Author's Note: Well, I promised I'd try to update all 3 of my stories for at least one chapter before the summer holiday's over, did I not? Well, here's part 1 of 3 of my promise (read bio for more info?). The last time I updated this was about… 2 months ago. Well, not bad… especially compared to the rest… which the last update was about… a year and a bit ago? :sweatdrops: deepest apologies… I realize what takes up the most time is getting started. For example, am spending on average 2 months waiting for my inspiration to recharge, 4 days recapping my OWN story and getting all my ideas back… the actual writing usually only takes about a day or so… depressing…
)Light in the Darkness( - It's actually quite interesting writing in different perspectives! This way, it actually helps me personally to under the characters better! And thank you, I'd glad you enjoy my story!
)Sherina Tan( - Oh no no, Chiika calling Kaho is sort of my way of foreshadowing, I guess. Kaho isn't Chiika's mom, I'm just, I guess trying to show irony in how Chiika perceives Kaho to be worthy of being her mom. Hinting at something, maybe? ;)
)harada sis( - Oh, this is pretty much the first time someone said they're interested in what's happening between Kaho and Touya! :sweatdrops: Well, am very glad at least someone is!
)Amy Ishida( - Yup, the feelings and emotions and all that good stuff is finally coming into "Wanted" rather than just being in "Love"! Just wait till you read this chapter! Lotsa goodies. :P
)Helen Liu( - Ah, yes, I am going to continue… I will never abandon a story… that's is a personal promise I've yet to break. 2 months without an update isn't that much for me, really… :sweatdrop: I usually update on average once every 3 months… well, the chapters are rather long, so it does take time…
And A big THANK YOU to everyone who's left me a review! Greatly appreciated! :D
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Chapter Fourteen
Three Little Words
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It's been days since that incident, though Sakura's heart has yet to overcome its restlessness.
She stood by the window, the moonlight shining brightly on her face. Nearby, Meiling slept soundlessly, without worry. Yet Sakura's heart burned with turmoil. She shut her eyes tightly, continuing to whisper to herself, "it never happened, it never happened, it never happened…" But despite what she voiced, she couldn't convince her heart to believe it. How could she possibly ever believe it to not have occurred? Just the briefest thought brought warmth to her lips, and filled her cheeks with hot blood.
Groaning, Sakura buried her face in her hands. How could this have happened? How? Me of all people, I was suppose to be the only wise one, the only one who was able to keep her head, the one who's able to see through lies and bring justice… yet now I'm falling in this trap too, like everyone else? Have I overestimated myself…? Is this the King's charm? Whenever he cannot get a woman through power and force, he uses this technique of… caress and gentleness to win them over instead? Is this some sort of trick he's learnt through the years as such a womanizer? "Well," she whispered softly, starring at the moon. "It's quite an effective technique, gotta give him that much…"
Next morning…
"Oh jeez, Sakura, it's nearly midday! Are you still sleeping? Wake up! Wake up!" Meiling cried, shaking her.
"Aww… Meiling… leave me be… I'm tired…" Sakura mumbled, turning away from her.
"C'mon, get up… you know how it gets in here… without anyone visiting and all, I'm bored out of my wits… let's do something together!"
Sakura yawned, sitting up slowly, hair sticking out every direction. "Meiling… I'm really tired… I got up last night and didn't sleep till early today morning…"
"Oh…" Meiling frowned. "Is everything all right?"
"Yeah… just… thinking…"
Meiling was sympathetic. "Yea, you must miss your family a lot…"
Sakura was suddenly wide-awake.
She could've just kicked herself right then. The guilt within her heart. She wanted to pull out her hair and burn herself. She wanted to burst out crying. But she held her posture. Family… Touya… God. I've forgotten about you completely. How could I… Oh God…
Slowly, she got out of bed and faced Meiling, smiling as best as she could. "All right, my dear… what would you like to do today?"
Before Meiling could answer, there was knocking at the door.
Quickly, Sakura wrapped a silk bathrobe around herself, shielding her nightgown as Meiling went to answer the door.
