Author's Note: Hey guys I'm so, SO sorry for this late update! I know this story was supposed to be done by August 28, two thousand and freakin' ELEVEN but I don't why this always happens… I went back to China for a few weeks and when I came back I just lost all inspiration, and somehow for the longest time I got hooked on writing an original story about Jelensta… :x
Anyhow, This plus next chapter was suppose to be one chapter, but I'm at about 12k words right now, so figured I should split it. I'm almost done writing the next (and final!) chapter. So close!
Why did I suddenly pick this up again? Well, I have some exciting news! As some of you may (or may not) know/care, I'm currently a university student and basically grew up in Toronto. My school requires I do six 4-month internships to graduate, and for my next two internships, I'm working at Facebook and LinkedIn in California! I'm super excited, and it feels kind of like a turning point in my life, so really want to finish Wanted before then. My plane's on May 5, so, expect the story to be done before then! I know it sounds silly but when something big happens, I like… almost everything to be fresh as well. Nothing dragging on from the past, I guess, haha.
Enough of my rambling, enjoy (and be shocked by) this chapter!
)Naomi Song( - I booked my flight kind of last minute (usually I don't know how many days of break I get until exam schedules come out), and all the direct flights were super expensive, so had to change flights at Atlanta :(
)Ree-Vance( - Aww I'm so happy you like her! Jelensta's always been one of my fav OCs I just adore her badass-ness lol.
)Vivace( - I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Don't worry, literally ALL of your questions will be answered in the next 2 chapters!
)ceesy5( - So the first time Syao "proposed" Sakura said "no" because that was an act… Basically Jelensta noticed the assassin to have a soft spot for Sakura, so her plan was to have Syao propose to her, and she says no he gets all crazy, and when Saku's wellbeing is in question, she hoped the assassin would become more frantic and make a mistake. So Syao didn't "really" propose. Hope that clears things up?
)BiskElle( - Oops, maybe I should clarify… it's progressing to something lighter um… very temporarily… VERY. n.n; hope that doesn't destroy any hope you had for Wanted! Yes, very trivial, just a husband and kid she's bounded to for life. Meh. I don't remember if I mentioned this but I ended up choosing to go with a Sequel, even if it'll probably end up dragging this story out a few more years, if I didn't, I would feel like I was half-assing it. Oh, well here is one piece of good news: you will find out the ending of Love! ….at the very end! I've said too much.
)neko-chiidesu( - Ooh, I'm assuming you read this story a while ago then? How'd you end up finding it again?
)ryuusei13( - Thanks, I'm glad you enjoy reading it!
)pinkblossom13( - A reader from the past – yay! Oh noez, yea I hate when laptops just… die and take all our precious files with it. My laptop burned out about a year ago and to this day still haven't recovered the data. I took the hard drives out so it's all there but, been too lazy to buy an external to transfer everything to, lol. Ohohoh you're evil hoping Sakura'd get shot :p
)A huge fan( - Thank you for your review, and reminding me people from years ago still care; enjoy this chapter!
Thank you all sincerely for sticking with me despite all these unpredictably random update gaps!
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Chapter Thirty-Four
Be My Bride
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By the time Sakura had gotten to the King's chambers the sun was just beginning to set.
With a bright smile on her face and a happiness that was about to burst from within her, Sakura arrived at the doors to the King's chamber.
To her surprise, the servants and maids guarding his door were missing. As she made to knock on the door, it swung open and in front of her stood the King. Behind him, the red-orange rays from the setting sun penetrated through the giant windows and illuminated him and the room.
"K-King Syaoran…" Sakura whispered. The lighting was so romantic, and he looked so handsome standing before her with that loving smile on his face she couldn't help but to feel her heart swell up. "I-I'm so sorry about the way I behaved earlier," she blabbed, the words tripping over one other in a rush to get out. And the way he was staring at her certainly didn't help keep her head clear and coherent. "You're right, I wasn't thinking. I was just so upset. I mean things started getting personal the moment Ilonka was mentioned. But I know now, Jelensta showed me where you buried her and I know now you really did everything you could and I completely understand, and if I was in your position—"
But the King chuckled and took her hand, stopping her rambling. "I know." Was all he said. "Come in." and he led her inside by her hand, and closed the door behind them.
