Chapter 14 : Previous Engagement.
Please not that there are some mature content in this chapter and if you are not over 18, I suggest that you either do not read this or skip ahead when you come to it. Either way you have been warned and I cannot be held responsible for you ignoring this warning.
With that said I do not own CCS or any of its characters. Enjoy the following chapter.
Vala's ship was one of the fastest ships Sakura or anyone had ever been on. Where before it had taken three weeks on the Ruby Moon to reach the Island, it had taken no more than a week and two days to reach the beach where Eriol had collected all the ginger for the trip.
Madison had woken shortly after Sakura and like Sakura was on the road to full recovery. Eriol carried Madison ashore from the boat as did Li for Sakura. They were all pondering what they were going to do about horses as Bryant had taken all their horses with him to Sendai, when Vala nodded to one of the Mar that was with her. She like the others had long brown hair and brown eyes and pointed ears. She was dressed very much the same as Sakura and Madison. She closed her eyes and listened to the wind. She then placed her fingers in her mouth and made a high piercing whistle sound. Her name was Ahearn, which meant "Lord of all Horses."
Sakura and the others had watched in amazement as a herd of horses came galloping along the beach, one for each of them. Their manes danced in the wind, their hooves elegant and graceful as they churned up the sand, sending it spraying all around them. Several pranced in the air, neighing their greeting.
Sakura and Madison had both attempted to mount the beautiful creatures, but their energy gave out on them both and they would have fallen to the ground if Kale and Keir hadn't have been next to them to catch them. Sakura had fumed, cursed and muttered about her own weaknesses until Li had shaken his head and had put her up on his own horse and had jumped up behind her. Madison had already been put up with Eriol and so they had started their homeward bound journey.
--
One day later
Sakura looked around them and realized where they were. " Hey stop, stop, stop! " she cried pulling on the reins.
" What's wrong? " Li asked behind her instantly looking around them for danger.
Sakura looked around. She turned around to look at Li. " Li, which way is Taran and Shayla's place again? " she asked smiling.
" Huh? " Li asked startled. " You want to go back, why? " he asked suspiciously.
Sakura looked at everyone else. " I made a promise to Shayla that I would come back and visit her. You guys can go on if you want, but I'm going. " Sakura said as she jumped down from the horse, catching hold of the reins before she could fall.
Li swore under his breath and pulled the horse around. " Sakura get back here, if you're going then we all go, but will you get back up on the damn horse? " Sakura looked up at him and nodded allowing him to reach over and pick her up and place her back in front of him.
Vala looked at them all curiously as they rode into another direction. She smiled at the Mar that were with her and they galloped after them.
--
Shayla was lying contented in Taran's arms as he stroked her hair when she heard the sound of horses. She frowned up at Taran and got up making her way to window. She looked down at the road that lead up to the front gate. Her eyes sharpened and she squealed in delight when she saw Sakura and Li riding up front. Taran bolted up right as she dashed out of the room.
" Shayla! What's wrong? " Taran called as he chased after her down the corridor.
Shayla's head popped around the corner and her eyes sparkled with happiness. " Nothing is wrong! Only the best thing in the world is coming to our gates! " she said and dashed off again.
" Shayla wait! " Taran called after her, but she was already gone.
--
They hadn't even reached the huge gates when they swung open and Shayla stood jumping up and down waving at them. Sakura burst out laughing, wiggling in Li's hold before she slid out of his arms and ran up to hug her friend who hugged her tightly in return.
" I can't believe it, you're back! " Shayla said.
" I told you I would be didn't I? " Sakura replied.
" So… " Taran said smiling as he came down to them. " This is what the best thing in the world is. "
Shayla looked up at him smiling and Sakura, Li, Eriol, Meilin and Madison instantly picked up that something had changed between the two. They seemed much happier with each other not to mention the fact that the two were standing close and holding hands. Sakura nudged Li and indicated the sight and giggled. Li smiled down at her and stepped closer to her smiling. Shayla looked back at them all and noticed Vala and the Mar with her. Her eyes widened and she stared at them surprised. She shook her head when Vala smirked at her and ushered them all inside.
--
--
It was much later that Shayla and Taran saw that their guests were happily sated with food and drink. After was washed and changed into new clothes Taran listened while the Mar and the small group sat around a table talking about all that had happened on the island of Marise.
But two people had snuck away so they could talk more openly together. They were sitting on the open veranda off one of the elegant rooms, a small lantern beside them. Between the two was a small table with tea things on it.
" You seem a lot happier. " Sakura stated smiling before she sipped her tea.
