A/N- Hey everyone! So I wanted to get this out tonight cause I'm moving tomorrow. So, enjoy the new chapter and let me know what you think!

No one came to fetch me the next morning for breakfast. I was partially suspicious that Darien had told people to let me sleep in because he wanted to delay the council meeting. I had woken up once in the middle of the night and spent those dark hours thinking of what could happen this morning. I dressed in one of the nicer dresses in the closet. This one was still white, but had a bit more embroidery and gold around the chest area. I pulled my hair back into my usual buns and placed a few small-jeweled clips in the buns. I took a deep breath and checked myself over in the mirror before heading out. Just like yesterday morning, everyone was seated in pairs around the table. However, my plates were next to Darien's seat instead of at the opposite end.

"Serena, you look very nice for training." Lita commented.

"Actually, I can not train this morning." I replied.

"You better have a good excuse." Lita said.

"She's meeting the council." Darien answered for me.

"What?" Mine coughed. "Why is she meeting those stuck up bastards?"

"Because they have been pestering me to meet her and she agreed." Darien replied calmly.

"Are you sure this is smart?" Amy asked.

"Don't worry Amy, I can handle myself around a group of old grumpy men." I replied. "I'm ready for anything they throw at me."

"I sure hope so." Mina sighed.

"You know, this might actually be fun to watch." Lita said. "Can we come?"

"Unfortunately, no. It's a private meeting." Darien replied. "Although I'm sure Serena will tell you everything once it's over."

"You better come find us." Mina hissed. "This is going to be some of the best news in months!"

"I'm glad you're so eager about this." I said.

I quickly finished my breakfast since I was the last one to start as usual. When I was done, Darien pulled my chair back and offered me his arm. We walked through the castle together causing numerous people to start gossiping. When we reached the council room, two guards opened the doors for us. The five men who composed the council were standing in the center of the room quietly talking. They all moved back and bowed as Darien and I walked in. Darien showed me to a chair next to a larger one that he sat in. The council members took seats in a semi-circle before us. They had various papers and what not scattered in front of them, but none of them were looking at the forgotten papers. Their eyes were all trained on me. Darien introduced them as Lord Marcus, Lord Henry, Lord Thomas (who I had already met), Lord Alexander, and Lord Gracin. I noticed Darien about to speak from the corner of my eye, but I quickly stood up and approached the council members. Darien's jaw dropped and anything he had to say was stuck in his throat.

"You have requested a meeting with me and here I am. What would you like to know?" I asked. The council members were also surprised at my audacity to not adhere to the traditional roles that Drake women were supposed to take. "I understand most women you encounter are not as bold, but surely my boldness has not stunned you into silence?"

"My lady, we're sorry, but you are right. We are not used to having women as outspoken as yourself." Lord Gracin said.

"Outspoken? My lords, this is not outspoken, but perhaps if you anger me then you will see me become outspoken. I'd tread carefully, my lords, that was your first and only warning."

"My lady, from where do you hail?" Lord Thomas asked.

"Somewhere you do not nor will you ever know about. The gods keep my home quiet and hidden for many reasons. Reasons you would not comprehend."

"Do you come from the heavens? From the homes of the gods or are you still mortal?" Lord Marcus asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know. The gods have their secrets, you have your secrets, and I have my own secrets."

"You're quite cryptic, my lady." Lord Marcus said.

"No, you just are not listening and understanding." I replied.

"What is your purpose for being in Drake?" Lord Henry asked.

"I was sent here. At first the reason was unclear, even to me, but with the held of my fellow sisters and the friends I have made, the reason is becoming clearer and clearer. Again, do not look for any specifics from me, gentleman, I'm quite good at keeping my secrets no matter what."

"You are well spoken, you have been schooled then?"

"Far more than any woman in your culture has and probably at least half of the men in here today." I replied dryly.

"Why do you train like a man? You are small and delicate, fit for prayer, not for fighting." Lord Alexander asked.

"We can go outside and see how small and delicate I truly am if that is what you wish, Lord Alexander." I said.