As she slowly pulled the door open, a gasp left her mouth as she took a few steps back.
"Meiling? What's the matter?"
Sakura got off the bed as she walked towards the door for a closer look.
And when she saw the figure, she too, froze.
Standing at the door, was none other than King Syaoran himself. Certainly, it was a sight to behold, as the King is never, ever, ever, caught walking alone by himself, especially not to visit someone.
The King seemed uncertain. He spent hours working up his courage this morning, and finally decided that if he felt Sakura to be special to him, it is only right that she knew of that. Instead of making this so difficult, making him choose and decide, perhaps they could work through this pile of mess together.
But as he walked into their room, one look at Sakura, he nearly burst out laughing. Her hair was like wild straws, flying everywhere. Her eyes slightly puffy from fatigue, no doubt. She was bare-feet, and her bathrobe was hitched above her knee. But he managed to stifle his laughter, yet the mirth remained in his eyes.
Sakura's heart pounded. Especially when he looked in her direction. His eyes… they were neither of ice nor anger. There was… joy and gentleness within them. Her heart beat so fast she feared the whole castle might hear it. And just like that, Touya was gone from her mind. Perhaps… perhaps, I've truly underestimated him… all the women sent home from the competition… maybe, maybe this competition isn't a fake after all… he's simply just… never, never found the right companion! Yes, that's definitely possible… so does this mean… that… I… well, I mean, oh how could I lie? I do wish he'd choose me… I truly do… It would make me so happy… In a moment of passionate rush, everything of her past was erased from her mind.
King Syaoran cleared his throat. "I… I er…" Did I just say 'er'? Am I stuttering? Oh goodness, remember, confidence, confidence! "I have specially come today, to invite a lady, who holds a dear place in my heart, to enjoy lunch with me in the Royal Garden today—in about an hour, to be precise." He cleared his throat again, and cursed himself for having his hands sweaty all of a sudden. "So, I hereby, invite…" He looked at Sakura in the eyes.
Sakura's heart pounded. Oh my God… what am I going to say? Oh, I would love to go with you, but, but, oh, but Meiling! Oh goodness, what am I to say?
King Syaoran choked. Somehow, just the way her eyes widened, her chest heaved, it made him tongue-tied. He forgot everything he was going to say, and could not find the words. "I, I hereby, hereby…" he closed his eyes tightly. Dammit, just say something! Sa-ku-ra! Sakura! It's not that hard! "I, uh, hereby invite… invite… invite Lady Meiling!"
Deep inside, his heart fell. Pathetic… oh well, Meiling is quite a charmer… I do enjoy her company very much… He smiled warmly at the wide-eyed raven-headed girl. "Yes, you, sweetheart. I will send Advisor Eriol to escort you to our Garden in one hour. Till then." He walked up, grabbed her around the waist, and kissed her on the cheek, before walking away, closing the door behind him. The whole while, he dared not to look at Sakura's direction.
When the door closed. Meiling collapsed on her knees. "Oh God, I think I'm going to have a heart attack! Goodness, Sakura, did you hear that? Did you see that? Oh, silly me, how could you not have? Oh God, I still can't believe it! King Syaoran, personally coming to my room, and inviting me to have lunch with him! I could die happy now!"
Sakura smiled brightly at her. "Yeah, Meiling, that's wonderful! That's great! I'm so happy for you!"
"Oh, thank you, darling, you're such a great friend!" Meiling cried with joy, grabbing her hands as they spun around and around.
"Oh, I'm going to show you these new dresses I have, and you're going to help me get all dressed up and pretty, all right?"
"Definitely!" Sakura replied enthusiastically. "Oh, you're going to look your very best today for this occasion!"
"Yes, my very best! King Syaoran will drop dead when he sees how beautiful I'm going to look today!" She giggled as she bounced towards the closet.
When Meiling was out of sight, Sakura turned around, as she dropped on her knees. The smile left her face swiftly, as silent tears dripped down. The betrayal. The rejected. The humiliation. Oh, especially the humiliation! How could he do this? Look at me right in the eyes, just looking at me like that, and then asking her to have lunch with him? Oh, how low of him! How he mocks me! How could he do this! And here I was thinking he was perhaps a decent human being. I was so wrong! That treacherous player, I hate him! I hate him so!
