
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 7
      Serena and Diamond were sitting staring blankly at the fire. She turned 
      numbly back to the man who had single-handed dashed both their hopes for 
      peace and a way home.
      "What do you mean Im not the one?" her voice was hollow, just like her 
      chest felt.
      The man gave her a little shrug, like it didnt really matter. "You are 
      not the one we are looking for."
      Diamond stood up and shook his head. "That cannot be. Serena fulfils the 
      prophecy and more." He sat back down again, looking utterly defeated. "It 
      cannot be."
      Serena shook her head and put her arm around her friends shoulders. "He 
      knows best." She looked at her friend and sighed heavily. Poor Diamond. He 
      looked so desolate. She knew he was relying on her to help him and his 
      kingdom. "Dont worry I will still do all I can to help you."
      Diamond smiled gratefully and nodded. "But first you must do me one 
thing."
      Serena cocked a brow. "What is it?" her breath stopped when ho got down on 
      one knee. She started shaking her head, knowing what he was about to ask 
      her.
      "Serena, please. What ever it is you want, I will give it to you. Please I 
      need you by my side, to help me, to keep me going. I realize that this is 
      probably too much for you to come to terms with at the moment, but I will 
      do everything in my power to make it easier for you." He took her hands in 
      his and gently touched the back with his lips. "Please Serena, be my 
wife."
      Serena stared down at the prince on his knees at her feet. He was kind, 
      gentle, and handsome. He ruled a country, very well at that. He loved his 
      people and his people loved him. He was everything she could ever wish for 
      in a man. But he wasnt the one she loved.
      Sadness closed a vicelike grip on her heart. But he was gone. And here she 
      was in this insane place with no way to get home. And there was nothing 
      she could do about either situation.
      She gazed into Diamonds beautiful eyes. He really did care for her. Even 
      when she rejected him, he took it just because it made her happy. Serena 
      took a breath and smiled at him at the same time tugging him off of his 
      knees.
      "Diamond...I dont know what to say." She took a deep breath. "Y"
      The door to the small hut slammed open before she could finish the word. 
      Everyone turned to toward the noise, completely startled.
      A man ran through the doorway. "Please you have to come quickly."
      The man Serena wasnt considering to be that wise anymore quickly gathered 
      a few things into a pouch as he asked the man a few questions.
      "What has happened?"
      "A man at my inn is very ill." He grabbed the wise man by the arm to help 
      him along. "You must come quickly he looks as though he hasnt eaten or 
      slept in quite a long time."
      Serena threw her cloak back over her shoulders. "Is there anything we can 
      do to help?"
      A gnarled finger pointed at a bottle-laden table. "Bring those bottle with 
      you. Here is a sack." He handed them a dusty old bag.
      Diamond quickly filled the bag while she held it.
      "Serena, that man...he looks familiar." He took another look at him over 
      his shoulder.
      Serena took another look as well. "He does look familiar." She stared at 
      him some more but couldnt place his face.
      Diamond gasped. "Hes the innkeeper of the inn we are staying at. The one 
      Sapphire arranged our stay with."
      "Oh my god. Do you think something has happened to one of the guys?" she 
      tied up the sack and handed it to Diamond, who quickly slung it over his 
      shoulder.
      "I hope not."
      ----
      The man led them back to the inn and into what looked like the kitchen. 
      Serena couldnt stop her head from shaking at the way these people took 
      care of their ill. A kitchen of all places. She cringed. Hopefully they 
      didnt do anything to the man yet.
      A few women were milling around the room, some cooking others tending to 
      the man laying on the centre table. Serena forced back the bile. She could 
      see that they had been using it to prepare food just before they put him 
      on it. Disgusting.
      Serena could detect a rancid odour coming from the man and the closer they 
      got to him the stronger it became. She buried her nose in her sleeve so 
      she could get a closer look at the man.
      Diamond put a hand on her shoulder.
      "You should stay back. There is no telling what has happened to him."
      Serena knew she could handle some blood, but because the smell was so 
      repellent, Serena agreed but stayed close by. She watched as the men 
      stripped the clothes off his torso and start on the wounds there. From the 
      looks of it he had endured quite a bit of violence. Serena wondered who he 
      was and why anyone would do this to him.
