Title: Legends of Love

Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon

Authors Notes: Okay everyone, here's the next chapter! Thank you so much for all the reviews. I'm happy to say that I've finished this story and am in the process of editing and checking over chapters. That means that no matter what, this story will not go unfinished so don't worry! My Beta Ready, Kimberly Kelly, is working hard to make sure I haven't made any mistakes. She's awesome! I'll try to update the chapters every couple of days now so that you guys don't have to wait very long. Of course, it all depends on your reviews!!!! (I know that's mean, but reviews make the world go round.) Enjoy!


The yearly ball was upon them. Every eligible young female had dressed in their very finest clothes, filled with any and all information they could get on the most eligible men and crowded into the beautifully decorated grand ballroom of the palace. Every lady was polished and perfect, walking in a cloud of the best perfume money could buy. Every pair of young breasts were pushed up and proudly displayed for every young man's eager eye. Each set of cheeks were flawlessly blushed and all eyes batted flirtatiously with every passing gentleman.

Serenity stood quietly as a young woman spoke nervously to her. She felt a little light, pushed into her overly expensive corset and gown. She knew she looked beautiful. She knew by the look most men shot her when they thought she wasn't looking, that she was desirable. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled, drifting down her back. Her thin shoulders were bare, delicately decorated with a diamond necklace. Her face was pure and clear.

She even felt attractive.

But her mind was not as well put together. She was a flutter of nerves, confusion, and hurt. She could hardly pay attention to the young girl in front of her, looking as much like a doll as every other one.

"I would be simply honored if you would," the girl finished.

Serenity had no idea what she had just asked, but she knew by the way Amy gently touched her back that she was supposed to agree.

"It would be my pleasure," she said smiling as realistically as she could.

The girl looked positively glowing at her answer.

"You honor me, your majesty. Thank you so much. Could I approach you again later, to thank you?"

"I would like that," she said.

When the girl had hurried away, Serenity sighed.

"She asked that you would speak kindly of her when asked."

"Oh," Serenity said looking at her beautiful friend. "Who is she?"

"Lady Jane. The only person who will ask is Lord Edgar and he could not hope for a better wife."

Serenity nodded. "How about you? Have any young men caught your attention?"

Amy blushed. "You know me better than most Serenity. I would love to be swept off my feet and admired, but I do not expect it. I believe that when the man meant for me sees me, he will not be afraid to ask me to dance. I will not present myself for the whole world to judge."

"And it does you credit," Serenity said honestly. "I believe you will be happier in your future than most."

"I might be able to say the same about you," Amy said cautiously.

Serenity knew she was speaking of her present turn around in attitude. Her friends all believed it was because of her admiration and friendship of Darien, but she wasn't sure. It had been two days since she had seen him last and the event still tasted sour on her tongue. She had thought, as had the others, that she would return to the emotionless statue she had once been. But she had refused to go back.

For the first time in years, she felt a little like herself again. She had a goal she was determined to meet and a husband she was determined to avoid. Even now, the King stood across the ballroom, pretending as if he weren't affected by her presence. This was the closest they had been in weeks.

She worried that he would find time to catch her alone, but she had made very specific plans to avoid that. He didn't seem particularly interested tonight, but he was perhaps better at hiding things than most people thought.

"Perhaps," she said, finally answering Amy's comment.

Amy sighed. "You still haven't seen him?"

"I don't intend to," she said softly. "It was wrong to think that a friendship with someone like him could be at all successful. It's much better that we found out before it was too late, in order to avoid any unnecessary pain in the future."

"Are you sure you were in time?" Amy asked.

Serenity felt a wave of sadness pass over her, but she refused to let it consume her. She turned to her friend. "I have more pressing matters to attend to," she said seriously. "We're only on our first project and we're already doing so much for the kingdom. I plan to continue. Soon we will help others who need us and hopefully one day even the poor will not be so poor. I have to fight for those who count on me."

Amy nodded. "And I will help you in that quest as long as I am able."

"I appreciate that," she said smiling.

"I'm also going to make it a priority to see you happy again."

There wasn't really anything Serenity could say to that, so instead she decided to change the subject as a young man she knew well walked towards them.

"Lord Zoisite," she said catching his attention. He turned to her and smiled, looking every bit as shy and charming as he always had. "Have you met my dear friend, Lady Amy?"

Amy immediately blushed when he turned his attention to her and smiled charmingly.

