickly, cutting his rant off. "Kenichi-kun, wait, you've misunderstood it." The knight looked at her, confused. "I was not forced to give my consent. I agreed to this marriage on my own."

Kenichi gaped at her. "W-what? Why!?"

Sakura smiled sadly and brought one hand up to his cheek. "Because, Kenichi-kun, I am the Kinomoto princess."

Kenichi stood frozen as he continued to stare at the gently smiling woman before him. To say he couldn't believe what he had heard was an understatement. "Because you're the princess?" he echoed her hollowly. "Just…because of that? You would let go of your happiness, of our love, just because you are the princess!?" he almost roared, rage bubbling through his veins and making his ears ring.

A light frown marred Sakura's smile as she let her hand fall from the other's face limply to her side and stepped away from the knight's embrace. She bowed her head, forcing back the prickling sensation behind her eyes before turning to look at her lover, eyes solemn but determined. "I would."

And with those two words all of Kenichi's protests died out. His face went slack and his throat went dry as he stared at the princess, the princess who had always bestowed him with her gentlest smiles, but now portrayed a face so stern and unwavering that he knew, if it ever came down to choosing between him or her kingdom, Sakura would choose the latter without blinking an eye. He now knew why Fujitaka had not hesitated in letting him talk to her. The king knew that Sakura would not be wavered, that for the sake of her kingdom, her family, her people, Sakura would sacrifice herself million times over. Her love for her people was as strong, if not stronger, than the knight's loyalty to his king.

"…I see." The knight murmured, defeated. So just like that, she would marry another while he watched from the sidelines. As it was meant to be in their world.

Sakura's face softened and she reached for the other's hand. Clasping his fingers gently in hers she brought them up to her chest. "Kenichi-kun, I will always love you. No matter what I do from now on, that won't change." She kissed two of his fingers lightly before gracing him with a smile. "This is an alliance, a political pact that is all. A marriage to unite two kingdoms. I see it as nothing else." A lone tear escaped her mental barricade and slipped down her cheek. "My heart is already yours. It has always been only yours."

Kenichi watched as the tear drop slowly traveled down smooth skin of her cheek before sliding down her chin and falling to the ground. He brought his free hand up to wipe at the track it left. Sakura hiccupped lightly before continuing. "I know it is wrong to think this way, that it is selfish of me to ask for such a condition. This is not the wedding I had dreamed of. Even now I wish that you and I could be together, but…but I have to do this. If I don't…if I let my people down I-I can never forgive myself. I'm torn and I don't know what to do. I can't forget you, I can't love another in your stead but I…I…"

"Shh." The blond knight whispered as he pressed his forehead against the crying princess's, swiping away at the onslaught of tears pouring from her eyes. "I'm s-sorry!" She cried out. "I so so-sorry-y Kenichi-kun-n! P-please, don't h-hate me!"

"Shh Sakura, don't cry. I could never hate you love. I know. I understand. I'm sorry for yelling at you so please…don't cry…"

For a long time the two forbidden lovers held each other tightly, consoling each other, apologizing to each other, uncaring if the world was watching as they let their love envelope them. Eventually Sakura calmed down and Kenichi suppressed his anger enough to look at her calmly, ducking down to claim her tear-stained lips in a hungry kiss. The kiss was rough and impatient, as if he wanted to brand the feel of her lips permanently onto his and she let him bruise them, clinging to him tightly, not wanting to let go fearing this might be the last time she could ever be this close to him again. They broke for air but Kenichi kissed her again, and again, moving to brush his lips against her flushed cheeks, her swollen eyelids, her nose and back to her lips again. Like a thirsty man left abandoned in a desert, he sought out her sweetness, relished in her flavor and got lost in her scent, as she in his.

When they broke apart for the last time they simply held each other, panting slightly, foreheads touching and hands still held as they calmed down their heartbeats. Kenichi opened his eyes first, blue orbs roving over the princess's beautifully flushed face. "If that Li prince lays one hand on you, I will do more than chop his limbs off."

Sakura giggled lightly at the underlying threat as she opened her eyes to look back at her knight. "He won't." she smiled at him reassuringly.

Kenichi gave half a smile in return. "I will come see you princess."

"Even after my wedding?"

The knight bristly at the words. "Damn right I will! Those who oppose can go to Hell." Sakura smiled wider, feeling fresh tears prick behind her eyes. "And I will write to you. Every single day." Kenichi continued, bringing their joined hands up to his lips. "I won't let them take you away from me."

Sakura shook her head, already feeling her tears fall down. "I won't go anywhere my love."

"Good, because when this is all over, then come Hell or high water, I'm taking my woman back!" The knight said fiercely, dipping down to kiss his maiden again.

~*line break*~

Kaho lifted her head from her knitting when she heard her companion let out yet another forlorn sigh. This must be the sixth one in five minutes. Her eyebrow twitched but she opted not to say anything. After all, Tomoyo had her reasons to look this dejected.

It had been three days since Queen Yelan's visit to their castle and two days since Fujitaka informed of the marriage to Tanaka Kenichi. By now the news had spread like wildfire, since the Kinomoto king and the Li queen had made the announcement public at a dinner party they had hosted the day before. To their surprise, and great relief, the public immediately welcomed the idea of the two kingdoms reuniting through their youngest heirs' wedding. It was such a sensational news, with the men congratulating the two royal parties while the women gushed about 'what a lovely pair' Syaoran and Sakura would make, that none seemed to pay any heed to the fact that with this union the Kinotomo-Li family would become the strongest military power in Japan. Of course, Fujitaka knew that this fact would not be overlooked by Hyuuga once he hears of it but for now he set that thought aside. Yelan also, pretended to be happy with the smooth way things kept proceeding in, despite the fact that her son still vehemently denied wanting anything to do with his 'future bride'.

But back to the point of why Tomoyo looked like she had been dug out of a grave.

On the day Kenichi had visited the Kinomoto castle, Tomoyo had been out to the market with a few other maids, a fact that she berated herself for even now. Had she been home she could have, would have, helped Sakura out after her 'talk' with the knight. As it was, the dark haired maiden had returned around sunset and when she sought out the princess's whereabouts, had been shocked to hear that Sakura had not left her chamber since morning. Panicking she rushed to the other's room, banging and yelling to know if her sister was alright only got a muffled 'go away' and 'leave me alone' in reply. Stunned to silence she ran to Kaho who explained everything that had happened. For the next two days Sakura refused to leave the room or open the door for anyone. The maids had to leave the food outside in hopes that the princess would not starve herself. She refused to talk to anybody, not to her panicking cousin, her troubled brother, not even Yukito, whom she never denied anything. And that was the final straw that broke Tomoyo's spirit. She had finally wobbled over to Kaho's room, eyes bloodshot, hair disheveled and face gaunt, and plopped on to the floor by the bed like a limp rag doll. And that was how Kaho found her when she returned to her chamber half an hour ago.

