Disclaimer: Sailor Moon characters belong to Naoko Takeuchi, everything else belongs to me.


AN: Well, well, well… I am back with another installment. It may be a slow start, but I need to put them in an awkward relationship before we get to the fun stuff. Which is coming, don't you worry. I believe the wedding will happen in the next chapter. I am glad to see that so many of you are reading this story and want to say a special thank you to all of you who take the time to review. Thank you for doing that. Here are some of the responses I felt were necessary:

Jenbunny: I am glad you are enjoying the story and even more glad to know that you and your loved ones are unharmed by the tornadoes.

roswellachick: I do hope that the reasoning makes sense, though there are layers to be uncovered still.

TropicalRemix: I intend to make the Duke ensure that the wedding is not for mere political reasons. That's why the story is rated M.

BabyBlue4994: You're on to something, though I will not tell you anything about the sister at this point :P There will be another explanation for the arrangement in next chapter, it may partially answer your question.

keiko: Jade and Rei will have their moments in this story. They are secondary, but Rei will be tied to both her brother and his wife, so I'll do some scenes with her

My Veggie Burger: The wedding will open up a new can of worms and (perhaps unfortunately) there won't be a Hallmark moment with Katherine at the event. I know I sound confusing, but you'll see.

petiyaka: Oh come on, I'm Feisu. I'm always right. Kidding, I'm not that arrogant. Well, you'll find out that just because Endymion followed the King's order to marry, doesn't mean he'll follow any other orders.

ella1234: Thank you! I don't think I extrapolated on her insight regarding the whole heir thing in this chapter, but it will sure come in the next one.

HisWabbit: Thanks! I'm sure Sere and the princess will have a confrontation at some point, but not yet. I mean Serenity's heart is not really in it yet, so it wouldn't be as powerful. We shall wait and see.

Jeanniestorm: Ah, beautiful analysis. As I mentioned earlier, there is more than one reason for the King's decision and I will peel them layer by layer. It's also done intentionally because different people may be satisfied with different explanations. For example, Endymion was ordered to marry a woman of King's choice - no explanation given, but for the fact that the King knows of Serenity's line. Serenity only knows that her father wished her to enter into the marriage, so she is satisfied with the explanation (for now, but you will see that there was an explanation presented to her parents to convince them of the arrangement… in the next chapter). There will be other points as well.

So did I make it sound like everything worthy of your wait will happen in the next chapter? Sorry, wasn't my intent. As a matter of fact, I think this chapter has its cute points. Oh and a bit of a cliff :)

Again, thank you so much for all the reviews! Talk to you next week! F


Chapter 4: Of Horses and Lashing

The newfound knowledge that seemed to come to Serenity from different directions simultaneously made her lose her sleep. As she lay in her comfortable bed, her eyes wide open in the moonlight streaming through the window, she kept thinking about everything she had learned over and over again.

During the last three years she made herself accept the fact that she would marry the Duke of Endymi. Serenity knew little of him, but she knew he was in his mid to late twenties. The fact that their age difference was not as drastic as in many other marriages was comforting. Serenity even convinced herself that in time she would learn to love him. But with everything she had learned, Serenity stopped idealizing her situation and looked at it realistically for the first time. She had spent a week at the Capital and yet achieved nothing. The princess hated her, the Society disliked her for different reasons, her few attempts at making new acquaintances did not pan out and the duke… the duke did not even bother meeting her once, yet he already posted guards to watch her every move. What did the future really hold in store for her?

Sunday morning Serenity headed to the Cathedral with Mina, realizing upon her arrival that the whole Catholic congregation of the Capital must have been there. They looked for seats, but all pews seemed to be filled. As they walked towards the altar, they noticed someone gesturing at them. Lady Raye stood up from her seat and was pointing to the row behind her. Serenity and Mina walked over and took the last two seats. In front of them sat Lady Raye with her four knights, Amy and Lita.

