Title: Midnight Destiny
Chapter 1: The Ball
Rated PG
Author: LunaPrincess
E-Mail: LunaPrincess@aol.com, princessserenity888@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, but I do own a lot of her merchandise! ooOOoo I love those trading cards ^_^ Seriously all these characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi and I'm borrowing them because they inspire me.
Author's Note: Hi ^_^ I hope you like this fanfic. It's my first try so feel free to e-mail me and PLZ REVIEW! Most of all just enjoy! You can read this and some of my other work at my webpage: http://www.geocities.com/princessserenity888
*************************
Once upon a time, there was a princess named Serena. She lived in a beautiful kingdom called Everleigh. Serena's life was the classic Cinderella story: her mother passed away while giving birth to her and her father chose to remarry a horrible woman. Now her stepmother, Queen Beryl, was not exactly the warm motherly type, but at least she didn't relegate Serena to the servant quarters. Instead she decided to marry her off as soon as she was of the age to be married.
The man that was chosen was Prince Diamond of a neighboring kingdom. At 28 years of age, he was still clinging on to bachelor-hood. This is no big surprise with his corpulent figure and bovine personality; Diamond smoked like a chimney and drank like a fish. His intemperate behavior is known in every tavern throughout both kingdoms. It was easy to see why Serena is dreading her wedding day. Just thinking about it made her squeamish.
Queen Beryl insisted that there was to be a masquerade ball thrown in honor of their engagement on the fortnight. The castle was decorated from top to bottom with fragrant flowers and the subservient staff rushed about so that they would be ready on time. There was silver to be scoured and meat to be cooked.
Oblivious to the din, Serena sat in her room, staring at the new ball gown she was to wear tonight. The gown was a beautiful shade of dark blue with tiny embroidered flowers on the hem of sleeves. The color emphasized her blue eyes. The mask matched her gown and was adorned with small jewels and brilliant peacock feathers on the rim. Even all these fancy fineries could not cheer her up. Serena was contemplating on running away from it all. However, it was considered perfidy to her father to take the coward's way out. Serena wished it was someone other that the alcoholic prince that she had to marry. Her maid came in to help her dress. She expertly pulled her long golden hair into an elaborate twist and held it all in place with some strategically placed pins. Soon she would have to spend the whole night with the heinous man.
The guests had already started to arrive when Serena came down from her room. She was delighted to see the familiar faces of her friends who came to show her their support. Baroness Raye Kenwick of Yorkshire, Lady Amy Wingate of Blue Isles, Lady Lita Falwell of Winterbury and Duchess Mina St. Claire of Golden Lakes were the best friends Serena could ask for.
"I don't know what to do," sighed Serena. "The wedding is creeping closer and closer. Do you think I could run away and hide in your kingdoms? I could pretend to be a pauper." The girls laughed, until they saw Serena's face.
"You can't be serious!" exclaimed Amy. "You were brought up too sheltered to survive out there. Could you image spending the rest of your life not knowing how you would get your daily bread each day?" Serena knew that she should listen to Amy. She was always the sensible when, even as a child.
"I don't know if I could stand the thought of being with Prince Diamond for the rest of my life," lamented Serena. "Forget about bearing his children." Before another word was spoken the announcement of dinner came. They went quietly, for children of high nobility had certain obligations to fulfill. Unfortunately, Serena was seated far away from her friends. To make matters even worse, she was to sit across from Prince Diamond.
"Princess Serena," said Diamond. "How wonderful it is to see you. Look, we're about to be served." The late repast consisted of a cold carrot bisque, roasted duck with essence of orange, and many more delicious courses. Prince Diamond ate with gusto, speaking with his neighbors loudly while bits of food flew out of his mouth. She forced herself to take small bites of her dinner, repulsed by his dinner etiquette and his leering gaze. Serena wondered in consternation how one could actually have a whole conversation with others while staring at her bodice. Over a dessert of orange ice with raspberry sauce, Queen Beryl made a toast.
"As you may know, this wonderful gathering was to celebrate the betrothal of my dear stepdaughter, Serena to Prince Diamond," began the queen. "This has been a long awaited event that every mother hopes for. You see, I do not see her as my stepdaughter, but consider her as my very own. I am so happy for them. May they have a wonderful and long life together." All the guests rose and toasted. "Now let's finish this delightful meal and let the real ball begin!" Queen Beryl sat down, amidst the glowing praises of the guests around her.
