Hey everyone. How are you all? Here is the new chapter and I would thank all my devoted readers for their kindness of sparing some time to read my stories. :D

I hope you like this chapter as well.

Disclaimer: This is getting old but here goes; I do not own CCS or any of its original characters

Chapter 23: The Queen

Jet sat next to his mother at the airport. They waited for the flight to China. While Lian was relaxed with a smile on her lips, Jet was tensed. He did not know how his parents would do against the queen but from what he had heard about her in the last few days about her, Queen was too cruel about everything. Jet was worried for his family.

Lian knew his mind, "Relax Jet. I will be back in a few days. I just need to report the details of the battle."

Jet sighed, "I know but...I still think I should come as well. I lost the battle. I should take the responsibility."

Lian gave him a stern look, "No. Your father and I mutually agreed that we would not let you ever face the queen until you are old enough. You are a kid and you will mistakes. She does not forgive mistakes."

"What if she hurts you? She is cruel. She..."

Lian smiled, "Queen is not as bad as you think she is. She is cruel and brutal, true. Nevertheless, only to those that do something wrong. Everyone is wary of her because she is extremely powerful. In the past, she defeated everyone in every clan singlehandedly. That is why everyone follows her. If our entire clan came together to battle her together, we can defeat and even kill her. No one tries that because we would suffer far greater loss than what we could afford. She does not interfere with clan works and only calls for us in times of need. She governs us all and is a major reason for the fragile peace that exists between all the clans of the world."

Jet was surprised to hear that. It explained why everyone followed that woman. The clan could kill her if they wanted to but they did no such thing because it leave them very weakened and enemy clans could take advantage to wipe them out for good. That would explain why none of the clans moved against her. Her presence actually prevented unnecessary violence between the clans. He governed with power and fear but it was not enough to bother the clans to join forces against her.

Lian closed her eyes with a smile, "I have respect for that woman actually. She is very intelligent and invokes just enough fear to prevent the clans from battling each other. However, it is not enough to scare them into an alliance against her. She keeps a very delicate balance between obedience from all the clans and no alliance formation between them against her."

Jet asked, "That is good. But...what about her advisors? Will they just let it be?"

Lian chuckled, "Queen is too proud to have advisors. She has a woman for helper but barely anyone has ever seen her. Those that have, say that she does not belong to any clan. There are many sorcerers and sorceresses in the world that are born out of clans. Cardmistress is one of them. Eriol is also one. Most join a clan later that they become friends with. Very few do otherwise and even they form an alliance at the very least. Queen and her helper did no such thing so very few worry about them taking sides."

Jet nodded, "She should be like Queen for them to work together."

Lian shrugged, "I do not know that. I have never seen her and no one has seen Queen's face either. Much is a secret about them but no one worries much. All of us have our secrets that we do not wish to reveal to anyone else."

"I understand. Just take care mom."

Lian smiled lovingly, "I will, my son."

Mother-son duo became silent with that. They resumed waiting for the airplane to arrive.

"Jet." Lian spoke with a strict tone.

"Yes mom." He looked at her and noticed the eyes he only saw when she meant business.

"Train hard with Michal. You have to gain great strength to handle the things in your future. It will not be easy but having friends like the cardmistress and, if possible, Li clan heir as well, will help greatly at that time. The war has not ended yet. It still has a long way to go. You could become a target in the future to get to the cardmistress. Neither your father nor I can protect you at all times. You have to become strong."

Jet looked at the floor, "I know that. We all need to survive this war."

Lian smiled, "This war will change several things from how we know them."

Jet nodded. An announcement about flight to China brought them out of their world. Lian stood up and Jet helped with her bags.

"Have a safe trip mom. Return soon." He smiled to his mother.

Lian kissed his forehead with love, "I love you my son. I will be back as soon as I can."

She then turned and walked away. Jet left soon after.

Sakura and Syaoran ate their special 'Cherry cheers wolf' sundae together with a red face. Elliot watched them with a massive grin from the counter. Sullivan was busy with other orders from the customers. Jet and Meiling watched with amused smiles as they drank their hot chocolates. Both could tell that the duo acted as if they minded sharing the sundae but inside actually enjoyed it. Elliot had been persistent to make them share that massive special sundae. A few customers smiled softly as they saw the duo share.