Shayla blushed. " Yeah. Thanks Sakura. " she replied smiling.
Sakura nodded. " So you told him that you loved him and he - ? "
" He returned it! " Shayla replied happily and then stopped when she saw the sad look on
Sakura's face. " What's wrong? "
Sakura looked up startled. " Huh what? Oh nothing I was just thinking. "
Shayla studied her friend and looked over behind her at Li who had his back to them as he help Vala tell the tale to Taran about their adventures, and then back at Sakura and saw the same look of longing and loss in her eyes that had not that long ago been in her gaze. " Oh Sakura. " Shayla said hugging her friend. " It'll be alright. It will. "
A tear slid down Sakura's face. " I told him that I loved him, but he said that I shouldn't say it. "
Shayla looked horrified. " He actually said that to you to your face? "
" More or less. " Sakura replied sadly. " He was just drifting off to sleep when I told him and that's what he said to me. "
Shayla looked at her with sympathy in her eyes. " It'll be alright. It will turn out all right in the end you'll see. "
Sakura smiled and wiped away the tear. " Yeah I know. " she said. " That food looks good, lets join the others and eat. "
Li shifted over a little so Sakura could sit next to him and she smiled at him thankfully. Shayla watched them with a heavy heart. Here she had found utter most happiness and here was her friend in the darkness. She watched them as she laughed at something Julian had said and watched as Li laughed along with her. Yes it was quiet remarkable that Li had completely changed when he was around Sakura, but why didn't he love her she wondered.
They laughed and ate merrily for hours until it was too dark to go anywhere for the night. So they all bunked down for the night and slept peacefully till morning when they said their goodbyes and rode off into the sunrise. . .
--
1 weeks and 6 days later
Sakura looked up at the castle standing in front of her. " We're home. " she whispered.
Li looked up at the castle and looked at the back of Sakura's head worriedly. It would only be a matter of time before he'd have to leave her to return home as he had promised Meilin and she would have to go back to her normal life and then get married - Li pulled himself away from that thought. He didn't want to think about that. Sakura kicked the horse forward and urged it to go faster into the courtyard.
One of the maids looked up and dropped her bucket and screamed in shock at seeing them back. She flew inside and within seconds most of the Kinomoto staff was out in the courtyard welcoming them back. The crowd stepped back and Tori ran out and looked frantically for her and seeing her met her and hugged her tightly.
" Sakura? "
Sakura looked up and Li watched as the light shone in her eyes as she looked at her father as he stood in the doorway.
" Papa! " Sakura cried and ran up to him and hugged him tightly.
" Oh Sakura. " Aiden whispered as he hugged her tightly. " I was so worried. "
" It's ok papa, I'm home. I'm home. " Sakura whispered back.
Aiden looked at Li and the others and smiled." Forgive me where are my manners. Please come in and be welcomed my friends. I shall order hot baths and a great feast in celebration for your return. " Aiden stated.
Sakura smiled and was swept away by servants to be cleaned up.
--
Sakura sat in her hot bath and soaked every aching muscle in her body. She thought about it and she realized that they had been away for approx. 6 months. She was washed, and then dried and then she was put into a white sleeveless dress that was cut down low at the front and then had another dress/coat type thing placed over the top. It was a cherry blossom pink and had buttons up the front and was stitched with gold embroidery all over the front. It went to her hips, where it then fanned out, revealing the white dress underneath. It had long sleeves that covered her hands.
She called for her barber and then they cut her hair till it settled nicely just above her middle back and had it trimmed and tidied. They left the two strands falling freely and then they twisted and curled her hair into a mass of ringlets and a beautiful bun. They painted her nails a nice soft pink and put her feet into soft pink velvet slippers.
--
Li tugged at his collar again of his beautiful dark green outfit. " I feel like an overstuffed peacock. " Li muttered to Eriol beside him.
Eriol tugged at his dark midnight blue outfit." Tell me about it. How can they restrict themselves like this? "
Madison entered the room all smiles in her dark purple gown. It was simple but set off all her curves and made her look like a temptress. Eriol smirked and clapped Li on the shoulder.
" See you later. " he said and took off after Madison as she walked away.
Sakura saw Li and stopped. He looked so handsome standing there slightly away from the crowd. She was about to make her way over to him, but her father's servant stopped her and said that her father wished to speak with her. She nodded and sadly walked away.
She went into her father's study and saw Vala and Talar already waiting. Aiden smiled at her as she came in. Vala turned back around to the king. " Now that Sakura is here I would like to offer you something that we Elf kin haven't done in a long time. "
Aiden nodded.
