As the Eagle Flies
Hi everyone, hope you've all been coping with the pre-Christmas rush well! Here's a chapter to give you guys some breathing time from all that Christmas shopping and the writing of Christmas cards.
To clear up some confusion, King Endymion and Prince Endymion are two different people—we're all been hearing about the Prince of Sairelle, but a higher power than the Prince actually exists in the country (Endymion's father, who happens to share his name). You'll find out more about the King a wee bit later.
As for the number of total chapters, we're looking at about four or five more chapters after this one. I'll continue to post a chapter every week, so you'll get the complete story early next year. :)
Chapter 13
The first thing she noticed was his scent. Soft, spicy, spreading its gentle warmth through her as she inhaled and exhaled. The morning air was chilly, even in the room, but the thick blankets and his arms wrapped around her cocooned her in a heat that seeped through her bones. But as her surroundings began to register in her half-alert mind, Serena found a note of panic ringing within her. She gently twisted herself out of his embrace, hoping the movements did not disturb him; Darien's wordless co-operation told her that he had already been awake. She swallowed, not wanting to meet his eyes, and felt Darien move beside her, his arms crossing over his chest.
Their comfortable silence had become a kind of sacred ritual, and Serena felt that speaking was a clear sign of disrespect. But she could not afford any misunderstandings now, and her thoughts rang out clearly through her small, quiet voice.
"Nothing has changed, Darien." Even to her own ears, the words sounded like a feeble excuse, an attempt at self-assurance.
The look he gave her did not help. "Everything changes," he said. "Change is what makes the future."
"Save your philosophy and wisdom for another day." She had not meant to snap, but her voice was sharp and jarring. Desperately, she repeated, "Nothing has changed."
But denial did not get them anywhere, and they both knew it. Darien's arm found its way across Serena's shoulders again, and he gave her a squeeze. "It may be a new day," he said gently, "but my words from last night still stand." He took her lack of response as acceptance, and drew her tighter to him. But the increase in their physical proximity did not delude him—no matter how close they were, her thoughts were not on him, but the Prince. He wondered if her affection towards Darien could overcome her hatred for Endymion; judging from her frown and the tenseness of her body, however, he resigned—it would take more than he could possibly imagine for Serena to forgive the one person who was responsible for destroying her livelihood with a single command.
As if she sensed the direction of his thoughts, Serena shifted in his arms. "What do you suppose he would think if he found out?"
"What occurs between you and I have nothing to do with the Prince," Darien said, hating himself for the smoothness in his voice. "You needn't concern yourself with him, Serena."
And that, too, was as useless as what Serena had uttered only moments ago. Their minds wandered, travelling on separate paths towards the same destination, until Serena broke off and asked, "Prince isn't well-liked by his people, is he?"
"No," he said, knowing that his lying had stopped long ago. "He is obeyed for what he is, not who he is."
"What is it like, sharing his name?"
Darien tensed, and Serena wondered what his expression was like, though she did not look at him. "His mother used to call him 'Darien'. The Queen was gentle and kind, and she wanted to remind Endymion that a part of him would always be inseparable from his people. The Prince was happy then, in his childhood. But then the Queen died, and he changed. He flinched when he heard the name, and never used it for himself again." Darien paused, as if he was gathering a train of thought that had strayed on its journey. "He resents me for sharing his name, and I only wish I could do the same."
Serena nodded, finding there was no reason to be relieved at his answer. She had suspected as much and his explanation only confirmed her theories. But she did not know what to say next, and when Darien respectfully turned his back, Serena slipped out of bed and dressed. They said their farewells in quiet dignity, and Serena left with more questions than answers.
As soon as Serena opened the door to her suite of rooms, she was met with the sight of Lita, who was rising to her feet. It took a moment for the scene to register, but Serena quickly broke into a smile and moved to embrace the other woman.
"Lita," she said, holding the woman close, "this is a most pleasant surprise! When did you arrive? I hope you haven't been waiting long."
"I arrived last night," Lita replied, "and allowed myself a good night's rest before looking for you. I was rather surprised to find that you were absent."
Serena kept her expression neutral as the memories of what she had shared with Darien teased her. "I'm very glad to see you," she said. "What brings you here?"
The woman glanced sideways at Mina, who was observing the door with interest. Knowing what was on Lita's mind, Serena smiled and spoke again. "Lita, this is Mina. She's been very accommodating and hospitable ever since I arrived here. Mina, this is Lita, a wonderful friend I am simply blessed to have."
They eyed each other warily, though Serena did not know why. Mina gave a low, respectful curtsy, and Lita returned it, though her own gestures were not as formal.
"Serena, would it be possible to speak with you in private?"
Serena had anticipated Lita's request, but she could not hide her disappointment at the lack of trust that was shared by the two. She gave Mina an apologetic look, and led Lita to the dining room, closing the door behind her.
"What is it you wish to speak about?" Serena asked, after they had both sat down.
Lita must have heard the coolness in Serena's voice, and the other woman appeared briefly guilty. "I was worried about you, Serena."
Serena softened, feeling her own guilt well inside her. Lita had been nothing more than a supportive companion, and Serena was sure the woman had her own justifications for her wariness. "I'm fine, Lita."
"That didn't seem to be the case, judging from your letters." Lita studied her for a long moment, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "But I suppose your differences with Darien have been sorted?"
Serena felt the blush rising to her cheeks, and was glad the sun had not yet shone its way into the room, leaving it dimly lit. "I was perfectly fine in my letters," she said.
"Don't try to fool me with your pretences," Lita said sharply. "You were spending an awful amount of effort describing in minute detail every book you were reading, every meal you were having, without mentioning Darien at all. That blatant kind of aversion to the topic obviously indicated that something was wrong."
"I wasn't the one who was prone to aversion," Serena replied.
"Well, why don't you tell me exactly what happened then?"
Serena sighed, shaking her head at the other woman's bluntness. It was not that Serena didn't appreciate it, but she wasn't particularly keen on discussing the details of this situation.
"Darien and I had an encounter one evening last week," Serena said, "and I believe I was somewhat drunk. Something happened between us, though I still don't remember the specifics." Serena ignored Lita's raised eyebrow, and continued. "Needless to say, I woke up the next morning with quite a headache and an upset stomach. Zoisite"—she looked to see if Lita recognised the name, and was not surprised that she did—"came in to check up on me. That was the last I saw of the Shitennou for an entire week."
