Author's Note: A Red Lory is a type of parrot.
I meant to upload this chapter on January 20th originally but… just really wanted to wish you guys a…
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
And thus, updated today. Things are starting to get exciting! Enjoy! :D
)neurogal09( - Well, love happens, and some times changes us, for better or for worse, right? n.n as to great ending… define "great" haha…
)BiskElle( - Haha some times I feel like I'm terrible, always making these characters go through all these unhappy events… :sigh: But, unfortunately tragedy usually always have a play a role in a story… Yupp, sequel it is! Though I think I'm going to take a break when I finish 'Wanted'… to give myself a fresh start! And indeed, Ilonka and Jelensta! You're probably the first to mention them… most people just don't remember/care about them 'cause they're technically my OCs… but yes, they do have a role, which you'll kind of start of see in this chapter :)
)-ur-hearts-desire-( - Oh, really? The only fic you're keeping up with! Thank you! :hugs:
)Kyeru( - You're still work during the holidays? :O I'm just busy seeing friends and finally getting settled down and able to do some art… aka relaxing stuff :D
)Light in the Darkness( - Are you in university right now as well? Ugh, school's great in terms of meeting ppl, learning stuff, independence, but it feels like it eats away life…
Thank you everyone for the R n' R! :)
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Chapter Twenty-Six
The Grand Ball II, Part I
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Guests arrived in pairs, in a spectrum of radiant colours.
As they entered the Grand Dining Hall, where they expected to find two rows of guests greeting them, all they found were two guards, the King himself, and Lady Sakura.
The King smiled warmly at each couple that passed through, his expression ever so sincere even as the night wore on. To each couple, he greeted them politely, and introduced to them his date, Lady Kinomoto Sakura.
Sakura gave a tiny nod and her respect to every couple that came.
It didn't take long for people to begin murmuring about her, and her relationship with the King.
"Good evening, Your Majesty, what a grand Ball this is!"
"And a good evening to you too, Sir Hiiragizawa, Lady Daidouji, I thank you for the compliment!" The King replied, bemused. "Have I introduced to you my date, Lady Kinomoto Sakura?"
"Why, it's a pleasure to meet you." Eriol replied, kissing Sakura on the back of her hand politely. "And may I introduce to you my date for the night, Lady Daidouji Tomoyo."
"You looking stunning tonight, my Lady." King Syaoran complimented.
"Thank you, Your Grace." Tomoyo curtseyed.
"Dinner will be served in three hours, until then, please make yourselves comfortable, and try our wide variety of appetizers and drinks—I'm sure you'll find something that suits your fancy. And don't be shy to ask your lady to a dance at the center of the Ballroom."
"I shall, and I wish you a wonderful night."
"As do I."
When Eriol and Tomoyo left, Sakura turned towards King Syaoran, and whispered under her breath, "Need you be so polite and formal with Advisor Hiiragizawa?"
The King chuckled. "In formal scenarios, whether you're faced with friend or foe, never let your posture down. You must remain formal and presentable at all times. Always assume you're being watched, as you probably are." Even as he said this, Sakura couldn't help but to notice that warm smile still plastered ever so perfectly on his face. Well someone's been in practice with this act for a while…
Sakura gulped at the King's last comment. King Syaoran simply stared at her in amusement. But soon, his attention was diverted as another couple arrived before them. "And, who might we have here? Lord Ferrer Arwin and your date... Lady Rae Meiling!"
Meiling, who had previously been staring at the ground, tilted her head back up slowly, her steady gaze boring into Sakura's eyes. Traitor. She said nothing, but Sakura could feel the word.
No, I'm no traitor, Meiling… you'll see. He will choose you, and I will leave, like I promised. With that thought, Sakura barely managed to hold Meiling's gaze. Believe me…
"My, you look absolutely gorgeous, Lady Rae."
"Isn't she simply so?" Lord Ferrer replied with a soft smile. "And you must be…"
"Ah, how rude of me, please meet my date, Lady Kinomoto Sakura."
"It's a grace to be meeting you."
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Ferrer." Sakura replied politely, though as much as she tried not to, she couldn't help but to let a little bit of the guilt into her voice.
"Dinner will be served in three hours, please make yourselves comfortable until then, and please, enjoy yourselves!"
"We shall, Your Majesty." Lord Ferrer bowed politely as Meiling curtseyed dully, and they were on their way.
King Syaoran seemed to sense her trouble, and he reached over and grasped her gloved hand gently. He may be—as with all men—slightly gullible when it came to the affairs between women, but he knew how Meiling feels about him, and he certainly did not miss that air of jealousy around her just now. "You owe her nothing." He whispered.
Yes, I do…
But Sakura said nothing, and continued to smile at what seemed to be an infinite line of couples, greeting each as they stepped through.
Hours later when everyone had arrived and was enjoying themselves by sampling foods and socializing with one another, Sakura couldn't help but to let out a sigh of relief as she wiggled her ankles. "It's not fair… these heels are absolutely horrendous to stand in."
King Syaoran stared at her with amusement, before offering his arm. "My, that isn't a very ladylike thing to do now is it, dear Sakura? While I cannot allow you to be bare foot at the Ball, feel free to lean on me to ease your pains."
Sakura smiled shyly as she accepted his arm. "I will, my King, gladly…" she replied.
The King looked around the empty door way before sighing. "Well, what did I expected…" he mumbled. "Guards, all the guests have arrived. Please close and guard the door. Make sure no one leaves, nor enters." With Sakura on his arm, he began walking towards the center of the room.