" Along time ago, when Man and Elf existed in the same world, we offered them an alliance between both beings and they agreed, but they betrayed us and we took back our offer and we have ignored those of the outside world since, but today I stand before you and offer the olive branch once again and I Vala of the Mar People ask you King of Kinomoto, if you would agree to this? "
Aiden stared blankly at her.
" Dad she mean she wants to be our alliance as we to her. " Sakura put in and Aiden nodded understanding.
" Then who I am to stand in the way of what is to be? I agree Vala Queen of the Mar People. " Aiden said holding out his hand.
Vala smiled and gently shook it. " Then you are welcome to my home any time. "
" As you are here. " Aiden replied.
Vala nodded and smiled at Sakura. " Now that that is settled, let us go to the celebration. " Aiden said.
--
The trumpets went signaling that dinner was ready and Li looked around frantically for Sakura but she was no where to be found. Where was she? Li went into the hall and sat where he was told. Just then the King, Vala and Sakura came in laughing at something that Aiden had said. Li tried to get her attention but she was too busy talking to Vala as she walked past him to the head of the table where she was to sit next to her father and opposite Tori. Li's temper flared at the thought of being ignored, but Eriol nudged him and gave him a look and Li fell into his own thoughts as dinner progressed.
Dinner soon passed and dancing began. It was customary for the first dance to be opened by the Prince and Princess, so Tori lead Sakura to the middle of the room and started dancing with her as the music played. It was an impressive display and everyone stood watching as brother and sister took the spotlight.
Tori and Sakura stood facing each other as the lights dimmed and the drums drummed out a constant speed. (AN: Like a marching beat ) Another drum added a beat and sister and brother raised a hand and placed them palm against palm as they walked around in a circle, not breaking eye contact. Another drumbeat added and they changed hands and went back the other way. The audience watched as the music changed and brother and sister went along with the complicated dance steps, but executed it perfectly.
The night continued and Li watched as one after the other asked his Sakura to dance. Li balked. His Sakura? Now where had that come from? He went outside on the balcony to get some fresh air. Meanwhile inside Sakura was refusing the last dance as she had promised to someone else. She looked around for Li and couldn't see him anywhere. She just caught a flash of chestnut hair and dark green going outside. She smiled and slipped away unnoticed by the ever watchful eye of Tori.
" What are you doing out here all alone? " Sakura asked making Li look behind him as she came up to him.
" What are you doing out here? " Li asked coldly making her stop.
" Oh Li you're not upset because I haven't had a chance to talk to you are you? "
Li remained silent.
Sakura sighed as the last dance started. It was to a deep slow dance. Sakura stood beside him and curtseyed deeply and gracefully catching his attention. She looked up at him smiling and took his hand in hers and placed his other hand on her waist making him gulp in uncertainty. She started to lead him to the music and he took over after he got how it was done. Sakura smiled up at him and then rested her cheek against his chest as they continued to dance.
Li looked down at her and all his anger disappeared as they continued to dance. All too soon the music ended and Sakura stepped away from him looking up at him. She opened her mouth to say something and then she stopped, looking away sadly as she remembered. Li frowned and lifted her chin to make her look at him.
" What's wrong? "
A tear slid down her cheek as she looked up at him once again." It's just so hard to understand. " Sakura mumbled.
" What is? " Li asked worriedly.
" This. " Sakura said. " I mean we share so much and we come through it all and here we are dancing and for me it couldn't be any more perfect, but I remember . . "
" What? " Li asked.
" The last time that you and I…. " Sakura looked at him with meaning in her eyes and Li blushed.
" Well just before you fell asleep, I told you that I loved you. " Li's eyes widened.
" And you told me not to say it. " Sakura said as more tears slid down her cheek. " Why didn't you want to say it? " she asked brokenly. " Why do you not love me in return? "
Li stared at her in mute silence. " Sakura, I never said that. I didn't even know that you had said it. " Li stated choked with emotion. What could he say that would not offend her?
Sakura shook her head her hair dancing around her. " But you said- "
" Forget what I said. I must have been dreaming because I would never have told you that. " Li said firmly.
" But - "
" No Sakura. " Li cut her off firmly. " I wouldn't have said that. "
Sakura looked at him. " But you did. I heard you. " she reiterated stubbornly
Li ran his hands through his hair and prayed for patience. Li looked down at her. " Sakura I wouldn't have said that because if I had heard you, I would have told you how much I love you in return. "
" But -" Sakura stopped and stared at him as if she hadn't heard right.
