Author's Note: Hey guys, here's the second chapter, I don't know what to say. But enjoy the story of King Reyn and Queen Lilia. Btw, didn't plan to make Meiling a real bitch. Must've been an accident or you guys are just much more sensitive than me.
)Manuca( - I like Meiling too! I love her tons, but I didn't notice I made her bitchy… hmm.
)Tinaton aka Blat( - Actually, I didn't exactly plan it to be SxS… something like that, but there's a bit more of a twist than just the story plot…
)sweet-little-girl( - Every Syaoran? Not really, Syaoran was actually much nicer than Sakura in I Dare You… Besides, I have to make him arrogant and shit to fit with the story. If he's so sweet and innocent there wouldn't be a plot or write about.
)Nafnaf( - I know I know! It's my worst flaw! My teacher says the same thing! I suck at tenses! But I have no editor, I edit everything myself, and reading it second time over it boring, so I'm half asleep when I'm editing, too not-concentrated to notice the tenses! As to you comment about Syaoran, sure, he could've just axe off her head, but then again, c'mon, she's done one little thing, I really don't think any king at all, would actually kill somebody for that, especially when this is a competition-like meeting thing… highly unlikely. But you're very observant… :)
)Sabby( - I see you've been obsessed with saying 'yar'… keke. I like that word… :)
)Feather of Julia( - Actually I liked Chii, from Chobits, but then it'd be weird to name a child Chii, so I added the 'ka' for no reasons. Ke. And yes, the first paragraph is based on the old Chinese culture. Hmm. You know about it? Yeah, in Tsubasa Touya was Sakura's dad and Fujitaka was Syaoran's dad! And yes, I agree with you, Sakura takes her marriage so seriously, why the hell would she risk everything to enter this thing right? Well the thing is, I just had do that or there wouldn't be a story to write! As for Touya cheating on her, well, I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm trying to create a hopeless situation, so, that just adds more spice to it. Hehe. Any more questions? I'd be glad to answer! :)
ENORMOUS THANKS TO ALL OTHER REVIEWERS!
...-...-…-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-…-…-...
Chapter Two
Here Comes Sakura
...-...-…-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-…-…-...
For the next month or so, Sakura stayed in her room. It seems that King Li has forgotten about her. And the rule was, if the King does not call you, you will stay in your room, and nowhere else. Meiling on the other hand, was often away; it was obvious King Li has taken quite a liking to her. Is Sakura jealous? No, of course not! It's just that she needed to begin her plan soon… and so far, it was obvious Meiling wasn't going to listen to her, and how is she suppose to get out of her room and speak to others without the King's permission? Sakura's original plan was to wait until King Li calls for her, go to him, play with him a bit, give him a bit—ok, a lot—of lecture, then leave in pride. When he's ticked with her, he won't accompany her to her room! She'll then take that opportunity to sneak into other dorms and warn the other women. Sounds like a good plan? Well, the only problem right now is: is King Li ever going to call her?
She must've made quite a bad first impression.
—
Over the months, Kaho and Tomoyo became wonderful friends. King Syaoran called them both to him equal times; he must like them the same. This is their first time the in the competition, unlike many of the other women who are here for their 6th or 7th time after perfecting themselves. Also unlike others, Kaho and Tomoyo are highly educated and intelligent. They both happen to be new to the village and had just heard about the competition days after their arrival. But a few days with King Syaoran made them suspicious. It doesn't seem as if he is really looking for a wife… it seems almost as if he's just playing with multiple women for a lifetime enjoyment… but he's not that cruel, is he?
—
This is the 5th time Tomoyo's been called by King Syaoran; she walked into his deluxe bed chamber and bowed. Putting on her best smile, she walked over to him and sat beside him on his bed. "My name is Tomoyo, in case you have forgotten."
"Are you saying I have a bad memory?"
Tomoyo blinked. Where did he get that from? She thought to herself. "Of course not, my King, I'm simply stating this fact for there are many more other much more important people in this castle, it's quite normal for you to forget little old me."
King Syaoran glared at her. "Are you saying I'm some kind of King that only treats people with high power nicely and never think of the people at lower classes? Is that what you're saying? Huh? Is it?"
Tomoyo put an uncertain hand on his shoulder. When he made no sign of chopping it off, she relaxed. "Of course not, my King. You're too perfect to have these faults."
He finally smiled. "That's more like it." And taking Tomoyo by surprise, he suddenly pushed her onto his bed and began kissing her fiercely.
