Title: For Love or War
Author: silent figure
Chapter: Ten
Author's Note: Oh me, oh my it has been FOREVER since I've updated any of my stories. I am posting two new chapters for this story and I hopefully will have a new one up for "Revenge is Sweet" and "Ashes of the Past" here soon. Those new chapters are complete and I do have outlines made up for each one so I know where each story is headed. And let me warn you, they are all pretty long. Also, I'm working on a new one. I haven't come up with a name yet, but I think it's my best story yet. So enjoy. Please read and review.
Disclaimer: Don't own the characters.
A lightened hue of darkness stood around the room as a womanly figure touched at her hair one more time. Quietly the woman opened her door and slipped through into the hallway only to run into another body. A squeak of fright escaped her mouth before it was covered by this other body's hand. "My lord Serenity do you want to get us caught before we have even left", whispered Minette, the owner of the hand that covered the young princess's mouth.
Serenity simply shook her head no and received the freedom of her voice once more. "Sorry, you frightened me. You said we'd meet at your room", Serenity replied lightly.
"Well you took too long to get ready. Now come Zachariah awaits us at the doors with a few servants to open the doors once the sun has finished setting. Our human servants have already prepared our horses and carriage. Artemis knows his story and everything is all set. Now if you would only keep your mouth shut and keep us from getting caught then I think we just might get away with this", Minette replied her voice filled with warning that mocked her.
Serenity glared, but said nothing as she followed her cousin down the stair well, all the way to the ground level where her eldest cousin awaited them. "You look stunning cousin", Zachariah whispered as he placed a kiss on her cheek in greeting.
"As do you, my, my I have never seen you so dressed up", Serenity stated looking over her cousin's white prince costume studded in sapphires and lined in blue satin. He reminded her of what a French prince might look like, with a blue mask to frame his lovely grey green eyes.
"I know my sister made me I dare say. I hate to reveal that though I look good in it, I do feel as though I am a peacock from the court of France. Rather embarrassing", he replied trying to speak only to her though his words caught the ears of his younger sister.
"I heard that you fool. And you look fine. Now I think it is time", she said directing the group's attention to the opening doors. The night greeted them as they stepped forward into it. It took them only a few moments to get inside the carriage and be on their way, for fear that if they did not leave soon they would be caught. And all the while unbeknownst to them they had been watched. Eyes of blue followed their carriage's trail through the hills until they had disappeared out of sight.
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Music and dancing poured inside the halls of the Sorin Mansion and the Vardy's could not help but gasp in wonder at the sights before them. The ball was extravagant in style and music. "This is wonderful Endymion", Amelia said her eyes overlooking the ballerinas who were dancing on the silks hanging from the ceiling above the guests heads.
"I must agree", he said his voice showing just as much awe for what he was seeing. Around them were structures and sculptures made of pure crystal with only silk draperies for which young women twirled around in. So tiny were they that they almost seemed as though they were fairies from the tales he had heard as a boy.
"Enjoying our masque already old friend", a deep voice questioned from behind the group.
"Indeed I am Nic. It is stunning. Now I know you know Amelia, but this to my right is my sister Rayeanna and to my left Amelia's sister Mirela", Endymion said not hesitating to introduce his accompanying family.
"I thought your parents were planning on attending with you", questioned Nic whose eyebrows rose in surprise.
"After the rumors of the Rumini's showing up they thought it best not to. Actually, my father did not want to come, my mother stayed to calm his nerves", Endymion replied with a deep chuckle.
"Oh I understand. But I assure you that the Rumini's did not accept their invitation formally so we are not expecting them. Now enjoy yourselves we have orderves of ALL kinds and might I suggest you lovely ladies partake in the fine dancing", Nic suggested his arms gesturing towards the ballroom for which many couples were twirling around.
"Thank you Nic. I shall see you later this night I hope", Endymion inquired out of curiosity.
"But of course", Nicolas replied with a smile before he bowed away from his guests and went on to attend to his other host duties.
"Lovely people no", Mirela asked her voice barely audible above the grandeur of the masquerade. Murmurs of the people surrounding them flooded the room as did the music.
"Indeed", Endymion said his eyes trailing over the lovely women walking by him. Some of whom passed by with suggestive looks directed his way, others just simply giggled with their companions when they met Endymion's cold blue eyes.
"Well I think it is rather boring just standing here", Rayeanna interjected a look of utter boredom etched on her lovely face. After receiving silence for an answer she began to walk away.
