
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 3
      "His what? Nope. No way." Serena was on the move again. This time back 
      toward her room. This was absurd. She barely knew him.
      "Serena!" Darien was right beside her in a flash. "What is wrong?" 
      Serena's reaction was so severe that it surprised him. He always thought 
      women would do anything to marry a prince. Over the years he had seen 
      endless streams of women throw themselves at Diamond. Serena obviously 
      didn't care that he was a prince.
      "Nothing. I just need to think."
      "Is there someone else?" He looked at her pensive expression. It was as if 
      she was thinking of someone. Darien found himself hoping to god that he 
      was that someone.
      "Yes. No. I don't know. I'm just confused and tired." She looked at him. 
      She didn't want Diamond. Serena realized now that she wanted the man next 
      to her.
      Darien put a hand on her shoulder. "Serena please talk to me."
      She spun around. "Darien, I-"
      His lips stopped hers from moving. They were hard at first bruising her 
      lips. Then gradually they softened, moving over hers gently, seductively. 
      Serena closed her eyes and kissed him back. She was trembling when he 
      pulled back.
      "Serena-"
      Serena kissed him this time cutting off his apology. A hand on both of his 
      cheeks, feeling the rough stubble there, she lost herself in the sensation 
      of warmth and excitement. Darien put his arms around her, pulling her to 
      him. Serena moulded herself against his hard body and shivered at the feel 
      of his muscled chest against her soft one. A long while later she pulled 
      back and looked into his shining sapphire eyes. She saw her own feelings 
      mirrored there.
      Darien carefully picked her up and carried her to his room and laid her on 
      the bed. He went to work on the large jerkin she religiously wore at 
      bedtime to hide her femininity. Easily he undid the ties and took it off, 
      slinging it to the floor. He drew back a little to look at her. He could 
      see why she wore the jerkin. Through the linen shirt he could see her 
      small breasts only slightly veiled by the thin fabric. He smiled as he 
      watched them tighten into peaks under his greedy gaze. Darien tugged the 
      shirt off over her head so that he could tease her breasts with his mouth. 
      His gentleness surprised even himself. He never knew he could ever want 
      anyone so much and still be so collected.
      Serena gasped when his hot mouth closed over her breast. Pure, liquid 
      pleasure coursed through her veins. Sensation after sensation collided 
      into each other as Darien did exquisite things with his tongue. She moaned 
      in protest when he moved back.
      Darien put a finger to her lips. He turned to the door. Serena did as well 
      when someone knocked again.
      "My lord!" it was Colin's voice. "Forgive me! Do you know where Woodard 
      is? Prince Diamond is looking for him."
      He looked at Serena. "I know not where he is."
      Serena nodded and hurriedly got dressed again. She hopped over to the door 
      joining their rooms and went through. Then she limped to her door and 
      opened it, sticking her head out into the hall. "Colin?"
      "Woodard. You did not answer when I knocked." He walked back to her door.
      "Sorry. I'm a heavy sleeper." Serena ran her hand through her tousled 
      hair. She definitely looked as though she had just woken up.
      Colin just looked at her. "The prince wishes to speak to you."
      Serena nodded. She knew that was coming. "Just let me-" she went to turn 
      back into her room.
      "Now." Colin put his arm under hers to support her weight. "He is very 
      anxious."
      Serena pulled her arm from his and steadied herself. "I can do it myself."
      They walked in silence for a while before Colin turned to her. "What did 
      you do?"
      Serena's face heated up. Did he know what she and Darien were doing when 
      he knocked? "W...what do you mean, what did I do?"
      "You must have done something. The prince is quite upset."
      "Is he?" Serena waited as Colin pushed open the door to the main hall 
      again. She looked to the far end. Diamond sat on his throne looking 
      positively regal. Sapphire was there along with a few men she didn't 
      recognize. Diamond saw her come in and waved his hand. All the men but 
      Sapphire left the room.
      She waited until the doors were closed again. "Diamond, you wanted to see 
      me?" Serena saw Sapphire's eyes widen at the way she addressed his brother 
      so informally.
      Diamond put his hand out before his brother could shout at her. "It is 
ok."
      "But brother-"
      Serena sighed. He'll find out sooner or later. She pulled her hair loose 
      and took off the jerkin. The sunlight shone through the thin shirt from 
      behind, showing off her slim figure. Sapphire's eyes widened even more.
      "What it this?" he looked at Diamond.
      Diamond was beaming now. "Woodard is the warrior maiden. Her name is 
      Serena."
      Sapphire stared at her. Serena replaced the jerkin. "What did you want 
      Diamond?"
      He came to her and held her in his arms. "Why did you leave?" He helped 
      her to the throne.
      "I was restless." She sat down. "I'm sorry I must have worried you."
      He put his hand in her hair. "I was. I do not know what we would do 
      without you." He smiled. "I take it from your little display that you want 
      it known that you are a woman."
      Serena thought about Gwendolyn and her mistake and nodded. "Yeah it's 
      probably better that way."
      "Good. I'll get you some clothes."
      Sapphire looked at his brother and the way that he was looking at Serena. 
      "I'll get them. You look like you need to talk."
      He got up and left.
      Diamond sat on the arm of the throne. "Serena, my brother is right. I do 
      want to talk to you."
      Serena held her breath. Was what Darien said true? Was he in love with 
      her? Serena waited for him to talk.
      "We have to find out what it is you are to do to help us. If you are the 
      one that is prophesized to come we have to find out for sure."
      Serena released the breath she'd been holding. "How do we do that?"
      "I have been told that there is a wise man in a village not too far from 
      here."
      "So we just go there and he'll tell us?" that sounded easy enough.
      "Yes." He looked over to the door. Several women were there waiting. "I 
      think your clothes are ready." Diamond helped her down. "I'll come with 
      you."
      "Oh. Ok." They walked down to her room inside were piles of clothing in a 
      rainbow of colours and styles. Serena gasped and looked at Diamond.
      "I didn't know what you would like so I got one of everything."
      "Thank you!" Serena gave him a hug.
      Diamond smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I'll leave you to get dressed."
      "I'll be out in a little while." Serena was already going through the 
      clothes.
      He looked at the women, who were standing around looking incredibly 
      confused. "Help her with whatever she needs."
      "Sire?"
      Diamond smiled at Serena and walked away. He would leave the explanations 
      to her.
      After some time Serena managed to get dressed. The women didn't believe 
      that she was a woman until she was practically naked. But the result of 
      all the fuss was worth it. Serena looked at herself in the mirror that 
      they brought with them. She was wearing a dark red velvet dress. It had an 
      empire waistline and was trimmed with fur. Serena ran her fingers over the 
      ornate embroidery on the bodice liking the way the golden thread shined in 
      the sunlight. The women busied themselves with her hair while she gazed at 
      her reflection. The long sleeves hung almost to the floor, Serena stuck 
      her hands through the openings for them. Once they were done the women 
      left her alone. She looked at her hair. It was all hidden beneath a 
      strange looking hat.
      Serena stared at it in the mirror. She looked ridiculous! It looked like 
      she was wearing a pair of horns with a veil thrown over it. She could just 
      imagine what Raye or Mina would say about it.
      Serena shrugged. They knew what they were doing. The jewellery that they 
      put on her was shining with rubies and gold. Serena touched the necklace. 
      It was too much. She would have to return it to Diamond when she saw him.
      He was so sweet to do this for her. Diamond never mentioned anything about 
      having any feelings for her. Maybe Darien was wrong about him. Darien. 