" What? "
Li smiled at her and she felt light headed. Her chest felt too tight and hope warred with fear of rejection in her beautiful gaze.
" Haven't you got it yet Kinomoto? I love you. " he whispered just loud enough for her to hear only. " I can't spend one day away from you without worrying what mischief you will land yourself in. I miss your eyes when they reach across a full crowded room and meet mine and you smile. It's not just a smile that you have for anyone else, I know when you have seen me for your whole face lights up like the sun and your smile blooms – how could I not know that you love me?
" You make me feel things that no one else has ever made me feel before and I would risk my life to protect you just so I could wake up every morning and feel you close to my side. I never want to be parted from you. " he leant in close so that their forehead touched lightly, chestnut hair mingled with honey-brown. "Never " he whispered.
Sakura blinked and Li swore as she fainted right there in front of him. He caught her and carried her back inside and luck was with him, because he found Madison. She freaked when she saw him carrying Sakura and demanded to know what had happened. When he explained, she led him up to Sakura's room and together they took her inside. Luck was with them for no one saw them, not even the servants.
Madison placed a cold clothe to Sakura's head and looked at Li." This is the first time I've known her to faint. What happened? "
Li blushed." Ah….. " he looked away and tried to think of anything but his mind was blank.
Madison raised her eyebrows and looked at him smirking. " I'll interrogate you later. Eriol was looking for me, so I better go. " she said and left, leaving them alone.
--
Sakura woke a few minutes later and stared at Li. She groaned as she sat up and looked at Li and blushed. " I'm sorry. I had the weirdest dream ever. " Sakura mumbled as she looked at Li.
" Let me guess, you dreamt that I told you that I loved you right? I did this magnificent speech and everything and then you fainted. Right? "
Sakura gasped and went bright red. " It wasn't a dream then was it? " she asked softly.
Li leant forward and kissed her soundly on the mouth. " Does that leave any doubt? " Li asked looking at her widened eyes.
Sakura blinked and she smirked seductively." Ano.. I think I'm doubting just a little. " she said and pulled Li to her and they kissed once more.
Li wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him. " We can't be gone too long, your brother will be searching for you like a hawk. "
" Let him keep looking. " Sakura mumbled as she kissed him back. " I'm having fun. "
" I know your definition of fun. " Li replied and placed butterfly kisses down along her neck.
Sakura trembled and reached for Li's belt. " I can't wait. " she whispered hurriedly.
Li looked at her and reached for her skirt as he kissed his way down to her collarbone. He ran his hands up her legs and she opened them willing and groaned as his finger entered her. Li started to reach for her buttons on her dress coat with his other hand, but she stopped him.
" It must look like I haven't been touched. " Sakura whispered as she moved against him as he continued to play inside her.
Li swore under his breath and pushed her gently back against her pillows He ran one calloused hand down her leg making her shiver, collecting her stockings along the way. He through it to the floor and ran his hand up her leg hearing her small moan of delight. He grasped her ankle and lifted her leg, delighting secretly as the layers of her dress slid past her knee and inched higher and closer to the place her desired most. He placed butterfly kisses along her ankle and made his way higher up her leg. Sakura clenched the covers and arched her back, biting her lip to stop herself from crying out. Tori would kill her if she didn't get away soon and she wouldn't get anywhere if Li kept doing this to her.
Li nipped behind her lip and she gasped. She lowered her gaze and locked onto his. She moaned when she saw that his eyes were dark and intense. Very intense and they were locked on her as he kissed his way higher. Her cheeks reddened and let her head fall backwards.
Closer and closer to the one place she needed him most and he tormenter her by edging nearer and then running his tongue so close but not where she wanted him. So she took things into her own hands – literally. She reached down and traced her long soft, slender finger up his manhood through his cloth of his pants making him stop and clench his teeth.
She lowered her leg and shifted closer to him. " Take me now Li. " she purred sinfully against his ear before she nipped it with her teeth and the licked it to soothe it.
She listened to the growl that rumbled low in his chest before it emerged as a hiss through his clenched teeth. He pinned her with a gaze and clasped her waist and jerked her roughly to him. She gasped as he reached between them and suddenly freed himself.
He reached behind her back and gripped her butt and slammed her against him and then pushed her hips down. Her shocked gasp and gaze jerked to his as he lifted his own hips and pumped into her. Her nails dug into his shoulders and she moved with him, growing faster with each spasm of pleasure building between them.
