Author's Note: Another filler-ish chapter... sorry! But necessary.
Kinda depressing most of the reviews are questioning if the next update will take as long as this one did. n_n; don't worry guys! The next three chapters have already been written so the updates will all be fairly quick! CHECK MY PROFILE FOR FUTURE UPDATE DATES!
)BiskElle( - Actually I'm a math/finance student! :D But all the courses were giving me a headache, and I decided I'd actually take some courses I want to. Ie, psych, marketing, and bio. n_n Haha, and I'm sooo happy you haven't forgotten this story! I really love reading your reviews and hear your thoughts/opinions! And thanks for taking the time to actually reread everything… how long did that take? O.o As to a sequel… I've decided… yes, there will be one. Because (or at least I think so, haha) the story should be written as it was intended, not just written in a way to please the readers or end it quickly or whatnots.
)AmberJade( - Don't worry! See, an update in less than a month! n.n Don't worry, the next 4 chapters should all be updated fairly quickly!
)-ur-hearts-desire-( - I loooove visiting China! The shopping, the food… oh, and of course with the CAD to RMB exchange rate you can buy anything you want x3 As to SxS… don't worry, I do have something planned for them (in a good way, believe it or not seeing how I've been torturing them so far n.n;)… though it won't come to full light until the sequel!
)LadyMidnightGuardian( - Thank you so much! Your words really mean a lot to me! I'm glad you've really enjoyed the story, and I hope after 2 years of not writing I can still keep up with my writing abilities before! Oh, and your email didn't show up in the review. :(
Thank you everyone for the R n' R! :)
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Chapter Twenty-Five
Preparations
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Eriol hesitated. "I'm not sure about this…"
King Syaoran sighed. "I thought the same at first, myself, but it is an ideal plan, you must admit. It would cause the commotion needed, and give the assassin the supposed 'opportunity' to strike. If we are correct in assuming the assassin has a soft spot for Sakura, by doing what Jelensta suggested, it would put him in a frantic position, and throw off his timing, making it easier for us to catch him."
"That, I agree with. However the event would be highly disgraceful to you, Your Majesty. Not to mention with the tragedy in which the last Ball ended, this will surely make the Li kingdom the laughing stock of all the lands if we were to go through with this plan!" Eriol rubbed his temples in frustration. Sometimes he felt like everything was just a game to Jelensta. She was a fast thinker and had brilliant ideas, but all her ideas had some little kink. Though perhaps he could not have come up with a better idea, it felt as if those flaws in her ideas were on purpose—for her amusement. "I understand your life is of vital importance, but you must also think of the Kingdom!"
"Think of the Kingdom!" King Syaoran spun around angrily. "You dare accuse me of not thinking of the Kingdom? If I were to die my uncle would rule the Li Kingdom and the first thing he would do is have all my most loyal servants killed do you understand? That means you, Eriol, seeing as you are closest to me of them all! I cannot let this Kingdom fall into the hands of that cruel outcast; it would be catastrophic to everyone within this castle, and land." The King stopped pacing temporarily, as he sighed. "I understand that the Li Kingdom will surely become a joke for the time being. Especially my own reputation. But reputations are amendable; lives are not."
Eriol looked uncertain. "I am only trying to think of what is best for you."
"I understand, Eriol." The King replied sincerely. "But also… though this event will humiliate me for the time being… I do… plan to, after the trial of the assassin… mend my pride. Sakura will retract her response at the real ball… and then, shan't everything be okay?"
Eriol's eyes widened slightly. Though deep down he should've expected this. He felt a migraine coming up. "I suppose…" There were a thousand excuses to why this would not be a good idea. To why the King should not turn this scheme into a real event… but all the excuses, he could not say. Sakura, Sakura, Sakura… I had thought better of you. But what shall you do now? There perhaps… is, only one way… "Then, I consent to the plan." Eriol replied solemnly. Three Grand Balls in one year… two ending in utter disaster, and the third perhaps worse. This ought to be fun…
"Good. Then I shall leave it to you to spread the word. Remember, only Sakura, Jelensta, Ramsa, you and myself know of this. Do not let it slip this is only a scheme. You must make yourself pretend as if this were a real Ball."
