
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 5
      They were gone for six weeks. Serena was sick with worry for six weeks. No 
      one knew anything of what had happened to either of them. She desperately 
      wanted to know what had happened. Every day she kicked at herself for 
      making the promise not to follow them.
      Colin stayed with her constantly, acting as both her bodyguard and her 
      confidant. He was the only one who knew that under her calm, serene 
      appearance she was frightened and shaken almost to the point of collapse. 
      She hadn't slept in weeks and barely ate any of the food that he brought 
      up to her several times a day. He was really beginning to worry about her.
      Today he brought up a dinner of roast pheasant, bread, vegetables and 
      potatoes and a goblet of wine. Hopefully she would eat something today 
      before their evening ride.
      He knocked on the door. "Serena? Are you in there, milady?" hearing a 
      muffled reply in the affirmative he opened the door and walked in. she was 
      sitting in her usual spot by the window looking like a pale apparition as 
      she gazed out at the countryside.
      "I have brought you your dinner. Would you like some?"
      Serena looked over at him and smiled a little. He was such a nice boy. 
      "Thanks Colin." she took the plate from him and nibbled the chicken 
      uninterestedly. "Where do you want to ride to today?"
      "Where ever you wish to go milady." Colin sat down on the windowsill next 
      to her. Serena looked so sad. He wished he could cheer her up somehow. She 
      was always so nice to him. Serena never made him feel like one of the 
      help, always like a friend.
      "What do you think of heading to the forest again?" Serena liked going 
      through the forest. It calmed her to see the trees and be with nature, 
      especially now that the leaves were changing colour. She had never seen 
      such vibrant shades in the city except maybe on a billboard.
      "Sounds good, Serena." Colin watched her take a bite of the bread and then 
      push the plate away. "You really should eat more, milady."
      Serena put her hand on his. "Im ok, Colin Im just not hungry." She 
      whipped a thick cloak around her shoulders and fastened it. "Lets go."
      She and Colin headed to the entrance and found Sapphire and Christopher 
      talking there.
      Christopher moved into the castle to keep an eye on Serena while Darien 
      was gone. He knew his brother would have their heads if anything happened 
      to her.
      Serena noticed their hushed tones and wondered what they were talking 
      about. "Hi guys. Whats going on?"
      They started guiltily. Sapphire spoke first. "Serena, hello. Going for 
      your daily ride?"
      "Yes. What were you talking about?" Serenas eyes moved between the two 
      men.
      "I am betrothed." Said Christopher with a happy grin.
      "Really?" Serena gave him a big hug. "Congratulations." Marriage would do 
      him good. Especially since Evelyn was going to be having his child in 
      about seven months. "When is it going to be?"
      "Not until after we find..." Christopher stopped when he saw the light 
      fade from her eyes again.
      Serena turned away from his pitying look and focused instead on Sapphire 
      "Still no word?"
      He shook his head. "Sadly no. But we are still looking. We have not lost 
      hope yet."
      Nodding she turned. "Well be back in a few hours." She wasnt going to 
      wait around so she could hear false hope and the same reassuring words for 
      the millionth time.
      ----
      Serena and Colin were half an hour away from the castle when they saw a 
      figure riding toward them at breakneck speed. He was wearing Edwins black 
      and gold. Colin and Serena drew their swords preparing themselves to repel 
      any attack. What they saw next shocked them both.
      The man rode straight for them and stopped, his magnificent white horse 
      rearing into the air. It was Thor.
      Serenas eyes widened. "Diamond?" The man was bearded and shaggy looking 
      but the eyes and the way that he held himself were unmistakable. "Diamond! 
      It is you!" Relief made Serenas body go lax. "Where is Darien?" She 
      looked over his shoulder but saw no one. Her eyes came back to focus on 
      Diamond.
      "Serena, Colin. Thank goodness. We have to get the men! Quickly!" Diamond 
      kicked his horses side.
      Serena and Colin had no choice but to follow. She shouted at him again 
      once she was abreast with him. "Where is Darien?" her heart stopped when 
      she saw the haunted look in his eyes that he quickly tried to mask. "What 
      happened to him?" If her hands werent convulsed on the reins she would 
      have fallen off the galloping Samson.
      "He didnt make it, Serena. I am so sorry." There was no other way to say 
      it. No amount of trying to make it sound better would change the fact.