Once dinner was over, Serena told Queen Beryl about the prince's wandering eyes. The queen thought that Serena was being ridiculous. To prevent another dissension between them, Serena kept her mouth shut. There was a brief intermission before it was time for the night's entertainment, so that everyone could freshen up and put on their masks. An orchestra was brought in, so that the guests could dance. In no time at all, Queen Beryl insisted that Serena and Prince Diamond have the first dance. Being this close to Diamond while everyone was watching them, made Serena wish she didn't eat so
much at dinner. The odor of alcohol and his clumsy steps, showed that the prince had a glass or two of wine too many at dinner. She mentally promised herself that if his hands wandered any lower, she was susceptible to disavow any actions that would result in pain in his groin. Just as Prince Diamond's hand began to slip, a polite voice said, "May I cut in?"
Without missing a beat, Serena was swept into the arms of a very handsome man and was gracefully moved into the steps of a waltz. He wore a long cloak that looked smudged with dirt around the hem. With his mask on, Serena could not tell who he was, but dancing with him purged the disgusting feeling of Prince Diamond's sweaty hands.
"Why did you do that?" asked Serena. "Don't you know that he is Prince Diamond?"
"I have nothing to fear about that drunken fool," was the reply. "Could I have left a poor damsel in distress alone with him and his wayfaring hands?" A grin played across his fair features. Serena wished that things were different. If only she was not betrothed and she was free to do whatever she wanted. Serena would marry this man even if he was of ignoble background. Not even her own father thought of saving her from Prince Diamond.
"Thank you," she whispered. Within his warm embrace, she felt safe. The music from the orchestra and the noise from the rest of the guests seem so far away. So were her problems with Diamond. Nothing mattered except this mysterious dark-haired stranger and his piercing blue eyes.
"Now all I ask for in return is a kiss." Serena looked up. Those blue eyes were held a spark of mischief now. She closed her eyes as he slowly bent his head for the kiss.
Suddenly a rough shove ruined the perfect moment. "What do you think you are doing with my fiancée?" a slurred voice asked. It was Prince Diamond and it so clear that he had a few more drinks while the two were dancing.
"Who do you think you are anyway?" demanded Diamond. "You intrude on my party and start dancing with my fiancée. Well I'm not going to stand for that!" Prince Diamond pulled off his one of his gloves and slapped the stranger across the face. A collective gasp rose from the guests around the room. Even the musicians had stopped playing to observe the commotion.
The man calmly gazed at the prince. "I have no intentions to fight with a man who is obviously intoxicated," he said. "Why don't you sit down an rest. Have another drink while you're at it."
"No!" said Prince Diamond stubbornly. He was starting to sound like an infant ready to throw a tantrum. "I want you to leave now! Or else I want a duel!"
"You, sir, look like you are ready to sleep on your feet. Better be off before you make a bigger fool of yourself." The foreigner tried to maneuver the bigger man to a seat.
"Don't touch me!" Diamond bellowed. "I'm not sleepy. I just need another drink." With that he grabbed the drink from a nearby man. In a single gulp, he finished it. "There, I feel better," the prince declared. "Now stand still and take your beating like a man… since when were there two of you?" Prince Diamond began to sway. The alcohol caught up with him and he promptly passed out in a heap on the floor.
"Someone better get this poor guy to his room," commented the stranger. "Now where were we?" The music began playing once again, since the drama was over. Once again, Serena was lost in the arms of this unknown man.
Later, after the orchestra played its late note, the crowd of guests began to dissipate. Her rescuer bowed, kissed her hand and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Serena exclaimed. "I don't even know your name."
"All you need to know is that I am your destiny." Then he disappeared into the night. She wanted nothing more than to leave with him. Then, faster than she could blink her eyes, Serena was surrounded by her friends.
"Who was that man?" Mina asked. "You can tell he was so handsome even with his mask on!"
"I honestly have no idea," replied Serena. "All I really know is that he had the most beautiful eyes. They were blue like the waters in Golden Lakes where you live. His hair was as dark as the night."
"Well! Looks like someone's in love," teased Raye. "Don't start swooning on us now. What are you going to do about Prince Diamond?" Serena could not think of an answer. She bade her friends good night and went up to her room. There she found Queen Beryl waiting.
"What were you thinking dancing with that man!" her stepmother screamed. "You just left poor Prince Diamond there while you flounced about like a common tavern wench."
"I did no such thing," protested Serena. "Diamond was drunk and had started to make me feel uncomfortable. The stranger saved me."