They walked inside and he gestured for her to sit on a chair, her back against the setting sun. The curtains were completely open and the warmth of the sunset was making her melt.
"Are you going to… sit?" Sakura asked uncertainly when the King stop in front of her and made no move to take the chair next to hers.
He shook his head gently. "Sakura… I apologize for the rude way I behaved earlier today, and all the harsh words I used. It was a vulnerable subject and I should have approached it more gently. I-I'm just so bad with these things and with such a sensitive topic I didn't know how to begin… so I guess I dealt with it the way I do with all things uncertain—just get it over with. But I was wrong. I should've been more considerate of your feelings. I didn't lie when I said I did absolutely everything I could for Ilonka, but at the same time I hope you know that I do feel absolutely dreadful that I couldn't have done more."
Sakura nodded slowly, a shy smile appearing on her face. He was being so kind, and earnest. Even if Jelensta hadn't spoken to her before this it would've been hard to stay mad at him. "I understand completely. And th-thank you… for taking the time to even try to explain yourself to me."
His smile broadened. "I'm so glad. We haven't spoken for some time now and… and I've really missed you." Sakura's eyes grew huge at his words, and felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "And… we probably should take some time to talk, to just acquaint ourselves with one another again. But… there's something I have to ask you now." Sakura's heart rate began to increase. Oh I'm so silly… this can't be what I think… Sakura you're being foolish, there's no way he would… her thoughts raced. The King chuckled. "I really should wait for this… like I said, the right way to do things is probably give us a few days to talk… but I just can't wait." He took her hand in his, and got on one knee, his eyes never leaving hers.
Sakura's eyes were huge as she stared in disbelief. The red-orange hues danced around the room, the sun bright on him, illuminating his sincerity. "Oh my Gosh…" she couldn't help but to whisper.
"Sakura… I want you to marry me."
"Oh God… oh God… oh God…" she whispered repeatedly, though her voice was barely audible, and her lips barely moving. She felt frozen.
"After our little argument today morning, I realized that even when we fought, I still loved you. And I always want you by my side. And… I probably should have made this proposal more public but… it's really nobody else's business. It's only between you and I, and I wanted this to be a moment that's only shared between us. So, Sakura. I love you, and I would be honoured to have you by myself for eternity." And he pulled out the most gorgeous diamond ring she had ever seen. It lingered between his thumb and forefinger, waiting for her response.
A hysterical sputter came out of Sakura's mouth. Staring into his loving eyes she felt her heart reaching for him. Truly, she loved him so, so much. And yes, she wanted to be with him for eternity. A single tear fell. But how could she? She was married. Already bound to another man. Her thoughts were an array of mess, screaming at one another, rational thoughts desperately trying to plough through all her emotions to tell her to make the right decision. More tears fell. His smile was beginning to falter. But how could she do this to Syaoran? How could she say no to him without bursting into tears and falling into a pit of agony? And then how would she explain that? And how could she break his heart like that? How could she say no to him and provide a reasonable excuse? She could say she simply did not love him… but she didn't have the strength to lie. She felt so much love for him in that moment she felt literally unable to tell him otherwise. It was as if she had no choice but to say yes to him… and she wanted to so badly.
Oh, did she ever want to.
She turned her hand slightly to grasp his fingers. Syaoran, I love you so, so much… but I'm a terrible person. I don't deserve you. I want to deserve you, but I don't. I can't be with you without hurting Touya, but I also can't break your heart… it's just not fair for someone as kind and full of love as you… what am I to do?
And before she could stop herself, she said, "Yes. I will marry you."
"Oh, Sakura, I love you!" The King slipped the ring on her ring finger and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
Meanwhile Sakura was mentally kicking herself and panicking. Her thoughts raced looking for a sensible way to get out of this. He kissed her forehead, both her cheeks, and on her lips.
As each idea was dismissed, suddenly one stood out.
This plan would be absolutely perfect. It would make everyone happy. Everyone except… herself. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly. The scenario played out in her mind and she knew it would be the best for everyone. But God, it hurt just to live through it in her mind… But she brought this upon herself, and it's about time she corrected things so that everything ends up as they should be, as if she had never meddled; had never had the terrible wish of 'punishing' the King. The tears were beginning to pour out uncontrollably from her tightly closed eyes.