      Back at the castle Diamond gently pried her hands from the reins and 
      pulled her down. Cradling her numb body in his arms. Shouting for the 
      maids to bring water and blankets, he carried her to his chamber and laid 
      her on the bed.
      "Serena...Serena..."
      Serena blinked a few times before homing in on the voice. Diamond was 
      kneeling beside her, holding a cloth. He smiled a little when he saw her 
      looking at him. Gently he daubed her forehead and brushed the hair from 
      her face.
      "Diamond. What happened?"
      "You fainted after we arrived at the castle."
      "No what happened to you and Darien?" Serena pushed his restraining hands 
      away and sat up. She saw the dubious look he gave her. "Tell me, please."
      Diamond let out an audible sigh. She was so stubborn! "After we left you 
      here we chased by several of the scoundrels for a few miles. Unfortunately 
      this was a trap. Before we knew it we were ambushed by several men and 
      taken to Edwin's castle." Diamond brushed a wayward strand of hair from 
      his eyes. "We've been in a dungeon ever since. Edwin thinks that if we are 
      out of the way my kingdom will be easy pickings."
      Diamond was barely audible the roaring in her ears. "What about Darien? 
      What happened to him?"
      He took her trembling hands into his much larger much warmer ones and held 
      them tightly. "We devised a plan to escape. When the guards came in to 
      bring us our food we took their clothing and escaped." Diamond amended 
      most of the gory details of their escape. From the way that she looked, 
      Serena probably wouldn't be able to handle the details. "We fought our way 
      out of the castle and into the stables where we found our mounts, luckily 
      Edwin had not wanted to dispose of such fine animals. We rode out under a 
      rain of arrows and were pursued by more of Edwin's men. Darien told me to 
      go ahead while he hung back to repel some of the pursuers. I told him I 
      would stay with him but he insisted. He said I was more important to the 
      kingdom. And so, not to waste his sacrifice, I headed home." He could see 
      that she was more than distraught. Needing to comfort her Diamond took her 
      trembling form into his arms and hugged her, and was shocked by the 
      prominence of her bones. "Im so sorry Serena. If I could have sacrificed 
      myself for him I would have."
      Serena shook her head, not willing to accept that he was gone. "It's 
      possible that he is still alive." He couldn't be gone.
      She really loved Darien a great deal. "Serena do not do this to yourself. 
      Even Darien could not repel that many men on his own." Diamonds voice was 
      soft, knowing that she was in too much pain to want to face the truth.
      "No it can't be! He's alive! I know it!" fat tears began to fall now, 
      sliding down her cheeks and landing with soft pats on her jerkin. 
      "Darien..." clinging to Diamond Serena started to sob.
      Heart torn apart, Diamond held her until her shudders subsided and she 
      drifted off to sleep sometime later in the night.
      ----
      For weeks Serena hardly ate and only slept when her tears fatigued her so 
      much that she had no choice succumb to sleep. She spent most of her time 
      wandering through the castle like a ghost.
      Diamond couldn't stand seeing her like that. He sat on his throne and 
      thought about how she had changed in the time he had known her. Diamonds 
      liked thinking of her as she was when he first met her, wilful and 
      unafraid of anything. Now, she was no more than a pale comparison to the 
      vibrant strong woman he fell in love with. She hardly spoke and when she 
      did it was unintelligible. She hardly ate or did anything other than 
      wander through the halls. Serena was slowly dying from her grief. He had 
      to think of something to do before she wasted away.
      Late one evening, Diamond decided to try and talk to her again. Diamond 
      knocked on her door and waited. "Serena, it is Diamond. Please I need to 
      talk to you." He held his breath hoping that she would answer.
      The heavy door slowly creaked open. Pale and haggard, Serena stepped into 
      the light. "Yes?"
      Diamond gasped at her appearance. It was worse than he thought. He gently 
      put a hand on her shoulder and walked in. "Serena. Has no maid come to 
      tend to the fire?" The room was completely engulfed in darkness except for 
      the faint light of the moon coming in through the window.
      "I sent her away." The dull voiced answered back.
      "You will freeze!" Diamond went to work on the fire, quickly shoving wood 
      into the fireplace and getting it going. Soon he had a cheery fire ablaze. 
      Diamond turned his attention back to Serena. "Serena. Can we talk?" 
      Because she looked so frail, he led her to the bed and sat her down.
      Serena sat and looked up at him. He looked so shocked when she opened the 
      door. Did she really look that terrible? She didnt doubt it though. 
      Lately she didnt have the energy to do anything least of all concentrate 
      on her looks. She waited for him to start talking.