"I understand, Your Majesty. I will not make any mistakes concerning this matter."
—
Words spread throughout the castle, then throughout the lands. Within 30 days all of the land knew of this event. They thought it was King Syaoran's attempt at making up for the failure of the last Grand Ball he had thrown. It was suppose to be the most memorable Ball of the century; granted it was—just in a different way than he intended.
Decorations were put up, food were brought in to be prepared. The cooks worked day and night preparing for this day, and the whole castle buzzed with excitement.
The days passed by. Everyone had a part, and this time, even the King. Rehearsing was done as needed, preparations were made. Time flew by, and before anyone had time to rest, the date of the Ball approached…
—
Eriol wish he could've informed Tomoyo of this plan. She was most definitely trustable, but something with importance of this degree, he still rather keep the number of people knowing to a minimum.
When he had asked Tomoyo to the ball, she accepted gladly; however her features held a frown. "The last Ball had turned out disastrous… I know I should not speak of this aloud, but I feel this Ball is an omen; the King's life might be in danger… truly, I do not understand why he is holding another Ball so soon, especially with the assassin on the lose."
Eriol knew how right she was, yet he simply replied, "The King is restless; the shame brought to him from his last event torments him. Security will be tripled at this event to ensure nothing bad will happen. Do not worry, my lady. As long as I am nearby, I will protect the King's life with my own."
Tomoyo smiled sadly as she touched his cheek tenderly. "But if you are gone, what meaning is there to my life?"
Eriol's heart skipped a beat. "Just knowing your beauty exists in the world, will be enough for a freed soul to linger." After this… Eriol swore. After this, I will request King Syaoran's permission to take Tomoyo as my wife.
—
"My previous comment remains: he must be mad!" Ilonka paced frantically around the room. "I-It's, it's just so, so, SO rushed! Not to mention, what kind of terrible timing is this? The assassin is still at large; does he plan on putting everyone's lives in danger just to feed his vanity?"
Leaning against the wall, Jelensta watched with amusement at Ilonka who seemed close to a nervous breakdown. "I think someone's simply concerned she hasn't found a date…" she taunted in a sing-song tune.
Ilonka stopped in her tracks and glared murder at the woman. "Don't, you dare say that again…"
Over the past few months they had grown considerably closer. It was as if they had both found their kin. Both young women lived in the moment—they were daring, wild, and were phlegmatic towards ideas and thoughts that would surely turn a few heads and perhaps even start a riot if it were explained to a more traditional group of people.
Both were equally curious as to why the other was open-minded and adventurous. But neither cared to share their tale, and neither side probed the other. After all, they were having fun, what did it matter? To Ilonka, any degree of fun was good. It didn't have to mean anything; she just wanted to enjoy life as best as she could, while she still could. To Jelensta, the notion of meeting someone like Ilonka excited her; and she had never been one to question why things happen. Why should she ruin what they had, with ridiculous questions?
The two of them had gone through more liquor in the last month than two men would have in a year's time. But the condition of her health was the last thing on Ilonka's mind.
"Ooooh, touched a sour point there, now, did I? Hmmm…?" Jelensta drawled slowly.
"Like you have a date…"
The corner of Jelensta's lips curled up just the slightest. "Honey, I can get any guy in this land."
"'Course, who would ever deny King Syaoran's little toy?"
"More like, who would dare face my wrath?" Her eyes glinted evilly at the thought.
"You know what, this is ridiculous. I'm not going." Ilonka declared angrily, plopping onto the soft, fluffy bed.
"Oh, but surely you are aware that everyone must attend this event…"
"Like he would even notice!"
Jelensta got up from her seat, took a few steps forwards, and leaned forward so she would be at eye level with Ilonka. "Well, if you get real desperate, I could always find someone for you… or… you could just go with me."
Ilonka rolled her eyes. But as she looked up abruptly into those usually subfusc eyes, she saw that they were clear and that Jelensta was serious. "No kidding…"
"I never kid… well, at least not when it comes to outrageous ideas."