It's going to be okay, my love… Her head felt light but she had made up her mind, and no matter how difficult this was going to be, she was going to go through it; she owed him at least this much. And since she's decided to do the mature, responsible thing, she deserved to drown herself in him for the last time.
And so, Sakura gladly returned the kiss. She wrapped her arms around him and ran her hand through his hair, trying to show him all her love and passion in this kiss. She cleared her mind of all the erratic thought, and just wanted to be completely honest with herself for this moment.
Her boldness took the King by surprised and he let out a small moan. But he sure as hell wasn't about to complain.
When they finally pulled apart, they were both panting slightly. Sakura rested her forehead against his and closed her eyes, trying to engrave the feeling in this moment into her mind for eternity, so that she would never forget him. "I love you, Syaoran." She whispered; never had she said any words with such blunt honesty, sincerity, and emotions before.
"I love you so much, Sakura." He replied with a smile, caressing her cheeks.
When she felt she was strong enough, she pulled back and rested against the back of the chair. Be strong… she took one of his hands in each of hers and stared at him in the eyes. "I… do however have one condition."
Syaoran smiled. "Anything for my wife."
Hearing him call her that made her blink back the fresh tears that threatened to spill. The tears came because the title sounded so right, and she wanted to hear him call her that forever. "I want you to marry someone else."
The King blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
"I will be your wife… your real wife, as we both know. But in front of everyone, I want you to marry someone else, have them be Queen and be the image for the Kingdom."
Syaoran frowned. "What are you talking about? Why would I do that? You're my wife and you're going to be by my side both in public and private, and you will be Queen! Why would you even suggest otherwise?"
Be strong Sakura, be strong… "B-Because I can't take this… after the trial with Ilonka I realized I'm not strong enough. If I become Queen there will be instances in the future when I would need to make difficult decisions and it's too much for me, Syaoran… I want to be with you but I don't think I will be a good Queen to the people." Syaoran made a move to protest, but Sakura stopped him. "I don't mind everyone in the Kingdom believing another woman to be your wife… I really don't, as long as we know deep in our hearts I am your true wife, even if it's not written on paper. Plus, think about it… people think you proposed to me during the last Ball and it ended in utter disaster. I refused you and you got so upset. While we know it's an act no one else does; can you imagine what kind of a joke it would be to have you propose to me again? Except this time… I say yes? People will forever see the Li Kingdom as some kind of a joke!"
The King looked down at the ground, his frown deepening. She had a point… it would make this much more dramatic than it had to be, and people will be discussing this for the years to come—and not in the good way either. "But… it's not right. I can't don't that to you… I want you to be able to look people straight in the face and tell them you are my wife… not some concubine I'm seeing on the side… I want you to be respected. I want everyone to know you are the one I love. I don't want you to feel low and have to sneak around for us to be together. And when we have a child together, I want that child to be the rightful heir to our Kingdom."
Sakura touched her hand to his cheek, the other still tightly grasping his hand. She brought his face upwards to look at her. "I don't mind, Syaoran…" she said sincerely, her smile gentle and understanding. Don't cry now… don't cry… "We don't need to prove anything to anyone, except to each other. You know this is the best for the Kingdom. It's the best for everyone. I can't face that kind of stress, and the image of the Kingdom will be tarnished should you propose to me against after only two months. What the Kingdom needs now is positive, untainted news. You need to throw the perfect wedding after what's happened in the last two months; and for that to happen, everything has to be perfect, even your bride."
"You are perfect."
A smile touched her lips unwillingly. Who knew he could be so sweet… "Thank you… but I am only in your eyes. Earlier today you asked me to think reasonably and leave my feelings aside… now I ask you for the same thing. And you will understand the truth in my words."
The King thought long and hard. As difficult as it was he tried throwing aside his feelings. Slowly, he started to see her point. Still doubtful, though beginning to accept the idea, he sighed and looked up at her. "Who… do you think is suitable to be Queen, then?"
Be strong… it's almost over… "It's only natural that you would choose a girl from 'The Competition'. It would be too outrageous to find a girl from nowhere now, and it would also be bad for the Kingdom's image if the King were to hold a competition to find a wife for years, only to dismiss all of them. You don't have many girls left… but choose the one… you love the most out of them all. After all, you will have to spend a fair amount of time with her, and I want you to be happy, even when I'm not with you."