      Diamond took her silence as permission to speak. He knelt next to her and 
      smiled kindly. "Everyone in worried about you, Serena," he kissed her 
      frigid fingers. "Especially me."
      "Please dont. Im perfectly fine." Her voice sounded strange even to 
      herself. It was hollow and unfeeling. Stunned, she stopped talking.
      "Serena it has been almost three months now, that you have been like this. 
      It is not good for you." No reply. "You have to eat something at least." 
      Diamond offered her the plate of food he brought with him. "Please, 
      Serena."
      She nodded. Diamond put the plate in her lap and watched as she tried to 
      eat. She tried to pick up the bread, but as he suspected she was too weak 
      for even that. His heart wrenched when she tried to do it again and 
      couldnt. "Allow me." Diamond tore the bread for her and held it to her 
      lips.
      Serena took a nibble. "Thank you." She watched him cut up the rest of her 
      food and then feed her the pieces bit by bit. Too tired and weak to 
      refuse, Serena ate every bit of the meal.
      Diamond wiped her lips delicately with his expensively clothed wrist. 
      "See? Much better is it not?"
      "Yes thank you." Serena felt better now that she had something in her 
      stomach.
      Diamond smiled. The colour was returning to her cheeks as he watched. The 
      knot his stomach had become over the past weeks began to loosen a little. 
      Now to approach her about some more serious matters. "Serena. It has come 
      to my attention that my kingdom is in serious trouble. I have that Edwin 
      is intent on destroying all that I have fought so hard to build and then 
      claiming it for his. Several towns have already been taken and the people 
      have been either killed or taken as slaves." His voice hardened. "My army 
      has not been able to stop them, for whenever we go to one place he had 
      already struck another." Diamond clenched his fists and pounded one into 
      the other. "I cannot let him do this to us anymore."
      "And that is where I come in." Serena looked into Diamonds eyes and saw 
      that she was right.
      "Serena, I completely understand if you do not wish to involved but I 
      think it is imperative that we determine whether or not you are the 
      warrior we are waiting for."
      "And if Im not? What happens then?" She was starting to want to be the 
      warrior. At least that way she could get the ones who were responsible for 
      taking Darien from her. The thought had her anger rising again.
      Diamond saw the bloodthirsty look in her eyes. "Am I to take it that you 
      now wish to be the maiden?"
      Serena nodded. "Even if Im not, I will still fight. Im not letting them 
      get away with what they did to Darien."
      Diamond caught the steely edge to her voice. "We will wait until you have 
      regained your strength. Then we shall search out the wise man."
      "Alright." Serena went to stand up but a wave of dizziness overcame her 
      and she could feel herself toppling over.
      Diamond panicked and caught her. "Easy does it." He cradled her in his 
      arms and placed her on the bed, reverently as if she were the greatest 
      treasure he had ever touched. "You should get some rest. You need it."
      "Yeah." The admission was little more than a sigh. She could feel sleep 
      start to weigh her eyelids. Unable to fight it any longer, Serena lay back 
      and closed her eyes letting the blissful tranquility of slumber cocoon 
      her. As she drifted off to sleep she could swear she felt someone tenderly 
      kiss her on the cheek and murmur his love.
      Serena woke the next morning and found Diamond asleep slumped over in a 
      chair next to her bed. She couldnt help but think about how kind this man 
      was. She had never known anyone with so much power who was yet so kind and 
      caring to everyone. Serena smiled wryly to herself. Who was she kidding? 
      She had never known anyone with this much power period. Except on a 
      smaller scale like Mike and his father.
      Serena thought about her other life then; one that seemed like a million 
      years ago. She wondered what Raye and Mina were doing. They must be 
      worried sick about her. Sure they had their fights, but the three of them 
      were like sisters the rest of the time. Serena sighed. Hopefully she would 
      see them soon.
      Diamond blinked a couple of times and focused on her face, instantly 
      alert. "Good morning, Serena. Did you sleep well?" he sat up and rubbed 
      his eyes.
      Always worrying about her. "Yes it was the best sleep Ive had in quite a 
      while."
      "I am delighted to hear you say that. You have no idea how much I have 
      worried about you over the past months." He was standing now and stretched 
      lazily. "Join me for some breakfast, milady?" he bowed low and offered his 
      arm.
      "Thank you kind sir." Serena took his arm and let him lead her to the 
      dining hall.
