REVISED, Author's Note: Chapter 3 is revised. I just really want to thank everyone for being so patient with me as I'm going through and revising. Thanks for the support and I hope that you'll continue reading this story. :)

As usual, special thanks to my beta, Alyssum. She's helping me greatly with developing the plot and is also spending a lot of time assisting me with the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura.

Two eyelids fluttered open to reveal captivating emerald eyes underneath. Silky, auburn hair was scattered around the pillow. Yawning, the girl sat up in her bed and rubbed her eyes, her body naturally waking up at the crack of dawn. She got up from her bed and shuffled her feet along the floor, heading toward the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead of her.

Stepping out of the bathroom and feeling a bit more refreshed, Sakura silently walked to the kitchen and hastily ate breakfast. Finding a scratch sheet of paper, she wrote a note informing her parents of the new schedule and placed it on the table. After taking her last bite of food, she walked to her other jobs to notify them of her quitting. She arrived at the restaurant just in time and pushed on the door, causing the bell that indicated a new customer to ring. She smiled and greeted her coworkers.

One of them handed her a long list of things to do during her shift. "Our boss told me to give it to you," was the only explanation offered. Sighing, Sakura set out to complete the long tasks.

Meanwhile a prince was furiously pacing across a rug. His amber eyes were aflame with heated fury. Quickening his pace, the prince stormed around his parents' room. Suddenly stopping, he stared at his calm parents. "So you went behind my back without asking how I felt and set up a contest to find a wife for me. Why is that I have no say in this even though this affects my future the most?"

His mother, Yelan, sighed. Despite her stress, she was able to uphold her immaculate posture and give off an elegant aura. Her husband placed an arm around her shoulder in comfort. He spoke up. "Syaoran, I understand that you are frustrated. However, you are 22 years old already and still haven't found anyone. You can't stay single forever and you reject everyone we try to introduce to you. You need a wife to help you with your duties as a future king. I can't put this off any longer."

Syaoran spoke, his voice cold. "I don't need anyone to help me with my duties. I can handle it just fine. My "wife" will just bring me down. And all the people you have tried to set me up with are just airheads. They are all gold diggers who have been spoiled all their life! I don't need someone like that."

"Syaoran," his mother spoke with a calm but commanding tone, "Calm down and try to understand that you need to find a wife in order to step up to the throne. There are many women in the world. Surely one will catch your eye. Not everyone will betray your trust."

"With the 'ladies' that have been surrounding me, it's hard to believe otherwise. Not one of them—" He broke off and looked at his parents irately.

Yelan smiled softly to calm him. "Eriol was able to find Tomoyo. Look at the love they share. There is a girl out there that you'll love. You just have to find her and be willing to search for her."

Syaoran scoffed. "So what if he found his love? Tomoyo wouldn't be able to hold the position of a queen. She would just run away from all the responsibilities. I won't fall in love with anyone. The woman that you'll force me to marry will just run away from all the pressure."

The king stared at Syaoran, his golden eyes hardening. "That's enough, Syaoran! Tomoyo would be far better a ruler than you in your current state. Don't bring your unreasonable grudges into this! This contest is happening and nothing you say will change that. I don't want to hear any more from you. You are dismissed."

Syaoran breathed in deeply, anger flowing through his veins. "Yes father." He strode out of the room and went into the training room to release his rage. He felt as if there were red hot flames dancing throughout his body. Sweat glistened on his face as he let his extra energy out through fighting. He alternated between throwing punches and releasing kicks. Despite the overpowering anger, he felt this small pain inside his chest. It wasn't overpowering, nor was it pulsing with energy. It was this small feeling of sadness that he pushed further down into his heart.

Sakura worked hard during her last week of work, hoping to pool enough money for her parents. The work at the restaurant was strenuous. Throughout that week, as soon as her feet had gotten a second's worth of rest, her boss sent her on more demanding errands. Before she knew it, on the morning of June 24th, Sakura woke up feeling dread rise up in her body.

She felt her body drained of energy as she walked into the restaurant and scanned for her boss. Sakura spotted her sitting next to a rich man who was wearing expensive clothing, adorned with gold chains. She headed their way and paused, waiting for her boss to notice her. When she realized that wasn't going to be any time soon, she cleared her throat. Her boss did not hear. She was too busy attempting to be seductive. It was not until the middle aged man noticed that he said something to her boss.

Chizu was typically furious at Sakura for interrupting her conversation and let out her irritation. "You insolent girl! Don't you know what respect is?"

Her loud shout caught the attention of the people nearby. They lowered their voices and tried to eavesdrop. The man that Chizu was talking to ran his hand through his hair and gave a small smirk to Sakura. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Sakura forced down her annoyance at her boss and replied politely. "Nice to meet you. I'm sorry to interrupt you and your…" Sakura paused. "girlfriend, but I need to talk to her for a second.

"Ah… I'm afraid that you're wrong about that. She's quite interested in me though although I can't say that I like her back," he spoke haughtily.