"The King would surely freak! Normally, he wouldn't even notice, but if I were to go with you, and we all know that the King, will surely notice you… Don't you suppose he would have a few things to say about it?"
Jelensta raised an eyebrow as she stood straight once again. "You know, what amuses me more is the fact that you're seriously considering my idea already…"
"Hey, you know what, the King's throwing some stupid Ball. He wants it to be fun and remembered right? Well then I rather spend the night with a friend than some random guy. Who on earth came up with the idea that Balls must be attended in couples anyway?"
A smile grew on Jelensta's face slowly. "You, my darling, really are something else…"
—
Tomoyo sighed looking at a depressed Meiling.
"He should've asked me… it should've been me…" she kept muttering over, and over again to herself. The Ball was in merely a few days and still, she clung desperately onto that tiny string of hope that the King would surely come and ask for her company.
"Mei… Meiling…" Tomoyo started gently. "I, I don't wish to be blunt or to hurt your feelings… but don't you think, that perhaps, it's time you started looking for a date to the Ball?"
"How dare you say that! I must make myself available and wait for King Syaoran to ask for me! I know he will, I know he must! Just like he did for the last Ball!"
Tomoyo looked sadly at the young girl who was desperate near tears. She took a few steps forward and sat down next to Meiling on the bed, as she stroked her hair gently. "Sweetie… I-I'm sure there is a chance that the King might still ask you… but in the mean time… why not find yourself a date—you know, as a backup plan. And if—I mean, when the King asks you, you can pair up your backup with some other girl… you know, I hear the other two girls remaining in the competition have yet to find a date either… I mean, they're just awfully shy…"
Meiling looked up slowly into Tomoyo's eyes. "I-It's all over, Tomo…" she whispered. "I can feel it… remember the last Ball? None of the King's women were allowed to attend the Ball unless they were requested by someone; you by Eriol, me by the King, and Sakura by Lord Ryle… because he couldn't stand the thought of his women being with another man, even if it's just for a formal event… but this time, he… he didn't care at all. He doesn't care if 'his women' go with different men… because…" she lowered her head once again, and felt her eyes stinging. It was one thing to know it, and quite another to say it. "Because he no longer consider us 'his women'." Meiling's voice dropped another notch. "He… he's made up his mind… He's going to ask Sakura to marry him."
For a solid minute, there was silence between them. "N-No… that, that can't be…" Tomoyo finally choked out. "It's all too sudden, it just can't be!"
"And why is that? There's no reason for him to hold another Ball so soon after his last, especially not in such terrible timing as now. He can't contain himself anymore… he wants her to be his Queen."
"B-But Eriol told me it was because King Syaoran was humiliated by the failure the last Ball had been and is desperate to prove himself to all the lands!"
"If that were true, then don't you think he would've held this Ball much sooner?"
"But earlier he had to deal with the assassin problem…"
"And he still does! The assassin has not been caught yet! Tomoyo, why do you deny this? I understand you're trying to be a good friend and spare my feelings but it's true! You can feel it too, can't you?" Meiling asked exasperatedly, shaking her friend roughly by the shoulders.
Tomoyo could feel her heart break. Never had she seen her friend such a mess. Meiling, who was usually strong, confident and optimistic, had fallen deeper and deeper into her depression. Right now, her crimson eyes looked almost crazed, as tears fell uncontrollably down her cheek.
"No, Meiling, don't say that! She is married, and with child, he cannot marry her even if he wants to!"
"So you finally admit… he does plan to make her his bride." Her bang fell over her eyes. "She's tamed the beast… I… I always thought with my royal born, my beauty, my personality, I would be the one to tame him…" She sucked in a breath of air and held it for what seemed like eternity before letting it out. By which point, she managed to contain her tears. "And besides, he doesn't know she's married."
"But she does! She knows she cannot marry him!"
"Are you suggesting that when he proposes to her in front of all the royalties in the land she would refuse him?"
