Chapter 6

AN: Before anyone jumps down my throat about name changes, I would like to inform you that the first portion of this chapter is in Darien's perspective, though still third person. I was leaning that way but used Lita's instead in the last chapter because I like Lita too much to leave her out for long and only as a throw away character wouldn't suit my end game.


The time before Isabel had been asleep and Darien had arrived after her. This time it was his turn to arrive first and he began to fear at first that she wasn't coming, that her servant had somehow managed to stop her or told her the truth about who he was. He would tell her, eventually, but he was enjoying these quiet moments together untainted. Though he knew enough about the girl he called Isabel to be certain that if she didn't hate him for it, and think she was completely deceived, then she wouldn't be affected like the others.

He waited for a long time, but he did not give up, because often she had waited out here in the cold for him with less protection in many ways. Finally he heard movement and he saw Lita first, wondering if Isabel had sent her with the news that she no longer wanted to see him, but had been too soft to completely abandon him without at least warning. Though the girl had walked she had brought with her a horse from the stables. Darien rose to his feet from his position near his horse and walked to meet them.

He realized that Isabel was upon the horse's back and he reached for her but she shied away. He turned accusing eyes towards Lita who looked balefully back at him. A harsh cough brought his attention back to the delicate creature still aloft from him. "She's worried that she'll get you sick, that's why you can't touch her."

Darien laughed and pulled her down from her mount with a weak veil of protest, not because she was playing, but because she just couldn't muster up enough strength. She could hardly speak but his arms felt so warm as he held her and spoke for her, but it changed from a challenging tease to actual concern for her. "I'm not afraid of being sick, I unlike you get plenty of rest to keep my immune- oh. How dare you even come out here tonight?" He demanded as he felt her trembling form in his arms despite being layered upon with cloaks and his head. "You'll only make yourself worse. I am taking you back to your house at once." He had a feeling he knew that the house he took her to yesterday was not the proper residence, but he was starting to trust it a bit more as he thought about the way the man had looked at Isabel, not with desire but with a brotherly protection.

She shook her head. She did not want him to take her. Isabel reached for her horse, but he didn't want to give her up right away, though he knew that out here in the cold was no place for her. He couldn't help himself and he turned slightly away from Lita to do it, but he dropped a kiss on her feverish temple. "I will bring you the very best doctor." He promised but she shook and Darien wasn't sure if it was because of her illness or her desire.

"She's had this once before. She'll be fine with rest and food and water." Lita spoke up, seeing the action despite his attempt to hide it. "I had told her it was stupid to come out tonight, but she refused to listen."

"I think we should skip our next meeting." Darien started and this time it was met with a very strong protest but he held her tighter to still her. "Its only because if you are this sick now, then I don't want to risk making you worse. I want you healthy for when we get into our next discussion so I don't feel so bad for beating down your arguments."

She sniggered into his chest and he knew he had won this round. She couldn't even get her voice to work properly this time and he sighed, resting her back on the horse and powerless to deny her anything, if she didn't want him to take her home, he wouldn't, this time.

"Four nights time." He promised and she nodded as he slowly disappeared from her view with Lita at the reigns leading away from him. He looked around him once and then called his horse to him to return to his home. He was slightly irked at Lita, but understood that it was difficult to say no to Isabel.

At his arrival earlier than ever, his best friend looked at him with a cocky smile. "What? She said no to you two nights in a row now?" Darien would have hit him, but kept his cool, he didn't know Isabel and he was only guessing at what had gotten to toe the line now. They no longer chased after him, assured that he was going to come back, if they even noticed his absence. Though if it lasted longer than the night, they might begin to suspect it was just another ploy.

Darien ignored his friend and walked up the stairs to collapse in his bed, a smile on his face as he thought about the charming Isabel Kennedy.

Lita brought Serena back to the D'arte manor. Lita had suggested going to Haruka's but Serena refused. No matter where she went, she would be surrounded by people she feared getting sick, and the kitchen despite being warm, was not the best place to sleep either. The floor was cold and even if she slept on the wood bench, she didn't want to get others sick by being in such proximity to the food. She had Lita stoke the fire in her old room before they left and Lita brought her there now. Nobody would be the wiser, and it was only temporary until she got better and if the family found out, she'd use only what was true, that if she got the entire staff ill, then they'd have no help.

She kept away from the family as well these days, not only to keep them from blaming her if they became sick, but because she just didn't have the strength or desire for them to see her so weak. They'd try to use it against her somehow and so she sent another servant to deal with what she usually took care of, but made sure that the girl knew the boundaries. Her servant would not be doing pointless tasks either.