      Serena hobbled to the door and knocked.
      "Darien? Are you in there?" Serena didn't hear anything so she opened the 
      door a tiny bit and peeked inside. She nearly fell over when she heard 
      shouting from the front entrance.
      Instinctively, Serena went back into her room and picked up her cross bow 
      and arrows then moved as fast as she could to the entrance of the castle.
      "Where's Darien?" a loud voice yelled for Darien. Serena thought she could 
      hear another one join it as well. What was going on? Why were they after 
      Darien? Heart pounding she walked faster. They sounded angry and from what 
      she'd learned about this place, that could mean they were capable of 
      anything.
      Darien got to the entrance at same moment she did. Serena jumped in front 
      of him and aimed the weapon at the men. They were huge but it didn't 
      bother her, just as long as Darien didn't get hurt. She was thrown off 
      guard when they smiled broadly at her and Darien.
      "Darien! Don't tell me you have a woman guarding you!" The larger of the 
      two laughed heartily, the sound echoed off the stone walls.
      "Geoffrey! Christopher!" Darien put a hand on Serena's shoulder. "It is 
      ok, Serena. They are my brothers."
      Serena exhaled. His brothers. She let the weapon drop to her side. "Sorry 
      about that." She held out her hand to them. "I'm Serena Woodard."
      "Woodard?" They took turns kissing the back of her hand. "Any relation to 
      that Woodard at the battle?"
      Serena turned to Darien. He grinned. "She is the Woodard from the battle."
      Their eyes widened. "Not seriously."
      They nodded at Darien's dumbfounded brothers. They smiled. Christopher, 
      the smaller one nodded at the crossbow. "That would explain that then."
      Darien looked at her and his eyes widened. "Serena..." she looked 
      incredible. "You're wearing women's clothing." Darien's eyes lingered when 
      they reached her breasts, and remembered the way she responded to him. On 
      their journey downward, his eyes narrowed when he saw the expensive 
      material and the jewels gleaming at her throat and wrists. He immediately 
      knew who had bought them for her.
      Serena looked down at herself. She'd forgotten that she wasn't dressed 
      like a man anymore. No wonder his brothers thought she was strange. "Yeah. 
      Do I look alright?"
      "You look wonderful!" the voice came from behind her.
      Diamond took her hands and held them out to the side so he could look at 
      her. "Stunning. Absolutely stunning."
      Darien and his brother bowed to Diamond. "Sire."
      "Hello! Good to see you!" He gave Geoffrey and Christopher hugs. "I see 
      you have met Darien's little discovery."
      They laughed. "Oh yes!"
      "We must discuss something. I will speak to you again before you leave." 
      The men nodded and Diamond led Serena down the corridor. She turned back 
      to look at Darien. He stood watching her grimly. Serena turned and 
      continued walking with Diamond. She and Darien had to talk about what had 
      happened earlier. They turned a corner and Serena bit back a groan. The 
      women that she had met the day before were standing in the hall talking 
      like before.
      Diamond noticed her hesitance but misinterpreted. "You look wonderful. 
      Better than any of them." His lips grazed her ear lobe when he spoke.
      Serena turned to him and smiled. "Thank you Diamond, but that's not why I 
      don't want to talk to them."
      "Then why?" he couldn't imagine why she would want to.
      "That girl there." She pointed at Gwendolyn. "I think she had a crush on 
      me while I was dressed as a boy."
      Diamond laughed. "No."
      Serena nodded emphatically. "Come on let's go another way. I don't want to 
      embarrass her."
      "You are kind to think of her feelings." She was a kind person yet he 
      couldn't have imagined that when he saw her on the battlefield. Serena had 
      a warrior's spirit and a woman's heart. An intriguing combination.
      "So what did you want to talk to me about?" Serena smiled relieved that 
      the pain in her leg as starting to subside. As long as she was careful it 
      didn't hurt too much when she walked.
      "I was going to ask you if you were feeling well enough to go on a search 
      for the wise man? But I can see from your expression that you are feeling 
      better."
      He was perceptive. "I think I can do that. My leg's feeling a lot better 
      now. I only have one request."
      "And what is that?"
      He looked ready to give her anything. "I want to wear my other clothes."
      Diamond laughed again, quite a pleasant sound. "What ever pleases you, my 
      lady." He bowed.
      "And who is this ravishing creature?" the slimy voice had her skin 
      crawling.
      They turned and saw Ralph walking toward them.
      "Hello Collinwood. How is your hand?"
      "Well enough to greet this vision." His took her hand and tried to kiss 
      the back.
      Serena removed her hand from his. "Hello Collinwood." Her voice was flat.
      He looked confused. "Have we met?"
      Diamond looked at Serena and saw her disgust. He opened his mouth to tell 
      him that it was Serena but she stopped him.
      "We must discuss some private matters. So if you'll excuse us." Serena 
      linked her arm with the prince's and pulled him with her.
      "You do not like Collinwood." Diamond looked at her. "Why?"
      "There is something about him that I just don't like. I don't trust him." 
      Serena noticed that Diamond didn't want to relinquish her hand. She pulled 
      it gently from his grasp. "When do you want to leave for the search?"
      "Whenever you are ready."
      "Who else are we taking with us?"
      "Probably Colville and Colin." He turned to her. "You do not harbour any 
      ill will toward them do you?"
      Quite the opposite for one of them actually. "Nope." Serena turned to the 
      prince and smiled. "Then could you give me a day more to recover?"
      "Of course. You can stay in my chambers tonight." Diamond kissed her hand. 
      "I trust you will not run off this time." He walked away before she could 
      reply.
      Serena walked around the castle exploring for a while after. It was 
      amazing what they had done to the place without having machinery to help 
      them with the construction. The entire complex was immense. It took 
      several hours to explore all the many halls and passages. Satisfied that 
      she had seen everything, Serena headed back to her room.
      She hadn't seen any sign of Darien the entire day, not after that 
      encounter in the entranceway. Come to think of it she hadn't seen much of 
      anyone. Serena knocked on Darien's door. "Darien? Are you there?" she 
      opened the door and looked in. Again he was nowhere in sight. "Where is 
      he?" Serena shut the door and sat down on her bed. There was a knock on 
      her door.
      "Woodard? Are you in there?"
      Serena recognized Colin's voice. She smiled. Apparently he still hadn't 
      heard the news. "What is it Colin?"
      He opened the door and came in. Colin saw Serena and his eyes widened. "I 
      am sorry for the intrusion milady, but where is-" he looked around the 
      room obviously looking for Steven Woodard.
      Serena stood up. "Colin it's me."
      He looked at her. He blinked his eyes a few times then looked at her 
      again. "Woodard? What are you doing in a dress?"
      Serena giggled. "Colin, I'm a woman. My real name is Serena."
      He shook his head. "No you cannot be. I saw you fight at the battle."
      "Yeah so? Just because I know how to use a bow it means that I can't be a 
      woman?"
      He walked closer and looked at her, eyes sweeping from head to toe. "It is 
      true!" That would explain some things. Like the way he's seen her looking 
      at Lord Colville.
      "What did you want Colin?"
      "Lady Serena. The prince needs you. It is urgent." He held his arm out to 
      her.
      Serena put her hand on his arm and followed him out. He hurriedly led her 
      to Diamond's room. Serena pushed open the door and walked in.
      Diamond was in bed looking very pale.
      Serena frowned. "Diamond? What's the matter?" she knelt down next to him 
      and put a hand on his forehead. He was cold and sweating profusely. 