But deep inside, her heart bled.
—
Outside, King Syaoran was leaning against the closed door, his eyes shut. Great. Just great. There goes that. For goodness sakes, Eriol, if you're so good at telling me what to do, why don't you just do it for me? He thought sourly. But, his heart tinged a slight at what he saw… when he stared at Sakura, her eyes… they were… perhaps… sparkling with hope? Hope to… be with him?
He shook his head. "Oh well. Whatever it was, it's all over now." And he walked away, sighing.
An hour later…
Bright-faced and beautiful, in the middle of the room, stood Meiling, dressed in a crimson silk, strapless dress, puddling around her feet. There were intricate folds around her waist, tightening and showing off her curves. Two, thin black laces coming down the sides of her dress tied crisscross at her back, then tied into a ribbon above her hips. The leftover of the ribbons reached all the way to the ground. Around her neck was a thick, black necklace, with a single blue diamond lying perfectly on top of her bare chest. Her gloves reaching nearly to her shoulders, and they are black, of intricate embroideries. She wore many thin silver-chained necklaces that spread across her collarbone and over the top of her dress, as well as many thin, silver bracelets that surrounded her wrists and were tied to the silver band around her middle finger.
She hair was let down completely, straight and silky, flowing down her back. A pair of diamond earrings graced her, and two red flowers were clipped on the right side of her head. She wore dark red eye shadow, slight eyeliner and mascara, glossy red lipstick, and pale-pink blush.
She most certainly was breathtaking.
For a moment, even Sakura's heart pounded starring at her. Yet sadness soon filled her heart. If this is my reaction, what would the King's be? "Meiling… you're gorgeous…" she whispered.
Meiling turned around, oblivious to Sakura's starring, holding a bottle of perfume in her hands. "Oh, thank you…" she blushed warmly, as she sprayed the lotus scent around her neck and wrists. "I just wish the King will like it as much as you do…"
"Oh, don't you worry about that, honey, if he doesn't drop dead after seeing you like this, you may wish to question his… preferences in mating."
Meiling giggled. "Thanks for all the confidence boosts, you really are making me feel better here, you know that? Believe it or not my heart is pounding like crazy here… gosh, I fear I may suffocate to death before even reaching the dear King! Well, at least I'd die beautiful, right?" She laughed softly.
Certainly, this is much too cheery and girly for Meiling. It seemed almost too out of character for her. No doubt she's hyperventilating and nervous inside.
A knock came at the door. Sakura winked at Meiling. "Knock 'em dead."
Meiling laughed. "You can count on it."
With that, Sakura opened the door, and in walked Advisor Eriol.
Sakura bowed politely.
Meiling smiled.
Perhaps she was imagining it, but, perhaps, as Advisor Eriol walked in, he gave Sakura quite a peculiar look… as if… he expected something else… or rather, he knew something else should've happened.
Sakura shook her head. Great, now I'm hallucinating.
Advisor Eriol took Meiling's hand and gently kissed it on the back. "You look lovely, my lady."
"Thank you, Advisor Eriol." It is ironic how just days ago they were talking so freely and openly, yet now they're so formal towards each other.
He held out his arm. "Shall we?"
She accepted it gladly. Her beautiful fingers rested upon his arm.
"The King awaits you, but this is definitely a wait worthwhile."
Meiling blushed softly. "Thank you. And I do hope King Syaoran will feel the same way."
And together, they walked out the door, held open by Sakura for them.
But before they were completely gone from sight, Eriol cast Sakura one last look.
Sakura shuddered.
Closing the door, she sat down in a corner by herself. "Everyone's mocking me today…" she whispered. Sobs wracked her body, tears running like a waterfall down her cheeks. Never in her life did she imagine herself to feel this kind of pain over a man… it was painful leaving Touya for this castle, but that pain seemed to be near nothing compared to what she felt at this moment. And all this for the King, nevertheless; the man she used to despise… the man she felt was a disgrace.
