Author's Note: Looks like I survived, woo-hoo. A lot of people asked about when is there going to be Sakura and Syaoran action and I'm not sure but definitely after The Ball.

)Mariko( - I know in most typical stories Syaoran and Sakura have this love hate relationship and even though they hate each they're jealous when the other person is with someone else anyways, which does not at all make sense to me if you think about it… hope that answers your questions, Syaoran doesn't give a damn whom she goes to the ball with… in fact he doesn't even notice her until something happens.

)Manuca( - I've mentioned this in my bio, but Meiling's my favourite character… I'm just making her stick up for herself but somehow maybe you people are more sensitive than me and she's turning out to be a bitch…

)luckyducky7too( - Well, looks like you're as cold as me…

)Feather of Julia( - From Alabama? Where'd you get that… :S I told you I live in Canada… oh n by the way, I was reading your email in school… then my teachers walks by and I think she saw when of the… er… swearing parts… ^^;;

)redeyes a.k.a Maryvessa( - Lol thx, in fact I have dreamt of becoming an author… not a famous but just so people will like my book… my with a discouraging mom (I do love her, but trust me, she's cold and harsh) the only thing that I can seem to have a future with is not anything as risky as this… U.U

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Chapter Six

The Grand Ball I

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Eriol paced outside Tomoy's door impatiently. The Ball was coming up in two days, and still, he did not get a chance to find 'his dear' and bring her as his companion. He came daily, and a few times he saw the girl Sakura, and decided to stay far, other times Tomoyo was away. But if he does not find her today, he may have to ask another girl to accompany him. Therefore, Eriol was prepared to wait by her door till midnight if he had to.

"Hey Advisor Hiiragizawa."

Eriol didn't for a moment think that Tomoyo was here, because there was only one person in the castle who would call him that. "Oh, hi, Lady Sakura."

"What are you doing here, if I may ask?" Sakura inquired, looking at him curiously.

"I could almost ask you the same!"

Sakura gasped. She had almost forgotten the castle rules of not wandering alone in the halls due to the fact she has been doing this so frequently in the past month or so. "Oh dear, I think I may have forgotten about the rule…" She murmured.

"Figures." Eriol replied with a sigh. "Are you by any chance here looking for my beautiful Lady Tomoyo?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Did King Li decide to grant his favourite girl, Daidouji Tomoyo, with her personal door-guard, you, or are you simply afraid I may get in and speak to Daidouji while you were just rejected?"

"None of the above." Eriol replied with dignity. "In fact, I'm simply here waiting for the beautiful Lady."

Sakura looked at him inquiringly. "Do you call everyone beautiful, or is Daidouji really that special to you?"

Eriol cleared his throat; it is unwise to let people know of his feelings for her seeing as she is a contestant to please the King, his master. "It is a simple descriptive word, Lady Sakura, you needn't take it so seriously."

"So how come you've never called me beautiful before?"

'Because you're not.' Eriol almost said. But he bit his tongue just in time. It wasn't as if she was ugly physically, it's just that she was freaky… he was especially ashamed of the clothing she has brought with her, reminding him of a slut. And now she's simply being difficult. Maybe not purposely, since this is probably not such a big deal to her seeing she's not that interested in King Syaoran or any of his rules, but for Eriol, it could cost him his head, if not a behead to fall upon his entire generation and any blood lines related to him. Therefore, he must tip toe around this matter. One wrong move and it could cost more than he can offer.

"Is there no answer?" Sakura asked.

Eriol cleared his throat again. "I was merely thinking, Lady Sakura. But if you must know, the sole reason I am here, is to wait for Lady Tomoyo to make her appearance before me, for I have a very important matter I shall question, and perchance, she shall agree."

"And what is this matter, if I may ask."

Eriol hesitated. "It would be a much better choice if you chose not to ask."

"I will stay here, for I too, am waiting for her. Like last time, she has greeted me into her room for us to chat and left you outside waiting. I doubt it will be no different this time." Sakura felt like she was giving empty threats, but to get Eriol to tell, she had to say something to convince him. She had not known when she'd gotten this nosy, but perhaps after long lasting boredom, a person can change very much.

Especially in the past week. Oh how slow each fraction of Time ticked by.

After reading the deportation of Queen Lilia from King Reyn, Sakura had not dared to touch that book ever again, not exactly wanting to know what will happen next. She felt more sympathy towards King Reyn, and knew if she read on, she would be drinking in the life of Queen Lilia and that Jayx-Ln, which she does not prefer at this time.