"I have not had that pleasure." He took her pale, delicate hand in his, kissing it lightly. "It is wonderful to meet you. Perhaps you would like to dance."

Serenity smiled. "I'm sure she would love to."

Amy gave her a frantic look, but smiled at Zoicite regardless. Serenity could tell her friend was torn between being angry with her and being embarrassed by the attention. Zoicite, although usually shy, looked genuinely glad to be able to dance with the lady.

"Have fun," Serenity said as her friend was gently led away from her. She crossed her hands in front of her, watching as Zoicite gently pulled Amy towards him, making sure she was comfortable. The shy, delicate smile she gave him was enough for Serenity to know she was flattered with whatever the man had said to her.

It was perhaps a devious thing to do to her beautiful friend, but she knew that despite what Amy said, she loved to dance.

The music swirled around her and she couldn't help but feel slightly uplifted by it. Couples danced and laughed, and despite the fake pretenses everyone held, it had always been an enjoyable night for most. Lita wasn't here. She had become sick, probably simply because of her pregnancy. Raye was somewhere around, but everyone knew who she would marry. Lord Jadeite had been promised to her for years and as soon as he returned from abroad, they would finally meet and probably marry immediately. Raye was no longer angry with the idea, after having received so many letters from him there was no doubt that he was not an idiot. But it would still be awhile before they would be able to marry.

She wondered how much fun Mina would have at an event like this. The young girl had been so absorbed with love and happiness. She would be dizzy with elation here. It was almost a shame she hadn't thought of inviting her.

But one look at her husband, speaking intimately with a nervous looking young blonde girl, was enough to remind her that she could never do that to Mina. Her husband had an attraction to those he could pretend were her.

She walked along the edge of the room, politely greeting people as she passed. Her days working with the nobles and the people of the Kingdom had made her more comfortable with them all, and they greeted her with interest. Most were excited to hear of her success and wondering what she might do next. They all seemed to want to help.

It was strange, feeling like she suddenly had so much support. Not even the King would be able to hurt her in public without someone trying to stop him. It made her ever so comfortable in her surroundings.

"Serenity?"

She turned to see Raye step up beside her. There was an odd smile on her face and a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

"Would you come with me?"

Serenity followed her friend curiously. Raye loved speaking her mind and she hadn't given her any details of where she was going now. Especially when they left the main ballroom to go out to the main hall.

"Raye, what is the matter?" Serenity asked as Raye looked around cautiously.

"Nothing," she said before grabbing her hand and walking as casually as possible toward another hallway. "I wanted your opinion on the latest letter I received from my intended."

Her voice was distant and it made Serenity convinced that she was lying.

Raye stopped to look around again, waiting for another man to pass them. They both smiled politely as if nothing were wrong and the man didn't seem suspicious.

Just as Serenity was about to ask why she was here, Raye quickly grabbed her and pulled her into a dark room.

"Stay here," she whispered harshly before pulling the door closed on her.

"Raye?!" Serenity called startled as she found herself alone in the room. Raye hadn't locked the door, but Serenity was too concerned to do anything to get her friend in trouble. What if something was happening and Raye was trying to protect her.

"Your friend is very accommodating."

Serenity gasped as she spun around to look into the room. A fire was burning in the hearth, illuminating Darien as he stood a few feet away. His blue eyes were dark and slightly troubled, and his posture was not as calm and relaxed as it usually was.

"What are you doing here?" She asked surprised.

"Molly, your maid, gave a letter from me to your friend Lady Raye. She was all too happy to do this for me."

"Do what? What are you doing?"

"I thought it would be inappropriate to come to your room again, but I wanted to speak to you. Tonight seemed the best night, as nobody would miss you for a few moments in such a crowded room."

Serenity stood still, pressed against the door. "You could get in trouble if you're caught."

He nodded. "I know."

"Then why bother? What do you want?"

"I'm sorry for how I reacted the other day. I wasn't prepared for you to say that to me."

She felt her eyes sting with tears at the familiar pain in her chest, but she forced herself to lift her chin and look at him defiantly. "I'm sorry to have caused you so much confusion."

"Don't do that," he said shaking his head. "Don't suddenly treat me like I'm attacking you. We're friends. You've always been open with me and I've always been open with you."

"Your right," she said, not really changing her stance. "My mistake."

He looked troubled. "I was hoping you could clarify what you meant."

She grit her teeth in anger. "Excuse me?"

"You told me it hurt you to hear I was with another woman. Why?"