Serenity looked around, comparing her surroundings to the empty cathedral she visited just a few days ago. People seemed to only magnify the majestic building. She did a double-take as her eyes swept over a figure of a brunette man to the side. He was speaking with some members of the clergy and other men. She had never seen him like that before. He was dressed a little more subdued than the other men around, but the style of his clothing for once matched the rest. He wore navy breeches that disappeared into his tall leather boots, a matching knee-length coat with gold buttons, and a light blue cravat over a white shirt. That was not what caught her attention, however; he seemed to behave differently. As much as she didn't like to admit it to herself, Serenity was getting used to his cocky and sarcastic style, his teasing grin and laughing eyes. Now, however, his face was void of any expression, his posture straighter, making him seem even taller, and his gestures more refined. She forced herself to look away.

Mere ten minutes later, as the mass began, she found herself staring at him once again, only this time she was staring at the back of his head as he sat in the pew directly in front of her, next to Lady Raye. She wondered if he was another count accompanying the duchess, realizing only then that she knew nothing about him. Her thoughts stayed far away throughout the mass as she followed the priest's directions. She snapped back to reality as people all around her joined hands and Mina tugged at hers. To Serenity's utter surprise, Lord Shields turned half-way and held her free hand. He did not look at her as he did so, his eyes remaining at the front of the Cathedral, but his hand did not waiver as it held hers.

"Peace be with you."

She snapped out again as he brought the hand he held and placed a chaste kiss on it before letting it drop to Serenity's side. She caught his eyes for a moment and for the first time they were devoid of laughter, anger, or any other emotion. Just calm. Serenity turned to her cousin and exchanged the wishes of peace with her and others around them.

ooo

Upon Lita's suggestion, the group decided to stroll through the Park after the mass. It took them a while to get out of the Cathedral; Serenity and Mina managed to do so first, accompanied by Kunzite, while the rest conversed with acquaintances. From under her lashes, Serenity watched Lord Shields talk to Marquis Du Bonashire, a silver-haired man in his forties. He was a head shorter than Lord Shields and his frame was a bit wider, but he did not seem fat, just wide-boned and perhaps muscular. He wore a dark brown suit and pearly white cravat, one that matched his stockings as the suit matched his shoes.

Serenity met him at one of the balls and he seemed a nice enough gentleman. They had discussed hunting, which was prominent around her home estate, for a while. He was soft spoken and his brown eyes were warm, so unlike his current companion. Lord Shields' voice was not loud, but confident, his blue eyes cold.

"Oh I wish I didn't have all those silly tea parties to attend, not that I mind the pastries, but the weather is so beautiful nowadays," Lita remarked as she and Nephrite joined the three.

"Would you like to switch?" Mina asked playfully.

"Oh, dear, you both must be dying of boredom during the day, how inconsiderate of me." She looked between Serenity and Mina. "What do you say to joining me tomorrow? It will not be much more entertaining than watching birds, but at least those women will have to acknowledge you."

"I am not sure that it is such a good idea," Serenity replied quickly. "Thank you for the offer, though."

"No, you should go," Lady Raye said as she exited the Cathedral, her hand on Jadeite's Arm, Amy and Zoicite right behind them. "It will be good for you, trust me."

Serenity shook her head unsurely, but forced a smile and accepted Lita's proposal. They strolled across the cobblestone street to the Park, where many others seemed to be likewise spending the afternoon. They came upon a number of acquaintances and conversed with them in smaller groups. Serenity soon found herself in a company of a few gentlemen she met in the past week; they, unlike the ladies of the society, did not have a problem talking to her, quite the opposite. In light of everything else, Serenity decided that she had only a week left before her union to the duke was sealed, so she only had that long to enjoy herself. Thus, she did exactly that.

She was having a good time when a hand brushed against the length of her arm, making her shiver. The intruder took her hand and placed it on his forearm as he folded it. Serenity stared dumbly at Lord Shields, at a loss for words, even scolding ones. The other gentlemen bowed their goodbyes and disappeared as though the plague was coming after them.

"Walk with me."

Serenity threw a glance to Mina and her other companions as Lord Shields pulled her away from them. "I find this hardly appropriate."

"I do not wish for others to overhear this."

She looked at him quickly and noticed that he was just as serious as he was back at the Cathedral. "I… It's inappropriate for me to be in your company without a chaperone."

"We are in a park," he reasoned. "Besides, you are betrothed to the Duke, no man is foolish enough to lay a hand on you."

