As the Eagle Flies
Hi everyone, hope you've all been doing well lately! I had lots of fun writing this chapter, and it contains another one of my favourite scenes from this story, so I hope you'll enjoy it too!
Chapter 7
She sat at the Prince's table along with the Shitennou and the company they kept. She was close enough to hear him speak, but his words were just beyond her reach. She had no appetite, nor any intention to provide entertainment for those sitting around her, but pride kept her back straight and her silverware used. She would not have them believe she was affected by their laughter, by the cause of this 'celebration'.
But she could not take her eyes away from the Prince. He had echoed words that she heard that night in Tristone, so long ago, when she was saved from Jadeite's cruelty. She smiled bitterly to herself. Saved, or held captive?
The words of the woman sitting to her left interrupted her thoughts. Keeping the Prince in her peripheral vision, Serena shifted her gaze to the green eyes behind the peacock mask.
"Would you like some pepper?"
Slightly irritated, Serena glanced at the jars of spices that lay slightly to her right. "Would you like to mother whoever is sitting on your other side?" Serena replied.
There was a look of surprise, before the woman laughed, eliciting chuckles from those nearby who had paid attention to the exchange.
"That has been one of the most refreshing remarks I have heard at the dinner table," the woman said, eyes glowing. "What I said earlier is a phrase we use in Sairelle when the speaker is politely requesting something to her addressee. Please excuse my rudeness in assuming you were aware of such conventions."
She had spoken in such a warm and light-hearted manner without a trace of contempt or sarcasm that Serena could only reach for the pepper wordlessly, passing it to the woman, who received it with gratitude.
Jadeite, sitting across Serena and to the right, put down his fork and wiped his mouth. "Lady Lita, I believe you are wasting your time and energy in explaining the subtleties of our civilised society to one who clearly can not appreciate it."
Serena was about to reply in kind when Rachael, sitting to her right, set down her own fork with a decisive clang.
"My Lord Jadeite," she said, her voice like silk, "I believe you are wasting your time and energy in attempting to provoke the lovely Lady Serena into engaging in a conversation that we can not appreciate. May I suggest you revise the basic etiquette that is required at the dinner table?"
Serena did not have time to decide whether Rachael's brazen defence or Jadeite's stunned expression was more unexpected, for those in their vicinity had once again burst into laughter.
"I must commend you, Lady Rachael, as that was most excellently executed," Lita said. "Lord Jadeite, it seems you have more on your plate than you had bargained for."
Jadeite seemed to catch up on the humour of the situation, though a mixture of puzzlement and slight betrayal was still written on his face. "I would not ask for anything less," he said, all smiles and charms, before muttering, "I would not dare."
The group laughed again, and Serena took her time to study those who sat around her. To her left was the woman called Lita, and even if she had not seen her fiery eyes, Serena knew the boldly dressed woman to her right was Rachael, though her elegance and composure was vastly different compared to the last time they had met. Across from Rachael sat Jadeite, whose attention was now solely fixed on his phoenix. Serena was sitting directly across a woman dressed in blue with a dolphin's mask, whom she identified as Amelia. Serena's gaze shifted to the left, and she was met with the gentle smile and the mane of brown hair that could only belong to Nephrite. A bit past Nephrite was a man dressed as a white horse that she did not recognise but assumed to be the last of the Four Heavenly Kings; the cream horse that sat opposite the unidentified general was Zoisite. And beyond them sat the Prince, the golden eagle presiding over the table.
"I do not think I have introduced myself," the peacock named Lita said, surprising Serena. "I was given the name Carmella at birth, but have been always called Lita to distinguish myself from my mother, who shared my name."
The table was suddenly silent again, and Serena could feel Endymion's eyes on her. This time, Nephrite broke the silence.
"Lady Serenity Angelline, allow me to introduce to you Countess Carmella de Allisa."
Lita shook her head, clearly unimpressed. "You do not need to overwhelm the lady with such unnecessary customs," she said, her voice sharp. She turned to Serena. "There is a meaningless social rule that is enacted upon in court, where one is not to speak nor approach another member of the court unless they have been formerly introduced by a mutual acquaintance."