      "Diamond, tell me what happened." He was very ill.
      "Serena." He took a laboured breath. "I do not know. I was eating dinner 
      and all of a sudden I felt very ill. I sent Colin to find you over an hour 
      ago."
      "I was exploring the castle." No wonder she hadn't seen anyone. She bet 
      that everyone was tending to the prince. "How do you feel?"
      "Terrible. I barely...have the strength...to breathe." He hardly got the 
      words out before he started coughing hoarsely.
      Serena's eyes widened. "Then don't talk." She got up and stuck her head 
      out into the hall. Colin was leaning against the wall waiting. "Colin. Are 
      there physicians around anywhere?"
      "Yes."
      "Go get the best ones quick!" she shut the door again. Serena went to the 
      fireplace and threw a few more logs on, watching the flames leap. 
      Satisfied that the room would be warm enough she went back to Diamond and 
      leaned over him.
      "It'll be ok. I'm sure the doctors can take care of you." The veil on her 
      head kept getting the way so she tore the entire headdress off of her head 
      and tossed it to the floor.
      Diamond touched her hair as it cascaded down to him. Smiling weakly he 
      closed his eyes.
      Serena decided to sit by his side until the physicians arrived, so she 
      could keep an eye on him. Some serving women came by bringing some wine 
      and water for Diamond. Serena was glad for that because he was sweating so 
      much. She gently brought the goblet to his lips so that he could drink. He 
      drank the entire contents in one gulp. She filled it again and again until 
      he couldn't take any more. Still, a couple of hours later, Diamond didn't 
      look any better. If it had been food poisoning surely it would have passed 
      by now. Frustrated, Serena got up and paced. Where the hell were these 
      doctors?
      On her tenth pass of the fireplace there was finally a knock on the door. 
      Serena scrambled to answer it. Colin stood on the other side with an 
      elderly gentleman.
      "Milady, he is the only one I could find."
      Serena was relieved that he could at least find one. "Thank you Colin. 
      Good job." She pulled the other man into the room, not noticing Colin's 
      blush at her praise. She turned to the man. "You have to help the prince. 
      He's very ill."
      He nodded his silvery head. "Milady, if you will leave me-"
      "I insist on staying." As if to prove her point she knelt beside the bed 
      and took Diamond's hand.
      "But-"
      "Please don't argue with me!" Serena looked at Diamond's pallor. "Please!"
      The doctor looked over Diamond careful to keep the lower part of his 
      anatomy covered, not very impressed that Serena insisted on staying in the 
      room. She wasn't going to leave him until she knew he was going to be ok. 
      The man stood up finally and looked at her. "We will have to bleed him. 
      There are bad humours inside and we must let them out or else he will 
die."
      Bleed him? Then Serena remembered what that meant. He'd cut open Diamond 
      and let him bleed, probably to death. "Are you crazy! I'm not letting you 
      bleed him!" Serena stepped in between him and Diamond. "You'll kill him!"
      "Get out of the way stupid woman!" He had already picked up a knife, the 
      one that Serena had been using to cut up apples, and tried to push her out 
      of the way.
      Serena shoved him back with all her strength. "No! I'll tend to him 
      myself!" Keeping a hand on him she turned to the door and shouted, 
      "Colin!" Serena knelt down close enough to whisper into Diamond's ear. "Do 
      you trust me?"
      He barely opened his eyes when he whispered, "With my life."
      Colin timidly stuck his head in the door. "Milady?"
      Serena stood back up and pointed at the doctor. "Take this man out of 
      here."
      Colin did as he was told. The man's shouts could be heard down the 
      corridor. "She will kill him! You are making a grave mistake!"
      Serena slammed the door and walked back to Diamond. Was she making a 
      mistake? She shook her head to herself. No. She couldn't let some maniac 
      cut him open because he thought there were bad 'humours' inside of him. 
      Serena pulled the chair over and sat down. Diamond looked so ill. She put 
      her hand on his. She would stay with him. It was the least she could do in 
      return for his kindness. She gently sponged his forehead and chest and 
      desperately tried to think of something she could do for her friend.
      A few hours later Diamond opened his eyes a little and looked at her. 
      "Serena."
      She smiled at him and leaned forward in her chair. "Diamond. Are you 
      feeling better?" She touched his cheek and forehead.
      "A little. Thank you for staying with me." He had heard everything that 
      had gone on the in room while he was asleep.
      "Not a problem. Can I get you anything?"
      "I could use another drink."
      "Sure." Serena stood up and went to fill the goblet for him, but there was 
      not even half a cup left in the pitcher. "Hold on." She opened the door to 
      see if Colin was there but he wasn't. "Diamond I'll have to go get you 
      some. I'll be right back ok?" she left when he nodded.
      Torches lit the hallway in a dim, eerie glow. She hadn't realized how late 
      it had gotten. A little frightened she walked faster. She walked past the 
      hall that led to her and Darien's rooms. Serena kept walking. She wondered 
      where he was. It was strange not seeing him for such a long stretch. She 
      made a mental note to ask the next person she saw if they knew where he 
      was.
      Serena carefully made her way down some narrow stairs into the kitchen. A 
      couple of women were washing dishes and chatting quietly.
      "'ave you seen tha' woman wi' the prince?"
      "Aye! She is so beautiful! I wonder where she came from. Must be foreign."
      They must be talking about her. Serena hung back to eavesdrop a little.
      "Well wa' ever the case Duncan told me tha' Lord Colville is seeing red 
      about the 'ole thing."
      "Really? Why?" The voice sounded very interested in the gossip.
      Serena was very interested as well.
      "I think the prince has taken 'er from 'im. But who knows? She's probably 
      another girl enamoured with the idea of being the prince's wife."
      Serena gritted her teeth but stayed hidden.
      "So wha' of Lord Colville?"
      "I heard that he was so angry that he left for his own manor. But I think 
      he left because his brothers came to take him home to handle some 
matters."
      "'ave you seen 'is younger brother? I would love to get into 'is 
britches."
      Serena shook her head and walked into the room. "I need more water for the 
      prince."
      Both women nearly jumped out of their skin, then blushing turned to her. 
      "Of course milady." They younger one of the two stepped forward her 
      enormous breasts nearly popped out of her bodice in her haste. She hurried 
      away with the pitcher and started filling it up.
      Serena spine stiffened when she saw the other woman scrutinizing her 
      appearance. She was undoubtedly taking notes so she could talk about her 
      some more. Serena ignored her and brought her gaze back to the woman 
      filling the pitcher. She noticed the girl looking about in a paranoid way, 
      her eyes darted all over the room meeting Serena's a few times. Finding 
      her behaviour strange, Serena continued to watch her. She finished filling 
      it and then looked over her shoulder again and pulled a small pouch out of 
      her bodice. Serena watched her put a pinch of white power into the liquid.
      Serena walked over to her and grabbed her wrist before she could add 
      another. "What are you doing?"
      "M...milady?" her voice was barely a squeak.
      "What did you add to the water?" she knew she had seen her add something. 
      With her other hand Serena grabbed a small pouch from her belt. "What is 
      this?"
      "I...it is sugar, milady. The prince likes his water sweetened." Her eyes 
      were huge as she stared at Serena's furious expression.
      Serena let her go. There was only one way to see if that was true. "Drink 
      it." She grabbed a cup and thrust it in her face.
      "I...we...we are not permitted to drink from his majesty's cups." She 
      tried to back away.
      Serena grabbed her arm again. "I'm giving you permission. Drink it." She 
      poured some into the cup and handed it to her. "Go on."