"And where do you think you are going", Endymion questioned with authority as he looked at his sister.
"To have some fun instead of waiting around for you and our cousins to finish gawking", Rayeanna replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Rayeanna your parents told us to stick together", Amelia cried over the noise of the ball, though what she had said had fallen upon deaf ears.
"Well then I am off as well", Mirela said loosening her grip from Endymion's arm and heading towards the food platters.
Even with protest she went and Amelia could not help but cross her arms in frustration. Looking up at Endymion she asked, "Where shall we meet and at what time?"
"The entrance two hours before dawn. Be careful Amelia", Endymion said his eyes glued to the dance floor most likely looking among the many women for one that he might bed this night.
"Very well. Litarena had told me that there is a telescope set up on the balcony I shall be there if not the library, should you be looking for me", Amelia told him before setting off in the direction of the ballroom balcony.
Endymion barely registered her message for he felt that something was amiss. Walking around he walked in to the ballroom, searching for the objects that were surely out of place, the presence that he knew was not supposed to be there. Finally he came upon the stair case and stopped short. His breath hitched at his throat. "Oh my look at her", a woman beside him whispered talking about the people descending the stair case.
"They are dressed peculiar. Though I say rather in envy that that woman in the middle with the white dress descending is by far the most gorgeous creature I have ever seen", another woman replied.
"Indeed and I must say she looks familiar", the first woman replied back. Endymion could not help but catch their words and it was to his disliking that he had to agree with the second woman.
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Serenity smiled as she descended from the stairs into the ballroom. People danced all around beneath the brilliant enormous chandelier that when caught by light caused the walls to light with crystal shapes. "Beautiful", Serenity heard her cousin say from behind her.
"Indeed it is Minette", Serenity replied. They had opted to enter the back way when they had arrived so as not to run into any Vardy at the door. They had wound up getting lost in the mansion until finally they had come upon the double doors that lead them down to the ballroom. It was strange for Serenity could not remember there being a stair case when she had been there for the negotiations.
"Ladies I feel a bit nervous about this", Zachariah said loud enough so only they could hear.
"Calm down Zachariah it shall be fun. Enjoy yourself. I hear that there is a telescope pointed at the stars on the grand balcony. Perhaps you could visit there", Minette interjected her voice laced with light annoyance.
Serenity just simply laughed tilting her head back unaware of the male attention directed upon her. Finally they came upon the ground and touched the dance floor. Several people starred at the group in awe, others like women glared at Serenity and Minette who were dressed rather scantily in their opinions. Serenity directed smiles at them before making her way around the crowd followed by her cousins. Strangely most of the ballrooms attention was on them as they made their way through, including that of one prince. "Think they think we are here to kill them or something", Minette whispered with an arched brow.
"Perhaps", Serenity replied with a laugh only to stop short as she felt a familiar brush and shock. She had brushed by someone and immediately she turned around expecting to find the person she most wanted to avoid this night. To her pleasure she did not find him, though she did catch sight of a black haired man with a similar cut to his. His face, however, was faced away from her and she did not want to search it out.
"Strange", she muttered to herself before continuing. One of her hands clasped onto her dress so she did not trip over it.
A touch of Zachariah's hand stopped her and she faced him. "What is it cousin, ready to leave?"
"No I am just informing you I am leaving you to find the telescope and that we should meet at the top of the stairs again two hours before sunrise. Now enjoy and behave yourselves. I do not want to find out that you two have caused any sort of destruction", Zachariah replied sternly.
Both girls nodded their heads and with that he took his leave, he was sure he did not want to stay around the rather large crowd any longer. Minette then turned to Serenity and said, "Well you go find Litarena and alert her of our presence here. I am going man hunting."
"Very well. Choose wisely this time, the last man you chose was interested in one things only", Serenity replied with a smirk.
"Mmm…yes well I can't say I didn't enjoy his intentions. Now I must take my leave I'm sure I shall see you around", Minette said in return before disappearing, the look of seduction written on her face.
Serenity giggled and continued through the crowds until finally she came towards the entrance where the host and hostess normally were. "Serenity", a voice behind her questioned with worry.
Turning around she faced Litarena who looked stunning in a green off the shoulder dress similar to the ones she had taken to wearing as of late. Her light green mask covered her eyes, but did not hide her identity. "What are you doing here", she asked her eyes wide with apparent worry.
"What do you mean, you invited me and I accepted", Serenity replied with a raised eyebrow in obvious confusion.