"Darien didn't approach you?" Lita asked, and then muttered, "It must have been quite awful, what happened between you two."
Serena glared at the other woman, effectively silencing her. "So I confronted him last night, and now it's been sorted."
She said the last word with a finality that gave no invitation for any further queries, but that did not keep the light from sparkling in Lita's eyes. "I'm glad of it," she said, smiling. "I had come prepared to rescue you from the terrible mischief and sorrow you have fallen into, and am rather relieved to know that my services aren't required."
"Oh, Lita, they're always required!" Serena's enthusiasm made both girls laugh, but the sound was cut short when a knock was heard, and the door was opened. The tension of having to face the unknown intruder quickly disappeared, for they were met with the sight of Nephrite, slightly out of breath, eyes glowing.
"Good morning, Ladies," he said, walking towards them. He kissed Serena's hand in greeting, and then took Lita's, his lips lingering significantly longer on hers. "What an intelligent man I must be, finding both of the Ladies I've been searching for in the same room!"
Lita rolled her eyes at the remark, though a smile tugged at her lips. "An intelligent man would not waste his breath on self-compliments."
"You are quite right," he said in reply, "we should save our breath for other pastimes."
Lita glanced at Serena's direction, and was relieved to find the girl was stifling her laughter. "And you," Lita said in a tight voice, looking straight at Nephrite, "need to learn the meaning of discretion."
"Ah, I'm sure Serena doesn't mind," he laughed, winking at Serena. She smiled back at him, and Lita hung her head in resignation. Nephrite responded by clapping his hands together, and said, "So, who wants breakfast?"
Nephrite's words reminded Serena of her hunger, and the thought of food was suddenly very tempting. She was about to ring for the meals to be brought up, when Lita said, "Oh, have they been waiting for us?"
Seeing the confusion in Serena's expression, Nephrite explained, "It is customary to dine together for as many meals as possible during the day, and we Shitennou like to enjoy our meals in the company of each other."
"I thought you all had trays brought to your rooms," Serena said, still puzzled.
"Sometimes we prefer to dine privately, or in a more intimate setting, when the occasion calls for it," Nephrite replied gently, "but there are always a few of us who are gathering at the common dining room."
Serena suddenly felt foolish for being unaware of such a custom; had her particular set of habits resulted in an extra set of duties for Mina? And why hadn't anyone mentioned this to her before?
"Of course, it is understandable if you wish to take your meals in the vicinity of your own room," Nephrite said kindly. "Would you prefer to do so this morning?"
Another thought occurred to Serena as she nodded to Nephrite's words—during the past week when she had been waiting for Darien to approach her, she could have so very easily found him gathered with his friends. The thought decided her. "No, I would like to join you in the common dining room," she said. Then she added more softly, "Though perhaps for a one-time occasion."
Nephrite beamed at the response, though she saw the concern lingering in the corners of his eyes. He held out his arm, surprising Serena with the offer. A glance at Lita saw that the other woman did not mind, and Serena looped her hand around Nephrite's arm as Lita took the other. Together, they left Serena's private dining room and headed towards a more public one.
As she walked into the large area with the marbled floors and the wide windows on the side, spilling with sunlight, Serena decided that it could have been a lot worse than she imagined. The room was simple yet well-decorated, and despite the formality of the large space and the long dining table that was sitting under an unlit chandelier, Serena saw the personal touches that marked it as a private, intimate room shared between close friends. Amelia and Zoisite were sitting beside another, quietly conversing as they ate. Rachael and Jadeite—she stiffened momentarily at the sight of the blonde General—were opposite the other pair, equally engrossed in their own conversation. Darien and Kunzite sat beside them, and Serena's breath hitched when Darien casually looked up at the footsteps, his look of query warming into affection as he saw her.
"It's good to see you've all started without us," Nephrite said by a way of introduction. He led them to the empty chairs beside Rachael and Jadeite, and waited for Serena and Lita to be seated before sitting down himself.
Jadeite didn't even look up, and said, "We always start without you." Serena remembered the voice, the cruelties that resonated within that voice, but was surprised to find it light and without a hint of malice. But then he turned to greet Nephrite's company, and his expression hardened at seeing Serena.
The silence gradually brought the attention of the others, and they each looked up, one by one, the surprise registering on their faces as they saw Serena. Only Darien remained unaffected, and he approached Serena, kissing her hand, warming her skin with his lips.
"Good morning, Lady Serena," he said, his soft voice resonating crisply through the room. "It is a great pleasure to have you with us this morning." Darien sat down beside Serena, leaving his half-finished plate on the other side of the table. They waited until the servants had brought in the meal for the newcomers, and after their footsteps receded, it was only silence that followed.
The tension in the room was thick, and Serena knew she was the cause for it. Before she had arrived, the room was a quiet sanctuary, a place for the Shitennou to relax and be among their friends before proceeding to fulfil their duties to the country. Now she was here, a stranger, an intruder, selfishly arriving to destroy the atmosphere. Now she understood why she had never been invited in the first place.
Perhaps some of the occupants shared her thoughts and sympathised with her, for they were resuming to their previous conversations, though their postures were now rigid, their tones hushed and polite. Serena sighed quietly, and started on her own meal, while Darien resumed his conversation with Kunzite, though he remained at her side.
As she ate, Serena observed her surroundings, frowning at the imbalance she seemed to see in the interaction of those in the room. The pairs—no doubt romantic in nature, though she wasn't so sure about Amelia and Zoisite—were happy to speak to each other, and the Shitennou would occasionally make a comment to a comrade, but the women did not speak to anyone beyond their partner. She found this strange, and wondered whether there was a rule preventing the women from publicly conversing, when Lita turned towards Serena.
"How are you finding the experience?" Lita asked quietly.
Serena managed a smile. "It's unlike anything I've seen before," she replied honestly. "I must admit the atmosphere is slightly intimidating."
Lita nodded. "I know exactly what you mean. It's the first time I've been to one of these too, and though Nephrite tried to assure me that I would be welcome, I admit that I've hardly felt such a sentiment."