The servants never got out of line, they actually enjoyed some of the changes she made around the place and they no longer feared injury for doing something wrong. They loved the idea of having a day off a rotation and Serena wondered if she'd have to postpone her day off with Darien until the next go around, because she might be using up a day soon with her illness. The servants though reassured her as she worked tirelessly still, that they wouldn't count it against her and that if one of them got sick, she would do the same for them. They had just barely enough staff to cover for two absences if they really needed to.

Lita found Serena in the laundry filling a bucket with water and scrubbing at some clothing. She had relocated the woman who usually worked here until she could return to the food portion of her job. Lita physically picked Serena up and threw her over her shoulder and returned Serena to her room. Lita wouldn't listen to any arguments, and instead turned one onto Serena. "If you do not take it easy, then you will not be well enough for Darien to meet with you again in a few days time. I will not take you out there again if you cannot walk."

That quieted Serena, but she still tried to sneak down every once in awhile to help out, but the staff only sent her back to her room, or helped her back if it seemed she could not carry herself there on her own legs. They would always adjust the fire for her and then leave. After a short while, she realized that she was only getting in their way and it was actually making it harder for them to cover her absence if they had to constantly deal with her. So she stayed put and she slept. She slept like she had not slept in such a long time. The bed was the most comfortable she had been in for just as long, but it wouldn't have mattered if she had been on the floor, her body had just taken over and exhaustion filled her bones and would not allow her to move.

Lita came up once while Serena was sleeping and even with a knock could not awaken the girl, so she took the food back down with her, she'd bring up something fresh when Serena was no longer sleeping. However as she came up with the last meal of the day, her friend was still completely out and Lita, worried, walked over to her friend. She put a hand against the girl's forehead and while still feverish, it was cooler than it had been before, and she wasn't shivering as much. It might have something to do with the heavy blankets and fireplace, and Lita was glad that Serena had thought of it. Serena was still alive and that satisfied Lita for now and she went to the fire, added another log and then returned to the kitchens to help clean up. When all was finished, Lita returned to her sleeping friend and crawled in next to her like they used to, but her back was to Serena and facing the door against any who would do her harm and she slept as well. She didn't sleep as well as Serena had, fearing not only discovery, but also worrying about Serena's health.

The girl had not ate for an entire day and that couldn't be good for her. Lita was up the next morning long before dawn arrived like every day before and had gone straight to the kitchen, rather than the morning market and whipped Serena up something warm and easy on her stomach, then returned to wake Serena up this time. She would guarantee that Serena had something and would not starve to death.

It wasn't an easy task, but Serena did eventually rouse from her healing slumber enough to satisfy Lita that she wasn't dying and to eat a fair portion of the meal that Lita had created. Lita carried it back down to the kitchen and let Serena sleep again. The sooner Serena got better fully, the better all would be, Serena was of no value to them at half-mast. That wasn't entirely true, but they could handle it for a few days while Serena recuperated and Lita having seen this before, knew that even after Serena got back a majority of her energy to stay awake and try to help out, she'd be too weak to be of much use and would tire again quickly. The last time Lita thought it would be good for Serena to slowly get back into things after the fever seemed to have passed, but it had taken Serena near a month to be fully back on her feet then and this time, Lita vowed it wouldn't be the same. Serena would be better in at least half that time.

If that meant that she refused to allow Serena to go see that no good Darien, then that's what she had to do, and if she also had to tell the other staff that they needed to pretend as if Serena had been fired for as long as she needed it, yet still keeping the rotation, then that's what it was going to be.

Lita's plans while noble over looked the fact that Serena was quite stubborn and when she wanted something badly enough, she found a way to get it. Serena wanted to help the others, felt guilty for not doing so and she wanted to see Darien again. By the time she did, it had been four nights since she last seen him, but almost eight since she'd actually spoken to him.

He was a bit more agitated that before but when he saw her face, he completely relaxed and took it into his hands. "Are you feeling better?" He was asking Serena, but while she answered, Lita also answered for her.

"Yes."

"No."

Darien could feel the slight heat still coming off of her and she was still bound up more than when it had been colder at this time of night. They were on the downward end of winter heading into spring but it was still a little ways off still. She had taken only a few steps before she needed to lean against him for support, though she tried not to. He swept her off her feet and walked her towards his horse, hers was lead there as well and it created some what of a circle for her, heat wise at any rate. Lita sat at Serena's back, completing it.

"You can't stay long." He knew that, and he didn't want her to if she was still ill. "I really wish I had been allowed to bring over my doctor. It might have cut this healing process down."