"This just doesn't sound right… how are you not jealous that I am to be with another woman?"
Sakura smiled, though her eyes were terribly sad. "I just want you to be happy… you deserve so much happiness."
"But you give me all the happiness in the world."
"And just knowing that makes everything worth it." She kissed him lightly on the lips. "You don't have to make a decision now. But when you are ready, please call this competition to an end, and then publically propose to the future Queen. You can set a wedding date with her… and marry her on that day…"
"When… do you want this wedding to occur?"
Sakura laughed, but in fact it was all she could do not to burst into tears. She was giving up the man she loved more than anything in the world. Giving him up so willingly… how could she possibly not be jealous? "It's up to you. You are the King, after all… Although I will say now, if you choose me as your bride publically… I will have to say no to you once more."
The King sighed. He didn't like where this was going, but she was leaving him with very little choices. "Then what about us? When are we to marry?"
"After your wedding. We can't officially marry… but we will have our own private ceremony the day after. I promise you. You just need to spend a day with your Queen, and stay with her… with her…" Sakura's voice cracked a bit. "…with her through the night." She swallowed. Seriously, how could she not be jealous? "And the next day will be for us."
Slowly, the King nodded. "As you wish… but you do realize…" he smiled. "that all night with my new Queen, all I will be anticipating is the next day, with my real Queen."
"I know, and it makes me so happy." She caressed his face with the back of her fingers, staring at him with love.
"Will you spend tonight with me?"
Sakura swallowed. She wanted to. But she couldn't. She couldn't stand being in his presence any longer. If they were to sleep in the same bed tonight she knew she would tell him to call off his whole plan. So, she did the responsible thing. She shook her head. "No." it's starting to become the most difficult word to say in her life. "In fact, I think I should leave now… and we should not see each other until our wedding ceremony."
"But… why?"
"T-There's more mystery in that, don't you think? It'll make the day more romantic."
The King chuckled. "Anything you want. After all, we will have the remainder of our lives together. Another month or so won't make any difference."
Sakura wiped quickly at her eyes, and stood up. "I will see you soon." She said, still holding his hand.
"Very soon…" he echoed as she took a step back.
"Yes…"
"I love you, Sakura."
"I love you, Syaoran."
"If you ever realize this plan of yours is foolish, tell me."
She laughed. "Of course."
And step by step, she walked away from him. Their hands touching less and less until only their finger tips touched.
Sakura stood there, staring at him, engraving his features into her mind. Goodbye… "See you soon." And before she could change her mind, she quickly stole her hand back, spun around, and walked out of his room in haste.
—
When Sakura made it to her room she curled up on her bed and cried. She choked and she wailed, letting out all the sadness and pain in her heart.
Afterwards when she felt tired, she lied motionlessly on her bed, as the tears flowed steadily out of her eyes like a river onto her bed sheets.
It's been done.
She accomplished her original goal.
And it will be like she was never here.
The competition will finally end.
The Kingdom will have a new Queen.
With time, Sakura believed the King will come to love his Queen, and forget her.
After all, out of all the remaining measly four contestants, it's obvious who he will choose.
Meiling.
There. Now I owe Meiling nothing, either.
Touya will be happy when she returns to him, and know all his worries about her leaving him for the King was for nothing.
See, Sakura never planned on actually staying here as the King's concubine. She planned to stay for his wedding to make sure everything is carried through as he promised, and when he spends the night with his new bride, she will leave the castle.
It's perfect. It works out for everyone. Except for her.
And so, Sakura let the tears fall, and with it, she tried to drain her feelings dry. I'm doing the right thing… the right thing… the right thing… she told herself over, and over, and over again. As if she would actually believe it if it were repeated enough times.
—
After Sakura left, the King sat on his chair, and pondered. Out of all the girls, it's no question he liked Meiling the most besides Sakura. Not to mention she was the most educated out of them all, and would make a great Queen. She was also seen with him at the first Grand Ball and it would make sense for him to take her as his bride.
But at the moment that wasn't what he was thinking of. Because something about what Sakura said just seemed a little off.
It felt like there's something she wasn't saying.
But what?
One thing was for sure; she didn't want to be Queen.
And she seemed very clear on the fact with a new Queen, the competition would end.