"Prince Diamond is your future husband. Whether you are comfortable or not does not matter anymore. You father and I had worked hard for this treaty with Chambray and you are not going to ruin it!"
"Treaty? I was only a pawn for this treaty?" Serena was shocked at the revelation. She could feel the tears building up behind her eyelids. She frantically blinked them back.
"What does it matter now anyway? You are going to marry the prince next week." The Queen turned to leave. She paused at the door. "Everyone in both kingdoms are going to be there. Nothing can change that now."
"I WILL NOT MARRY THAT MONSTER!" Serena screamed after her. The tears flooded past her defenses. How could this be happening? Was she just and object to be passed along at the whims of her stepmother?
"I'll leave tonight," Serena thought. "They have left me no choice." She went into the kitchen and found a large flour sack. In it she put several small containers for water and threw in all the food she thought . When she went back to her room, Serena began to pack a few extra sets of clothes. Then she realized that she would not go far as a girl. Women were not allowed to go far with out their husbands accompanying them. She was about to give up, when an ingenious thought came to mind. Why not take one of the servants' clothing? There were so many of them no one would notice a few missing.
The trip down to the laundry was hard in the dark, but Serena was afraid of rousing attention to herself with a candle. She managed to make it safely to her destination. The room was dark save the moonlight through the small window.
Locating a few pairs of breeches, shirts and other necessary items, she quickly hurried back to her room. With her bags packed, Serena was ready to leave. A yawn escaped her mouth before she realized how tired she really was. She would just have to leave tomorrow night. There were a few more things to plan. Changing into her nightwear, Serena climbed into her bed and pulled the counterpane close to her chin. Closing her eyes she realized that for the first time, she was looking forward to tomorrow. Smiling, she dreamt of that handsome blue-eyed stranger.
To be continued…
*************************
I thought this would be a good place to stop! I would like to thank my editors, Winnifred and Crystal. You may have no idea what anime is but I still love you ^_^
I know some of you may not like the fact that I made up some new last names for Raye, Amy, Lita and Mina, but it really didn't sound right. This story is set in Europe somewhere, so please forgive me! Baroness Raye Hino… Nope still doesn't sound right! Once again please review! I like to know what you think (and I like suggestions!)
Chapter 1: The Ball
Rated PG
Author: LunaPrincess
E-Mail: LunaPrincess@aol.com, princessserenity888@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, but I do own a lot of her merchandise! ooOOoo I love those trading cards ^_^ Seriously all these characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi and I'm borrowing them because they inspire me.
Author's Note: Hi ^_^ I hope you like this fanfic. It's my first try so feel free to e-mail me and PLZ REVIEW! Most of all just enjoy! You can read this and some of my other work at my webpage: http://www.geocities.com/princessserenity888
*************************
Once upon a time, there was a princess named Serena. She lived in a beautiful kingdom called Everleigh. Serena's life was the classic Cinderella story: her mother passed away while giving birth to her and her father chose to remarry a horrible woman. Now her stepmother, Queen Beryl, was not exactly the warm motherly type, but at least she didn't relegate Serena to the servant quarters. Instead she decided to marry her off as soon as she was of the age to be married.
The man that was chosen was Prince Diamond of a neighboring kingdom. At 28 years of age, he was still clinging on to bachelor-hood. This is no big surprise with his corpulent figure and bovine personality; Diamond smoked like a chimney and drank like a fish. His intemperate behavior is known in every tavern throughout both kingdoms. It was easy to see why Serena is dreading her wedding day. Just thinking about it made her squeamish.
Queen Beryl insisted that there was to be a masquerade ball thrown in honor of their engagement on the fortnight. The castle was decorated from top to bottom with fragrant flowers and the subservient staff rushed about so that they would be ready on time. There was silver to be scoured and meat to be cooked.
Oblivious to the din, Serena sat in her room, staring at the new ball gown she was to wear tonight. The gown was a beautiful shade of dark blue with tiny embroidered flowers on the hem of sleeves. The color emphasized her blue eyes. The mask matched her gown and was adorned with small jewels and brilliant peacock feathers on the rim. Even all these fancy fineries could not cheer her up. Serena was contemplating on running away from it all. However, it was considered perfidy to her father to take the coward's way out. Serena wished it was someone other that the alcoholic prince that she had to marry. Her maid came in to help her dress. She expertly pulled her long golden hair into an elaborate twist and held it all in place with some strategically placed pins. Soon she would have to spend the whole night with the heinous man.