Sakura broke the awkward silence, "So Jet. How are things now that your mother is away for a little while? Are you facing any sort of troubles?"

Jet shook his head, "None at all Sakura. Mom will return soon anyway. I can manage on my own anyway. I am not helpless. Otherwise, how will I lead my clan in the future?"

Syaoran nodded, "One of the few things us heir's are taught early in our lives is to take care of ourselves in such situations. Ming would have been perfectly fine even if his mother had sent him to live here alone for a year or two."

Sakura frowned slightly, "I am still not satisfied. Why does the clan ask her to be present in person for the reports? She could have done that over the phone or through video calling. It must so much trouble for her to travel all that way just for a stupid report."

Jet smiled as he noticed Syaoran blush at her frown though he tried to hide it to the best of his abilities.

He took another sip, "She already gave them the report. This time she has to report to someone else. That person demands it done in person."

Syaoran spoke, "Meeting between sorcerers are different Sakura. Most do not rely on modern technologies unless absolutely necessary or considered a good alternative. They use telephones and video calls for smaller matters but big things are always done in person."

Meiling nodded, "Yes. Even Aunt Yelan has to return to the clan if something important needs to be discussed."

Sakura nodded though she stayed unconvinced. No one spoke as they began to enjoy their orders. Soon they forgot the topic of discussion and Elliot's occasional squealing over some cute couple or kid would give them the chills each time.

Lian was surprised to see several of her clan people present in the airport for her. She did not expect such a huge crowd for her. She rushed to them with worry since she did not see her husband anywhere. They crowded around her with looks of relief to her surprise.

Lian asked, "What is going on? Why are so many of you here?"

A man on her right replied, "We all were worried for your safety Lady Ming. We came for your safety and assurance that you are doing fine."

Lian was confused, "What is this about? Why is Zhuge not present here?"

The crowd became silent wit uncomfortable looks. They all exchanged glances and none met her eyes. Lian grew worried as dread filled her heart.

"What happened to Zhuge? Is he okay?" Lian asked worriedly.

A woman replied, "Queen summoned for him yesterday in the morning. He has been missing ever since. We do not know if he is all right or not. We got worried for you next since you would be an easy target without any knowledge of the dangers."

Lian went pale at the news. Zhuge, her beloved husband, has been missing for a day now.

"Why did no one inform me about it?" Lian shouted at them.

"We tried my lady. We just could not get in contact with you. Your phone had been out of reach and our magic always found interference. We could not reach you by any means."

Lian knew that it was Michal's magic that prevented the magical communications. She could not blame him since it was set to protect those two. She could not figure out the reason for the phone though. She rushed to the exit.

"I am going to see the queen. I will find out everything." She did not wait to give any orders to them.

Outside, she took her car and raced to her destination. She did not care how many traffic rules she broke on the way or how many times she missed colliding with an oncoming vehicle. She was worried for her husband and she needed answers immediately. Be it a powerful Queen or god himself, no one gets away unscathed from her fury after they hurt the love of her life.

The car screeched to a halt outside an abandoned building. She blasted the door with her magic and ran inside. The scene inside changed immediately into that of a castle. It was as if she walked into another world altogether. Perhaps she had since one could see a very large lush garden outside the windows running on her left. She raced through the corridor past several doors and turns to the largest and the grandest door of the castle. It led to the main hall. She used her magic to blast it open.

"Where is my husband? What did you to my Zhuge?" She roared in her anger as all activity ceased.

A lone figure sat on a throne at the highest place of the hall. It wore a hooded black cloak over an exquisite female gown in white. It seemed similar to a wedding dress but it had various pockets around the waist and the thigh region for small weapons. The dress proved the figure to be a female. The hood covered the face completely so none could make out the face. Several people stood in the before her. Some were in groups and others alone. All stop everything to look at Lian with wide and shocked eyes at her furious entrance and words.

A heavy female voice rang in the hall, "Lian Ming. I should have you tortured as punishment for such disrespectful entry into my hall."

Lian fearlessly came inside, glaring at the lone figure on the throne, "I do not care what you do to me Queen. What did you do to my husband?"