Nephrite said: "Countess, please keep mind those in your presence when you speak" at the same time Lita said: "Lord Nephrite, you forget that you have violated such protocol, as we have not yet been introduced."
No one dared to speak, for centuries of tradition had just suffered one of its rare public criticisms. All depended on Endymion's opinions; and the Prince laughed.
"This is most entertaining," he said, his smile reaching Serena but not his eyes. "Lord Nephrite, I believe you have been defeated in this instance. Your punishment is to take Lady Serenity as your first dancing partner when our meal is finished."
He then turned to Lita. "Countess, perhaps such definitions as 'meaningless' should only be determined by one who has the authority. I understand that you are wealthy and hold high regard among your acquaintances, but please remember your place. For your punishment, you are to be taken as Lord Nephrite's second dancing partner."
They both nodded and acknowledged the public humiliation without complaint, leaving Serena seething. The words left her before she could control herself.
"And what may my punishment be, Your Highness, for instigating such a disagreement between your most loyal and loving people?"
The Prince laughed again, but the sound was cruel, heard before a predator destroyed their prey. "You second task, after Lord Nephrite has been chastised by your sharp tongue, will be to dance with me."
Still smiling, Endymion picked up his knife and fork and resumed eating as if he had never spoken. He turned to Kunzite and made a comment, and the two were quickly involved in their conversation. The humming of those sitting at other tables in the large hall soon drowned out the initial silence caused by the commotion at the Prince's table.
Serena was surprised when Lita cast her a sheepish grin, an expression that was so out of place with her surroundings. "It looks like I have gotten both of us into quite a bit of trouble," the woman said, clearly apologetic. "I hope you will forgive the consequences of my brashness."
"There is no need to take credit for my own actions," Serena replied, "for I have proven to be equally adept at procuring punishment for myself."
The two pairs of eyes met, and both women saw the strength and humour behind the other's well-decorated masks. They smiled to themselves at this mutual understanding, and though Serena was still wary of the countless eyes that stared at her, she found herself warming to Lita's good nature.
"Lady Serenity—may I call you Serena?" At the nod, Lita continued. "I understand your first introduction to Sairelle has been rather unsettling, but have you had an opportunity to see some of the finer parts of our country?"
"I have not," was the reply. "And I must admit, I have never considered such an activity."
Lita nodded, and Serena knew she had understood. "I am terribly sorry for your loss. I do not know what you have suffered, nor of the circumstances under which you have arrived, but I hope there is something I can do to alleviate some of your pain."
Serena was speechless, and Nephrite, the only one who had been listening to them speak, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The woman was so sincere, so willing to promptly and directly address the tensions between them, so unlike all the other people she had dealt with since she was captured. The intelligence in her green eyes told Serena that she was not being callous, and Serena found comfort in the bluntness of her words. There were no lies, no sick sweetening, only brutal honesty.
"I thank you for your concern," Serena replied, her voice lowered, "but your words alone cannot heal these scars that your fellow citizens and your liege have inflicted."
Lita nodded, her eyes sad. "Perhaps actions might prove to be a healing ointment, however weak. Lady Serena, would you be so kind as to oblige me to call upon you sometime next week? I am sure there are plenty of activities we can consider, if you are so inclined." She instantly turned to look across the table. "Lord Nephrite, could you perhaps see that this may be accomplished?"
Nephrite glanced around him, making sure no one else had heard Lita's request, and answered carefully. "I cannot promise you anything, but I will try." His manner was as easy and pleasant as Serena had remembered, and despite herself, she began to feel a tinge of excitement at the prospect of spending a day with the lady beside her.
Lita must have noticed Serena's reaction, however mild, and questioned: "Do you hold any interest in any particular activities, Lady Serena?"
If she was addressed by another person at another time, Serena would not have answered. Even now, she kept her tone neutral, and only listed those common interests held by many people she knew. "I enjoy riding, and reading is one of my favourite pastimes."