He placed his hand on the back of her head and kept her close to his heart as his moved in and out of her. He whispered words that he dared not say before to her and heard her little whimpers as she rode him in turn. He kissed her jaw and licked at her ear as he lifted her and pushed her down onto him. He held her firmly in place even when she tried to move and felt himself come deep inside her. Sakura wiggled against him and he felt her spasm against him, crying out against his chest, jerking violently as she milked him.
--
Sakura brushed down her skirts one last time and re-entered into the room. Many faces looked up as she entered and sensing that they wanted an explanation Madison came to her rescue.
" Oh there you are Sakura! " she said loudly making sure everyone heard. " Thank goodness you're alright. Too much dancing I think. All that excitement must have been too much for you. Poor thing - first time to ever faint. I'm glad you're ok after that little lie down I told you to have. "
" Oh I feel so much better. " Sakura said loudly making sure the others heard as well.
" Come know why don't we go over here and talk. No more dancing for you tonight. "
Sakura sighed in relief when she saw that Tori had bought it and was walking away from her, calm and relaxed as ever.
" Now spill. " Madison said when they were alone.
--
--
It's been a few weeks since Sakura and company arrived back home. Sakura stayed for a week with her family before she left to return to her own home. Vala and her Mar accompanied her as well as Li, who was to be her guest of honor. Madison had left to go to her home with Meilin and Eriol as her guests of honor shortly after Sakura.
Time slipped by and everything fell back into its sound order and Sakura was as busy as ever trying to get everything right. She barely had time for herself let alone any one else as her people came to her with presents and gifts and small tokens of their appreciation for her returning home to them safe and sound as well as saving them all. Sakura would blush and laugh nervously when she was put in the spotlight and would try to explain that they didn't need to thank her. Li would stand in the shadows and watch with a smile on his face as everyone adored her.
It was around this time that Sakura first started to get the dreaded 'Morning sickness'. Sakura being as involved in her kingdom as she possible could be knew at once from all her talking's with the old midwives in the villages, that she was possibly with child. When the tell tale sign, that her courses hadn't come at all, confirmed what had been buzzing around in her mind, she couldn't face anyone and had locked herself away in her room startling the servants, Julian and Li.
Sakura had paced and paced trying to think of what she could do. She wasn't married and that would only mean that her child would be born a bastard and have no claims to her throne - her legacy for the future. No one would take her now as she was already pregnant. She had cried and cried until she was so sick that when she finally stopped retching in her bathroom, she had collapsed on her bed exhausted.
Li and Julian had tried to get her to come out, but she either didn't hear them or she turned a deaf ear to them. She wasn't going to budge! Vala had witnessed the whole thing and grew concerned. She went back to her room that Sakura had given her and looked into a bowel of water that had been placed there by one of her Mar.
A crystal figure appeared beside the bed and Vala's image appeared. She reached over and placed her fingertip gently on Sakura's forehead and had to bite back a startled cry as her mind raced with all of Sakura's thoughts. When Vala had pulled herself away, she had felt such a strong emotion for Sakura that she couldn't give what she was feeling a name, but she knew that she had to help. Mar were very good with understanding nature and creation and she didn't need to guess what was growing inside of Sakura, and she knew of whom it had been created. Vala had come to understand a great lot of the human ways and she knew why Sakura was so upset. She shook her head warily. Mortals were so complicated from Elf kind!
I will help you destined Star Queen. Vala said softly in Sakura's mind before she disappeared.
--
A few days later
Sakura had finally come out of her room when starvation and sickness brought her out. She hadn't slept much at all and you could see that she was exhausted. She walked around as if in a dream and the servants and Julian started to worry that maybe she was sick. Li followed her everywhere but kept out of sight. He wanted to know what had caused this to happen so suddenly.
There was a summoning to the throne room and Sakura sadly went. She stopped when she saw the man in his early 50's waiting for her. Sakura warily stepped forward.
" Kisho? " she said and he turned around a smile forming on his lips.
Although he was in his 50's, Kisho Masaki still looked young, except for the dead give away of grey in his black hair. He had deep blue/gray eyes and he was sort of tall. In his youth, Kisho had been strong and a good fighter. Kisho and Aiden had been best of friends and still were.
" Hello my dear. "
Sakura ran down and hugged him tightly. " Kisho my friend what brings you here? " Sakura asked looking at her old friend from when she was little.
Kisho looked a little uncomfortable. " Is there somewhere where we can go to talk in private my dear? "
Sakura nodded and he followed as she walked off.
--
" Now my dear friend what ails you? " Sakura said sitting down near the fire.
Kisho looked at her.