      Serena saw the fear in her eyes when she took the cup.
      "What is going on here?" Ralph slapped the drink away from the girl. "What 
      makes you think you can drink for the prince's cup?"
      Serena was still glaring at the girl. "She has been poisoning the prince."
      His eyes were hard when they turned to the girl. "Mary! Is this true?" 
      Before she could get a word in edgewise, he slapped her across the cheek 
      then turned to Serena. "I will take care of her milady."
      Serena looked at him, then nodded. She had to get back to the prince. 
      "Fine. I want you to tell me what is going on. I'll be in the prince's 
      chambers." She went and filled another pitcher and grabbed some fruit as 
      well, then walked back to the prince's room. Why would that girl want to 
      poison Diamond? He was kind and gentle, he'd never hurt anyone. It was 
      just sick. Serena was going to find out why. But first she had to get 
      Diamond better.
      Diamond was sitting up when she walked into the room. "Diamond you're 
      feeling better?"
      "I am a little." He accepted the drink from her. "Thanks to you." He 
      looked at her and saw the perplexed expression on her face. "What's the 
      matter?"
      She should tell him the truth. He had a right to know that someone was 
      poisoning him. "Diamond. Someone has been poisoning you."
      "What?" he tried to sit up.
      Serena pushed him back down. "Relax. I caught that girl Mary trying to put 
      something in your drink. Collinwood is taking care of her right now."
      Diamond stared grimly into the fire. "We must get to the bottom of this. 
      Where is Colville?"
      Serena's heart sank. "He went home."
      "Tell Colin to get him."
      Serena jumped up. "I'll go with him."
      Diamond grasped her hand gently. "Stay here. It's too dangerous for you to 
      go out at night."
      "Then we can't let Colin go alone can we?"
      Stuck, Diamond sighed. "You are a stubborn one." He sandwiched her hand in 
      his. "At least wait until morning. Please. For me?" he gazed into her 
eyes.
      It would be safer in the morning anyway. She nodded. "Alright. I'll wait." 
      Diamond didn't let go of her when she turned toward the door. "Diamond I 
      have to go pack."
      He nodded curtly. "Be careful. Promise me that at the first sign of 
      trouble you will flee. Not stay and fight." Diamond knew her first impulse 
      was to stand her ground and the thought terrified him.
      "I promise." Serena smiled at him and left the room to pack.
      ----
      The next morning, she and Colin set out for Darien's manor. Dressed as 
      Steven once again, she checked on Diamond one more time before leaving. He 
      looked worlds better so Serena didn't feel guilty for leaving him.
      She and Colin talked the whole trip. He was quite entertaining. They were 
      laughing when they reached a small town.
      "This is Lord Colville's manor." Colin pointed at the castle on a hill.
      Serena wasn't expecting a castle. It wasn't as splendid as Diamond's but 
      it was still very impressive. "I guess we should go in huh?" she couldn't 
      wait to see him again.
      They rode over the drawbridge and into the courtyard. A young man came 
      over to take the horses. "Hey Colin! Nice to see you!"
      "Hello Bryan. Is Lord Colville inside?"
      "Yes. He is with Lady Caroline. Who is this?"
      Serena stuck out her hand automatically she wasn't even listening to him 
      now. "Woodard." Who was Lady Caroline?
      Colin looked at her. "We should get him." He dragged her along with him 
      into the forbidding stone building.
      Serena leaned to him. "Who's Caroline?"
      Colin didn't get a chance to answer. A beautiful redheaded woman walked 
      toward them joined by several other women. "Colin? Is that you?"
      Colin bowed low. "Lady Caroline."
      She looked over at Serena. "And who is this handsome young man?"
      Serena forced herself to bow. "Woodard."
      Her eyes widened and so did the other ladies'. "You are the Woodard? The 
      one from the battle?"
      Serena nodded.
      The women swarmed her then, all asking questions. They flirted and 
      giggled, completely ignorant of Serena's desperation to get away from 
      them. She looked over at Colin for help but he had collapsed against the 
      wall laughing hysterically to himself.
      Serena gritted her teeth and answered politely. Then she heard a familiar 
      voice booming down the hall.
      "What's going on here?" Darien stood at the bottom of the hall. The girls 
      parted and she saw his eyes widen when he saw her.
      Caroline swept her way down the hall and wrapped her arms around him. 
      "Darien dear heart, Woodard is here to see you."
      Serena stared at them. Betrayal and anger swept through her like wildfire. 
      Seething, her eyes were drawn to the way her fingers moved lovingly over 
      his chest. Serena tore her eyes away from her roving fingers back up to 
      Darien's face. "The prince wishes your presence at the castle, Lord 
      Colville."
      Darien barely recognized the cold lifeless voice as Serena's. "Woodard. 
      Would you like to come in for a drink?" Darien pushed Caroline's hand 
      away. He knew what she must have been thinking. It was etched all over her 
      face. He had to explain to her.
      "We really should get going. I don't want to leave the prince alone for 
      too long." Serena bowed mockingly low. "My lord." She turned and walked 
      out to her horse. She pat Samson on the neck, "The next time I look at a 
      man, just kick me in the head alright?" The horse nickered in reply. 
      "Thanks. You're a pal."
      Darien and Colin joined her a little while later. She was already astride 
      Samson when Darien threw his packs over Goliath's shoulders. Serena rode 
      ahead of them. She didn't want to look at him. So Caroline was his 
      girlfriend huh? Serena was disgusted with herself. She couldn't believe 
      that she could have let herself be used like that. Thank god for Colin. 
      Who knew what would have happened if he hadn't knocked. Serena gripped 
      Samson's reins tighter. That wasn't going to happen again.
      She kicked him into a gallop when the castle came into view. She got off 
      and handed his reins to a stable boy then took her packs off and headed 
      into the castle. She saw Ralph standing in the entrance.
      "Collinwood. What of that girl?"
      He looked confused. "How do you know about the girl?"
      Serena forgot that he didn't know who she was. "Lady Serena told me and 
      asked me to ask you for some news."
      "She has been dealt with." He didn't seem to care at all.
      "What do you mean dealt with?" Serena glared at him.
      "She has been executed." Ralph's voice was cold and emotionless.
      "What? How can you be so cold? Did you at least question her?"
      "What good would it do? She was only a stupid girl."
      "Idiot!" Serena wanted to punch him in the face but walked past him 
      instead. The stupid man. Now they would never know who was after Diamond. 
      She knocked on Diamond's door. "Diamond? Are you awake?"
      "Come in Serena." He was dressed and sitting on the edge of the bed when 
      she walked in.
      "Diamond! You're better then?" Smiling she walked up to the side of the 
      bed.
      "Yes thanks to you." He stood up and gave her a big hug. "Thank you for 
      not letting that man cut me open."
      Serena hugged him back, glad that he was better. "It's ok. You would have 
      done the same for me."
      "Hrumph!"
      She pulled back and saw Darien in the doorway.
      "Sire, Serena." He nodded to them both, his blue eyes danced angrily. "You 
      wanted to see me?"
      Diamond turned to him and nodded. Diamond saw the rage in his eyes as 
      well. "We need to talk." He touched Serena's cheek and smiled. "We will 
      talk later. There is something I want to discuss with you."
      Serena nodded. " I will see you both later." Picking up her pack she swept 
      past them both and walked to her room.
      She wanted to ask Diamond for another room but she knew what his reply 
      would be. He would just say that she should stay with him in his chambers. 
      She didn't want that either.