Hearing his name, Nephrite broke his conversation with Jadeite and captured Lita's attention, leaving Serena to ponder on the words. Something was definitely amiss, Serena thought, as she saw Amelia look uncomfortably at her empty plate as Zoisite joined in a conversation with Jadeite. And then the realisation struck so suddenly that she almost dropped her fork: the women didn't speak to one another simply because they weren't sure whether they were welcome. The only reason they attended the meal was to accompany their General, but their position must have come with a great deal of uncertainty attached. In fact, as Serena's heart swelled at Amelia's lonely expression, some of them weren't even sure whether they had a right to be there in the first place.
She thought back to her discussions with Rachael, at how their first real meeting was due to the emotional turmoil the other woman had been thrown in as she decided whether she should remain with a man or not. The pain had been real, the tears had been real, and Serena knew now that a part of the pain, the tears, had remained, for there was no way of confirming the duration for which Rachael would be with Jadeite. And without that certainty, the women felt obliged to remain out of the affairs between the men, because they could be so easily replaced the next day.
Darien noticed her change in mood, and gave her a quick, reassuring smile. He was still in conversation with Kunzite, and Serena longed to speak to him openly, to question about her observations and theories. But she never got a chance to formulate her words, for Nephrite suddenly spoke in a loud, excited voice.
"Hey, let's all go out to the meadows today! Lita brought over two kites and was originally going to fly them with Serena, but I think we can dig out a few more and maybe hold a competition of sorts!"
Serena kept her smile to herself; if Nephrite had noticed the tension that Serena had picked up, he did not show it. The rest of her company, however, didn't seem too keen with the idea. Serena saw, not unexpectedly, that Amelia was looking to Zoisite, and Rachael, the ever headstrong Rachael, was similarly seeking permission from Jadeite. Only Lita was smiling, having already made her decision without requiring Nephrite's consent.
Darien surprised her by speaking; she had expected Kunzite, the leader of the Shitennou, to make the first declaration. "There should be a bit of wind today," Darien said, "and the temperature will be just right for a bit of kite flying. I think I have a couple of kites tucked away somewhere."
The words seemed to instigate a response in everyone else. Serena watched, amazed, as they all began speaking in turns.
"It would be nice to spend a day outdoors before the cold settles in," Zoisite said.
"Perhaps we could pack a picnic too," Jadeite offered, surprising Serena yet again with his affable tone.
"I'll go get three carriages ready," Kunzite said, and it was settled.
After the men had spoken, the women only nodded in consent as Serena watched in fascination. She longed to speak to them about this act of instant obedience, but now was not the time.
Her thoughts were disrupted when Nephrite said, "We've got nine people here; shouldn't we find someone else to make an even number?"
The silence was heavy yet again, and as Serena saw that it was Kunzite who would be left with no partner, she thought back to Mina's words from weeks ago, and spoke before she considered the consequences.
"I have a friend who might be interested," she said, her voice quiet but clear. The attention was on her now, and she felt their surprise, felt Jadeite's glare and Darien's encouragement. Swallowing, Serena continued. "Her name is Mina, and she is a very lovely girl."
They seemed taken aback by her suggestion, but no one voiced their concerns, no one questioned her treatment of a servant as an equal. But most of all, Serena saw a struggle in Kunzite's eyes, before it quieted to a look of defeat and determination. It must have been her imagination, for it was only after Kunzite gave a tiny, almost imperceptible nod that Nephrite spoke again.
"It's settled then," the General said, working hard to keep the cheer in his voice. "Darien, you go find those kites; Jadeite, could you see to the picnic hamper? Lady Serena, please be so kind as to relay our invitation to Lady Mina. We shall leave in the hour."
As everyone shuffled to their feet, the tension still thick in the air, Serena could not help but feel dread at what she had to face.
The carriage ride, however short, was still with its uncomfortable silence. Serena was seated opposite Mina while Darien and Kunzite drove the horses, and Serena wondered whether she had done the right thing by asking Mina to join them. The other girl was still wearing the ensemble that identified her as a servant, and was met with greetings so abrupt and stifled that they bordered on rude. Serena briefly recalled an incident that happened in Tristone, when an aristocrat male declared that he was in love with a maid in his household, and petitioned to secure their relationship with marriage. Serena's own father had looked upon the male with scorn and distaste, and the council made the decision to disallow such a union on the grounds of their differing positions in society. Serena had been outraged by the outcome, but when she stormed into her father's study and demanded to know why such a ruling was made, Kenneth Angelline had simply looked at her and said, "It is not us, but our mothers and fathers, who determine our fate in life." She had always known that a line was drawn between the different societal classes, but never had that distinction been so marked. And Serena had realised, for perhaps the first time, how her privileges were granted to her not because of who she was, but because of her parents, her lineage, her blood that she had no control over.
Looking at the tense way Mina sat opposite her, Serena thought with sadness and disgust that things weren't so different here after all. The line would always be there, transcending culture and language barriers. Perhaps it would have been better off to leave Mina in the palace, undisturbed.
The carriage slowed and came to a stop, and Serena's regrets, however sincere, were left with no use. Shortly after the movement ceased, the door was opened and Darien appeared, black hair ruffled by the wind.
"Lady Serena," he said, reaching out a hand. She took it, stepping out of the carriage, instantly hearing the wind as it blew across her face. Serena was glad that Darien had insisted on bringing a coat for her, and she pulled it tighter around her. The sky was lined with thin, gray clouds, casting its soft light onto the meadow that surrounded them. The grass was tinged with yellow, and the surrounding trees bore large, orange leaves, some of them drifting to the ground. Serena smiled despite herself; it was a perfect day for kite-flying.
As she turned to see how Mina was faring, Serena caught the tender expression on the other girl's face as Kunzite helped her out of the carriage. There was a familiarity there, in the way the General held out his hand, in the way Mina looked from beneath her eyelashes, a small smile on her face. Serena could not help but wonder, once again, about the relationship between the two; perhaps their history was not as simple as how Mina had described it.
The other two carriages approached them, and one by one, the Shitennou helped their Ladies from their seats. Looking at the scene before her, Serena saw how they had already stood in pairs, the women respectfully keeping to themselves. The uneasiness returned to her, and could not be quelled by Nephrite's smile as he raised his hands in a silent call for attention.
"I'm glad to have you all here," he said, his voice loud and clear. "I think we should all set up the picnic and have a bite or two before pulling out the kites. Gentlemen?"