Litarena grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side in an area of the entrance where there was hardly anyone around. "Yes, but that was informally. I did not expect the Vardy to accept theirs formally which they did. And your family did not. We were not expecting you", Litarena said in a hushed whisper of urgency.
"We feared it would be rude to back out", Serenity returned, a sudden worry filling up inside.
"Oh dear Nic will be furious. But do stay; it would be horrible for you have to come all this way for nothing. Just stay clear of the Vardy, they are all dressed in black this night. I shall meet up with you later after I have done proper greetings. Who all have you brought?"
"Just my cousins Minette and Zachariah", Serenity replied a bit of the worry eased from her shoulders. At least she could stay.
Serenity watched as Litarena's eyes that had once briefly glanced behind her now starred in that direction. "Is that not your cousin Jean at the door", she questioned.
Serenity whipped around immediately and followed the direction of her gaze. Fear welled in her as she indeed starred at her cousin. He had followed them. Panic immediately rose up in her. "Oh I dare say it is. Excuse me Litarena I shall let you attend to your hostess duties." And before Litarena could ever reply she set off after her cousin who had walked into the ballroom.
"God damn it Jean", Serenity muttered furiously as she pushed her way through the people following his bright blonde hair. Just as she was gaining on him she felt someone grab her arm and then did nothing as she was spun around to face her other cousin Minette.
"Cousin I have found a man already", Minette said a gigantic smile enveloping her face.
"Not now Minette", Serenity replied with a growl trying to search out her cousin again. She spotted him a few people away.
"But look there, is he not divinely handsome", Minette insisted in a way that Serenity gave into.
"Ugh…which one", she asked hoping that Minette would make it quick because she knew she would never leave her alone should she ignore her.
Minette pointed over towards the food tables where a group of men stood. One in particular catching her eye, a certain one that immediately caused hate to well up inside of her. "That one there in the black with the white hair. And those icy blue eyes. I think I shall beckon to him", Minette replied.
Serenity's eyes widened for Minette was talking of the cause of her hate. A man she knew as Marian of the Vardy. Turning to Minette she replied fiercely, "No he is not a good idea."
"And why is that? Because you want him for yourself", she asked defensively her hand planting itself on her hip, suggesting she was ready to bring out her attitude.
"No he's a….damn he's gone", Serenity realized as she lost sight of her other cousin, the one that could cause a repeat in history, one that would doom their peace with the Sorin's.
"Who is? Oh you've spotted yourself one. Well I will let you be on your way then", Minette said quickly before using her vampirac powers to disappear in the crowd, knowing that she would loose sight of her chosen one for the night if she kept bantering with Serenity, besides she could hinder her even further in that she disagreed with her choice.
"Damn it Minette no. I shall be babysitting all night", Serenity growled to herself as her eyes combed over the crowds once more.
She set off searching among the people unknowing of the dark haired man who followed her.
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Zachariah stepped onto the nearly empty balcony with a smile on his lips for tonight was indeed a perfect night for stargazing. And with the brand new telescope that Nic was proud to own he could not wait to see what the heavens held for him this night. Perhaps he would see a shooting star. He approached it and was happy to find it unused. After a few moments he had figured it out and began to look upon one of his favorite planets. "Hello Venus, what have you for me tonight", he asked himself.
Finding nothing there he switched the telescope towards the open stars and gasped at the sight of a shooting one. Following it with his telescope he could not help but let out a chuckle.
"Oh my, I'm sorry I'll just leave you", a startled voice said bringing him back down from his thoughts into the reality before him. There was a woman before him with short curly blackish blue hair and blue eyes he was sure he knew.
She wore a black blue hemmed costume he recognized to be of old style. It had a roman dip with long black sleeves the connected at the wrist and shoulder, but was cut in half so her bare arms were showing. The fabric clung to her chest and at her waist fell limp so as to hide the shape of her legs, unlike the dress of his sister. Most noticeable was the sapphire hanging from her head in a similar fashion as his cousin Serenity and a matching one that adorned her neck. Covering her face was a black thick in width see through lace with two slits in it for eyes. The woman before him was gorgeous in his eyes and after a few moments of staring he finally opened his mouth and replied, "No, no it's quite…alright. I was just finishing anyway. Besides I have one at home."