"It is quite alright." Lord Alexander said.

"Gentlemen, if this meeting was just going to be an interrogation upon trivial matters, why make it private? Were you hoping I would divulge some great answer to some great mystery? I know more than you think and I know with whom to share that knowledge with and none of you will be one of those recipients."

"What is your intention with our King?" Lord Marcus asked. The question stopped me instantly and while I fumbled over words in my head, Darien stood up.

"Isn't it obvious, Lord Marcus? Just like my father before me, his father before him, and all other kings of this castle, I have become entranced by the priestess and have come to care very deeply for her. Surely you all saw this and this is no surprise."

"I am sorry my lord, but it is a surprise." Lord Thomas said. "We believed were to start courting Lady Beryl or Lady Emerald."

"Those two have never held my attention and I do not know why you were expecting such things. Perhaps it is because you were going to make the announcement and organize everything yourself? I did not realize you thought me so weak that you could control matters within my personal life." Darien replied.

"Endymion, we must discuss this before you make anything official." Lord Marcus argued.

Darien smiled at the men wickedly and I knew he had a plan formulating in his mind. He turned to me and held out a hand to me. I took, placing my smaller hand in his.

"Lady Serenity, priestess of the moon goddess, your beauty and your spirit have trapped my attention and now it seems all I see and all I think about is you. Please give me the honor of courting you. Even in this troubled time I will show you all of what Drake and its King has to offer."

"It would be my honor." I whispered.

"The honor is bestowed upon me." Darien replied.

"Darien, this is outrageous!" Lord Marcus hissed.

"Quite scandalous apparently." I whispered.

By now the council members were al standing up and muttering about Darien's audacity. Darien held my hand the whole time and watched them quietly. We waited for them to quiet on their own, but unfortunately it did not happen.

"Darien, the priestess would not make a good queen. She'll speak her mind and embarrass you." Lord Henry said.

"The only people being embarrassed are yourselves. You are closed minded and refuse to realize change is coming." I said.

"King Endymion, she said she came because of a reason. What happens when she has to leave? When her reason is no longer important or she has somewhere else she must go."

"I don't plan on leaving, ever." I said. "And even if something does call me away, I will always find my way back."

"And how can you guarantee that?" Lord Marcus asked.

"I've spoken to my mother." I relied.

"And who is your mother?" Lord Marcus asked.

"Someone you do not want to mess with." I said.

"Gentlemen, while you do not care for the situation between Serenity and myself, I frankly do not care. I believe the former queens of the kingdom who were also associated with the moon goddess in one way or another showed that priestesses make excellent queens. I will be announcing my decision to court Serenity to the people tomorrow."

"You have one month to change our minds about the interest of your affections, King Endymion. We will claim we support you tomorrow, but if in a month's time we still do not approve, we will make it known."

"I'm sorry, this may be a question for Darien, but it could also be answered by the council," I said. "What happens if you disapprove of something Darien wants or does?" The council members looked amongst themselves. Even Darien was quiet, unsure on how to answer. "Maybe this question will be easier, what does the council actually do?"

"We advice the king."

"On?"

"Current problems, war plans, daily life of the kingdom."

"Does Darien have to listen?"

"No, I don't." Darien replied.

"Right. So if you, the council, don't approve of our relationship, what would the consequences be?"

"The people would side with us!"

"Really? Well we'll have to see about that." I said. "I care about Darien and I'll do what needs to be done to keep him happy."

"Is there anything else?" Darien asked.

"Just some private matters that need to be discussed, with you Darien." Lord Gracin said.

"Very well. Serenity, I will see you this afternoon?"

"Of course." I said.

I left the council room, immediately relaxing when I stepped outside. I don't know how Darien dealt with those men on a daily basis. Their positions would have already been stripped if I were dealing with them regularly. Knowing Darien would be tied up with the council, I started looking for Malachite. Unfortunately, I ran into Lady Beryl first. She sneered at me and grabbed my arm to stop me as I walked by.

"Rumor has it you have moved into the Queen's room." Beryl said.