      Serena sighed. She would just have to keep the door to Darien's room 
      locked. She walked into her room and dropped her pack onto the floor, then 
      looked around the room. It was a mess. The women's clothing and her men's 
      clothing were still piled on her bed from when she hurriedly packed to go 
      get Darien. Like an automaton she cleared up, folding and placing 
      everything into the large trunk at the foot of her bed. She opened the 
      windows as well to get rid of that strange smell that had been bugging her 
      since she got there. Since it was obvious she wasn't going to be going 
      home anytime soon Serena decided to make the room hers.
      She had already cleaned up most of the room when there was a knock at her 
      door. "Yes?"
      "It's me." Darien stood on the other side, staring at the wooden door.
      Serena continued with her work. "What do you want?" She ferociously shook 
      a bed sheet out her window.
      "We need to talk."
      "I don't have time."
      "Well make time dammit!" The door sung open and slammed into the wall with 
      a resounding smash. Darien strode into the room and grabbed her by the 
      shoulders. "Now listen to me!"
      Serena pulled herself out of her grasp. "Listen to what? About how you 
      have a girlfriend that you didn't tell me about? About how you took 
      advantage of me?" She pointed at the door. "Get out. Get out now!"
      "And what do you do? You think I have a woman and so you run to the arms 
      of the prince?"
      "I didn't run to the arms of the prince. He was thanking me for saving his 
      life." Serena glared at him. "Why am I even explaining things to you? You 
      don't deserve it."
      "What are you talking about?" He planted his feet on the floor so that she 
      couldn't move him.
      "Nothing. Go ask Diamond. He'll tell you." She continued to push uselessly 
      at his large form. "Now get out!"
      Darien slammed the door shut. "No! We are going to talk." He grabbed her 
      arm and pulled her to the bed. Easily, he sat her down on the bed and 
      stood before her. "Now tell me what the hell is going on."
      "Diamond got sick last night. I found out that a girl had been poisoning 
      him."
      "What! What did you do to her?" His brows snapped together.
      "I let Ralph take her and now she's dead."
      "Did he question her?"
      Serena shook her head. "No. He told me it was no use and so he just killed 
      her.
      "Idiot!"
      "Happy? Now get out!" Serena was hurt that he didn't want to talk about 
      them.
      "No I'm not." Darien covered her mouth with his.
      Serena pushed him off. "Darien! Stop
      The door slammed open again. "Serena! Are you all right?" Diamond swept 
      into the room, sword drawn. "Darien what are you doing in Serena's 
      chambers?" His voice has cold as he looked at Serena's dishevelled 
      appearance and then at Darien's angry expression. He swept his sword over 
      putting it to Darien's throat. "You had better have a good explanation. 
      Get up."
      Serena stared at the two men. Darien looked incredibly calm for a man who 
      was inches away from being a shish kebab. Diamond looked ready to kill 
him.
      "We were talking."
      "That was not what it looked like to me."
      Darien stared challengingly at the prince. "Well that was what we were 
      doing."
      They stood facing each other, neither one backing down. Serena feared for 
      Darien's life. Diamond moved closer. She had never seen Diamond like this. 
      He was usually such a gentle man except when he was on the battlefield. 
      Serena held her breath when the blade touched Darien's skin.
      She jumped in between them. "Are you two crazy?" Serena swung her head 
      from one side to the other and looked into the eyes of both men. "What on 
      earth are you two thinking?" They continued to stare each other down. 
      Infuriated by their stubbornness Serena shoved them out of the way. "Fine! 
      Kill each other for all I care!" She walked out of the room.
      Darien found her later in the stables with Samson and Goliath. Serena had 
      brushed down Samson and was now working on Goliath's mane.
      "Serena."
      She could feel his presence behind her. "Darien." She brushed a bit of 
      moss out of Goliath's snow-white mane. "You two finished with your 
      testosterone display?"
      "What?"
      Serena sighed. He had no idea what she was talking about. "Nothing. What 
      do you want?"
      "We need to talk." He put his hands over her shoulders.
      "Go ahead. Talk all you want." Serena moved out of reach and started 
      brushing Goliath's side for the third time.
      "Serena, please come here." Darien followed her, only to have her move 
      again. He let out a frustrated breath. "Serena. Please." He grasped her 
      arm and pulled her to him.
      Serena pulled her arm out from his grasp. She knew she wasn't going to get 
      away from him that easily. Giving up, she looked at him. "Well then, 
talk."
      "I wanted to explain to you about Caroline. I know you are upset about 
      what you saw earlier."
      "I'm not upset." Serena fought to keep her voice calm and cool. "What you 
      do is your business."
      Darien shook her lightly. "Serena. Just stop with the act. I know what I 
      saw. You were upset. And you still are now."
      "Whatever." She didn't look at his eyes. Serena didn't want him to see how 
      hurt she was by what she saw.
      "Caroline is only interested in me for my family's wealth. I have never or 
      ever will be interested in someone like her."
      Not wanting to believe him, Serena walked over and pet Samson's neck. 
      "Like I said, you don't have to explain anything to me."
      He was beside her in an instant. Darien cupped her face in large hands and 
      turned her towards him. He leaned down, his sensuous mouth a breath away 
      from hers. "Serena, can you not see how I-"
      The stable doors swung open. Darien muttered something under his breath 
      and moved away from Serena.
      "Woodard?"
      Serena recognized Colin's voice and stepped out of the stall. "Yes Colin?"
      He gave her a relieved look. "I have been searching for you for hours." He 
      ran up to her. "The prince wishes to speak with you." Colin bowed when he 
      saw Darien. "Lord Colville." He saw the annoyed look on Darien's face and 
      decided it was best to get as far from him as possible. He gave Serena a 
      desperate look. "Come with me please."
      She nodded. Then looked at Darien. "We'll talk later ok?" She waited until 
      he nodded then followed Colin.
      "Woodard?" Colin's voice was suddenly shy.
      Serena smiled at him. "What is it, Colin?"
      "What do I call you? Lady Serena? Or Woodard?"
      "Whatever's easiest. You can call me Serena if you like."
      "Oh I cannot!"
      "Why not? Where I'm from every calls each other by the first name if they 
      are friends."
      "You think of me as a friend?"
      Serena saw his blush and ruffled his hair. "Yup. Tell you what. If you see 
      me in a dress call me Lady Serena. If you see me in boy's clothes call me 
      Woodard. Ok?"
      "Yes ma'am."
      Diamond, dressed in plain leather clothing, was astride his horse waiting 
      for her in the courtyard. "Serena. Where did you run off to? I was 
      starting to get worried." He leaned down, extending his hand to her. 
      "Would you like to go for a ride?"
      Serena started to shake her head. "Diamond-"
      "Please. I could use the company." He gave her a disarming smile. 
"Please."
      She sighed. "Ok. Just let me get Samson." Serena went to turn and head 
      back to the stables but before she could put her boot down for her first 
      step Diamond scooped her up and sat her down in front of him.
      Darien came out of the stable in time to see them gallop off. Gritting his 
      teeth he headed back into the castle promising himself that he would 
      finish their talk later that night. Even if he had to drag her out of the 
      prince's chamber himself.
      ----
      Diamond guided the horse towards the forest. The shade of the trees felt 
      nice on Serena's skin. She still couldn't get over how much she loved the 
      smells of the forest. The invigorating smell of pine, and the sweet scent 
      of wildflowers. It was so much better than smog and exhaust. Serena 
      realized with a start that she could barely recall the atmosphere of city 
      life. It seemed like a whole other lifetime. Serena leaned down and 
      stroked the horse's mane before she realized that it wasn't Goliath. She 
      pulled her hand back. She could feel a rumbling of laughter in Diamond's 
      chest.