She watched as the men nodded and got to work, leaving the sides of their Ladies. Darien gave her hand a squeeze before joining them, pulling out the thick woollen blanket and laying it on the grass. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, Serena inched towards Lita, wondering if there was anything she could do to help.
Lita took one look at her, and said, "I'm sorry it turned out like this. I really didn't expect Nephrite to be so enthusiastic as to drag his entire army of friends and their mistresses."
The last word stung her more than it should have. "It's Nephrite," Serena replied. "I suppose we should think of this as one of his more endearing qualities."
Serena gave Lita a moment to relish the thought, before voicing the uncertainties that had been plaguing her. "Lita, are we all really defined by the men we stand beside?"
The surprise and horror flashed on the other woman's face. "Absolutely not! Serena, what have you been mulling about?"
Serena shrugged in response, trying to appear nonchalant. "It's just that the women do not interact with one another, and are simply standing here as adornments for the men."
"I think that's more because we don't know each other very well," Lita replied, though she was now considering Serena's point. "I've never really spoken to Lady Amelia, or Lady Rachael, and…" She seemed uncomfortable about finishing her sentence, and Serena sighed.
"Mina's here because I asked her to, because I enjoy her company," the blonde said. "Her class should have no bearing here."
Lita was taken aback by the comment, and she seemed to struggle for her next words. "Do you suppose I am reacting the way that I have been simply because I consider her to be beneath my station?" Lita asked, her voice quiet.
Something about the way the other woman had spoken made Serena hesitate. She knew Lita was a warm and friendly person, and from what Serena had seen, the Countess had treated the members of her staff extraordinarily well. "I don't know," Serena replied honestly. "I guess I shouldn't be making such assumptions."
Lita nodded, accepting the unspoken apology. "I see what you mean though," Lita continued. "However, I think the lack of interaction is more due to individual preferences than your theories. I don't know what romantic relationships are like in Chiston, but here, the males and females are equally responsible for such decisions. We are not simply standing beside our companions because of their wishes; we are as much choosers as we are the chosen."
Serena thought back to her conversation with Rachael several weeks ago, when the strong-willed Lady had been torn between a decision that was hers to make. She thought back to her experiences in Chiston, to how her parents, however agreeable to one another, had never met each other prior to their marriage. She thought to the day she had received the order to enter a betrothal with King Diamond, and how her protests fell upon deaf ears. It was, after all, her duty as a daughter and a woman to enter in such arrangements that would benefit the families of both parties involved.
She was about to relay some of the differences to Lita, when the men had finished setting up and were approaching them, leading them towards where the picnic was to be held. Serena gave Darien a small smile, and they sat down on the blanket in a circle. The food was arranged in large plates in the middle, and Serena watched, fascinated, as smaller plates were passed around while champagne was being poured.
"I hope you don't mind the informality," Darien said to Serena. They still had their differences to sort, but those problems did not belong to the open air and their watchful companions. "When picnics like these are held, we don't tend to deal with the fuss of serving food individually. However…may I?" With Serena's consent, Darien took her plate, and piled it with an assortment of dishes before returning it to her.
"Thank you," she said, as she watched the others do the same. She waited until all their plates were filled. Not to her surprise, Nephrite lifted his glass to make a toast.
"Ah, it's really been too long since I've been in such fine company," the General said. "Thank you for joining us!" They all lifted their glasses and drank to Nephrite's words. When they set down their champagne and started to eat, the buzz of conversation resumed.
Serena turned to Mina on her left, and asked, "How are you faring, Mina?"
"This is quite an experience, miss," was the reply. She looked down, and Serena felt sorry for the girl.
"I'm sorry to have involved you in such a mess," Serena said.
"Oh no, please don't, miss!" Mina's reaction surprised her. The girl was obviously miserable with her situation—why was she pretending otherwise? "It was a surprise, that's all. I didn't expect to be seeing…everyone."
"I should have given you some time to think and give your response," Serena continued quietly. "I was hoping the reaction you would get would have been slightly different."
It was curiosity that was now in Mina's eyes. "What do you mean, miss?"
"I had thought these people here would not have cared about your position," Serena replied. "I obviously stand corrected."
Kunzite had somehow overheard their conversation, and joined in. "Please do not make such assumptions about our customs, Lady, until you have experienced enough to make a proper judgement."
The cool words and the authoritative voice stirred something in Serena. "I have had my fair share of experiences, Lord Kunzite," she replied curtly.
"That may be the case," Kunzite said, "but I am afraid that your personal experiences are not sufficient for you to justify your opinions on this current issue of discussion."
Serena clenched her jaw, knowing the General was right. She had only interacted with a select few people in Sairelle, and what she had heard and learnt from Mina could not possibly have been an accurate reflection of the values of the entire country.
"Perhaps we should enlighten her then, Kunzite." Darien's suggestion was clearly heard by everyone in the circle, and Serena wondered, yet again, what kind of situation she had gotten herself into.
"As you wish," said the leader of the Shitennou. "What would you like to know, Lady Serenity?"
Kunzite's usage of her proper name surprised her, the formality of his tone and address so far removed from the atmosphere Nephrite had so painstakingly tried to create. Nonetheless, Serena lifted her chin, ready to face the challenge. "What places do servants have in Sairelle, Lord Kunzite?"
The question was met with a few moments of silence, and Serena realised that she had been too forthright. But despite her bluntness, her question was not an attack on their country, but was threaded with genuine interest.
"They are employed by those who are privileged to obtain their service," Kunzite answered. "Perhaps they are not as free to choose their masters and mistresses as they would like, but the decision ultimately belongs to the servant."
"Ah, you must be referring to the difficulties of choosing between hard, cruel treatment for little benefits and a life on the street with even less."
The tension thickened in the air, but Serena held fast to her opinions. All attention was now focused on the exchange between her and Kunzite, and Serena knew that another member of the Shitennou would jump in to support their leader's argument at any time.
"Every person must make a living for themselves, Lady Serenity," Kunzite continued. "It is by their own talents and merits that they receive their benefits."
"So all the servants at the palace, all those employed within your country, are forced into a life of hard labour simply because they have not been gifted by talent?"
"They are not forced, but are free to make their own decisions."
Serena smirked. "You are relying too heavily on your unbelievable argument that servants are granted with the power of choice."