Serenity looked down pointedly at where his hand lay on top of hers, keeping it on his sleeve. "Some are."

His lips turned up a little at one side before he removed his hand, letting her decide whether she wanted to keep hers on his sleeve. "I wanted to apologize… it seems as though I may have offended you last time I saw you and that was not my intent."

He caught her completely off-guard. "Apology accepted," she said finally.

They walked in silence for a while, until he spoke again. "Would you like to go for a ride one of these days? Perhaps Tuesday?" He saw her hesitation and grimaced. "I will ask Lady Raye and Count of Eite to accompany us."

"Count of Eite?" Serenity asked, perplexed.

"Lord Jadeite."

"Oh, of course." What was the harm in accepting a horse ride? Aside from having to borrow another one of Mina's habits. "Tuesday shall be fine."

They walked together for a while longer before catching another path and rejoining the group of people they had left behind. Serenity found that his lack of sarcasm led to quite pleasant conversation, but she somehow felt distraught by it.

ooo

Monday was spent in visits as Serenity and Mina accompanied Lita around town. Though it was a painful day, Serenity had to admit that she did make some way-through in her quest to win her way into society. A very little way, but it was better than even a day before.

Tuesday morning was spent in vain attempts at making Mina's riding habits acceptable to Serenity. She picked a black one, an expensive choice considering the cost of dying the cloth as dark, but it was the most demure in Mina's wardrobe. Even so, as Serenity stood in front of a mirror, she felt not entirely satisfied. For a while now she had been exchanging outfits with her cousin, but this was the first time Serenity realized, with a blush, that their bodies were not exactly the same size. There was no other way to explain why the bodice of the habit fit so tight around Serenity's chest. At least it covers my collarbone, Serenity tried to calm herself.

She met Lady Raye outside of the duchess' rooms and they strolled over to the stables. Serenity felt herself tense as they approached the structure, in anticipation of yet another meeting with Lord Shields. She dismissed it as being uncomfortable around him due to his behavior. To her relief, neither he nor Jadeite were there when they arrived. Upon Lady Raye's suggestion, they strolled through the stables, looking at the horses.

"Which one tickles your fancy?" Lady Raye asked.

Serenity blushed at her choice of words, though she was becoming used to the duchess' uncommon way of speaking and acting when she was out of the public eye. "This one is gorgeous."

Lady Raye followed Serenity's gesture to see an imposing black stallion in the middle of the row. Her lips quirked a little as she wondered how she could make the best of that situation. "Why don't you take him out for a ride?" she finally said.

"I can?" Serenity asked in a daze.

"Of course, the stables are open for King's special guests. Let me get a stable boy to get you a saddle."

Serenity nodded absent-mindedly as she walked up closer to the gate of the stall, mesmerized by the large animal. She could tell he was a prized stallion. He wasn't as tall as the drafting horses she passed, but he was close to seventeen hands, taller than the rest of the riding horses. His body was slender, almost greyhound-like in shape and his hooves small. His muscles rippled as he moved in the stall sideways, careening his neck to move his head closer to her, to study her. Serenity looked into his unblinking eyes and gently moved her hand to his wavy, shiny mane.

Endymion found her exactly in that position ten minutes later, his breath hitching at the sight. She was standing in the middle of the stall, her platinum blonde hair luminescent in the sunlight, her small frame wrapped in a black habit, her face showing nothing but utter adoration. He wondered if one day she would look at him that way. It was when he shook his thoughts off that he realized she was standing in front of his prized horse. He arched an eyebrow at the fact that the animal let Serenity touch it, then made his way over to her.

"It is a beautiful animal," he started carefully.

"Yes, he is a superb specimen. I cannot wait to see how he rides."

Endymion looked at her with a worrying expression before he noticed Raye, Jadeite and a stable boy approaching from the other end, the latter held a saddle in his hands.

"He is hot-blooded, Serenity."

Neither of them even noticed how he addressed her, both in different worlds, preoccupied with thoughts of the same horse. "Yes," Serenity nodded. "A Turkoman."