      Everyone turned to them as they entered the room. They all smiled at the 
      sight of her up and about again. Colin, Sapphire and Christopher strode 
      over.
      "Serena!" Colin could hardly contain his joy. She looked much better. The 
      last time he saw her she had looked incredibly pale and very sad. At least 
      now she had some colour back in her cheeks. He wanted to hug her, but 
      settled for bowing low before her.
      Sapphire and Christopher were no less enthused. Smiling broadly they both 
      joined the rapidly growing circle. "Glad to see you up!" They took turns 
      kissing her hand.
      Diamond smiled at them and then to Serena. "Out of the way! Serena has to 
      catch up on some eating!"
      The group instantly parted to allow them to pass to the table.
      Colin ran off to get her meal and came back with two trays and two other 
      women with similar loads. "Here. I have brought your favourites." He and 
      the women set the trays out in front of her.
      "Thank you Colin." Serena smiled at him and the women and picked up and 
      apple.
      Diamond put his hand on her wrist stopping her from taking a bite. "Just a 
      moment." He took it from her and cut a slice off and handed it to a man 
      standing next to the table.
      "What are you doing?" Serena eyed his suspiciously and looked at the man 
      who had swallowed the small chunk and was nodding.
      "He is the food tester. After what happened with me, we are a bit more 
      careful now."
      Serena nodded but didnt approve. "I dont like the idea of someone 
      risking their lives just so I can eat."
      "We cant risk endangering you, especially if you are the woman we seek." 
      Diamond didnt add that he needed to protect her because she was the woman 
      he loved. He had to wait until she was ready to love again, if ever. And 
      he was willing to wait as long as it took. "What are you going to eat 
      next?" he saw her scowl and knew she didnt like the situation. "Please."
      Sighing, Serena slowly collected the items that she planned on eating and 
      put them on a plate. Diamond cut bits off and gave them to the tester, who 
      dutifully ate and nodded to every bit.
      Under Diamond and the others watchful eyes she ate her meal. It was like 
      they were afraid she wouldnt eat it all or something. They all talked 
      about everything except for Darien. Serena could feel them staying away 
      from the topic of his death. Finally when Colin brought her a drink, she 
      had reached her limit of being treated like a porcelain doll.
      "Stop it! Just stop it!" she stood up and glared at them all taking in 
      their dumbfounded looks. "I can take care of myself! I dont need you to 
      baby me ok?"
      Diamond put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Serena"
      "No!" she shook his hand off. "Ive have had enough!" Standing at the head 
      of the table she put her hands on her hips and stared them all down. 
      Serena didnt care that they were doing if for her or that they were all 
      much bigger than her. "I will not be treated like an invalid! Yes, my 
      heart is broken. And yes Darien is gone. But it doesnt mean that I cant 
      be responsible for myself!" Serena stopped, seeing the shock and worry in 
      their expressions. She sighed audibly. "Im sorry. I know youre all just 
      trying to take care of me. Im just not good at accepting help."
      Colin handed her the drink. "It is ok, Serena. We know what you are going 
      through. We just thought that we could help you a little."
      Serena smiled weakly at him. "Thank you." She turned to the rest of them. 
      "Thank you all."
      Diamond pulled her back down in her seat. "No need to thank us. We just 
      want you to be happy."
      Nods of agreement came from around the table.
      Serena couldnt hold back the tears she could feel building up in her 
      eyes. This time they were tears of gratitude and happiness at having such 
      good friends, not ones of grief as they had been before. "You guys are 
      great."
      They sat a while longer talking about how they were going to go about 
      looking for the wise man that had been so often mentioned.
      Serena listened to the plans, but one thing still bothered her. "Does any 
      one actually know where to find this guy?"
      Christopher shook his head. "No we do not. There have been stories of a 
      man in the west that may be him. But no one knows for certain."
      She turned to the rest of them. "Thats it? No one knows anything else?"
      Sapphire shook his head. "It is all very mysterious. According to the 
      stories the warrior will know where to find him." He looked into her face 
      and deeply into her eyes. "So do you?"
      Serena shook her head. "How do I know? Were suppose to be finding this 
      man so he can tell us if Im the one you are looking for."
      Diamond smiled a little. It looked like she was getting back to her old 
      feisty self. "Can you feel anything? Like you are drawn in a certain 
      direction?"
      Serena sat still and tried to feel anything. Nothing came to her but the 
      need to get retribution on the people who did this to her and Darien. She 
      shook her head sadly. "No. Nothing."