How easily a heart can be manipulated.
—
Syaoran sat on a chair by a small, but intricate table. The whole seating area was surrounded by tall flowers and trees of every kind, isolating the area from the rest of the world. All around smelt of lovely aromas, and every sight was breathless. The only entrance to this place is a small, golden gate, which has vines and flowers twisting all around it. It's usually camouflaged among the garden sceneries, unless one knew where to look. The place was magical—almost like a real fairy tale.
Arriving in front of the small gate, Eriol suddenly stopped.
Meiling looked at him in wonder.
He took a piece of red cloth out of his pocket, as he smiled gently. "A surprise." And he set the cloth atop her head so that it shielded her vision completely.
Eriol opened the gates as he walked through first, bowing in front of King Syaoran. "My King, she is here."
He couldn't help but to smile a bit. She always seemed to brighten his day. "Bring her in."
Eriol walked back out, as he slowly guided Meiling into the place. When she stood in the middle, he bowed, then walking out and closing the gate behind.
King Syaoran stared at her body breathlessly. Truly, this was beyond joy? He circled her like a lion stalking its pray.
"Keep your eyes closed." He whispered against her ear. And he lifted the red cloth off.
The sight of ruby red lips, her long lashes, her pale skin, her beautiful cheek bones, it made the world seem brighter all of a sudden. And just like he requested, she had her eyes closed.
Quietly, he stood behind her. And slowly, he grabbed her around the waist, tight against his body.
She gasped slightly, her eyes opening. But before she could spin around in surprise, he kissed her on the neck. Might as well enjoy the day.
Slowly, she spun around, facing him, her eyes sparkling, her heart pounding. "Do I please you, my King? Do you like what you see?"
This was nothing new to him. He touched his forehead to hers. "No, I don't. I love what I see." And in that moment, he wasn't lying.
If possible, he held her body even closer to his, as he kissed her hungrily, pressingly.
Her back arched, and unable to take his strength, they fell down amidst the thick flowerbed, surrounded by pleasant scent and softness. She giggled as he kissed her collarbone.
She touched his cheek softly, carefully, eyes wide, and wondering, dying to please. "My King, what about… well, lunch?"
He grinned. "You are my lunch."
She laughed blissfully as he captured her lips with his.
—
Finally unable to take the silence and loneliness, Sakura stepped out, walking towards Tomoyo's room.
It so happens that she arrived at Tomoyo's door the exact moment Advisor Eriol did. "Goodness sakes," he shook his head displeasingly. "Sakura, you simply must stop wondering the halls! It is against the rules!"
She raised an eyebrow. "I could say the same to you, Sir…"
He was about to argue, but seeing the dejection upon her face, he kept his mouth shut. After a slight pause, he said, "Let us see Lady Tomoyo, shall we?"
When she nodded, he knocked on the door.
Tomoyo greeted them both with a joyous smile. "Truly, this is becoming nearly a daily routine? I can't help but wonder what King Syaoran would say if he knew of this."
Eriol cleared his throat. "Well, actually, I have spoken to King Syaoran about our situation…"
Tomoyo swallowed nervously.
Sakura's heart pounded at the mention of his name.
"And… well, he approved of it."
Tomoyo gasped, her eyes wide. "You're kidding…"
"No, my dear, most certainly not. Let's just say… he needed me for a certain reason, and I put up a bargain, that I would only continue advising him and helping him through his rather… peculiar situation if he were to approve of us, and neglect the supposed punishment that were to fall upon us."
Tomoyo simply continued starring at him, and slowly, after moments of silence, tears began filling her eyes.
In an instance, Eriol was by her side. "Oh, my dear, what is the matter?"
She sniffled quietly and wiped at her eyes. "Oh, Eriol, I'm sorry, I'm just, so glad, that is all! After all this time, it seemed so hopeless, I was nearly positive there would be no good outcome to our relationship… but, oh, Eriol, it's like a fresh beam of light… light of hope… oh, it's so wonderful!" Bursting with joy, she wrapped her arms tightly around him, as he embraced her back, relieved and overwhelmed to know that they could now do this freely without feeling like thieves.
