She sat in front of the vanity, nervous apprehension
filling every part of her. Mina had told her that someone would
be coming to escort her down to the hall where they were holding
the ceremony and so far no one had come.
What I wouldn't do
for a good game of swords, she thought wryly and laughed at the
image that came in her wedding dress in front of all the guests.
A slight knock interrupted her thoughts and she looked
towards the door expectantly. She was surprised yet absurdly
happy to see her mother walk in, looking regal and quite graceful.
"Mother," she stood but the Queen motioned for her
to stand still.
She walked up to her and stopped. Reaching out a
hand she cupped her daughter's cheek and just looked at her.
"Goddess of the Moon, you look so beautiful," she said, her voice
slightly breaking.
Serena blushed and replied, "Not as beautiful as you
probably looked."
"Hush, that's nonsense. Darien will absolutely fall in love
with you once he sees you."
Serena stiffened at hearing the informal name. She knew
that was what his Generals called him but she never knew her mother
also called him by that name. She guessed he would always be
Endymion to her. She looked away at the pain she felt and was
surprised when her mother brought her face back to hers and she was
shocked to see that a tear had coursed it's way down the Queen's
face.
"Mother..."
"Please, Serena, understand that this is for the best. I
swear to you that you will be happy. Relationships like these take
time but believe me when I say that you will not regret marrying
Darien. He will take good care of you, I'll make sure of it."
"Mother, I love you," she rushed into her mother's
arms and hugged her tight. Her mother held onto her just as tightly
and then let go.
"There now, we don't want to ruin all this hard work," she
said, brushing off imaginary lint. A knock at the door ceased her
ministrations.
"Come in," her mother said and Jadeite walked in, uniform
with silver lining quite handsome in a black General's suit (AN: I am
sooo looking not good with descriptions, just imagine that he
looks good)
"I am here to escort the Princess," he said bowing low.
"Yes, of course," Queen Serenity said and then turned
back to her daughter, "You have made me so proud," and then she
left.
Serena watched her go, almost ran after her, but she
thought better of that idea. She looked towards Jadeite who had
his arm held out and was looking at her expectantly.
"Ready Princess?"
"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."
Darien paced outside of the room where the ceremony
would be held. He knew things were done differently here and he
had no problems with it.
Only close family and friends would
actually witness the sealing of the vows and then the couple would
be required to make an appearance before the people of the
kingdom (AN: picture Prince Charles and Princess Diana standing
at that balcony waving to everyone).
He wondered if Serenity
would actually come willing. He would not be surprised to see her
being dragged in, kicking and screaming, cursing at everyone.
Harsh, so harsh, a voice chided him. I am not being harsh, he
thought to himself, I am merely telling the truth. Yet the word stuck
stubbornly in his mind, taunting him.
He stopped at the sound of giggling laughter and when
he looked up, being harsh was an understatement to how he wanted
to be now.
There was his princess walking towards him slowly...
with his General. She looked so beautiful, angelic almost, enough
to make a man's tongue stick to the roof of his mouth in awe. Her
smile, so enchanting, but it was not directed towards him, no, it
was for Jadeite and he watched, his blue eyes narrowed, as his
friend leaned down to whisper something in her ear causing her
to laugh and lean even closer into him.
He stood there watching, feeling ever the outsider,
jealousy curling upwards in his body. His hands clenched into
tight fists when she leaned up on her toes to place a kiss on
Jadeite's cheek and then go back down, giggling, a healthy blush
staining her cheeks. Where did this new side of hers come from?
Why couldn't she have shown this type of her personality to him?
Was he that abhorrent to her that she only showed him her temper
and saved her sweetness for others?
When the two had finally reached him, Darien was
seething in silent rage. Outward, he was calm, cold and collected
but inside his emotions were in turmoil. He furiously tamped them
down and looked at Serenity. She gave him a weak smile but when
he did not show any reaction her smile fell away, and she became
stiff once more and looked away.
"Hey Darien, why so tense? I just spent my time trying
to make Serena smile and now I have to do the same with you?"
"No thank you Jadeite, I don't think I'll be needing your
'services,' he said sarcastically, his mind reeling at the fact that
Serenity allowed his friend to call her Serena. I guess I won't be
getting that privilege for a while. "You may leave us alone now."
Jadeite gave him a strange look and then headed inside
leaving the couple alone.
"Well, uh, shall we go in?" Serenity asked.