Silverware and dishes clattered onto the floor. The tablecloth, which was nicely set on the table, fell to the floor as the boss gave it a ferocious tug. She smashed the vase that was sitting nicely on the table next to them. Glass was scattered everywhere as the rug slowly seeped up the water. All the attention in the restaurant was attracted to the ruckus occurring.

Sakura's boss harshly latched onto Sakura's arms. She dug her fingernails into Sakura's skin, causing her to wince. "You!" She growled. "Nothing good comes out of having you around. I was making progress with him until you came and messed it all up. I don't ever want to see your face again. Get out!" she screamed.

Sakura removed her boss' hands from her arm. She ignored the pain and stared at her boss. "That's fine. I quit."

The boss let her mouth drop open in shock. Then she understood. "That must have been one of your ploys to get your job back by pretending that you didn't care. Well guess what? You won't get your job back that way. I know that you need it," she said, feeling a bit smug. If she wanted her job back, she could get onto her knees and beg. And even then she wouldn't give it back. She offered high wages and plenty of people would be willing to fill her spot.

"I'm quitting," Sakura repeated simply. She turned around and walked out to the door as her boss stood still with astonishment. Sakura suddenly paused and spoke, still facing the door. "Frankly, I can see why he didn't like you. Your personality leaves much to want. You're quite spoiled aren't you? Throwing a vase and ruining the table just because he didn't like you." Feeling that some of her anger was relieved, she exited the restaurant.

Sakura took the long way home, passing through the park. The park was her safe place, where she could rest and think. Her chest felt much lighter after being able to yell back at her boss. It wasn't nice, but she was finally able to get out part of the anger that she felt of her boss' maltreatment toward her.

She broke into a run toward the park, neatly avoiding the people in the street. A few strands of hair fell from her bun as the breeze whirled around her. It was not until she got to the park did she slow down and stop.

She meandered through the park and trees, heading toward the secret place she had found. The delicate scent of sakura blossoms filled the air as it wafted toward her and surrounded her, sweetly scented.

She remembered how she had found this certain place, playing hide and seek with her brother. She got lost but ended up discovering a magnificent place. She finally managed to find her way out, but not before memorizing how to arrive back into the secret place.

Sakura trees were scattered around, their pink petals decorating the air when they gently fell. The pond was a clear, sparkling blue. During the sunset, the pond reflected the sun and the colors splashing the sky. When night arrived, moon and stars would be reflected. During that time, the water would turn into a royal shade of blue as it mirrored the night sky.

Her attention was taken away as she heard a rustle and light footsteps. She quickly hid behind a tree and peeked out. The back of a person slowly disappeared out of sight. She furrowed her eyebrows. Could it have been that someone else also knew of her little secret hideout?

Her eyes suddenly caught a glimmer of an object on the ground. Making her way toward it, she picked up the small dagger and unsheathed it from the case. The case and handle both were golden, both holding the same design of a sakura blossom. It was a simple, yet intricate design that took her breath away.

The silver blade gleamed underneath the sunlight. Brining it up parallel to her face, she realized that she could see her own reflection in it. As she examined the blade, she came to the conclusion that it was not only sturdy but sharp.

She bit the bottom right corner of her lip as she debated over what to do with it. She finally decided to take the dagger with her, just incase someone found it and took it. The dagger looked valuable and she didn't want just anybody to take it. She had to return it to its owner somehow. Quickly, she slipped it into her dress pocket.

Walking out of the park, she headed home and spotted her brother at her doorstep. He was scowling, causing Sakura to walk up to him and pinch him tightly on the cheeks.

"You look gloomy," she commented as she continued to pull her brother's face into funny shapes.

He sighed, understanding that she wanted to be in a good mood for the day. It was going to be the last day they spent together before the contest would separate them. "Let's go eat lunch. You quit all your jobs, right?"

She nodded. "Yeah. You found out I suppose? About the contest?"

Touya merely walked into the house, tense. He sat down next to his wife, who gave him a soothing pat on the back. Sakura joined her family and the first few minutes of lunch were silent.

Touya's rant came unexpectedly. "Who does the prince think he is? Just because he suddenly needs a wife he goes and makes up some pathetic contest to find himself the "perfect" wife? What's up with that? Does he think that just because he's the prince, every girl should come to his beck and call?"

Kaho looked at him, surprised by his outburst. "Touya, calm down. Take Sakura's feelings into consideration. She's not happy either and shouting while being so angry will just make everyone feel worse."

Touya glanced at Sakura and looked down at his food. "Sorry," he mumbled.

Conversation stalled again, the forks clinking onto the plates. Sakura quickly excused herself, saying that she had to go to her room to do something and that she would be right back. Walking toward her bed, she hig the dagger underneath her pillow and prepared to rejoin the family. Hearing quiet talking though, she paused and listed quietly.

Her father sighed. "Touya, none of us are happy with this. We all want Sakura to stay with us but we can't disobey the royal family. I truly don't think that the prince is as bad as you say. He might have not even been the one who set up the contest. The rules and the expectations of the royal family are not something we know all about. Perhaps there was some kind of struggle behind this."