Amelia watched the man in blue before her well aware of his identity though knowing he had yet to figure out who she was. Deciding it best to not reveal the truth she replied, "Really? Oh how I wish we did. I find the stars absolutely fascinating…I mean well they are quite beautiful." Her voice was soft and meek as she spoke though she could not keep her voice from being genuinely interested. Looking down at her hands she found it best not to meet his piercing gaze.
"Indeed they are my lady. I am most curious about what they truly are and how they burn so bright. Well enough of my babble I should leave you", He said realizing her discomfort seeing as how she would barely look at him.
He began to walk away and only a few steps after he had past her she said, "Would you mind setting it up for me. I would love to see Mercury and I'd greatly appreciate the help."
He turned around with a small smile on his lips and asked, "Interested in the messenger god my lady?"
"I beg of your pardon sir", she asked her eyebrows scrunched a little in confusion as to what he was talking about. For she was most familiar with Greek mythology and the messenger god was actually Hermes.
"Roman mythology, the equivalent of Hermes", he continued noting her confusion and beginning to realize that perhaps he best not take interest in her. Surely a Sorin would know what he was talking about if not a Rumini.
"Oh well then yes, I am interested in him", she replied meekly realizing that his demeanor was changing slightly. She knew he was beginning to realize who she was.
"Well then I should adjust this for you", he said interrupting the silence that had fallen between them for a few moments. He went about his work; finally recognizing who it was that was before him. The Vardy woman from the negotiations was she and it irked him to have been attracted to her. "There all done", he finally said after a few adjustments and minutes of silence.
"Thank you for everything", she said clearly knowing that he knew. That communication came between them with the clash of their gazes.
"And you my lady", he replied with a slightly cold voice and a crisp bow before he left her alone the balcony. Sighing after she was sure she was alone she approached the telescope and peered through the lenses. It was still warm from his own eye being placed there and mercury was clearer than she had seen in a long while.
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Jean glanced around the people dancing on the floor searching for his treacherous cousin and siblings. He could not help but be angered at them for not including him in such trouble as this. It was of his nature to do what they were trying to get away with now. Attending a ball they clearly were not meant to attend was something he would do, not his elder brother and rarely his younger sister. Jean stopped short as he caught sight of a woman who was particularly ravishing. Before him was a lovely woman dressed in an all black gown the top was corset like in its curvature and hugged her mid section extenuating her bosom. Jean's eyebrow lifted at that. After her waist the dress fell to her feet in a nice pool. She wore long sleeves though the material was see through to match her mask. Tear drop rubies adorned her neck and ears. Her black hair was up in curls for which some framed her face and her beautiful blue violet eyes were framed with a black lace mask that was see through and had holes for eyes. Deep down warning bells went off in Jean for he knew what she was. Her black hair and near violet eyes gave it away. A Vardy. Groaning he watched as Sir Chadwick swept her out onto the dance floor, her smile of acceptance clearly fake. "What is one dance with a Vardy", he questioned out loud before stepping forward into the crowd.
Rayeanna smiled and nodded her head in mock enthusiasm as she listened to her dance partner ramble on about his up and coming business in England. "Of course my lord", she replied without ever hearing his question really. It did not help that the dance was quite slow.
"May I cut in Sir Chadwick is it", a deep voice from behind her asked. Thankfully Chadwick pulled away with a tight smile directed at the man behind her.
"Of course", Chadwick replied to the man's request with a bow before looking at Rayeanna and saying, "it was a pleasure Rayeanna."
Turning around Rayeanna faced her savior. Who she saw was not what she expected for it was very clear the man before her was a Rumini man. Short blonde hair and brilliant blue eyes that half reminded her of the Princess of the Rumini greeted her. He was dressed in a brilliant soldier uniform. It was red like the British though it was lined in gold and black instead. And it was buttoned up all the way to his mid throat from which a black scarf was covering the rest of his neck. He wore black gloves and boots and a red cape. His mask was also black and slim enough so that the lower part of his face was clear and very obviously handsome. "And you are", she asked with a raised eyebrow of interest.
"You're rescuer. You looked dreadfully bored so I thought I could help you out of such a excruciating situation", Jean replied with confidence and all the charm he knew he was capable as he slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
They moved together to the dance her eyes never leaving him. "You are aware Rumini that you are dancing with a Vardy are you not", she questioned her voice still serious and tense.
"But of course you're lovely facial features gave it away", Jean replied careless as they continued their waltz.
"How very flattering. It is clear you are a man of charm, but surely it bothers you to dance with your enemy", she continued not quite letting her guard down as her partner seemed to be doing. Surely he would not dance with her unless he had some ulterior motive.