"She's already doing a hundred times better at this point than the last time this happened." It was the year after her parents' death and Lita about freaked that it was going to happen to her friend as well, but the symptoms were different and Serena had been getting better slowly. The stepfamily had refused to call a doctor and seemed pleased by the prospect of being rid of her. Lita had already detested them, but now it was a hundred times worse than that. They had been lenient and called the doctor when it had been her parents, but refused to do so for someone they sometimes deemed to call family? Lita had found a few things that had helped make her stronger faster, but as it did now, it had taken a huge portion of Serena's strength away from her. It knocked her for a loop.

Darien was actually cuddling Serena to him as they spoke and that actually surprised Lita a bit to watch. She had heard of his exploits, always caught in the act the day he met them, what had changed in him now to want to cuddle? It was only a few minutes but Serena was growing tired again and Lita helped her stand. It was good to get her to use her legs a bit, because despite Serena trying to help out, she was bed ridden for a long time.

"Please, allow me to help?" He sounded like he was pleading and Lita looked at Serena who was in no position to walk back without setting her back in her progress, and looked too unstable atop the horse.

"If you'd help lift her onto my back, I can carry her." Lita explained, Serena wouldn't want him to come to the D'arte house, that much she knew for certain, and Lita didn't either, if he was spotted by anyone other than Serena, he'd be recognized instantly for who he truly was.

"I'll do you one better." He sighed in resigment, knowing he wasn't going to be allowed access to her place of residence again. He took Serena from Lita and also held the horse stable as he nodded for Lita to get on it.

Lita looked at it nervously, she didn't ride, wasn't supposed to either. "It's a nice and calm horse." He reassured her. "It listens to Serena even in her weakened state, it will listen to you. Just don't kick her, only squeeze your legs to get her to go." Lita struggled to get on, unsure how to at first, despite seeing Serena do it time and again, and then looked down at Darien as if not sure what he wanted next. He handed Serena off to her, placing the girl in front so Lita would have an easier time of holding onto her and the reigns.

Serena thanked Darien with her head against Lita's chest and promised she'd be here in two nights. "Maybe." Lita added when she thought Serena was out of it.

Darien smirked. "You can't help but like me too."

"I am only doing what I am for her. My loyalty to my friend runs deep."

"Because she is your friend, or because she is a higher station?"

"I see you understand." Lita squeezed her legs and somehow got the horse to go where she wanted it to. Lita wasn't being flippant when she said that, if he hadn't, he wouldn't have framed the question like he had. If he hadn't, he would have asked if it was because Serena was her better. While Lita certainly thought that was true in many respects, Serena didn't. If she had, her most trusted confident at the young age in which they met wouldn't have been Lita or Haruka, but rather she would have clung on stronger to Michiru or other nobles.

Darien was there again in two nights time and this time when Serena arrived after him, she was alone and on foot. "No sentry to watch over you tonight?"

"Oh she's around, watching, she really doesn't trust you, does she? What did you do to her to give her that opinion?" She was actually looking at him suspiciously now, wondering what her friend had seen that she hadn't.

Darien laughed and pulled Serena to her stump, pleased that her cheeks were once again rosy and her complexion no longer so dire. "I scared her and then she recognized me as I had hoped you wouldn't. It is all right, we have an accord I believe, or at least an impasse."

"Me being the barrier that keeps the two of you from fully clashing?" Serena's eyes danced at the thought.

"I shall not keep you out too late tonight. Though you are doing splendidly now, Lita shared with me how long it had taken you to recover last time, and how this was nothing short of a miracle that you're doing so well now." It had been just over a week and Serena's health had skyrocketed between the care, her own desire to be healthy again and the plenty of rest the other servants had afforded her. Serena really needed to figure out a way to make it up to them.

"I think we can manage for a while longer." Serena disagreed, she would have wanted to stay all night again to make up for the time that they had missed, but knew that wasn't going to be an option after the way the last time had gone. Lita would make sure she would be heading home shortly and she had a vague feeling that Darien would be the first to send her on her way.

"Only a short while, I need to make sure your friend understands that I only have the best interests for you." His hand reached out and he brushed back a few loose curls that clung by her face and he was rewarded with a soft look she probably didn't even know she was making. "May I ask you a question."

"You may, but I might not answer it." He was now positive that she was back in good health and an answering smile graced his face.

"Will you meet me somewhere else tomorrow night? I am afraid that I will not be able to come this far then."

"Why not wait for the second night?" She hadn't answered him but he didn't mind clarifying first.

"I would like to see you again, I feel as if we have missed so much over this last week, that I have missed so much. I do not wish to spend so much time away from you again." Serena swallowed, she had felt the same way, but she wasn't sure she could do every night. "As for why I need you to meet me somewhere else, tomorrow the castle is holding another event. I am unsure exactly when I can get away, but I was hoping that if you were to leave the same time you always do, and come to meet me somewhere in the middle, we will have more time."