"If I must reply, then I shall…" Eriol sighed in defeat. "Do you know of the Royal Ball that's coming up in two days?"

It seems everybody has been either asking or telling her about this event lately. Just how "royal" is it? "Why yes, of course I've heard, it's the attention of the century."

"Yes, correct… You see, I do not have a companion as of so far…" Eriol started. "Not because I was rejected and could not find one for myself." He quickly added. "But because I was saving the position as the one accompanying me. And now, during a desperate moment, after many days of the missing presence of Tomoyo, I realize I must be patient today and not be afraid to be found out, as Tomoyo is the golden orb of my life and any risk is worthy for her. I shall stamp my grounds here and not budge until she has returned."

"To make it simpler, you'll be waiting here until Daidouji's back so you can ask her to go to the ball with you."

"Are you two looking for Tomoyo?" The door opens and Kaho steps out.

"Oh, hello, Kaho." Sakura smiled hugging her gently. "Yes, as a matter of fact we are looking for Daidouji…"

Eriol bows. "Good morning, Lady Kaho. It is a pleasure to have you grace our surrounding with your presence."

Sakura shot him a dirty look. "Save your charms for Daidouji."

Eriol smiled. "This is the way I naturally am, milady." He turned to Kaho. "My dear lady, is it possible for you to reveal the position Lady Tomoyo's being is currently set upon? However if it's too much of privacy or it is uneasy for you to tell, I shall not force you of course, I will simply continue my waiting here; it is not as uncomfortable as you would think."

"It seems he's fine with waiting. How about you, Sakura? Would you like to speak to her now, or can you wait too?"

Sakura frowned. "I'm not so much of a charmer as the advisor there is, and I must get straight to the point. Obviously, I'd much prefer speaking with Daidouji right now, after all we have not communicated for too long. However if there is some indestructible difficulties in the way, I shall wait."

Kaho laughed lightly. "Quite impatient, not in a bad way, but to say you have a full and lively spirit."

"Thank you." Sakura blushed lightly.

"Come this way, then." Kaho said, opening the door wider for Sakura to enter.

"Wait!" Eriol cried. "Where is thy dear Lady Tomoyo? And where are you taking Lady Sakura?"

Kaho smiled in his direction. "You had phrased you had no problem with waiting. Tomoyo is in the house right now, she is currently a little occupied, therefore told me to keep the door shut. However seeing as Sakura has admitted her impatience and desire to speak with her friend, I shall take her along and have them talk now. And since you've told you were fine with waiting, I suggest you wait then."

"I was being polite! It is the way of a man!"

"Perhaps being too much of a smooth-talker can sometimes be troublesome." Kaho replied, and led Sakura into the house, as she closed the door behind her.

Eriol groaned as he settled himself back to leaning against the wall.

—

"Tomoyo?"

Tomoyo turned around to the voice and immediately stopped her conversation with Ilonka. "Hey Kaho, any problems?" She asked.

"Actually, there's an urgent friend in waiting, and I have brought her in."

"Oh, yes? Who might it be?"

Sakura steps through the door and Tomoyo's eyes widened slightly. "Shocking meeting you at a time like now."

"Yes, Daidouji, we have not spoken for too long…" Sakura said sadly.

Tomoyo took sympathy upon her. "I deeply apologize, it is not my purpose intent to avoid thee. It is by misfortunate chances that we had not met up enough times."

Sakura nodded, then looked at Ilonka. "What about you, Ilonka? Were you too, busy? Daily with Daidouji, leaving me to be?"

"It isn't in my plan. Some things flow the direction they happen to be, and are destined to go." Ilonka bows. "I shall take my retreat. Sorry, my dear Sakura. I have not been in the best of moods lately. If you're taking an offense, please try to forgive. I do love you as a dear friend." She hugged Sakura gently and left.

"Wait! You needn't to leave!"

"Again, I wish you take no offense. I've known Tomoyo twice the time I've known of you. Some matters I can only speak with her only, I do trust you, yet I will feel slightly uncomfortable, I hope you do understand. With no more need to talk, what else is there to do but take my leave?"

Sakura sighed. "Yes, all right, if you must. I suppose, it was somewhat nice seeing you again. Knowing your presence is still near by."

"Yes, I'm glad I am a token of happiness and not of destruction and thievery to you."

