
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 2
      Feeling stupid she leaned back again and stopped talking. They sat and 
      watched the animals until it started to get dark, then they headed back to 
      the castle. By the time they got there the moon was already moving up in 
      the sky.
      Inside Diamond was pacing up and down the hall looking very worried. He 
      turned when he heard them coming down the hall. "Colville! Woodard! I am 
      so glad to see you." He strode over to them.
      "Whats the matter sire?" Darien peaceful countenance disappeared and was 
      quickly replaced by the unyielding characteristics again.
      "We strike tomorrow. Edwins men have started burning down the villages 
      near the border." Diamonds beautiful face contorted with anger. "We must 
      leave tonight if we hope to get there by morning."
      "Of course sire. Have you gotten word to the others?"
      Diamond nodded. "I would expect most of them to be here within the hour. 
      Go and get ready."
      Darien and Serena bowed and hurried to their rooms. Serena had no clue 
      what to pack for a battle. Stomach churning with anxiety and hunger, she 
      stuffed clothes into a bag and tried not to throw up. Serena stuck her 
      head into Dariens room.
      "My lord?"
      "What is it Woodard?" Darien was busy moving about the room packing up a 
      few clothes.
      "What else should I bring?" he voice was just a notch above a whisper.
      "You have some clothes?" he barely looked up from what he was doing.
      "Yes."
      "Here." He thrust a heavy cloak and a thick leather jerkin at her. "Your 
      quiver, bow and crossbow are over there." Darien carelessly pointed at the 
      corner of the room.
      Serena walked over and accepted the clothing from him. "Thank you my 
      lord." She slipped the jerkin on and fastened the cloak around her 
      shoulders.
      She would have gone back to her room and panicked but his deep voice 
      stopped her. "Woodard, you must help with my armour."
      "Yes, of course my lord." She noticed for the first time that a shining 
      suit of armour lay dismantled on his bed. Serena stared stupidly at it for 
      a moment. Come on Serena you can put together a computer, I think you can 
      handle a little armour. Hands shaking Serena took the first heavy sheet of 
      metal from him. Fortunately for her, Darien handed her the pieces in order 
      and the fastenings were fairly simple even for her suddenly boneless 
      fingers. Not too long later, he was fully suited.
      Serena looked up at him. The suit gleamed in the firelight with his 
      movements. Serena struggled to swallow realizing that she feared for him 
      more than she feared for herself. He would more than likely be right in 
      the middle of the battle. What if he got hurt or killed? She clenched her 
      fists. She decided at that moment that she would do whatever it took to 
      make sure that didnt happen. She owed it to him. At least thats what she 
      told herself.
      Minutes later they were back in the main hall. The other men had arrived 
      and looked absolutely bloodthirsty. Diamond and Sapphire were at the dais 
      at the front dressed in their golden armor and colorful tunics.
      "My friends!" Diamonds voiced drowned out all the others. Quickly the 
      room grew silent. "Tonight is the night. We will finish off the scum Edwin 
      once and for all!"
      A great cheer rose form the men on the floor. Serena saw that Darien did 
      not join in with them and stood silent, his grim eyes focused on the 
      prince.
      The rest of the speech was lost on Serena. Tense and anxious she stood 
      rooted to the ground. How could anyone be excited at the prospect of going 
      to war? She leaned on her bow using it to support the weight her knees 
      couldnt. Completely petrified, she barely noticed that everyone was 
      moving out of the room and out into the courtyard. She followed Dariens 
      large frame out.
      Goliath was already saddled, armored and decked out in the princes colors 
      of blue and red. Even through the cloud of fear that obscured her vision, 
      she noticed something about the horse. She remembered Goliath as a large 
      gray animal. The one that Darien was climbing onto was gleaming white. 
      Serena shook her head. Great now youre hallucinating.
      She looked around the courtyard and noticed the other men climbing onto 
      their mounts. Their squires did the same, climbing onto less magnificent 
      creatures. She felt a tap on her head and turned back to Darien.
      "Get on Samson, Woodard." His tone a voice used to giving commands.
      "Yes my lord." Without thinking she climbed onto the back of the horse she 
      was riding earlier that day.
      The sea of shining metal rode out of the gate. On the other side a mob of 
      foot soldiers waited. They cheered as the nobles came out brandishing 
      their swords and bows in the air. The prince and the other noblemen lead 
      the way with the foot soldiers following close behind.
      Serena looked at Darien as she rode next to him. He turned to her as well.
      "Woodard. We should go over some more combat skills." It was like he could 
      see what she was thinking.
      Serena nodded.
      "First, aim at the chinks in the armor." He pointed at the neck and sides 
      where the metal joined. "They are the weakest parts. You should have no 
      trouble with that."