"We shall, Princess," and he held out his arm, smiling at
her.
Serena felt uncomfortable at Endymion's smile. It was
almost as though he were mocking her, making her feel inferior.
Maybe it's just me, she thought.
The ceremony was all a blur to Serena. She heard
herself saying her vows and then Endymion doing the same. It was
almost unreal, she thought. If someone had told her just a week ago
that she was to be getting married, she would have scorned the
person, laughing at him. But now everything was different and she
was positive that that same person would be laughing at her instead.
She looked up, startled when she realized her mother
had finished and sealed their vows.
"Welcome to our family Serenity!" Queen Augusta came
forward to hug her new daughter-in-law and Serena was surprised
by the action considering she hadn't been acting very gracious in front
of Endymion's mother.
She hugged the woman back and saw
Endymion talking silently with her mother. What were they saying?
she wondered. But the thought was pushed back when King
Terrance came and hugged her too.
"Serenity, I think we should go meet the crowds. I'm
quite sure they are eager to meet their new Prince and his Princess,"
Terrance said, looking at Queen Serenity.
"That's a splendid idea. Come, we 'old' rulers shall lead
while Darien and Serena follow with the Generals and Scouts."
The group began walking to the balcony where most of
the kingdom would be able to see them and vice versa. Serena
looked back to say something to her friends but stopped and smiled
instead.
Each Scout was being held by her General and the picture
they made was so sweet, Serena didn't want to say anything that
would cause them to separate from each other. However her friends
did see her and each gave her a secret signal. Mina blew her a kiss,
Lita gave her a thumbs up, Raye winked at her and Amy gave her a
'V' for victory sign. She felt tears at her eyes at this show of
affection and then turned back smiling wider.
They had reached the balcony and the crowd began to
cheer as the newlyweds made their appearance. Serena waved and
then turned to Endymion when he spoke.
"Let's give them something real to cheer about, shall we?"
he said, and tilted her chin up and brought his lips down upon hers.
He suddenly felt overwhelmed at the soft touch of her lips and shock
reeled through his senses at her soft scent. But then a picture of her
kissing Jadeite came to him and he increased the pressure on her
lips, almost punishing her.
However it was not to be for she responded with equal
fervor and even went so far as to push herself up against his armor.
The crowd roared their approval at the sight but for Serena and
Darien, everything and everyone had disappeared.
She had no idea what she was doing, but knew that she
needed more and if he broke away now...she refused to think of the
thought. The kiss was extraordinary to her, the feel of his firm lips
caressing hers, it was something she could not have imagined. It was
a kiss that would stay with her for the rest of her life.
He knew exactly what he was doing but couldn't believe
what was happening. Enjoying the feel of her, he had unconsciously
tightened his hold on her and had brought her closer to him. The
kiss was supposed to have been cold and calculating, not passionate
and scorching!
"Whoa, is it just me, or is it getting increasingly hot out
here?" it was Lita and her teasing question was followed by laughter
causing the two to finally realize where they were. They broke away
from each other, each looking into the other's eyes, each refusing to
believe what had just happened.
"I, for one, say that this relationship is quite compatible,
steamy almost," more laughter followed Nephrite's comment and
Serena blushed becomingly, looking up at Darien. Her heart
contracted when she saw that his eyes were cold, just as before
and he showed absolutely no reaction to what had just occurred
between them.
Could it be that he was not affected by our kiss?
Did it mean so little to him? She sniffled as the questions ran through
her mind and she brought her hand up to wipe away a tear before it
could fall.
Damn but she seemed to be shedding more tears recently
because of him. She doubted she had cried this much before he
came into her life. What weakness, she thought, scolding herself.
"Your Highnesses," it was Kunzite, "I believe it is time for
us to leave."
"Of course Kunzite, have the ship ready and make sure
all is secure for a safe passage," Endymion said authoritatively.
Everyone's things had already been packed and stowed
to make for a quick departure. All they had to do now was say
their goodbyes and leave.
When they had reached the ship and Serena turned to
her mother who walked behind her talking with Endymion's parents.
"Mother," she said, feeling her composure start to break.
"Don't worry love, you'll be back in a few days to live
here once more."
"But things won't be the same."
"The times call for a change Serena, and you'll see that it
is all for the better. I love you."
"And I you Mother," and she hugged her, not wanting to
let go.