"Who were you looking for?"
"Jelensta. Haven't seen her yet."
Sakura sighed, slightly irritated. "Today is an important day; if she is as significant to you as you treat her, I think it should be common etiquette for her to arrive at least on time if not early."
But King Syaoran simply smiled and shook his head lightly. "Do not worry, Sakura. Jelensta does things her own way and follows no man's order; but she is trustworthy, and has come through for me each time I needed her."
Sakura frowned lightly. Who is this Jelensta? Why is he so accepting of her, and speaks of her so fondly? Sakura blinked at the thoughts. Am I… jealous? It was all she could to not choke out loud at the sudden shocking realization. But instead, all she said was, "Yes, Your Grace…" all the while, her heart thumped deafeningly in her ears.
—
"Quite a turnout we're having today—I'm sure everyone was just eager for King Li to redeem himself for the tragic way the last Ball ended. After all, the Li Kingdom is known for throwing infamous parties." Arwin Ferrer commented merrily as he took a sip from a very old and fine white wine.
"Indeed." Eriol replied, though deep inside, he almost wished people did not show up. The reputation of the Li Kingdom will surely take a hit with two consecutive failed Grand Balls. "The Li Kingdom is powerful, infamous, and well respected; personally I do not find the number of people who came surprising."
"Well said, Advisor Hiiragizawa." Arwin replied with a smile. "So, tell me Lady Meiling, how was your experience living at such an extravagant castle?"
But Meiling's mind was elsewhere, her eyes staring only in the direction of King Syaoran and Sakura. He was taking her around the room, meeting and chatting with different couples. It's like she's already his bride… She did not want to admit… she would never say it out loud… but deep inside, she knew Sakura had stolen the King's heart. Even if the King finds out she is married, and chooses Meiling to be his Queen instead… Sakura will remain the owner of his heart. He gave it away to her. Utterly, completely, willingly.
"Meiling?"
Tomoyo nudged her nervously. It was so unlike Meiling to be so impolite and rude. However much she understood the pain the girl was going through, it was no excuse to treat the kind Lord Ferrer so. "Mei… ahem… Mei!"
Meiling spun around blinking as if snapping out of a trance. "Yes, I completely agree." She replied automatically.
Lord Ferrer's charming, warm smile never faded. "Very smooth recovery."
Meiling glared at him. "Do I hear sarcasm in your voice?"
"Sarcasm? Why, my fair Lady, I'm blessed you've heard me at all! I dare not mock you in this rare and blessed moment!"
Meiling frowned. "Please excuse me, I'm going to get another drink." Or maybe 10. So I'll get drunk and pass out from this miserable party that is clearly thrown so Syaoran can introduce that backstabbing slut to everyone.
"Oh, I'm so terribly sorry!" Tomoyo said apologetically bowing shamefully. Eriol had done her a favour finding her such a gorgeous and high-status date. Truly, having waited until the last minute, the only ones left were peasants or lame. And she did not wish for Eriol and Lord Ferror's relationship to be distressed because of this. "Meiling, she's usually not like this, she's very charismatic and sweet, it's just recently a series of events have occurred and it's distracting her from—"
But Lord Ferrer continued to smile. "It's all right, Lady Daidouji." He said gently, cutting off her rambling. "I know Lady Meiling's temper better than you'd think. And I forgive her for all her sins, and love her for all her charms."
Tomoyo stared at him curiously. Previously she had thought the way he kept smiling was a façade to keep himself from exploding at Meiling's terrible manners. But looking into his eyes, especially as they turned to glance at Meiling's figure by the martini table, she could see the smile was genuine. Not just the smile… but the way his eyes sparkled whenever he looked at Meiling…
Tomoyo gasped. She had always been a romantic and a keen observer… and she didn't know why, but she knew. Somehow, she just knew.
Lord Ferrer Arwin was in love with Lady Raye Meiling.
—
Where is she? King Syaoran frowned deep inside, while keeping his smile plastered on his face, and pretended to listen intently to the ramblings of the mid-50s woman in front of him. He was smiling so much tonight that his face was beginning to hurt. But only so when he was speaking to all these Ladies and Lords he's seen less than three times all his life. Whenever he turned to look at Sakura… the pain was forgotten, and the smile couldn't be wiped off even if he tried.
"Mmm, wow, yes, that is very interesting. Very interesting indeed." King Syaoran said absent-mindedly.
"Isn't it?" The old woman replied. "Oh, she really was the sweetest little thing! So last night, when I gave my sweet little Red Lory a bath…"
He glanced briefly at Sakura, and it took all his strength to not burst out laughing.
Sakura looked absolutely terrified. Her eyes were the size of coconuts staring at this woman, her expression a mixture of horror and wonderment, while a noticeably forced smile was tightly plastered on her face. He really couldn't blame her though. The woman was boring beyond belief and able to talk for incredibly long about things she really believed was entertaining.
Where is Lenta? It's almost time… where could she be? We've agreed she'd come with her date and stay near the seafood appetizer table.
"…and when she fluttered her feather all these water droplets came flying out and—"
"Sweetie," her husband—God bless his soul—interjected gently. "I'm sure your story is entertaining and we would all love to hear the ending, but it is getting late… surely, King Li would need to announce dinner soon."
King Syaoran sighed a mental sigh of relief, while simultaneously tightening. While it's great that Lord Rimry has gotten his Lady wife to stop jabbering, he did bring up a good point… it is getting late. The night would have to go on, but Jelensta was nowhere to be seen.
