Standard disclaimer applies/

A/n: Thank you to the reviewers.

Chapter 7

Serena was finally left alone in her room. She glanced at herself in the mirror and frowned. The gown the princess lent her was beautiful, too beautiful not one deserving to be worn by a commoner such as herself. And yet, she can't deny how the shimmer in this white gown with its blue accents accented her skin color and brought out the blue of her eyes. Her old white gown made her looked washed out, this one made her look…different.

It was still too early for the start of the party, but Serena went out and hurried towards the grand room. After all, servants are not permitted to make a grand entrance.


Lady Beryl arrived at the party fashionably late. Earlier than the announcement of the engagement but late enough that the party was already filled with notable people. As soon as she was announced, she was immediately accosted by men. Some she even had slept with in Darien's absence. "None ranking higher than a knight." She thought with disdain. "I've got a bigger fish to catch and I'll make him regret ignoring me." She vowed as she smiled flirtatiously at one of the gentlemen.
Darien arrived a little later. He immediately went to his sister and general and offered them his congratulations and support. Then his eyes roamed, trying to be casual at his search. He immediately dismissed Beryl's noisy group but behind them, his eyes focused and he frowned. "Excuse me." He murmured to his sister and the rest.
Beryl saw Darien approach out of the corner of her eye. Her smile turned even coyer as she batted her lashes at the man she was talking to teasingly caressing his arm. "Oooh such jealousy." Beryl thought with a smirk as she felt a shiver run up her spine.

And then Darien walked past her, straight towards a nobody in white.


He tried to remain calm and not let anything show but inside he was furious. Who the hell invited his arrogant, playboy, narcissistic cousin…he would have to speak to someone about this.

"Diamond, it's good that you could make it." Darien said civilly offering his hand.

Serena turned sideways and bowed slightly, ignoring the sudden quickening of her heart as she heard his voice. She chided herself for feeling that way.

"Of course cousin. I'm rather fond of your sister." Diamond said with a slight smile that revealed nothing. "I also met this beautiful lady here." He said, tugging Serena's hand and planting a kiss at the back of her hand.

Not caring how it looked, Darien tugged Serena's hand free and took a step forward. "Will you please excuse us? I would like to ask my seer for a dance?" Not waiting for an answer, he pulled Serena to the dance floor.

"Is there something wrong Prince Darien?" Serena asked curious.

"I don't want you talking to him. Don't even come near him." He ordered, his grip on her arm strong.

"Who? Your cousin?" Serena asked confused. "I didn't know he was a prince. I even refused to dance with him. I should apologize for the insult."

"He'll survive it. Don't worry." He said darkly.

"Worried I'll spill any kingdom secrets?" She asked as they moved in unison to the music.

He was silent.

"Your Highness you seem troubled." She asked quietly. "Is there something wrong?" She could feel it.

"I have received a blackmail letter."

She waited for him to continue.

"They want me to pay 10000 gold coins or they'll go through with their kidnapping"

"Don't tell me they want to kidnap you?" She asked incredulously stopping in mid-step.

He lead the dance. "No." He looked at her eyes seriously. "They threatened to kidnap you."

"Oh." She said surprised. "Me?"

"You aren't scared." He noted with a frown. "Or are you in shock?"

She gave a nervous laugh. "Of course I'm scared. It just surprised me that's all. I'm a nobody. A witch about to be burned." She smiled at him.

The hand holding her at arm moved and stroked her cheek with the barest touch she felt that she had imagined it.

"A witch indeed." He murmured. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you. It's just the dress." She blushed looking away.

"No it's the woman in a dress." He countered. He looked ready to kiss her.

"Your highness, I'm still just a servant after all." She stammered losing her composure. "I think the music has stopped."

He frowned but he released her. "Stop devaluing yourself." He chided. When she started to back away as soon as he released her, he grabbed her hand. "It seems I have no date for this party. You have to join me." His tone of voice left no room for argument.

All throughout the night she accompanied him. Surprisingly, no one was questioning why she was at his arm. They treated her with every respect especially with the royal family spreading praises left and right about her.


At the dance floor, Princess Raye and soon to be prince by marriage Jadeite had the dance floor to themselves as the whole room gave them an applause.

"Look at that vile woman." Raye scowled, her gaze at Beryl. "She's positively reeking of envy." Raye smirked.

Jadeite looked. "If looks could kill, Serena would've been burned on the spot. She looks beautiful tonight."

"Of course, that's my gown she's wearing." Raye said proudly. "I think my brother likes it too. He hasn't let her out of his sight for the whole night." She grinned. "I really wouldn't mind Serena for a sister-in-law."

He hated to burst Raye's enthusiasm so he remained quiet about the kidnap threat. But as they twirled and passed Darien and Serena he could feel the undercurrent tension. "Hmm, maybe there is something there." He thought with a smile.


After the party was finished, "I'll escort you to your room." Darien offered. Since her arm was already tucked in his most of the night she thought nothing of it.

They walked a foot apart in companionable silence. Her room that had at first been like a prison was now a refuge.

As soon as they reached the top step, Serena turned and bowed formally. "Thank you."

"Wait. Let me open the door." He opened it slowly and looked inside cautiously. After checking the places an intruder could have hidden, he relaxed.

"You think the threat is real don't you?"

"Of course."

"Is that why you have been sticking to me all night?" She asked softly. It should've meant nothing, but why does it feel as if his very answer could make her cry.

He approached her silently and cupped her face. "Of course…not." He whispered before lowering his head to hers for a kiss.

The kiss was gentle and sweet and it made tears fall from her eyes just the same. With a groan he released her and backed away. "Witch." He murmured. "Don't let anyone in." He ordered. "Except me…" He said as he closed the door.

Serena could do no more but nod as she touched her fingers to her lips. Was he serious?

A short while later as she sat brushing her hair, a knock thumped at her door.

Who could it be? It couldn't be the Prince…and if it's him will I open the door?Serena frowned, her hands shaking nervous as she called out, "Who is it?" O goddess, what if they're scoundrels who really meant to kidnap me…

"It's Lady Beryl." A voice answered.

A/n: This isn't my favorite scene yet… maybe next chapter. Sorry for the wait. Advance Happy Halloween!