      "Why are you laughing Diamond?"
      "You act like he just burnt you." Diamond reached down with his right hand 
      and stroked his mane. "Thor likes it. Do not worry."
      Serena patted Thor's neck. "He looks a lot like Goliath."
      "Yes they are twins."
      "I see. So are we going anywhere in particular?"
      "No. Just for a ride. I thought you might enjoy the scenery." He pointed 
      at the tall trees. "Do you get anything like this where you come from?"
      "No. We have huge buildings that block out the sky." She leaned back and 
      looked up at the canopy of leaves.
      "You have no trees?"
      "A few. But nothing like this. At least not where I live." She tracked a 
      leaf as it fell to the ground among some flowers. Serena stared at the 
      vivid shades of pinks and purples.
      "Would you like a closer look?" Diamond's deep voice was soft. He got off 
      first and then help her off Thor's back. He held her up in the air for a 
      moment before slowly lowering her, sliding her down his chest.
      Serena looked up at him when her feet finally touched the ground. It was 
      the first time that she'd taken the time to really look at him. He had 
      gentle green eyes with flecks of brown in them. She noticed faint laugh 
      lines around his eyes and smiled. His nose was straight, his chin strong. 
      Diamond was a very attractive man.
      Diamond smiled back at Serena. He bent down and picked a handful of 
      flowers and presented them to her, bowing low and offering them over his 
      arm. "Milady."
      Serena didn't know what to say. She had a prince bowing before her. "Thank 
      you, Diamond." She accepted them and inhaled the fresh scent. He was such 
      a sweet man. If only she wasn't thinking of someone else. She could 
      probably really fall for him.
      "Serena, I want you to know how I feel about you." He took her hands in 
      his and held them to his heart. "I want you to know that I truly love 
you."
      Serena's eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Diamond, you can't. You 
      don't even know me."
      "But I do. I have since I first saw you. I have thought of nothing else." 
      He kissed her gently on the lips.
      Startled, Serena moved back. "Please, Diamond."
      Diamond moved back and took Thor's reins. "I know things in your world are 
      probably different. I am prepared to do anything to be worthy of your 
      love." He took her hand in his free one and kissed it. "Anything."
      Serena looked into his eyes and saw how serious he was. She opened her 
      mouth but no sounds came out. What could she say to such a heartfelt 
      expression of his emotions? Serena tried again.
      Diamond put a finger over her lips. "Not now. Wait until you get to know 
      me." He led Serena around trees and through tall grasses, showing her 
      beautiful trees and flowers.
      Serena looked in awe at all the beautiful flora and fauna. The sun had 
      started to set, giving the forest subdued lighting. She turned to Diamond 
      and saw him gazing at her. "Should we be heading back? It'll be getting 
      dark soon."
      "In a moment. I want to show you something." He smiled handsomely. "Close 
      your eyes."
      Serena looked at him questioningly. She smiled at the pleading look he 
      gave her and complied. She felt him take her hand and lead her slowly 
      forward. After about ten steps, he stopped and put his arm around her 
      shoulders.
      "Open your eyes."
      A lush, green valley spread out before her. Diamond had led her to a cliff 
      overlooking the most spectacular view she had ever seen. Splotches of 
      flowers dotted the landscape with vivid colours. She could see tall trees 
      swaying in the breeze their leaves dancing to a melody all their own. 
      Birds flew in the sky swooping and playing. Even the clouds seemed to be 
      alive, slowly sliding across the plum coloured sky. It didn't look real. 
      Serena reached out in front of her, making sure it wasn't a painting.
      It wasn't. "Oh Diamond! This is spectacular!" she spun around and met his 
      happy smile with her own.
      "I am glad that you like it. This is my place. Where I come to be alone." 
      Diamond pulled her over to him and sat down with her next to him in the 
      flowers.
      They sat there for some time silently picking flowers and looking out at 
      the view. Serena felt so free and happy when she looked around. She always 
      thought that she was free in her old life. Working, having her own place 
      being independent had always been her goal. But now she knew that it 
      wasn't true freedom.
      Here, she was free to do as she pleased. No one looking over her shoulder. 
      No schedules to keep. She was free to go anywhere and do anything. Serena 
      sighed.
      Diamond turned to her and smiled. "You look so happy."
      "I am." She leaned up against the tree and closed her eyes, listening to 
      the birds and the soft swishing of the leaves. She opened her eyes again 
      when she heard Diamond get up. "Where are you going?"
      "I will be back in a moment." He disappeared behind a tree and appeared 
      seconds later with a large basket. "I thought you might get hungry."
      Serena couldn't believe his thoughtfulness. "That's so sweet of you." She 
      watched as he pulled out a feast of roasted chicken, boiled potatoes, 
      bread, fruit and finally a bottle of wine and two goblets. "Oh my."
      "Just think of this as a thank you for saving my life." He ripped off a 
      piece of bread and handed it to her. "Wine?"
      She took the bread. "Yes please." Diamond was pleasant company. They 
      talked and ate until the sun kissed the horizon.
      "It is time to return." Diamond packed up the leftovers and helped Serena 
      to her feet. He noticed her sad smile. "Perhaps we will do this again 
      soon?"
      Serena nodded. "Perhaps."
      Diamond took her hand and led her back through the forest. At the 
      outskirts they got back on Thor and galloped back to the castle.
      On the way back Serena thought she could hear another pair of hooves. 
      "Diamond! Can you hear something!" she looked around his shoulder. A rider 
      in black clothing was not too far behind them.
      Diamond saw him too and kicked his horse to move faster. "Serena can you 
      see what colours he is wearing?"
      She looked again. An arrow zipped past her face. "Diamond! They're 
      shooting at us!" Wanting to protect him, Serena grabbed onto him and 
      tucked herself up, spinning around in the saddle so that she faced him. 
      She reached behind him and took the basket, holding it up like a shield. I 
      hope this works. If anything it would at least obscure their view.
      Diamond started shouting when the castle homed into view. Trumpets 
      sounded. Serena craned her neck around and saw Sapphire, Darien, Colin and 
      several other men appear on the ramparts with bows. She turned around 
      again and saw the pursuer turn and gallop away under the rain of arrows. 
      They galloped over the drawbridge and the portcullis slammed down behind 
      them. Darien, Sapphire and Colin were right beside them when Thor came to 
      a halt.
      Darien grabbed Serena by the waist and pulled her off the horse. "Are you 
      hurt?" his hands roamed over her making sure she was all right.
      Serena still gripped the basket in her left hand. Darien took it and 
      turned it over. There were four arrow stuck in it, one dangerously close 
      to her hand. Darien pulled it gently from her hand.
      Colin took it wide eyed. "You saved the prince's life Woodard!"
      Diamond patted her on the back and took a long look at the basket. "That 
      is two I owe you now Woodard!"
      The look in his eyes told her she was going to be seeing to him later. 
      "Don't mention it." Serena's body buzzed with adrenaline. "I think I need 
      a drink." She turned and walked into the stone building.
      Darien followed her in while everyone fussed over the prince. "Serena are 
      you ok?"
      She just kept walking until he took her hand. Serena sighed. "I'm ok 
      Darien. You don't have to follow me around you know."
      "Yes, I know. But I wanted to make sure that you are ok." He tugged her in 
      the direction of his room. "I have something to drink in here."