He took a deep breath. Have faith. She's never, ever, ever let me down before. "Yes, you're right Lord Rimry, if dinner is delayed any longer I fear my guests would fill up on appetizers and run out of guests to speak to!"
The Rimrys laughed politely. "Well then, Your Majesty, please continue with the party; I'll finish my tale another time."
"Of course, I look forward to hearing about how your Red Lory's bath ended." King Syaoran replied with a warm smile.
"And it's so nice to meet you, dear." Lady Rimry gushed cupping Sakura's hands warmly.
"Likewise. It was a pleasure to meet you too, My Lady."
"Forgive me for being so bold… but I must say, you two will make the loveliest children!"
King Syaoran smiled at the comment. "Why thank you My Lady, she sure is beautiful, isn't she?" He replied fondly, as he turned to look at Sakura.
If possible, her eyes were even wider than earlier and her face was completely blood-filled.
King Syaoran couldn't help but to laugh at the sight. "Oh, my Sakura is still shy…" he said lovingly, putting his hand on her waist.
"T-Thank you…!" she finally managed to squeak out, all the while bowing her head down nearly to her knees to cover her blush.
The elderly couple laugh as they patted her back. "What a sweet child, I hope to see you again in the future."
Oh you will see her again… Syaoran thought adoringly. You'll see her at every Ball, at every event… you'll see her whenever you see me… "I'm sure you will." He replied. "Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be announcing for dinner soon."
The Rimrys bowed politely before heading in the opposite direction, mingling with other guests.
"But Lady Kalira is not here…" Sakura frowned as they walked away in the opposite direction.
Syaoran sighed. "I know. But I cannot delay this any longer. Night has already fallen and I'm sure the guests will soon be bored of this directionless mingling and eating of snacks. From the announcements, the serving of food, to finishing the food, to our entertainment… that should still give us quite a few hours. Jelensta will show up somewhere in there, I know she will."
Sakura's frown only deepened. "You have such faith in her… yet from what I've seen she's been nothing but irresponsible, uncaring and ignorant. I do not understand why you have so much trust in her."
The King stopped walking. He paused for a while, before turning around and staring into her eyes. "You don't know Jelensta. Please do not ever use those words to describe her again."
Sakura stared back, shocked. But all she could do was nod.
—
"I cannot believe this, late to the King's Ball?" Ilonka giggled as she and Jelensta ran down the long corridors of the castle, their dresses fluttering wildly behind them. "Oh, how unladylike!" She exclaimed, one hand holding up her gown, the other attempting to hold her done-up hair in place.
"Oh, but isn't this more fun?" Jelensta smiled. "Besides, we'll certainly make a memorable entrance!"
"Well, this didn't have to be so if someone didn't insist that we send away our maids and instead do our makeup and dressing ourselves!"
"Well darling, I think you look spectacular!"
Ilonka rolled her eyes. "Only because you did my makeup. Besides, spectacular isn't exactly the right word… I think I'd go with… Unique…"
Jelensta smiled. "I think that rainbow eye shadow looks great on you, and the purple sparkly lipstick definitely stands out."
Ilonka laughed. "Yes, and your neon green eyeliner definitely matches with that silver eye shadow! I had fun with that." She replied with a smirk.
Jelensta simply shook her head. They looked trampy and unsuitable for this ball and she knew it, but her and Ilonka had so much fun doing each other's make up she didn't care. Of course she never cared much about anything in the first place. "Oh no…" she mumbled as they got closer to the doors of the Grand Dining Hall. "Locked." She mumbled, tracing her hand around the door frame trying to find a handle.
"How is it that a door doesn't have a handle?" Ilonka exclaimed.
Because this way, once the door closes, no one gets in, and no one gets out. "Who knows. C'mon, I know another path."
Five minutes later found Jelensta and Ilonka on the slanted roof top of the Castle, at least six stories from the ground.
"I don't believe this…" Ilonka mumbled, her hands clawing at the shingles, her heels digging into the ceramic clay material. Her gown had been picked up and tied sloppily around her upper thigh to allow easier movements.
"Well," Jelensta replied, straining against the wind, her long black hair blowing behind her. "This is the only other way I know… by climbing over the rooftop we can get straight to the balcony that leads to the Grand Dining Hall." Jelensta crossed over the beam at the very top of the castle. "Careful here, we're going on a downhill slope, don't fall and die."
"Yes, I'll try, thanks." Ilonka replied sarcastically.
Jelensta scuttled down the roof, and as she got close to the edge of the roof which was just above the balcony, she jumped, nearly landing outside the railings. "Need any help?" She leaned outwards from the railing and looked upwards at Ilonka who was clawing for her dear life.
"You certainly seem very familiar with this route…"
Jelensta grinned and held out her hand. "What can I say, I get bored."
Ilonka grasped her hand as she jumped down, landing uncomfortably in her three-inch heel. "Somehow… I won't be surprised if we get booted the moment we enter this place…" Ilonka mumbled, attempting desperately to sort out the tangle in her hair from the wind, as well as smooth out the wrinkles in her dress.
"Don't worry, if there's one thing I learned throughout the years of going to Balls, is that everybody is much too worried about how they look to notice anyone else. As is so in real life, now that I think about it."
"Well said. Shall we go?"
"Of course." Gently, Jelensta grasped Ilonka's hand as they walked towards the door to the Dining Hall.