"M-My K-K-K-King? What was that all about?" Tomoyo stuttered out when he finally released her.
He pinned her neck tightly onto the bed with one hand and glared once again. "What is that about? I have the right to do whatever I want to, to my wife, don't you agree?"
"B-B-But um, you're not my husband yet…" Tomoyo wasn't feeling too comfortable, for you see, if she is touched by a man, she will never be married again, except to the man whom touched her, because it will be believed that she is impure.
"Excuse me?" The King snaps. "Isn't this the whole point of the test right now? Have you pretend to be my wife?"
"Y-Yes, but now you k-kissed me like this, I won't ever b-be wanted by another man e-e-ever a-again…"
"So you're not devoted to me? You're still thinking of other men?"
"Of course not my King! It's just that, that… I don't know if I'm good enough to be chosen by you…"
He smiled a malicious smile. "If your behavior is attractive, you'll be chosen."
She could only nod. "I'll try my best to please you, my King."
He is pleased by her answer. King Syaoran pushed Tomoyo onto the bed once again and laid his own body on top of hers.
No, they did not make love, because they're not in love. And yes, Tomoyo is still a virgin,, because she knows when something has gone too far… He wasn't pleased when she suddenly slipped out of his grasp and quickly bowed saying she had to leave. She simply wasn't willing to be that intimate with any man except the one whom she will marry. If she does, what will he do to her the next time he sees her? And the next? And the next? Just the thought of that frightened her.
—
The same thing happened to Kaho, except she reacted calmly, not jumpy and horrified like Tomoyo. Kaho always seems to have everything planned out… it's almost as if… as if… as if she knew the future.
When Kaho told Tomoyo her story, it got Tomoyo thinking. King Syaoran is very wise. He should know that the ladies are treating him extra good now just to please him, and won't be as nice once they marry. So if he's not satisfied with the results right now, how will he be able to live with a married one? Also, if he really is looking for a wife, shouldn't he be a little nicer? Because if he's so mean, once the girl marries him, she'd definitely give him a taste of his own medicine first thing to pay him back… Something isn't right here…
She had discussed that with Kaho, and Kaho had the same suspicions. Tomoyo believed that if Kaho agrees, then they're 99.9-percent right because Kaho always thinks deeply before allowing words to escape her lips; she must be pretty certain to declare such a bold statement.
Their discussion then drifted to this girl, Meiling. This mysterious girl whom they have never seen in their village; the girl who seemed quite royal; the lady who was perfect. She had pride, dignity, money and looks. Where could she possibly be from? What does she see in King Syaoran? Whatever it is, she's doing quite a good job pleasing him. So far, she is the King's favourite. Tomoyo's the second, Kaho's third… and Sakura's last. She's the only girl out of fifty who hasn't been called to the King even once.
KingSyaoran…
He was growing tired of this. Meiling had just been sent away, Tomoyo's behavior didn't please him last time, Kaho was quite hard to persuade into simply letting him kiss her, and the rest of the girls whose name he does not remember are obviously after the money and position, they're like a bunch of dimwitted robots. No one had the spirit of Meiling, the tranquility and self-protection of Tomoyo, and no one had the mysterious and drowning eyes of Kaho… Who should he play with next? That's when something popped into his head. What's her name again? The bitchy old hag! Yeah, that one… right! Sakura… or should I say, Kinomoto… The thought of her made his whole body shakes with anger. That little good for nothing bitch. He's quite surprised that he hasn't kicked her out the first day they made an introduction… probably because he forgot her. A smirk lifted his face. I'll play with her… yes, that's a good idea, in the end, I'll break her… let's see who gets the last laugh… he thought with a wicked grin. "ERIOL!"
His advisor came through the door. "Yes, my King?" He bows.
"Call Kinomoto here this instant."
"Yes, my king."
Sakura…
She sat on her bed restlessly, ready for another day of being locked up in this dreaded room. She walked to the windows and looked outside at the wondrous view. A sigh escaped her lips. "I wish I didn't have to do this… I wish the ladies would grow half of a brain… I wish Touya and Chiika were here…"
She lied on her bed, and closed her eyes, then stood up and walked to the door hoping she could leave, but nothing could conquer her boredom; her insides were boiling in turmoil. Then, she remembered the booklet that she had taken with her. It was a stack of paper, full of hand-written words. She had a friend, Ilonka, who was a publisher. Ilonka had read a completed book by a young woman who had newly arrived in their town, and Ilonka simply fell in love with this tale. The young author had quite the imagination, no one had ever written a story like such. Though she would've died to have it published, her superiors would not let that happen. They said their community did not need such rubbish exposed to the conservative villagers. But Ilonka disagreed; however she did not speak her mind.