Now he simply stared at her. How was it possible that she knew of this breed? It was brought in from Central Asia and was rare on the Continent, not to mention their country. He snapped back to attention when he heard the lock move and realized that she was letting the stallion out. He opened his mouth to protest, then just stayed that way. Serenity walked inside the stall, her hand gently tracing his stallion's neck, then his flank. First, Endymion could not believe that the wild stallion, one he was still breaking in, was letting this small woman so close, letting her do that to him. Second, he could not believe that the simple caress Serenity afforded the horse was turning his mind to the most erotic of thoughts. Her small hand, the soft touch, the animal's stillness at it… Endymion tore his gaze away from her and found himself looking straight into the horse's eyes. For a moment he could swear he shared an understanding with the stallion.

He turned to Raye, his fist balling. "Was this your idea?"

She saw the anger in his eyes and swallowed, no longer feeling amused by the scenario.

"In what world did you think this was okay, Raye?" he hissed as he stepped up to her, so that they were out of Serenity's earshot. "You saw him throw me off yesterday and you thought it would be okay for a woman to ride him in a sidesaddle?"

"She seems fine to me," Lady Raye braved a response.

Endymion looked back into the stall to find the stable boy finishing his work with the saddle as Serenity cooed to the stallion. Through the fog of anger, it still amazed him how she won over the stallion's heart in less than half an hour. In a way he felt jealous and he wasn't sure if it was because of the horse or for it.

"His name is Bader, it means full moon… he belongs to the duke," Endymion finally said to Serenity, feeling somewhat awkward about referring to himself in third person yet again.

"Bader," she repeated, tasting the name on her tongue. "I like it. You, Bader, will be mine."

The confidence with which she said it before taking the reigns and leading the stallion out both surprised him and made him angry. Who did she think she was? He got that horse for himself. Most of the Duchy had rocky barren lands and Turkomans had been bred as race horses in similar environment. It took Endymion a year to commission the delivery of this stallion and now his future wife thought she was going to own him? Not a chance, he snorted.

Forty minutes later Endymion was losing his confidence. As incredulous as it was, the fragile-looking woman who was described to him as a meek and malleable creature, had a better handle on the horse than he managed to in a week. And not any horse. His prized horse, the horse he'd been dreaming about for the last year, the horse he yearned to tame and make his own. No, the beast and the beauty were galloping down the empty rear park path, as one. Like nothing else mattered, like no one else was around them. Endymion sulked the rest of their outing.

When they got back to the stables, he got off of the King's horse he borrowed and quickly walked over to Serenity, picking her up and lowering her to the ground like he did the time before. As soon as her feet touched the ground and she looked at him in annoyance, since his arms were still on the sides of her waist, Bader snorted, as though channeling her frustration. Endymion took a step back and smirked. "I see how it is."

Serenity straightened her skirts, avoiding his eyes. She knew she would find something dangerous in them and that was the last thing she wanted right now. The ride made her feel invigorated. The meeting she initially wanted to resist was predestined, it must have been, since it was the time when she met her first love. His name was Bader and she intended to beg the duke, if she had to, to let her have him.

After she excused herself in a blur of flushed cheeks and silk skirts, Endymion and his two companions watched her run to the Palace.

"What did you do now?" Jadeite asked.

Endymion shrugged. "I just got an idea of how I will get back at her for stealing my horse."

"She did not steal your horse," Raye pointed to the animal.

"She stole its heart," Endymion replied feigning heartbreak and placing a hand on his chest for full effect.

ooo

At the small ball they attended that evening, Serenity's eyes kept finding Lord Shields out in the crowd, even though he made no attempt to acknowledge her. At first she felt relieved, glad that she did not have to endure his company. Aside from Jadeite, he was the man she had seen the most since her arrival to the Capital and it was making her… uncomfortable? Yes, Serenity reasoned as she strolled through the room, being around him was uncomfortable. He was brash, forward, annoying, overwhelming. She much preferred him at a distance.

It was easy to convince herself when she was across the room from him, but as she danced around the ballroom, with a quite presentable gentleman, she could not stop comparing him to Lord Shields. Who, by the way, was dancing three sets of couples away from Serenity and her partner with some brunette. Serenity stole another glance in that direction, wondering what was drawing her attention to him against her better judgement. Frustrated with herself, she turned back to the man in front of her. His hair was duller, his eyes a boring shade of gray, and his smile made her feel more worried than Lord Shields' ever had. With a sigh of relief she curtsied as the music ended and hurried to find Mina.