But the moment they stepped through the door, into the warm, bright Hall that was filled with the sweet aroma of pastries and wines, Jelensta froze and spun around almost immediately and walked right back out to the cold night air to the balcony, dragging a confused Ilonka with her.
"What happened?"
Jelensta sighed looking uncomfortable. "See that guy there?" She said, pointing at a gentleman who was standing about three meter from the entrance. Him and his date were talking to two other couples.
"Blondie?"
"Yeah… he… asked for my hand in marriage last year."
"Ooohhh, what's the matter? Feeling shy?" Ilonka teased.
But Jelensta only had a sour look on her face. "No… see his date? That's his betrothed."
"Betrothed? So he asked for her hand right after you rejected him? What a sleaze, no sense of loyalty at all. Just a first come first serve."
"Not really…" Jelensta sighed.
"Soo… you gonna tell me?"
"It's not a short story."
Ilonka shrugged as she leaned against the railings, facing Jelensta, the moon full and bright behind her, outlining her figure. "He doesn't seem to be leaving that spot any time soon; we've got time."
Jelensta sighed again. "The man is Prince Swan Charles…"
"Swan…? As in, the Swan Charles? Isn't their family one of the four most prestigious Kingdoms in all the lands?"
"Yeah, so you've heard of him…"
"Well, duh! Who hasn't? The Swan, Ryall, Eyre, and Knighton. We studied them to death in school. Sooo… that's what the heir of Swan looks like? He's very handsome… wonder why the books never mentioned that…"
"Um, hello!" Jelensta waved her hand in disbelief watching Ilonka trying to get a better view at Charles. "My sad, sad life story here?"
"Right, sorry, go on." Though Ilonka's eyes remained fixated on the blond man.
"Let's make the story simple, then. See his date?"
"Yea, gorgeous sunset-hued hair she has…"
"That's Eyre Jacquette."
Ilonka's eyes widened as her head snapped back, her attention solely on Jelensta. "No… way. Of the Eyre?"
"Yes. His betrothed."
"Wait… if I studied history correctly, and our teacher did not lie, I believe the Eyres have an extremely good relationship with the Swans, and so whenever possible, match up their children with each other. Generally… since Charles is the heir to the Swan Kingdom and Jacquette is married to this inheritance, in exchange the heir of Eyre will take a Swan Princess to be his bride."
"Everything you say is correct."
"Then how could he have asked for your hand in marriage? The Swan-Eyre engagements are practically sacred! I mean no offense of course, you're gorgeous as hell and I'm sure every man wants you, but this is way out of even your league!"
Jelensta shook her head chuckling. "What are you, afraid of hurting my feelings? I'm disappointed in you."
Ilonka grinned. "Well excuse me for the bad habit!"
"You really got to work on that. I thought we are both okay with being absolutely straightforward with one another. But to answer your exclamation, you are correct. I attended his engagement party with my family, and he noticed me. I guess it's because everyone there has such fair complexion with their rosy cheeks and light-coloured hair… and here I am, black hair, pale skin and all… So while I was alone wondering through their castle hallway he intercepted me. He took me to his private garden. We talk, had a little to drink, and apparently my brutally honest and slightly outrageous personality enticed him. Being the heir to the Swan Kingdom gave him a very dull and strict life. And I guess he's never had much fun. Or any. According to him, my free-spiritedness 'inspired' him. He got on one knee and proposed to me.
"I said no, told him he was being stupid, that he already had his Jacquette, and that by doing this he is putting the relationship established between the Swans and Eyres through hundreds of years of history in danger. He replied he didn't care, as long as he had me he was happy, and he would be willing to give up his inheritance of the throne if need be. I left the garden, tried to blend in with crowd so he couldn't pester me.
"It was actually a little unnerving…" Jelensta looked a little uncomfortable at this part. "He actually… came to my dorm that night—how he even found and managed to sneak away from Jacquette really beats me—after I had gone to bed, and woke me up. He didn't do anything, but I woke up groggily to find him lying down next to me outside the blankets. And you know what he said to me? He said he understood my rejecting his proposal was probably because I was afraid his family would not approve of it. But if I bore his child his family would have to accept me! It was absolutely insane! But he didn't get violent or anything, luckily for him. I told him no, very firmly, and that was that. He left my room, disappointed.
"But… that wasn't the end of it. For the following months to come he sent me frequent letters and gifts expressing his love. I didn't make much of it, just ignored him, really. I thought it would be okay after some time has passed and this would all be over. But before that could happen, I guess someone found one of his letters to me. And all hell broke lose. The Eyres were terribly angered by this embarrassing event, Swans repeatedly swearing they knew nothing of this and apologizing. By that point they were finding all sorts of excuses to why Charles behaved the way he did, and the Eyres almost bought it. But no. He had to go and proclaim that he really did love me, and that he wanted me to be his bride.
"It was just a huge mess. Jacquette personally came to my home. She called me out and just started screaming at me. She didn't come alone of course, her mother came too, along with their personal, and best guards. And Jacquette was just raining hell on me. Nothing my mother and father did could calm her down, and her mother Queen Eyre had no intentions of calming her daughter down. And I guess Charles knew of Jacquette's coming, so hours after the Eyre family's arrival, when we finally got them calm enough for a civilized discussion in our Meeting Hall, Charles bursts through. Jacquette asks what he was doing here, he replies: to make sure I was okay and that she didn't kill me.