"Somewhere in the middle?" Serena asked, relieved.

"Unless you'd like to finally attend an event?" He was only teasing her and she shook her head, that was not something she'd like to do. His black hair fell over his dark blue eyes and it complemented each other so well that she could not look away. He was looking at her openly and kindly but when he caught her eyes, she saw them change a little, looking at her now with greater intensity.

She leaned forward slightly and she was going to give her response. "No."

That caused him to pull back a little and he looked at her in surprise. "No?"

"I am not going to meet you at the castle's event, and I will not meet you tomorrow. I am sorry but I have already planned something for tomorrow night and I cannot break it. However I am more than happy to meet with you in two nights time and then from there, unless something comes up, every night after that."

Darien had a moment of disappointment before he realized what she was saying. He lit up and grinned and Serena was almost astounded that she could make him so happy. She didn't want to admit to it, but she liked how she could affect his moods. "I can handle that. So in two nights time I shall see you again!" Darien jumped to his feet and helped her back up.

"What?" Serena was being pushed along towards the tree line where Lita was waiting. "We can't be done so soon. I've barely gotten a chance to speak with you."

"But we have seen and spoken to each other today, and for that I can be happy. I want you to remain healthy if we're going to increase how often we meet out here."

"If you increase it, you might as well move locations so you can have a fire to sit next to." Lita cut in as she joined them on the path. "That way it increases the chance of both of you staying healthy."

Serena looked up at her friend, she felt that the words had a bit of a threat in them but Darien seemed unperturbed by it. Lita didn't like it, it was clearly written on her face, but Serena wasn't sure how she felt, as it had surprised her when it happened for the first time, but Darien's arms came around her and she was engulfed in a hug. He had her so trapped that she couldn't even free her hands to return it, but after a moment he was releasing her and then heading back towards his horse. His hood came up over his head and he became that mysterious man she had first met.

On the walk home, Serena didn't want to ask, but the dark look on her friend's face prompted it. Lita once unleashed didn't hold back. Serena listened to an entire tirade about how foolish this all was, but at the end, this is what she imagined Lita actually meant to say. "He's dangerous." Two or three words was all it would have taken to tell Serena exactly what had taken the whole walk to do.

Serena rubbed at her arms, she had forgotten how cold it could be out here at night. "Why is he dangerous. No, don't go into a lot of words, just answer the question I've asked. What about him is dangerous?"

Lita didn't respond for long, she had a lot that she wanted to say, but she had told Darien that she wouldn't tell her and Lita did have to abide by those. She was keeping secrets for both of them, but neither had asked her to tell them the truth. Not until now, and Serena hadn't even realized that's what she was doing.

Serena though thought that Lita couldn't come up with anything and she felt a bit smug. "Nothing, right. I think it is because you haven't gotten to know him like I have. He's, well I wouldn't say harmless, far from that, but he's not dangerous, not to anyone but-" She cut herself off, she was going to say 'not to anyone but me', but she didn't want to go down that path yet. "Those who deserve it." She finally covered for her gaff.

Lita had a feeling she knew what Serena was really going to say. Lita sighed heavily and spoke again. "I wonder how well you really know him, or how well he knows you, Isabel."

Serena frowned after her tall friend as they entered the kitchen and Lita headed straight up the stairs to their room. Serena pushed around a few logs for the fire, letting it continue until dawn when someone else would add to it to make it burn brighter and hotter. As she did, she thought about what Lita said. Was it possible Darien was hiding something from her? True she didn't know him as well as she thought she did, there was a lot that still wasn't discussed, but she felt like what she needed to know she knew well enough and she liked it. Lita had said something important to her though, and it was that she hated hearing her mother's name from him, hated lying to him when she should be as truthful as possible, was usually as truthful as they came.

Serena dropped her dress off at the laundry and then followed Lita's path up the stairs, she slid into bed and wrapped the blankets tightly around her. The bed wasn't as comfortable as she had been growing used to and it took her a long time to sleep.

She was awake earlier than she usually was, and her mind was consumed with thoughts about what Lita said to her and her own misgivings about keeping the truth from him. It wasn't like she was ashamed, he might not understand it at first, but if she could explain it all, it might be ok.

Everyone knew her mind was occupied during that day and stayed out of her way or gently pushed her to a different side of the house that she could deal with something, but not hurt herself when she was so absent. She was shaken out of it when Ann rang the bell for help in her room later that evening. Serena arrived and Ann was already sitting down in front of the mirror. "Serena, brush my hair."