" My dear it is you that ails me. "
" Excuse me? " Sakura said watching him as he sat.
" I have no idea how I come about this knowledge except but that one moment it wasn't there and the next it was and - "
" Kisho what is it? " Sakura said coming to kneel in front of him.
Kisho looked down at her and placed his warm hand on her cheek. " Look how you've grown. Why when I left all that time ago, you were still just a little thing and now look at the woman you have become. "
" Kisho. " Sakura warned smiling.
Kisho face grew dark. " My dear I somehow know of your predicament. "
Sakura's heart froze. " My- my pre-predicament? " she asked nervously. " Whatever do you mean? "
Kisho took her hands in his and looked at her like any father would. " Sakura I know that you carry - "
Sakura pushed away from him horrified. " How could you? How is it possible? " Sakura demanded stunned.
" Listen my dear I know it's hard to believe, I don't even know myself how I know, but you must listen to me. "
Sakura shook her head numbly. " Please you mustn't tell anyone. " she begged.
" Shhh. " Kisho said when he saw her tears. " Sakura I may have an answer. "
Sakura listened as he went on to tell her of his plan.
--
Sakura stared at him stunned. She finally found the strength to move her mouth and speak. " Wha-what you're saying is that you want me to marry you so that my child won't be born a bastard? "
" Your father once said in jest that he would like me to marry you because he knew that you would be safe with me. It isn't an outrageous idea my dear, younger people have married men twice my age because it makes good for the family ties and for the alliances they will get. With me you'll have protection and safety, someone who can watch over you and take care of you and your child and I do not mind that it isn't mine. "
" I don't understand, why are you doing this? Why are you offering me this? " Sakura asked softly.
" Sakura listen to me, I am getting old though I may seem young. I've been married twice and have lost both my wives to the childbirth bed. I have no heirs to claim as my own and I am getting old and worn out. I'd like to know that I can spend the rest of my days with someone I know that cares for me and will care for me and that when my times comes I will be able to go in peace because I have had someone like you of such a warm heart to make my living last years something to remember. "
Sakura let her tears fall as she looked at him." And all you want in return is for me to care and look after you while we raise my child together? " Sakura asked.
Kisho smiled." My dear I don't expect much, for you know I am a simple man, I don't expect for you to be a totally devoted wife. No, all I ask is that you respect me and care for me when times get a little low and in return I will take care of you and respect you and will help you raise you're child so that he or she may be a prince or princess to be truly proud of. "
Sakura choked back a sob as she hugged him." What about Love? " she asked looking up at him with uncertainty in her eyes and heart.
" Sakura I cannot ask any more of you my dear when I know you're heart belongs to another. All I may hope is that in time, you may spare a little of that huge caring heart of yours for this old man. "
Sakura pulled away and sat on he floor looking into the fire." You know my brother won't agree to this you know? " Sakura said looking at him wearily.
Kisho nodded." I know my dear, but your father will understand. "
" You aren't going to tell him are you that I'm - I'm " Sakura asked frightened.
Kisho shook his head." No my dear. Leave everything to me. "
--
Julian walked up the hall and saw Li leaning against the door in which Sakura and Kisho were talking.
" Having fun? " Julian asked and raised his eyebrow as Li jumped.
Li masked his expression and forced his heart to stop pounding." Do you always sneak up on people Star? " Li asked stonily.
" Do you always try to listen in on her highnesses conversations? " Julian asked.
Li blushed a slight pink." I- "
Julian smirked." If you walk away now I'll forget I saw it. " Julian said. Li glared at him and walked away shooting him the death glare over his shoulder.
Julian sighed and gently knocked on the door. The door opened and a very sad and confused looking Sakura opened the door. She sniffed and Julian looked at her concerned.
" Is everything alright milady? " Julian asked softly.
Sakura sniffed again and nodded." Julian. " Sakura said trying not to cry. " Send word to my father. I need to speak to him. " Julian nodded and walked away.
Kisho came to stand beside her and placed his hand gently on her shoulder in comfort.
" I'll talk to you later. " Sakura nodded as he walked away, down the hallway.
--
A rider flying as fast as the wind sped out of the courtyard and down the dusty dirt road carrying the seal of the princess of Berth Seren Banon to the kingdom of Kinomoto.
--
Sakura walked down the elaborate hallway in her own world. She couldn't believe that Kisho would come out of no where, know about her condition and yet offer to take care of her so that her child could be crowned at birth.