"No of course not. It does quite the opposite it interests me. And surely it would for you as well or else you would never have accepted a dance with me", Jean replied catching her in her own game. She smiled in surprise. There was some wit behind this man.
"Well I would rather dance with my enemy, then spend one more dreadful minute listening to the mindless chatter of Sir Chadwick de Ghent", she replied giving into the adventure of this dance.
"Glad I could be of some service", Jean replied giving her his very known killer smile.
Rayeanna simply ignored it and continued this dance deciding it best not to take the questioning too far.
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Minette stood on the wall closest to the balcony her eyes directed upon her target for the night. He spoke with a few people though she found that a smile had yet to grace his lips. He had yet to dance as she had. It was strange that he had not noticed her watching just yet. Playing with her hands she tilted her head on the wall she was leaning on and closed her eyes, beginning to get tired of waiting. When she opened her eyes they widened as she noticed he had finally found her. He was looking at her until her eyes caught his own. He turned away then to talk to Nicolas Sorin, clearly surprised at being caught staring. Sighing she looked down again, only to get a prickly sensation that she was still being watched. A smile graced her lips once more as she lifted her gaze back to look into his own. Her head tilted to the door way before she pushed away from the wall and with her hand gliding across the marble door way she began to walk outside, her eyes holding his own. Her plan of seduction clearly in motion and the beckoning of her eyes inviting him to join her outside. After she had gone outside she completely turned her back to him and walked towards the stair case and descended to the garden level. She stopped and looked up above her glad to see that he followed her out to the balcony and now looked down upon her from its height. For a few moments she could see his hesitation before it disappeared when she gave him her favorite seductive smile, the one few men could withstand before walking in the labyrinth of flowers, heading straight to the fountain. She didn't look behind her this time to see if he followed, already she was sure he had. She waited a few minutes as she looked upon the statue standing in the middle of the fountain. She looked to the side when she heard his footsteps until they stopped just a few feet away from her. "You followed me", she stated her voice husky as she turned around to face him.
"You beckoned me my lady", he replied his voice cold as he looked over the woman before him.
"Yes I suppose I did", she replied with a smirk before walking over to the fountain and sitting at it's edge. Looking him over she tried to judge what kind of man he was. His attire was plain with just a white ruffled shirt under a nice black suit and black cape and black mask to go along with the outfit.
The silence was strange as his eyes never left her, he seemed worried she might try something, she realized. Looking to the statue behind her she spoke,
"Mmmm…Venus, the goddess. Beautiful is she no?"
His eyes finally left her and looked to the statue behind her. His glance impersonal and simply taking in what he saw. There was no form of awe what so ever in his eyes. "Yes. Very, after all she is the goddess of love, beauty, and sexuality. Betrayer to her husband for the love of Mars", he replied with no emotion. He just spoke in facts as if he were reading from a book.
Minette's gaze became curious then. "Ah…I see I have run into a man who knows his Roman mythology. How intriguing", she said her voice deep and knowing.
"What do you want", Marian finally asked his patience for this mysterious woman running out. He did not like mysteries though he sought them out only to solve them. She was a beautiful woman who had beckoned to him and a Rumini no less, or at least she appeared to be. Why she would do that was what he wanted to know.
"The question is, what do you seek here? After all I am no mortal to feed on. So why follow", she questioned in return.
Standing up she approached him slowly as if she were approaching a beast. His eyes grew wide though showed nothing. He simply watched her come to him. "Answer my question first", he demanded.
She came to be a few inches before him and slowly raised her hand to his face. She lightly brushed his mask as she said, "I am interested to see the man behind this mask."
Marian felt for the first time in his life a shiver uncaused by fear. It was true he had had lust before, but not quite like this. He had never had a woman approach him such as this, most cowered in fear of him even when they admired his coldness and wanted to be taken rough. "I must admit I was curious as well", he replied his voice deeper and a hint softer than before.
"Your name", she questioned her hand dropping to her side as she took a step back from him, though she still remained close.
"Yours", he asked in return his eyebrow lifted as to what this woman wanted. She was still mysterious to him, her intentions he was not sure of.
"I asked first", she replied tilting her head in confidence a sassy smile gracing her lush lips.
"Marian. Now you", he said in an almost demanding manor expecting her to just leave in annoyance at his cautious behavior.
"Minette", she replied taking a few steps closer to him to the point of clear crossing of personal boundaries before she spoke again, "I think our true question and mystery to solve this night good sir is what we are doing here."