There wasn't any pleases or pleasantries and Serena took the comb out of Ann's hand and helped her sister. Ann's hair was a coppery almost orange red and it usually hung around her like a cloud if it wasn't tied down. There were several snags as Serena ran the comb through, it was well cared for in general, and she ate well, but she didn't have the strength in it since she was born.

"Thank you." Ann said when it finished and Serena nodded her head slightly in agreement before another bell went off and Serena walked to Beryl's who stood up when she saw her.

"Tie me up." Beryl ordered and Serena's fingers were quick to do up the buttons and ribbon on the back. "It is a bit more formal today and today I will snag the Prince. He hasn't been around much these last few nights, I imagine he's gone off to see his whore, but once he sees me in this, he'll have his work cut out for him to get me to say yes, and I won't without a proper ring on my finger." Serena was struggling to get the back of the corset tied as tight as Beryl liked. Beryl had gained a little bit of weight and Serena pulled but Beryl came with her. "It's all right, a little loose will be fine." Beryl snapped and Serena quickly finished. "Serena, can't you do anything right?" Beryl sneered and turned towards Serena with fire in her eyes to match where she felt most comfortable or would.

Serena was out the door before Beryl could finish her thoughts and was going towards the main servant area when a third bell rang and it was for Esmeraude. Serena groaned and trekked back to her stepmother. They had been doing so well, and if they hadn't already been so tightly wound, Serena might have said something to them about going out of place again. If she did though now, she feared what they would do.

Esmeraude opened the door before Serena could even knock and turned back to her mirror, standing. "I know you think simple and brown is beautiful, but what do you think, do I look all right?" Esme almost seemed nervous and Serena wondered at the cause. Was it because she wanted to make a good impression on the Queen and the Prince because of her daughter's cause or because she was meeting someone there? Esme's eyes darkened as Serena hesitated but it was only because she wasn't looking and she was thinking. "I knew I was a fool to ask you, you would only cause me to look a disaster. You have a vicious heart Serenity, no man shall ever love you." Esme turned her attention back to the mirror, completely ignoring Serena, who knew a good exit when she heard saw one.

If Serena was fragile like she used to be, she would have gone to Lita bawling about how cruel her step-family was. However now that she was used to their barbs, she hadn't been effected in the least, knowing that anything they said was more of a reflection of their character than her. Her friends were brutally honest with her, and if she had done something wrong, they would tell her, thought probably in a nicer way.

When the steps came back, Serena was once again dragged into Beryl's room, but this time all three were there but they weren't really looking at her, instead they were gossiping. "Undo us." Beryl hissed when she realized Serena had entered the room. "I can't believe he danced with me for so long tonight. He didn't even attempt to disappear."

"I do believe our Prince is falling in love with you." Ann breathed happily.

"I wouldn't say that yet." Beryl shook her hair, and with them side by side like this it was easy to see the color difference. Ann's was orange tinted, Esme's was like a flame, bright and over the top red. Beryl's was gorgeous. Serena couldn't help but be envious of the color sometimes. It had dimensions to it and it suited her skin tone perfectly. It was darker than the others and more of a pure red, she must have gotten the darker tones from their father. Everything about Beryl's outward appearance shouted sexy and beautiful. She was a vixen and Serena imagined she would be better suited in the high end red-light district than as Queen. Men would pay a lot of money for her for a long time. If it hadn't been for her power-hungry nature, Serena was sure that she would have slipped into something a bit more suited for her looks. It wouldn't surprise her one little bit if the Prince fell for her coyish looks, beckoning gaze, bought into her shapely figure, but then rebuffed and then pulled in once more, like a game until he submitted and gave her a ring, only to regret it later on.

Though if he was as sex-drived as everyone said he was, then maybe it would make it easier for her to win this game. Especially tonight, Beryl's dress was still appropriate, but it was definitely playing up all of her curves well.

It was a deadly beauty though, Serena thought as she worked through the mother's hair. Once she lost it, she would have nothing, but Esme was still attractive even now, but she wondered how long that would last. Beryl had burned brighter and earlier than Esme had and she wasn't sure who would be the more beautiful in a few years. The height though on those two women was a bit frightening, Lita was tall, Haruka was even taller, hell Darien was almost as tall if not taller than Haruka, height on its own was not frightening, but the way they used it was. Serena thought to the long limbed figure that she had grown attached to recently, he used his height well, he could be intimidating, but he was also relaxed and he often sat that way as well, with one leg bent, the other out towards her.