"Well… no… she would surely say yes but would either cancel it in secret later, or escape…" Tomoyo shook her head frantically. "Ah, and besides we don't know if he's going to propose. So please, Meiling, stop torturing yourself so." She brought up her hands and cupped Meiling's face within them, forcing her to look her in the eyes. "Let's not worry about something like that right now, okay? All you're doing is hurting yourself… please, let's think of the Ball coming up. Please find a date so you can go… and you and your date may stay with Eriol and myself, and we'll have a wonderful time, okay sweetie?"
Meiling stared at her for the longest time before finally nodding dejectedly. "Who could be left by this time? Probably all either lowly servants or physically deformed…" she grumbled.
—
"This mission is of vital importance; I hope you've brought your best men."
Captain Ramsa smirked. "When it comes to war strategies, captures, and schemes, no one does it better than me."
I have no doubt… Eriol thought sourly, but kept his opinion to himself. Personally he did not like Captain Ramsa very much. The man was cruel, cold-hearted, and would do anything to advance in position. But he got one thing right; when it came to strategies and captures, he really was the best. And he did have an uncanny loyalty towards the King. Perhaps because King Syaoran has treated him much better than the King's uncle and father had. "I hope you've brought sufficient men. The grand dining hall is where we're predicting the final strike to occur, but in truth it could occur at any location. We're trying to limit the number of rooms the King needs to be in, but he does need certain amount of freedom as not to arouse suspicion. This is a crucial task that I cannot emphasize enough. You must, absolutely must have as many soldiers as possible, of all whom must be skilled and willing to die for the King."
Captain Ramsa's confident smile remained. "My dear advisor, I assure you, quality is much more important than quantity in this situation. Too many men would only cause an unnecessary commotion and confusion. I, myself will personally stay close to the King at all times. In addition my two most trusted underlings—Lieutenant General Gray and General Bradley—will be amongst them. Surely you remember Gray and Bradley? They are the two who brought Kaho and Touya to justice."
To what justice? They had committed no crime, and yet you treated them so aggressively, causing pain to Tomoyo… and had you only, ONLY not brought Touya here… it only made the situation worse than ever. "Yes, I remember them." Was what he said instead. "Then, I trust you have everything under control?"
"I don't know what more could I possibly say to convince you of this fact, my Lord."
"Very well. The King is busy with his own preparations. But he did say to ask for confirmation and approval from Lady Jelensta. So if you would please, have someone escort her here so we could finalize the plan."
Two soldiers bowed and left. They returned after 10 minutes, with Lady Jelensta, who looked as ambivalent as always, fanning herself with her little fan.
"Lady Jelensta." Captain Ramsa went down on one knee and bowed. "It's a grace to see you."
"Lady Jelensta." Advisor Eriol acknowledged politely.
And of course as expected, Jelensta paid no attention to their formality and simply spun around the grand dining room, before leaning against a wall, facing them. "I trust you have a good reason for disturbing me."
Eriol gave permission for Captain Ramsa to rise seeing as Jelensta couldn't be bothered to.
"Yes, my Lady. The plan has been completed. We now only ask for your approval." Ramsa said.
"Well, I'm all ears."
And so Captain Ramsa explained. He explained the rooms that would be used, and he explained where he and his soldiers would take position at, for each precisely moment in time. Lastly he told her that they expect the assassin to strike at the final "moment", when everyone is gathered in the add-on to the Grand Dining Hall, as they're finishing their meal. "We are 85 percent certain the assassin will strike during this time. I have 2 soldiers guarding each door, and the remainder will line up against the window."
The Grand Dining Hall connected to a different room on three of its sides. One to the hallway of the castle, one to the add-on room, and the last side was facing outside into the night, and the entire side had giant, clear windows. One of the windows on the far right side was actually a glass door, leading onto a balcony.
"The assassin will have to get close to the King somehow; he will either have to go through one of the doors, which is heavily guarded, or strike from the outside, either by landing on the balcony, or striking through the window. Regardless, I've 90 percent of my soldiers lined against the windows. The King is in good hands."