      "Yes."
      "Always keep moving. A moving target is much harder to hit. But that is 
      not hard to figure out. If your horse is hit, get off of him before he 
      goes down. There is less chance of him crushing you that way. Remember do 
      not hesitate. It is him or you." He stopped talking and looked at her pale 
      face. "The first one is always the worst." He said understandingly.
      Smiling weakly, Serena nodded again.
      "You can stay behind if you wish."
      Serenas eyes widened. He was giving her a way out. She wanted to say yes 
      and hide behind the safe walls of the castle, but she couldnt let him go 
      out there on his own. "No my lord. I go wherever you go. I owe you a debt 
      and I will not walk away from it."
      "And if I said you can forget the debt?"
      She shook her head vigorously. "I will not let you go alone. Its my duty 
      to protect you, my lord."
      "Youre a stubborn lad." He slapped her on the back lightly. "I thank you 
      for your loyalty young Woodard."
      The glowing moon had started to sink into the horizon before they stopped 
      and set up camp. Quickly tents bloomed in the early morning light.
      Partially, asleep Serena help Darien with his tent though he didnt need 
      it. She looked around at the other squires who had made a fire and were 
      lying down next to it preparing to get a little sleep.
      She turned to Darien. "My lord will you be needing me anymore?" he shook 
      his head. "I will be by the fire then." She turned to head over to the 
      inviting fire.
      "You can use my tent."
      She stopped at looked at him. "My lord?"
      He took Goliath and Samsons reins. "I wont be needing it. The horses 
      need water. I will take them to the stream while you rest."
      "T...thank you my lord. But that is my job." She walked to him and 
      attempted to take the reins.
      "No you get some rest. You look asleep on your feet." Without another word 
      he walked away from her.
      Serena, too tired to argue, walked into the tent and collapse onto the fur 
      mat laid out on the ground.
      Voices awoke her a few hours later. Feeling a little less exhausted she 
      sat up and got ready to find Darien. But what the voices were saying 
      stopped her.
      "...the legend of the warrior maiden from another land." A young voice 
      floated into the tent.
      "Yes, I heard the prince saying that he wished the prophecy would come 
      true."
      She found the conversation very interesting. Serena stuck her head out of 
      the tent. Several squires were milling about brushing the horses and 
      feeding them. "What prophecy?"
      They turned to her. "Well, well if it isnt Lord Colvilles pet." They 
      gave her looks of disgust.
      She ignored the scornful remark. "What prophecy?" She repeated her 
      question again.
      "Youve never heard of the legend of the warrior maid."
      She walked out. "No I havent."
      They all laughed. "You are a stupid one. The legend says that in a time of 
      war, when the kingdom is in danger of ruin, a woman from another land will 
      appear and save us."
      A dark haired boy laughed. "How can a woman save us? The thought is 
      ludicrous."
      Serena wasnt laughing. She walked away from the boys and toward the 
      princes tent. He would know where Darien is.
      What was going on? This whole prophecy business freaked her out. Could it 
      be true? Could this stupid prophecy be why she had been zapped here? 
      Serena had to learn more about it.
      The only distinguishing mark that showed the princes tent was his was a 
      crest on the flap. Serena walked up to it and would have walked in if 
      there hadnt been a cry from the field.
      "The Black Princes army advances!" A scout galloped into the camp.
      Diamond swept out of his tent. "Prepare for battle!"
      Men ran in all directions shouting for their horses and weapons. Serena 
      ran through the frenzied crowd, back to the tent. Darien was there and 
      mounted Goliath. Serena grabbed her bow and quiver and climbed onto 
Samson.
      "Follow me!"
      In a thunder of hooves, Serena and Samson followed Darien and Goliath into 
      the field.
      The foot soldiers had already rushed into battle. Clanging of metal and 
      shouts broke the silence of the dawn. Men clad in red and blue clashed 
      with ones in black and gold.
      Serena paused for a moment before charging into the foray with Darien. 
      Before she even drew her bow once he cut down three men from their horses. 
      Serena took aim at a foot soldier running past. Closing her eyes she 
      released the arrow. When she opened them again the man laid face first on 
      the ground. She didnt stop to think about what she just did. A knight in 
      enemy colors was heading toward Darien who was too busy with two other men 
      to notice him. She drew back and caught him through the visor. He fell off 
      his horse and disappeared in the swirling cloud of dust.
      Serena nudged Samson in the direction of Darien and kept as close to him 
      as possible, fending off attackers from all angles as best she could. 
      Serena took aim at a man in black armor not too far away from her. Someone 
      grabbed her foot and dragged her off the horse. Biting back a scream, she 
      fell heavily to the ground and scrambled out of the way of Samsons 
      stamping hooves. Her bow and quiver managed to escape destruction as well. 