"That is lovely!" Lita seemed positively delighted. "I have quite a bit of wilderness that is a part of my estate, and several strong horses that would love to stretch their legs. Lord Nephrite, you are also welcome to join, if your schedule permits."
"That would be wonderful," Serena said; and she meant it. She had always loved the feeling of the wind against her and the movement of the powerful muscles beneath her when she was on a horse, and her recent confinement had led her to crave that sort of freedom. To be able to gallop across the lands, her companions just within reach... Her pleasure quickly disappeared as she realised that opportunity might never be given, for her captors would be right if they suspected she would try to escape on horseback.
But the glittering in Lita's eyes told her otherwise, and gave Serena a reason to hope. It was a strange, warm feeling that went as quickly as it came, for Endymion had now risen to his feet, commanding the attention of his guests.
"Ladies and gentleman," he said, "I thank you once again for being such delightful company at my dinner tables tonight! I hope you have all feasted to your heart's content!" Quiet applause. "It is now time for us to proceed to the highly anticipated entertainment of this evening: I invite you to rise to your feet, and make good use of them in dancing!" The people moved as one, Serena slightly behind.
"Although it is customary that the Prince is to start the dancing," he continued, "I will defy tradition tonight, by announcing the pair who will inspire us all with their skill and enthusiasm: Lord Nephrite, and our honorary guest, Lady Serenity!"
The polite applause was coupled with whispering, and Serena felt her cheeks redden at having once again been singled out and ridiculed by the Prince. Nephrite moved towards the centre of the room that had been cleared for the specific purpose of dancing, and Serena followed, determined to maintain her composure. Although she usually enjoyed dancing, Serena did not know whether the music or steps here differed to what she was brought up with, and she desperately hoped Nephrite was skilled in leading.
Her uneasiness faded when Nephrite took her gloved hand in his, and whispered so softly that she was sure only they could hear. "Just trust me and follow me." He held his right hand up, palm facing her, and Serena followed suit with her left hand, until their palms were touching. She relaxed, knowing at least some of the basics were familiar, and held her head high as she waited for the music to begin.
She saw a movement in the corner of her eyes before the music started, and Serena found the notes to be unfamiliar. Nephrite, however, was moving in steps that she did know, and she tried to adjust to the music as she kept her attention focused on what her partner was doing. She did not notice another pair had joined the floor until the flash of red passed her, and she saw the elegant, sharp movements of Rachael. Many other people followed suit, until the floor was full of people, the sound of shoes on marble loud enough to match the musicians.
"Remind me to thank Rachael and Jadeite the next time I see them," Nephrite said, his lips barely moving. "Not only does the Prince traditionally initiate the dancing at every ball, but the dance between him and his chosen partner are usually solitary performances that last until the first dance is finished. Rachael and Jadeite have taken a huge liberty to break such rules by daring to join in the first dance. The rest of these people must have found that enough of an encouragement to start dancing themselves, although I have a feeling Endymion had expected other results."
Serena took some time to digest his words, her concentration still on the music and the steps, though Nephrite's easy manner had helped her relax. "How long do these usually last?"
"A dance takes about five minutes, but the night will continue indefinitely, long past midnight." He flashed a smile at her. "You are doing very well."
"Thank you. I know similar steps, but the changes tend to throw me off." She stumbled, a movement that would have been obvious if it wasn't for Nephrite's slight twist and quick improvisation. "Perhaps we should be concentrating rather than conversing."
"That would be such a bore! Please, do continue to enlighten me with your words. I have sorely missed your wit and humour in the past few days."
His brown eyes were sincere, and Serena once again found herself comfortable in his presence. Perhaps it was his easy disposition, perhaps it was their shallow comradeship stemming from being the Prince's targets, perhaps it was the naturalness in his movements that bordered on familiarity. The dancing pairs around them were similarly occupying themselves, and Serena saw no harm in continuing.
"In Chiston, we do not speak when we are dancing," she said. "Although I doubt you are interested in hearing about our ways."