Jelensta studied the room carefully, though to an observer it would appear as if she were simply looking around aimlessly. "I agree with everything you said. Except two things. One, it's not 85 percent chance the assassin will strike at the final moment; it's 100 percent. And two, the assassin will not strike from the outside; he must be someone who resides with in this castle, which means, your guards are useless; they will be totally looking in the wrong direction. If it were me…" she spun around, closed her fan in one swift motion and pointed it to two dark corners on either side of the wall opposite the windows. "There's a small line of shelving at those two corners to hold candles. But without candles, the corners would be dark, seeing as they are far from the chandelier.
"When the crowd goes into a frenzy all he has to do is knock some candles off those shelves and hide there, and wait for the opportune moment. If I were you, I'd blow out those candles ahead of time to make those spots more enticing to the killer, keep your soldiers where they are to give him a false sense of security, but in secret have all of them keep their eyes there. Oh, and of course equip them all with long-range weapons like bows, to ensure quick response time."
The room was silent for a few minutes. A look of irritation finally crossed Captain Ramsa's face. "Is this some kind of a joke to you?"
"I beg your pardon, the King's life is certainly not a joke to me!" The sentence would've probably been more convincing had she not smiled whilst saying it.
"Lady Jelensta, while your opinion is of great value to the King, this is just not your specialty. How could you possibly think the assassin could just… climb onto the ledge while everyone in the room watches? And to be 100 percent sure that he would strike at that precise time—are you crazy? Unless you are the assassin you cannot possibly know when he will strike!"
"Oh? And you think it's far more likely he'll just walk through the doors? Or aim from outside the window? Oh, that's not going to draw attention to him at all! Standing on the balcony is completely unsuspicious. And I'm sure shooting an arrow through the window will without a doubt mess up his aim, and only draw attention to himself as the glass shatters. Please be aware the King and Sakura will be standing in the center, and everyone else will be watching them. Who on earth would be staring at those corners? Not to mention, the room is huge enough and dark enough that no one could possibly see what goes on in those corners at night! In case you haven't noticed, here's a little psychology for you; the assassin clearly wishes to keep casualty to a minimum; why target the King at any other time, when he will be interacting with others, putting them in harm's way? There's no better time than that final moment, when the King will be isolated from everyone else; it'll be a perfect shot."
"IF IT'S A PERFECT SHOT THEN HIS MAJESTY WILL BE DEAD!"
"And that's exactly where Sakura comes in play! The calm before the storm will only last for less than two minutes. It will barely give him enough time to steady himself on the ledge, and before he could shoot the crowd will be a mess. Oh Captain Ramsa you yelling at me does not change the fact that your plan is so completely, and utterly flawed! And you're just too proud to admit it!"
"HOW DARE YO—"
"Captain Ramsa!" Eriol said sternly. "This is not a time to be fighting. The Ball is within days. Lady Jelensta does have a point. Perhaps instead of you two arguing and yelling at one another we could all sit down and modify the plan accordingly.
"That… sounds good." Ramsa bit out grudgingly.
"Good, I believe the third floor Meeting Room is currently free."
"Oh joy…" Jelensta rolled her eyes at the notion. Her plan was perfect. Why couldn't people just listen to her? Just have a basic idea, and wing the rest of it. Doesn't have to be perfect… But she chuckled under her breath at the thought of what King Syaoran would've exclaimed if he heard her careless thought on his life. But you know I would never let anyone hurt you…
—
Sakura sighed as she submerged herself lower into the warm water.
"You're so lucky, that his majesty trusts you so…" one of the maids murmured dreamily as she rubbed Sakura's feet with a warm towel. "You know, his Majesty has always been suspicious of people, and would never, ever, ever trust anyone with his life… well, except for maybe Lady Kalira…"
"Lucky…" Sakura echoed to herself. Something felt off to her ever since that night she fell asleep at the King's bed chambers while waiting for him. She felt like she was forgetting something, but for the life of her, she simply couldn't remember what it was, and it nagged at her constantly. It felt like something important… that she should remember. "Maybe I'll just die…"
"Oh, don't say that, Lady Sakura! It's all an act, truly, His Majesty loves you too much to allow any harm to come to you! Though you're supposedly the distraction if it came down to it, I have no doubt His Majesty will risk his own life to save you!"
"You… really believe the best in King Syaoran, don't you Abbey?"
