The Lost Princess

Chapter 12

Sakura looked around the huge and clean throne room. The chandeliers on the ceiling was glinting and shining. The azure-colored curtains were parted and tied at the sides to allow the beauty of the milieu to entertain the eyes of the guests. The room, though not crowded, was filled with knights, nobles, detectives, and people of that sort. The king who was seated calmly on his throne on the dais, roamed his steady gaze around the room, noting the faces of those in attendance.

After a while, he stood up, causing the people to hush because he was about to talk. The king, upon noticing the sudden hush, grinned boyishly, his gray eyes dancing good-naturedly.

"Thank you for the silence." He announced lightly, his grin still in place.

Sakura couldn't help but smile at the king's playful attitude. It was the first time she'd seen the king since arriving in the palace.

"Charmed by His Majesty, Saku?" came a quiet inquiry from near her right ear. She turned and saw Syaoran's taunting grin, his brown hair unruly.

"Yes. He's got better attitude than a few of those I know." Sakura countered in a straight face, eyes dancing in mockery at Syaoran.

"Like who?" Syaoran asked innocently. Sakura just shrugged her answer before turning her attention back to the king.

"I know all of you are eager to begin the search for the princess… So today, I want you to socialize with your allies and share information…" the king started, growing serious. The king started to relay the information they have so far, looking at each of the guests.

"That's all. Thank you once again." The king finished then sat down on his throne.

The socializing continued until suddenly, the huge oak doors slammed open. In came the elderly butler, panic in his expression. He immediately went to the king and whispered something urgently. They watched as the king's eyes widened in surprise and saw him talk to the butler rapidly before he sent him out. The king looked at the expectant faces of his guests. He stood up.

"Everyone! It seems as if someone is claiming to be the lost princess. She's here." The moment he finished talking, the butler came back, closely followed by a slim girl in a simple mint green silk dress. Many eyes followed her as she walked gracefully towards the standing king.

There was something familiar about the way the girl carried herself, Sakura thought, brows creased in concentration.

They waited as the two talked quietly. A few moments elapsed and when the king faced them again, he was smiling happily.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I'm pleased to announce that the princess had been found and she's here beside me. Let me introduce to you the princess… Princess Tomoyo!" he announced and the girl faced them, smiling shyly.

There was stunned silence then a buzzing in the crowd could be heard.

"Tomoyo?!" both Sakura and Chiharu gasped in surprise at the same time.

"Wow! That was some surprise." Came Takashi's bland and dry comment, staring wide-eyed at Tomoyo.

Only Syaoran managed to hide whatever emotion he had, quietly assessing Tomoyo, hazel eyes guarded.

"She told me that her father had left her a letter explaining the reasons why the two of them had to be separated and why her whereabouts had to be a secret. As suspected, the Crow Organization was indeed after their life. And now that she came out of hiding, Tomoyo confided to me her fear that the Organization might try to take her down… so those who are willing to stay here and be her protector, you're very welcome to do the job." The king looked at the sea of faces then added, "Who are willing to be assigned for her protection…?"

"I am!" a strong and deep voice announced from the back of the room.

Everyone turned their gaze to the speaker.

"Eriol?!" came Sakura's undisguised surprise at seeing the guy.

"This day proves to be full of surprises." Chiharu stated wryly.

Eriol seemed to have not noticed them because his gaze was on the surprised princess.

"Step forward, young man." The king commanded gently. Eriol walked purposely to where the monarch was and when he was already infront of him, he genuflected and bowed his head in respect.

"Eriol Hiiragizawa at your service, Majesty." Eriol said politely.

"Rise, young man." And he followed the king's command.

His gaze returned to Tomoyo whose amethyst irises was nowhere to be seen and in its stead were emerald ones.

"You're willing to protect her with your life?" the king inquired, curiosity in his hazel eyes as he looked from Eriol to the princess. Eriol nodded without speaking.

"What are you doing here?" Tomoyo's voice was only above a whisper.

"I could ask the same to you, too… You never told me you were a princess." Eriol replied, his familiar smug grin evident on his lips.

"I have my reasons." Tomoyo's answer was evasive.

XXX

All in all, the day was full of revelations. The king had announced that a week later, a grand party will be held to celebrate the safe return of the princess and also, he had appointed the princess's protectors. Eriol was the head because they knew each other and because of Tomoyo's request, Sakura's group was also appointed as protector.

XXX

So, she really is the princess." Xiao Lang of Clow's question was veiled in this statement as well as his suspicions.

The king, queen and prince were having a family conference in the throne room.

"Yes, son… She had presented proofs and information only the Reed monarchy possess… as well as Fujitaka's ring." The king answered, hazel eyes searching his son's stormy ones.

"Why the distrust, love?" came his mother's confused inquiry from beside his father.

"Her timely appearance is too suspicious." Xiao voiced out, looking at both his parents.

"Yes. It is but what can she gain if she'll deceive us?" this came from his mother who had always believed that every person has something good in them.

"Wealth…Information…" Xiao listed out, "She might even be a Crow spy." He finished.

"Too cynical a view, love." His mother stated gently, an understanding smile on her lips.

"Just being careful, Ma. I don't want anyone endangering their lives for nothing." Xiao explained, an edge in his voice.

The queen stood up and approached her son then hugged him tight.

"Scared that your father might force you to wed her?" she voiced out in a whisper what her son was really afraid of.

"I'll hate him if he does that." Xiao murmured back firmly. His mother released him, looked him in the eye and smiled.

"Don't worry. I won't let him. You'll marry the girl you love, I give you my word and besides, I like the girl you have chosen." She assured him.

"I love you, Ma." Xiao stated sincerely.

"I know, son. And I… you." Then she kissed his cheek.