      Diamond shook his head. "Never mind. We will figure it out when we get to 
      it."
      Serena nodded gratefully. She was thankful he wasnt going to push the 
      matter. His patience was astounding.
      "Now milady. I think its time that you got some more rest. We need you at 
      your best when we ride." He held out his arm to her.
      Serena linked arms with him and waved to the rest of the men. "See you 
      later."
      They nodded and watched them leave.
      Over the next few weeks Serena started to get out again. She resumed her 
      daily rides with Colin, practiced with the bows and fit herself back into 
      life at court. Diamond was absolutely delighted when she announced that 
      she was going to be spending a lot of time at court. It would definitely 
      take the monotony out of the days. He grew weary of listening to the women 
      and their idle chatter. The men on the other hand were no more 
      entertaining with their stories of hunting and war.
      Diamond was standing in the hall talking to Sapphire and a few other men 
      when he saw her approach. Today she wore a dress, much to his surprise. 
      Since it was getting steadily colder outside, her attire was made of heavy 
      blue velvet. He recognized it as one he had purchased for her after they 
      found out she was a woman. It looked stunning. Her hair was plaited in a 
      long braid down her back with a few wisps framing her lovely face. Diamond 
      laughed to himself. Even when she dressed like the other women she did it 
      in her own way. The other men noticed his attention was elsewhere and 
      turned to see what had enthralled him so.
      Sapphire gasped. "She is quite striking eh brother?"
      He didnt get an answer. Diamond walked away from them and took her hands, 
      kissing them in turn. "Serena you look lovely."
      "Thank you Diamond. It isnt hard to look good in a dress like this." She 
      ran her fingers over the fine material.
      "No. You make it look good." He frowned a little.
      Serena noticed and blinked at him. "What? Did I get something wrong?" she 
      ran her hands over the front. Did she put it on wrong?
      "No, no. I distinctly remember buying jewellery to match. Why do you not 
      have them on?"
      Serena had seen them this morning but had decided not to wear them. It was 
      too extravagant a gift. "Yes you did but its too much for me."
      "Nonsense. Nothing is too much for you. Still I would say that you do not 
      need such adornments." He smiled when she blushed. Taking her hand in his 
      he led her to the group he had left.
      "Good morning Serena." Sapphire greeted her with a peck on the back of her 
      hand.
      "Good morning, Sapphire, and everyone." She nodded in greeting to the rest 
      of the men, most of whom she did not recognize. "Whats going on?"
      Diamond nodded toward a tall man with a patch over his eye. "Lord Stanley 
      here and his entourage say they saw a band headed this way flying Edwins 
      colours. We are trying to decide what the best course of action is."
      Why would they be coming here? Serena wondered what the other man was 
      thinking. "Is it an army?"
      Stanley was studying her intently. Why was Diamond including this woman in 
      the discussion? What could she possibly know of war? "No it is not. Just a 
      few people on horseback, now if youll excuse us." He looked at her with 
      disgust. "Let us men handle this."
      Serena rolled her eyes and looked at Sapphire and Diamond, who looked 
      amused and shocked respectively. She put a restraining hand on Diamond's 
      arm, when she knew he was going to yell at the man. Smiling sweetly, 
      Serena spoke again. "But I am interested. Perhaps I can be of some 
      assistance." She knew that would set him off.
      "Insolent woman!" he raised his hand to strike her, but it was stopped by 
      Diamond. Stanley turned angrily to his prince. "Why do you put up with 
      such a female?"
      Sapphire stepped in front of his furious brother only because he feared he 
      would not be able to keep his temper in check. It was very hard to get 
      Diamond angry, but when his ire was peaked, watch out! "May I introduce 
      Lady Serena Woodard. I know that even in your part of the kingdom you have 
      heard of her."
      Stanleys eyes widened and his face lost colour. "M...milady. I am sorry." 
      He and his men bowed low. "Lord Stanley at your service. "
      Serena waved her hands at him. "You dont have to do that for me, really. 
      I am interested in the group that is headed this way, though."
      "Of course maam."
      His tone had humbled considerably. Serena had to bite the inside of her 
      cheek from laughing. Why did she suddenly develop this mean streak? It was 
      so unlike her but it felt good. She returned her attention to Stanley who 
      was still speaking.
      "There are no more than ten people all on horseback. They should be here 
      within the hour. "
      "But why would they be coming here?" Sapphire voiced Serenas question.