The maid giggled. "Well, I did grow up with him, you know… I was sent here when I was merely three years old, to be his personal servant. I've seen his bad sides, and his goods… and you brought out the good that we've all missed for a few years. Truly, you two will be the cutest couple, and have the most adorable kids imaginable!"
Sakura wanted nothing more than to drown herself in her bath at that moment. Surely the girl Abbey meant well, but Sakura didn't want to hear all this. It caused her more worry and heartbreak knowing how much he cared for her. It frustrated her to no end that she dares believe he would love her. Him! A playboy, remember Sakura? He's a playboy, that means he's skilled in the arts of getting women. This… this is definitely just an act. To him victory means getting the woman. And he will stop at nothing for victory. So… of course, I'm was more resistant, and he realized that position and money alone were not enough to tempt me… so now, he is using love to tempt me… he is… treacherous… and low… and… and… Sakura felt near tears. No matter what she thought, she couldn't convince her heart, for deep, deep, deep down, buried underneath guilt, she knew and would never admit, that perhaps they really did fall in love with one another. But fate was just so cruel. I… I must see Touya soon. I must let him know, that I will return. That he must have faith in me. Sakura closed her eyes. This is my final decision. I will see this competition come to an end—with the King choosing a bride that is not I—and then, once that is completed, like Touya said, my mission is over, and so I shall take my leave. It was suppose to be a good thought, a righteous, strong thought, but Sakura felt her heart shattering.
—
"Meet Ferrer Arwin, a Lord from the land of Trallis. Eriol, King Syaoran and him go way back, and have always been in good graces with one another. In fact he is one of the three honoured guests at this Ball!" Tomoyo introduced with a smile, as a handsome young man bowed, his blond bangs falling briefly over his crystal blue eyes in that moment.
He smiled charmingly and politely, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Rae."
Despite his good looks and graceful movements, Meiling simply glanced at him before turning away and continuing to stare outside the window to her room. "What's wrong with him?" Her mind was a mess, her heart erratic. The thoughts of the King, of losing the King, of knowing her days in his presence were numbered, was driving her absolutely mad.
Tomoyo mouthed a quick apology to Arwin before quietly inviting him inside seeing as Meiling wasn't about to. She closed the door quietly behind them, and took a seat by the edge of what was suppose to be Sakura's bed. "What do you mean, Mei?"
"It's two days until the Ball. There must be something wrong with him if he doesn't have a date."
Arwin raised an eyebrow. You don't have a date. But he was enough of a gentleman to bite his tongue. "I'm a Lord to the Trallis family, who has always been good to me. And with them in a frenzy preparing for King Li's ball, I took over all their responsibilities, leaving me with little time to worry about finding a date."
"And you do not have a betrothed? If the Trallis family is truly so good to you, they would've bestowed a lady to you by now."
"I do not believe in an arranged marriage, my fair lady. I believe two people should wed for love, and not anything else."
Slowly, Meiling turn around, and stared at him. And that's why my heart belongs to King Syaoran, or no one at all… She stared at him for the longest time, but he never broke his gaze away. She sighed and turned back towards the window. "I'll see you in two days. Please meet me here two hours before the Ball."
"As you wish."
"Tomoyo, please show him out."
Again, Tomoyo looked apologetically at Arwin. But he didn't seem offended at all. "It really was a delight to finally meet you, Lady Raye Meiling." Finally…
But Meiling said nothing. A few seconds later Tomoyo nudged Arwin, and whispered quietly that he should probably leave.
It's a date, Raye Meiling…
—
And so, the following two days passed in a whirl, Ladies and Lords readying themselves to look their best.
On a particularly calm and clear evening, the two giant gold-enlaced doors to the Grand Dining Hall opened.
And so, the Grand Ball begins…
—
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Author's Note: I'm sick. :( It's exam season and I've been under too much stress (6 hours straight of studying every day for about 5 days)… and got me a fever and now I probably can't study at all for 2 days. :sigh sigh: :whine whine:
Anyone remember if Eriol has asked for Tomoyo's hand in marriage yet from Syaoran? O.o
5254 Words.