      She picked them up quickly and looked for Darien. Serena couldnt see him 
      anywhere.
      She whirled around looking for him again. There was no sign of him. She 
      fought back panic and took aim at another man, the arrow easily found the 
      chink in between the armor on his arm and the chest plate. A large black 
      horse loomed into view. A familiar figure wearing black armor sat tall on 
      its back brandishing a sword. They were heading straight for her.
      Serena knelt down and reached behind her to pull an arrow out of the 
      quiver. She swished her fingers around inside it. There were no arrows 
      left. Serena got up on her feet and ran blindly back toward the camp. In 
      her haste she tripped over a body and fell face first onto the ground. 
      That was when the smell hit her.
      The overwhelming stench of blood mixed with upturned dirt and grass 
      invaded her senses. It made her stomach heave and do somersaults. Serena 
      struggled back the bile and pushed her self up and found herself face to 
      face with a bloody foot soldier. His glazed eyes and frozen expression of 
      horror branded itself in her mind.
      Retching, she got up and ran. She ran as fast as she could back to 
      Dariens tent and humiliatingly lost what little food she had in her 
      stomach. Cool hands gently moved back the hair that had come loose and 
      held her head while she retched some more.
      Sweating and feeling utterly horrible, Serena sat on the ground and looked 
      up miserably to see who it was that was helping her.
      Darien kneeled next to her and smiled gently. "It is alright now."
      "M...my lord." Serena tried to clean herself up as she jumped to her feet. 
      "What about the battle?" Did he leave the fight just to help her?
      "It is over." His brows snapped together when he looked at her blood 
      stained clothes. "You are wounded." He got up, shut the flap to the tent 
      and walked over to her.
      Eyes wide, Serena backed up moving as far from him as she could. "Its not 
      my blood."
      "Yes it is." He pointed at the seeping gash on her leg and at another on 
      her right arm. Serena looked down at them. He was right it was her blood 
      and the jagged gashes looked pretty bad as well.
      "Come here." His voice had that commanding quality again. He grasped her 
      arm and pulled her over to him. His fingers went to the fastening on her 
      jerkin.
      Serena slapped them away. "I can take care of them myself." She stumbled 
      when she put weight on her injured leg.
      Darien caught her and dragged her over to the mat on the ground and went 
      to work on the fastenings again.
      Injured as she was, Serena was desperate not to have him remove any 
      clothing. She kicked at him with her good leg and pushed his hands away in 
      protest.
      "Calm down. I know."
      His words stopped her protests dead. "You know what?" Her heart rattled so 
      loudly in her ribcage she was sure he could hear every beat. She knew what 
      he was going to say before he uttered the words.
      "You are a woman." He sounded exasperated. "Now hold still."
      "Dont be ridiculous." Laughing unconvincingly, Serena tried to get up, 
      but his large hand clamped down on hers, anchoring her to the spot.
      "Prove that Im wrong." Dariens blue eyes turned to her challengingly.
      Defeated, Serena slumped on the floor. She looked up at him expecting 
      something horrible, not the huge grin that she saw.
      "Now let me help." He tugged at her leather breeches, barely giving her 
      enough time to cover up.
      He closely examined the horrible wound on her thigh. His breath whistled 
      through his teeth. "It is quite bad." He got up and stuck his head 
      outside. "I need water and clean linen!" A moment later he was kneeling 
      beside her again, cleaning out the wound as gently as he could. Serena 
      closed her eyes through the worst of it, willing herself not to cry out. 
      She opened them again when she felt him move away. Serena looked up and 
      saw him removing his armor, slinging it carelessly to the ground. Dressed 
      in his hose and shirt he bent down and reached into his bag, rummaging 
      around for something.
      Darien found what he was looking for and turned back to Serena. "This is 
      going to hurt." He handed her a smooth bit of wood. "Bite down on this. It 
      will help a little." Keeping her eyes on him, Serena did as she was told. 
      He gave her a gentle look and walked out of the tent and emerged again 
      with a red-hot sword. Darien sat down beside her and put his arm around 
      her shoulder. "I am sorry I have to hurt you like this." He put his hand 
      on the side of her head and hugged her to him.
      Serena screamed into his chest when the searing metal touched her skin 
      generating a staggering amount of pain. Everything went black.
      ----
      When she woke up it was dark out. She went to lever herself up with her 
      right arm but the sharp pain stopped her. She switched awkwardly to her 
      left arm and gingerly sat up. Serena was now wearing a clean shirt and 
      hose. The wound on her arm was bandaged neatly so she guessed that the one 
      on her leg was the same. Her leg throbbed so much that she didnt want to 
      go anywhere near it.