"Well, a lovers' quarrel is never pretty. Jacquette was ready for murder and they were both just screaming at each other, and soon the Swan family came by too as they followed Charles. You can imagine what it was like I'm sure. Lots of shouting, threatening; it was a disaster." By this time, Jelensta looked thoroughly irritated mixed with a tinge of sadness. "Finally everyone calmed down enough to hear me talk; I refused Charles in front of everyone, told him it was never going to happen. Maybe saying that in front of all those adults finally did it for him, or maybe he was threatened and beaten. Regardless, they decided since I had already formally rejected his proposal in front of such an audience, I was no longer a threat. So they all left. I don't know the details, but days later Jacquette and Charles announced their wedding date.
"I received a letter from Charles about two weeks after that—I'm assuming the time delay was due to travelling—from his personal advisor. He delivered the letter to me as Charles was under observation and he was afraid of his letter being intercepted. The letter contained a lot of romantic crap, nothing I haven't heard or am remotely interested in. All the usual, he still loves me, waiting for me, if I ever change my mind let him know and he will call off his and Jacquette's wedding. And would you believe it, this was all about a year ago, and Charles has delayed his wedding countless times, the reasons getting stupider and stupider. I don't want to sound egoistical, but I have a strong suspicious he's still hoping I would proclaim my love for him one of these days, before he weds and is bound to her for eternity."
Jelensta glanced behind her at Jacquette and Charles laughing at something their friends said. "Needless to say… Miss Eyre dearest hates me with a passion, as does her mother and their entire family. She hates me especially when Charles is in the same room as me. So… don't want any drama. Don't want to give the boy any hope. And I mean any hope. Or anything that can be mistaken as hope. Like me walking through that door coincidentally. Going to steer clear of them."
"So here's my question… why didn't you accept his proposal?" Ilonka's eyes never left Charles's face. "I must say, he is quite handsome, and not to mention, you would be Mrs. Swan! Do you know how prestigious that is? Trust me when I say any girl would've said yes to that."
"Now you sound like my mother! She's still to this day upset about me not accepting his proposal. In fact she still wants me to tell him that I do want to be his Queen."
Ilonka laughed. "Well, I'm asking you as a friend. With those looks, status, and passion, what else are you looking for?"
Jelensta paused as she studied his face. "I don't know…" she replied softly. "I just don't feel anything when I see him. I know he is a kind man, and most girls would consider his features to be charming… but… not to me, I guess. Besides, during the time when he first proposed to me, if I were to marry anyone it would've been Kin—" Jelensta's eyes widened as she slapped her hand over her mouth quickly. Too close.
"Kin… King…? King who? Ooooh, was there another man? A King?"
Jelensta shook her head quickly. "No one. Charles just isn't the one for me." Before Ilonka could probe further, Jelensta quickly lit her face with a huge smile. "Enough about my love life. Let's hear about yours. No way a girl as gorgeous as you haven't been wanted by men before."
Ilonka smirked. "Got that right. None of the suitors are as impressive as your Prince Swan Charles of course… but I do have an interesting story about my boss's son, a certain Dalison Robert Jr…"
—
"Ladies and Gentlemen may I have your attention please!" King Syaoran bellowed, standing in the middle of the Dining Hall with Sakura on his arms.
Everyone immediately stopped their conversation and turned their attention to him. "I hope you're all enjoying yourselves, and most of all, I imagine you are all hungry and wondering where the food is." A light chuckle rang through the crowd. "Fear not, dinner will be served shortly." As he said so, the doors leading into another room were opened by two soldiers.
The tables were oddly shaped, as well as oddly laid out. In the middle was a single, delicate crystal square table lined with gold, with two chairs facing each other. Outside of that, a ring-shaped table made out of a smooth, metal-like material and elevated slightly higher, circled the square table in the middle with chairs on the outer layer of the ring-shaped table. And outside of that was another ring-shaped table, wider in circumference, and taller. Overall it looked like the seating arrangements for a stadium. The outermost table almost reached the ceiling. Stairs made of black marble circled the outside of this structured, each level can only be accessed by a unique set of stairs. Because the room was so dim, unless one was looking for it, it was impossible to notice the stairs.
The room itself was very quaint. The only source of light came from two candles on the middle square table, the 4 tall candles engraved with Celtic designs on the ring table closest to the square table, forming a cross, as well as the 4 huge bouquet-shaped candles in the middle of each of the four walls. The light shined and reflected off the crystal square table in the middle, making it appear to glow with a romantic and mythical array of colours.
"The middlemost table is reserved for myself and my date, Sakura. The ring table closest to that is reserved for a few special guests: Advisor Hiiragizawa Eriol and his date Lady Daidouji Tomoyo; Lord Ferrer Arwin and his date Lady Meiling; and Lady Kalira Jelensta and her date… although regrettable Lady Kalira appears to be facing some troubles in regards to attendance…" The King's voiced dropped slightly at the last part. "Other than that, please feel free to sit anywhere. There are enough seats for all the guests and their dates.
"Now if I could ask you to please form a single line at the doorway with your date; Advisor Eriol has something to inform everyone before you enter the room. Once everyone is seated, dinner will be served shortly. Hope you're all enjoying the night."
With that, he bowed as Sakura curtsied, and loud clapping and cheers rang throughout the hall, echoing. The guests waited as Syaoran led Sakura through the doorway. As they walked through, Lord Eriol bowed and smiled warmly at them both. As they reached the center of the room, King Syaoran pulled out her chair for her like a gentleman, and Sakura could feel herself getting lost in the moment. The romantic lighting, his warm eyes, his handsome smile, the flickering candles all around them… it was almost too much. She felt so happy; more ecstatic than she had ever been in her life. She wanted desperately to grasp onto reality but she couldn't, she felt everything she needed to remember slipping her mind: Touya, Chiika, Meiling, the plan… everything. She could barely make herself notice the crowd gathered outside, all staring at them. All she saw was King Syaoran. "Thank you, your Highness…" she whispered, taking a seat, unable to pull her eyes away from him.