And she kept mentioning how she wasn't strong enough… in fact she looked absolutely terrified when he had proposed.
The King thought harder, trying to put the pieces together.
And it clicked.
That's why.
He looked up, realization and understanding clear in his eyes.
He knew who he had to choose to be his Queen.
—
King Syaoran didn't want to wait. He wanted to conclude this competition as soon as possible so that he could marry Sakura.
Merely two days after Syaoran's proposal, he announced throughout the lands that he was ready to end the competition, and choose his Queen. The ceremony was to take place three days from now. It would take place at the castle gates, everyone who wished to observe, are welcome to come.
People talked about how rushed this was, but he cared not. He just wanted to get this over with. He wanted to be with Sakura.
—
Sakura said nothing of the King's proposal to anyone.
She spent the whole day lying in the bed and crying. The day after that she returned to living at Tomoyo's dorm with Tomoyo and Meiling, and was very careful not to let any of her inner pain and turmoil show. She wanted to spend as much time with the girls as she could before they are all asked to leave the castle, with the exception of Meiling, of course.
On a warm afternoon, as they were playing dress up with some new clothing they recent learned to make, a knock came at the door.
Opening the door revealed a young soldier. He handed them each a pamphlet, and left without a word.
The pamphlet was an announcement that the King's competition's of the search for a wife was over. And that the three of them, as contestants, were expected to be present three days from today, at a stage near the castle entrance.
At the news, Meiling burst into tears.
Sakura and Tomoyo tried to comforting her, but Meiling would hear none of it. "STOP LYING TO ME!" SHE CRIED. "HE'S GOING TO CHOOSE HER! HER!" She pointed at Sakura. "God, I wish there could've been more time for me to spend with him… but it's all over now, it's all over!"
"Meiling… he's not going to choose me…" Sakura said sadly.
"YES HE IS AND YOU KNOW IT! EVERYBODY KNOWS IT!"
Tomoyo looked like she wanted to protest, but after thinking it over, she said nothing.
"SEE? TOMOYO KNOWS IT TOO! THE KING, HE LOVES YOU!"
"H-He does not…" Sakura protested feebly. "Plus, I already rejected his proposal at the last Ball, how could he possibly propose to me again? It's going to be you, Meiling… you…"
"But how can it be?" Meiling said miserably. "Maybe a few months ago I could've had hope… but it's been so long since I've spoken to him, and during our last conversation together we were so detached, like we just couldn't connect… it would make no sense at all for him to suddenly want to marry me!"
"Maybe… maybe he thought it over… and decided on you…"
Meiling sniffled. "I… I… I can't say 'hate' anymore, but, I'm so jealous of you, Sakura. I really wanted to be his bride." She stood up and gave Sakura a hug. "Please make him happy."
"M-Meiling…" Sakura closed her eyes. I made the right choice… I made the right choice… "Hey, where you going?" she asked when Meiling turned to leave the room.
"To pack up…" she whispered miserably.
"Meiling…"
—
Three days later, with the sun bright and shining directly down upon them, the remaining contestants to the King's competition stood in a row on the elevated stage at the entrance to the castle.
All around them, held back by soldiers were the townspeople excited and eager to watch the ceremony. Rarely was there entertainment in this land, and this wasn't an opportunity they were willing to let past. There were so many people that even high up on the stage, they couldn't see where the crowd ended.
Besides the girls, the King stood in the center of the stages, in front of everyone, and facing the crowd.
Advisor Eriol stood next to the last girl and slightly behind her. Along each edge of the stage stood four fully-armoured soldiers, in case the crowd became too excited.
This was the same place they each waited at when they each met the King for the first time.
A feeling of nostalgia washed over each of the girls.
Sakura could almost see it replayed before her eyes… when she first came here in her ugly robe, so determined to make the King pay for all the women he damaged. So much resentment was aimed at him as she knelt here.
She remembered how she refused to even allow him to call her by her first name, and how furious he was that a woman would defy him.
The memory made her chuckled sadly. How things changed.
But despite how it had to end… despite how unexpected things turned out to be… there were fond memories. She didn't regret a single second of it. Well, except maybe the fact that she couldn't be with him… but after all they've been through, all the pain and tears had been worth it, to get to know him the way she came to. Sakura gazed at the King's back lovingly. Oh, how things changed…
Meiling on the other hand was trying hard to hold back her tears.