      Serena put a hand on her stomach when it growled angrily. She was famished 
      which wasnt surprising considering what her stomachs been through in the 
      past few days.
      As if answering her stomachs cry, Darien walked into the tent with a 
      plate of steaming food and a goblet.
      "You are awake." He smiled and sat next to her offering the plate. "Here. 
      You must be ravenous."
      Gratefully Serena accepted the plate. "Thank you."
      He sat patiently and watched as she quickly polished off the entire plate. 
      When she was done he took it from her and put the goblet in her hand. 
      Serena took an experimental sip and found it to be a sweet wine. She took 
      a gulp, let it swirl in her mouth, and then took another.
      "You like it." He smiled when she nodded.
      "Thank you."
      "I should be thanking you. I understand you saved me more than a few times 
      today."
      "Who told you that?" Serena flushed a little.
      "Several people. They said you fought like a true warrior." He sounded 
      proud.
      Serena shook her head. "Im sure theyre just trying to be nice."
      Darien smiled gently. "No I saw you. You fought better than some men."
      She saw his gaze go to her arm and shifted uncomfortably. He had seen her 
      naked. How else did she get into these clothes? She tried to cross her 
      arms over her chest but the sharp pain stopped her. "Ouch!" She closed her 
      eyes and saw a swirling red haze.
      "Be calm. You will hurt yourself more." Darien put a gentle hand on her 
      shoulder and guided her back down to her bag, which served as a pillow.
      "Im ok." She stayed lying down anyways.
      "So what is your real name?" Darien carefully kept his voice quiet.
      "Serena." She was relieved that she could finally tell him the truth.
      "Thats a pretty name." He laughed. "It suits you better than Steven."
      "Hey! I couldnt think of another name." She joined in. His good mood was 
      infectious. But it didnt last long. Serena froze and clutched the blanket 
      to her when the tent flap whipped open.
      Diamond swept magnificently into the small space still dressed in his 
      gleaming armor. "Ah, you finally awake Woodard!"
      "Yes sire." She looked at Darien, had he told the prince her real nature?
      "You are very skillful with a bow young Woodard. I wouldnt have believed 
      the stories if I hadnt seen your talent with my own eyes." He was beaming 
      at her.
      "Thank you sire." Serena wanted to shrink under the covers and hide from 
      the smiling men. "Youre very kind."
      "Nonsense! Its the truth." He waved his hand. "I must go see to the 
      others."
      "Were many injured sire?" Serena thought of the dead man on the field.
      "A few. There were not many casualties. I am glad for that." Diamond 
      smiled. "I will leave you to rest. I need you to get better for the other 
      battles." He winked a sparkling green eye at her and walked out of the 
      tent carefully replacing the flap.
      Serena blushed and looked in shock at Darien. Diamond knew the truth. She 
      looked accusingly at Darien. "You told him?"
      "He figured it out himself. I simply confirmed it. He is not an imbecile."
      "Neither are you. When did you figure it out?"
      Darien shrugged. "It did not take me long. I was sure when we stopped for 
      a break." He winked at her. "You ran off into the woods so that I wouldnt 
      figure it out. But you succeeded in the opposite." He shook his head and 
      laughed.
      "Are you going to tell everyone?" Serena wasnt sure if she wanted to tell 
      anyone yet.
      "You want to continue with the charade?" He looked confused.
      "I dont know." She was so confused. "Can you tell me about this legend?"
      "Legend?"
      "You know the legend of the warrior maid. I heard some boys talking about 
      her today."
      "Why do you want to know about her?" Darien didnt look impressed.
      "Please just tell me." Closed her eyes, succumbing to her sudden fatigue.
      Darien put a gently hand on her cheek. "Rest now. I will tell you in the 
      morning."
      Serena couldnt be sure but she thought she felt his lips graze her cheek.
      ----
      Dariens booming voice woke her early the next morning.
      "Come on sleepy head. Time to get up."
      Serena opened her eyes to see Darien offering her another plate of food. 
      She blinked away the last remnants of sleep and carefully sat up with his 
      help. "Thanks."
      "Here, I brought you some food." Darien looked away when her shirt opened 
      a little when she moved.
      Serena quickly closed it up again and took the plate and nibbled nervously 
      at the slices of apple and bread.
      "How are you feeling?" he hazarded a tentative look and then turned to her 
      and sat down when he saw everything was covered again.
      "Better." She didnt want to tell him that she felt like she had been run 
      over by a truck. Darien didnt look like he believed her. "A little 
      better."
      He shook his head in disbelief. "Stubborn. Do you think you are well 
      enough to ride? We are breaking up camp and heading back to the castle."
      "Uh, I dont know if I can ride yet." She tried to move her leg and 
      groaned in agony.