      Feeling sorry for him she took a step closer and took a scarred hand in 
      hers hoping that it would comfort him at least a little bit.
      They cleaned out the wounds on his chest as best they could before moving 
      onto the ones below the waist.
      Serena got up and left the room then. She really didnt think she could 
      handle anymore. Whatever hed been through it must have been a nightmare. 
      Serena wandered out and sat down at a table near the kitchen. Tired out, 
      she laid her head on the table and closed her eyes. This world was getting 
      worse and worse by the minute.
      ----
      Diamond helped the other men clean the man up and tended to his wounds. He 
      shook his head at all the bruises and cuts all over his body. He couldnt 
      help but feel sorry for him.
      He leant over and daubed at a seeping bruise on his shoulder when he 
      looked at the man, startled by what he mumbled in his fevered state.
      Was he imagining it or did he say Serenas name?
      Diamond shook his head. He was beginning to imagine things. The man 
      couldnt know Serena. It just proved how infatuated with Serena he really 
      was.
      He went back to cleaning out the wound. It looked as though it was getting 
      infected and he did his best to clean it gently.
      "Serena."
      Diamond looked up. There it was again. And this time there was no denying 
      what he heard. He stood up and looked at the man, studying his face.
      Diamond brushed his hair out of his face and stared at it intently. It 
      couldnt be. Could it? Diamond gasped and stripped away the shaggy beard 
      and wild hair with his minds eye.
      He couldnt find his voice. "Darien?"
      Diamond took a step back, stunned. It was Darien! He looked at the door 
      Serena had just used. He should go and tell her. He turned his green eyes 
      back to the man lying before him.
      A tiny voice in the back of his mind reminded him of how easy it would be 
      to just forget about him. How simple it would be to pack up their things 
      and leave him behind and never tell her the truth.
      Diamond shook his head. How could he even think those things? Feeling 
      tremendously angry with himself, he looked around the room.
      "Take very good care of this man. If anything happens to him you will all 
      have to answer to me." And with that he swept out the door.
      He easily found Serena resting at a table. Slowly he made his way over and 
      sat down next to her. How was he going to tell her this? He tenderly 
      fingered her hair for probably the last time and took a deep breath.
      "Serena. You should go back in there."
      She shook her head. "I cant. Its horrible what theyve done to him. I 
      cant stand to see it."
      "Serena you dont understand." He paused. It was his last chance to back 
      out. Diamond forced himself to go on. "That is Darien in there."
      Serenas head shot up. "Thats not funny."
      "I am not trying to be funny. I believe that is Darien in there."
      Serena jumped up. "Are you sure?" Her heart fluttered to life, thudding 
      loudly in her chest. Darien? Alive? Right here? She ran back into the 
      kitchen with Diamond following closely behind.
      ----
      Serena ran straight over to the body laying on the table. Could it really 
      be him? Her heart stopped almost completely when she looked at the 
      battered man. He was much too thin. She could almost count the ribs 
      protruding through the skin.
      Serena ignored the shocked looks of the men tending him and approached 
      anyway. With a trembling hand, she did like Diamond did and brushed aside 
      the hair on his face so she could get a closer look.
      Even with all the facial hair it was unmistakable. It was Darien.
      Overcome with emotion, Serena collapsed onto her knees and wept, both 
      happy to have him back and horrified that someone would do this to him.
      Diamond stood by silently, not knowing what to do. Gently, he knelt down 
      next to her and took her shuddering body in his arms. He had to do what 
      was right. "Serena. Well go back to the castle. I shall do everything I 
      am able to make him well again."
      Somehow, Serena heard him through her sobs. Looking up at him with 
      tear-filled eyes, she cried even harder. "Diamond. I dont know how to 
      thank you." He threw her arms around his shoulders. She knew how much it 
      hurt him to see her with someone else and yet he still did what he felt 
      was right, even if it wasnt to his benefit.
      Diamond simply nodded. "Ill get the rest of the men." He helped Serena up 
      and when he was sure she was ok standing on her own, he walked out of the 
      room.