Another sigh escaped pale lips and Kaho snapped. "For heaven's sake Tomoyo-chan, stop acting like the world has ended already." She glared at the somber girl. "Sakura is just upset you know. Give her some time and she'll snap out of it."

Tomoyo lifted her head slowly to pin the elder woman with a teary-eyed look. "Kaho nee-san!" she wailed, sniffling. "I'm a failure as a best friend!"

Kaho sweatdropped. Trust Tomoyo to make everything dramatic. Resisting the urge to giggle at the other's antics Kaho set her knitting aside and turned to place a consoling hand on the sniffling girl's head. "Oh Tomoyo-chan, you are not a failure, you are a wonderful friend to Sakura." She cooed softly. "Stop thinking so low about yourself ne?"

"D-demo." Tomoyo hiccupped. "She p-probably hates me n-now."

"Ara? Why do you say that?" Kaho asked gently.

"B-because she won't even talk to me!"

"She's just upset sweetie, you know how it is with Kenichi, don't you?" Kaho smiled when the latter nodded slowly, still hiccupping. "Just give her some space. Sakura is not one to hold meaningless grudges nor will she blame others for something they didn't do. She would definitely not hate you for this dear. She just needs some time to get over her heartbreak and we should let her be for now." The older woman gently patted down the other's hair, smoothing down the distressed curls. "If you really want to help her heal then you know what you should do."

Tomoyo looked up confused, amethyst eyes shining through her tears. "What I should do?"

Kaho nodded. "Help her become comfortable with her wedding. If you continue to mope then it would only sadden her further. So show her that even if she is not united with Kenichi she can still find her happiness."

The black haired beauty sniffled as she mulled over the other's words. "You think I can do that Kaho nee-san?" she asked. "Can I help her be happy?"

"Of course you can. You don't believe Otou-sama would let Sakura suffer do you?" Kaho reprimanded lightly. "Who knows, this marriage just might be the best thing that could happen to her. And we have to show her that not all is lost. She still has us, doesn't she?"

Tomoyo said nothing for a while, thinking over Kaho's words. The older woman was right, Sakura's sadness was understandable but she, Tomoyo, did not have time to waste by moping around. She must become a pillar that would support her best friend, not a wet blanket that would weigh her down. Damn she was being stupid! Chuckling lightly she dabbed away her tears and fixed Kaho with a brilliant albeit watery smile. "You're right. I should be the one wiping her tears, not bawling like a child by myself." Kaho giggled when Tomoyo bonked herself on the head. "I'll make sure that Sakura finds her happiness, even if it kills me!"

"Baka." Kaho admonished lightly, giving the other girl a hit of her own. "You being dead will do none of us any good. But I like your enthusiasm; you can put it to work starting today."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

"Don't tell me you forgot!" The pregnant woman scolded. "We are going to the Li castle later today, you me and Sonomi-san. Queen Yelan invited us over to help with the preparations remember?"

Tomoyo blinked twice before exclaiming. "Ah! I totally forgot about that! Itai!" she hissed when she received another knock on the head.

"Figures you would forget it. Anyway it's in the afternoon so you have time to get ready." Kaho told her, getting back to her knitting. Tomoyo nodded, getting up and straightening her dress. She looked at the floor length mirror in the room and frowned at her appearance. Had she looked like that all this time? Goodness she was a mess! She better not let Sakura see her like this. Turning to leave the room to go change into a better presentable attire she paused before looking back at the other woman. "Ne Kaho nee-san?"

"Hm?"

Tomoyo eyed the other's swollen belly. "Are you sure you should come along? You shouldn't strain much in your condition you know."

Kaho looked down at her stomach before waving away Tomoyo's concern. "Maa I'll be fine. It's Sakura's wedding, you can't expect me to sit in a corner and not do anything!" she puffed out her cheeks as Tomoyo giggled. "Besides, I'm really curious."

"Curious? About what?"

"The prince of course! The whole of Japan thinks that Prince Li is the ultimate match for our princess. Doesn't that make you wonder what he is like?" Kaho asked, golden brown eyes twinkling in excitement. "I want to see for myself what kind of a person he really is, not to mention how he looks!" She giggled, much like a schoolgirl. "Aren't you curious too?"

Tomoyo stared at the excited woman, her mind wandering to the conversation she had with Ayame during the Duke's ball three nights ago. 'You'll understand what I meant when you see the prince.' A grin spread across her lips, matching the one on Kaho's face as she realized that yes, she was indeed curious.

~*line break*~

When the sun had risen over Hokkaido that day it was met with a city that looked like it had had a complete makeover. The streets were decorated with colored baubles and paper lanterns with strings of multicolored ribbons hanging from one rooftop to another. The roads were scattered with flower petals and almost all the houses were re-painted in brighter hues, making them more exuberant. The townsfolk bustled about merrily, shouts of laughter could be heard around every corner, children ran around freely since their parents were too busy indulged in their ecstatic spirit to tell them to behave. Young ladies were seen sniffling into their handkerchiefs and wailing at the news that their beloved 'Syaoran-sama' was getting married, though no one really paid them any heed. All in all, it was safe to say that the people of Hokkaido were in the highest of spirits that morning.

Their prince, however, was not.

"Tch." Syaoran tsked to himself as he glared out the window of his study. When he had woken up that morning something told him it was going to be one of the worst days of his life, a fact that was confirmed when the maids who usually made his bed giggled when they saw him and wished him their 'hearty congratulations'. The young prince had barely stopped himself from snapping at them. He might be known as the ice prince but he never liked to show irritation towards his staff. He merely nodded his head impassively and exited his room as quickly as possible without seeming too obvious. All through the day he was accosted by people, visitors and castle staff alike, who wanted to give him their congratulations and blessings for a happy married life. Syaoran had managed to somewhat smile through the torture, ignoring the teasing looks from his blue haired advisor or the apologetic glances from his nervous cousin, as he was forced to greet each and every one of them. Yelan had simply watched as he struggled, giving her own two cents when necessary but otherwise keeping an eye on her son as if to ensure he would not blow up and blow everyone off. He almost wished he had done just that. He didn't know how long he could keep up the façade and his jaw was hurting from being clamped down for long. Curse his mother for deciding to throw an after party slash breakfast gathering with her friends. She was out to torture him, he knew it! Eventually he excused himself from the clutches of a particularly enthusiastic group of middle age ladies (one more pinch to his cheek and he would bite their fingers off!), mumbling something about work and rushed off to his study, locking himself within its safe confines. It was the coward's way out, he knew, but he was a desperate man so he would overlook it this time.