      Darien put a hand on her shoulder. "You will ride with me then. Ill leave 
      you to get dressed." He picked up the empty plate.
      "Uh my lord?" he turned. "I think Ill need a little help." Serena could 
      barely move her injured limbs.
      "Of course." Darien helped her undress. He couldnt help but notice 
      Serenas body. She was lean and fit and if it wasnt for the bandages she 
      would be perfect. Feeling like a cad, he closed his eyes while he helped 
      her into a pair of breeches and a new shirt.
      Serena was aware of him looking at her and tried to get dressed as quickly 
      as she could. Dariens hand lightly touched the skin on her shoulder and 
      they both stopped. Her eyes darted to meet his burning blue ones. As corny 
      as it sounded, for a moment the world stood still. Serena couldnt believe 
      it. She never thought that she would ever have that happen to her. Her 
      eyes grew wide when he moved closer. Heart pounding, Serena closed her 
      eyes and knew that he was going to kiss her.
      Darien cleared his throat and moved back. His voice was husky when he 
      whispered, "Its time to go."
      Conscious of the feeling of disappointment, Serena got up careful to keep 
      her eyes off of his. "Lets go." She picked up her bag and stubbornly 
      hobbled to the door.
      "I can carry that." Darien tried to take the bag from her but she moved it 
      out of reach.
      "I can do it." Samson was tied to a peg next to the tent. She walked over 
      and pet him then slung the bag over his back. Silently she helped Darien 
      with the tent as best she could. That done she got on Samsons back with 
      great difficulty. She knew that Darien was watching her every move so she 
      tenaciously gritted her teeth and bore the pain. Maybe it was stubbornness 
      or maybe it was because she was hurt that he didnt kiss her. Whatever the 
      case she wasnt going to let him see her vulnerable. She turned to him 
      casually. "Are you ready to go?" She forced her voice to be light.
      Darien studied her for a moment then nodded. He swung himself up onto 
      Goliath and kicked his sides. They were off.
      The ride was excruciatingly long. With each step Samson took, pain jolted 
      through Serenas body. It was almost unbearable when Darien stopped next 
      to a large tree.
      "Would you like a snack?" He handed her an apple like he did on the first 
      ride. Darien didnt say anything when she opted to stay on her horse.
      Serena chewed on her apple uninterestedly. "Thanks, my lord." She looked 
      around at the trees, the birds in the sky, the dead tree stump that was 
      decomposing on the ground, anything but Darien.
      "Darien."
      "Huh?" Serena looked at him now. He was smiling at her warmly, a gentle if 
      slightly crooked smile.
      "Just call me Darien."
      "Is that proper? You know with everyone thinking that Im a squire." She 
      wasnt sure if she wanted to get too close to him. Especially if she was 
      going to leave him behind when she went home.
      "It will be fine. So you have decided to keep up the charade."
      "Yes, just until I can figure out what is going on." She waved at Colin as 
      he rode past them then turned back to Darien.
      "What do you mean?" He looked puzzled.
      "Can you tell me about the legend now?" Serena took one last bite and gave 
      Samson her core. "You told me you were going to tell me in the morning."
      Darien followed her example and gave Goliath a bit of his apple. "Of 
      course, I forgot. What would you like to know?" his shining eyes caught 
      hers for a second.
      Serena blinked, breaking the contact. "Tell me everything you know about 
      it."
      "Yes. As children we are told of a warrior maiden who comes from another 
      world to save ours when times seem the most grim. She will have amazing 
      ability for arms and strategy and will materialize out of a cerulean 
      light. That is all I remember." Darien got back on Goliath. "Ready?"
      "Yes."
      He rode next to her at a slower pace now. "Why do you want know about 
her?"
      Darien would think she was crazy if she told him that she thought it might 
      be her. "Cerulean. Thats blue right?"
      "Like the sky." He waved his hand over his head at the bright blue sky 
      above.
      "I thought so." Blue like the light that came out of her computer. It was 
      her! The realization hit her like a 2x4 in the gut. That meant that she 
      had to be in the middle of more battles like the one yesterday. Her head 
      went light at the thought. Serena wasnt sure if she could handle another 
      one. How could she possibly be the warrior maid of legend?
      Darien looked over at Serena and saw how pale she was. "Serena?" Darien 
      managed to cushion her fall when she slid limply out of her saddle.
      When she came to, an hour later, she was back in her room in the castle. 
      This time when she sat up there was someone there to help her.
      "Darien. What happened?" The last thing that she remembered was riding 
      back to the castle with Darien.
      "You fainted." Darien looked incredibly angry. "How are you feeling now?"
      "Better. I take it you brought me back." He nodded. "Thank you."