      Serena stood over Darien and took his hand again.
      "Oh my god, Darien. You came back." Serena ran her fingers over the 
      bruises on his face and felt her temper start to boil. "Who did this to 
      you?" she suddenly had an overwhelming urge to get her hands on the person 
      responsible.
      And to think that she had given up on the idea of him still being alive. 
      Guilt gnawed at her gut. How could she have given up on him? She brought 
      his hand to her cheek. She knew he wouldnt have given up on her. Serena 
      sighed and watched as the other men did their best to clean out his 
wounds.
      Moments later the door burst open again and the other rushed in. 
      Christopher was the first one in.
      "Is it true?" he walked over to the table and looked at the man laying 
      there.
      Serena nodded.
      Sapphire looked at his brother. The turmoil he was feeling was evident on 
      his face. Poor Diamond. Sapphire put his hand on the princes shoulder.
      Diamond looked over and smiled weakly. "At least she is happy."
      "And what of you, brother?"
      "I will be fine."
      Sapphire knew that if he was in his brothers shoes he couldnt be able to 
      do what he was doing. "You are a stronger man than I, Diamond."
      Diamond smiled grimly.
      ----
      Together they carried Darien out to the cart that Colin managed to find. 
      They all agreed that it was in his best interest to recover in the 
      security of the castle.
      Serena looked at the rickety cart and decided against riding with him. It 
      barely looked strong about to hold Darien. Instead she rode right next to 
      him on Samson.
      Colin rode with her. He looked over at her and smiled. "So you are going 
      to be happier now, are you not?"
      Serena smiled at him. "Yes, much. I just wish I knew what happened to him 
      and who did that to him."
      "I am sure he will tell us when he recovers."
      Serena nodded, shaking loose the hair that she had tied in a sloppy knot 
      at the nape of her neck. She swept it out of her face and looked over her 
      shoulder at Catherine and her entourage. She felt sorry for the other 
      women. She had her whole group to take care of all on her own.
      "Keep and eye on Darien for a moment, will you Colin?"
      "Of course Serena."
      She smiled her thanks and slowed Samson's pace until she was back with 
      Catherine.
      "How are you doing Catherine?"
      The raven-haired woman smiled a little. "We are well for the moment. My 
      men seem to have become more stable."
      Serena reached over and patted her hand. "Im glad."
      Catherines violet eyes caught hers. "You seem to be in good spirits." She 
      looked at the cart. "Is that your man?"
      Serena nodded. "Yes, that is Darien."
      Catherine smiled. "I am glad that he is back with you. From what I see, he 
      will need much care."
      Serena sighed heavily. "Yes. He will. I just wish there was something I 
      could do for him."
      "Your presence will do much to help. He will know you are there."
      "I suppose." She shrugged her cloaked shoulders. "I just feel so 
helpless."
      Sapphire appeared at her side then, glaring disapprovingly at the other 
      woman. "Serena I wish to speak with you."
      "Of course." She turned to Catherine. "Please excuse me."
      "Of course."
      Serena followed Sapphire up the ranks. "What is it Sapphire?"
      "Do you think it is wise speaking to her so freely? Remember we do not 
      know what has happened to Darien. And the last thing we know is that he 
      was captured during an escape from that womans brother. He could have 
      very well been recaptured by Edwin and tortured by him."
      Frowning, Serena looked at Sapphire. What he was saying was true. It just 
      seemed so impossible that such an intelligent woman could have such an 
      inhuman brother. "I just cant see her as being bad."
      Sapphire shook his head. "You are much too trusting."
      Diamonds voice turned her head. "Serena! Come quickly!"
      Serena kicked at Samsons side without question. The rest of the group had 
      come to a halt and Diamond was next to the cart trying to restrain a 
      violently fighting Darien.
      "What happened?" she jumped off of the horses back and ran to Diamonds 
      side. She climbed over the side of the cart without thinking. "Darien. 
      Its me. Serena." She dodged a fist and put a hand on his cheek. "Darien. 
      Look at me."
      His wild eyes focussed on her face and his hands dropped to his side. 
      "Serena?"
      Serena smiled then. "Darien."