That had been five hours ago.

"This is stupid!" He muttered to himself, watching as the gardeners outside set about trimming the side bushes to perfect shapes. "The wedding is three weeks away. Why the hell are they rushing about now!?"

A huff sounded beside him and he turned his glare to the only other occupant of the room. Cerberus eyed him from his position on the ground, curled up against his favorite pillow. His expression was one of boredom but his brown eyes twinkled in barely suppressed mirth. He was clearly enjoying his master's predicament.

"Yeah buddy, smirk all you want. Someday I'll find a mate for you too." It was Syaoran's turn to smirk when the dog let out a low growl.

A knock sounded on the door but Syaoran brushed it off. "Go away Eriol, I'm busy." He said, turning back to the window. The unmistakable sound of the key turning in the lock reached his ears and he berated himself for the umpteenth for letting Eriol have a spare to his study. The lock turned and the blue haired man walked in, smirk in place and a food laden tray in his hand. The smell wafted over to the prince but he refused to acknowledge it. "I told you I'm busy."

Eriol snorted. "Busy doing what? Staring off into space?" he countered, placing the tray on the prince's desk. Syaoran sighed but he still didn't turn around. "What do you want?"

"Is that the thanks I get for bringing you food?" Eriol pouted.

"I'll get you a cookie later. Now leave."

The advisor rolled his eyes. "Come on, you've been holed up in here all morning cousin. Meiling's been nagging me to come get you non-stop, I think my ears are bleeding."

"You have my sympathies."

"Thanks. Don't tell her I said that though."

"Hm."

Eriol picked up a piece of buttered toast from the plate and tore it into half. Spotting Cerberus in the corner he threw one half to the dog, who immediately wolfed it down. "So." He spoke, biting into the other half. "Mind telling me why you're hiding in here?"

Syaoran's eyebrow twitched. "I'm not hiding."

"Uh-huh. Sure." Eriol said thickly, swallowing and taking another bite of the bread. "Then what are you doing locked up inside your study? Madam Puff-cushion and her friends were asking for you, you left in the middle of their conversation you know. That was kind of rude cousin."

Syaoran raised an eyebrow at the name. Eriol merely shrugged. "What? She looks like one anyway."

The prince snorted. "If by conversation you meant harassment then I was entitled to leave." He retorted. "Besides the whole 'breakfast' meet was pointless. Mother had made the announcement just yesterday. Why she felt the need to have more friends over today, I don't understand."

"It's called socializing Syaoran. You should try it sometimes, but then it requires smiling and making conversations that last more than two sentences. Think you can handle it?" Eriol smirked at the glare he received.

"Drop dead Hirigazawa."

The dark haired man mock-sighed. "Such love you show me." He pretended to wipe a tear. "Seriously though, you really should get around. You are going to be king after all."

"Being king does not mean I have to smile and wave like a fool while everyone ogles at me like a display doll."

"So you say. You'll be surprised by what a king is required to do though." Eriol continued, looking to see what else he can pilfer from the plate. "Besides it's natural for people to want to talk to you. You have landed, as they say, 'quite a catch' of a wife."

This time Syaoran did turn to grace his grinning cousin with a disgusted look. "Yet again I fail to see how we are related."

"Oh come on, aren't you the least bit curious about her? It's been three days and you haven't even asked for her name."

"That would be because I don't care."

"Yeah right, bet you were talking about her to Cerberus, right buddy?" The dog gave a short bark with a tail thump. Syaoran glared daggers at the mutt. 'Traitor.' He mouthed.

Eriol chuckled. "You know Syaoran, if you were that curious, you could have just asked me."

"Get out Eriol."

"Aww you're so cute when you're shy."

Syaoran growled. "Don't make me draw my sword."

"Ok ok I won't tease ya anymore." Eriol grinned, raising his hands in surrender. He watched as the prince relaxed, gaze back out the window before continuing. "Her name's Sakura by the way." He watched the other intently. "Kinomoto Sakura."

Syaoran, for his part, was trying hard not to show his surprise. So he had been right about her name. He had only thought of it on a whim but he guessed it made sense; she was the cherry blossom princess after all. Hmph. How cliché.

"…and beautiful. Her hair is like this dark auburn sheet of silk and her eyes, they're your favourite color cousin." Eriol continued, unmindful of the other's silence. "She's without doubt the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

Syaoran raised an eyebrow at that. His cousin felt that any woman he met, aside from family, was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen so his claim lacked credibility. But Eriol's voice was far from false praise. In fact, the prince could say that his cousin sounded almost sincere. And that was saying something.

"…and she's got such a gentle persona, I think she might have won over Meiling as well." Eriol chuckled and Syaoran was yet again surprised. For Meiling to acknowledge a woman was something else, she was a hardcore stickler for Li tradition and ever more strict when it came to Syaoran's affairs. The prince hated to admit it but he was starting to become curious about this princess.

"…and her body, oh Syaoran, she's a goddess I tell you." Eriol was still speaking, eyes going dreamy. "Even with all those clothes on I can tell she's a real piece of art. You, my cousin, are one lucky man." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, nudging the prince with his elbow.

Syaoran shot him another nasty look. "You disgust me."

"Hey I'm a man, it's my duty to pay reverence to a beautiful woman." Eriol justified. Syaoran rolled his eyes at that. "You would too, if you had come along to meet her. Your stubbornness is killing us Syao."

The chestnut haired man scowled at the nickname. "I didn't ask for this wedding."

"Neither did she cousin. She was even willing to set aside her love for this—

"Set aside her love?" Syaoran turned to Eriol, eyebrow raised. The other man suddenly looked sheepish as he brought a hand to the back of his neck. "Uh…I was not supposed to tell you about that yet."

Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "So she's having an affair even before her marriage?"

Eriol sighed as he sensed the other's mood go darker. "It's not like that. She was already in love with a knight from Hyuuga's kingdom—

"Hyuuga's?" Syaoran's frown deepened.