Serenity's escape was quite timely, considering that the first strings of waltz filled the room. She half-expected him to be behind her, with his malicious smirk, tricking her into another dance, but when she turned around Lord Shields was not behind her. No, he was just entering the center of the room with a beautiful redheaded woman. Serenity bit on her lower lip, forgetting where she was going and just watching them dance. She could not explain her reaction, she did not want to even qualify it, so she just stood there, watching.

"Are you seeing this too?" she overheard someone giggle.

"Yes. Do you suppose he will get her to leave right after this dance or will it take more?"

"Did it take you more than the waltz?" The other woman giggled behind her fan.

The first woman blushed and did not respond. Serenity wanted to pretend she did not see who they were looking at when they spoke, but it was late to do so. Her eyes traveled back to Lord Shields and she felt transfixed. The dance ended and he walked his redhead partner out of the room, to Serenity's further dismay. She stood there, as people continued moving around her, watching the balcony doors and waiting for them to return. They never did.

ooo

Next morning Serenity was in a foul mood. She had been waking up progressively later since her arrival to the Capital, but this was her record. In what seemed to have become the norm, Serenity spent half of the night brooding over everything that had happened the day before. It wasn't the realization that Lord Shields spent the night with a certain redhead that put Serenity in such bad spirits, no, she had no rights to him, she was betrothed to another, and knew a perfect way to get back at him… no, it was the realization that today was the day her parents got in town that made Serenity hate waking up that morning.

Consequently, Serenity came to the dining hall to find it empty. The servants were putting away dirty plates and she contemplated just asking lunch to be brought to her room, but then decided to take a seat at the end of the table, where a few place setting remained untouched. One of the maids served her a drink and some food and Serenity ate in silence. She could have as well not eaten at all, the food seemed to churn in her stomach.

"Good Afternoon."

She jumped a little at the unexpected voice behind her back and slowly turned her head to find none other than Lord Shields taking a seat to her left. He motioned the servants away and served some leftover food himself.

"Long night?" Serenity asked sweetly as she deduced that this was his first meal of the day as well.

"As a matter of fact, yes, yes it was." He sat back down and started with his meal.

Serenity noticed that he seemed a bit odd, not the same as he had been during their outings - his movements were just a touch less coordinated. She shook it off as lack of sleep, her cheeks blushing at her imagination ran with her.

"You never told me why you were staying at the Palace," Serenity finally broke the long silence.

"You never asked."

"I am asking now."

He dabbed the kerchief to his mouth. "The Duke of Endymi is getting married. Everyone who is anyone is in town for the event."

Serenity accepted the explanation without fault. "How come you are staying at the Palace?"

"My townhouse is currently occupied."

"Does the King always extend his welcome to someone whose townhouse is occupied?"

His lips upturned a bit. "He does when that someone is me."

"And what makes you so special?"

They stared at each other, a clear challenge in both of their eyes. Serenity felt empowered by the fact that she finally got him to a spot where he clearly felt uncomfortable. Endymion felt cornered and searched for a way to tell her off without giving up his game.

"Lady D'Mye?"

"Yes?" Serenity asked without breaking the staring contest.

"Your parents have arrived."

Serenity twitched at the notion and sighed, forgetting momentarily that she was not alone. Half-way out of the room she turned around and curtsied quickly. "Good day, Lord Shields."

"Good day, Lady D'Mye."

The terrace had never seemed that long before, yet Serenity wondered if she could walk any slower. She would have loved to see her mother, to talk to her like they used to, to share everything that had happened, the confusion that she felt, the worries that made her lose her sleep… but ever since her mother remarried their relationship changed. It pained Serenity to know that her father's death took away her mother's spirit, but it was a fact she had accepted a while back. She raised her head to find her parents standing inside one of the entrances to the guest wing. Her stepfather was barking out orders at the palace servants and her mother stood to the side, watching him in silence. Serenity took a deep breath and stepped through the doorway.

ooo

Serenity looked at herself in the mirror for the umpteenth time, still trying to recover her resolve. Two hours ago dressing up felt like a wonderful idea: she wanted to feel better after spending a miserable day in her parents' company and she wanted to pay back Lord Shields for the way he made her feel the night before. She was not quite sure how that last part was going to work out, nor did she know why she even cared, but she did it anyway. Now she stood by the bed, dressed in a gown of a deep copper color that contrasted her hair drastically, not to mention that it accentuated her slender waist and showed a sinful amount of cleavage. But it was not just the color and the cut of the dress. Serenity spent an ample amount of time making sure she looked nothing like the country girl her parents knew and Lord Shields implied to be.