She stifled a scream when a hand drew her into the shadows behind a huge red curtain. Li kissed her on the mouth and tried to calm her. She stared up at him as if he was a stranger when he pulled away. Li looked at her concerned and stroked her hair lovingly.
" You've been too upset lately. " he whispered as a maid went past humming to herself.
Sakura blinked trying to clear her mind. " What's wrong Sakura? " he asked still stroking her hair.
Sakura trembled and couldn't make her mouth work. How could she when she was about to be married to someone twice her age, and lose the love of her life? Li watched her as the mass of emotions played across her emerald eyes and he frowned. He drew her closer to him so he could kiss her softly, but she placed her finger to his lips and looked away trying not to cry.
" No. " she choked failing to keep a tear rolling down her cheek. " Just no. " she said.
Li frowned deeper and tried to reach for her but she pulled away refusing to look at him.
" Don't. " she whispered and bolted out from behind the curtain and ran down the hall, trying not to trip over her skirts.
" Sakura! " Li called out, but she refused to hear him.
--
Two days later
Aiden stared at his daughter in concern, but she refused to look at him, for some reason she found the rich red of the carpet intriguing as she continued to stare at it as Kisho finished telling Aiden the news.
" Aiden? " Kisho asked softly.
" I don't know what to say. " Aiden replied meeting his gaze. " It is a most unexpected surprise. "
" Do you agree? " Sakura asked softly looking up.
" If it is what you want? " Aiden asked and Sakura nodded slowly.
Aiden sighed." Then I give you my blessing. "
" Thank you papa. " Sakura said and with that she walked out of her study leaving the two old friends in silence.
--
Julian found Li and ushered him outside onto the front steps of the castle with the rest of the surrounded villagers.
" What's going on? " Li asked.
" An announcement of some sort. " Julian replied.
Li spotted Madison, Eriol and Meilin in the crowd and frowned. " What are you doing here? " Li asked coming up to them.
Madison turned around and he could see the confusion on her face. " We were summoned like the rest were, but we don't know why. "
--
Sakura was dressed in white - the colour of innocence. Her hair had been woven around a small crown with a huge bright emerald in the centre of it. It had been her mothers. Kisho was being dressed to match her. It had been agreed that whilst Sakura carried to full term, they would be in the hills at one of Kisho's estates away from everyone and they would only return to Berth Seren Banon after her child had been born to save questions.
They would leave immediately after the announcement was to be made and start their journey together. When they reached the temple high on the plateau, they would be married in name only. The sooner she got away, Sakura thought, the easier it would be. While she stood in front of the mirror looking at her appearance as her maids fussed, she couldn't help but feel as if Li was watching her. A knock sounded on her door and she turned as Kisho came in.
" Are you ready my dear? It is time. "
Sakura nodded and walked over to him.
" It isn't too late to pull out Sakura. " Kisho stated softly.
Sakura shook her head wildly making her curls dance. " No. I need this as much as you do. "
Kisho nodded. " After you milady. "
--
Li and Eriol were talking when the trumpets sounded. A hush fell on the huge crowd that had gathered. Li looked and the others looked up as the King dressed in his robes and crown walked out into the sunlight.
" All who are gathered here today. I have a quiet unexpected announcement to make. "
Aiden's voice rang clear through the air and the crowd wondered what it was. " My daughter it would seem has taken quiet a liking to my dear friend Kisho Masaki. "
A murmur went through the crowd and Li stiffened. Where was this heading?
Suddenly a mass of doves flew out from inside the shadows behind Aiden and the crowd watched in wonder as Sakura, looking like an angel from heaven, came walking out with Kisho beside her into the sunlight behind her father.Her arm was linked with Kisho's and the sunlight reflected off a beautiful emerald ring on her hand and the crowd cheered when they realized that this was a wedding announcement.
" It would seem that my daughter is to be married this afternoon in a private holding at the Seren temple. I have given them my blessing and I hope that you will wish them much happiness together. "
Li, Meilin, Madison and Eriol's shocked gasped disappeared into the wind as the crowd cheered and went ballistic as Sakura and Kisho walked down the flight of red carpeted steps to the carriage that pulled up in front of them, drawn by six chestnut coloured horses. Sakura held her head high the whole time and refused to cry. As the carriage door opened and Kisho helped her up into it, her heart froze and died.
As the carriage pulled away and started it's journey taking them towards the temple, Aiden watched with a heavy heart. Why had his daughter gone with Kisho? Did she not realize that she would be a widow within the next few years? He shook his head sadly, whatever had possessed his daughter to this decision he did not know, but he only prayed that she wouldn't be too disappointed and devastated when the huge loss would come.