"Quite the contrary," Nephrite replied. "I have never experienced anything outside of Sairelle, and I am rather interested in how these things work in other countries. Do you often hold balls such as these?"
"Once every now and then. Our attire is a lot more conservative, and not so flamboyant."
Nephrite laughed, a sound that warmed her. "Most of the nobility here attempt to assert their standing and fine tastes by attending in the most extravagant and finely made costumes you can imagine. The Shitennou, however, always dress in a predetermined theme."
"It all seems rather frivolous and pointless to me," Serena said, glad to see from the grin that he was not offended.
"I agree with you. However, a little bit of fun every now and then has its merits." There was a slight pause as Serena missed a step, and Nephrite helped her return to the music. "Speaking of having fun, what are your thoughts on Lady Lita's generous offers?"
She hesitated, but he waited patiently, guiding her through the music until she was ready to reply. "The notion is very tempting. She appears to be very different from the rest of the people I have met."
"She is. I have heard a great deal about her, and she is infamous for her immovable stance in certain situations."
"Such as?"
"Her refusal to marry. Her parents died when she was young, and she was the sole heir to their estates."
"Women are given rights to estates and titles without a male benefactor in this country?" The surprise was evident, and Nephrite let out a chuckle.
"I suppose you have never heard of such a thing in Chiston. There are quite a few rules and laws in Sairelle that make it difficult, but the Countess has always been strong in her opinions and actions."
"That is remarkable..." How did the woman appear so calm and friendly, when she had faced so many obstacles of her own?
"I will try to arrange a time and place for the two of you to meet and converse in more detail." Nephrite's smile was telling of the longing in her voice and expression.
"I would like that very much," she said, finding there was no need to hide anything from this man who had been so adamant in assisting her. "Thank you."
"My pleasure entirely," he replied warmly. The music started toward the coda, and the sincerity in his smile was replaced with sadness. "The dance is nearing its end. It has been a great pleasure to be your partner, Lady Serena."
Serena noticed the shift, and felt her own invisible mask snapping into place. "Likewise, Lord Nephrite. I do envy how your next partner will be infinitely more amenable than mine."
"Do not be unnerved," Nephrite said, as reassuringly as he could. "You have a talent and flair for dancing, something that is far beyond the influence of the Prince."
She did not have a chance to reply, for the musicians played the last chord, and all was quickly silent after the polite applause. Those who had been dancing parted to make way for the Prince, who took slow strides towards Serena, a smile on his face.
"I am very impressed by your skills," Endymion said into the silence. "Let us hope that the rest of your people are equally well taught, for it would be awfully troublesome if they were all to be trained."
"Chistonian dances require an absolute mastery of technique and expression," Serena replied, eyes defiant, "that it is perhaps your people who will need the training."
"Your tone is most convincing; I am almost tempted to believe you. However, words are left unheard if they are not accompanied with actions. Perhaps you may like to take this opportunity to share your abundance of knowledge. Seeing you are so confident in your skills, perhaps we should start with the most difficult pieces." He signalled to the musicians, who raised their instruments, ready to play. The Prince assumed his position, directly facing Serena, arms by his sides, slightly raised. The first notes were played, and Endymion moved effortlessly for a few moments before stopping, for Serena had remained still.
"Is there a problem?" he asked, his voice sweet and menacing. "Was I being too generous in my assumptions?"
To his surprise, Serena returned his smile, and shook her head. "I must apologise, for my attention was elsewhere. Please, let us begin." She placed her arms in the same position as his, still smiling at his mixture of bewilderment and anger. From the few heartbeats when the music was playing and the Prince was moving, Serena found that the steps were not only familiar, they had been ingrained long before she could remember. She knew this dance.
This time, when the music started, Serena was perfectly in time with Endymion, mirroring his every movement, floating with each step, turning with precision and grace. The tempo was lively, vivacious, and there was no time to think, only feel. The smooth floor under her shoes, the cool silk against her skin, the air that brushed against her as she matched the Prince with an equal passion.