The guests had already started to arrive when Serena came down from her room. She was delighted to see the familiar faces of her friends who came to show her their support. Baroness Raye Kenwick of Yorkshire, Lady Amy Wingate of Blue Isles, Lady Lita Falwell of Winterbury and Duchess Mina St. Claire of Golden Lakes were the best friends Serena could ask for.
"I don't know what to do," sighed Serena. "The wedding is creeping closer and closer. Do you think I could run away and hide in your kingdoms? I could pretend to be a pauper." The girls laughed, until they saw Serena's face.
"You can't be serious!" exclaimed Amy. "You were brought up too sheltered to survive out there. Could you image spending the rest of your life not knowing how you would get your daily bread each day?" Serena knew that she should listen to Amy. She was always the sensible when, even as a child.
"I don't know if I could stand the thought of being with Prince Diamond for the rest of my life," lamented Serena. "Forget about bearing his children." Before another word was spoken the announcement of dinner came. They went quietly, for children of high nobility had certain obligations to fulfill. Unfortunately, Serena was seated far away from her friends. To make matters even worse, she was to sit across from Prince Diamond.
"Princess Serena," said Diamond. "How wonderful it is to see you. Look, we're about to be served." The late repast consisted of a cold carrot bisque, roasted duck with essence of orange, and many more delicious courses. Prince Diamond ate with gusto, speaking with his neighbors loudly while bits of food flew out of his mouth. She forced herself to take small bites of her dinner, repulsed by his dinner etiquette and his leering gaze. Serena wondered in consternation how one could actually have a whole conversation with others while staring at her bodice. Over a dessert of orange ice with raspberry sauce, Queen Beryl made a toast.
"As you may know, this wonderful gathering was to celebrate the betrothal of my dear stepdaughter, Serena to Prince Diamond," began the queen. "This has been a long awaited event that every mother hopes for. You see, I do not see her as my stepdaughter, but consider her as my very own. I am so happy for them. May they have a wonderful and long life together." All the guests rose and toasted. "Now let's finish this delightful meal and let the real ball begin!" Queen Beryl sat down, amidst the glowing praises of the guests around her.
Once dinner was over, Serena told Queen Beryl about the prince's wandering eyes. The queen thought that Serena was being ridiculous. To prevent another dissension between them, Serena kept her mouth shut. There was a brief intermission before it was time for the night's entertainment, so that everyone could freshen up and put on their masks. An orchestra was brought in, so that the guests could dance. In no time at all, Queen Beryl insisted that Serena and Prince Diamond have the first dance. Being this close to Diamond while everyone was watching them, made Serena wish she didn't eat so
much at dinner. The odor of alcohol and his clumsy steps, showed that the prince had a glass or two of wine too many at dinner. She mentally promised herself that if his hands wandered any lower, she was susceptible to disavow any actions that would result in pain in his groin. Just as Prince Diamond's hand began to slip, a polite voice said, "May I cut in?"
Without missing a beat, Serena was swept into the arms of a very handsome man and was gracefully moved into the steps of a waltz. He wore a long cloak that looked smudged with dirt around the hem. With his mask on, Serena could not tell who he was, but dancing with him purged the disgusting feeling of Prince Diamond's sweaty hands.
"Why did you do that?" asked Serena. "Don't you know that he is Prince Diamond?"
"I have nothing to fear about that drunken fool," was the reply. "Could I have left a poor damsel in distress alone with him and his wayfaring hands?" A grin played across his fair features. Serena wished that things were different. If only she was not betrothed and she was free to do whatever she wanted. Serena would marry this man even if he was of ignoble background. Not even her own father thought of saving her from Prince Diamond.
"Thank you," she whispered. Within his warm embrace, she felt safe. The music from the orchestra and the noise from the rest of the guests seem so far away. So were her problems with Diamond. Nothing mattered except this mysterious dark-haired stranger and his piercing blue eyes.
"Now all I ask for in return is a kiss." Serena looked up. Those blue eyes were held a spark of mischief now. She closed her eyes as he slowly bent his head for the kiss.
Suddenly a rough shove ruined the perfect moment. "What do you think you are doing with my fiancée?" a slurred voice asked. It was Prince Diamond and it so clear that he had a few more drinks while the two were dancing.
