Reborn

THE BANQUET (2)

There was pin drop silence in the room, all waiting for Sakura to explain the incident. She opened her lips and the first sentence she spoke shocked everyone, '' Where is he?" she said.

''Who are you talking about?" asked the Emperor Riku.

''The expert who saved me. He was heavily injured, nonetheless, he still came to my rescue. I am indebted to him," she replied hesitantly as if not to divulge any information on the mysterious man.

As the time flew by, everyone questioned her about the incident and she explained it exactly like the shadow guard had described it.

Then she heard a cold voice say, ''What did the man look like?" She turned her head towards the direction of the voice and met the cold and stern gaze of the Leader of the Blood Devils.

''He looked young and wore a green cape that had symbol of a black dragon, but I couldn't see his face as it was covered," she replied. She had already predicted this would happen, so randomly described the fake expert, but then, who knew what the future holds.

The Leader wore an expression less face but she noticed a slight smirk on his face. He vanished in a whiff of purple colored smoke. She got startled by his sudden disappearance, however, regained her composure immediately.

"Let Sakura rest for a bit, she must be tired after so many people questioning her," said Empress Sara in a considerate tone.

''Your Majesty I have a request," said Ichika looking perplexed at her sister.

''Of course, as long it is within my means I shall grant it," replied the Emperor Riku happily. Glancing at  Emperor Riku's face she was certain that he favored Ichika very much and was rather glad with the marriage of her and the Crown Prince Danuja being broken, though, Empress Sara seemed kind of sad. As far as she believed, the Emperor Riku would still not loose Prime Minister Eito's favor. Although, he discarded Sakura, he was still considering Ichika as a marriage option. It seemed the decision had already been conveyed looking as she saw Danuja holding hands with Ichika, such an affectionate couple. If the Emperor Riku was in Modern times, he would be considered a schemer, perfect in the dark world of politics.

''Since sister's health is deteriorating, she can't travel back home with me, if it is possible can she stay in the Imperial Palace tonight?" she asked of  Emperor Riku politely.

"Well, since I am in a good mood today, not only she, but even you can stay here tonight and thereafter accompany her back," replied  Emperor Riku. His voice echoed in the spacious, yet elegant room, as he hurried off to attend to the rest of the banquet.

Soon after  Empress Sara followed, throwing a reassuring smile at Sakura. She felt blessed to have this kind of warmth which she couldn't feel in her previous life, maybe time travelling was not a bad phenomenon after all.

Only Ichika and Danuja remained in the room, looking at each other lovingly like a pair of lovebirds who got separated and met after a long time. Well, time for some action, she thought. She coughed, and they both looked at her. The Crown Prince Danuja looked at her haughtily and said, '' Sakura you should be grateful to Ichika, because of her, a nobody like you, is able to stay in the Imperial Palace''.

''Don't say like that Danuja, it is my duty to take care of Elder sister when she is not in good health," replied Ichika innocently.

''You are too good and naive Ichika, after whatever she has done to you, you still care about her, Sakura I am warning you, don't you ever hurt Ichika with your harsh words ever again. So, what if she is not the first-born child of Eito family, it doesn't mean you can taunt and use her according to your whims and fancies. She is going to be my future Crown Princess and you will remain an ugly trash, even my shoes are better than you," Danuja said angrily.

''It is not that I am not worthy of you, it is you who is not worthy of me!" Sakura e replied fiercely.

''You must be joking, me, not worthy of you? In your dreams! Look at yourself first, telling me my position," said Danuja stomping out of the room in a foul mood. He thought when did this ugly girl become so fierce and strong headed. He knew her from her childhood, when his mother and her mother were best friends, she was not ugly then, but, as she grew up, she became ugly, not at all pleasing to the eyes. However, she still followed him around, like a puppy, following its owner. Keeping his mother in mind, he took her to parties, but left her isolated, as if she didn't belong there like an uninvited guest. Many times, his mother would want him to show kindness towards her, so he would reluctantly, visit her house with gifts. It is during one such time, that he met Ichika. He fell for her at the very first sight but couldn't express his love due to the prevailing circumstances. They would many a times meet secretly and sometimes he accompanied her to the annual festival, disguised as a commoner. He was happy with her and decided that it was her that should be with him as his consort princess. For him, she was innocent and pure just like a newly bloomed flower and he would never let her go away from him. After hearing how she was tortured by Sakura, he felt sad for her and felt pure hatred towards Sakura. Alas! who knew that he himself didn't know the true self of Ichika.

As soon as he left the room, Sakura saw her sister's shocked expression with a slight sneer directed at her but she didn't say anything. Watching her calm and composed Ichika left the room in irritation. She longed to see her sister's life in Hell.