Sakura looked away uncomfortably. What am I doing here…? She thought miserably. The King doesn't need me… Meiling doesn't need me… now I'm just extra to Tomoyo and Eriol… Oh, what am I doing here, really? Truly, I'm nothing but a burden… "Um… I'm going to leave now…" she muttered quietly, heading towards the door.
Tomoyo looked towards her direction. "But Sakura, you came here, there must've been something you wished to tell me?"
But Sakura didn't answer, she left Tomoyo's dorm and closed the door behind her softly.
Tomoyo's hand came over her mouth. "Oh dear, I wonder if something's wrong with her…"
Eriol stared at the closed door, and sighed. "Sometimes, I truly don't understand why people would try to deliberately make things so difficult… the similar way they are behaving and reacting to the thoughts of each other is adoring and terrifying at the same time… truly, they are such children… when will they realize?"
Tomoyo tilted her head slightly. "Eriol? Dear, what is this that you speak of?"
He kissed her lightly on her forehead and she blushed brightly pink. "You will understand someday… till then, I'm truly sorry, but under strict orders from King Syaoran I must not yet speak of this dilemma to anyone… Truly, my Lady, I keep no secret from you, but this time—"
She put her index finger over his lips. "It's okay, Eriol… You needn't be so careful around me. I trust you."
Such simple three words. Yet holding so much more meaning than the typical three words, 'I love you'. His heart swelled and he was reminded once again just why he does everything he does for her, and why he loves her so—and ultimately in the end, it's all been worth it.
—
Having nowhere to go, Sakura decided to take a stroll in the royal garden. The day was bright and sunny, and the delicious smell from the garden calmed her heart for the moment. "If only I lived here instead of that dreaded, sealed room…"
As she walked around and explored, she suddenly discovered a patch of flowers that seems slightly… difference. Curious, she walked up closer to examine it. But as she came closer, sounds of laughter filled her ears. And the closer she walked towards her destination, the louder the laughter sounded. When she finally arrived, she realized the reason the flowers were so strangely shaped was because they intertwined around the bars of a golden gate. She smiled softly. "How pretty… almost like something you'd see in a fairy tale…" She touched her right hand lightly to the flower pedal. "I wonder what lies beyond…" Bringing up her other hand, she pried two bushels apart and peeked inside through the bars.
At first glanced, there appeared to be a table with a teapot and small, elegant teacups. But upon closer examination, Sakura realized the laughter she keeps hearing is coming from there.
Sakura peeked closer, and realized there was something among the plants. Buried within the flowerbeds, were two figures. I wonder who could be here?
Just as she was thinking, she suddenly caught a glimpse of something red. Something familiar.
Sakura suddenly felt very sick to her stomach. She took a few clumsy steps backwards as she tripped over a vine and fell across the grass, shutting her eyes tightly.
But the images wouldn't go away. The two figures, together, on the ground… they were both barely clothed.
Sakura began to quiver. Unwilling tears slipped down her cheeks, as she choked with sobs.
In the distance, the laughter continued.
"What a fool… what a fool… what a fool I was…" she hiccupped, choking on her tears. "And all this time… I… I thought it was possible… that me… and him… between us…" She lost her will power at the thought, and the sudden pain shooting through her heart left her feeling like a broken rag doll.
She broke down completely. Choking, bawling, trying to cry all her pains out.
In the distances, the two people continued on oblivious to her.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid, foolish girl…" she muttered to herself over and over, wiping again and again at her cheeks furiously. "What the hell am I doing here? WHAT THE HELL?"
She got up abruptly and ran towards the castle, towards her room. The answer had been so obvious all along.
—
There was so little she brought, and so little to bring back. She laid her unfolded cloak on the bed as she began putting stuff into it. Each item she put in, she muttered something.
"No friends. No one needs me. Only an obstacle. Useless. Foolish. Stupid. Dumb. Unwanted. Neglected. Forgotten." She bit her lips, yet tears continued to drip. Her eyes were red and puffy. She wanted so badly to stop the tears, stop these foolish tears over something that she imagined to happen. Stupidity of a small child… that's all it ever was. She got her hopes up high. It's all her own damn fault.