Ilonka kept the original copy of the book submitted by the author, and sent it to Sakura knowing she was open to fresh ideas. Sakura drove a hole through each of the pages, and laced it together with a lovely ribbon, and carried it with her to this dreadful castle. She took the book out. The title was very simple: 'Love'. Ilonka had mentioned that the author was a helpless romantic; except her stories were never truly happy. When you read her story, you knew love, but at the same time your heart will shatter.
Some time before, Sakura had asked who the author was, and if she could meet her, but Ilonka said the author had participated in this contest of becoming King Li's wife, and it broke Sakura's heart to know that someone with talent and imagination had to go through this hell.
She flipped to the first page.
Once upon a time, there was a very well-known king, who owned many lands, and was very famous. He had a wife, a silent woman who hardly ever speaks, but was always fair. But that did not mean the king loved her. For their marriage was forced. He disliked many of her traits and especially hated when she spoke against him, when she complained about the wrongdoing of his ways. He was a king who wanted power, who was thirsty for command—he did not need some female to tell him what's right and what's not!
But he could not dispose of her, he could not leave her, for she was his wife! And there was no way, his parents, or hers would let her leave the kingdom and The King. He was stuck. He had tried convincing his parents that she was damaging his self-confidence, but the more they got to know her, the more they liked her, and there was no way he could convince them otherwise, unless they personally witnessed her "devilish acts", which would never happen, because she was a fair lady.
The king did not know what to do. He paced, and he thought, then, he came up with an idea. He went to his mother, and begged on his knees. "Oh mother, father! I realize how wrong I was, My Queen is truly wonderful! And I was a fool to have despised her. Oh mother, father! I feel truly lucky to be blessed with a wife like her. But, there's just one problem… we've been married for 5 years, yet we still have no kids. Mother, father, you know how much I love kids, and there will not be an heir without a son or a daughter. I have no siblings, there will be no one to take over the kingdom once I am gone! Our family line will end right here if I stay with her!"
His mother looked at him expectantly, his father was emotionless. "You're an awful liar." Was what he said.
The King was stunned. "What ever do you mean?"
"You do not love kids, son, you love women! Young, beautiful women whom you can play with. As for what you said about your wife, Lilia, such lies, son, you do not love her, you do not even like her!"
"But I do, father, it breaks my heart to know that I cannot have my kids with her!"
His mother shook her head. "Son, you've been complaining about her for the past five years now. How can you all of a sudden fall in love with her, with a complaint following right after all the dazzling things you've just said about her? Tell me, have you two even tried to have kids for the past five years?"
The King looked down with shame. "I did, mother, but she would not. She said it would dirty her if she were to be touched by a man as filthy as me. She says I am unworthy to be King." He said bitterly.
His mother sighed. She took out a parchment and cursived a few words, and held it to her servant. "Announce this to the kingdom and all of this land tomorrow."
The King looked at her mother with curiosity. "Mother, what was it that you just wrote?"
His mother looked at him straight in the eyes. "It will be announced tomorrow, that you're never allowed to be married again, and you will not ever be able to dispose of Queen Lilia. That will become the law, and it shall not be ever broken, by anyone, except for Lilia, till the day you both die."
"MOTHER!"
"She is, on the other hand, faithful, so there is no point in stopping her from remarrying, for if she so much as to even wish that, then it must be because you've done something terribly wrong, for she is a fair girl."
The King could not believe his ears. "You love her more than me! You trust her more than me!"
"No I do not son, but I do trust her judgments more than yours. You've been spoiled rotten for you were the future king, while she on the other hand, was just a normal princess with 3 older sisters and 4 younger ones, plus an older brother, whom was the future king of their kingdom. She was not important, and she has grown wise from experience and sadly, neglect."
The King shook his head. "You can't mean that! Truly, she is nothing but a royal pain!"
His father was amused. "Oh, so you admit you don't like her."
The King looked away. "I used to, when I first met her, she was so sweet, so gentle, so lovely, so elegant. But she's always picking out my flaws, and I can't stand that! Most of all, she does it so, so innocently, that I can't seem to hate her! She's driving me crazy! A man can't be perfect at everything."