She too, imagined the day she had first met the King at this very spot. She was so confident that he would love her… and she remembered the way the King's eyes lit when he saw her. She could've sworn it was love at first sight, and they would be together forever.
When he had asked for her to be his date during that first Ball, she was ecstatic. Standing beside him in front of all the royalties made her feel like a Queen. And from that night she knew she wanted to be by his side forever, and help carry any burden without complaint should he ask her to.
The nights they spent together were passionate, and she hoped dearly that it was more than just a physical connection to him.
When she first heard Sakura's jibber-jabber about how this competition was fake and she should get out, she figured Sakura was just trying to lessen the competition.
But having gotten to know the girl she realized that wasn't something Sakura was capable of doing. She wouldn't have the heart to.
When she started detecting something going on between her and the King, she felt betrayed. That maybe Sakura really did plot this from the very beginning. But as time went on she realized it wasn't hatred she felt towards Sakura… but rather, jealousy. Because she wanted to be with the King. And perhaps… just perhaps, Sakura had unexpected fallen in love with the King.
Meiling glanced at Sakura, who stood at her side, and saw the way she stared at the King.
Even if I can't be with him… I'm just glad he will at least be with a woman who loves him as much—if not more—than I.
Tomoyo glanced at Eriol. He stood facing straight, staring forward with his shoulders down and head up, no emotions betraying his face.
It's been a long time since she last saw Eriol. In fact ever since Ilonka's trial they haven't seen each too often, and when they did, he seemed distant and distracted.
But that's all going to end soon. Tomoyo's mind at the moment was far, far away from this ceremony. It meant nothing to her.
Despite having come here for the King's love, and perhaps when she returned to her village her friends might laugh and tease her about being unable to make the King fall in love with her, she does not regret this at all. After all, she didn't come to be crowned Queen… she came looking for love. And she found it.
She too remembered the first day she knelt here, waiting for the man of her dreams. She would never forget that moment when he emerged from behind the King, and they locked eyes. And that mysterious yet charming smile he flashed her way.
Once this competition finally finishes… Eriol and I can be together proudly, without feeling like I'm some property to the King… oh Eriol… I can't wait…
The clock strikes 12 and as the loud gongs ringed throughout the land and the crowd quieted down.
The King cleared his throat and took a step forward. He held up his arms and faced his people. "As all of your know, many years ago I started a competition to find the woman suitable to be Queen alongside me and rule this kingdom. Time passed and I was beginning to worry I would never find her." He turned around and smiled at the ladies standing behind him. "Fortunately I was wrong. The day has finally come; I've found my perfect woman. Not only am I absolutely certain she will be loved by all of you, she has also captured my heart. She has tamed the King."
Cheers and whistles ran threw the crowd in excitement.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut. While she knew the King had meant her, how amazing would it feel to have everyone else know it as well… how amazing would it feel to be able to stand there, and have everyone stare at her, to have everyone know that she and Syaoran loved one another, and would be together for eternity… but that was not to be… for it couldn't be… and it was all her choice… my choice…
The King gestured with his hands to quiet the crowd down. "And so, it's about time this competition came to an end. Today, before God, before my friends, before my people, I will proclaim my love for this very special woman." The King turned around and walked to Eriol, who handed him a necklace that had a simple platinum band.
One by one, the King stopped before each woman and smiled at them. First he passed the two other girls remaining in this competition, next to them was Tomoyo, then Meiling, then Sakura at the other end. "I thank you all for taking an interest in me. You are all amazing ladies, and even if you are not chosen as Queen, I know you will meet a very lucky man in your future who will take you as his wife with pride."
The crowd cheered more and clapped.
"Now, for my bride." And the King turned back, his eyes seeking the girl who is to be his Queen.
Briefly, the King paused in front of Sakura and caught her eye.
Sakura felt her heart skip a beat meeting his intense gaze. Oh, what a magical moment it would be for him to place that necklace around her right now… Oh, maybe he changed his mind… maybe he just love me so much that he can't stand asking anyone else to marry him but me…
Meiling swallowed. This is it… he's going to ask her… be strong now… be strong—
To her utmost surprise, he walked away from Sakura and stopped in front of her.