"…look, I know how this seems but—

"But what Eriol? You are telling me that not only is my future wife in a relationship with another man but said man is from our enemy kingdom?"

"Syaoran look—

"Does Mother know of this?"

"Syao—

"Does she?"

Eriol sighed. "Yes she does." Before the prince could angrily interrupt him he said. "The princess told her."

Syaoran blinked. "What?"

"I know what you are thinking but it's not like that. It's true that she is in love with the knight, she made it quite clear to us the night we went to see her." Eriol explained. "She wanted to let us know that to her this marriage is only a political affair and nothing else. Despite her affair she agreed to this alliance because she truly wants to help her kingdom. Frankly, I admire that about her."

The prince scowled. "You admire her for having a relationship with a man from the enemy's side? Have you lost your mind Eriol?"

"Look, if she wanted to crush her kingdom, and ours, all she had to do was run away with that knight of hers, but she didn't. She was willing to enter a loveless marriage to help her people. Besides isn't that what you wanted? You agreed to wed her but you did not want anything to do with her. Apparently, she wants the same thing." The advisor shrugged.

"So I'm supposed to feel honored then that she chose me over this lover of hers?" Syaoran grit out.

"I didn't mean it like that—

"Then what Eriol?"

"You would have understood if you had met her Syaoran. She's different." Eriol huffed out. "Look I know this seems weird but I don't think she is a bad person. Sure she's already in love and despite that she agreed to marry you but it's not with any ill intention as you believe. She genuinely wants to help out her family and her kingdom."

"Women are not always what they seem." Syaoran clipped out, turning to grip the windowsill and glaring out into nothingness. The muscles in his jaw were taut and veins along his neck stood out.

"Syaoran." Eriol said softly, placing a hand on the other's shoulder. He could feel the tenseness of the muscles underneath his fingers. "She's not how you think cousin. She's not like—

"Eriol!"

The dark haired man caught himself from flinching at the narrowed ice cold glare he received. It was a long time since he'd seen Syaoran this pissed and it was not something he wanted to see. It was his own fault for treading into forbidden territory. A movement to his side told him that Cerberus had left his spot to come sit by his master's leg, head brushing the man's thigh while sharp brown eyes fixated on Eriol. Sighing, he removed his hand and raised it in apology. "Alright, I get it. No more princess talk." He said lightly, hoping to dispel the tense mood. Syaoran shifted his glare back out the window but his body remained tensed. Eriol sighed again. "You will have to come out of this room later though. Yelan will be calling for you soon." At the raised eyebrow he elaborated. "The princess's lady in waiting, her sister-in-law and the royal advisor are coming here today, to overlook the preparations."

Syaoran groaned and muttered a curse. Eriol chuckled, before turning serious again. "You should greet them. Despite everything, you are the prince Syaoran, you can't forgo your courtesy."

The amber eyed prince fixed his cousin with an unreadable look before sighing dejectedly and nodding once. "Fine. Whatever. Now leave."

Eriol grinned, eyes twinkling mischievously as he pinched at the prince's cheek. "Good boy." He giggled when the other swatted at his hand, scowling. "Now finish your food and be down soon ok. Don't make me come up to get you. See ya later Cerberus."

Syaoran resisted the urge to slap his forehead as the latter literally twirled out the room. His dog looked at him as if to say 'You have a weird family.' The prince snorted. "Tell me about it." He mused over what Eriol said about the princess. Unbidden memories flowed into his head and he clenched his fists as he willed them to go away. It wouldn't do to dwell on them now, he'd long since learnt that those emotions would only bring the death of him. Despite what Eriol said, he didn't what this Princess Sakura did or who she loved. He had already agreed to this torture so might as well get over it.

He made his way to his table to finish whatever was left of his food. Before he could take a bite however the door opened again and Eriol popped his head inside, with a sheepish grin. "I forgot to tell you." Syaoran raised one eyebrow. "Your sisters will be here today too."

He barely dodged the vase that was thrown at his head.

~*line break*~

Tomoyo was gawking and she knew it. In her defense, she couldn't help it. The Li castle was astonishing. The intricate Chinese paintings along the high walls, the large chandeliers that hung from the ceilings, the elaborately carpeted floors and elegantly decorated rooms all called out to the inner designer in her and she wanted to squeal at the utter beauty of the place. Beside her Kaho giggled lightly, nudging the star-struck woman with her elbow. "Tomoyo-chan, your mouth's open."

Tomoyo immediately snapped it close, blushing lightly at her cousin's giggle and her mother's raised eyebrow. "You castle is very beautiful Yelan." Sonomi complimented.

Yelan laughed lightly. "Thank you. I've had the help of some very talented designers." She brought them into the main hall, nodding to a maid on the way. "I must thank you for coming here, it would help us prepare things a lot faster. Especially you Kaho-san." She turned to Kaho, taking her hand. "I'm so grateful that you decided to help but please, don't strain yourself too much."

Kaho smiled in return. "I'll be careful my queen. Besides, I wouldn't miss helping out at Sakura's wedding for world." She turned to wink at Tomoyo, who smiled back brightly, her thought drifting to the conversation she had with Sakura earlier before they left for the Li castle.

"Tomoyo-chan." Tomoyo, who had been about to get into the carriage, whipped around at the meek voice, to see her cousin standing shyly by the entry way. She quickly ran up to her. "Sakura-chan! What happened, what's wrong?"

Sakura bit her lower lip when the other approached her. "I just…I wanted to apologize Tomoyo-chan…for earlier…"

Tomoyo blinked at the sullen princess before letting out a short laugh. "Oh Sakura, you don't have to apologize for anything, I understand completely."

"Demo! I was acting like a selfish brat and I pushed you away!" Sakura said, frowning as her eyes teared up again. "I can't believe I did that to you! I…you're my best friend Tomoyo and my precious sister and I pushed you away—

"Baka!" Tomoyo admonished, pressing her forehead hard against the other's. "You think something like that would make me sad? You know me Sakura-chan, no matter what you do I won't leave your side. So stop feeling low and stop apologizing. All this gloomy mood doesn't suit you anyway."

"Tomoyo-chan…"

"Besides, if you keep moping like this then you won't look good in the dresses I make for you anymore." Tomoyo pouted cutely.

Sakura smiled through her tears and pounced on her cousin, hugging her tightly. "You're the best Tomoyo-chan." She whispered when the other hugged her back.