A bit of a smile actually appeared at the corners of his lips as he grabbed onto her arms and pulled her a bit closer. "Don't I frighten you", he whispered close to her ear.
He was surprised as she pulled her ear away from him and then went close to his and replied in a whisper, "No, I think it is I that frightens you."
And then unknowingly she committed the biggest sin to her family, she placed her lips upon his, and to both of their surprises it unleashed a fire they had never expected, Marian the most surprised for he had a feeling of what he held in his arms, though her exact identity went unknown.
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Serenity stopped short as she saw her cousin exit the ballroom and go onto the balcony for which she was soon followed by Marian. Panic rose up in her that she found herself pushing her way across the crowds to get to her cousin. Once outside she realized they were no where to be seen. "Oh no they must have gone into the gardens", Serenity whispered to herself in panic as she descended to the garden level. It did not take her long to get lost and even when she extended her inhuman hearing she could not pin point her cousin's location. There was no sound in the garden what so ever.
Groaning she sat on a bench she had found after a lot of searching. "Just great, way to ruin the night family", she said out loud to herself.
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Amelia, too, had seen Marian and Minette disappear onto the balcony and immediately set off for her cousin Endymion. She found him just coming off the dance floor and with a grim look on his face. "Endymion", she called immediately catching his attention.
Approaching him she feared giving him the news. " I am sure you have already seen for yourself. But the Rumini are here and Marian followed one of them", she said quickly and worriedly.
His eyes widened and immediately a defensive look crossed his face. "Where", was all he asked in an urgent tone.
"They went into the garden I don't know where though. Serenity followed them too", Amelia replied somewhat hesitantly.
"I pray they do not plan on ambushing him. Find Rayeanna and Mirela and prepare them to leave we do not want anything more to go amiss. Understood", he said. Amelia nodded and set off to do as he bid, as he himself made his way out into the night and garden in search of his cousin and the two Rumini women.
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Endymion groaned in annoyance as he found himself clearly lost in the labyrinth of a garden Nic claimed to be a masterpiece. In his mind the garden was a waste of time and was surely created by the mind of a twisted and spiteful person who probably would be laughing at the inhabitants who got lost in his work. He stopped short as he heard a snap of a twig come from the other side of the green wall. Walking forward cautiously he came to an opening and stepped into it slowly. In front of him was a bench and to the left was a dark corner.
Serenity held her breath and quelled her fear. She had heard him walking and had stood up to see who approached. She was merely trying to peak through the leafy wall when it made a snap loud enough for the one who was approaching to hear. She had no clue who approached her and so she stayed hidden in the shadows and watched with wide eyes as none other than the Prince of the Vardy walked around the corner. He stopped in his place staring at the shadows right at her. With a mental sigh she thought it best to try to make a run for it, and so she bolted.
Endymion saw a flash of light trying to get past him and grabbed onto the arm just barely, the person was going so fast. Unfortunately it yanked the runner back for which he let fall to the ground. Before his eyes was the Rumini princess. "Funny I should run into you here", he said his voice sarcastic.
"So nice to see you too", Serenity snarled as she stood up wiping off her white dress hoping that it did not get stained by the grass.
"Where is he", Endymion questioned getting straight to the point, his fear for his Lord of War elevated.
"Where is who", Serenity questioned only guessing as to whom he was talking about in her mind.
"Marian", Endymion replied curtly taking a menacing step closer to Serenity who raised an eyebrow.
"I do not know, now if you'll excuse me", Serenity replied deciding it was best to get away from him.
To her misfortune attempting to get by him the second time was not a success either. He proceeded by grabbing her arm and forcing her against the near by green wall, the force for which he forced her against it so hard that she knocked the back of her head against it. "You know where he is and I'm not letting you leave without you telling me exactly where he is. Don't think I'm stupid, I know your whore of a cousin lead him away from the ball, probably so you could exact your revenge on him for your capture", Endymion growled.
Serenity's eyes enhanced a thousand fold from the blue they had once been and her anger was so high she was sure it blocked out any sound. With all her strength she shoved him away from her, causing him to fly into the rock wall opposite of them. He landed on the bench, after his throw against the wall, causing it to shatter into pieces. "I warned you once before Vardy that I do not like to be manhandled nor do I enjoy one insulting my family", Serenity hissed as she stepped forward towards Endymion whom was beginning to stand up.