Her hair was pinned up in tight thick curls, a few tresses cascaded down the right side of her face, while the left side was accessorized with some feathers and pearls. The gown itself was void of any unnecessary ruffles or girly patterns Serenity used to prefer until a short while ago. Her petticoat was just a few shades lighter and covered in a net made of the threads from the gown material. Even to herself she looked not only sophisticated, but mature, and Serenity was not sure she wanted to come to the ball like that. Tonight of all nights, an afterthought crossed her mind.

Mina accompanied her own parents as well as Serenity's to the house of their mutual acquaintance. Serenity, because of her inability to come out of the room for the past half an hour, was left behind. She stood there for another ten minutes before grabbing her matching fan and walking out of the door. The ride over took another twenty minutes and finally Serenity stood outside the door to a large mansion on the outskirts of the Capital. The beautiful sight was lost on her as nervousness took over. Serenity raised her chin, resolute on keeping up with her new image.

The announcement of her arrival was lost in the hum of the crowd, but as Serenity walked down the stairs, intent on not tripping on the steps, she noticed the hum die down. She raised her eyes when she stepped on solid floor and realized that people were staring at her. Serenity blushed and wished the ground would part and swallow her, but no such luck. Instead, the crowd parted, giving her way. Serenity was quite unsure what the sea of people was parting towards and her mind raced, trying to find someone she knew she could talk to, so that the rest of the guests would go back to enjoying their evening. She sighed in relief when Lady Raye stepped into her path, smiling.

"You look beautiful, Serenity."

Serenity smiled, blushing again. "Lady Raye, you look magnificent, as always."

Lady Raye smiled, her dark blue gown with a gold petticoat was similar to Serenity's in design, but a little less shocking. Nevertheless, it was Lady Raye who commissioned Serenity's new wardrobe and there was not one gown there she did not approve of. They were of different styles and this was one of Lady Raye's favorites. Serenity's choice of gowns, of course, was one of the tests.

Saved by the Duchess of Endymi herself, Serenity was able to enjoy her evening, managing to avoid her parents. She knew exactly when he approached her, even before he spoke. Serenity turned to her side, Zoicite and Amy, who she was conversing with, watched the scene in front of them in silent amusement. Endymion walked around her, his eyes never leaving her body, until he stood in front of her and his blues caught hers. He bowed to her and extended his hand. "Would you?"

"It would be your honor?" Serenity smiled suggestively. She was a bit disappointed at his reaction, he had not made a comment about the way she looked. They walked to the line in silence, then Serenity heard the soft strings of waltz and wondered if the man tipped the orchestra. There was no other way he would know exactly when the waltz was going to play, yet he had caught her off-guard twice in one week.

They walked towards the center of the room, her hand gently laying on top of his fist, until they took positions and she felt his eyes on her again. She felt a heat wave wash over her body as he held her hand and arm, moving with the music. She made the mistake of raising her eyes to his, to find them looking down at her cleavage. She took in a sharp breath and looked away, blushing madly. He cleared his throat. "You're missing jewelry. A necklace would go well with this dress." He caught her eyes as she sneaked a peak back at him. "Though there probably isn't a necklace worthy of your beauty."

Serenity wondered if she heard him correctly, her heart thundered in her ears and it seemed to be the only thing she could hear, but she did. She lost another breath when she felt his arm leave hers and instead move to the side of her waist. Serenity's eyes darted around them, wondering who would be the first person to point out the inappropriateness of their closeness, but no one seemed to pay attention. Then she remembered the night before. Deflection was one of Serenity's favorite weapons.

"Do you always bed women you waltz with?"

He looked at her sharply, his hand tightening on her waist. "This is our second dance."

"I may be the only exception."

"And why would you be if that was the case?"