      His eyes cleared as he grabbed her within his arms and crushed Serena 
      against him. "Oh thank god. I thought I would never see you again." Darien 
      revelled in the feel of Serena in his arms.
      She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and sighed happily. It felt so 
      good to be with him again. "I never thought I would see you either." She 
      ran her hands over his chest. "How are you feeling?"
      "Much better now." He looked around at everyone before Catherine and her 
      band caught his attention. "Who are they?"
      Serena smiled slightly. "Now dont get angry."
      Darien could see that it was going to be something he didnt like. "I will 
      not, as long as it is nothing for me to get angry over."
      "That is Lady Catherine, Edwins sister."
      Darien tried to move her out of the way so he could stand up. "Serena! Are 
      you mad?"
      Serena didnt budge. "I dont think that she is bad."
      "Maybe she is not, but her brother sure as hell is! Now get off of me!" he 
      looked over at Diamond. "How could you let her talk you into this, 
      Diamond?"
      Diamond blushed a little. He couldnt exactly tell his friend that he 
      couldnt deny Serena anything. "I have spoken to her myself and she does 
      not appear to be like her brother."
      Darien slumped back again, unable to fight anymore with his fatigued 
      muscles. "What else have I missed?"
      Serena looked at Diamond. Should they tell him about what the wise man 
      said about her? She took a quick breath. "Nothing much."
      Diamond nodded in agreement.
      Dariens eyes narrowed and he looked around at the rest of the men. They 
      hadnt been told yet and so had no reason to be guilty. Hard steely eyes 
      turned back to Serena, riveting her softer ones. "What has happened?"
      Heart in her shoes, Serena held his gaze. "Im not the one. Im not the 
      girl from the prophecy."
      Gasps came from all around the group.
      Shocked, Darien turned once again to Diamond for verification. He received 
      a sad nod in reply.
      Darien hugged Serena to him. "I know I have not been thrilled with the 
      idea of you being this warrior maiden, but I do know that you are she. How 
      can you explain why you are here?"
      Shoulders slumped Serena shook her head. "I dont know. Its probably some 
      freak accident or something."
      "I do not believe it." He held her tenderly as she began to cry. "Who told 
      you this?"
      Diamond spoke up for her. "The wise man. We found him. He was one of the 
      men who was tending you at the inn."
      "Are you sure it was him?"
      Serena sniffled. "Yes."
      "And you are resigned on this fact?"
      She nodded again.
      "Ok." His mind reeled with the implications of the idea. She wasnt the 
      one. That meant that they could get married now...the thought thrilled him 
      to the core of his being. He was about to mention it when an arrow 
      embedded itself in the cart with a thunk. He threw himself over Serena. 
      "Take cover!"
      Colin threw them a shield before running into the woods to hide behind a 
      tree. The rest of the men followed suit and did their best to find the 
      attacker from their hiding spots.
      Chris shouted, "Can you see where the arrows are coming from, Darien?"
      Darien took a look from behind the meagre protection and quickly ducked 
      behind it again when he saw another rain of deadly weapons. "No I cannot!"
      Serena struggled against Dariens large frame. "What about Catherine? Are 
      she and her men ok?"
      "I dont give a damn about her! Now stay still!" he easily pinned her back 
      down.
      Diamonds shout eased her mind a little. "They are fine! I think they are 
      attacking from the cliff!"
      Serena swivelled her head around as far as she could make it and peeked 
      out from under the shield. She could just make out the figures up on the 
      ledge. "Youre right!"
      That was all Christopher and Sapphire needed. Hiking up their weapons, 
      they took off into the woods closely followed by Colin and then by 
      Catherines men.
      The onslaught of arrows slowed as the number of shouts could be heard. 
      Eventually they stopped and Darien dared to stick his head out to look 
      around. Everything seemed calm now.
      "I think it is safe again." He let Serena up now.
      Diamond had gone over to where Catherine was and looked as though he was 
      trying to coax her out from behind the tree.
      Sapphire was the first to return. And with him he was dragging a body 
      wearing black and gold. He dropped him in front of Catherine. "So does he 
      look familiar to you?"
      Catherine balked at the sight of a dead body. She fought to regain her 
      composure. "Of course not!"