He brushed himself, never looking at her, or replying to what she had said. Lifting her chin she turned away to walk a smirk on her lips. Though, this smirk did not last long for she was forced to the ground a minute later by Endymion who had her facing up towards him, his hand tight around her neck. "Go ahead and do it Endymion, repeat history", Serenity rasped out.
"Tell me where my cousin is Serenity that is all I want from you", Endymion snarled trying his hardest to calm the inner beast inside of him, the one that longed to tear her to shreds. He could feel her form wriggling beneath him and suddenly that beast was quelled, and a different one arose. To his utter surprise her eyes returned to their normal color and in fact darkened a little.
"Let go of me", she demanded huskily, as she wrapped her hand around his though she did not try to pry his hand from her neck.
Slowly he released her although he was sure his body did it of its own accord. He stood up quickly and turned away from her. Serenity rolled onto her side and coughed a little to regain the air her lungs had lost, before she too stood up. Wiping off her dress she was glad to find only one small stain had managed to find its way onto her costume and only so small that no normal person would see it. "I don't know where your cousin is honestly, I am searching for them just as you are. For all I know your cousin could have killed mine", Serenity said looking at his back half expecting him to attack her.
Before Endymion could reply voices were heard, voices that belonged to the Sorin's. "Damn it Lita if any harm comes to the royals from either side do you know what will happen? The war will escalate. And we shall have to choose sides once more", Nick exclaimed loudly.
With that Endymion grabbed Serenity and pulled her into the dark corner for which she had been hiding earlier. Her front faced his as he pushed her close against the wall trying to blend in.
"I know darling. Let's just find them before they find each other and separate them. Lord knows what could have happened to them already", Lita replied.
"God could this get any worse? A repeat in history would only damage everything, the peace we are coming much closer to", Nicolas rambled.
Serenity looked up at Endymion her eyebrows scrunched and her eyes questioning only to find that his were the same way. The two of them had heard of no peace, and knew of nothing like it. "Such progress they have made. Oh darling I'll check behind that corner", they heard Litarena say.
Both panicked and before Serenity could say anything Endymion smashed his lips against hers and lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, thrusting his pelvis against hers as he did so. At first Serenity did nothing until the temptation became too much and she opened her mouth to his probing tongue. "Oh! Oh I'm sorry", exclaimed a surprised Litarena who ran back around the corner to her awaiting husband.
"Just some lovers darling, definitely not them", Litarena said her voice clearly distressed.
"Were they…" questioned Nicolas who found that he could not finish his question about what it was Litarena saw the lovers doing.
"I daresay it rather looked like they were. Let's just leave they can probably hear us", Litarena replied in a voice that said the matter should not be brought up again and with that the couple left the royal two to themselves.
As soon as they were gone Endymion pulled away from Serenity and dropped her legs causing her to fall to the ground. "Don't do that again", Serenity glared upwards as she tried to catch her breath and just before she wiped her mouth.
"What's the matter enjoyed that a bit too much", he questioned with a chuckle in his voice. Serenity stood up and slapped him hard across the face before she shouldered him out of her way with a huff.
"Look I did what I had to do. If they had caught us together how would we explain that? Especially with their suspicions of us already, I do not want anyone to think I would take a Rumini as a lover", Endymion explained to his angered companion.
"If she had come closer she might have realized who we were you fool, then how would we explain it? You were lucky and should you ever attempt to kiss me again Vardy I shall rip your heart out", Serenity threatened though she found she did not have much conviction behind what she was saying. That kiss was like nothing she had ever felt before. In fact it took all her might after he had released her not to jump him again and continue where they had started. The flame in her had ignited so powerfully that even as she tried to hate him, she found she still wanted him.
"I saved our asses woman, be grateful. Besides I gave you a taste of what you've never had before", he said cockily.
"What disgust", Serenity shot back as she crossed her arms staring at the man before her in challenge.
He found himself completely caught off guard to that statement. "Look we should find our cousins before Litarena and Nicolas do. Besides I've had enough of this foolery", Endymion ground out before turning his back and actually leaving. In truth, if he had stayed he would not know what he would have done. His lust for her had not died after the kiss like he had lead her to believe, no he had wanted to do exactly what Litarena had thought the two were doing.
He ignored the fact that Serenity followed him cautiously, unaware of her disheveled appearance and bruised lips. After awhile of silent walking Endymion turned on her and asked, "Is there a reason you are following me?"
She sighed and rolled her eyes as if his question's answer was something obvious. "You think I'd let you find my cousin and yours so you Vardy's could outnumber her 2 to 1", Serenity asked in return.