"I know." Tomoyo grinned haughtily causing the other to laugh. "And as 'punishment', you'll have to play dress up with me all night. Got it?" she said and Sakura laughed again. "Hai hai."

Tomoyo hid her giggle in her hand as she snapped out of the memory. She was really glad that Sakura was somewhat, if not completely, ok. It would take time for her heart to heal but Tomoyo would be with her all the way through. She would make sure Sakura's smile got back its shine.

Shaking her head lightly she brought her attention back to the conversation at hand. Yelan was talking to Sonomi and Kaho about the flower arrangements and the hall decorations. They had decided to keep the wedding at the Hokkaido castle. Tomoyo and Meiling were in charge of the bride's dress and makeup. As if on cue Meiling entered the hall. "You called for me Aunty?" she bowed low.

Yelan nodded. "Meiling, I'd like you to assist Tomoyo-san with the wedding dresses and other things." She turned to the group. "Meiling loves to design dresses. She used to design a lot of Xiao Lang's dresses when they were young."

Meiling turned to give Tomoyo a polite smile which turned to a look of surprise when the later grasped her hand and shook them, eyes shining. "Really? I only design Sakura's dresses so I don't know much about making men's clothes. I look forward to working with you Meiling-san!" Tomoyo gushed enthusiastically. Meiling found it hard not to return the other's wide smile. "The pleasure will be mine Tomoyo-san."

"Yelan Joo-sama, ano…you said Xiao Lang?" Kaho asked.

Yelan smiled. "My son's name in Chinese. Syaoran is his Japanese name."

"Xiao Lang means little wolf. It kind of suits him." Meiling giggled. "Though don't tell him I said that." Kaho and Tomoyo laughed at that.

"Ah you haven't met him yet. I'll call for him." Yelan said, turning to beckon a maid before Meiling beat her to it. "I think Eriol's already gone to get him Aunty." Sure enough they heard distant voices coming their way, one seemed agitated while the other sounded like it was having fun.

"Why do they have to come here today!?"

"To take part in your wedding cousin."

"My wedding is at the end of the month!"

"Well maybe they want to offer you their support."

"They just want to torture me!"

"That too."

"Woof!" went Cerberus.

The voices grew loud as the men came nearer to the hall. Tomoyo, Kaho and Sonomi exchanged confused looks while Yelan and Meiling let out identical sighs. The queen turned to the others just as the two men and the dog entered the room. "I'd like you all to meet my son, the Prince of China, Li Xiao Lang."

Syaoran stopped in his tracks as heard his mother introduce him. Eriol almost walked into him at the abrupt stop. Peeking out from the behind the prince's back his eyes lit up when they fell on Tomoyo.

"Xiao Lang." Yelan called out to her son. "Son, this is Daidouji Sonomi, Princess Sakura's Aunt and Royal advisor of the Kinomoto Kingdom and Kinomoto-Mizuki Kaho, Sakura-hime's sister-in-law." Both ladies bowed. "And this is Daidouji Tomoyo, the princess's cousin and lady-in-waiting." She gestured to Tomoyo who gave a short bow.

Syaoran bowed back. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Please make yourselves comfortable." He said, offering them a courteous small. Beside him Cerberus sniffed the air twice before turning his nose to the side in a huff.

Sonomi nodded, smiling while Kaho was trying not to ogle at the prince. In all honesty, she had not expected him to be this good looking. The man standing before her was downright gorgeous! He was quite tall, maybe half an inch shorter than Touya and well-built with no extra bulges. His skin seemed evenly tanned and his chestnut was sexily messy, falling onto his forehead and his eyes. And his eyes, they intrigued her the most. Deep pools of molten chocolate amber that held a person's gaze as soon as they met him. She knew she shouldn't be checking out other men but damn if he wasn't handsome. She glanced at Tomoyo discreetly at the corner of her eye and suppressed a giggle at the awed expression her sister sported. She offered the prince a smile. "Thank you for having us over Ouji-sama."

Syaoran frowned lightly at her. "Kinomoto-san—

"Please. Kaho is fine." The red haired woman smiled. Syaoran nodded. "Kaho-san, I understand that you would want to help out with everything but please do not hesitate to ask for help if you need to. The staff at Li castle would be more than happy to assist you." Kaho raised both eyebrows, surprised. Well would you look at that? The prince was not icy as others made him out to be. She gave him a grateful smile. "Arigatou Ouji-sama, I'll keep that in mind."

"Xiao Lang, Eriol, why don't you both help Meiling show Tomoyo-san around? I need to speak with Sonomi and Kaho about the hall arrangements." Yelan said. "Come down in time for dinner, your sisters should be here by then as well."

At the mention of his sisters Syaoran's scowl came back and he remembered why he had come down in the first place. "I didn't know they would be here this soon. The wedding is three weeks away, they didn't have to hurry over." He said, trying hard not to grumble.

Yelan nodded at him impassively but her eyes shone in silent laughter. "They were too excited once they heard the news that they didn't want to waste any time. The children don't have lessons now anyway so they can afford a small vacation." She smiled at her son's horrified look. Sonomi looked amused while Kaho and Tomoyo shared a confused look. "Sisters?"

"Yeah Syaoran's elder sisters. They're quadruplets." Eriol grinned, one hand draped over the scowling prince's shoulder. Tomoyo gaped at that. 'Four elder sisters? No wonder the prince seems disturbed by women.' She thought.

"Oh that's…lovely." Kaho said, trying not to look sympathetic and failing. Yelan chuckled. "Go ahead you guys. Sonomi, Kaho, if you'll come with me." The queen led the two women away from the others towards the mansion's inner room. Eriol immediately moved towards Tomoyo and took her hand in his. "Tomoyo-san it's wonderful to see you again. I must say, you look even lovelier than when I last saw you." Tomoyo blushed hotly when he brought her hand up to his lips.

A fist came flying and hit Eriol squarely on the head. "Keeps your hands to yourself you pervert!" Meiling yelled, pushing Tomoyo away from her idiot cousin. "Honestly, you can't go a minute without flirting! Come on Tomoyo-san, let's go up to my room."

"But Meiling, the queen wanted us to show Tomoyo-san around."

"I can do that fine on my own thanks! You go help Syaoran walk Cerberus or something!"

"He can walk the mangy mutt by himself!"

Growl. "I think you offended him Hirigazawa."

"Gah! Syaoran keep him away from me!"