"Good day, Ilonka."

"Good day to you too Sakura." Ilonka gave a little wave without a smile and left.

"Is there anything in particular you need?" Tomoyo asked gently, settling down on a chair.

"Not much. Just to speak with you as normal friends do… however there is one great favour I do wish I could ask you. Yet if you prefer for it to stay inside me I shall not trouble you with it."

"Speak up, you're among friends."

"Yes," Kaho agreed. "Do tell. If Tomoyo is unable to help, perhaps I can instead?"

Sakura smiled "I thank you all very much." She settled herself down upon another chair. "I was invited to the royal ball that's coming up, thrown by King Li of course, in this very castle. The man needed an accompanier desperately, and my mouth agreed quicker than my brain. It was only after he left I had realized I do not have any dress to go to that event with!" Sakura frowned. "If it's not asking too much, would it be possible, if one of you would lend me one of your clothing? For you all know, this filth I'm wearing and a black cloak is the only items I have with me. If you could help, it will be a great appreciation. However if you find yourself unable, I shall hold nothing against you."

"I think I might be able to be of use to this one…" Tomoyo spoke up. She walked over to her closet where she retrieved a beautiful velvet strapless dress with amethyst dotted at the bottom into a pattern of a graceful water lily. "Would this do?" Tomoyo asked showing the dress to Sakura.

"Oh, it's beautiful…" Sakura breathed, touching the silky material. "The material is wonderful too… I feel unworthy to be wearing this… After all, I'm only a simple peasant girl…"

"Do not feel that way." Kaho encouraged. "This, was actually the very same dress Tomoyo here hath worn to show the King on her first day of appearing before the castle, this has of course, set quite a high appeal to King Syaoran. Yet, she is too, only a peasant girl, why should you feel unworthy?"

"Wow… amazing… how were you to afford such a dress?"

Tomoyo smiled shaking her head. "Not ever in my next life shall I have the gold to afford a dress like such. The most I can ever buy is the material that will make it."

"Oh, Daidouji, you made it?"

Tomoyo blushed modestly.

"Quite fabulous, very impressive. I'm stunned speechless by your superb talent."

Tomoyo only smiled. "I thank you for your kind words. Would you like to have this dress for the night, then? It comes with a ribbon to tie your hair plus two long gloves and a furry colour-matching petit-coat."

"Oh, this is more than enough! I would be grateful to you forward if you would lend this to me. I promise you, I shall keep it in good conditions…"

"I trust you… Please, come to my room Friday four hours before the actual event, I would like to dress you up."

Sakura gasped. "That is asking too much of you!"

"No, no, it's quite okay. I love designing and watching others fitting in my designs."

"You don't know how lucky I feel right now to have a friend such as you. I feel like a shining star glowing brighter than all the rest in the boundless sky. I feel loved and surrounded by warmth all because of you, and Kaho of course. It is the one thing in this castle worth living for."

Tomoyo smiled a bit worriedly. She looked down as if trying to make a decision. "Kinomoto… I think… perhaps…" Tomoyo sighed. "I suppose it would be better if you called me Tomoyo…"

Sakura glowed. "Oh, yes, that would be great! And please, Kinomoto is a far too distant name!"

Tomoyo nodded. "Yes, I agree, Sakura."

Sakura beamed at her.

Kaho laughed at the two young girls. Immature, but happy nonetheless. "Not trying in my intent to ruin a perfect moment, however Sakura, if there is no important issue, I believe you do remember someone else is waiting to be graced by Tomoyo's presence?"

Sakura nodded remembering.

Tomoyo looked around, confused. "And who may this person be?"

"A gentleman." Sakura replied mysteriously.

"A smooth-talker." Kaho added.

"Very handsome indeed." Sakura said.

"Most definitely kind-hearted." Kaho continued.

"A certain Advisor." Sakura finished. "Particularly the one very close to King Li."

"Oh, dear me! He's really here?" Tomoyo immediately stood up from her seat and almost threw the dress upon Sakura. "Hold this for me, please, I will be back…" settling her dress down, Tomoyo hurried towards the door, she opened it and shut it behind her.

"I would like to see what's happening…" Sakura said.

Kaho laughed lightly. "Let them be alone, my dear… it is in our best interest to let them have some alone time. It is obvious they will some day be lovers…" Kaho frowned a bit. "Once they escape the wrath of King Li and receive this blessings, that is."