The woman laughed as she got off her throne, "I have no obligations to answer you Lian Ming."

Out of fury, Lian cast her magic and summoned lightening at her fingertips in an instant and fired at Queen. Queen did not move a muscle as a green barrier appeared before her to deflect the lightening. Everyone gasped at Lian's courage. Perhaps, anger destroyed her wits to raise her magic against Queen. Queen, however, laughed again in amusement.

"You are lucky my hands are tied with a promise or I would have already thrown you into my personal dungeons. Be careful next time Lian. My patience never lasts long." Queen spoke with a tone of warning.

Lian gritted her teeth and then took deep breaths to calm her nerves. She knew she was no match for Queen and she was correct to say that Lian was lucky. Everyone in the past that raised a finger against the Queen ended up in her dungeon and the sight was never pretty.

She looked at the hooded woman standing in front of the throne, "Where is my husband?"

Queen did not respond. She continued to stare at Lian for several moments. Everyone held his or her breath to hear the answer. Queen crossed her arms before her.

"Leave us alone." She commanded with a loud voice.

Everyone rushed out of the hall as fast as they could and shut the massive door behind them. Queen and Lian stood in their places for a while after the door had been shut. Then Queen sat down on her throne with one leg dangling from the armrest as she sighed.

Lian stepped forward, "My Queen. Is my husband okay? Did he make some mistake that you had to punish him?"

Queen replied softly, "No. Your husband loves you and your son. He is in another room at this moment, recuperating from almost fatal wounds. If it was not for my helper, he might have even died yesterday. Zhuge is an idiot to go that far but he loves you two so he never hesitated. He might be out cold for another day or two."

Lian's heart skipped a beat at the information about her husband.

"What happened? How did he get so wounded?" Lian asked with tears already falling.

Queen turned her head to look at her. She signalled her to come closer. Lian ran to her and Queen took her hand. She made Lian sit before her as she gently stroked her head. Lian was surprised at such a gesture from Queen. She would have never expected such kind touch from this woman.

"A few days back, while you still in Japan with your son, Zhuge sent me a message that he had an urgent request. I summoned him for that yesterday. His request was simple. He wanted me to exclude you and your son from this war. He did not want either of you getting hurt. I might have agreed for your inexperienced son but not for you. You are an important asset in this war against the cardmistress and her chosen one. I could not agree for you. Your husband then challenged me to a duel."

Lian paled since she knew Zhuge did not stand a chance Queen. She figured out in an instant where he received the wounds from. Queen had been brutal with his beating.

Lian hiccupped as she spoke, "He did not stand a chance against you. You could have gone easy on him."

Queen continued to stroke her head, "I did go easy on him. He is wounded due to my reflexes to my blind spots that he targeted often. You know of my reflexes very well Lian since you have been on the receiving end once before."

Lian nodded, "I still have the scar on my chest from back then."

Queen continued, "Before we fought, I set a condition. If he could land a hit on me even once, I would let you stay with your son in Japan and make sure no one bothers you two in that time to spy on the cardmistress or the Li heir. He took that opportunity and we fought. It was intense. Zhuge was determined to give you two that chance. He did not even care if he received a fatal wound from my reflex to my blind spot. He continued to try to catch me off-guard. I had to stop the fight before he pushed himself too hard to survive. I let him land a hit on me moments before he fell unconscious."

Lian smiled gladly as she took Queen's hand and kissed it several times, "Thank you Queen. Thank you very much for being so considerate towards him. You are too kind."

Queen patted her cheek, "It is because of that that I did not punish you for attacking me a while back."

"I apologise for my insolence. I will not repeat it ever."

"Fine. Now tell me why you returned to China. I already received the reports about your son's loss and cardmistress's victory. You had no reason to return."

Lian looked at her with serious eyes, "I came to deliver a message to you."

Queen sat straight, "A message. Who sent that message?"

Lian gulped, "Michal Sullivan."

Queen grumbled, "What did he say?"

"Black rose and green thorn will sting the colourful cream."

Queen sighed, "Fine. Did he tell you the meaning?"

Lian nodded, "We some persuasion, he did."

"Are you not wondering why I would agree to that?"