"Then let us take a different direction, as I see you are not inclined to accept this fact," Kunzite said, surprising Serena with his words. "Part of your statement is correct: those who are talented and hard-working receive their share of acknowledgements and are aptly rewarded."
"But it just happens that most of the servants who remain so are those who were born of other servants, and those who rule are of noble blood."
"My father was a footman." The small voice came from Amelia. "And my mother was a seamstress."
The declaration seemed to elicit curiosity in some in the circle, though Zoisite's expression was perfectly neutral. Serena noticed that the soft-spoken girl was tense from the attention, and respected the courage she had in speaking up.
"Yet I am learning to become a physician," the girl continued, "and am privileged to have my own suite of rooms in the palace, my own set of attendants. I know that you have your suspicions about our ways, Lady Serena, but perhaps you should ensure you know what you are speaking of before you broach the subject."
"I had not meant to be accusing," Serena said, though she realised the irony of her words—she had been exactly that. "I see discrepancies, divergences from the customs I have grown up with, and I cannot help but question and wonder."
"I understand your sentiments," Amelia replied, "and we are happy to answer your queries, so long as they are not spiteful accusations due to your own lack of comprehension."
The girl's tone was neutral, and Serena felt ashamed at her own actions. Feeling the eyes of all those around her, Serena bowed her head. "You were correct to reproach me, Amelia," she said. "I shall endeavour to ensure my mistake will not be repeated."
The tension in the atmosphere shifted to something more placid, and when Serena lifted her head, the eyes that met her were less condemning, less hostile. Knowing her assumptions had taken away her right to speak, Serena waited for one of the others to resume the conversation.
"Sairelle's social structure is more fluid than you imagine," Kunzite said, "but this, of course, makes it possible for those previously in power to meet their downfall, if they are unable to assert their right to maintain that position. A good example from recent years can be seen through a Duchess named Beryl, whose limited interests of gambling the money she collected from taxes and satiating her varied set of appetites led to a revolt where her estate was plundered, and she was stripped of her title."
"A Duchess?" Serena asked, surprised. Kunzite's description was accurate for most of the nobility who lived in Chiston, but never had any action been taken against their lavish lifestyles; those who tried were severely punished. "She must have had close relations with the Royal Family."
Kunzite could see what she was hinting, what response she was hoping to hear, but he shook his head gravely. "Such connections mean little, when the person in question behaves in such a selfish, ludicrous manner. Before her actions had revealed her nature and sealed her fate, she was considered for entering a matrimonial agreement with Prince Endymion."
The mention of the Prince changed her awe to something akin to disgust. "And what actions did the Prince take?"
"Nothing." It was Darien who spoke, and Serena turned her attention to her immediate right. "The situation was handled by the Shitennou, and the Prince was later notified of the results."
Her puzzled expression must have betrayed her, for Darien continued, this time in a softer voice. "The Prince is not the only power in this land," he said. "There are times when conflicts arise between the Prince's desires and what is good for the people."
He left the rest of his words unsaid, but Serena could hear them as clearly as if he had just uttered them. She had thought the Shitennou were simply four men who blindly obeyed their Prince like loyal dogs, but she was so very wrong. They were the ones who ruled, the ones with power.
And if necessary, they were also the ones prepared to challenge the Prince's behaviour, if the situation arises.
Serena looked around her, looked at all the solemn faces, the intent, intelligent gazes of these powerful men, and wondered if she was the situation at hand. The thought troubled her.
"What of your people? I must admit that I am not as familiar with Chistonian customs and culture as I would like to be; would you care to indulge me with your opinions?" Kunzite's tone was composed, the diversion flawless, but she knew he had seen her confusion, and was now working to ease that. But as she thought of her own people, thought of the laws that set one's livelihood into stone before they were even born, thought of her own father who, despite being one of the more popular nobles in the country, had lived lavishly and comfortably, a feat that was praised and encouraged by King Diamond.
And she realised then, that she had nothing more to say about her country. Oh, how she longed to defend it and cast her people in a good light to the enemy, but her words would be empty, false, even lies. She would not contradict herself and compromise her own integrity by singing praises for her country in a bout of patriotic blindness.
So instead, Serena managed a smile for Kunzite, and gave him, gave them all, the truth. "My misattributions and accusations of Sairellen society stemmed from the prevalence of such issues I have experienced firsthand in Chiston. We have much to learn from you."
The quiet acknowledgement made under a lonely fig tree weaved into the minds and hearts of the company. The clouds thinned slightly, and for the briefest moment, a beam of sunlight could be seen in the distance. The nearby horses continued to graze, oblivious to the changing currents that swirled around their human masters. And ever so slightly, the corner of Kunzite's lips curled upwards as he returned Serena's smile.
"There is much to learn from each other," the leader of the Shitennou said, and raised his glass. This time, when Serena followed suit, her movements matched the others around her, perfectly timed. They drank to this toast, to the reconciliation and the first foundations for change.
As the meal gradually came to its end and Serena reconsidered all her impressions about this country and its people, she began to see how unreasonable and unfounded her prejudices were. Even as she watched the quietness of the women, it occurred to her that perhaps Lita was right, that perhaps it was the nature of their acquaintance that rendered them so unsolicitous. And perhaps the lack of interaction was due to their dispositions: Amelia's preference for solitude, Rachael's propensity to scathe with her words, Mina's personal insecurities, and even Lita's highly opinionated and differing views. More than anything, this slight shift in perspective made Serena all too aware that she had never had any proper justifications for being so proud and defensive of her own country.
Serena had been right about one thing: the weather was perfect for flying kites. She was standing beside Darien, their arms occasionally brushing, their attention focused on the large yellow kite that was gliding through the air. It didn't surprise her to see that their kite was a large, magnificent work of art, intricately painted to resemble an eagle. She had held the spool as Darien ran with the kite, letting it soar into the air with a triumphant cry. The others had followed suit, and within minutes, the cloudy sky was filled with the vibrant colours of their respective kites. She marvelled at the responsiveness of the kites, where a slight tug would send it flying in the desired direction.
Her attention was caught by the red kite that had joined them, and a quick glance confirmed that Rachael was behind the manoeuvres. They exchanged a smile, and Serena flicked her own wrist so that their kites were now dancing together.
"You're not trying to bring her down, are you?" Darien said, amusement in his voice. "I thought we agreed not to do any midair bickering."
