Chapter 14: Feisty
Sakura's POV
We were standing in front of my new room. He would not leave and somehow I knew he wanted an answer to my bold statement from before. Li Syaoran, Prince of one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world was in love with me. A small, scrawny, beaten girl from a middle class family had the Prince at her feet, my feet.
The saddest part was that my feelings for him were mutual. Yet I could not tell him. It was for his own good and for this kingdom. My father is going to find me. When he does find me he will kill me. But if he ever found out about my love for Syaoran, this kingdom would fall. He would kill Syaoran to destroy my happiness and not even care that he was leading his country to ruin. That's the type of father I had and that is why I cannot tell Syaoran about my feelings. It hurts so much but its all I could do to protect him. I would not allow my father to take him away from me, not Syaoran.
"Sakura..." He said his voice filled with so much pain my heart squeezed. He was trying to reach out to me. I bit my lip when he started to caress my left cheek.
"Syaoran I-" My voice acted on his own. I stopped myself before I could ruin everything. "I'm sorry..." He kissed the top of my head and I closed my eyes relishing the feeling of his lips on my head. Unconsciously I came closer to him leaving my hands lingering in the air; afraid to touch him. Tears stung my eyes and my heart wanted to shut down. All the emotions that I was keeping from him wanted to come out. I wanted to tell him just how much I really felt for him. I hated myself for being so weak. I wanted to say his name again but a finger came to my quivering lips.
"Sleep Well, my Angel." He whispered to me before leaving me alone in front of my door. I watched him go his back hunched with saddened eyes. I was hurting him so much. I couldn't take this much longer.
"I...love...you..." I whispered into the darkness.
I opened the door to my room and closed it. I collapsed on the floor depression taking over me.
"Sakura-chan?" I lifted my head and noticed Tomoyo standing in front of me.
"What are you doing her Tomoyo? Its late." She knelled down and smiled at me.
"I could not wait for morning. How did it go? Did you confess?" She asked her questions giving more pain by the second.
"No." I said. Tomoyo instantly sensed my sadness.
"What wrong? Did he hurt you?" She asked. Her voice had taken a dangerous edge. It frightened me. With the power of influence she had as a princess and her protectiveness of me she could almost kill anyone. But that was only if she had enough proof to do so.
"No! Of course not!" I said defending him promptly. "He would never do anything to hurt me."
Tomoyo eyes clouded with confusion. "I do not understand. Why do you look so sad, dear?"
My gaze fell to the floor and my hands began to clench into fists when my resolution came back to me.
"I...I am not going to confess to him, Tomoyo." I admitted to her as tears once again fell from my already sore eyes.
"What? W-" She stopped asking questions when she heard me choke while trying not to sob. "Oh, Sakura." She cooed to me. She took my hand and led me to my bed. She put my head on her shoulder and rubbed my back soothingly as I cried.
"What if he finds me Tomoyo! He'll hurt him. He'll find me and kill us both! I'm so scared! I don't want him to hurt Syaoran. I don't know what to do anymore! It hurts when I think about Syaoran and the restrictions I have because of my father. I'm so scared for him." I said crying like a baby. But these tears were not of sadness but of fear. Fear for not only my life but Syaoran's.
"Shhh, it will be alright. Calm down a bit for me, love." She said trying her best to sooth me. Slowly my cries became silent but tears still ran down my red cheeks.
"I love him, Tomoyo but if my father finds me...you know he wants my life he will do anything to have it. If he finds out that I love the prince he'll destroy my happiness." I whispered my thoughts still centered around Syaoran's safety.
"Stop what if-ING everything Sakura. Have you ever thought why your father has not found you yet?" She asked using her softest voice possible. I shook my head. "Because the Imperial Family has been constantly protecting you since the day you arrived. No one will or can harm you or Syaoran."
"B-But-" I began to say. She cut me off immediately.
"No but's, confess to him. Did you ever consider how you have been hurting him more than protecting him?" She asked patting my head fondly. I nodded thinking back to my emotional estate a few moments ago in the garden.
"Yes, I know what I have been doing to him." I answered grimly. Tomoyo nodded.
"You don't want him to suffer do you." She said. In her mind I could see there was no question to the answer.