His father was unmoved by his words. "Tell me, King, the man whom you killed a week ago, was it fair?"
"He was lurking around my castle!"
"He has not entered this property!"
"He was around here! And I do not trust his movements!"
"Trust? You do not trust? Who are you to judge? You cannot read the man's mind! Do you think he would've killed you if you were wandering around his property?"
"Of course not, father, I'm the king—"
"THE KING! You dare say! You do think yourself more superior than others! You have no fair judgment, you're a poor excuse for a king, a ruthless murderer, I am disgraced to be known as your father."
"FATHER!"
"You must change, son, to be loved by your people. You have to think yourself as equal to the rest, you're not better because you were born in a royal family."
"Then what's the point of being a king?"
"Being a king, is not about controlling people, and fun! It's responsibility! It's sometimes even torture! You must have the spirit to be able to sacrifice yourself for your people and land anytime necessary."
The King was not happy. "I'll try to change, father. But, mother! Can you please, call off that thing you're announcing tomorrow? If you don't, I'll be bounded to Queen Lilia for life!"
"Perhaps only after that many years, shall you learn from her."
The King looked around for more points to argue upon, yet he knew there was nothing he could say. He looked up at his parents, and said, "Mother, father, I, King Reyn (Ray-en) Lin III, swears on behalf of all my ancestors and all that's beyond, I shall make you proud, and be the greatest, and most respected King ever lived."
His parents nodded. "I sure hope to all the blood lines in our family that you keep your words."
"I will, I will…"
—
King Reyn was as distant towards Queen Lilia as always, but he stopped unfair slaughters. For he thought, if mother and father forbids me by heart, of killing, then if I shall never kill, perhaps they shall see me in better light.
From then, even the worst of criminals were sentenced to jail for 2 years at most. Queen Lilia was displeased. She knew the King worried not about laws, his people, and things as such, so she secretly prolonged their sentence basing on the severity of their crime.
Soon, everyone began loving Queen Lilia, yet all criminals prayed to King Reyn as their God.
King Reyn could not understand why. He began to feel jealousy towards Queen Lilia, and soon, he even began disliking her.
King Reyn was convinced Queen Lilia may be a witch who casts magical powers to hypnotize mortals. He soon began to grow fearful of her, but no matter what, he found, he could not hate her, even if he did not love her.
Soon, after months, devastating news was delivered to King Reyn and to Queen Lilia. The mother and father of Queen Lilia had passed on.
Lilia did not cry; she appeared at ease. When King Reyn saw that, he merely gave her a sideway glance, now perfectly sure that his theory was correct. She really is a witch. A heartless witch.
At night, she would not cry, and she would not sleep. This behavior scared King Reyn, and he tried sleeping as far away from her as possible. It was one night, when King Reyn awoken in middle of the sleeping hours, he found her sobbing. Her back was to him, which means, she must think he is asleep. She was shaking with tears, the bed sheets around her head was all wet.
King Reyn was surprised. Perhaps I have been wrong all along? He thought. Perhaps this lady I have been forced to marry, perhaps she is more than what's on the surface? She is not a witch, maybe? He didn't comfort her, instead, he closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep, afraid she might notice him, and be terrified.
Now he knows, she is simply a woman trying to be strong.
Night after night, King Reyn could not sleep, he stayed awake, and night after night, when Queen Lilia thought he was asleep, she would weep and cry, speak to her parents' soul whom she believes is still near her, listening to her, comforting her, blessing their dear daughter. Though she was convinced her parents would only come in middle of the night, for at daytime, they had more important people to go to, like her sisters and brother.
There was knocking at the door. Sakura put the book down. What a story. She thought to herself. The author did use very creative words. Dispose. King Reyn could not dispose of Queen Lilia. Dispose. Very imaginative. But if I had to guess, I'd say, dispose means… King Reyn no longer accepts Queen Lilia as his wife… Where on earth had she got the idea of that? How can husband and wife break an eternal vow? It's just impossible… perhaps that's why this story was not published… Ilonka was right, this story is quite original, I like it.
The person knocked on the door some more. "Come in." Sakura said.
Advisor Hiiragizawa entered. Sakura sighed, and thought to herself, some king, he just sent Meiling back half an hour ago, and now he wants her again? He is such, a heartless playboy.
"Kinomoto Sakura, you were called by the King."