"Serenity," Darien had felt a softening somewhere within
him at the touching scene but he became withdrawn once more
when she stiffened at the sound of his voice. Will she never like me?
"We have to go."
"I know," she said quietly, and then went into the ship.
He gave one last knowing look at Queen Serenity,
nodded and then boarded after his wife.
"Serena, it's so beautiful here!" Raye exclaimed, looking
out into the gardens. The girls were in Serena and Darien's room and
while she unpacked they talked about everything and anything that
was new to them on this planet.
"You're right Mina. After lunch, Zoicite showed me the
royal gardens and they were absolutely marvelous. They're special
gardens you know, because they hold flowers from all over and these
flowers stay in bloom throughout the passing seasons."
"Really? Maybe I'll go explore them a little when I have
the time," Serena said, her interest piqued.
"Speaking of time, we really don't have much do we? I
hear the ball is a week from today and I really don't have a thing to
wear!"
"Mina!" all the girls groaned, her complaining about having
no clothes nothing new to them.
The door opened and Darien walked in, causing the girls
to cease their conversation as they watched him enter.
He raised an eyebrow and grinned. These girls were so interesting,
he thought. "Ladies, if you don't mind....?"
They stared back at him not comprehending at first until
Lita broke the silence, "Oh, I think we better leave you guys. The
two want some privacy."
The girls rushed out of the room, and as Mina left, she
turned around and gave a thumbs up and a knowing smile to
Serena. Darien turned back to Serena, still grinning, "Those girls are
definitely one of a kind."
Serena, who stood by the bed, could say nothing. She
was too busy staring at Darien. He looks so good, she thought, I
wonder how many girls have fallen for him. She was surprised to
feel a slight pang of jealousy at the thought but pushed it away when
he looked at her expectantly.
"Uh, yes, that's why I love them so much. We're all so
much alike yet so different from each other, we just get along like
that."
"Yes, well, the Generals are quite lucky to be with them
and have their companionship."
Serena misinterpreted his comment and thought that he
was hinting at their present relationship. So he'd rather be with one
of the Scouts then me? Does he really hate me that much?
Darien wondered at the flash of pain he saw in his wife's
eyes but when she didn't say anything he continued, walking up to
her, "As you've probably heard, the ball will take place day after
tomorrow. My mother will most likely be meeting with you sometime
soon to go over certain things that will have to be done."
He noticed the frown on her face before she bent her
head and said quietly, "You are a princess now, not a warrior."
Her head shot up and her eyes narrowed angrily, "I
know that and I don't need you tell me so. I know what to do,
Mother has taught me these things."
"What? Just a few days before we arrived?"
She blushed furiously and lifted her head defiantly, "As a
matter of fact, yes, I learned how to be the perfect hostess the day
before you were to arrive. Do you have a problem with that?"
He lifted her chin and studied her face. Then, quite
unexpectedly he brushed his lips against hers in a soft caress,
surprising them both. "No, I have no problem with that. I
just hope you'll be prepared and confident."
"Of course I will," she mumbled softly, looking up at him.
"Good," he said and walked away from her towards his
side of the bed. He took off his shirt, causing Serena to blush again.
"Have you gotten a chance to see the gardens? They really are
quite spectacular."
Serena was too busy staring at Endymion to answer his
question. Mina would definitely be jealous, she thought.
"Serenity?"
"Oh, I'm sorry Endymion, I, um..."
"Darien."
"What?"
"I said Darien. You don't have to call me by such a
formal name, you know. Everyone calls me Darien, if you haven't
noticed."
She felt as though she was being talked to like a
three-year-old and all thoughts of goodness flew from her mind.
She curtsied mockingly in response. "Oh thank you, Your
Highness, the honor is too great. Will I be able to kiss your
feet next? Oh wait, no, better yet, it is only fair that since you are
giving me the honor of letting me call you Darien, I guess I have
to let you call me Serena. It's what everyone calls me, you know."
Darien smiled but there was no humor in his eyes. He
pulled on a clean shirt and walked back to her. "Such a cat you
are, your fur rises when your hackles are raised and you get all
defensive. It's such a charming quality." He strode to the door
and slammed it shut on his way out.
As soon as he was gone Serena's shoulder's sagged.
How can he kiss me so tenderly one minute and then act so mean
the next? It boggled her mind and she turned back to look out into
the gardens.
"Spectacular, huh? Might as well go check them out. I
need to get away from here."