"N-No."
"Then don't make him. I know him. He won't tell you a thing about how deeply you are hurting him. He's just like that. But in that way he is also destroying himself. The Lantern Festival is coming up. Why don't you confess to him that day?" She suggested. I looked up at her and an evil little twinkle entered her eyes. I smiled a bit unsure of myself. But I liked that idea.
"That would be perfect." I whispered. Tomoyo gave a satisfied nod and smiled.
"Good now get some rest. When you wake up we will all be in the garden." She said standing up.
"How do you know I will wake up late?" I asked giving her a curious look.
"Because you always do." She said closing the door behind her.
Next Day
As soon as the sun hit my eyes I shot wide awake. The events of the night prior went racing through my head. I felt terrible when I remembered Syaoran's amber orbs. They were so hurt and it was because of me. My good intentions just hurt him more and I hated myself for it.
'Sakura-'
'Don't.'
That small scene somehow means so much to me. Because that was where I saw Syaoran's eyes begin to hurt so much more than before. For a moment my happiness vanished.
Someone knocked at the door interrupting my train of thought. I barely lifted my gaze from the bed sheets. I sighed heavily. I didn't want to see anyone but that one person anyone else just wouldn't do. I did not answer the door but the knocking persisted. I threw my hands up in frustration.
"Come in." I said my voice showing a hint of irritation.
"Your awake? At this hour?" His voice said resonating throughout the whole room. My heart jumped and almost reached my throat in sheer joy. His head popped through my door and he smiled warmly at me. "Good Morning, my angel."
"Syaoran!" I said jumping up from my bed. My feet landed softly on the clean floor and a ran as fast as I could to him. He came in and shut the door gently. I faintly heard a small click but ignored it.
I hugged him placing my head against his chest and my arms around his torso. I smiled widely. Tomoyo was right. I couldn't keep worrying about my father. I had to live my own life without fearing my father. I loved Syaoran and I would do my best to not disappoint him and hurt him again.
"You are very happy today." He said embracing me as well. I knew he found that strange of me but I truly was happy. I had to thank Tomoyo later. I could finally show affection to him and the night of the festival I would confess to him.
"I am." I said looking up at him. "When is the Lantern Festival?" I asked. He pulled me away and stared down at me with curious eyes.
"In two days. Did Tomoyo tell you?" He asked.
"Yes." I answered with a giggle. "I have a surprise for you that day." Interest sparked in his eyes.
"What kind of surprise?" He asked not willing to let me go. Excitement bubbled up inside of. I wanted to tell him now but I wanted the timing to be perfect. I would tell him at the Lantern Festival. It had such a romantic ring to it.
"You will just have to wait and see."
I felt so happy I literally twirled around. When I stopped my smile widened.
"Now get out." I haven't talked like this in so long. For a moment it sounded foreign to me. But this was how I spoke before and I liked it. I was defiant and a bit rebellious but obedient enough to keep others from breathing down my neck. It was such a happy feeling to have my true self back. "I need to wash up and dress." I said shooing him towards the door.
He didn't move. Even though I tried my best to make him to at least stumble he stood firm. I didn't know what was going through his head but I knew what was going through mine. I wanted him to do something to me, anything but I wanted it simple and sweet. But could he even know me that well?
He did move. But not out. He moved closer to me. I really couldn't move from the excitement I felt. His right hand smoothed my messy hair and he smiled. Then without warning his lips came in contact with mine. It was simple, we were not fighting for power just to have one sweet kiss. I responded immediately and after a moment he pulled away from me.
"I think I already know what the surprise is." He said with a small chuckle. Then he went out the door. For a second my heart stopped but I a squeal of pure joy escaped my lips and soon I was jumping all over the room.
Syaoran's POV
I leaned against the door waiting to hear a cry of frustration. But she surprised me. Instead I heard her squeal in joy. I chuckled and started to walk down the corridor. Was she finally allowing me to be with her? Or was it just her sympathy. She had once allowed me to kiss her before but that was almost a year ago, when she was confused and scared of everything and everyone. Was this just like that time, a confused kiss? I knew it wasn't but that kiss didn't help me recognize her true feelings. I would have to wait until the Lantern Festival for her to clarify all of this. But I was happy that I had been able to steal another kiss from her.