But she can no longer take this humiliation anymore. She can't face him ever again. She can't face Meiling with a straight face anymore. She can't be with Tomoyo nor Eriol because they only wanted to be alone with each other. She can't be with Ilonka because it didn't seem like that girl ever liked her much anyways. And after what's happened to her, the broken state she's in, what right did she have lecturing others on not falling for the King's evil traps?
She shut her eyes tightly at that last thought, and clawed her hands into fists, trying to fight off the humiliation. "Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Life isn't a stupid fairy tale! I, of all people should know that! Stupidity!"
After a few moments, she finally loosened up and sighed dejectedly. "I arrived here, strong-willed and determined. I knew I was entering a battlefield with the King himself, yet I was so proud, so sure I was to win this fight… yet, look at me now… what was I thinking? How could I ever have thought myself to beat the King at his own game…? King Sya—King Li. I admit. You win. I admit my defeat. Now please, just let me away from your evil clutch…"
Wearily, she sighed. She looked around the room, hoping this to be the last time she will have to do so. She then opened the door, took a deep breath, and walked out, carrying all her belongings with her.
—
King Syaoran couldn't keep the smile off his face as he walked Meiling back to her dorm. He was walking with his head high, mood in delight, and her small, gentle hand on his arm. It never ceased to amaze him how easily she could lift his mood.
But the closer he got towards her dorm, the smaller his grin became, as he began to think more and more of Sakura. For some strange reason, he felt as if he betrayed her. "Ridiculous… me, betray? The two words do not relate…"
Meiling glanced over. "Is something the matter, my King?"
He smirked slightly looking over at her. How she could keep her posture so calm and lady-like after what happened, really beats him, though amuses him nonetheless. "Oh, nothing my dear, nothing for you to worry your pretty little head over."
When they arrived at her dorm, he couldn't help but to wonder whether he should look at Sakura or not when they walked in. Should he kiss Meiling in front of her? Would that make her jealous or would that anger her? Well, let whatever happens, happen. Look at what happened with the invitation already… nothing else can possibly go more wrong than that…
He held the door open for her, as she walked in, and him walking in after her.
Together, they stood in the middle of the room, her arms around his neck, and his around her waist. "Thank you for a magical time today…" she whispered with a smile.
"My pleasure…" he replied. Unsuccessfully, his eyes began to wander around the room, wondering if Sakura was looking at them. But she was nowhere to be seen. And before he could help himself, he blurted out, "Where's Sakura?"
Meiling blinked. "Hmm?"
"Sakura. Where is she?"
Meiling spun around, searching. "Good point… where is that girl?"
For some reason, Syaoran felt a discomfort bubbling in his stomach. "I'm going to go find her." And he walked out quickly and boldly.
"King Syaoran? My King! My King!" Meiling called out, but he already closed and door behind him.
Sitting down slowly atop her bed, she covered her face with both hands, hiding her tears.
—
King Syaoran searched the castle from top to bottom. He visited Tomoyo (there, he also found Eriol, but didn't comment on it, simply throwing them a dirty look), Ilonka, the main palace rooms and even the jail cells. But she was nowhere to be found.
Without options left, he returned to Meiling and Sakura's dorm.
He raised his hand to knock on the door. But before his fist made contact, it sudden swung open, and there stood an anxious Meiling.
"Did you find her?" She asked eagerly.
"Something the matter?"
Meiling looked down, biting her lips. "Sakura… her… her stuff… they're all gone."
King Syaoran's eyes widened and his heart pounded. Impossible… she couldn't have… could she? But he of all people knows her personality the best. She is strong-willed and unpredictable—anything's possible when it comes to her.
He spun around with haste. "I'll bring her back." He said. But it was a promise made more to himself than to Meiling.
Meiling watched his retreating figure, feeling slightly guilty for wishing that the King would not find Sakura…
—
As the King of this palace, no one knew its landscape better than he did. In order to leave the castle fully and reach a new town, one has to go through a forest.