"If that's the room designed by the original moon priestess, then yes I have."

"I wouldn't get too comfortable. I plan to move in within the end of the year."

"Really? What would bring that about?"

"Everyone knows Endymion will be asking to court me soon enough, and courting periods are relatively short. We should be wed by the end of the year."

"Well, may I offer an early congratulations then?" I said.

"Thank you." Beryl beamed.

I smiled politely and continued on my way only to be stopped in the next hall.

"You do know Endymion will never court her, right?" Malachite said.

"O, I know." I smiled. "My victory is just going to be that much sweeter."

"Women." Malachite muttered. "Rei said you had something to speak to me about?"

"Yes I do, but perhaps we could go somewhere more private?" There are far too many wandering cars here."

"There's a gazebo in the garden."

"Perfect!" I said. Malachite offered me his arm and showed me the way to the gazebo. When we got there I sat down on a bench in the center. Malachite continued to stand before me. "Darien told me about his parents and everything that happened."

"I see…" Malachite said. He sat down next to me and looked at his hands.

"You still feel responsible, don't you?"

"I do." Malachite nodded. "I was supposed to be guarding the king and queen and yet the rebels were able to slip past me. I just… I can't believe I let that happen."

"Did you know about the rebels then?"

"There were rumors, but nothing more. We weren't even sure they were real. It still shouldn't have mattered, I should expect there to be rebels at all times."

"And that's why you've been so hostile towards me?" I asked.

"Like I said, I have to expect everyone is a rebel and the worst thing that could happen will happen." Malachite said.

"Malachite, you have to let go of the guilt. Yes it was a tragic murder, but you also had the rest of the kingdom to look out after. Plus, you had no warning; no suspicion that something like that would actually happen. From talking to Darien I know he doesn't hold a grudge against you and from watching your men they all respect you. You need to move on."

"I know, but I need to worry about protecting Endymion, and you now, along with the girls and everyone else."

"Yes, but you don't have to do it alone, in fact you aren't. You have Darien, the other generals, and the girls and I can protect ourselves when we need to."

"But Endymion trusts me too…"

"He trusts you to protect while also being happy. Malachite, you're getting married, hopefully soon. You should be getting excited and looking forward to spending your life with Mina."

Malachite was quiet and just nodded his head.

"If you ever need to talk, come find me, please." I said.

"Thank you, priestess." Malachite said. I smiled and patted him on the thigh before getting up and returning to the palace.

I found the library again and pulled down some more history books. By now I had learned almost all there was to learn about Drake, but I still liked reviewing the facts. Plus it seemed as though everyone had their own version of the history. I was curled up in a chair when I saw Darien walk in.

"I wasn't sure if you'd be in here or not." Darien said.

"Rei?" I asked.

"She knows too much for her own good." Darien sighed.

"That she does." I said. "How was your meeting?"

"Boring. Most of the council doesn't like you."

"Most?"

"Lord Gracin likes you and how strong you are. Unlike the others he does believe in change and allowing every one an equal voice."

"Hm… I think I like this Lord Gracin as well." I said with a smile. "So how are you announcing your decision to court me?"

"I've already had servants sent out to inform everyone of an announcement tomorrow."

"Have you sent someone to Lady Beryl's residence?"

"There should be someone heading over there." Darien said.

"What exactly are these servants telling everyone?" I asked.

"Just that I have a very important announcement to make tomorrow." Darien said.

"Damn, you're ruining my fun." Pouted.

"How so?"

"I was hoping to increase Beryl's hopes some more. Although she thinks I've given up anyway."

"Given up on what?"

"On you. I told her congratulations on your decision to court her today to make her thing that you were still going to court her instead of me."

"I've never been fond of that idea… ever."

"I know, but she doesn't." I responded. "So, what time are you making this announcement?"

"At noon tomorrow."

"You're going to make me wait that long?"

"Indeed." Darien said. "Lita would skin me alive if I let you skip training again."

"Damn, I wish you would let me." I said. "I need to go get ready for dinner. I'll see you later."