Serena wiped the smile off her face quickly and went back to listening to these women. "He's just so handsome." Ann whispered. "Even though- um, even though he has taken a shine to Beryl, I can see how no woman could resist him." Serena wanted to hear if they'd noticed his best friend and if he was as she'd said, more attractive, but they didn't mention anyone else, just the Prince. Perhaps they were only attracted to his power, so they didn't see anyone else.

"And you mother, what was the deal tonight? Are you going to seal the deal?" Beryl's tone was playful and Serena hadn't heard it in too long. Serena wondered who Esme was dealing with.

Esme glanced at Serena, better at keeping secrets than her children. "I don't wish to discuss that right now with you. I am more interested in what the Prince and you had talked about." No one really dared say his name, not even out of his presence, only those close to him could call him it. Serena wondered if she even knew it.

"Mostly he complimented me on my appearance and said that I was the boldest of all the ladies in court." Serena couldn't believe that to actually be a compliment unless it was what he liked, and for all she knew, he did. "I tried to engage him in topics of the court, but he seemed uninterested. Instead he asked me if I knew of anyone visiting and staying near us. He seems to think that someone of nobility is staying with that silly Amada family down the way. As if anyone would stay with farmers."

"Oh, but maybe-" Esme's eyes lit up with the thought and Serena was quick to intercede.

"Haruka has told Lita that he's rather bored around his house as nothing new has happened in such a long time. Lita hasn't mentioned anyone staying there." Serena always played her friendship with Haruka down, not because she was embarrassed, but because her stepmother would try to find a way to ruin their friendship, which surprised her that the stepmother hadn't caught on, as Serena had been sitting close to him during the funeral and she had definitely seen Serena with him.

Maybe she thought that too soon. "Haruka told Lita, did he?" Was she annoyed because she'd used the nickname or that Serena was claiming to be a third party to this? "I wasn't aware that they were that good of friends."

Serena was right, it was because of the third party information. "They're the same status level." She added softly, looking away.

Sometimes it was hard not to slip back into the young child she had been when she first met these women and cow to their harsh words, just because she hadn't been used to it, hadn't known to protect herself in other ways except to bow her head and give some kind of excuse or way to get the attention off of her.

Beryl snorted. "Pigs, all of them, that's the status level they are." Serena's hands clenched as she waited to be dismissed, she wasn't sure what else they'd want from her.

"At any rate, Beryl, my dear, did he give a name of this mystery visitor that may or may not exist?"

"No, he did not, he was just wondering if I'd seen her."

"A female?" Esme's eyes narrowed at her reflection. "It seems if she does exist, then he's met her. You might have a bit of competition, my child."

"Nobody could hold a candle to my beauty. If he has met up with her, then she can be nothing but a slut." Serena was glad all of their hair was out and that she was only responsible now for undoing their dresses, though with three of them in the room together, they could do it for each other! She was glad to do it now though, because it hid her hands from shaking in anger. It annoyed her that Beryl would think so harshly against this woman as she couldn't say for sure what they were doing. Darien and the Prince must have been discussing her if the Prince had inquired about a mystery woman at Haruka's! She didn't even want Darien to know, but then he goes and tells the Prince? Who then asks Beryl? She was furious! She could almost understand Darien asking about her, that she could get passed, but the Prince asking about her, was probably trying to undermine his friend's friendship with her and wanting to see her for himself. Perhaps the Prince did deserve Beryl.

That night after Serena left the women she went to her bed, but she was so angry she could hardly sleep and she tossed and turned in bed all night. Lita was aware of it, but she didn't say anything. Serena hadn't stepped foot into the kitchen that day other than to get herself fed. Lita hadn't spoken to her at those times either. Both were kind of annoyed at the other, but by tomorrow it was likely to blow over.

Sure enough, the next night, Lita joined Serena on her walk to the woods, and once they got there, Darien was already waiting. "It's easier now, the Prince has grown tired of our game." He wrapped his arms around Serena briefly when she came into sight and seemed surprised that he was there again so early. "I also would hate to leave you out here again, sleeping in the cold while waiting for me." His arms released from her body and she took a step back, hands going on her hips. "Am I in trouble?" He asked with a tease as he took in her stance.

"A little. I'm more upset with your Prince."

"My Prince?" He asked amused. "He's not yours too?"

"At this moment, he is yours alone." She was not happy and he seemed to realize this and so he paid attention. "Did you know he asked about me? He asked Haruka's neighbors whether or not there was someone staying with them. I think he was planning on finding me without your knowledge."

Darien laughed, and she didn't know why it was so funny, and with the seconds ticking by and her getting more frustrated, he took pity on her. "He asked a lot more than Haruka's neighbors. Everyone in town was asked if they knew of a noble visiting. I found out about it, but it wasn't a secret. He was curious about the girl that I had been spending so much time with."