Every time he sent some ladies home, he always had them bring along an escort, for the forest was like a labyrinth, and the real exit is well hidden unless one knew where to look. And by chance there was a path that seemed to lead out of the forest, yet only to bring the person to a dead end. Almost everyone who has tried to escape ended up at one particular spot.
He knew exactly where to find her.
King Syaoran ordered a white horse to be brought to him, and he rode into the forest, with guards and servants shouting after him, warning of him of danger.
—
Hungry and exhausted, Sakura set her stuff down on the muddy ground as she slumped towards the ground, plucking absent-mindedly at the grass. In this place so thick with trees that the sunlight is blocked off, she felt lost and scared. "Stupid, stupid, stupid… yet another stupid moment…" she muttered. "Great, one moment of turmoil and I get myself into this. Now I am lost in goodness-knows-where and I shall perhaps starve to death…"
She pulled some leaves off a nearby tree and stuffed them into her mouth, swallowing forcefully. She grimaced at the tasted, but muttered to herself, "well, this is if worse comes to worst, I suppose…"
And without meaning too, another round of tears came to her eyes. "Oh, look at me, what a mess… what a day… what disorder… when was I degraded to this state? All because of some silly hope I had… I've already given up… I admit my defeat to King Li… so just… leave me along! Let me out of your wicked place!" She wiped furiously at her eyes. "Somebody, please… help me! I don't want to die here!"
Just as those words were uttered, somewhere in the distance, a cry was heard. "SAKURA!"
Her head jerked up. Am I hearing things now?
But seconds after, a brilliant white horse jumps into view, and before the horse even landed on the ground, the figure on the back suddenly jumped off and landed in front of her, his majestic cape falling down slowly and gracefully after him.
Sakura stared, awed for a second. The scene that had just occurred was truly impressive and left her speechless.
The man straightened himself, and stared at her in the eyes.
She felt her breath stuck in her throat. But mentally nagged at herself, repeating three words: Don't, be, stupid.
He held out his hand. "Come back with me." He said.
Her eyes distant, mind blank, she went on her knees in front of him. In a monotone, she said: "I have disobeyed your order and tried to escape your possession without permission. I have committed a horrible crime. I am at fault and I admit to it. Any punishment for me, I will accept without complaint."
King Syaoran's eyes widened slightly, but he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up. "Nonsense. I gave you permission to take a stroll. It is simply unfortunate you were to get lost."
"But—"
"Now let's go back."
Before she could respond, he picked her up and dropped her on his horse, before getting on himself.
His chest touched her back, and his arms were around her, hands grabbing onto the rein and resting in front of her. And for a moment, the three words were gone.
Together, they rode out of the forest.
But before reaching the castle, in the middle of a grass field and under gorgeous sunlight, he suddenly stopped, as he got off his horse, and picked her up and dropped her to the ground as well. He seemed to hesitate for a while, before finally speaking. "Sakura… I wish to ask you certain things… and I have a few requests too."
She looked away, eyes devoid of emotions. "Your request is my command. Whatever you wish will be granted."
King Syaoran took a deep breath, and he took a step towards her. He cupped her cheeks in both his hands as he turned her stunned gaze towards him. "Stop it. This isn't you. Do not speak to me like this. Don't give me the cold shoulder." He frowned slightly. "The situation has been set. That is an unchangeable fact. What happened a few days ago… I… I'm terribly sorry, but it has occurred and there's no changing it… and frankly… I…" He wiped at his face furiously, mumbling under his breath, "Dammit. Why am I being so careful? So nice? So tender? So gentle? Goodness…" He cleared this throat and continued. "And frankly, I couldn't have hoped it to happen any other way."
Sakura's eyes widened slightly. No. Foolish, stupid, girl! Don't get your hopes up! Not again! Learn from your mistakes!
When she said nothing after a while, and simply stared at him, he felt exasperated, and tried again. "Look, this isn't easy for me, all right? You of all people, who told me the first day that you have my arrogant personality all figured out should know this best. I am egoistical, I am proud! I do not speak… like the way I am speaking to you now! It's foreign to me… but… it's hard to explain, but somehow, I just feel you're different… and I guess… I guess… I… I…" his voice dropped down a notch. "I care."