Lian smiled, "He showed me the reason you not do something rash while with him. A memory of your defeat."

Queen grumbled again, "That idiot. Humiliating me that way."

Lian asked, "My I ask you a question my queen?"

"Spit it out."

"Why do you listen to him? You could refuse to meet him."

Queen patted her head, "That is because he hold in his possession something of great value to me. While he has that, I have to do anything he tells me to do."

Lian was surprised, "What is it?"

Queen sniggered, "That does not concern you. He does not use it to hurt me so I have come to not mind him keep it. Anything else you want to ask?"

Lian hesitated before she spoke, "Why are you against the cardmistress and Li heir? Through Michal, I am sure you already know about them to know that they will not become a threat to anyone."

Queen withdrew her hand and leaned back, "Lian Ming. You do not know everything about those two. No one does. Not even Yelan. Only four people including Michal and me know the entire thing and all four agreed that this war is needed. It was either this or everyone ganging up on those kids to kill them. Michal wants to protect his goddaughter. His fiancée wants to protect her godson. I just want to get them to their full potential so that I can have some exciting battles with them. Michal is the only one that can match me and he rarely ever fights. It is boring. The rest have their reasons."

"His fiancée, Eva; where is she? He said she would be with you when I meet you."

"She is away for some errand. I will tell her to meet you when she returns."

Lian nodded, "Thank you my queen."

Queen turned to look at her and grumbled to see the smile, "What is with that smile?"

Lian shook her head, "I just never thought that you were so kind. You are so cruel to everyone and strict with everything. I think all that is mere acting. This kind self is the real deal, is it not?"

Queen laughed aloud and Lian chuckled as well. Suddenly several swords materialised around Lian. Each stayed pointed towards her. She was surprised as Queen's laughter died instantly.

"If you speak a word of all this to even a soul outside this room, even your to husband, I will cut you to pieces and feed you to the piranhas. Am I clear Lian Ming?" Queen spoke with threat oozing from her voice.

Lian raised her hands in surrender, "I promise I will not speak a word of it."

The swords vaporised, "Good. You can leave now."

Lian nodded and got up. She turned around and walked away.

She was about to open the door when Queen spoke, "Lian."

Lian turned around in confusion, "Yes my Queen."

"Strictness, fear, brutality. Sometimes they are needed to obtain obedience from people around you."

Lian smiled and nodded, "Those will no longer be the reason you receive my obedience and respect. Today, I have gained other better reasons. Have a good day my Queen."

Queen chuckled, "That is good to know. Zhuge is currently healing my healing spring. I will send him home once he wakes up. Leave him in my care until then."

Lian nodded, "He is in good care. I am not worried."

Queen commanded, "Get lost."

Lian laughed as she exited leaving the queen sitting on the throne, once again with a leg over the armrest while she hung off the other with arched spine and her arm over her forehead. Her hood never fell back to reveal her face. The people were waiting outside with worried facade for the Ming clan matriarch. Nevertheless, they were shocked to see her come out with laughter. All traces of anger and fury had disappeared. She had brightened up once more.

An old man approached her, "Lady Ming. Are you all right?"

Lian nodded gracefully, "Yes. I am perfectly fine. Thank you for your concern, elder Stanley of Race clan."

Stanley asked, "What of your husband?"

Lian replied without any hesitation, "He is on an errand for the Queen. He will be away for a few more days."

Another man arrived but Lian raised her hand with a stern face, "I came here after a long and tiring flight. I wish to retire for the day. If you would excuse me everyone, I am beyond exhausted. If you wish to ask anything, the Queen will gladly answer all your queries."

Everyone backed away and Lian left without waiting for any reply or parting words. She walked through the corridor with an amused smile. She knew that none would dare to raise a question before the Queen about her husband or the talks they had. The woman was scary even still. However, she is very kind deep down. Lian was having trouble accepting that part of her. Nevertheless, she never once sensed that Queen pretended to be kind. She was an experienced adult and she could easily tell an honest act compared to a deceiving act. Queen did not act at all when she showed kindness. She could easily believe her husband being stupid enough to do those things that Queen mentioned.