She tensed when he took a couple steps towards her. "It was as much a surprise to me as it was to you, I assure you."

"Okay," he said carefully. "But I still don't know what that means."

"What exactly are you looking for here Darien? Making me admit something you think I might feel isn't going to make any sort of difference. If it's true, then I can't see you. If it's not true, there might be a chance it could be true, in which case I can't see you anymore. No good can come of this."

"Why are you so angry?" His blue eyes dug into her, making her feel like he could read her every thought. She felt awful, evading him.

"Look, it was my mistake alright. I thought that you could help me. I was trapped, as low as I can ever imagine being and you were like this light. You just seemed so pure and happy, and it made me long for the person I used to be. I thought that if I stayed close to you, I could find it again. But it didn't work."

"You hardly gave it a chance," he argued.

"I gave it more than a fair chance."

"Then why didn't it work?"

"Because I got hurt," she cried out to him. "Because you made me remember the type of person I was supposed to marry. I was supposed to find someone I could love and trust and be happy with. Someone who would accept me for who I am and not try and change me. I became attached to you and it hurt when you didn't feel the same way."

Darien stepped towards her, but she stepped back, pressing herself against the door. He stopped, only a foot or two away from her.

"It doesn't matter," she said looking away from him. "It's my fault, but it changes everything. I can't be around you. I'm married and I'm not looking for……it's just no use, alright. It's easier to go about my new goals and force myself not to allow my husband to get to me like I've let him before. Adding you into the equation just makes things……murky."

"Serenity, I…….."

"No," she said cutting him off. "I don't want to be one of your many girls. I don't want to be another noble woman you add to your list of conquests."

He stepped closer, reaching forward to gently move her chin up so she was looking at him. His eyes were calm and focused.

Serenity felt her heart thunder in her chest at his closeness. She could breathe him in and yet part of her really didn't want to. He was like an addiction for her and she couldn't allow him to get to close. It would be nothing but bad. He would get hurt when they were caught and she would get hurt no matter what.

"What if you were the only one?" he almost whispered.

She froze, looking up at him in surprise.

He leaned forwards, so that she could feel his breath on her lips. It was impossible to think of breathing when he was this close.

"What if I told you I didn't want anyone else? That, ever since I've met you, I've only ever wanted you."

His arm came around her. His hand ran smoothly around her to rest against her lower back, gently pulling her against him. She felt heat swirl around inside her and every argument she had had a second ago simply vanished from her mind. She couldn't think of anything except how close he was.

"What if I didn't care that you are the Queen?"

"Darien," she whispered as he got even closer.

"What if I told you the truth and the truth was I've wanted to get closer to you since that very first night, but I didn't because I was sure you weren't interested in me that way."

"It will end badly," she whispered with a shudder.

"You can't know that," he whispered, before leaning in slowly and kissing her.

Serenity immediately felt the heat inside her flare up to an impossible degree as his lips softly met hers. She couldn't fight him. She had no desire to stop him. When he deepened the kiss, she had no control over responding back.

The kiss became passionate, almost fierce, as Darien pulled her tightly against him. She grabbed at him, trying to pull him closer. He was eager to comply, pushing her against the door behind her and pressing his body against hers.

It was not enough. Serenity had never wanted anyone so much in her whole life. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted him to devour her. He kissed her fiercely and it still wasn't enough. She felt like she was on fire, burning from the inside out and she had no desire to quench the flame. She wanted it to grow and burn until it consumed her.

Darien lifted her up against him, using his body to hold her up against the door. She instinctively wrapped her legs around him, forcing the thick skirts of her dress out of the way.

He ran a hand smoothly up her thigh and she gasped at the sensation that shocked through her. His lips moved to trail hot kisses down her neck and along her collar bone. Her eyes drifted closed again as she shivered in pleasure at his touch.

Only one thing could have stopped her and that was the soft knock at the door.

Her eyes widened as reality crashed back down on her and she froze.

Darien, noticing her sudden reaction, stopped to look at her. His eyes were darkly clouded.

"What?"

Suddenly she was afraid that someone would catch them. This was really stupid. She tried to push him away as her mind swirled around, trying to clear itself from the cloudy desire she had been enraptured with.

"We can't do this now."

Darien held on to her, not letting her push away from him. "What?"

"Darien, if you're caught……"

"Serenity, we're not going to get caught." His voice was still husky from what had just transpired between them and he held her tightly in his warm arms.

Serenity felt her desire for him stir, but she forced herself to try and ignore it. She knew the knock had come from Raye, but it might not be her in the future.