" And now, " Aiden said stepping back into his role of King and pushing the role of father away he addressed the crowd. " To celebrate my daughter's marriage, there will be a three day celebration. Everyone may part take in it, even my daughter's servants. "
A huge cheer went up as everyone got into the party mood, except four people who were devastated.
All failed to notice the beautiful Mar Queen standing in the shadows near the pillars, watching as Sakura drove away. Vala nodded listening to the wind. It had been a good choice to pick Kisho Masaki. The wind flew past her and whispered its message. Vala turned away and headed back inside the castle, her anklet ringing softly like tiny bells as she gracefully walked own the red carpet as she thought. It was indeed destined that Kisho wouldn't live beyond winter five years to come. By that time Sakura's child would be born and old enough to survive. Then Sakura would be once more free to marry if she chose too. What lay beyond that, Vala could not see for some things the gods like to keep hidden. . . . But for now she had played her part . . . .
--
A few hours later
Madison, Eriol, Meilin and Li stood outside Sakura's study. Madison turned to them.
" Now let me do the talking as I'm probably the most down-to-earth person here after what's happened. "
Madison knocked and opened the door and they all entered. They saw that Tori and Layla were already with Aiden in the room, still dressed in their riding gear as they had only just arrived when Tori had got wind of what had happened. Madison ignored them and glared at the king as she charged into the room.
" Your majesty what the hell were you thinking letting Sakura marry Kisho?! " she demanded coldly.
" So much for the down-to-earth prospect. " Meilin muttered.
" There! You see? Someone else agrees with me! " Tori spat at his father.
Aiden rubbed his temples and Layla laid a gentle hand on Tori's shoulder. " Tori please calm down. All this yelling isn't going to get us anywhere. "
Madison glared at her. " Damn it to hell it won't. " she spat. " If I have to stand here and yell till I'm black and blue I won't leave until I have an answer to the reason why his majesty allowed my cousin, best friend and sister I might add, to marry that- that fossil! "
Eriol shook his head and rested his hand against his forehead.
" Alright all of you calm down. " Aiden demanded and the room went quiet except for Li, Tori and Madison glaring at him coldly.
Aiden stood up and started to pace. " As to why my daughter was so set on marrying Kisho I don't know. But both of them were both serious when they asked for my blessing. I am just as puzzled as you all are as to why this has happened. "
" But it didn't stop you from granting it! " Tori spat.
" Do you think I like to watch my daughter leave knowing that in a few years she will be a widow?! " Aiden yelled.
Tori stepped back and the room went quiet.
" I do not doubt that they still would have married whether I had given my blessing or not. "
" But why? " Madison asked as she bit her thumb nail pacing. " Why would she want to marry him? I mean come on he's nearly thrice her age. "
" Maybe Kisho forced her? " Meilin said.
" No. " Aiden said. " Kisho isn't like that. He's a kind and caring man and I trust him with my life. He would never hurt Sakura intentionally. "
" Then why? " Li demanded coldly.
Aiden looked up and met his gaze and read all the pain in is eyes. " That I do not know. "
" Well one thing is for sure. " Madison said. " I will not rest until I get the truth from Sakura. "
" Be careful Madison. " Eriol said softly. " Sometimes it is better not to know the full truth and to just except that she is married and that we can't do anything about it. "
Madison stopped pacing and looked at him. " Perhaps. " she said slowly looking away.
" But at least we can know that it won't last. "
" Now Madison. " Aiden said. " Kisho is still healthy. "
" No that's not what I meant. " Madison said. " Sakura's destiny has still yet to start. "
" What do you mean? " Meilin asked.
" Sakura was born the princess of stars. It was her birthright that she be linked to them like Natasha. " Madison stated. " Berth Seren Banon means ' Beautiful Star Queen.' Sakura is the princess of stars and she is beautiful but she isn't a queen . . . yet. "
The room fell silent as everyone digested this.
" No, I'm sure that this isn't the end. The gods haven't even begun to weave the pattern of destiny and fate. This I'm sure is only the beginning of the thread that will lead us all to our destinies. Sakura is destined to be a queen, and she won't be while she is with Kisho. The gods will do their part I am sure. " Madison said and nodded to Aiden before walking out of the room with her head held high.
TBC
There isn't much to say for this chapter that hasn't already explained itself. I am sorry that I have taken so long to upload this but I do hope that you are all still with me until the end. If you have any thoughts or questions you can email me on my personal email:
I look forward to hearing from you and please don't forget to review!!
Black Wolf Chic 2