Sakura had to blink. She heard him right… right? "Who, me?" She asked.
"Yes, you." Eriol replied with a smile.
A death glare from Meiling was shot in her direction.
"Really?"
"Yes, Kinomoto, follow me."
Sakura got off of her bed and followed Eriol. "What?" She asked feeling his eyes on her.
"Ms. Kinomoto, I suggest you change your clothing before seeing the King." He stated uncomfortably.
Of course he said that. If you saw what Sakura was wearing, you'd say the same thing. The girl was wearing nothing more than that same thin nightgown she wore the first day when she met King Li. It was almost transparent, with many holes in them at random places, a little stain on it as well, and all she wore underneath were her undergarments and nothing else. Even her feet were bare, with no shoes, and no socks. Sakura smiled sweetly in his direction. "I'm sorry, I have no other clothing… unless that is, King Li wants me to wear my heavy black cloak. It's the only other clothing I have. I'm sorry but I don't take him that seriously, never thought I'd have to wear some puffy dress just for him."
Eriol looked at the item within Sakura's hands. "And what is that you are holding in your hands?"
"You mean, this?" Sakura asked, holding the book up.
"Yes, why are you bringing that?"
Sakura smiled. "It's a story, my friend gave it to me, and I love the story very much."
"King Syaoran, is not interested in stories."
"Oh, but I am."
"Aren't you here to please him?"
"Why yes, Advisor Hiiragizawa, so I guess I'll have to make him like stories, then."
Eriol appears very uncertain. "All right, if you say so, let's go."
They began walking towards the King's chamber. Sakura was preparing for the worst, and reminded herself of the personal mission. Eriol on the other hand, felt quite nervous around this female beside him. She was dressed funny, had a strange attitude, and carried an odd self-confidence. Who on earth is this girl? Surely, she can't hope to win King Syaoran's heart like this… He thought.
Yet every time she caught him looking her way, she would merely smile with such gentleness that it was hard to not like her, and think her as nothing but an angel.
They walked on for what seemed like forever, until they appeared at a grand door. Eriol tapped it.
"Come in." A demanding voice roared.
Eriol pushed the door open and urged Sakura to go on. "Kinomoto Sakura is here, my King."
King Syaoran spun around with his powerful gaze on the two.
Eriol nudged Sakura lightly and whispered under his breath. "Bow."
Sakura blinked, then quickly bowed. "Your majesty."
"Very well." Said King Syaoran. "You may go, Eriol."
Eriol bowed again and retreated from the room.
Sakura looked up. "You call? My King?"
"I most certainly did."
"What do you want?"
He laughed out loud. "What do I want? What do I want? Hah! I want what every man wants, I want power, I want land, I want fortune, and I want women." He eyes glowed with a devilish desire. "And do you know what I want from you?"
"No, my King."
"I want you to please me."
"I'll do what I can, your majesty." With that, she walked around his room, found a comfy chair, and sat down. "You have a very nice house, my King."
He let out another one of his roar of laughter. "My house? I live in a castle, you pitiful creature! This is my room!"
"Well, then you have a very nice room, but please do not refer to me as a pitiful creature."
The smile faded from the King's face. "I am the King, I can do whatever I wish, to anyone I wish!"
She looked up with her unfathomable look. "I can help you, my King, if you let me."
"Help me? Help me? Who do you think you're talking to?" He shouted, pacing in front of her. "I am the King! I am the greatest of the land, I am always perfect no matter what I do!"
Sakura flipped open her book and began to read. "If that is the case, then there's nothing I can do to help you."
King Syaoran's face became red with anger; he was a like a volcano let loose. He raised his hands and slapped the book right out of Sakura's hands. The string attaching the pages together snapped apart as the pages scattered all over the floor.
Sakura didn't do anything for some while. For so long a while, that even King Syaoran felt afraid. She looked up slowly after what seemed like an eternity into his eyes, with no anger, no hatred what-so-ever. Just an apologetic light. "You really do need help." With that, she bent down to collect each page.
—
If you want me to email you the next update, LEAVE YOUR EMAIL in your REVIEW!
—
Author's Note: Hope you like it. Honestly, which story are you more interested in? The Wanted story or the Queen Lilia story? Honestly, I like the Queen Lilia story better… :P I'll be going away to Quebec, but only for about 3-4 days, so don't worry, I'll update both stories again at least once before school starts.
And I notice this story is kind of… er… mature…
5295 words…