"And I really do hope that day comes soon." Sakura added eagerly.

You have chosen well, my dear Touya… I know, that you're happy… Kaho thought to herself, staring at the worried girl in front of her.

Tomoyo…

She swallowed as she tried with all her might not to breathe too excitedly to reveal her feelings in one glance. "Hello." She greeted

"Lady Tomoyo…" Eriol whispered as if he were in a trance as he quickly stood up straight, went on one knee and kissed her hand with longing. He had not been near her for too long, and suffered terribly from the deprivation of her scent. He looked up into her hypnotic eyes. Those mysterious colours that he had never ever seen in a human being. Is she, maybe a Goddess? He would believe it if someone told him so. "I finally see you again…"

She smiled and could not help but let out an escape for a soundly giggle. "Yes, been too long, if I do say so myself." She said.

"Yes, much too long… we need a more frequent meeting…"

"That sounds like a plan…" Tomoyo agreed.

Eriol snapped himself out of the trance that she had unexpectedly led him into and remembered he had more important matter to ask her. "My dearest Lady Tomoyo, had I had the time to finish my question last time, I would have revealed all my thoughts to you. Yet unfortunately I was interrupted, I care not what will happen today. The castle could be devoured by fire and the King's voice can be echoing throughout the castle looking for me, and I shall not budge. I will stay here, under as many eyes as there has to be, but I will ask you this question, and I will not leave, until you understand what I feel, and agrees."

Tomoyo was touched. "Truly, you care too much for me."

"No, everything is not enough for you." Eriol touched her fingertips to his face and stared into her eyes without blinking. "My lady, I have a position to ask you to take on behalf of me. It has a deeper meaning than it truly sounds and my feelings go so much deeper than just this event. I cannot speak about that now however, in fear of dishonoring certain unbreakable codes. But I hope you will understand deep inside, so much that I can take one look at your eyes and know you that you know my heart as much as I know of it, and perchance I can see the same of you. It is that result I dream of, yet it is perhaps better to stay as a daydream that reality, for I'm afraid that may scare you."

Tomoyo laughed a bit, but she could not stop staring at the man kneeling before her. Oh Eriol… she thought. King Syaoran who?

"If it's not too much to ask for, it would be as if a shooting start blessed all its powers on me, I will be so bold right now and dare to ask for you to present yourself next me, with me, as my companion, for the grandest ball of the century on this Friday night." Eriol continued staring at her, holding his breath, praying she will not already be taken.

Tomoyo trembled. Her lips quivered, as Eriol waited with a pounding heart for her response. "Yes." She replied. Though it was barely above a whisper, he heard that syllable as clear as day, and he let it ring in his mind over and over again, enjoying that sensual echo, letting relief wash over him.

"Yes?" He asked, so happy, finding it so difficult to believe this was happening. She understood. Even after she knew saying yes to this would mean much more than just agreeing to be his companion for just this ball, she still said yes.

"Yes." She repeated, with a little more strength this time. Tomoyo itched to hug the handsome Lord before her, but knew she could not. With a little sniffle and some tears of happiness and longing in her eyes, she smiled, laughed a bit and said, "I'll, I'll see you on Friday night, then?" Oh, how she wanted to be in his arms!

"Yes, Friday night… of course… I shall see you, then…" Eriol replied, looking at her with more adoration than he knew he ever had. If only he could touch her cheek, caress her hair, smell her with a much nearer distance… if only! "So… that's it then…" He laughed—not a bold and powerful one, but a weak one of desperate craving. "I shall see you then."

"Yes… then… of course…"

"Friday night…"

"Of course, we'll see each other again then…"

"It will be a very special event…"

"Undeniable… beyond doubt, special."

"I'll see you then…" Eriol took one step.

"Yes… b-bye…"

"Bye… see you…"

"See you later…"

"On Friday…"

"Bye…"

Eriol closed his eyes tightly and shook his head clear. He knew with a thing progressing like this, it's highly unlikely he'll ever leave this place by tonight. "Bye." He said one last time bravely, and turned away hurriedly.

"Oh, Lord Eriol…" Tomoyo sighed placing both her hands over her throbbing heart.

Sakura and Kaho…

They waited for quite a while and wondered if Tomoyo had secretly fled. But just as those thoughts entered their mind, a dreamy Tomoyo suddenly walks through the door. She was lost in her visible lust that she even forgot to close the door behind her.

"Did he ask?" Sakura questioned anxiously.