      "I do not know." Diamond looked deep in thought. "Pull up the drawbridge 
      and put extra men on the ramparts." Whatever their plan he wasnt going to 
      let them past the gates.
      "Wait." Serena put up her hand again stopping the men from scattering. 
      "Surely if they were going to attack they would send more than ten men. It 
      doesnt make sense."
      "What are you saying Serena?" Diamond turned to her interested in what she 
      had to say.
      "Maybe they want to talk." She turned to Stanley. "Youre sure theres 
      only ten of them?"
      "Yes maam."
      "Diamond. We could let them in and see what they want. Ten people cant do 
      much harm. Well just have to guard them closely." She waited for his 
      approval.
      Diamond considered it for a moment then nodded. "Very well. Let them in 
      but make sure everyone keeps an eye on them." The men ran off including 
      Sapphire. Diamond turned back to Serena. "You should go back to your 
      chambers where it is safe. Ill have the guards accompany you." He 
      motioned for the guards to come for her.
      Serena shook her head. "No I want to be in the room with them."
      "Serena, please. We cannot have you in danger."
      "Diamond, I want to hear what they have to say." She softened her voice. 
      "Please."
      Knowing that he could not say no to her, he conceded. "Fine. But you must 
      do what I say when we are in there. I mean it Serena." He said, trying to 
      sound as stern as he could.
      Serena nodded. "I promise."
      Not too long later Serena was seated beside Diamond and Sapphire on the 
      dais. It felt kind of strange to be up there but she had to agree with him 
      that it was the best spot to be in. Guards stood on either side of the 
      threesome ready to fend off any attack.
      More guards led the small group into the hall and stood surrounding them. 
      They bowed as one.
      "Rise." Diamonds voice rang with authority.
      They obeyed. The small one at the front pulled the hood of their cloak to 
      reveal a lovely raven-haired woman with gleaming violet eyes. "Your 
      majesty. I am Princess Catherine, sister of Prince Edwin. We have come to 
      discuss a matter of grave importance." She waited or him to nod before 
      continuing. "We have come to beseech you. Please stop attacking our 
      kingdom. We cannot take much more of it! Women, children are dying. Dying! 
      And for what? A silly rivalry between you and my brother?"
      "What!" Diamond was livid. "Attack you? You attacked us and continue to do 
      so! My people are suffering on account of your prince!"
      Serena stood up her voice quiet but solid. "Please lets be civil about 
      this. Now take turns explaining what you know." Sapphire gave her a look 
      that said you shouldnt have done that but Serena ignored it and stood 
      waiting for someone to speak.
      The woman looked surprised at Serenas request but quickly masked it 
      behind a calm faade. Serena gave her full points for the quick 
      transformation. "Several months ago we started getting attacks from men 
      wearing your colours, Prince Diamond. Since then several villages have 
      been burnt to the ground killing hundreds and leaving hundreds more 
      without homes."
      Serena turned to Diamond. "When did the attacks start here?"
      "Several months ago."
      Serena took the information in along with everything else.
      Catherine continued. "I have defied my brothers wishes and have come here 
      to plead with you. You must stop! I am begging you. Please!" she and her 
      men got down on their knees before the dais.
      Diamonds features softened. They did not look like they were lying. The 
      sincerity of her words rang clear in the room and in the tears that slid 
      silently down her cheeks. "Princess, I assure you we have done no such 
      thing. I am not interested in such petty acts of vandalism. There is no 
      reason for me to do such a thing! I have all I need here. A prosperous 
      kingdom, happy subjects, there is little else that I want from life." He 
      gave Serena a meaningful little smile before returning his gaze to 
      Catherine. "It is your brother who has been attacking us."
      "That is not true!" Catherines eyes flashed. "We would never do such a 
      thing! We are a peace loving people."
      Serena had returned to her seat during the discussion, pondering the 
      situation. It sounded like someone was playing both sides. But who and for 
      what? She would have to discuss it with Diamond later on. She knew it 
      wouldnt be wise to start questioning him now in front of these strangers. 
      Once was enough.
      Diamonds eyes narrowed a bit watching Catherine. Not sure whether or not 
      he should trust her he nodded to the guards. "Take them to the east wing 
      to the guest quarters. We shall conclude this later on."
      Catherine curtsied. "Thank you your majesty." She and her entourage left 
      the room ushered closely by the guards.
      Serena stood up and looked at the prince, who was deep in thought. 
      "Diamond?"