Tomoyo watched in amusement as the blue haired man was chased around in circles by the large retriever. Meiling and Syaoran stood to her side, laughing at the spectacle. Well Meiling laughed while Syaoran just smirked. Tomoyo took the time to really look at the prince. She would be a fool if she said he didn't look good, on the contrary, she doubted she'd ever seen a person as handsome as him. But he seemed so very different from her cousin. His amber eyes were cold and stern, his jawline was taut even when he smiled and there was a permanent crease between his eyebrows, as if he'd frowned a lot. He carried himself tersely and in a way that screamed royalty, unlike Sakura who was so carefree and tended to trip on her own feet whenever she walked. His clothes were impeccable and when he spoke his voice rang out with a deep timber that showed authority, while Sakura's was a soft melodic sound. Tomoyo bit her lip in worry. How would her cousin fare with a prince like this for a husband?

Syaoran felt eyes on him and looked up to see amethyst orbs study him in earnest. Their owner blushed at being caught and quickly averted her eyes to the side. The prince refrained from rolling his eyes. It was not a surprise to him when women blushed at his look, he'd gotten quite used to it. He grunted when Eriol tugged at his shirt and looked down to see Cerberus happily snapping at the man's heel as he yelled out profanities. "Argh! Back! Down stupid dog, down!"

Syaoran cringed. "Must you shout in my ears Eriol?" He asked rubbing his poor appendage.

"Get this dog off me then!" The bespectacled man cried. The prince sighed before relenting. "Down Cerberus." The dog immediately obeyed, sitting on his haunches and looking up at his master. Syaoran pet his head. "Good boy." He smiled. "You can have at him after dinner."

"Syaoran!" Tomoyo giggled at the other's indignant shout while the prince merely smirked back. Beside her Meiling was clutching her stomach from laughing too hard. Eriol turned to the amethyst eyed woman, pouting slightly. "Tomoyo-san, not you too."

Tomoyo smiled apologetically. "Gomen Eriol-san, I didn't think you would hate dogs that much."

Eriol shrugged, straightening out his clothes. "I'm more of a cat person, but dog-boy here won't let me have one." He shot Syaoran a nasty look. "What about you Tomoyo-san? Do you like dogs?" The dark haired maiden shook her head. "Honestly dogs scare me." She said eyeing the now calm dog apprehensively. She relaxed when Syaoran placed a hand on its collar. "But Sakura loves them. She loves all animals but dogs are her favourite."

"Oh great, I'm sure she'll love to play with Cerberus then." Meiling smiled.

"I doubt he'll allow it." Syaoran said. "He does not like women." He stated the simply. Cerberus barked once, as if to agree.

"Of course, with you for a master how can he? You made your dog gay Syaoran." Eriol deadpanned, causing Meiling to snort and Tomoyo to let out a surprised giggled. Syaoran shot his cousin another nasty look. "I swear Hirigazawa, one of these days—

"Yeah I know, you're going to kill me. You really need to expand your options cousin." Eriol grinned, then squawked as Syaoran hit him upside the head. Tomoyo turned to Meiling, who was still laughing. "Are they always like that?" she asked, genuinely curious.

Meiling wiped at her eyes as she tried to calm down. "Y-yeah, Eriol is the only one who can get a rise out of Syaoran. It's so much fun to see him get riled up." She giggled when the prince scowled at her. Taking Tomoyo's hand again she tugged the other in the general direction of the other rooms. "Come on Tomoyo-san, I'll show you the other rooms in the castle. You must see the ballroom, you'll love it!" Looking over her shoulder she grinned at the other two. "You boys can tag along too if you want."

Eriol immediately ran after the ladies while Syaoran followed at a much slower pace, scowling all the while. The trio took Tomoyo around the castle, stopping while she awed at the elegant rooms and well decorated interiors. They strolled out to the gardens where Tomoyo squealed at the sheer beauty of the flowers. She told them about how Sakura loved gardening and her favourite place to be was inside the cherry blossom grove. Meiling and Eriol listened raptly at the dark haired girl rambled on about her cousin, occasionally interrupting her to ask some questions or to make some comments on their own. Syaoran remind silently by the sidelines with Cerberus, pretending that he wasn't listening in on their conversation and glaring at Eriol every time the other smirked at him and wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. It wasn't until Meiling suggested that they go up to her room that Syaoran politely excused himself, saying he had to get some paperwork done.

"Oh I'm sorry that we disrupted your work Ooji-sama." Tomoyo frowned apologetically. Syaoran shook his head while offering her a polite smile. "Iie Tomoyo-san, it wasn't a disturbance."

"Yeah it's not like Syao here needs any more excuse to hole up inside his study." Eriol said, throwing an arm around his cousin's shoulder. "Stick around some more cousin, I'm sure Tomoyo-san has more stories to tell about the princess." He grinned, azure eyes gleaming wickedly.

Syaoran resisted the urge to snap at his cousin. "As fun as that would be, I really must get back to my work." He brushed off Eriol's arm and bowed at Tomoyo. "Tomoyo-san, I hope you find your stay comfortable." Tomoyo smiled and returned his bow. The trio watched as he left, the dog happily trotting by his side. "He really is an aloof person isn't he?" Tomoyo mused out loud, then blushed when the other two looked at her. "Ano…I didn't mean it like that." She said flustered.

Meiling chuckled. "Nah you're right. Syaoran is not really a people person. He would prefer to be by himself than engage in a crowd, that's the kind of man he is." Tomoyo noticed the other's smile grow solemn and her eyes looked sort of sad. Beside her Eriol was uncharacteristically quiet, staring off into the distance. Tomoyo cocked her head. "Meiling-san?" The raven haired woman blinked before giving the other an unconvincing smile. "Ahaha sorry about that. I was just thinking of how Syaoran's lack of social skills is a pain to deal with."

Tomoyo nodded, smiling back. Something told her that was not the reason why Meiling suddenly looked so sad but it was not her place to ask about it. It seemed there was more to the prince than she thought and Tomoyo had a feel that she had trotted into an awkward situation. Not sure what to say she stayed silent. Thankfully the silence was dispelled when a servant boy ran up to them. "Eriol-sama, Meiling-sama, the queen is asking for you." He said. "The princesses have arrived."

"Eh? Already?" Meiling asked, surprised. "They are really early aren't they? Syaoran is not going to be pleased."

Eriol immediately perked up. "I'll go call him." Saying so he practically skipped away towards the prince's study. Meiling giggled and tugged on a bewildered Tomoyo's arm. "Come on Tomoyo-san, I want you to meet them."

"I didn't know the prince had sisters." Tomoyo said as she tried to keep up with the enthusiastic raven.