"Ask?"

"Yes, did he ask you to the ball?" Sakura questioned again as Kaho closed the door behind them.

"Yes, he ask!" Tomoyo sighed again. "But it was much more than that… he said so himself…"

"Is it official then?"

"Is what official?"

"Are you official with him?"

Tomoyo looked down… "No… I cannot be… this is the kingdom of King Syaoran… to betray him in his own grounds with his closest advisor would be breaking the most terrible rule… it's like I'm begging to be kill and have all my bloodline relatives be fallen with the same catastrophe."

"But you're definitely going to the ball with him?"

"Yes…"

"Oh, this is so great!" Sakura exclaimed hugging Tomoyo tightly.

"Again, not trying to be the moment-ruiner here," Kaho said, "But I must mention this. Tomoyo, do you have another dress to go to the ball with?"

Tomoyo frowned and looked down. "I…" She looked at Sakura, then looked away. "I'm sure I'll manage."

But Sakura took the hint. "No." She said firmly. "No, Tomoyo. I will not be the cause of your embarrassment tomorrow. I will not be the devil to ruin a perfect heavenly moment tomorrow."

Tomoyo looked at her. "Sakura…"

"Listen to me, Tomoyo, these clothing are fit perfectly for you either how. Keep them. This event is clearly much more important to you than to me…" She pushed the dress into Tomoyo's arms.

"But, what about you?"

"I'll managed… trust me on this one, Tomoyo… If I cannot even fine a proper uniform to attend a ball in, then what worth am I?"

Tomoyo smiled. "Oh, thank you!"

"There is no need." Sakura replied. "They originally belong to you either how."

—

Eriol sat by his piano and began to compose rapidly, overwhelmed with emotions as he touched notes after notes as soft, sweet, but tragic music filled the room. "If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die. That strain again! It had a dying fall. O, it came o'er my ear like the sweet sound, that breathes upon a bank of violets, stealing and giving odour! Enough; no more. 'Tis not so sweet now as it was before." He slumped by the piano keys and gave a defeated sigh. "O spirit of love! How quick and fresh art thou! That, notwithstanding thy capacity receiveth as the sea, nought enters there, of what validity and pitch soe'er, but falls into abatement and low price, even in a minute: so full of shapes is fancy, that it alone is high fantastical."

Eriol quickly scribbled down a few ending-notes on his music sheet. "Oh Tomoyo…" he muttered. "If only we were not so bounded by this castle, by this land, by this King… if only we weren't right under his eyes… if only we could abandon all else and run for our happiness and freedom… but too much is put in risk, and I shan't speak decision in your position… I only wish to be with you, dear Lady Tomoyo…" He let his whole body fall atop the piano as a clashing, earsplitting sound rang through the air.

Sakura…

She paced around her room not sure what to do. "I must do something… I must! I cannot present myself next to Lord Ryle in such conditions! My embarrassment will be shared amongst him and all his friend, I cannot, will not be hanged by such guilt! But what is to be done? I simply cannot make a dress within two days, never mind I do not even have the material for it… Kaho possess no such things, neither does Ilonka, and I cannot possibly take away Tomoyo's happiest moment."

Sakura sat down by her bed and almost wept. She felt like crying. This is terrible… this desperation… a desperation that knows no ends while a small truth of the fact no solution shall appear only deepens this. "Oh, what shall I do?"

The door opens and in walks Meiling. "Is there a problem?" She asks.

Sakura casts her a sideway glance. "Where have you been?"

"I do not break castle rules, dear. I was wanted by King Syaoran." Meiling replied proudly.

"Great. Nice to hear." Sakura replied unenthusiastically and leaned back against the bed miserably.

Meiling walked over in her beautiful silky red dress and touched her gloved hand on Sakura's gently. Uncertainly, she said, "I do worry, you know…"

Sakura looked at her, wondering what she should do. Meiling could almost be her last choice… "Oh Raye!" She cried going up on her knees. "You must help me, you must!"

Meiling took a step back. "What is the problem?"

"I have been invited to the grand ball on Friday night by a certain duke named Ryle. Yet as you know, I have no clothing to match to the ball!"

Meiling laughed. "Yes, I certainly cannot imagine what kind of shame would be brought over you and your Ryle if you were to appear in those…" She giggled. "Oh that would certainly be a laugh!"

Sakura sighed. What was the point… this should've been predicted. She went back to being miserable.