"Mother?" I asked coming into her room. It was bright and she was meeting with Rika and Nako. "Excuse me Rika but Princess Sakura is awake." I announced not bothering to close the door behind me.
"Oh dear!" Rika exclaimed covering her mouth. "I thought she would have woken at midday! That child is so unpredictable. Excuse me Yelen-sama." She bowed and rushed out the door. She closed it lightly.
I chuckled. It was true that Sakura was very unpredictable but all the same I still loved her. I approached my mother and bowed respectfully.
"Good Morning my son. Is seems you have a happy spirit today." She said with a smile. I smiled in return.
"You have no idea." I replied chuckling again. The kiss I stole from Sakura returned to me.
"How is the young princess doing? Are her wounds bleeding?" Rika asked in her professional doctors voice. I turned my smile to her.
"No, I haven;t seen any blood and she is moving easier than before."
"She healed surprisingly quick. Its a miracle." She said rubbing her chin deep in thought.
"Such wonderful news!" My mother said with a clap of her hands. "Well Syaoran," she said putting a hand on my right shoulder. "We were speaking about the up coming festival. Do you remember which one?"
"The Lantern Festival is in two days." I said remembering the question Sakura had asked.
My mother seemed surprised. I never used to be into festivals or anything related to celebrations. Once in the New Year I completely destroyed five attractions because I did not want to be there. I was a monster and that's why I barely go out of the palace during these times.
"Yes, are you attending this year?" She asked expectantly. I nodded and she broke into a smile.
"Wonderful! Please ask Sakura Hime if she wishes to go." She said turning to look out her window.
"She's going. This morning she told me." I said watching my mother turn to me and smile. She was smiling a lot lately.
"Oh this is wonderful. The debut of the Princess and the resurfacing of a Prince. This Lantern Festival looks very promising this year." She said happiness lighting her eyes. I smiled fondly. It has been years since my mother has looked like this. Somehow I missed it.
"With all due respect, your Majesty." Rika said her head bowing a bit. "You have forgotten to asked the Princess to sing at the festival."
"Ah yes, it had slipped my mind. Syaoran please be a dear and ask Sakura." She said. I nodded but at that moment a though struck me.
"What about Melin? Was not she supposed to sing at the festival?" I asked. My mother sighed and rubbed her temples.
"Melin is no longer engaged to you. It was a tradition for the princess engaged to the prince of this country to sing but that is no longer the case. Also her singing skills are...atrocious to say the least."
"But you do not even know if Sakura can sing." I defended. Melin may be a pain but I don't like unfairness.
"Oh, my son that is why I have asked to meet with her." She said waving her hand around. Somehow I really doubted that's what she called Sakura in here for. Sometimes I think if it weren't for me or my sisters my mother would be the most unjust ruler of the century. And I don't say that lightly.
Just then a small knock came from the doors. My mother told the person to come inside. Rika along with Sakura stepped into the room. I stared at Sakura not able to do anything else. She wore another knee length dress that curved around her body in very pleasant places. It was white and the crest of the kingdom was on her chest which looked larger than it had the day before. On her feet were fairy slipper with bells attached to the tip of her ankle. In her hair was a thin band of white that was tied in a bow at the back and the loose laces dropped at her shoulders. She blushed and smiled shyly at me. I felt my own face heat up and turned away.
"You look beautiful." I said my face still turned away. I heard her giggle. When I faced her again her blush was not that of embarrassment but of satisfaction. Her fist was to her mouth as she tried to suppress her laughter in vain.
"Thank you, Prince Li." She said with a curtsy. I couldn't help but smile.
"Welcome Sakura Hime to my bedroom and family." My mother said looking amusingly at me. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you." Sakura curtsied once again in respect to my mother.
"The pleasure is all mine," She whispered gently. "Queen Yelen." My mother shook her head and knelled down in front of Sakura and caressed her cheek.
"None of that dear." Sakura stared at her surprised. "Call me Aunt Yelen."
"B-But..." Sakura said trying to protest but my mother would not have it.
"I was a good friend of Nadeshiko, your mother." She said. Sakura was quite. I thought she was getting ready to cry but she didn't. Her eyes wide with curiosity stared up at my mother in expectation.