Lian reached her mansion and everyone surrounded her immediately. She did not say anything and silently went to her room. Everyone followed her to the doors but only the eldest and the maids followed her inside. The rest stayed outside since they did not have the permission to enter. Lian sat on her bed and then lay down while the rest sat on the couch or the chair. The maids began to arrange the massive bed for her comfort. She shut her eyes and took relaxing breathes.

An elder asked, "My lady. Did you meet the Queen?"

Lian nodded without opening her eyes.

"What did she say about our lord?"

Lian replied, "He is okay. He had sent a request to meet her a few days back. She had summoned him based on that request. He had a selfish request and she tested him before granting him the request. He will be back in a few days."

"Did you see him my lady?"

Lian sighed, "I have been through a lot in the last few days. I have learned of shocking things that I cannot share with anyone. With all that in my head, I did not need to actually see Zhuge to know that he is okay. Queen said that he is okay and I believe her."

The audience was shocked at her words. How could she trust that woman so easily?

"My lady. You should not trust that despicable woman. You must see for yourself whether the lord is alright."

Lian smiled knowing where it came from, "I have a reason to do that. Zhuge's request had nothing to do with Queen or her plans. She had no reason to kill him. She said that he is an important asset to her in this war. Her helper is healing his wounds."

"She hurt him so much..."

Lian cut in, "He was reckless. He should not have challenged her to a duel. He should not have tried to make her make a mistake and catch her off-guard. She is a very skilful fighter. His wounds are due his own mistakes. We are actually indebted to her because she let him win to end the duel before he killed himself in his recklessness. She saved his life after that with her personal healing spring. My husband can be an idiot some times."

Confusion spread in the room to hear of Queen's unseen kindness towards Zhuge. She could have been lying but Lian was no fool. She would not fall for it. There must have been some truth to it.

Lian broke the short silence, "Elder Liu. I want you to prepare the documents of Clan alliance as soon as possible."

Everyone was shocked. Lian had the leader-like expression so they knew she was serious.

Liu asked, "An alliance. With who my lady?"

Lian replied, "The cardmistress."

Thunderstruck everyone at the title.

"I will have it signed between my son and her after she wins this war, if she wins this war."

"My lady. She is our enemy. If she wins this war, she would have enough power to destroy us all. Alliance would mean nothing to her."

Lian kept her strict face, "Sakura Kinomoto is a girl that will be a powerhouse in the future. By the time this war ends, irrespective of the outcome, she will have support from half of the magical world, no credit to her magical prowess. They all will willingly come to defend her against her enemies even if she tells them to stay away. No one will care about her relationship with the Li clan even in our own clan. I have seen her strength first hand elder Liu. I do not want to lose such a great opportunity to strengthen our clan in the future."

Liu spoke, "You might be overestimating things. She is merely a child. Children change as they grow up."

Lian nodded, "Perhaps I am. That is why I will get it signed only after this war has ended. By then, I will be confident with my decision."

Liu nodded, "Very well then. I will have it prepared."

Lian smiled, "Think of it this way. If Sakura wins the war, we will no longer have the Queen ordering us around with her cruelty and power."

Liu smiled, "That is a good way of thinking."

Lian closed her eyes again, "I wish to rest now. I am very tired."

The elders got to their feet, "Rest well my lady."

Lian nodded, "Give me some benefit of doubt everyone. I do not wish to pass our burdens to our successors."

"Do not worry my lady. We will follow you wherever you would lead us to."

Lian smiled as she sighed relaxingly, "Thank you everyone. I have a meeting tonight at Quan's diner. It is a private meeting so I will go alone. No reservations please."

"Who are you meeting my lady?"

"It is an old acquaintance. It is a private matter." Lian replied softly.

The elders did not say anything and left after that. Lian waited for the maids to leave before she opened her eyes. She held frustration in them as she raised her right arm to bring a piece of paper before her.

'Quan's Diner. 8 o'clock. –Eva'

That was all it said to her. Lian frowned as she remembered how she found the paper in her seat in the car after she exits the abandoned building. She was surprised and wondered when Eva slipped it in her car. Queen must have informed her everything immediately after she left the hall. Lian was very tired but sleep avoided her as she stared at the piece of paper. She felt restless as she could barely wait for the meeting. She had so much to discuss with Eva.

End of Chapter 23.

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