Meiling looked at her with twinkling eyes. "I did not say I would not lend you one…"

Sakura gasped as she sat up straight. "Really? You'll really let me? Would you really?"

"Uh-huh." Meiling nodded proudly. "There are however, a couple of conditions…"

"I will agree! I will!"

"Well…" Meiling searched in her closet and came out with a cream-coloured spaghetti-strapped dress with transparent sleeves. It blossomed out gorgeously at the bottom and even came with a cute little umbrella and a few colour-matching hair clips that were no doubt glistening from the jewels on it. Meiling left the dress before Sakura. "This isn't one of the best, I hope you understand. After all, I must save the best for myself…"

Sakura nodded eagerly. "Yes, of course I understand. Don't worry; this is beyond my wildest dreams! Oh thank you, thank you so much!"

"Now, back to the rules." Meiling continued. "Okay. Do not get it dirty, don't brush it by anything, do not walk by roses with thorns, don't get too close to foods, don't get too comfy in them because I need them back, don't lose a thread, do not chip any hair clips, don't poke a hole through the delicate fabric, do not get dust on it, watch your every step, do not let it be stepped, preferable if you not dance in case it gets stepped on, please no using the umbrella against water, it is only a design after all, hold the umbrella so it will not be stolen, do not let it go for even one second, make sure the clips are steady in your hair…"

Sakura sighed. This is going to be a lot of rules to remember… But she smiled a bit either how. At least, it showed her first impression had been right. Meili—Raye, is a lot more nicer than she tries to deny.

—

Two days passed, and at four hours before the grand ball, the three girls—Meiling, Tomoyo, Sakura—were busy getting dressed, putting their last minute makeup on, adjusting their dresses and hair clips to the most gorgeous angle, swiping red paint across their lips and dabbing their face with peachy powder.

Meiling had left before all of them to meet King Syaoran beforehand, seeing as she will obviously be sitting next to the King during this grand ball, and must be dissected inside and out over many times by professionals and servants and maids to make her as beautiful and perfect as one can imagine.

Tomoyo…

When there was only an hour left before the ball starts, when the first guests were already starting to pile into the dining hall where the ball is to be held, a knock came on the door.

Kaho finally stopped fussing and let Tomoyo go. "You look absolutely stunning my dear. Bets on my life your handsome date will drop to the ground in pure shock."

Tomoyo laughed. "Not a wise bet. Either have your head or let Lord Eriol drop dead. I prefer neither… Thanks an endless twinkle for all your help tonight. It is truly appreciated. You're the best person I've met, and the only reason coming to this castle was actually worthy…" Tomoyo said, getting teary.

"Now, now…" Kaho comforted. "Don't cry now… you don't want to ruin your lovely face…"

Tomoyo nodded bravely. She gave her friend one final hug and left to greet the first man she had ever loved.

"Good evening—Tomoyo!" Eriol gasped. "Oh, my dazzling lady! Your beauty cannot be described at this moment, suddenly the castle walls became a shade shiner, the stone grounds are a swipe whiter, even the sun became a boost warmer. You truly are astounding…" Eriol gasped in awe. He held out his arm, though he could not stop starring. "Shall we go?"

And, Tomoyo, smiling shyly, put her gloved hand gently on his arm.

Sakura…

Sakura looked at herself one last time in the mirror, and knew she owed this moment and the next perhaps 8 hours all to Meil—Raye. "Thank you…" She whispered towards Meiling's area.

She left the room and waited for Lord Ryle at the spot they agreed to meet at, which is also where he first stumbled upon her.

After not long of waiting, she could see a glimpse of his powerful figure out of the shadows.

Sakura took a deep breath.

Let's get this over with.

And Lord Ryle kissed her hand, and held out his arm.

Sakura raised her hand, and let it fall onto Lord Ryle's arm.

The night has begun.

—

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—

Disclaimer: That line Eriol had read while composing (e.g. "If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess…) is not at all created by me. It is the beginning lines in Shakespeare's play: Twelfth Night, spoken by Count Orsino of Illyria, and I take no credit for it.

Author's Note: For the one and only time in my life, I admit Shakespeare is actually quite a good writer. Although at the beginning it's deathly boring, terribly hard to endure, if you can actually settle down, and read and realize the beauty of his words, you will see, that he is known as the best writer in the English language for a reason.

5893 words. Just wait till you get to the second half of the Ball. Things are going to get a bit wild…