Sakura closed her eyes. It's for the best… it's for the best… she repeated over and over again. She had thought she had shed all her tears that day, but it seems that was not the case. She did love him so much and it was all a lie that she didn't mind. What woman wouldn't mind her man being with another woman, even if it's only a façade? Don't cry… don't cry… don't cry!
The King smiled at Meiling briefly.
Meiling's eyes widened. Could it be…? Could it be…? Could it be? Her heart began to beat erratically. It made no sense at all, all the signs pointed at him choosing Sakura, but… could she have read them all wrong? Despite her and King having not spoken for so long could it be he had been thinking of her this whole time? Oh my God… it's happening… it's happening… he's going to choose me!
But then something happened none of them could have ever predicted.
The King stepped away from Meiling.
His smile broadened. "Miss Daidouji Tomoyo… I would like you to be my Queen, and my bride."
Unable to contain themselves, Sakura, Meiling, and Eriol whipped their head to the side and stared at the scene in disbelief, as the King placed the necklace on Tomoyo.
Tomoyo stood like a deer caught in torchlight.
All around them the crowd screamed and cheered, balloons were let go and filled the sky.
Trumpets around them were blown releasing joyous music for the crowd to dance to.
But Tomoyo, Sakura, Meiling, and Eriol heard nothing of it.
Tomoyo's eyes were huge, wondering just what the hell was going on. How could it? HOW? No… Her breathing increased until she was nearly hyperventilating. HOW COULD THIS BE? She was supposed to be with Eriol! And the King knew that! He had no interest in her for a long time now… from the very beginning it was Meiling, then Sakura… but never her, NEVER! It made absolutely no sense! She hadn't really even spent any time with him for nearly a year now so how could this be?
His mouth kept moving and saying something, but Tomoyo heard none of it. All she could do was not pass out at the moment.
Then the King's mouth stopped moving. And it seemed people were staring at her in anticipation.
Tomoyo's chest heaved up and down from her frightened breathing. Words couldn't form in her head. She knew she was expected to say something romantic about how happy she is and how she loved the King and other rubbish like that, but she couldn't. She opened her mouth, and the only thing she could squeak out was, "Thank you."
When she said nothing more for a good few minutes, the crowd looked at one another uncertainly but cheered to fill the awkward silence.
The King talked some more.
Something about how the wedding was to take place in a week. During which Tomoyo was to be brought to another room to be pampered and dolled up for the wedding. And that the other girls were expected to pack up and leave any time they felt is most suitable for them, provided it is before the end of the year.
A bunch of servants came up and knelt before Tomoyo, presenting trays of jewellery before her.
For becoming the new Queen, the King bestowed upon her eight servants, a jewel-encrusted crown, and a bunch more fancy shiny things Tomoyo had never dreamed she would even see in person.
More cheering was heard, people partied and ate. Tomoyo, still in shock at what happened, pinched herself periodically hoping to wake up. But that never happened.
Before she knew what was happening, her new servants escorted her down the steps through the cheering crowd and back into the castle.
She had wanted more than anything to speak with the girls, with Eriol, but that was completely out of the question.
After her the remaining girls were escorted back to the castle by a separate servant.
None of them had a chance to speak with the King, nor one another.
Eriol stood glued to the ground. His heart was breaking into a million pieces and he was starting to see black spots everywhere.
But when order was given Eriol forced his feet to march back into the castle.
With a few final words the crowd bowed for their King, and he too, retreated back into the castle with his maids by his side.
—
Less than a minute went by since the King entered his room and rested on his chair with a sigh when the door was shoved open and in stormed an outraged Eriol.
"HOW COULD YOU?" He roared taking bold strides towards the King.
Behind him two soldiers came running in a panic. "Your Majesty we are so terribly sorry! We tried to stop him but—"
The King stood up and waved his hand at the guards. "Close the door." He commanded.
They bowed quickly and exited, closing the door behind them.
"HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?" Eriol cried punching his fist into the wall to his left.
The King's eyes were cold as he bore them into his advisor, and friend's. "I do not understand your anger. In fact, you should be grateful for what I've done."