It was more than a court dance; theirs was a dance of courtship. Spinning, tumbling, leaping, and all the while challenging. He was claiming her, seducing her with every concise gesture, every smouldering glance. She was defying him, teasing him with every step that brought her close enough to touch, before darting out of his reach. They passed each other several times, and their eyes roamed each other's bodies, neither shameless, neither willing to look away. In the brief moments their gloved fingertips rested against the other's, the heat shot through her hands, searing her arms. They had touched, they had been scorched, they had relented despite their firm resolutions. There was no going back. The dance ended.
The game had just begun.
Nobody spoke. His eyes still on Serena, Endymion gave a quick nod in the direction of the musicians, who started playing a different piece, this time slow and sensual. He closed the gap between them, and she did not object. They were now pressed palm to palm, and Serena could feel his quick breath on her skin. She knew this dance too, and though she allowed him to lead, Serena remained alert to his every move. The floor began to fill with people again, and the humming of talk started again.
"Very impressive." His words were soft, almost a whisper, and Serena felt a shiver run down her spine. "Perhaps I have made the mistake of underestimating you."
"I have been told that the Prince Endymion never makes mistakes."
"Just as I have been told that Chistonians cannot dance."
The sudden realisation and fury in her eyes was fuel to his smile. She found herself trying not to stumble, trying not to think of how close he was, while his warmth surrounded her, caressed her.
She drew upon her anger, her hatred, and allowed herself to think of nothing else. "Perhaps you would be better entertained with another dancing partner."
"Your reactions so far have been entertaining enough." He leaned in, lips almost brushing her neck. "And I am looking forward to your private little performance this evening."
He had resumed his distance, and was twirling her before she could respond. When Serena had regained eye contact again, her jaw ached from clenching so hard.
"I would love nothing more than to be granted a private audience." The control in her voice was slipping, and his smile grew.
"I will not disappoint." His silky voice was the last straw. She let loose the words that had echoed through her mind for the past few days.
"Why have you brought me here?"
He laughed, the rich tones vibrating like the cello that supported the music they danced to. "Patience is not one of your strongest virtues."
"I have been patient long enough." There was no amusement, no pretence in her voice, only cold, bitter hatred.
"You were at the mercy of Jadeite and his men," he said, giving her the answer she sought, but not the words she wanted to hear. "They would have ruined you, broken you beyond use, before returning you to your dearest King Diamond." She tensed at the name, at the extent of the Prince's knowledge, but knew he had more to say. "I simply wanted to spoil you myself."
His words sliced through her deeper than metal, rooting her to the ground. She could not continue playing this game when it was so obvious he had been one, two, three steps ahead of her. No…he had written the ending before she had read the first page. She had lost before it even began.
Blinded by hatred and pain, Serena turned away from the mocking blue eyes and found the door from which she entered, and left the room of lies and deception.
He heard her footsteps earlier than he expected. Darien allowed himself one last smile before tucking it away with the rest of his expression, until he became the embodiment of nonchalance as he gazed towards the star-studded sky, an eagle perched on his arm.
He could hear her slow down, hear her quick shallow breaths, and knew she had seen him. Knew she had not expected him.
Or had she?
His name was on her lips, hesitant, a sigh into the night. He turned to face her, and the surprise that etched itself on his face was not entirely insincere.
"Lady Serena?" She trembled at her own name, and took a small step towards him, leaving behind her the last of the shadows that hid her features from the moon. Her eyes, her face, her lips shone with tears, stealing the light from the stars. He found it difficult to breathe.
She said his name again, and this time, he did not hold himself back. As the eagle launched into flight, he crossed the distance until he could see the silver trails on her face that were painted by her tears.
There was a muted sound—perhaps the dropping of her mask onto the stone floor—and she was pressed against him, her arms around his neck, desperately holding him to her. He slowly placed his bare hands on her waist, the silk soft, and felt the warmth of her body beneath the thin material. The shudders grew stronger, and he buried himself in her hair, its light flowery scent cleaner than the night air. He murmured her name, then words of comfort, before slipping into his native tongue, lilting sounds that danced to her core, enveloping her, intoxicating her.