      "Well he, and the rest of them were wearing your brothers colours how do 
      you explain that?"
      "I do not know." She swayed a little and probably would have collapsed if 
      it had been for Diamonds arm supporting her. She looked at her men. "Did 
      you recognize any of them?"
      They shook their heads.
      "Liars!" disgusted Sapphire kicked at the body at his feet.
      Serena watched the scene. Shed never seen the guys so bloodthirsty 
      before. She doubted if even Diamond could defuse the situation this time. 
      Then she happened to glance down at the body.
      Sapphires kick had dislodged the top layer of the mans clothing. A 
      bright blue peeked from underneath the black now.
      Serena shouted before Sapphire could attack the slight woman again. 
      "Sapphire! Wait!" she jumped off the cart and walked over. "Look at his 
      clothes."
      Everyone gathered in closer. Christopher braved it and knelt down. He 
      pulled off the first tunic revealing an almost identical one in Diamonds 
      colours.
      Diamond shook his head. "Go check the others."
      Catherine nodded to her men to do likewise.
      They came back moments later. "They are dressed the same."
      Everyone stood silent. Someone was definitely playing with them. But who?
      "It seems we have a common enemy." Darien groaned as he shuffled off the 
      cart. Serena walked over to help him sit on the edge.
      Catherine was still staring in shock at what had just happened. "Who would 
      do such a despicable thing?"
      "Someone with a lot to gain." Diamond walked over to the man and looked 
      him over. "Just think. With our two kingdoms at war, someone could come in 
      and take over. And before we know it," he slammed his fist into his palm. 
      "They have the entire kingdom in their hands." Diamond glared at the body 
      with such contempt, that if it hadnt already been lifeless, it would have 
      died a horrible death. "How could I have been so blind?"
      Catherine nodded in understanding. "You were not the only one." She put 
      her hand on the shoulders of the young monarch in a comforting gesture.
      Diamond smiled back at her in response, putting his arm around her 
      shoulder.
      Serena grinned hugely. This had definite possibilities. She looked over at 
      Darien but he didnt seem to see the same potential that she did. Shaking 
      her head she turned her attention back to the two blue bloods talking.
      "But who would do such a thing?"
      Diamond scowled and looked at the man again. "There must be something that 
      will give us a clue."
      As if they were given the cue, Christopher, Sapphire and Colin knelt down 
      and started going through his things. Catherines men went to work on the 
      other men that they could find.
      Moments later, Colins triumphant cry broke the tense silence. "What about 
      this?" he held out a scrap of paper like it was an Olympic medal.
      Diamond took a look at it, his eyes intent on reading the contents of the 
      page.
      "Well what is it, Diamond?" Serena leaned over as far as she could without 
      falling off the cart.
      "It looks like directions to where we are most likely to be." Diamond 
      handed it over to his brother.
      Sapphire clenched it in his fist and looked over at the other group. "Did 
      you find anything?"
      Roland was fiddling with a piece of paper when Sapphires question reached 
      him. He jolted guiltily and then hid his apprehension with a smile. "Yes. 
      I found this." He handed the scrap over to Sapphire who studied it 
      carefully before handing it over to Diamond and Catherine to look at.
      The piece was completely blank except for the bottoms of a few words and a 
      splotch of wax that had been imprinted with an indistinguishable seal.
      They both frowned. "There is nothing of help here."
      Diamond shook his head. "We will return to the castle and try and figure 
      this out."
      Everyone seemed to agree. They needed to get somewhere safe and relax for 
      a while.
      ----
      They reached the castle by nightfall. The moon had just begun to climb its 
      nightly journey and was lending the sky its soft glow.
      Serena gathered her things together and watched as Christopher and 
      Sapphire helped Darien into the cold stone building. She was feeling 
      wonderful. They were together again and nothing was going to get her down 
      now. Serena followed quietly behind the three and noticed that Diamond was 
      seeing to Catherine himself.
      Serena smiled.
      Christopher was fussing with his older brother when Serena walked into the 
      room.
      "Chris. I will be fine. Now leave me alone." The words may have been harsh 
      but he was smiling broadly.