"That's because they are staying at our palace in China. Aunty has entrusted the affairs of our kingdom to them and their husbands. It's been more than a year since they visited Japan." Meiling explained. "And since Syaoran is the crown prince, the press doesn't give much attention to Fuutie and the others. It's not like they care about that anyway."

They reached the main hall to see Yelan, Sonomi and Kaho in deep conversation with four young men. One of them was holding the hand of a young girl while another had a small boy on his hips. Two more boys were seen running around the adults, giggling and squealing while a brown haired man, apparently their father, tried in vain to keep them quiet.

"Len! Tai! Zian! Shun!" Meiling exclaimed as she launched herself at all four men. They laughed as she tried to hug them all at once.

"Meiling!" The first one exclaimed, his voice deep and booming. "Wow it's so good to see you again! And my you've grown!" he released her and patted her head teasingly.

Meiling pouted. "What are you talking about Len? I'm twenty-two, of course I've grown."

"Physically yes, but mentally? I doubt it." The one carrying the little boy teased, laughing when Meiling pouted some more.

"Zian ni hen chun!" Meiling scolded in chinese causing the other to laugh harder.

Tomoyo walked up to stand by the side, smiling at Sonomi when the latter placed a hand on her shoulder. Yelan turned to her. "These are my daughters' husbands." The older woman told her. "The black haired one is Len, my eldest daughter Fuutei's husband and that's his daughter Mei-hua. She's eight years old." She pointed to the muscular guy who was laughing at Meiling's antics. The little girl clung onto her father's pant leg as she giggled at her aunt. "The one carrying the little boy is Zian, Fanren's husband and his son Ruu. Ruu turned four last month. The one beside them is Tai, Feimei's husband. Don't be surprised by his and Zian's hair, they used to be in a band until a few months back." Tomoyo giggled. Indeed Zian's hair was a deep purple and reached upto his shoulders while Tai's was dark green and parted right in the middle. "And the last one is Shun, Xiefa's husband. These little tykes," the queen said, catching the squealing boys around their midriff and hoisting them up ", are his kids Liu and Huan. They will turn six this year." She laughed as the boys squirmed, trying to get down.

"They are such a lovely bunch, aren't they?" Kaho smiled at the kids.

Meiling dragged Tomoyo forward. "Guys I want you to meet—

"Oh is this the princess?" Len exclaimed, taking Tomoyo's hand. "Ko-nich-wa hime." He grinned then grimaced. "My Japanese sucks."

Tomoyo giggled. "It's not that bad Len-san. And I'm not the princess, I'm her lady-in-waiting, Daidouji Tomoyo."

"Oh Sonomi-san's daughter. Though in Len's defense, you look beautiful enough to be mistaken for a princess." Tai grinned charmingly causing Tomoyo to blush.

"Such a flatterer. You should stop hanging around Eriol Tai." Meiling snorted.

"Tai's right though. Japanese girls are on a whole different level of beauty ne?" Zian said.

"Don't let Fanren hear you say that Zian." Shun teased good-naturedly. "It's nice to meet you Tomoyo-san." He bowed and Tomoyo returned the gesture. "It's nice to meet you all too."

"Come on Mei-hua, say hi to Miss Tomoyo." Len coaxed his daughter. The amethyst eyed maiden smiled widely at the little girl and waved. "Hello."

The eight-year-old blinked cutely. "Nǐ zhēn měi." She whispered before burying her face in her father's leg.

"She says you are beautiful." Len explained. Tomoyo giggled and blew the little girl a kiss. "You're beautiful too Mei-hua chan."

"Liu! Huan! Keep that vase back now!" The group startled when Shun suddenly yelled ran after his giggling brats. "They're such mischief makers." Tai sighed. "The only one who can make them behave is Xiao Lang."

"Speaking of, where is he?" Len asked, looking around. "Don't tell me he's locked himself in his study anymore. The guy will end up as a vampire at this rate!"

Meiling giggled. "Eriol's gone to get him. They should be down soon." A loud bark boomed their way as Cerberus came running to greet the group. Mei-hua squealed, running up to the dog and giggling when he pounced on her and began licked her face fervently. The little girl was the only female the dog allowed to play with him. Behind him was Eriol pulling onto an angry Syaoran's sleeve, dragging him into the hall.

"Eriol let me go now!"

"No can do~" The bespectacled man sing-songed. Yelan and Sonomi smiled, amused, as the rest laughed at Syaoran's put out expression.

"Uncle Xiao!" Mei-hua detached herself from the canine as she practically flew to Syaoran and launched herself at him. Eriol let go of the prince who immediately picked up the eight-year-old and twirled her around, grinning at her excited squeal. The twins followed her and began jumping up at him, waiting for their turn to be picked up and thrown into the air. Tomoyo watched on in wonder as the prince's previously callous expression washed away to be replaced with a genuine smile as he greeted his nephews.

"Wow, who knew the prince is so good with kids." Kaho mused out loud and Tomoyo couldn't help but agree. Even little Ruu seemed anxious to get into the chestnut haired man's arms, if his impatient squirming was any indication.

"Xiao Lang my man!" Len boomed as he greeting his brother-in-law with a hard thump on the back. "Thought you could hide from us after letting out the big news eh?"

Syaoran spared the other a glare. "If it were up to me you wouldn't have known at all."

"Aww look at him being all shy." The prince swatted at the finger that poked his cheek with a growl.

"So Xiao." Tai began, draping an arm over the latter's shoulder. "When do we get to meet this princess of yours?"

"On my wedding day."

"Ehh~? That's not fair, why don't we go meet her tomorrow hm?" Zian suggested, finally letting Ruu go so his uncle could take him. Syaoran nuzzled the little boy's nose before answering. "What's the hurry? You'll see her eventually anyway."

"But Mother told us even you have not seen her. Surely you must be curious." Shun teased.

"Not really."

"Syaoran!" Meiling scolded. "Be respectful!"

"That's ok Meiling-san." Sonomi stepped in. "You are all welcome to come to the palace, I'm sure the king and the princess would be delighted to meet you. We look forward to see the prince's sisters as well. It's been too long since we last saw them."

"Yes, I'm sure Touya and Yukito would be thrilled to meet them again." Yelan added. She shared a look with Sonomi before both broke out laughing.

"Speaking of…my sisters." Syaoran turned a quite-obvious-yet-not-quite-so pleading eye to his brothers. "Please tell me you left them home."