Her sobs grew quieter and eventually stilled, but he continued to roll the sweet waves of his voice through her. She relaxed her hold, and shifted until she was supporting herself, and the two held each other for an eternity, content with the silence between them.
When she started to draw away, he was still persistent, his hand immediately at her face, wiping away the remnants of her tears. He gazed into those depthless cerulean eyes, shining under the moonlight, and lost himself. He could only manage to say her name again, a sibilant exhaling of breath that brushed across her face. She let out her own ragged breath in response, and the small movement drew his attention to her lips, moist and parted.
He kissed her before he knew he could. The salty tang of tears and a sweetness that belonged to her touched him in a way he did not understand. Marvelling at the feel of her lips, he gently moved against them, showing a part of him he did not recognise as his. When she returned the kiss in an earnest, quiet way, Darien felt something inside him break.
The night was cool, and she was warm in every way. His fingers and hands played with the small of her back as she melted into his mouth. He heard a small sound—perhaps it was him—and his tongue traced her lips slowly, carefully, before she submitted, and they danced. She was everywhere, arms and legs and heated breaths, every last drop savoured, even as he eased back until their lips finally parted.
He looked into the eyes that said more than he could bear to hear, and instead tried to find his own voice.
"I'm sorry." He admired her courage, her strength, as she hid the pain that flashed across her face. "You deserve so much more."
His uncertainty changed her hurt to confusion and wariness, but the gentleness returned.
"Thank you." It was now his turn to be speechless. She managed a smile, a slight curling of lips and softening of eyes, before continuing. "For being so considerate. Thank you."
Darien shook his head, not understanding. He tried to speak, but she silenced him, a finger lightly on his lips. She said his name, a sound that wrapped itself around his heart. When he opened his mouth again to reply in kind, his rich tones echoed the same tenderness, the same beauty he had never known.
He brushed a few strands of hair away from her eyes, and allowed the gentle sensations to take over him. "How are you feeling?"
"I don't know." She closed her eyes, and when she had opened them again, the sadness had found its way back into the cerulean depths. "There's so much. I don't know."
He held her to him again, soothing her with his hands, his arms, his cheek against hers. "Don't worry about it now. Let it all go."
Darien felt her tense in his arms, but he held her tighter, urging her to relax. "I can't think." The uncertainty in her voice pulled at him, bruising him. "There's just so much. I just can't..."
He placed kisses on her hair, her forehead. "I know, Serena, I know." He hesitated and tested his next words silently on his lips, not knowing how difficult it would be to say them. "Let me stay with you tonight. I won't hurt you. I promise."
She took a moment to consider, and his chest ached, from longing, from his held breath, from a sudden swelling – he did not know. Perhaps it would have been followed by her refined refusal or quiet acceptance, but Darien never heard her answer, for he took her gloved hand and slowly led her across the stone floor, through the empty corridors, and into his room.
There were no objections, no words between them, only a politely turned back and the whisper of hair freed from its confines, the rustle of silk sliding onto the floor. Only when Serena had slipped between the sheets did Darien face her again and sat beside her on the bed, his fingers against her cheek.
"Just close your eyes, and go to sleep." His voice was soft, almost melodic. "Nothing can touch you now. I'm right here, I won't hurt you. I promise."
As he watched her sleep, her features relaxing into an unfamiliar serenity, Darien recounted the events of the evening, searching for the clues that had brought them here. He had planned for his arrogance and sarcasm as the Prince to be enough to drive her away, and he had known where she would go. He had prepared for his change of clothes and arrived in time to destroy the last of her comforts, and yet...
He thought he had played his gentle and caring part well, but now he was not sure whether it had ever just been pretend. Listening to her deep, steady breathing, the Prince's breath caught at the realisation that he no longer knew the rules to his own game.
AN: And there's finally some Darien/Serena scenes! I know I've spent some time setting up the other characters and their relationships with Serena (which will continue to be developed as the story progresses), but there will definitely be many more Darien/Serena scenes from here onwards. Again, I really hope you liked this chapter, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