      "Ok. I will send word to Geoffrey. He will be thrilled." Christopher 
      hadnt taken two steps out of the room when a plump Lady Evelyn leapt 
      happily into his arms.
      Serena crept past them as quietly as she could and closed the door behind 
      her. She had a reunion to attend herself.
      She stood at the door a moment, not really able to believe what she was 
      seeing. There he was sitting on the bed. He was a little worse for wear 
      but he was there.
      Darien turned to her and smiled his little smile and Serena couldnt hold 
      herself back anymore.
      She flew across the gap between them and practically leapt into his arms.
      Silently, he put his arms around her and sighed. There were times when he 
      thought this moment would never be. Ignoring his protesting body, he drew 
      her closer to him to prove to himself this really was happening and not 
      just an empty dream. He nearly shouted for joy when she caressed his cheek 
      and lightly touched her lips to his.
      Serenas heart jump started to life and her eyes fluttered shut. It was 
      just as she remembered it. His kisses were absolutely incredible. Serena 
      could feel her bones start to liquefy when he pulled her close. She ran 
      her hand over his chest but jumped when he winced.
      "Oh, Im so sorry, Darien." Serena jumped up and put her hand 
      apologetically on his shoulder. "I didnt hurt you too much did I?"
      Darien shook his head and pulled her back. "I dont care. I just want to 
      hold you again."
      Serena had so many questions to ask him that they just blurted out. "So 
      where were you? How did you find us?"
      "I assumed that I was being held at Edwins castle. As for finding you, 
      that was pure luck."
      "Thats the same place that you and Diamond were at before?"
      Darien paused. "No it wasnt."
      Serena sat back and looked at him. "Huh?"
      "Now that I think of it, it was not the same place that we were held at 
      before."
      Serena thought about it too. "Come to think of it, we found Diamond near 
      the forest when you escaped the first time. And this time you were miles 
      in the other direction."
      "It does sound strange." Darien shifted and winced again at the pain 
      slicing through him. "Can we talk about it later?"
      Serena leaned back against him. "Of course. Can I get you anything? Are 
      you hungry? Im sure youd like a bath."
      Darien chuckled. "Do I smell that bad do I?"
      Serena wrinkled her nose comically. "Now that you mentioned it..."
      "Minx." Darien shoved her playfully. "All right, a bath it is."
      She got up and walked to the door. "Colin!" she waited a second before the 
      boy appeared.
      "Yes Serena?"
      "Can you get a bath sent in here?"
      "Of course!" he smiled and stuck his head in the door. "It is great to 
      have you back Lord Colville."
      "It is good to be back Colin."
      Colin backed out of the doorway and hurried off down the hall.
      ----
      Moments later and endless stream of women were filling the tub and fussing 
      over Darien. Serena sat to the side for as long as she could take it 
      before she stepped forward.
      "Ill take it from here ladies."
      She hurried them out of the room.
      Darien couldnt stop the laughter that bubbled up from somewhere in his 
      soul.
      "So I dont want them seeing you naked. Is that such a crime?" Serena 
      tried to look offended but just couldnt do it. "Now into the tub."
      She turned around and waited for him to step into the steaming water. She 
      waited until she heard splashing before turning around. Serena came up 
      behind him and knelt down. She dumped a bucket of water of his head and 
      tackled the mess of hair. Serena painstakingly unknotted his hair as 
      gently as she could. Then she went to work on his beard. With his help she 
      managed to shave him.
      Serena grimaced when she saw all the bruises on his face. Many of them 
      looked fresh and painful to the touch. The rest of his body hadnt exactly 
      escaped unscathed either. Serena carefully cleaned up every bruise, cut 
      and scrape she could find where decency didnt inhibit her attention.
      Afterwards she helped him get dressed and stood behind him in the mirror 
      so that he could see himself.
      "There you go. All cleaned up." She poked her head out from behind him so 
      she could see his reaction.
      "Thank you dear heart." He kissed her on the cheek before gingerly leaning 
      back to sit on the bed. "We have to talk about you not being the warrior 
      maid."
      "Yes? What about it?" Serena sat next to him.