And he, maintaining that eye contact, walked over to his side of the table and took a seat. "Are you enjoying yourself?" He asked, taking hold of her hands.
"Very much so… this is absolutely beautiful. I still doubt I'm fully awake; the only way I know I am is that I would never be able to dream of anything this breathtaking."
"Then savour this moment. A few more years and a hundred Balls later, it will cease its effects on you. Although… I must admit… this Ball is particularly spectacular; even more so than most others, of course. Because you, my dear, deserve the best."
"Me? I thought this Ball was for redeeming the unfortunately way the last Grand Ball ended…"
King Syaoran continued to smile, but said nothing more. He simply gave her hand a gentle squeeze, and Sakura felt herself overflowing with joy.
—
Jelensta stared into her eyes and slowly a grin spilled over her face, and gradually, a chuckle came out, and she began to laugh. "You're joking." She managed to choke out.
"Why, not at all!" Ilonka replied innocently.
"Oh the poor boy, he must've been horrified! And traumatized for life! He may never try to pursue a woman again!"
"In all fairness, I gave him fair warning, and he did ask for it."
"What did his father have to say about that?"
"Nothing. He was too ashamed to relay the night's events to his father—or anyone, in fact—so he left me alone, and I kept my job. No harm done… except to his dignity."
"Oh Ilonka…" Jelensta laughed, wiping away a tear that was gathering in the corner of her eye from laughing so hard. "You're really something else…"
"The boy was far too young, and was abusing his status as a successful publisher's son! Not a famous publisher, but the son of. He chose the wrong girl to mess with…"
"Although… I think for him, despite what happened, to gain that one date from you, is worth everything."
Slowly, Ilonka's face blossomed into a sweet, genuine smile. A smile so warm it could melt winter away.
She said something, or rather, her lips moved, but Jelensta heard nothing. For at that moment, a shooting star fleeted across the sky, creating the thin outline of a halo above Ilonka's head. The sight was beautiful. Almost too beautiful to behold. Without thinking, Jelensta leaned forward, and allowed her lips to brush gently by Ilonka's.
When she pulled back just the slightest, she saw that Ilonka's obsidian eyes were wide. It was an expression Jelensta thought she would never see from the free, easily accepting Ilonka.
But at the same time, she could feel a thread of warmth across her own cheeks. Was she… blushing?
Her lips remained an inch away from Ilonka's. It was so tempting to kiss them again, but she wanted to see her reaction first. And dare she think… despite how huge her eyes now were, they were not filled with revulsion, nor disgust, nor horror. They simply held surprise.
A few seconds ticked by. Slowly, Ilonka's eyes softened, and her lips formed into the slightest smile. "Good thing I didn't settle for Robert."
And Jelensta had to smile at that. She smiled, she grinned, she giggled, she laughed, and she kissed Ilonka again, this time, with her hands around her waist. "You really are quite something else, my darling."
Ilonka returned the embrace, and rested her head gently on Jelensta's shoulder, and closed her eyes. "What does this mean…?" She said softly. "It feels right… but what we're doing is dishonouring and condemning… but why does it feel right?"
"Because, my sweet… love has no boundary."
Jelensta wanted to stay in the moment forever, but as she ran her hand through Ilonka's lustrous hair, she could hear the softening of the crowd inside the Dining Hall, and from the corner of her eyes she could see the guests filing into the second room one by one. She needed to get in there now, or soon all the doors would be locked. It's time… she thought sadly, continuing to stroke Ilonka's hair. She kissed the side of her head gently, lovingly. Once this is over with, we'll have all the time in the world… "Sweetie, I think we should head to the Ball now…"
Ilonka looked up and pouted. "Don't ruin the moment. It's perfect."
Jelensta felt something stuck at the base of her throat. Such a simple word. Perfect. But it touched her soul. It meant so much to hear Ilonka say it, and it killed her to have to deny Ilonka this wish, for she wished for it just as much. "Dinner is going to be served shortly… and to be honest, King Syaoran reserved a table for my date and I… it would be disrespectful to not show."
Ilonka's pouting didn't cease. "I don't care. I just want to be with you right now. And only you."
"Sweetie…" she said gently, cupping Ilonka's face between her hands. "We'll have all the time in the world to ourselves after this, okay? Let's have dinner, and we'll leave. We won't stay for the after party."
Have all the time in the world? No… we won't have… Ilonka thought, as a sad sigh escaped her lips. But she could see in one way or another, for one reason or another, this was important to Jelensta. And so she straightened herself, matted down her hair and dress, and faced the balcony door. "Ready?"
"Ready." Jelensta replied with a smile. She would have liked to have held Ilonka's hand, but Ilonka didn't initiate it, and so she didn't push it. There'll be enough excitement at this party… no need to add fuel to fire. And together, they walked through the crowd.
—
Eriol stared at her in disbelief. "What happened to you two? And could neither of you find a date?"
Jelensta raised an eyebrow lazily; her loving demeanour from moments ago had all but vanished. "I hope you're joking Advisor Eriol… from all these years you have known me, have you ever seen a shortage of men begging for my love?"