"I'm just a little confused why you would even tell anyone. It's not like this was exactly broadcasted, our friendship. I thought it was supposed to be a secret."

"It is, he wasn't inquiring anything specific, just wondering if anyone could tell him more about you. I am sorry if you think that was a mistake, I will ask him not to do so any longer. I understand your desire for privacy." Darien's white teeth flashed as he smiled at her and she gave in.

"Better see that it doesn't." She was only half warning and he could see Lita this time with her arms crossed over her chest as she was displeased by the blatant untruths that he told. Darien's jaw tightened and he looked back down at the one he was coming to see. He didn't want to ruin her reputation, but he had been curious to find out more about her, what she could or would not say herself.

"Come on, I have a change that I'd like to run by you." Her pale skin was a little flushed with her anger and she looked even more beautiful than he'd remembered. She had a way of doing that to him. "Lita-" He called over his shoulder as he lead the blond towards where he was guiding her and Lita came into the clearing. "Why don't you join us as well? There's plenty of room for you."

Lita followed but at a few paces behind, and both the girls noticed that he was without his horse. They found it again when they came upon a large fire with logs around it. "It looks like you took my advice." Lita couldn't help but be flattered by the knowledge. She didn't think he'd do something like this.

"I did, it was a good idea, I am glad that you thought of it and shared it with me. If it hadn't been for you, I might have gotten your mistress sick again." He gestured Lita to have a seat and she took one, but across from the fire. "You're more than welcome to join us, closer."

"It is all right, for tonight, I prefer to be over here."

"We got into an argument yesterday." Serena explained to him once they were seated together on one log.

"Oh? About what?"

"You." Lita's voice carried over the flames and Darien looked down at Serena for more explanations.

"She seems to think you're dangerous."

"Well, she's right. I'm dastardly with a sword." His grin was arrogant and she elbowed him lightly for it, but there was a small smile on her face too. "I suppose she means towards you though. In that then, she is wrong. For I think you are far more dangerous in regards to me." His eyes betrayed what he was thinking and Serena couldn't help but lean into him a bit more.

"I am the least likely to be dangerous to anyone." Serena denied.

Lita coughed pointedly and Serena sat a little straighter, which meant that she was a bit further from him than before and he glared across the fire at the tall dark brunette. "Why didn't your horse accompany you today?"

"Are you kidding? After I built the fire, there was no way he'd move away from it."

"Some great protector he is." Lita teased.

"He knew I was only meeting with the two of you. We aren't too far away for him to still suss out the danger." Darien leaned back and rested his hand on the other side of Serena, though she didn't mind, she did notice. Lita noticed and minded, but she didn't say anything. Serena was warned and Darien had managed to take the worry out of what Lita had said.

Though as the night continued, and Darien was being charming through it all, Lita couldn't help but notice that he really did care about Serena. His eyes danced as she spoke, he listened intently and every move she made, he shifted with her, seeming not to notice. He was incredibly kind to her, even though he teased her often enough, and he never pushed boundaries, though he kept close to her. He even included Lita into their conversations. She was still suspicious and didn't care for the fact that they were lying to each other, Darien more than Serena in some ways, but she could see how Serena could over look all of that and see the man inside. Lita also acknowledged Darien's point, why he held back who he truly was, Serena wouldn't have given him a chance if she had known and they'd both have lost something ultimately valuable.

It would take near five more nights before Lita accepted what she refused to think, and by then she realized exactly how lost her friend was. It would be at that point, that Lita's stance would change once more, when she realized that Darien had been telling one truth that was far more important than the others. However it would be up to him to share it with Serena. Five nights later, Lita finally accepted them before there was officially a them to accept.

"When are you going to bring Marshmallows again?" Darien tossed to Lita who was sitting closer to them, but no longer as weary guard, but as a friend, but still feeling like an extra in this. She turned her head to the side and stuck her tongue out at him, if any of them were acknowledging proper decorum and status, she'd be in trouble, but as all of them had practically taken off titles long ago, this was passable and he laughed.

"They're not the easiest things to make, but they taste yummy." Serena leaned into his side so she could look at Lita who was on the other side of Darien. Then she looked up at Darien himself. "Don't bother her, she usually only makes them for special occasions. She'll bring them to you again if she deems your worth it."

"What was the special occasion then two nights ago?" Darien asked, his arm around her waist so she didn't fall towards the fire. He had caught her too many times from certain injury to be completely at ease. If there was nothing to fear, then he could relax fully. As it was, she made it possible for him to be more relaxed than he ever was at the castle or at any time really.