      "Are you sure that is what the wise man said?"
      "Yes. He couldnt have been clearer."
      "And you are sure that he was indeed the wise man?"
      Serena had never thought of it that way. "Well I never saw any credentials 
      or anything. But I assumed that was he. Who else could he be? You saw him 
      didnt you? That creepy old guy that was helping us take care of you in 
      that kitchen."
      "What does Diamond say about this?" Darien knew Diamond wouldnt give up 
      the idea without a fight.
      "He seemed a little shattered but he accepted it well enough."
      "Did he indeed?"
      "Absolutely. What else could he do? The guy said I wasnt the one."
      Darien looked thoughtful then shrugged whatever he was thinking away. "We 
      will get the wedding plans underway then."
      Serenas ears perked at that. "Wedding plans?"
      "Of course. Now that you do not have to fulfill that ridiculous 
      stipulation we can get married." He paused a moment. "You do still want me 
      for a husband do you not?"
      Serena threw herself into his arms. "Of course!" she hopped up onto the 
      bed and started jumping up and down. "Im so excited!" she flopped back 
      down again and grinned at Darien. "I just wish my friends could be here."
      Darien smiled a little sadly. "Yes. It is unfortunate that you do not have 
      a way home now. Are you alright with that?"
      Serena shrugged. "What can I do? There wasnt much for me to go home to." 
      There really wasnt anything she could do anymore so why fight it? 
      "Besides at least I am here with you."
      "I am glad that you have come to terms with not being able to return 
      home." He beamed down at her. "So when do you want to get married?"
      "How about the spring? Its always been my favourite time of the year. And 
      it should turn nice pretty soon."
      "The spring it is then. We will tell the others tonight."
      "Great!" she leaned into the kiss and smiled when he backed away again. 
      Wouldnt they be happy when they heard? Serenas smile faded.
      Darien knew what she was thinking. "Do you want to tell him?"
      "Yeah I think Id better." She fingered a bandaged arm. "You get some rest 
      and Ill go and tell Diamond."
      Darien hesitated. "Do you want me to go with you?"
      "I think itll be easier coming from me." Serena pushed Darien back until 
      he was lying on the bed. "Ill be back in a bit."
      ----
      She walked through the halls towards Diamonds chambers. Everyone seemed 
      to be in good spirits. At least thats how things seemed to her. Of 
      course, that probably had something to do with Darien being back. Serena 
      had to forcibly stop herself from skipping down the corridor.
      By the time she reached Diamonds room, shed sobered up considerably. 
      Taking a breath, she knocked on the hard door.
      "Diamond? Are you in there?"
      The door creaked open and Diamond smiled at her.
      "Serena. I hadnt expected to see you so soon. Come in."
      Serena walked into the room and waited for him to close the door.
      She decided to speak first. "How are you doing, Diamond?"
      "I am well. And you?"
      "Pretty good. Very good actually." She sighed at Diamonds despondent 
      look. "Im sorry Diamond."
      He put up his hand but Serena took it in hers.
      "I wish my decision didnt have to hurt you so. But I cant help the way 
      that I feel.
      He put his finger on her lips, silencing her cascade of words. "And I only 
      want for you to be happy. I only wish that I was the one to make you glow 
      like this." He smiled at her, even if it was a little sad, and ran a 
      finger over her cheek. "But I am happy that youre happy."
      "Thank you Diamond. You are the greatest friend I could ever have." And 
      she hugged him.
      Diamond hugged her back briefly before pulling a safe distance away from 
      her. "Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
      "Yes, actually." Serena turned to look at the fire. "Remember when you 
      came back? You came from the direction of the forest."
      "Yes." He stepped next to her wondering where she was going with this.
      "Well dont you find it kind of weird that if Darien was being held in the 
      same place, that he came from the wrong direction?"
      Emerald green eyes darkened. "That is rather strange."
      "Thats all I wanted to talk about." Serena was about to walk out of the 
      room when she turned and smiled. "So how is Catherine?" she smiled even 
      wider when she saw the telltale blush on the princes cheeks.
      "She is nice."
      Serena put and hand on his and smiled before turning down the darkened 
      hall.