"You have to go," she whispered.

"Serenity, don't push me away. I couldn't stand it if you did."

She swallowed, trying to fight against herself. It took her a moment, and she nearly shook with the effort. Denying him simply wasn't part of her make-up. She wanted him so badly that every fiber of her being pulled towards him.

"Come to me tomorrow night," she whispered breathlessly.

He groaned. "I can't wait that long."

"Tonight is too dangerous."

He leaned forwards to kiss her neck, lightly at first.

"I want you now," he breathed against her.

She shivered as her mind started to give into him. She was all but ready to let him have her when another soft knock sounded.

She pushed him away from her. "Tonight," she gave in.

He grinned at her. It was a knowing, lust filled smoldering grin that made her insides light on fire.

"I have to go," she said breathlessly.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Her voice wasn't sure.

He laughed a husky laugh. "You'll be torturing me," he said smoothly, "the longer you keep me waiting."

It was thrilling, how much he wanted her.

"You'll just have to wait," she said softly.

His smile was mischievous. It promised of things to come and dark intentions waiting around the corner. It excited her, from deep inside, the way his eyes told her how badly he wanted her right now. It was a look she had never really seen before and it made her feel completely saturated in desire.

He kissed her, lightly, but lingering. It made her whole body tingle when he slowly pulled away, not afraid to touch her.

"You will find me ready and willing tonight," he said grinning. "I am whatever you want me to be."

She knew her cheeks were flushed and her heartbeat was fluttering, but she smiled back at him anyway. "Anything I want?"

She pushed him back, towards the way he had come. He continued to touch her softly, kissing down her neck and gently trying to pull her close.

"You are in control of every part of me."

She wanted to giggle, but she stopped herself. Her grin was probably ridiculous, but she couldn't help that.

They reached the end of the room and Darien kissed her again, making her body flood with heat.

"You have to go," she whispered, hardly recognizing her own voice.

"Until we meet again, Serenity."

He walked smoothly out of the room, through a secret door.

No doubt Raye had shown him where it was, or at least told him.

His presence lingered, reminding her what had just happened. She could still smell him around her and feel him against her. It made her blush darken.

She took a couple deep breaths, composing herself as best she could.

Raye was waiting for her, arms crossed, when she stepped out of the room. Her beautiful violet eyes looked at her, full of amusement, as if Serenity had just been caught.

"What?" Serenity asked nervously.

Raye reached forward, straightening the blonde hair that had become unruly with recent activity. Then she reached down to pull her dress back into place, adjusting one or two of the ties. Then she straightened her jewelry before standing back and smiling at her friend.

"There, you almost look like nobody's touched you now."

Serenity blushed.

"Stop that," Raye teased taking her hand and pulling her back towards the ball. "You're a dead giveaway if you blush like that. Nobody has ever seen it on you."

She was a little afraid of people noticing, but her excitement could not be extinguished. Right before they got back to the ball, Serenity pulled Raye to a stop.

"I asked him to come back tonight," she confided in a whisper.

Raye smiled. "What you do in your own time has nothing to do with me," she said pulling away.

"Wait," Serenity pulled her back, suddenly nervous. "I don't know how to do this."

"You did alright tonight, didn't you?"

Her eyes were wide. "Please Raye."

Raye looked around, making sure no one was in hearing range. "Serenity, any other person in the world I would tell to be faithful to their husband. But you were meant to be happy. You were meant to experience every pleasure life has to offer. The last few years you have been a hallow shell and this guy managed to bring you back to us. I've checked him out, he's solid. If you're ever going to be happy in this world, this guy can show you the way."

"But what if someone finds out?"

"You make sure that's not possible."

Serenity breathed hard, feeling impossibly light headed.

"Serenity, you're my best friend. I would never convince you to do something that wasn't in your best interest. I just want you to be happy and we all know your husband doesn't have the ability to do the job properly. You owe nothing to that awful man. Take this chance and experience all that life has to offer."

Serenity nodded.

"Now, pull yourself together, force yourself not to think about tonight, and get back into the ballroom. You've already been gone longer than a simple break. Pretend you're just as unhappy as you've been all day and nobody will be the wiser."

Raye turned, taking her hand and pulled her back into the crowded room where the few who looked to acknowledge her re-entrance smiled happily at her, as if they were glad to see her.

Serenity smiled back, forcing herself not to beam to brightly.


End of Chapter Seven!