      "Hmmm?"
      "It sounds like someones playing games with you."
      "It does. But who and why?" he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes 
      wearily.
      "Do you have any known enemies?" Serena looked at both him and Sapphire.
      Sapphire shook his head in incredulity. "Not that I can think of. Only 
      Edwin. But that is only because of the recent events."
      "I can think of no other." Diamond suddenly looked old.
      Serena couldnt help but feel for him. She put her hand on his and smiled. 
      "Do you think we can trust Catherine? She seemed pretty sincere about the 
      whole thing."
      Grateful for her gesture, Diamond smiled a little. "She did. But she could 
      just be an incredibly good actor."
      Serena nodded. She patted his hand and stood up. "I think Ill go have a 
      talk with her."
      "Serena..." his voice held that authoritative tone again. "I do not think 
      it wise to go alone. Shall I have one of the guards accompany you?"
      She shook her head. But before he started reprimanding her again she 
      spoke. "I was thinking maybe you could come with me."
      Surprise widened his eyes. But he nodded. "I will." He got up and took her 
      hand. "Shall we?"
      Serena let him lead the way to the east wing. She hadnt gone that way in 
      a long time and wondered if it had changed at all. Bringing her attention 
      back to the matter at hand, she turned to her escort. "Diamond?"
      "Yes Serena?" he looked down at her and smiled.
      "Im sorry for butting in back there. I know its not my place to 
      undermine you. I just wanted to say Im sorry and I wont do it again. In 
      front of guests at least."
      "Thank you. I cannot say that I was pleased when you did that, but you did 
      get us to listen to one another. Just do not do it again." He gave her 
      hand a little squeeze, taking the sting out of his words. "Now why did you 
      want me to come with you?"
      Serena smiled. "I thought it might be easier to talk in a more friendly 
      atmosphere. You know without the audience or quite so many guards."
      "You are probably right again." he shook his head. She was incredible. 
      They stopped in front of the room and he nodded to the guards. "Would you 
      like the pleasure?"
      Laughing, she knocked, the sound echoing down the empty hall.
      The door creaked open and a dark haired boy stuck his head out. 
      Recognizing Diamond, he immediately jumped back and opened the door wide. 
      "Your majesty!"
      Diamond smiled at him as he bowed. "We would like to speak with your 
lady."
      "Of course sire." He turned immediately and called out to Catherine. 
      "Milady!"
      "What is it Roland?" Catherine walked to the door and smiled. "Your 
      majesties! I wasnt expecting you to visit. Come in."
      Your majesties? Catherine obviously had the wrong idea about their 
      relationship. Serena followed Diamond into the large room and they both 
      stopped to stand by the fire.
      "We have come to finish the conversation we began earlier, in a more 
      amiable atmosphere." Diamond smiled at her and the rest of the men who 
      were crowded into the room.
      "I thank you for your consideration, sire." She motioned to the few chairs 
      in the room. "Would you like to sit?"
      Diamond held up his hand in silent refusal.
      Catherine continued talking. "We would like to first thank you and your 
      wife for your hospitality. It was very kind of you to offer us shelter for 
      the night."
      Serena wasnt sure if she should correct her or not, but decided on 
      keeping her promise not to speak out of turn. Perhaps shed find a chance 
      later to speak with the other woman. She did notice, however, the 
      beginnings of a smile curl the outer corner of Diamonds sensuous lips 
      before he quickly hid it again.
      He cleared his throat. That comment was unexpected. How I wish it were 
      true! He felt Serena stiffen reflexively. She obviously still didnt care 
      for him in the way that he wanted. All he could do was wait and hope that 
      she would grow to love him. Keeping his emotions in check he focused his 
      attention on the raven-haired beauty before him. He had to admit Serena 
      wasnt the only striking creature in the room. Her long midnight black 
      tresses reached well beyond her waist its lustre reflecting the light. Her 
      eyes were a gorgeous shade of purple like the stones he had purchased for 
      Serena. They were quick and intelligent, not missing a thing that went on 
      about her. He smiled a little and began to speak again.
      "Milady. I would like nothing more than to believe your claim. Peace and 
      prosperity is all I have ever wished for my kingdom."
      "I assure you everything that I have told you is true. My brother would 
      have come here himself but feared that you would not believe him and did 
      not want to cause an incident."
      "I can understand that. But I need more than just you claiming no 
      involvement with what has been happening, especially since witnesses have 
      seen men in your brothers colours starting the attacks in the first 
      place."