      "You dont have to thank me." He got up from the small wooden chair and 
      poked at the fire.
      What was he so angry at? Serena sat up and slowly got out of bed.
      "Here." Darien handed her a wooden crutch. "The prince thought that you 
      might need this."
      "The prince?" Why would he care about her?
      "He wants to talk to you." Darien opened the door and walked with her down 
      the corridor. It was slow going, and some time later they arrived at the 
      main hall again. The prince looked like a prowling tiger as he paced back 
      and forth.
      "Your majesty?" Serena made her way over to him slowly.
      "Ah." He smiled happily at Serena then looked at Darien. "Thank you 
      Colville. That will be all."
      Dismissed, Darien looked like he was about to say something, but he 
      whirled around and left, slamming the heavy doors behind him.
      "How are you feeling?" Diamonds green eyes caught hers .He smiled gently 
      and supported her weight, leading her to the throne. "Sit, please." Serena 
      sat on the carved seat while Diamond kneeled in front of her so that they 
      were eye level with each other.
      "Sire. This is your seat. Its not right." Serena was confused, why was he 
      being so nice to her?
      "No you need it more than I."
      Serena smiled at him. "Thank you."
      "No, I should thank you."
      "Why thank me? I havent done anything."
      "You are here. Can you not see? You are the woman from the prophecy." He 
      looked her straight in the eye.
      Shaking her head vigorously, Serena tried to get up. "No I cant be. Its 
      impossible."
      Diamond put a hand on her shoulder. "You are." His voice was so certain. 
      "Tell me how you came to be here in my kingdom?"
      "I was sucked into my computer while I was checking my email." Serena 
      replied with out thinking. She nearly laughed at his expression. He looked 
      completely confused by what she said. "Never mind."
      He put his hand on hers. "No continue."
      "Then this blue light sucked me up and the next thing I knew I was here." 
      She couldnt make it any simpler.
      "You see." He was smiling widely now. "Exactly how the legend depicts it."
      "But..."
      "But what? You are a woman, you proved yourself to be an exceptional 
      archer and you are a maiden are you not?"
      Serena just stared at him for a moment not believing how blunt he was 
      being. "Thats none of your business." Her tone was flat.
      He smiled knowingly. "You are. "
      Serena didnt answer him.
      "See it is you. You are the warrior maiden." He took a look at her 
      clothes. "Why are you still dressed as a boy?"
      "I prefer it." Serena had always liked jeans more than she did pretty 
      dresses. "Im more comfortable in them."
      "You are a strange one. Tell me. What is it like where you are from? Is it 
      very different?"
      Nodding, Serena answered. "Yes, very."
      He took her hand in his and covered it with his other. "Tell me all about 
      it. I want to know everything about you." Without warning he brushed his 
      lips over hers.
      Serena sat stunned. "M...majesty-" He didnt move back.
      "Diamond." He laughed. "Call me Diamond, uh...I do not know your name."
      "Serena." She was flustered still from his kiss.
      "Serena." He repeated her, letting her name roll off his tongue. He traced 
      the line of her nose with his forefinger. "A very beautiful name for a 
      very beautiful woman.
      Serena blushed. "Th...thank you, Diamond."
      The door swung open with a bang. Darien strode in and stood in the middle 
      of the room. Unconsciously Serena backed away from Diamond when she saw 
      Darien. She saw his eyes narrow before he bowed.
      "Sire. Edwins men have attacked another village. We must move at once."
      Diamond got up immediately. "Get the soldiers ready!" It was obvious he 
      expected Darien to leave them, but he didnt move. "Colville, did you hear 
      me?"
      "Yes sire, but I must help Serena to her room." He walked over to the 
dais.
      Diamond paused for a beat, the nodded. "Escort her to my chambers. She 
      will be safest there."
      Serena objected. "I will be fine in my room, Diamond." Stubbornly, she 
      refused their extended hands and got up herself using the crutch.
      "Serena," his voice rang clear in the room. "You will stay in my chambers 
      tonight." Diamond got up and strode majestically from the room.
      Not knowing what to say Serena hopped off of the dais and headed toward 
      the door. "Thank you Darien, but I can make it to my room on my own."
      He easily caught up with her and put his arm around her waist gently, 
      taking some of the weight off of her. "You are to go to the princes 
      chamber tonight." His voice was uncharacteristically quiet.
      "I will be fine in my own room. I can get guards there too cant I?" It 
      didnt feel right staying in some mans room.
      "It was a royal request. You must comply." Darien did not sound at all 
      happy.
      "Darien. Please is there some way I can get out of it?" she got edgier 
      with every step. If it hadnt been for her leg she would have run for it.