She responded by laughing quietly. "We're not bickering; we're playing."
"Playing rough now, are we?" he said, breathing against her ear. She was suddenly all too aware of his presence, of his warmth—when had his hands found their way to her waist? "You didn't seem like the type who had a preference"—he closed his mouth over a spot behind her ear, grazing his teeth against her skin—"for rough."
Her knees felt weak, and her hands trembled, causing their kite to swerve. She swallowed, and put as much strength into her voice as she could muster. "Behave yourself, Darien. What would your friends think if they were aware of such wantonness?"
"I doubt Jadeite is concerned with my behaviour at the moment," he said. She risked a glance and saw that the General in question was embracing Rachael with a passion that embarrassed Serena. She looked away, a stain rising to her cheeks.
"I suppose I shall forgive you for having avoided me the past week," she said, keen on smoothly over one of their misunderstandings. "I am sure you were concerned I could not handle such displays of affection between your friends."
Darien chuckled, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. "Not all of my companions are so…transparent."
He was referring to Amelia and Zoisite, who remained a respectable distance apart even as they shared their blue kite. The girl smiled in Serena's direction, though her discomfort was evident in the tense way she was standing.
"Do you suppose there's something going on between those two?" Serena asked Darien, surprising herself in her directness.
"I didn't imagine you to be the gossiping type," he teased. Then his tone grew serious. "We've all been wondering the same thing, perhaps for years. They complement each other perfectly, and yet Lady Amelia seems so uncertain… And Zoisite, bless his soul, is too concerned with her well-being to suggest they enter a relationship that she may regret."
That explained the stolen glances, the companionship the two shared over books. But she knew that despite Amelia's meekness, there was an intelligence and strength in the woman that would not be compromised by anyone. If she had chosen to remain by Zoisite's side, then the decision had belonged to Amelia, and Amelia only.
Her gaze drifted to Mina and Kunzite, who had been paired up to take the white kite. The sight of the two startled her—there was something about the way Kunzite's hand covered Mina's as he helped her navigate that spoke of a long-existing familiarity between the two. And for the first time since their trip, both Mina and Kunzite appeared to be fully relaxed, their eyes sparkling. She wondered yet again about the relationship that existed between them, and frowned at her thoughts; some matters of the heart were best kept away from the realm of prying eyes.
"Well, if you're done with your speculations, I think it's about time that I take over." Serena glared at Darien, but he simply tipped his head towards the others, and Serena turned, seeing how the Shitennou were now in possession of the spools. She looked back at Darien, who simply said, "It's not my fault they want to play rough."
She handed him the spool with some resignation, but all her mood soon turned into exhilaration as the colours above her suddenly blurred into motion. Serena knew she was a good kite flyer, and was proud of her ability to control her kites with a grace akin to that of a ballerina's, but what she saw now was so very different. This was not a playful courtship dance, but a cautious exchange, a measuring of an opponent's strengths and weaknesses. There was nothing friendly about the gliding and diving that now took place—the eagle had turned from an elegant companion to a powerful predator, tearing at its enemies with sharp talons, cutting through enemy lines. One by one they fell, Zoisite first, then Nephrite, and Jadeite in a flash of crimson rage. And then only Darien and Kunzite remained, gold against silver, the two men concentrating on their battle, determined to earn the right to boast of their achievement for the rest of the day, and for many more to come. Serena's heart caught in her throat as Darien pitched his golden eagle to the left, ready to launch the final attack. With the jerk of a hand, Darien's eagle made its dive, its magnificent wings soaring to claim its victory. But it faltered at the last moment as the wind changed and leapt forward as the unforeseen enemy, and Darien was powerless to the slaughter, numbly watching as his eagle was shredded. The fight was over, the battle lost and won, and Kunzite's kite was declared the sole ruler of the heavens.
Yet there was no animosity between the two as they shook hands, congratulating one another on their respective efforts. And when Kunzite finally reeled in his victorious kite, Serena saw that the delicate depiction of the swan had none of its imagined ferocities now that it floated to the ground, and was the embodiment of serenity.
The sky was darkening, slipping from the late afternoon to the first hints of dusk. As Kunzite's fingers busied themselves with securing the horses' harnesses to the carriages, his mind drifted to Mina, who was helping pack the remnants of their picnic. It had been a long time since he had had the pleasure of spending time with her outside during daytime, and he softened at the recollections of their brief, almost accidental touches. She had visited him in the evenings when her services were no longer required by Serena, but those few hours never seemed to be enough—he always woke up to an empty bed. Her absence, however necessary, had nagged at Kunzite, and the General found himself spending his free time thinking of the next time they would meet. He knew he had his duties and obligations to fulfil and his business with Mina would always be secondary, but the lack of her company had made him more uneasy than it ought to.
His thoughts were quickly quelled when the General noticed another presence approaching him. His senses never failed him, and he immediately identified the newcomer.
"Lady Serenity," he said, his gaze not moving from his fingers' work, "is there anything I can assist you with?"
The woman stopped when she was beside him. "I was wondering if I could provide you with the assistance, Lord Kunzite."
He doubted she could be much use in helping with what was the men's arena, but his instincts told him not to dismiss her so quickly. "The horses need to be secured to their harnesses," he said, wondering if his instructions were intelligible to her. "It is not a particularly difficult job, but one must be very thorough to ensure that no accidents will occur while on the road."
She nodded, and moved to the other side, wordlessly obeying him by working on the other horse. Kunzite raised an eyebrow, but said nothing—he would indulge her for now, and re-secure the harnesses later.
A few moments of silence had passed before Serena spoke, confirming Kunzite's suspicions about her feigned assistance. "I hope your opinions of me have not diminished after our little exchange earlier."
"That, of course, depends on whether I had an opinion in the first place," he said mildly.
It must have hurt her, but Kunzite did not have the time to feel guilty. "And I suppose you wish for such business to remain private," she replied. He glanced up at her, but found that she was concentrating on her task; the harsh words could not be retracted. Remembering Darien's plea to the Shitennou and his own promise, Kunzite spoke again.
"It takes a great deal of courage to admit that one is wrong," he said, not only as a compliment, but as his own apology. She seemed to understand it, and Kunzite saw a nod in his peripheral vision.