      ----
      Colin caught up with her on her way back to the bedroom.
      "Hello, Serena. I bet you are happier now huh?" he grinned at her.
      Serena nodded. "Yes much happier."
      "Bryan just left for Lord Colvilles manor. They will know within the hour 
      that he is well."
      "Good. Im sure Geoffrey will be glad of the news."
      They stopped in front of the door.
      Colin noticed that Serena was anxious to get on the other side. "Is there 
      anything I can get you before you retire for the night?"
      Serena shook her head. "Nope. I think weve got everything we need." She 
      patted him on the shoulder and smiled thankfully. "Goodnight Colin."
      "Goodnight, milady." He turned and carried on his way.
      Still smiling, Serena opened the door and walked in.
      Darien was nowhere to be seen.
      "Darien?" Serena searched uselessly around the room. She looked back at 
      the bed and noticed a few drops of blood.
      Eyes wide Serena ran back out into the hall and looked down at the smooth 
      stones. As she suspected she saw a few patches of smudged blood. A million 
      different scenarios played themselves out in her mind. Had he opened a 
      wound and gone to find some help? She looked down again. No. It looked 
      like he was being dragged.
      "Colin! Diamond! Someone!" frantic, Serena ran down the hall looking for 
      anyone who could have seen him.
      Colin reappeared moments before Sapphire and Diamond.
      "Serena? Whats the matter?"
      "Dariens gone. Have any of you seen him?"
      She looked at each of them and got a slow shake of the head in reply. 
      "Help me find him. I think hes hurt."
      Together, they ran off into the castle. Minutes later Sapphire came back 
      with a wrinkled piece of paper. "Serena. I am sorry. Darien has been 
      taken." He handed it to her.
      Hands shaking Serena took a look at it.
      We have Lord Colville. If you ever want to see him again, send Lady Serena 
      alone to the pond in the forest. I believe she will know where it is.
      A friend.
      Serena handed it to Diamond and headed back to her room.
      "Serena you cannot go alone." Diamond caught up with her. "I will come 
      with you."
      She kicked the door open and headed for the weapons in the corner of the 
      room. "You cant. They said they want me alone. They might hurt Darien if 
      I dont."
      Sapphire and Colin walked in.
      Diamond put a hand on her shoulder stilling her. "Cant you see? It is you 
      that they want. Darien is just bait."
      "I cant just leave him there!" she shoved Diamond off and gathered up her 
      bow, quiver, an assortment of daggers and whatever else she could find. 
      "Hes hurt! They could do anything to him and he would be helpless."
      Sapphire tried to take the weapons away. "Do you even know how to use 
      these?" he waved a gleaming blade in her face.
      "Im sure I can figure it out." She grabbed it from him and stuck it in 
      her belt. "Now get out of my way." She threw the cloak around her shoulder 
      and prepared to walk out of the room but the three men blocked her path.
      "We cannot let you go alone."
      Serena glared at them. "You guys are my best friends. But if I have to, I 
      will go through you."
      Everyone backed down except for Diamond.
      "I am going with you whether you like it or not." He followed her out of 
      the room. "Colin. Get my things. I will be outside with Thor."
      Colin ran off to do his bidding.
      Christopher and Evelyn were in the entrance when they arrived.
      He looked at their tense demeanour and frowned. "What is the matter?"
      "Someones taken Darien."
      Chris pushed Evelyn to the side and had a few words with her then rejoined 
      the group. "So what are we going to do about it?"
      Serena shook her head. "We are doing nothing. Im going to get him." She 
      tried to walk out the door again.
      Diamond grabbed her arm. "No. I am going with you."
      Serena whirled around. "Diamond. Let go of me." She stopped and sighed. 
      Shed have to change tactics. "Ok you can come with me. Just hurry up and 
      get your stuff." Serena nodded at the rest of them as well, indicating 
      that what she just said applied to them as well. They all ran off to get 
      their things.
      The moment they were out of sight, Serena ran out to the stables and 
      quickly saddled Samson. "Hey buddy. Feel like a ride?"
      She threw her pack over and climbed on. With one last look at the castle, 
      Serena kicked at his sides and rode off into the night.