      "No, you must." They stopped in front of an ornately carved door with a 
      guard on either side. "We are here." Darien turned to the guards. "Woodard 
      will be spending the night here." Ignoring their puzzled looks Darien 
      helped her past them and into the room.
      Serena took a look around. It looked nothing like her or Dariens room. 
      The wooden furniture was ornately carved and tapestries and skins 
      decorated the walls. Serenas eyes were drawn to the focal point of the 
      room. Diamonds bed was enormous and was lavishly decorated with heavy 
      curtains of red and blue. Serena turned to Darien. "I dont want to stay 
      here."
      "Serena...I must leave." Darien made sure she was supporting her full 
      weight before he completely let go of her. "If you need anything, just 
      tell the guards."
      He stood her in the middle of the room and left. Stuck in the room Serena 
      stared miserably out of the window. She watched Darien and Diamond get 
      onto their horses and lead the troops out of the confines of the castle. 
      She saw Darien, who was now wearing chain mail, take one last look at the 
      window before they disappeared out of sight. She turned to the fire and 
      stared at the flickering flames, how did she get herself into this?
      "I have to get out of here." Leaning over as far as she could without 
      falling over, Serena struck the door with her crutch. "Guards!"
      They opened the doors. "What is it?" they looked annoyed and didnt bother 
      looking at her.
      "Im going for a walk." Serena moved past them and down the corridor. She 
      realized that she hadnt seen very much of the castle at all since she got 
      here. It was nice being able to move at her own pace and not have to try 
      and keep up with anyone. It was a long while before she met up with anyone 
      in the corridors. The women she encountered were extravagantly dressed in 
      furs and jewellery. Serena could only guess that they were part of the 
      court.
      As she approached them one of the women noticed her and called attention 
      to her. The rest of them turned and stared at her then approached her.
      "You are Woodard?" a pretty raven-haired girl who couldnt have been more 
      than sixteen spoke first. She gave Serena an awestruck look. "We heard how 
      you battled bravely. How are you feeling?" She tenderly ran her hand over 
      Serenas arm obviously enamoured with her.
      Serena nearly started laughing at how absurd the situation was, but 
      controlled herself so she didnt give herself away. "Im much better now, 
      thank you." She made sure that she didnt speak anymore than she had to.
      "I am Gwendolyn." She smiled prettily. "This is Gillian, Anne and 
      Katherine." The women smiled and waved. "Would you like to join us?"
      The older looking woman, Anne, tutted, "Now Gwendolyn a man such as 
      Woodard would not be interested in women things."
      Serena noticed that they had pieces of embroidery with them. They were 
      obviously working on them before she arrived. "That would be nice." It 
      definitely would be better than being trapped in that room all alone. She 
      leaned up against the cold stone wall getting comfortable when she felt 
      someone watching her.
      "I think Woodard would be bored with such things."
      Serena recognized the slimy voice before she turned to see who it was.
      Ralph walked over to them smiling broadly. There was just something about 
      him that gave Serena the creeps. He put his hand on her shoulder. Serena 
      fought the instinct to shrug him off and move as far away from him as she 
      could. "Hello Collinwood."
      "Woodard. Good to see you up and about. I heard that you were injured 
      quite badly." He hardly looked concerned as he fiddled with a loose thread 
      on her jerkin. .
      "Why arent you with the other men defending the village?" Serena wondered 
      how he got out of it.
      He held up his hand. It was bandaged neatly with pristine white bandages. 
      "I am injured like yourself."
      Serena seriously doubted he was injured as much as she was. "I see. You 
      should go rest your hand. Im off to rest as well." She was going to wait 
      until he was gone and then continue on her exploration of the castle.
      "I will accompany you then. My room is near yours." Ralph went to put his 
      hand under her arm to steady her but Serena moved out of reach.
      "I am ok. I can do it myself." She hopped on the spot, spinning to face 
      the women. "It was nice meeting you all." She smiled at them, trying not 
      to make eye contact with the blushing Gwendolyn.
      Serena started heading down the hall, moving as quickly as she could with 
      the crutch. Ralph caught up with her and kept by her side. "You are a good 
      archer. I saw you during the battle. Very impressive. Where did you 
learn?"
      Looks like he wants to have a conversation. "Dar...Lord Colville taught 
      me." Serena hoped he didnt catch her little slip. One look at him told 
      her he didnt notice.
      He looked puzzled. "How is that? He just found you only a few days ago." 
      His beady eyes looked into hers. "You have had formal training before of 
      course."
      "No I touched a bow for the first time a couple of days ago." Serena 
      gritted her teeth and stopped talking. She already told him too much. 
      Serena noticed the guards as they walked past Diamonds room. Serena saw 
      her chance to get away. "I am at my room."
      He laughed; it was a harsh humorless sound. "Do not be silly. This is the 
      princes chamber."