"I am hoping that you will take my words seriously," she continued, still not sparing him a look. Her voice dropped, and she said more softly, "There is much that I would like to learn from you, Lord Kunzite."
Her straightforward statement unnerved him in a way he did not understand. He was the leader of the Shitennou, a powerful man who had dealt with his fair share of problems—how was it then, that Serena's honest willingness to be educated puzzled and startled him?
Knowing all too well what he should say in response and yet not wanting to make a false promise, Kunzite said slowly, "I shall see what I can do, Lady."
She seemed satisfied with his response, and left him to his own thoughts as they continued working in silence, with only the sound of tightening leather and buckles passing between them. When they had finally finished, Serena caught the General's gaze, and said, "I hope your high opinion of servants serve you just as well in practise, Lord Kunzite. I am looking forward to observing more of your interactions with the particular group."
And then Serena was gone, leaving him to process what was not simply a statement, but a warning. The girl had an idea of what was going on between Mina and himself, but valued their discretion. Nonetheless, Kunzite found himself frustrated at how such an unknown third party was involved in his affairs. Having finished with his own horse, Kunzite marched to the other side, only to find that the harness was firmly secured, the knots and ties as neat as his own. He instantly scanned the area for Serena, and found her to be encouraging the women to hold a mutual conversation, a feat that never had been accomplished before.
For all of her frivolous exterior, Serenity Angelline was certainly a skilled diplomat. Kunzite was willing to acknowledge that much.
Dinner was a relatively pleasant affair. Their activities throughout the day had left them tired, and Mina was glad to be finally sitting down on the chair at the dining table. After returning to the palace, it was decided that they would all dine together after a change of clothes. Mina felt a mixture of relief and agitation when she was also invited; it was becoming more difficult to maintain her ruse when in the presence of so many people who knew her. Finding no way to excuse herself from the company without appearing impolite and ungrateful, Mina obliged. She even allowed Serena to coax her into a lovely yellow dress, though she had a feeling the other girl was testing to see whether the Shitennou kept to their word. It would not be difficult, Mina thought, for them to treat her as one of their equals—after all, she had been sitting among the same dining table for years before Serena's arrival.
Their food was served, and Mina quietly waited for one of the Shitennou to make the customary toast before eating commenced. The honours usually fell to the Prince by default, but Serena's presence had changed the atmosphere, tipping the authority to the Shitennou's favour. Mina was not surprised to see Kunzite lift his glass, and she took the moment to observe his features, the long black hair that ran past his shoulders, the deep, dark eyes that held secrets she could not fathom.
"It has been a long time since the seats of this dining room have been filled," he said, his baritone voice resonating through the room. "I am very pleased to be sharing this table with each and every one of you."
His gaze lingered over Mina, and for the tiniest moment, she saw something flash in his eyes, something she did not have the time to recognise. But then it was gone, and Kunzite was looking at Serena, a small smile on his lips. They drank their wine as one, and began eating.
If Serena noticed how adept Mina was with her cutlery, the girl did not show it. Instead, Serena turned to Mina, and said, "Would you like some pepper?"
She smiled, remembering Kunzite telling her of Serena's first experience with Sairellen etiquette at the ball, and passed the small jar to Serena, who took it gratefully. "Is there anything else you require, miss?"
Serena did not seem pleased with the words. "You are here as an equal, Mina," she said. "Please, call me Serena."
Mina vaguely recalled hearing the same thing from her only a few weeks ago, when Mina first introduced herself to the girl. The coolness was still present in Serena, somewhere under the courteous surface, but Mina saw the change, the warmth in her eyes, in her voice. The thought of lying to such warmth, such trust, triggered a helplessness in Mina, and she wondered at her own integrity, to have deceived the girl for so long.
"If you don't object, Serena."
The girl's features were lit with such heartfelt happiness that Mina could only duck her head in embarrassment. She knew Serena would have interpreted her reaction as a result of having finally referred to the girl by her first name, and that thought increased the shame and anger that was now flowing through her. It was not as if the poor girl deserved such treatment; Mina risked a glare in Darien's direction, though the Prince did not notice.
Mina paid little heed to her surroundings throughout the meal, content to simply eat her meal in silence. Although she was acquainted with those who sat along the table, Mina had never found much reason to converse with them beyond the polite greetings. They knew that they were all here because of the Shitennou, and it was the men's conversations that always carried out for hours. So when Serena broke off from a discussion with the Countess to ask for her opinion, Mina was sure her surprise was evident.
"Excuse me?" Mina said, trying to gather her thoughts.
"Lita and I have been discussing whether women should have the right to own property and be given the power to rule under their own name," Serena said, repeating the earlier words that Mina had not heard, "and I was wondering what your thoughts on this are."
Mina knew that the Countess had been managing her estate for years without answering to a male, but why Serena would ask for a servant's opinion was beyond her. After all, it wasn't as if Mina would ever find herself in such a situation. "I've never really thought about it," she replied honestly, "though I'm not sure whether such rights should be freely granted." Mina paused and gave a slight bow in Lita's direction. "No offense intended, my Lady."
She thought her participation was over, but was proved wrong when Serena asked, "Why not?"
"Because I don't think women can spare the time to overlook such things," Mina said, wondering whether her opinion mattered. Serena, however, considered her words seriously, and surprised them all by looking across the table, straight at Amelia.
"Amelia? What do you think?"
The quiet girl looked as startled as Mina felt, but she seemed to recover considerably well. "I'm not sure whether I'm in the position to speak," she replied hesitantly.
That stirred a reaction in Serena. "And why is that, Amelia?" Serena's voice was sharp, and Mina heard the anger in those words.
"It is the men who are entitled to such discussions," Amelia said softly. Although Mina found herself agreeing with her, she could not help resenting the situation.
But Rachael, who had been listening to the conversation in quiet interest, now took the initiative to speak. "I don't think you should be so harsh on our sex, Lady Amelia."
"I believe it would be beneficial of you to learn not to speak out of turn, Lady Rachael," Amelia replied coolly.
Mina saw the shift in the two women, their tensed shoulders an indication of their readiness to enter the argument. But before either could launch the first assault, Serena spoke, silencing them.
"Rachael, I would love to hear your thoughts on this matter, considering your own familial relationships. Amelia, your input would also be highly appreciated, as you are perhaps the most well-read of us all here. Perhaps your literary pursuits have given you a fresh perspective that would prove to be enlightening."