      "Sure." She gave in knowing that he would just follow her around if she 
      refused. She could always run to her room if she needed to get away from 
      him.
      Darien sat her down on the bed while he busied himself with filling the 
      goblets with wine. He handed her one and drank from his.
      Serena took it from him and sipped. "Thanks." He didn't reply. Darien 
      stayed standing and fidgeted which amused Serena greatly. She had never 
      seen him behave so nervously. She would have laughed if he hadn't look so 
      sweet. "What is it Darien?" Her heart softened when he blushed.
      "Serena." He stopped. Darien took a big gulp of the wine, his throat 
      suddenly closed up on him. Taking a deep breath he tried again. "Serena, I 
      think I am in love with you." Unable to face her in case she didn't return 
      his feelings, Darien turned away and looked out the window. "I fell in 
      love with you from the moment I figured out you were a girl. I thought you 
      were sweet then, when you touched my hand when we were at that pond. Then 
      the way that you wouldn't back down, even when I gave you a chance to stay 
      out of battle and you wouldn't because you wanted to protect me. Watching 
      the way that you handle yourself and fiercely fought to protect me, I knew 
      you were the one." Darien came back to her and kneeled next to the bed. 
      "When I saw those cuts I felt the pain as if they were my own." He stroked 
      her cheek and pushed a stray strand of hair out of her eye. "I have never 
      felt like this about anyone before, Serena. I think about you all the 
      time."
      "Darien-"
      He held up his hand. "Please." Darien kissed her. Teasing her lips with 
      his. "I love you, Serena."
      Her heart fluttered to life, beating wildly in her chest. Serena ran her 
      fingers over the creases in his brow then down the side of his face. She 
      smiled. "Darien. I think I feel the same way about you." She kissed his 
      nose. "I know I do." Serena corrected herself.
      Darien smiled then, a huge happy smile Serena had never seen before. He 
      gently touched her cheeks. Darien looked into her eyes and kissed her 
      again a sweet, gentle, lingering kiss. One hand moved down to her neck 
      while the other worked its way into her hair. Darien still vividly 
      remembered the last time they kissed. It paled in comparison. Darien 
      closed his eyes and inhaled her fresh scent. She smelled sweet, like a 
      field of flowers. The kiss deepened and the sensations so intense that it 
      would have felled him if he wasn't already laying down. Her tongue met his 
      timidly driving his desire for her to a fever pitch.
      Serena felt her back touch the bed. She loved the feel of Darien's weight 
      on her. His hard chest pressed against hers. She wound her arms around him 
      and kissed him back, toying with his tongue. Serena knew then that this is 
      what she had been looking for. What she had been waiting for. She pulled 
      open his shirt and let her hands roam over his muscled chest.
      Darien moaned and went to work on her jerkin, yanking impatiently on the 
      leather ties. With both hands he jerked it open tearing the thin linen 
      shirt underneath. He closed his mouth over a rosy peak, licking and 
      sucking like a man starved.
      Serena's back arched instinctively, pressing her breast further into his 
      mouth. Her fingers wove themselves in his dark hair as she held him to 
      her. Serena shuddered from the intensity of the feelings that were rushing 
      through her entire body. She tugged at his jerkin and shirt wanting them 
      off so she could feel his skin against hers.
      Darien knew what she wanted he pushed himself up onto his knees and pulled 
      his jerkin off and the shirt with it. Serena reached up and ran her hands 
      over his muscled chest. She stopped when she felt a jagged ridge. Serena 
      sat up and looked at it. The ugly white scar was right next to his heart. 
      Tenderly she kissed it thankful that whatever had done it didn't 
      accomplish it's goal.
      It was only a light touch of her lips, but Darien felt like his entire 
      body was dipped into boiling honey. He took her into his arms and pulled 
      her with him when he fell back onto the bed.
      Serena was enjoying the sensation of his kisses again when she heard the 
      shouts from the courtyard through the open window.
      "Lord Colville!"
      Darien sat up with a scowl on his face. Serena looked up at him and saw 
      his chest was heaving like hers was. She wanted to tell him to ignore the 
      shouts and come back to her but bit back the plea. It must be important 
      for them to be here so late and shouting.
      "Lord Colville!"
      "I wonder what it is this time! It had better be important!" Darien fought 
      to get his breathing and his body under control. This was getting to be an 
      annoying ritual. He took another look at Serena and gritted his teeth. God 
      he wanted her. Soon. Darien repeated the word over and over in his head. 
      He got up and started getting dressed.
      Serena started doing the same though she couldn't get her clothes on 
      before there was a knock at the door. Eyes wide she looked at Darien. He 
      lifted the covers and she dove under. She held herself as still as she 
      could and listened to the conversation.
      "Lord Colville!"
      "What is it?" Serena could hear Darien open the door and then Colin's 
      voice.
      "Bryan has come with an urgent message from your manor. Your brothers need 
      your help. The village is being attacked."
      "I will be there soon. Tell Bryan to relay the message." Serena heard the 
      door slam shut.
      Darien lifted the covers off of Serena. "Love. I have to go. Will you 
      come?"
      She saw the worry on his face and nodded. "Of course." Serena wanted to 
      watch his back. "I'll get ready." She got up and ran to her room leaving 
      the door open between their rooms so they could talk. "I'll bring most of 
      my stuff. Is that ok?" She wanted to spend some time at his home.
      "Fine. Bring whatever you like. We can purchase whatever else you need 
      later."
      She could hear him tearing apart his room getting his things together.
      "Serena I need you to help with my armour."
      She stuffed the last few articles of clothing into her bag and headed back 
      to his room. "Ok."
      Serena quickly assembled the armour on him and handed him his helmet. 
      "Right. What else do you need?"
      "Something we do not have time for." He smiled a little smile at her blush 
      and gave her a quick peck on the cheek, then opened the door shouting 
      loudly for Colin. Darien looked down at her and stifled a laugh. 
      "Serena..." he closed her shirt and did up her jerkin.
      In her haste she forgot to get dressed. Blushing she brushed his hands 
      away and finished the job. She mumbled, "Thanks."
      Colin appeared seconds later. "Yes my lord?"
      "You will take my and Lady Serena's things to our horses. And saddle them 
      quickly."
      Colin grabbed Darien's bags and left.
      Serena picked up her bags and walked back into Darien's room. He took them 
      from her and they walked out to the courtyard.
      Diamond and Colin were waiting for them.
      Diamond walked over to Serena. "Serena, I wish you would reconsider. We 
      cannot risk having you in danger." Diamond's eyes were pleading. He took 
      her hand in his and held it so that she couldn't get on Samson.
      Serena's heart went soft. "Diamond, I will be back as soon as I can. Then 
      we can search for that wise man." She patted the back of his hand. "Don't 
      worry I'll take care of myself."
      He nodded. "Be careful. And come back to us soon." He gave her a hug. 
      "Please come back to me soon." Diamond whispered into her hair.
      She pulled back and looked at him. They definitely needed to have a talk. 
      "I will." Serena climbed onto Samson and galloped off after Darien.
      The sky was an inky black when they reached Darien's home. Serena couldn't 
      see any signs of a disturbance. "Darien? What's going on?"
      She could see him looking around as well. He flipped open his visor. "I do 
      not know. We shall have to see my brothers."
      They quickly rode into the courtyard. Men and women were scrambling around 
      in a frenzy. Darien leapt off of Goliath's back and grabbed one of the men 
      running by. "What is happening?"
      He looked up at Darien wide eyed. Than in happiness. "Lord Colville! You 
      must help us! The village is on fire!"