      Catherines hand fell to her side. "I do not know what to say. Only that 
      no one from our kingdom would do such a thing."
      Serena watched as the two debated for sometime, standing silently to the 
      side. From what she could see, Catherine was telling the truth. But like 
      Diamond said she could just be a really good actor. The other men in the 
      room didnt seem to be malicious in anyway. They stood off to the side of 
      the bed, without weapons or armour but still ready to defend their 
      princess should they have to. Several eyes watched her suspiciously, but 
      Serena had become accustomed to that now in the male dominated society. 
      Women just didnt have any right to be involved in matters of war or 
      state. Serena smiled sweetly at the group of irritating men. Still they 
      didnt look like cold-blooded killers to her. Her attention returned to 
      the conversation between the royals.
      "I can assure you likewise that we have never attacked your kingdom." 
      Diamond was saying. "I cannot even begin to tell you how wrong that 
      assumption is."
      "We have reports as well that your men have been invading our borders." 
      Her calm exterior was beginning to founder. Eyes flashing she didnt back 
      down an inch from the prince.
      Serena stepped in between the two. "This isnt going to solve a thing." 
      Her voice was quiet and unthreatening. "All we have established here is 
      that people dressed in foreign colours have attacked both kingdoms. It 
      doesnt mean that they are who they seem."
      Diamond sighed. So much for her promise. He knew she was right though. She 
      was almost always right. "Who would want to do such a thing? Causing a war 
      between us is pointless."
      "But is it?" Serena looked over to Catherine who was looking on her in 
      admiration for her boldness. "Are there any enemies you can think of you 
      would prosper from such a thing?"
      "I do not know. I can think of none. We still have not concluded as to why 
      Diamond would want to attack us."
      "I told you that we have not!"
      Serena put her hand on his arm. She knew he didnt like being accused of 
      something he didnt commit but losing his temper wouldnt help any. 
      "Perhaps we should discuss this more in the morning with a fresh outlook." 
      Serena gave Diamond a gentle smile hoping that he would listen.
      "You are right." He turned to the other delegation and nodded. "We shall 
      continue this in the morning. Good evening." He led Serena out of the 
      room. Diamond kept hold of Serenas hand as they walked down the darkened 
      hall. He looked at her and smiled. He had never known a woman more 
      infuriating or more lovable than Serena. "How are you feeling today, 
      Serena?"
      She knew he was asking about her mental state. For quite a while there, 
      she thought she was completely losing it. But as she came to terms with 
      loosing Darien Serena slowly came out of her depression. With friends like 
      Dariens brothers, Diamond and the rest of the people in the castle it was 
      easier to recover. "Im better, Diamond. You dont have to worry about me 
      you know."
      "But I do. Youre very special to me, Serena." He brought her fingers to 
      his lips and kissed them each in turn.
      "Youre very kind, but"
      "I know its too soon for you. I want you to know that I am here for you. 
      No matter what, my kingdom and I shall be by your side come what may." His 
      eyes glowed with the force of his words.
      "I...I dont know what to say. Thank you, Diamond." Serena knew of his 
      feelings for her and wished that she could reciprocate. But she just 
      didnt feel for him the way that he felt for her.
      "You dont have to say anything. I can see it in your eyes. You do not 
      feel the same way I do." He put up his hand to stop the words he knew were 
      coming. "I will wait. As long as it takes, I will find a way to be the man 
      that you want." He looked at her and gave her a little smile. "I sound 
      pathetic, do I not?"
      "No. No you dont." Serena took his much larger hand in hers and smiled. 
      "I think we should talk about something else."
      He squeezed her hand. "You are right. As usual."
      They continued on their walk.
      "Tell me more about your world. Do you have an occupation?"
      Serena stopped a moment, her brow creasing. It seemed like a million years 
      ago. "I worked at the help desk at a computer company."
      "Computer?" Diamond looked quite puzzled.
      "Oh Im sorry I forgot that you dont have them. Theyre machines that 
      help you out. You can do just about anything on a computer. Play games, 
      write, draw pictures."
      "Sounds fascinating. And you are able to do all this on one machine?"
      "Yup. I wish I could show you what my world is like. Its so different 
      from this." She waved her arm over he head at the cold stone walls.
      "Perhaps one day."
      "Yeah maybe." Serena smiled grimly. That was if she ever got home. From 
      the way things were going it didnt look like she was ever going to get 
      back.