She finally spoke. "You care about Meiling."
He blinked. "Is that… is that why you ran away? Because I was with Meiling at lunch today?"
She was bitter. "Not because you were with her… I… I was wandering around… the garden to be precise… and I… I saw you guys… together…"
The King slapped his forehead. "This is why you aren't suppose to be running around like it's your own house!" Seeing her frown, he sighed once more. "Look here, I must admit, I am rather fond of Lady Meiling as well… truly, she is an amazing girl and I do enjoy spending time with her, it's just… well, I mean you're different, but you really can't expect me to just suddenly forget about everyone and to just marry you all of a sudden… this is as new to me as it is to you… so I was just hoping that maybe… Maybe… well, you'd just start taking this contest that you entered more seriously."
She looked at him.
"To be perfectly honest I got a feeling you didn't enter this contest for me—you entered to… mock me, or defy me. But, now, I just hope that maybe, you'd actually start taking me seriously and consider yourself to have entered the competition for what the competition is really about… and I… in return, I…" he groaned. "I will actually start considering the promised reward of the competition as opposed to considering it to be a way of getting women…" he admitted grudgingly. "So, what do you say?"
Sakura couldn't believe her ears. Everything was coming true. Her original goal of entering this competition is completed, and there seems to be hope for her new goal… "Well, I—"
"SAKURA!"
They turned towards the voice, as they saw three women running towards them from the direct of the castle.
"Tomoyo! Meiling! Ilonka!"
The three of them rushed around Sakura, hugging her and patting her. "Oh, you foolish girl, what happened today? We were so worried! Didn't think you of all people would consider running away!"
Tomoyo then quickly covered her mouth and glanced nervously at the King. "I mean… I didn't think you of all people would get lost while walking around the castle with permission…"
King Syaoran rolled his eyes. "I heard nothing, I heard nothing…" he muttered.
Tomoyo's eyes widened slightly, as she whispered to Sakura, "is he alright today? What did you do to him?"
Sakura smiled slightly, but this time, the smile reached her eyes. "Let's go back, guys."
As they began walking back, Sakura paused, turned around, and shouted to the King, "My King, I do believe your proposal to be quite… reasonable… I accept it." The King smiled at her, and Sakura turned back around, walking away with her friends.
"What was that all about?"
"Oh, nothing, nothing…"
"C'mon, you gotta tell me Sakura!"
"Truly, what happened between you and the King?"
"He seems way out there today!"
"As do you!"
"And what could've possibly caused you to run away?"
As their conversation faded along with their figure, King Syaoran let out a breath of air as he leaned miserably against his horse, thinking back to the conversation he just had with Sakura. "Oh dear lord… the words I spoke… I was negotiating with her! I care? What the hell was that? I was… kind! I was not commanding her, but rather asking her to do something!" He slapped his forehead. "That was completely humiliating and so unlike a King! Oh, the treacherous shame!" He howled in disgust and embarrassment.
The horse whined in agreement.
The King snarled and threw the white horse a dirty look, before climbing onto its back. "Let's get back now…"
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Author's Note: Well, that was certainly showing the different sides to everyone… admittedly a lot of parts were so cliché I was kind of disgusted writing it… so why did I still stick with it? Beats me, really. Please, no complaints about the scene between Syaoran and Meiling. He is after all, still an egoistical, hotheaded, proud King. He has the right to enjoy himself, and you can't expect a man to change overnight, ne?
I've currently just graduated grade 11, and finished taking grade 12 English summer school, meaning 1 full month of nothing but reading, writing and analyzing. Hopefully my writing skills have improved? With better sentence structures and vocabulary? And also hopefully my writing style has not been dulled?
Reviews are always appreciated! Please let me know what you think!
And one random question regarding my story… I can't seem to remember but… does Meiling know Sakura's already married and has a kid? O.O bad me, bad me…
6558 words. Quite long this time…