Eriol sighed. "I suppose not…" he replied grudgingly. He really, really, really couldn't for the life of him understand how anyone could love Jelensta. "Then what about you?" He asked turning to Ilonka. "Lady Fai I believe you are one of the King's woman."
"And… so is Lady Daidouji, last I checked."
Eriol shook his head at the madness. "You do what you do, I shall not comment." He replied, handing them both a tall, translucent cylinder-shaped candle stick. It was about 30 centimetres tall, and 2 centimetres in diameter at the base, thinning gradually to a diameter of 1 centimetre at the top where the wick was attached. "Near the end of dinner a servant will come around lighting your candles. He will also hand you a metal lid. Please cover the light from the candle with the lid as the King gives his speech. You will see a signal from the King when he says 'lights', and raises his arms. At that moment, please lift the metal lid off the candle."
"Ooh, sounds like he's planning something special." Jelensta commented.
Eriol gave her an irritated look. She was playing dumb and he knew it. And she knew he knew it. In fact she probably knew that he knew she knew he knew she knew it. It was so frustrating. "Well you'll find out. Please have a seat." He concluded curtly.
Jelensta shrugged as she and Ilonka walked into the room. For the life of her she couldn't understand why Advisor Eriol had such a problem against her. But she found his reactions funny, and so she always purposely tried to act more ignorant and taunting around him to see the affect it had on him. "Weird guy…" she mumbled, taking a seat at her reserved spot.
—
King Syaoran stared in disbelief. "Ilonka? Of all people, you took Ilonka?"
Ilonka stared down at him coldly. "You don't like me, your majesty?"
Syaoran glared at Jelensta. "What is the meaning of this?"
Jelensta just smiled innocently in return. "Whatever do you mean? She is my date for the Ball."
He couldn't believe it. Each of his most honoured guests had brought a date that was one of his women from the competition! Tomoyo was lost long ago, Meiling somehow happened to have found Lord Ferrer as her date, and now Ilonka? He no longer cared for them as he's found his one true love, but it was still a little insulting… Couldn't they have at least waited until I officially declare an end to this competition before doing this?
"I wasn't aware you wanted to meddle in my personal life, Your Majesty…" Jelensta batted her eyes.
King Syaoran simply grunted, as he turned back around to face Sakura. Somehow, he could feel the heat of Ilonka's glare from those obsidian eyes on the back of his head, and it was making him nervous.
Dinner was served shortly after. The waiters and waitresses came walking in clockwise or counter clockwise direction around the ring-shaped tables, alternating the pattern between rows.
The food was absolutely delicious. Due to the lighting Sakura felt as if she and Syaoran were the only people in the room and the soft chatter from other couples were just voices from a faceless crowd.
Eriol was however not enjoying himself as much as he would've liked, as somehow he ended up next to Lady Jelensta. But he tried to keep his attention solely on Tomoyo, and luckily for him as well, Jelensta seemed far more interested in talking to Ilonka than to bother him.
Meiling on the other hand, was not enjoying herself at all. Even though Sakura could not see her in the dim light, she could see Sakura perfectly from the way the light from the candles multiplied under the crystal table's reflective properties. She was glowing. Not only did her smile radiate happiness, but she was literally glowing. It should be me… that, should be me… Lord Ferrer talked non-stop next to her, and she nodded every once in a while, though not really hearing anything. But suddenly, something came to her mind, and she spun around and faced and fair-haired Lord next to her. "Why are you here?" She asked bluntly, interrupting whatever he was saying.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I mean, this table, it is reserved for his most special guests. Advisor Eriol is the one person he trusts more than anyone in this world, not to mention his best friend; Lady Jelensta is like a little sister to him, he trusts her with his life. So that leaves you. Who are you? Why are you at this table? And if you are truly so important why were you not placed with the important people at the last Ball?"
"I was."
Meiling frowned. "I would know, I was at the head of the center table next to King Syaoran." She replied proudly. "And I did not see you."
"It's not that you did not see me, my Lady, it's that you don't remember seeing me." For the first time all night, his smile faded. It chilled Meiling slightly to see how serious he could be; she thought him nothing more than a fool. "It's very clear to see, Meiling, you love King Syaoran."
The sentence, said so simply, touched her heart, and she could suddenly feel tears welling in her eyes. She was so surprised by his statement she didn't even bother correcting the fact he called her by her first name. Quickly she turned her face away from him and busied herself with cutting up the vegetables on her plate. "Of course I do, I am a woman in his competition, even now. We all love him." It was all she could do to keep her voice from quivering.
"No… your love for him is different…"
Unwillingly, Meiling sniffled, as a single tear rolled down her cheek. She stared forward again; within her sad eyes were the flickering flame from the candle surrounding King Syaoran's smiling face. "I do… love you…" she whispered, barely audible.
Lord Ferrer put a hand gently on her shoulder. "There's always more than one person out there who is perfect for you. And there is always someone out there, somewhere, who loves you…" He said, staring sadly at Meiling eyes. Those eyes that saw nothing but Syaoran. "To answer your question… I am a friend of Eriol's from many years ago, and I counselled King Syaoran for a very long time, when he was going through a painful heartache."
Heartache… Meiling thought in melancholy. What an understatement…
—
Dinner soon was finished and desert was served. One by one, the guests finished their portion and had their plates taken away.
Eriol wiped his mouth and set his napkin down, staring intently at King Syaoran.
Jelensta stopped her usual demeanour and was instead wide awake and alert.
Outside Captain Ramsa gave final orders to his soldiers.
