"Gyokuen!" Deep stern voice called out for her in the throne room.
The sound of heels clicking his way could be heard bouncing off the walls. She then stood in front of him out of breath but bowed slightly out of respect. "What is wrong, darling? Shouldn't you be preparing for your coronation."
Koutoku looked down at her. He cared not at all for her questioned. "Any words from my daughter?" It may not show on his face but he was deeply worried on her sudden disappearance days ago.
Gyokuen eyes diverted away from him before she spoke, " No word but I am sure they will find out who came and took her away. Whoever the person or people that also snuck in to kill my sons and husband, should be punished." Looking back at him, she decided to talk about something more bothersome. "Don't you think it is time to tell the rest of your kids about her existence?"
His eyes widen at her words. She had indeed stepped over her boundaries. "I will do no such thing. Now leave, so I can gather my thoughts."
::
Masrur was woken up by a small tap on his shoulder. He turned to see his cell mate offering him a piece of her stale bread. He could only just look at it then back at her skinny figure. "No. You need your strength, eat it." He watched as a frown made it's way on her face but it didn't stop her from offering it to him again. He gently pushed it away as he shook his head no. He didn't care if he was hungry himself. He could go a few days without food but her. His biggest concern was for her to eat because she hadn't since being sent here.
He leaned into the metal bars as he watched Sakura look at the bread before taking a bit. She slowly began to munch on it until it was all gone. He smiled in satisfaction that she had ate. Since last night, he was determined to keep the little girl safe. She looked so weak and fragile, he couldn't possibly imagine her surviving here alone. He soon regret not pay attention to his surroundings when guards has stormed in and grabbed the both of them out of the cell.
Sakura struggled for a few moments before the bright light from outside blinded her. She knew it was the sun as it warmed her body so gently. After a good few minutes, she could see thousands of people surroundings her. She turned to look for Masrur but he, himself, was struggling with couple of guards. Once they had let her go, she tried to walk towards him but the other guard pulled out a knife and held it at Masrur throat. "Take one step closer and I will slit his throat open." Reluctantly, she stayed where she was.
The same guard from the night before had made his way to him with a smug look. "This. Because of your little act yesterday, I think you should personally see this girl get ripped apart." Right when those words left his mouth, one of the main gates we're lifted open. Sakura noticed beady yellow eyes glowing from the darkness inside. In one step, the animals paw could be seen.
Masrur recognized the fur of the animal and he couldn't help but struggle in protest. "No!"
The guard couldn't help but grin ear to ear. He lowered his head to whisper into Masrur ear. "Oh yes, that is a desert sabertooth tiger." In all it's glory the together walked out and walked around while looking at Sakura. She was confused on what was going on but her body knew she should be frightened as it started to shake when the tiger lowered it's body towards her. In seconds, it charged at her viciously with it's mouth open, ready to snatch her up to kill her. A few feet before it could reach her, it went flying into the arena wall causing it to die upon impact. When Sakura opened her eyes, she saw Masrur standing over her protectively.
He could hear he sobbing behind him. As much as he wanted to comfort her, he couldn't do it at the moment. His eyes locked on to another gate that started to open. This time the sabertooth tiger was two times bigger and charged right towards them. Without a second thought he charged at it. He knew he need to keep the tiger far away from Sakura as he could. The tiger clawed at him but he swiftly jumped in the air and landed behind him. He grabbed it by it's tail and throw it the furthest away from Sakura. Amongst the fighting, he didn't notice another sabertooth was released.
::
Koutoku walked out of the thrown room while his advisor tried to follow him but they we're stopped by his guards.
Koutoku walks out of the thrown room. His advisor tries to follow him but his guards stop him from coming any closer to him. His eldest son, Kouen, watched as his father went into the forbidden side of the palace. Eventually, he had arrived at Sakura's room. He went inside to see that everything was still in the same place before Sakura disappeared. He stopped in front of a shelf that had a single doll on it. Picking it up, he examined it's white porcelain skin color and matching long hair . It reminded him greatly of his fourth lover.
"Your eyes are as beautiful as ever." He said while looking into her green orbs.
The young woman in front laughed at him. "My, my Koutoku. I think that is the most lame pick up line from you so far." He smiled at her and caressed his thumb on her lower lip. Frown made its way in her face before she moved his hand away for her to talk. "We can't do this. You know I come from Heliohapt kingdom. My brother wouldn't like his twenty year old little sister to be in love with a man twice her age."
"Armakan will not know of us. You are far away from your kingdom and him to even know if you are awake right now."
"Ah but he is the king. He will surely find out some way."
"Don't not be so paranoid my love. Come let us take refuge in your temporary chambers." Smile appeared on her lips before her arms snaked her way around his neck to give him a deep kiss.
Koutoku caressed the doll in his hand before it broke in his grasp. His eyes narrowed as he turned to leave the room. In a bitter voice, he whispered, "You better not have took her from me, Miyuki."