      "Where are my brothers?" He looked around and didn't see a sign of them 
      anywhere.
      "They are at Mistress Clark's Tavern trying to put out the fires."
      Serena nodded at Darien as he climbed back onto Goliath. She followed him 
      into the night. She could see the glow of the flames in the sky as they 
      rode into the village. Lines of people were set up from the well to the 
      burning buildings passing buckets between them as quickly as they could. 
      Serena could see that they were beyond the point where buckets could stop 
      them.
      "Darien!" Serena slid off of Samson and ran to Darien. "We'll have to dig 
      a trench! It's the only way to stop the flames from spreading!"
      He nodded his agreement and tugged at his armour. Serena quickly helped 
      him shed the metal shell then ran over to his brothers who she could see 
      at the front of the lines. They were shirtless and covered in soot as they 
      hurled bucket after bucket with no positive result.
      "Geoffrey! Christopher!" shielding her face from the incredible heat, she 
      ran closer to them. "We have to dig a trench! There is nothing we can do 
      for these." She pointed at the flames licking at the buildings. "But we 
      can save the rest!"
      They looked at each other and nodded. Darien had already gathered a few 
      people and was handing out shovels and pick axes. Serena and the two men 
      brought the rest of the men back with them. They nodded in greeting and 
      went to work. Serena grabbed a shovel and started digging as well.
      After what felt like an eternity she and the men had managed to dig a 
      trench about a meter deep and a meter wide around the burning buildings. 
      Now all they could do was wait and see if it worked.
      Exhausted Serena sat down in the dirt and watched the flames flicker, 
      consuming the wooden structures easily. Who would have done this? The 
      buildings were obviously houses and shops. She found herself wondering 
      about the people who lived and worked there. Had they gotten away safely? 
      A large hand clamped down on her shoulder making her look over. Geoffrey 
      smiled at her.
      "You are quite the woman."
      Serena shrugged. "I did what had to be done." She looked around for Darien 
      and found him sauntering over to them.
      "Serena, are you ok?" He flopped down next to them when she nodded and 
      smiled at her. "It looks like we have done it." The flames weren't able to 
      cross the gap so the danger of it spreading was very unlikely. "That was 
      quick thinking." He put his arm around her shoulder proudly.
      Geoffrey and Christopher exchanged surprised looks. Then turned back to 
      their enamoured brother, grinning at his embarrassment.
      Christopher noticed he still didn't move his arm though. He grinned at 
      Serena. "You know it looks rather strange, two men with their arms around 
      each other."
      They laughed when Serena and Darien quickly jumped away from each other.
      Serena shook her head. "I guess I'll have to start wearing dresses huh?"
      Darien touched her chin and nodded.
      Serena felt a wet splat on her cheek and looked up. It was raining. Big 
      fat drops pelted them as they watched the flames being extinguished. 
      Relieved Serena smiled at the men. "We did it you guys!" She jumped up and 
      down like a schoolgirl.
      The three men laughed along with her, happy that they were able to save 
      the rest of the village.
      "Shall we go home?" Geoffrey rubbed his hand over his chest and took a 
      look at the dirt covering it. "I am sure we could all do with a bath."
      She nodded in agreement and rubbed her grimy cheek. "That's for sure." 
      Serena felt like she could sleep for a week.
      Geoffrey and Christopher gathered up their things and loaded them onto 
      their horses. Serena followed Darien and helped him pick up his armour and 
      pack them onto Goliath. She saw him watching her and looked at him. 
"What?"
      "You never cease to amaze me." He held her gaze for a moment and then went 
      back to what he was doing. "Come. You must be so tired."
      Serena nodded and pulled herself up onto Samson's back. They slowly rode 
      back to the castle. Bryan appeared when the got off the horses. He helped 
      Darien with his packs and scurried into the building. Darien took one of 
      Serena's and led the way.
      Boots squishing on the stone, they quickly walked down a few halls. Serena 
      looked around. It looked almost like Diamond's castle apart form the 
      layout. This was quite a bit smaller but it was warmer in a way. She 
      smiled she knew why that was. She was with Darien. A small hut in the 
      woods would feel like home if he was there with her.
      He stopped in front of a door and pushed it open. Serena looked in. It was 
      a very large room decorated with tapestries and skins on the floor. She 
      didn't even question it. Serena knew she would be staying with him. She 
      dropped her bags near the door and walked to the roaring fire, letting the 
      radiating heat warm her chilled skin.
      "I will get your bath ready." He stuck his head out the door and shouted 
      for a bath. "Done."
      Serena laughed and walked to him. He wrapped her up in his arms and held 
      her. Leaning down he kissed her gently and pulled her jerkin off. It 
      landed with a wet splat on the stone floor. "Incredible. You are just 
      incredible. You know you were working better than some of the men?"
      "Yeah right. You're just saying that."
      He shook his head and let his gaze wander down her body. The wet shirt 
      clung to her in several interesting places. Places he would have to 
      explore in some detail. Darien tore his gaze away so that he could look at 
      the rest of her.
      Serena saw him frown. "What's the matter?"
      He touched her arm. "I think your wound has opened."
      Serena looked down. Blood stained her sleeve. Then she faintly became 
      aware of some pain but nothing close to what she felt when it was fresh. 
      "It's nothing."
      "Let me look at it. I have to make sure that it is not infected." He 
      peeled the shirt from her and looked at her arm. It had opened a bit. But 
      nothing serious. "Can you move your arm?"
      Serena kept her arm over her chest while she experimented with the other. 
      She could only move it so far before it hurt. "A little."
      He nodded. "How about your leg? Any pain?"
      Arms crossed over her chest, she moved it around. "Not much."
      There was a discreet knock at the door. Darien handed her back her shirt 
      and waited until she had it and her jerkin back on before opening the 
door.
      A couple women can in with buckets of steaming water and a large wooden 
      tub. They quickly filled it and left.
      Darien shut the door behind them and grinned at Serena. "Bath time."
      She stared at him open mouthed. He wasn't suggesting...
      He looked at her look of shock and laughed heartily. "You are injured. You 
      cannot wash your hair yourself."
      Serena realized she unwittingly proved him right when she showed him how 
      far she could move her arms. "But..."
      He gave her a big smile. "I have already seen you naked before."
      Serena blushed. He was right. He had seen her naked before.
      "I will turn around until you are in the tub ok?" True to his word he 
      turned around and faced the fire. "I will give you to the count of ten."
      Serena scrambled to get out of the sopping wet clothes and into the tub 
      before he finished his unnervingly quick countdown. He turned just as she 
      sank into the warm water.
      "See that was not so bad." Darien kneeled down behind her and took a 
      bucket.
      Serena leaned back and let him pour the water over her head. It sluiced 
      through her hair and ran off her shoulders. She closed her eyes and felt 
      his fingers massage her scalp. Her lips parted and a sigh escaped, hanging 
      in the air.
      Darien concentrated his energy on her hair. He very nearly jumped into the 
      tub with her when she sighed. Her looked at her face while he tackled her 
      long tresses. She was so beautiful. Her eyes were closed, long lashes drew 
      shadows on cheeks that were rosy from the warmth of the water. Darien's 
      gaze drifted lower to her soft lips that were parted in pleasure and he 
      remembered how he had made sighs come from them. He grabbed the bucket and 
      poured water over her again. He watched the water flow over her smooth 
      skin and over her breasts which were just barely below the surface. Darien 
      closed his eyes and continued to wash her ignoring his body's response to 
      her.