Endymion felt his hand clench to the point that his knuckles turned white. "You are lucky we are on neutral territory Rumini or I swear…"
"What? You'll attack me again? You think I'm afraid of you", Serenity questioned mockingly.
"Yes as a matter of fact I do think you are afraid of me. Your heart races every time I'm near you, I can hear it", Endymion replied with a smirk.
Serenity shook her head with a smirk before stepping closer to Endymion and saying, "And you think I can't hear yours speeding up? Even now as I get closer I hear it pick up it's pace."
Endymion snarled before spinning on his foot and walking away, Serenity smiling in triumph as she followed. Together they walked until finally the balcony came into view. To their utter luck they found the right turn to lead them to the stairs leading up to the ballroom which was still lively with music and people. Before either could say something two others came from another opening of the labyrinth. Minette stopped short as she saw Serenity right next to the Vardy prince. "Serenity are you alright", she questioned forgetting all about her adventure in the labyrinth with the mysterious Marian.
"You", Marian growled his eyes narrowed and his teeth barred. Serenity in turn did the same.
"What is going on", Minette asked noticing that the Vardy prince came to stand beside Marian who was staring fiercely at her cousin.
"Get over here Minette we are leaving now. It is no longer safe", Serenity ordered her eyes beginning to illuminate to that color that most feared.
Minette walked over to her cousin obediently her eyes furrowed. "What were you doing with the Vardy prince", she asked loudly and in front of the other men.
"We were looking for you cousin and…for him. We stayed near one another for fear of either party outnumbering the other", Serenity replied her eyes never leaving the other two present, both of whom said nothing.
"What are you talking about either party", Minette questioned fearfully for she was beginning to see a bigger picture, one in which she did not like.
"That man whom you just spent time with is a Vardy. The Vardy who is responsible for my capture as well as your brother's, perhaps even your father's", Serenity answered.
Minette gasped and stood horrified. She had just bedded her enemy and the one responsible for nearly ripping her family apart at that. "Is it true", she asked turning on Marian her own teeth shown.
"Yes and if I had known exactly who you were earlier what happened between us surely never would have happened in the first place", he replied with a cold smirk that sent chills up Minette's spine.
Minette lunged at him, but Serenity stopped her by grabbing at her arms. "Not here cousin, we will return the favor upon him later. Now let us take our leave", Serenity said calmly and soothingly.
Minette hissed at her cousin, her eyes blazing blue though not as fierce as when her cousin was in Minette's similar state. Serenity, however, was not afraid and merely released her soothing energy into her cousin. "We cannot, law forbids us as does history. Now come", Serenity whispered.
After a few moments Minette's posture relaxed and her head bowed in submission. Serenity wrapped an arm around her and lead her to the stairway. "Go up and get Zachariah and Sean. Tell them we are leaving", Serenity ordered.
"But where are you going", Minette questioned her eyes worried for her cousin's safety, especially if she was returning to the Vardys.
"Nowhere that is unsafe. Now go, it is an order that I will not allow you to refuse do you understand", Serenity said with warning in her tone.
Minette sighed and nodded her head before trudging up the stairs. After she had disappeared from sight Serenity turned upon the two men. "Should you tell anyone of the events tonight gentlemen know this, I will hunt you down and kill you myself. And Marian know that you already have that coming to you because of the events in the castle", Serenity growled.
Marian took a step forward to confront her, but Endymion's hand on his shoulder stayed him. "No one will know Serenity. It would ruin my general's reputation as well as your cousins", Endymion replied.
Serenity nodded her head and turned on her heel, but was stopped short by Endymion's continuation, "And you should know that if you should ever threaten death on me again then I shall hold you to it."
Serenity took a deep breath and said nothing before she walked up the stairway. As she walked into the ballroom she was surrounded by her family. "We have much to discuss Serenity", Jean said in a playful tone.
"That will be for later Jean. Now we are to leave", Serenity replied seriously her voice indicating her lack of happiness.
"Oh but the fun is just getting started", Jean complained with a laugh in his voice though he found only his brother held a carefree attitude as his.
"No, we leave now. I shall send a letter to Litarena of thanks, but for now we must leave. And that is that", Serenity replied as she walked towards the stairs knowing her cousins would follow.
"What is wrong", Jean questioned a just as confused Zachariah. Zachariah just shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Something had happened this night to the women of their family that worried the brothers.