"Who do you think you are anyway?" demanded Diamond. "You intrude on my party and start dancing with my fiancée. Well I'm not going to stand for that!" Prince Diamond pulled off his one of his gloves and slapped the stranger across the face. A collective gasp rose from the guests around the room. Even the musicians had stopped playing to observe the commotion.
The man calmly gazed at the prince. "I have no intentions to fight with a man who is obviously intoxicated," he said. "Why don't you sit down an rest. Have another drink while you're at it."
"No!" said Prince Diamond stubbornly. He was starting to sound like an infant ready to throw a tantrum. "I want you to leave now! Or else I want a duel!"
"You, sir, look like you are ready to sleep on your feet. Better be off before you make a bigger fool of yourself." The foreigner tried to maneuver the bigger man to a seat.
"Don't touch me!" Diamond bellowed. "I'm not sleepy. I just need another drink." With that he grabbed the drink from a nearby man. In a single gulp, he finished it. "There, I feel better," the prince declared. "Now stand still and take your beating like a man… since when were there two of you?" Prince Diamond began to sway. The alcohol caught up with him and he promptly passed out in a heap on the floor.
"Someone better get this poor guy to his room," commented the stranger. "Now where were we?" The music began playing once again, since the drama was over. Once again, Serena was lost in the arms of this unknown man.
Later, after the orchestra played its late note, the crowd of guests began to dissipate. Her rescuer bowed, kissed her hand and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Serena exclaimed. "I don't even know your name."
"All you need to know is that I am your destiny." Then he disappeared into the night. She wanted nothing more than to leave with him. Then, faster than she could blink her eyes, Serena was surrounded by her friends.
"Who was that man?" Mina asked. "You can tell he was so handsome even with his mask on!"
"I honestly have no idea," replied Serena. "All I really know is that he had the most beautiful eyes. They were blue like the waters in Golden Lakes where you live. His hair was as dark as the night."
"Well! Looks like someone's in love," teased Raye. "Don't start swooning on us now. What are you going to do about Prince Diamond?" Serena could not think of an answer. She bade her friends good night and went up to her room. There she found Queen Beryl waiting.
"What were you thinking dancing with that man!" her stepmother screamed. "You just left poor Prince Diamond there while you flounced about like a common tavern wench."
"I did no such thing," protested Serena. "Diamond was drunk and had started to make me feel uncomfortable. The stranger saved me."
"Prince Diamond is your future husband. Whether you are comfortable or not does not matter anymore. You father and I had worked hard for this treaty with Chambray and you are not going to ruin it!"
"Treaty? I was only a pawn for this treaty?" Serena was shocked at the revelation. She could feel the tears building up behind her eyelids. She frantically blinked them back.
"What does it matter now anyway? You are going to marry the prince next week." The Queen turned to leave. She paused at the door. "Everyone in both kingdoms are going to be there. Nothing can change that now."
"I WILL NOT MARRY THAT MONSTER!" Serena screamed after her. The tears flooded past her defenses. How could this be happening? Was she just and object to be passed along at the whims of her stepmother?
"I'll leave tonight," Serena thought. "They have left me no choice." She went into the kitchen and found a large flour sack. In it she put several small containers for water and threw in all the food she thought . When she went back to her room, Serena began to pack a few extra sets of clothes. Then she realized that she would not go far as a girl. Women were not allowed to go far with out their husbands accompanying them. She was about to give up, when an ingenious thought came to mind. Why not take one of the servants' clothing? There were so many of them no one would notice a few missing.
The trip down to the laundry was hard in the dark, but Serena was afraid of rousing attention to herself with a candle. She managed to make it safely to her destination. The room was dark save the moonlight through the small window.
Locating a few pairs of breeches, shirts and other necessary items, she quickly hurried back to her room. With her bags packed, Serena was ready to leave. A yawn escaped her mouth before she realized how tired she really was. She would just have to leave tomorrow night. There were a few more things to plan. Changing into her nightwear, Serena climbed into her bed and pulled the counterpane close to her chin. Closing her eyes she realized that for the first time, she was looking forward to tomorrow. Smiling, she dreamt of that handsome blue-eyed stranger.
To be continued…
*************************
I thought this would be a good place to stop! I would like to thank my editors, Winnifred and Crystal. You may have no idea what anime is but I still love you ^_^
I know some of you may not like the fact that I made up some new last names for Raye, Amy, Lita and Mina, but it really didn't sound right. This story is set in Europe somewhere, so please forgive me! Baroness Raye Hino… Nope still doesn't sound right! Once again please review! I like to know what you think (and I like suggestions!)