Touya stared grumpily at his food as Kaho spoke. "Before I met you, I refused to get married. I thought that all the men here were immature and annoying. I know that you agree and know how hard it is to find someone right for you. I have high expectations for Sakura's husband. She's such a sweet and beautiful girl. As her sister-in-law, I want to find a man that is worthy of her. I don't know much about the prince, but with the way that the country is being run, I believe that the royal family has a good heart."

Nadeshiko smiled. "We can't hold onto her forever, as much as we want. This will be a chance for her to meet other people. Sakura is 20 already. She does need to get married soon. This might be a chance for her to find love and be safe. I'm not saying that it will be with the prince. I just think that this might be a good experience for her to discover what qualities she might want in a man. She's a sweet girl. I would like her to marry someone she knows she loves."

"I just don't want to let go of her," he whispered. She smiled, her eyes watering with emotion.

"I thought that the father was the one who objects most about daughters getting married?" stated Fujitaka. Everyone laughed and Sakura took the moment to walk down the stairs.

"Did I miss something?"

Everyone just continued to laugh. Sakura just smiled and joined in with their contagious laughter. The rest of lunch went by smoothly. For the rest of the day, the family spent their time together. Touya and Kaho had decided to stay overnight, insisting on sleeping in the living room.

As everyone headed to bed that night, Sakura went to her room to pack. She counted the money she had earned and saved up. It would last for a while, but not long. She knew that she wasn't alone. Touya and Kaho would help out as much as possible. She believed that everything would be okay.

Grabbing just a tiny bit of money for emergencies, she placed it inside the small trunk she was bringing. She didn't have a lot of stuff with her, just mementos and other items. After all, all her other needs would be provided for. A knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

It was her brother who had knocked. He walked in and sat on the floor with her. He bluntly spoke his opinion. "I think you should pack some weapons."

Taken aback Sakura spoke. "Why? The castle will be safely guarded and it's not like I'm in a war. What would I use them for?"

"There's going to be a lot of rivalry. The richer contestants might pay others to assassinate some of their rivals. It would also be the easiest time to attack the castle with so many people going in. Everyone is coming—"

"You are exaggerating way too much. I understand your worries but do you think I'll really need them? The royal family isn't that stupid. They've been ruling our country for so long after all. They'll think of all this and increase the guards. Don't worry."

"You haven't gone wrong yet by listening to your brother. Just let me feel less worried alright? You've always been somewhere where I could watch over you. Having you somewhere where I can't makes me nervous. Will you just bring them? Mom and dad might not be able to sleep soundly otherwise. Kaho and I will worry too."

Sakura smiled in defeat. "The way that you say it makes me feel as if I'm doing something wrong by not bringing any. Alright, alright. What do you want me to pack? I'll have to hide them somehow." She paused and suddenly laughed. "The things that you make me do."

"Keep your hair in it's bun along with those long needles to hold them up. Bring a few daggers too."

"Isn't a "few" too much?"

"No."

Sakura shook her head. "One is enough."

"Bring two at least. One to keep under your pillow and another one on you at all times."

Silence filled the room. "… And where would I find these daggers to bring with me?"

"I only brought one dagger so… Bring a kitchen knife to stick under your pillow," he replied with a serious expression on his face.

Sakura open her mouth to speak but immediately burst into laughter. Her stomach began to hurt from laughing so hard. She tried to speak through her gasps for air. "Only you would think of that and say it so seriously!"

Touya's lips twitched into a small smile. Sakura spoke after her laughter had subsided. "I have another one. I'll just bring that. I'm warning you though, the only reason I'm bringing weapons is because I don't want you guys to constantly worry about me. If I come back and discover everyone is still worrying, I'll ditch them."

Touya nodded and handed her the dagger that he had. He smiled and ruffled her hair affectionately. "Goodnight."

Sakura smiled. "Nighty night."

Touya stepped out of her room. He walked into the living room, sitting on the floor next to his wife. As his wife leaned onto him, he wrapped his arm around her.

"Sakura is quite pretty isn't she?" she commented.

"Hnn..."

"She's even prettier with her hair down, isn't that right?"

"Hnn…"

"The reason why you told her to put her hair in a bun with those chopstick needles isn't just to protect herself is it? You have another reason."

"Hnn…"

She smiled. "I knew it. You had an ulterior motive."

Touya smiled and kissed her on the forehead fondly. "You know me so well."

Kaho smiled. "I can't believe you. She's at a contest to win over the prince and you tell her to keep her hair up in a silly attempt to lesson her beauty? The whole purpose is for her to be at her best so the prince will be attracted to her."

He murmured into her hair. "All the more reason to keep her hair up."

Kaho laughed. "No matter. I believe the beauty in her heart and personality will win him over any day."

Author's Note: Thanks for those who have reviewed Chapter 2! Any suggestions, comments, and/or critique is greatly appreciated!

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