The four blinked before identical grins broke out on their faces. "So sorry Xiao." Len said, not sounding sorry at all. "But you know how they are when it comes to their 'cute little brother'".

"Yeah no force on earth can stop them when it comes to seeing you—" Tai began, chuckling.

"—and especially with you getting married now—" Zian added with a grin.

Shun tapped a hand on his shoulder, offering him a look of remorse while trying not to laugh. "You might want to run while you can."

Tomoyo and Kaho swore they saw a look of panic flash by in the prince's eye. They cocked their heads. Was he that scared of his sisters? Surely they can't be that bad…right?

They didn't have time to ponder on it when an identical chorus of "Oh little brother~" sounded by the entryway. Syaoran really did panic this time as he cleared his throat. "On second thought, I still have some paperwork left to do so—

He never got to finish that sentence.

"XIAO-POOOO!"

Tomoyo and Kaho watched on in horror as the prince was practically engulfed in a tangle of limbs, his cheeks got pinched, his hair was mused up, his arms pulled and his body hugged till he choked.

"Oh little brother we missed you SO MUCH!"

"You look even more handsome than before! KAWAIII!"

"And look how much you've grown! All these muscles!"

"We can't believe our baby brother is getting married already!"

"ERIOL GET ME OUT OF HERE!"

Said man merely chuckled as he watched his cousin get smothered to death by his sisters. He turned to see the two Kinomotos with a horror-struck expression on their faces. "Don't worry, this is how they usually treat them."

"Fuutie, Xiefa, Fanren, Feimei." Yelan called out sharply and the four women stopped molesting their brother to acknowledge the queen. "Mother." They greeted in unison, bowing deeply. Yelan pointed to Sonomi and the others. "I want you to meet Kinomoto-Mizuki Kaho, Prince Touya's wife. You already know Sonomi. This is Daidouji Tomoyo, her daughter." She introduced them.

Tomoyo 'eeped' suddenly when her vision was blocked by four pairs of identical chocolate amber eyes, blinking owlishly at her. The four sisters stared at the nervous young woman for a whole minute before—

"KAWAII!"

—they glomped her together. Before they could poke and prod at her however Eriol came to her rescue. "Now now ladies, it would be great if you would admire from a distance and not scare the poor girl away."

The sisters backed off and the Kaho and Tomoyo could take a proper look at them. They were identical quadruplets, each having the same chestnut brown hair and chocolate eyes as their brother though they had inherited their mother's beauty. They each wore their hair differently. "It's so nice to meet you all." The one with chin length hair bowed. "I'm Fuutie and these are my sisters, Xiefa, Fanren and Feimei." Xiefa had her hair cropped in front with one lone braid going down from the nape of her neck to her chest, Fanren had waist length hair and Feimei's hair came up to her shoulders. They were each dressed in identical Chinese dresses with different colors.

"It's nice to meet you too princesses." Sonomi bowed, along with Kaho and Tomoyo. "We're so happy you could make it."

"Oh we wouldn't miss Xiao-baby's wedding for the world, right little brother?" Feimei said, pulling the prince into a hug and squishing his face into her chest instead.

"Mmm-mffmm!"

"What was that Xiao-poo?" Xiefa cupped her ear.

"Feimei honey, I think you are suffocating him." Tai told him wife, chuckling.

Syaoran finally pulled free of his sister's grasp, takings gasps of air and trying to calm his now red face. "I said let go of me!" He nearly yelled.

"Aww he's so cute when he's shy!" Fuutie cooed, pinching the agitated man's cheek. Syaoran for his part, looked around wildly for some means of escape. Where was his dog when he needed him!?

Oh yeah, rolling over and playing dead for his niece. He seriously needed to re-train that mutt!

"Girls, let your brother be. I don't think he wants to wake up tomorrow with his face all swollen." Yelan smiled humorously at her son's plight. The girl's 'awwed' but did as told. Syaoran almost sent his mother a look of thanks before he realized this was all her fault in the first place. "Besides," Yelan continued. "You have three weeks of time to 'spend' with him anyway."

"What!?" the prince whirled around in panic. "You mean, you're not leaving tomorrow!?"

"Now why would we do that little brother?" Fuutie smirked. "We're here to help with your wedding preparations after all."

Syaoran gulped. He didn't this sanity could survive three more weeks with his sisters. "I don't think that would be necessary."

"Nonsense, I'm sure Sonomi-san and the others would appreciate the extra helping hands." Fanren said.

"That's right ne Tomoyo-san, Meiling?" Feimei asked the two women. "We have to do our best to help make Xiao-poo's wedding perfect."

"Besides, Kaho-san wasn't it?" Xiefa asked the red-head who nodded. "I've wanted to meet Touya-kun's wife for a long time. I'm sure we have a lot of stories to exchange." The brown haired princess grinned.

Syaoran bit his cheek to prepare himself from groaning. He watched as his sisters ushered their guests inside. Tomoyo and Meiling turned to give him apologetic looks before following them. Len and the others merely threw him identical grins while Eriol stayed behind long enough to pat him on the shoulder and say "Stay strong cousin. It wouldn't do if you dropped dead before the wedding." He chuckled before the prince could snap at him and ran off after the others.

The prince ran a hand through his messy hair and let out a huff. Cerberus trotted over to his master, the children having left him to go after their parents, and nudged his leg with his nose. Syaoran absently pet his ear. "I swear Cerberus," The prince grit out, exhausted. "If the princess is anything like these weirdoes I call family then I'm jumping off a frigging cliff." He was almost looking forward to the damn wedding getting over.

"XIAO-POOO hurry up inside, or you dinner'll get cooooold~".

He just hoped he could hold onto his sanity until then!

TBC

AN: *wipes brow* Phew, that was a struggle and a half! Er, Syaoran's sisters came out a lot stronger than I intended *sweatdrop* but there is a reason they are so…well…eccentric. Anywho I enjoyed editing this chapter and it turned out a lot better than when I first started it, so I hope you guys liked it. Please review, as always I love to hear what you guys think! Any questions or comments will be answered but please, no flames. Let's all be civil here *grins*

I'll have the next chapter out by next week (no later than that Tuesday, I promise!) so don't forget to check it out. Next up, the well awaited wedding! YAY! Will Syaoran and Sakura finally meet!? Will Syaoran survive his sisters long enough to attend his wedding? And what will happen to Kenichi? If you want to know don't forget to put the story on alert! *grins* Until next week then! I love ya'll! *blows kisses*

Kaijuu signing off.