      "I know." Serena hopped past the guards and opened the door. "Good night 
      Collinwood."
      He nodded, his eyes hard on hers. "Good night Woodard."
      Serena shut the door in his face. "Ugh." Someone had been in the room and 
      had stoked the fire. The red flames were high and bright, inviting someone 
      to curl up and sit by it. Serena ignored the invitation and instead moved 
      herself to the window. She watched as a cloud enveloped the moon, 
      darkening the sky even more. "I wonder where Darien is." The advantage to 
      Diamonds room was a wonderful view of the courtyard and the gates. She 
      would be able to see the moment they returned. Serena gave up on exploring 
      the castle that night. She didnt want to run into Ralph again. So she sat 
      and waited at the window until the men returned. Serena fell asleep on a 
      chair long before that happened.
      "Serena. Serena wake up."
      Serena opened her eyes when she heard the deep voice. "Darien?" Groggy, 
      she murmured the name before she thought about it.
      "No, Diamond." He smiled and spoke gently to her. "Come. Off to bed with 
      you." Easily, Diamond cradled her in his arms and laid her gently in the 
      bed. "Good night." He kissed her tenderly and then replaced her in the 
      chair.
      "Sire. I mean Diamond. I have my own room. This is your bed. Its not 
      right." Serena tried to get out of bed but couldnt get out before he got 
      to her.
      "Serena. I just want to make sure you are safe. There is no other room 
      safer than this one. Now get a good nights rest." Diamond returned to his 
      chair and settled in.
      Serena sat in the bed watching him. It was sweet really. Serena watched 
      the firelight play off of his features. Diamond was a handsome man with 
      strong features. Yet he wasnt as appealing as Darien in Serenas mind. 
      There was an alluring quality to Dariens ruggedness, something that 
      wasnt there when she looked at Diamond. She watched his chest rise and 
      fall rhythmically. He was asleep. Diamond must have been so tired to fall 
      asleep so quickly.
      Serena crept out of bed as silently as she could and stood next to his 
      slumbering form. She put a hand on his cheek then snuck past him and out 
      of the room. Serena thought about Diamond as she made her way down the 
      quiet corridor to her own room. I wonder why he doesnt have a wife yet. 
      Hes such a sweet man he deserves to be happy. About half way to her room 
      she stopped to look at the sunrise out of one of the windows.
      The dawn cast a rosy glow on the whole scene outside that took Serenas 
      breath away. She sat at gazed at the picturesque view for a while before 
      deciding to try and get some more sleep.
      "Good morning Serena."
      Serena turned at the familiar deep voice. "Darien. Good morning." He 
      looked tired. Even his blue eyes, which usually had a happy twinkle to 
      them, seemed duller. "You look so tired." She gasped when she saw the cut 
      on his cheek, almost on the same spot as his scar. "What happened?" Serena 
      brought her fingers to it without a thought.
      "It is nothing. Just a scratch." He put his hand over hers. "Do not worry 
      yourself." His rough hand closed around hers and brought it back down to 
      her side. "What of Diamond?"
      "He is asleep." She looked at him. "Why arent you sleeping? You must be 
      so tired."
      He shook his head. "I cannot. I was going for a walk to clear my head. 
      Would you join me?"
      "Sure." He must still be wound up about the village being attacked. Darien 
      steadied her while she turned around and slowly started walking. "So what 
      happened at the village?"
      Darien sighed. "Some of Edwins men apparently attacked it, setting fire 
      to it."
      Serena put her hand to her mouth in horror. "How can anyone do that? 
      Thats terrible! Did you manage to stop them?"
      "No." his voice was tired. "They were gone long before we arrived. The 
      village was in ruins. Only a few people were able to escape."
      "Oh my. Is there anything I can do to help?"
      "Get better. Then you can help us rid the kingdom of such evil."
      Serena stopped walking. "How could I possibly help?"
      "You are the warrior we have been waiting for. Diamond is certain of 
this."
      "And what do you think?"
      "It matters not what I think."
      "Tell me what you think."
      "It is possible. Very possible. But I need more proof. Something more than 
      the fact that you are a woman who can battle."
      "I see." She grew quiet and started walking again. "So how can I help if I 
      am not the warrior?"
      "You can still battle. And you have influence over the prince."
      "What? How can I have influence over him?"
      "He is in love with you." Darien looked out of another window.
      Shocked. Serena stood staring at the back of his head. "What? Thats 
      impossible. He just met me."
      Darien didnt look at her. "He has been waiting for the warrior maiden to 
      appear. Since he was a child, after he heard the story he has been certain 
      there is no other woman for him. Since he is convinced that you are she. 
      He intends to make you his wife."