"M-My mother? You knew her?" Sakura nearly shouted. She clung to my mother her hands trembling. I was going to tell her to calm down but something told me otherwise.
"Yes I did." My mother replied.
"What was she like?" Sakura asked. Her voice had gotten higher. I couldn't determine if she was scared. "What was her favorite color? What was her favorite thing to do? Please tell me! I remember next to nothing about her so please, Aunt Yelen please tell me something about my mother!" Sakura was near tears this time. My mother whipped them away and put a finger on her trembling lips.
"Your mother loved you very much, Sakura. She was extremely proud of you and your big brother."
"Really?" Sakura asked almost accusingly. My mother only nodded and smiled.
"Yes, really. Me and your mother were best of friends since childhood. Before she passed away she asked me to take care of you until you were old enough to claim your title." She explained calmly.
"My title?" Sakura asked clearly confused.
"Yes bit that is far another time. I called you here to ask you to sing at the Lantern Festival." She said easily changing the topic.
"Sing? But I have only just arrived at the castle. What right do I have to sing at your Festival?"
"My, my aren't you polite. But please sing for us. It is more of an honor to have Nadeshiko's beautiful daughter sing at the Festival."
"My mother could sing?" Sakura asked sheepishly.
"Yes she could. Beautifully might I add. Please allow us a demonstration before we allow you to sing at the Festival. I have no doubts that you can do it but my son is a different matter." She said looking at me pointedly. Sakura turned her big emerald eyes to me. I cringed.
"Its for the sake of fairness. Do not make me sound like the bad person, mother." I said doing my best to look away from both pair of eyes.
"See what I mean, Sakura. So please give us a little demonstration." My mother was still making me sound like the evil one. Sometimes I really do wonder about her.
"Alright," Sakura agreed with a small nod. I could still feel her eyes still on me.
"Choose any song from memory that you wish." My mother suggested.
Sakura nodded. She closed her eyes for a moment in deep thought. Then she lifted her head high. Her hands were folded as if in prayer to her chin. She took a deep breath. Then soft words came out of her slender lips. She was signing a lullaby. One that I recognized. My mother sang that to me to sleep until I was about seven years old. How she knew that song was beyond my comprehension. But it was a beautiful song. She breathed in again and continued to sing. Her words flowed out beautiful and free. As it reached my ears I couldn't help but close my eyes. My ears rang in pleasure at the high notes she hit with that small voice of hers. I envisioned myself in my mothers arms as a baby. Once the singing stopped I opened my eyes just in time to see a single tear fall from Sakura's cheek.
"That was absolutely wonderful!" My mother exclaimed giving Sakura a hug and twirling her around in the air. Sakura blushed and smiled sadly.
"Thank you." She whispered. I couldn't smile this time. Something was wrong.
"You will be performing in two days time." My mother announced. She gave her a sheet of paper. " Memorize this song. Later on today you will be practicing with out musicians." Sakura nodded.
I bowed to her. Sakura curtsied. I led her out into the hall. Both Rika and Nako left to do their chores. Sakura smiled up at me. I hold her shoulders sternly. She gave me a look of confusion.
"What significance does that song have to you, Sakura?" I said. She seemed surprised. Then shook her head putting her hand to the side of her face.
"So you noticed." She said with a little laugh. "When I said I remembered next to nothing about my mother I meant it. The only thing that I can remember is that song. The night before she died she sang it to me."
I stayed silent. I didn't want her to cry. So I hugged her tightly against my chest. She sighed and laughed a bit.
"What are we doing today?" She asked. Trying to lighten the mood.
"Anything you want." I replied. She frowned me and I laughed.
"You know what I want Syaoran, stop acting as if you don't know." She said shoving me a bit. I chuckled and took her delicate waist in my arms. I lowered my head until my lips were mere millimeters from her own.
"Getting feisty I see." I chuckled again and nibbled on er bottom lip lightly. "I like that."
"So do I." She said untangling herself from me. "You still have to wait two more days Syaoran, be patient."
"I am not a patient person." I replied. Sakura giggled and kissed my jaw tempting me.
"Then I will just have to make you one."