From the corner of her eyes, Mina saw Kunzite shift his attention to the women, though he continued his discussion with Jadeite without missing a beat. Rachael and Amelia were now regarding each other with wary expressions, though they were hesitant to make their disparaging remarks.
Feeling as if she should make an attempt to show her support for Serena, Mina said, "I think Lady Amelia is right in saying that the men are the ones who usually hold such discussions, but I don't see why we shouldn't be able to express our own opinions."
The Countess had caught on to Mina's train of thought, and nodded. "As Serena said, our differing backgrounds simply mean we each have a lot to offer and much to learn."
"Well then, Lita," Serena said, "would you care to share your own experience with the rest of us?"
The Countess was only too happy to oblige, although Mina had a feeling Lita had already relayed such details to Serena, and was now repeating them for their benefit. "My parents passed away when I was little, and having no direct relatives, I inherited their estate. Of course, there are certain laws that make such achievements difficult, and I was not without help. I was advised to pledge my intentions to marry and produce an heir as soon as the time came—until that time, I would only be managing my estate and grounds by proxy of a future son who was not yet conceived. As I grew older and asserted my independence to the council, it became clear that I was not in such a hurry to find my match. They tried to pressure me to make my decision by presenting me with swarms of suitors, but I turned each one down with a conviction that they could not refute. After all, it was only one's parents who could command one to marry, and mine were long gone. The council would have decided to retract their decision and reassign another to take away what was rightfully mine, if they did not start to realise that my estate was always kept in good condition, and that my tenants of the surrounding land were generating a large revenue. The people knew of my situation and were sympathetic, and after some discussions, they agreed to contribute a larger amount of taxes than necessary. This placated the council, and they reluctantly allowed me to keep my position."
The silence that followed Lita's long retelling was not broken by even the Shitennou. But they recognised this moment for what it was, and respectfully turned their heads away.
It was Amelia who finally spoke. "I had always wondered how you were given the right to manage your own estate without a husband. It is really something to admire."
Lita smiled, a gracious, genuine light in her eyes. "I feel as if I am always given more credit than I deserve," she said, "for my fortunate position would not have been attained if it were not for the support of my people and the assistance of my advisors."
"Does the council still trouble you?" Amelia asked.
"They occasionally request to take a tour of the grounds, but they are pleased with its condition. I think their original oppositions were mostly based on their reservations about whether a woman was able to manage such a large amount of property and land."
Rachael spoke now, her voice clearly respectful. "Has it been difficult? You have quite a lot of land under your name."
"I had to sit through long hours of lectures from my advisors, who instructed me on the art of management. But those men had taught my parents, and were keen on helping me assert and retain my position." Lita stopped to consider for a while, and then continued. "I believe Lady Mina's views are very well-justified—the task is difficult and demanding, and not all women will be able to succeed."
"If we're talking about natural ability and talent," Rachael said, "then it could be argued that not all men are able to rule with complete success."
"You're absolutely correct," Lita agreed. "That is why several castes exist within men, within our society."
Serena cut in, frowning. "When you put it that way, then I see no reason why such laws disallowing women to inherit and rule exist in the first place."
"I think it's more complicated than just that, Serena," Mina said. The attention she was suddenly getting was somewhat unnerving, but she felt at ease to speak her mind. "Women have more factors to consider, responsibilities that might impact upon their judgements." Serena didn't seem surprised at the change in Mina's demeanour, in her sudden eloquent speech, and Mina found herself free to continue. "I am sure that our male counterparts are envious of our ability to reproduce, but carrying a child for so many months, facing the dangers of giving birth and spending the months to recover would render a woman helpless to make the important decisions that may be needed at the time."
"Not to mention," Lita added, "it is the women who are in charge of the household and the servants. There are days when I can barely manage to oversee both my staff and my tenants and deal with the numerous mathematical calculations that are required for each task."
"I have read of instances, or depictions, of these traditional roles being reversed," Amelia said quietly, offering her own thoughts. "Of course, it is not a very common practice, though it has been hinted that males who are put in charge of a household are likely to find themselves in quite a bit of strife and don't fare so well."
Her comments lightened the atmosphere, and smiles played on the women's lips. "My father made such an attempt once," Rachael chipped in, "in order to chastise my mother for something she had done. But his plan backfired, and it was my mother who emerged victorious, when the household erupted into chaos under my father's incompetency."
They laughed, finding great amusement in the thought of how males could be so easily rendered powerless. "Sometimes," Serena said, once they had calmed down, "I wonder if the lack of our rights are due to the men's belief that we are the duller sex, and are naturally less intelligent."
"That is deserving of some laughter," Rachael replied, dark eyes glittering. "I doubt my father is half as well-read as Amelia."
The impersonal address seemed to surprise the quiet girl momentarily, but she quickly recovered and smiled at the compliment, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. "Speaking of literature," Amelia said, "I find it unfortunate that it is not a very well-known fact that the first novel ever written was penned by a female."
They were all surprised by the fact, and Rachael said, "Is that so? One of my tutors made a point of boring me to death with his unending droning about Cervantes and Don Quixote, because it was considered to be the first. Naturally, he was male."
"Your tutor must have discounted literature from other less-known cultures," Amelia replied, shaking her head in disapproval. "The first novel, The Tale of Genji, was written about a thousand years before Cervantes was old enough to possess an adequate quill."
Lita snorted at the insinuation, which brought smiles to their faces again. "At this rate we're going," she said, "I'm sure we will soon unearth proof that it is the women who are responsible for the establishment of civilisation."
The discussion continued in the light manner, without a clear resolution for the original topic. As Mina listened attentively to Amelia reporting the findings that supported Lita's statement, she quickly glanced at Serena. The girl was sitting back in her seat, two fingers loosely curled around the stem of her half-filled wine glass that was on the table, clearly satisfied. When Mina first clenched her jaw as she curtsied to the bitter Chistonian prisoner, she would have never thought the same cold woman could manage a feat that she had never believed possible. But by some brilliant manoeuvre and an openness towards her acquaintances, Serena had united four women of differing backgrounds who had never looked upon one another with anything more than cool acknowledgement. And as Mina took the time to fully appreciate what this warm, bright-eyed Lady had done, she vowed to treat Serena with all the respect that was deserved.
AN: Please review!