"GRATEFUL? GRATEFUL? IT'S NOT ENOUGH YOU KILL MY HEART TO SAY SHE IS NEVER TO BE MY BRIDE, NOW YOU'RE GOING TO MARRY HER? TO KEEP HER IN THE CASTLE AS THE QUEEN WHOM I WILL HAVE TO WAIT ON AS I DO WITH YOU? WHY? WHY? TO TAUNT ME? TO FLAUNT TO ME THAT THIS IS WHAT I CAN NEVER HAVE BECAUSE SHE BELONGED TO YOU?"
But the King was unmoved by his words. "You should be grateful, because when Tomoyo becomes my bride she will at least be allowed to stay in the castle; you will still be able to see her. Or would you rather her gone from your life? If you can't have her, you rather no one else could?"
Eriol's eyes narrowed. Never had he felt so much hatred and disgust towards his King than he did in this moment. When the King forbade Tomoyo to be his bride, at least he had a reason. But now… now, it was just cruelty beyond reason. It was mockery. "Are you expecting me to believe you're marrying Tomoyo for me? You're marrying her so that she could stay in the castle, so that I could still see her?"
"That's not all the reasons but that is one of them."
"LIES! EVERYONE IN THIS CASTLE KNOWS YOU CLEARLY LOVE SAKURA AND YET YOU'RE WILLING TO HURT HER AND RUIN TOMOYO JUST TO TAKE REVENGE ON ME? THAT'S DOWNRIGHT LOW!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
"NO IT'S NOT! I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THAT! KING OR NOT WHAT YOU'VE DONE IS DESPICABLE AND VINDICTIVE!"
"Don't you ever forget your place within this castle! I AM STILL THE KING AND YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO ME IN SUCH A MANNER! Get the hell out of here I don't wish for you to be within my sight any longer."
As the King turned away from him and Eriol stood up unwillingly, rage still roaring within his entire body. "I will get out only because I have no choice. But hear me when I say I will never forget what you've done on this day and I will never forgive you for it. I will still answer to you but you have lost my respect." Without a second glance Eriol stormed out the door, slamming it shut behind him.
The King closed his eyes, and let out a long sigh.
In truth he had chosen Tomoyo for a few good reasons. He chose her for Sakura. He chose her for Meiling. And yes, he chose her for Eriol.
Where normally any man would be delighted to know their wife approved of them having a second woman, the King realized this was not Sakura's true intentions. Despite her words he saw pain in her eyes and he wanted to be a good and worthy husband for her; that meant thinking about her well-being always. After much pondering he realized what Sakura really wanted but was too afraid to say: she was scared. Right now she had friends, but once the competition was over she would be alone in this castle with the King. And he believed absolutely she loved him, but at the same time he also believed that she loved her friends. She didn't have a viable reason to ask for one of them to stay, as their status is unworthy to remain in the castle, so she asked for him to marry one of them, in order to keep her company.
His first thought had been Meiling. But due to his relationships with her previously he realized it would probably make Sakura uncomfortable and unnecessarily jealous if he made Meiling his Queen. Plus Sakura was clearly better friends with Tomoyo. And seeing as Meiling was truly head over heels in love with him, it wouldn't be fair to lead her on and live within close proximities to her everyday while loving another. And, of course… despite Eriol's betrayal, he could sense the love Tomoyo and he had for one another. Eriol would be happy to know that Tomoyo would be allowed to stay in the castle, where they could see one another whenever they pleased. The King was ready to turn a blind eye to his supposed-wife's affairs with his advisor; after all, his true wife was another. Play dumb, and everyone would be happy.
It is unfortunately that wasn't how Eriol perceived it.
It mattered not; they will eventually see he did this for them all.
For now, he had a wedding to plan.
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Author's Note: So… how many of you saw that coming? :p I've had the ending (this plus next chapter) for seriously YEARLY now, in fact since I started writing this story… feels kind of good to get it down finally, and have all my readers know it too :) Sorry if it was a bit rushed, but there's so much that need to happen and I really want to conclude the story.
So it so happens editing this chapter inspired me so much I stayed up from 2 – 6am last night finishing writing the next chapter, which in hindsight was a bad idea consider I had a presentation at 9:30 am… result? Fell asleep in school. Luckily we have this "comfy lounge" that consists of many soft sofas and people more or less use it as a sleeping area :p
See you guys soon at the next chapter! Except update date: before May 5th!
7635 words.