"I'm betrothed to the duke," Serenity explained. "Only a mad man would lay a hand on me."

He chuckled softly and leaned down to her ear. "And yet, my hands are on you."

Serenity looked away, knowing that he beat her in her own game. "And what would that imply?"

He smiled down at her, waiting for her to look up at him before he responded. When she walked down the stairs an hour ago, he was caught completely unaware. She was so mesmerizingly beautiful, he could not tear his eyes away from her. The crowd parted, letting her walk directly to him, and for once he did not care to end this game. Not after he saw the other men in the room watch her. No, he wanted them all to know that she was his. She belonged to him and no one else. Raye was kind enough to save him from a moment of possible humiliation in public when she stepped in front of him and took Serenity away. He had been watching her ever since, but could not hold himself from taking her into his arms and at least dancing with her. Her cerulean eyes finally looked up at him, tuning out the rest of the world.

"It would imply that it's hard to keep hands off you," he replied. "You must have known what you were doing when you dressed up this evening. The effect you would have on the men around you."

"I know not what you are speaking of."

"Of course you do," he said, his hand moving towards the low of her back, inching her closer. "You are a temptress, aren't you, Serenity? You have been hiding behind your naive front and country style, while in reality you are a seductress by nature."

She felt the full weight of her current situation on her shoulders, yet Serenity was transfixed by his voice. She had never heard him speak like this, low, soft and husky. She wondered if this was how he seduced the women into leaving with him, if this was how he managed to get the redhead to leave the night before.

"You won't bed me."

"No," he agreed barely above a whisper. "Not tonight."

She pulled away from him, staring into his dark blue eyes, terrified at what he had implied. She was not going to share a bed with him. Not tonight, not ever. She was getting married in three days, what he implied was… what he implied was that he would be her lover.

The music ended and Serenity curtsied, relieved to feel his presence unravel from her. "I find your insinuation deeply insulting, sir. Pray do not ask me for a dance in the future, I will not grant you permission." As soon as she was done, she stood up and walked away, heading directly for the terrace.

Serenity felt ashamed, both for her actions and her thoughts. He was correct, she was playing games when she had no right to do so. She belonged to someone, her future was prearranged and she could not act mindlessly. She was not an irresponsible child.

"Are you out of your god damn mind?"

She felt a strong grip on her forearm before she was yanked to follow to a darker part of the terrace. Her stepfather's grip did not loosen and Serenity swallowed hard, knowing what was coming next. His slap sent her flying to the granite floor, her surroundings blacking out momentarily.

"I didn't realize how stupid you are, Serenity!" he hollered. "That you are a whore I have known for a while now, but even I did not expect you to come to the Capital and use your charms on casual acquaintances."

Serenity suppressed her tears and stood up. His back-handed slap was not delivered to her face, like the last time, it was aimed at the side of her head. Apparently her stepfather had learned his lesson. She still felt queazy, but stood her ground.

"What I do is none of your business, sir. You have made your side of the deal, you have sold me for a promise of a title. I don't belong to you anymore, so don't you dare-" Her words disappeared in a gasp as he slapped her again, but this time she remained standing. That did not please her stepfather. He raised his hand for the third and Serenity closed her eyes, feeling a wave of nausea approaching.

"Touch her one more time and I will have you lashed."

They both turned to stare at the man who stood behind D'Mye, his arm holding the older man's mid-flight. Serenity felt tears collect at her eyes again, but not from the pain, no, from utter humiliation. It was just not her night.

"Let me give you a piece of advice," her stepfather hissed. "Take your hands off me and be happy that I'm not calling you to a duel for what you just did or for your behavior in the ballroom. This doesn't concern you."

"The hell it doesn't."

"This is between my daughter and I," D'Mye insisted.

"Not on my watch."

"Who the hell do you think you are?"

A black eyebrow arched. "Who the hell do you think I am?"

"Some little prick who is about to learn a lesson," D'Mye spat. He smiled confidently as his arm was released, until the man in front of him straightened, standing taller, his face still barely masking fury.

"Really? Allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Darien Shields, I am the Duke of Endymi, and this woman you just slapped around is my future wife. So let me repeat this one more time. Touch her again, and I will have you lashed."