She didn't mind, she liked the contact, but she hadn't been using her natural inability to stay safe to get him there, it was just how it was. "I don't know, Lita?"

Lita shrugged. "Maybe because I'm no longer waiting in the cold for the two of you to finish for the night." The way she said it made it seem more seedy than it was, and there was a light blush on both their faces as they caught her unintentional meaning.

The tall brunette hadn't caught it though, and she was a little confused why they'd be wearing identical shades of pink on their faces. Lita rolled her eyes thinking nobles were just weird and she'd never completely understand them, not even Serena who was practically on her level. She looked back to the fire and pushed it around with a stick. There was silence for awhile as all enjoyed a peaceful moment. Then Darien sneezed a deep sneeze and Serena laughed, Lita couldn't help but join in. He started in on her about why it was so funny, and how she should be concerned over his health instead. It only caused her to laugh harder as she knew he wasn't one to be getting sick and all knew he wasn't serious.

After that, Darien started telling ghost stories and Serena shivered at every well placed scare or intrigue. She pressed against him for comfort and he continued on, wrapping his arm around her in a tighter grasp. Lita listened intently, interested in finding out more. These stores were amazing. Darien had one great talent in the story section. Lita had thought Serena was good at normal stories, getting people hooked to hear more, but Darien had a way to make them laugh and to make them scream.

That night however when Lita urged Serena off to bed, Serena refused to let go of Darien, her hands grasping him almost painfully and Lita was surprised to find her shaking. Serena had almost fallen off the log backwards at one point as Darien scared them both. He'd caught her then, but Lita had begged for more, almost not seeing Serena's face pressed up against Darien's chest. She hadn't asked them to stop, so neither had thought much about it.

Now however both realized how terrified she really was, and it wasn't all for show or temporary fear. It had settled deep within her and the girl that had never been frightened of anything, which Lita had despaired on, was now too afraid to leave his side and he was the one that caused it! Darien gently pealed her off of him and set her back down, urging Lita to go away for a little while so he could talk to her. Lita disappeared from view, but was still able to overhear.

He crouched in front of Serena and put a hand on her face, pulling her carefully up to look at him and he smiled softly. "I guess I over did it, hmm? They're just stories, nothing about them are true. I'm sorry if I've scared you. I won't tell them any more, I'll only tell funny ones from now on, ok?"

Serena looked into his caring eyes, and knew he was telling her the truth, all of his words. Then she surprised him and shook her head no. She spoke before he could ask or feel bad. "Lita enjoys your scary stories. She was loving every minute and its the first time it seems that you have impressed her. I think it is important for the two of you to get along. So for her sake, you may continue."

Darien laughed. "I don't care one bit about her sake if it is going against yours. Yet since you feel so strongly about it, I will take that into consideration for the future. However I pray you to tell me if it gets too much, tell us to stop. I do not like that I can scare you this much. I promised you that I wasn't dangerous to you and I intend to keep that promise, but you have to help me keep it."

Serena nodded against his hand and took a deep, steadying breath. "I will tell you in the future if you're scaring me."

"Good." He rose and helped lift her to her feet. Lita came forth and helped put out the fire, Serena too joined in but a shiver that had nothing to do with the cold still ran through her when the light was gone. "Put it out of your mind. None of those stories were real." His cautionary voice was behind her again, seeing that slight movement. He hugged her from behind and held her tight for a long moment, before he released her. He watched the two girls leave before he swung up onto his horse and rode away.

Lita led them towards Haruka's, knowing it was late that night, but feeling it best if Serena had friends all around her. Serena slept between them, but she was still a little afraid to shut her eyes and for a long time she stared at her friend's ceiling, breathing all around her calmed her nerves and she told herself that she was being silly. Finally she slept and daylight soon filtered across the room and Lita was pulling her out the door before she was even completely awake and only managed a half-hearted, half-remembered goodbye to Haruka and his family.

Serena was in a bit of a fog that day, but she managed to pull through it.


EAN: So, that's it for chapter 6. We'll be seeing a bit more in future chapters. I know there was a slight delay between chapters earlier but that was mostly because in my head I had a lot stronger worded conversation between Lita and Darien when she found out who he was, but then when I went to write it, I kind of forgot all of the well scripted dialogue I had. However the general idea and feel was there, but I wanted to make sure it was perfect before I released it to you, so this chapter was actually finished before that was was released to you. As of now, I'm going on to Chapter 7 and I still haven't gone back to fix that conversation, so there's probably a bit more of a delay.. haha... and all of this is in the future and past all at once... I'm so powerful! (However that is the only reason for any delays up to this point, the rest of the story is practically perfect for what I want.) And in the end, I did fix it.