King Syaoran took a deep breath and stared knowingly into Sakura's eyes. His smiled faded and his expression was completely serious.
It's time…
"May I have your attention please!" King Syaoran stood up from his seat as he offered his hand to Sakura, who grasped it firmly and stood next to him. "I would like to thank everyone for their attendance, I sincerely hope the party so far has been pleasant and the food satisfying."
A few people cheered and clapped.
"But this is only the beginning. From this moment onward, there are tons of fun and unexpected events awaiting you all—it is my way of apologizing for the unfortunate way the last Ball ended.
"However, besides this Ball being an apology for the last event, it is also a Ball for me to introduce someone very important to me, to you all. Everyone, Lady Kinomoto Sakura!"
A round of applause rang through the room, though there were a few whispers wondering who she was.
"As you all know, a few years ago I started a competition looking throughout the Kingdom for the perfect wife for me—all I cared was my love and affection for her; not her status, her inheritance, nothing. Lady Sakura here, is one of those women."
Sakura's eyes widened as his words. Her heart began to pound erratically. It couldn't be… could it? Was he going to…? She could hardly breathe. He couldn't be! Not now!
"After years of tiring search…" he turned slightly to face her. "I've found the perfect woman for me."
Sakura could only stare into his eyes in shock and disbelief.
He raised one hand, and six servants came by. Two picked up the table, two picked up the two chairs, and the last two picked up the carpet that was underneath the table.
And Sakura felt her breathing stop altogether. The floor beneath the carpet was a sheet of crystal. And beneath the crystal was filled with candles, its light shooting through the floor, illuminating the center of the room.
Syaoran stepped forwards, leading Sakura by the hand, so that they stood directly above the soft, magical light.
"Syaoran…" was all she could say. This was a dream. No, it was better than a dream. Even fairytales aren't this romantic.
The King dropped her hand gently, as he held up both arms. "Light!"
And suddenly, almost as if by magic, candle light appeared from each ring of tables. The table nearest them lit first, then the ring next to that, then the next. All around her, lights glowed, blossoming outwards enveloping her in its glory. It was so surreal, so… beyond perfect. There wasn't a single word that could explain how she felt at the moment. It was like she was engulfed in eternal light. If there's a heaven, this is it.
"Sakura… before the competition, I thought I knew what kind of woman I was looking for. Someone who was smart, kind, and who will be a fair ruler to my land. But you… you surpassed all my expectations. Before you, I would not have believed someone as selfless, beautiful, pure, and gracious as you could even exist in this world. But here you stand before me. And before you, I thought I knew what it would be like to fall in love, but now I know; I didn't know a thing back then."
Behind him, Jelensta smiled, her eyes melting into warmness. I'm so happy for you… Syao.
"Every minute with you is bliss, every time I see you my spirit lifts. Being with you inspires me to be better; being near you makes my heart beat with excitement… Sakura, you are the other half of me that I'm looking for."
And with that, he held the fingers on her left hand delicately, and got on one knee. In his other hand, was a diamond ring.
"Kinomoto Sakura, will you marry me?"
For a moment, Sakura was stunned speechless. With her freehand she clutched it nervously against her pounding chest. All was forgotten and lost around her. She didn't notice anyone. She did not notice the looks of pure shock and disbelief across Eriol, Tomoyo, and Ilonka's face. She did not see nor hear the way Meiling choked as tears streamed down uncontrollable down her face with Lord Ferrer holding her in his arms, comforting her as much as he could. All she saw was Syaoran. King Syaoran. On his knees. Was she dreaming? YES… YES YES YES YES YES! Of course! Of course I will marry you!
But she did the hardest she's ever had to do in her life. She bit her tongue and swallowed the words.
Tears filled her eye. It was so hard to, she so did not want to. But she had to… she had to force that name into her mind, or she would forget it utterly and completely and forever, and be lost in those sincere eyes; in this romantic, and perfect moment.
Touya.
But the name wasn't even enough. Repeating that name in her mind meant nothing to her. Still, all she saw was King Syaoran, and it was getting harder biting back the 'Yes'. She had to force the meaning of 'Touya' into her mind.
Father of my child. Husband. My Husband. Chiika.
The name of her daughter did the trick. And Sakura closed her eyes in misery, held her head a little higher as the tears dripped silently down her cheeks. So much pain… it was almost too much to bear. She wished desperately that everything in her past had been a lie, that she was not married and did not have a child. She wished she could forgive herself and allow herself to be lost in the moment and be irresponsible, but she knew she would never be able to forgive herself later onwards. She almost wished she could kill both Syaoran and herself at the moment, so that they could reincarnate and perhaps if luck would have it, they could meet in an afterlife. Because the chances of meeting in another life, no matter how improbable, were better odds than this life. This life, where she was already wed to another man. She was Touya's. For eternity.
The King frowned slightly. "Sakura? I hope those are tears of happiness…" he said lightly.
She took a deep breath, and it took all her strength to open her eyes and stare at him with them. To hold back her emotions and keep her eyes as stone-like as possible. "No…" she whispered.
"P-Pardon?"
"No." She replied, louder. Loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "No, King Syaoran. I will not marry you."
It seemed like an eternity passed where no one even breathed. And at last, the ring dropped with a crisp cling! onto the floor.
—
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Author's Note: Jelensta's story turned out to be longer than I had intended to be… but it's not all useless side-line story haha… guess who that King wasss…?
8989 words! Back to the good ol' days when I wrote and wrote and just couldn't stop. XD