Ties That Bind
Chapter 39
Complications
Author's Note: Hi all ok so a long note today, first I want to say thanks to all my readers for following along. If you choose to skip over the note and get right to the story that's fine, but if you want to take some time I tried to discuss further the characters development in the story as you have read this story so far it deals with very strong content and a depth of emotion more so then any other story I have ever written.
In writing a story like this I am pleased to see my readers taking the time to analyze the characters and their emotions and see why they respond the way they do. Also I understand that there will be some anger towards the character development I have used so far throughout the story.
For some of the reviews that I received stating that Serena is just a victim of Stockholm syndrome. I would like to respond that I agree with you and your thoughts, but also clarify further by saying that this version of Serena has a depth of emotion and also bravery in her actions. At the end of the last chapter she is left feeling very confused about Darien. In order to avoid his advances she spoke aloud telling him her feelings rather than holding them inside. She admitted to caring for him which is not the same as loving him, but is developing feelings she herself is confused by. Her caring personality is a big part of her nature, but also shown in different parts of the story she shows herself to be smart and courageous by speaking out her mind to him and the strength to endure what she has overcome.
To explain Serena further in her time before coming to the manor she never felt any love from the people who would be expected to love her. The ones who raised her so with Darien's advances treating her as more than just a servant, taking the time to listen and not feel threatened by her education, but admires it. While continuing to want her nearby him and satisfy his sexual needs at the same time she is feeling sensations she has never explored before within herself. At the same time he also hurts her both physically and mentally showing more cruelty towards her than others while making strict demands that he expects her too follow, which leaves her feeling very confused with her emotions towards him.
While the character of Serena is very complex I actually feel Darien is even more of a complex character. While I am not defending his cruel actions he is someone who holds an authority over others that was never challenged before. He was given everything he wanted and everyone always followed and obeyed his every command until he is faced with someone he never expected. Serena challenged him unlike he has ever been before by going against the rules he set and surprises him at every turn with not only the pleasure he gets from her, but her intellect and compassion as well. While he tries to keep a strong hold onto the control that he has over her, which in his demeanor to hold the power over others is when he shows his most cruel nature. While she is also making him feel things he doesn't understand and has never felt before causing him to do unexpected things and speak out in ways he has never experienced before. Which in turn leaves him confused within his own internal battle bringing out his darker side.
Where I had once compared this story to a Beauty and the beast format, which in certain ways I still believe is true. I think that you will find the story is a battle between darkness (Darien) and light (Serena) to see which is stronger and can overcome.
Coming up in the story you will see more character development and revelations. I hope all of you will continue to follow along and while these are my interpretations to the characters everyone that reads this story may come out with a different perspective and I would love to hear all of your own thoughts. Thanks for following along Mars Light.
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will Thank you!
Darien walked down the steps hearing in his head her admittance to him that she had developed feelings for him, which could not be.
He stepped into the main room seeing it quiet while the others busied themselves around knowing with the thin walls they had probably all over heard there conversation upstairs, but not sure how much and to what extent they overheard.
He walked over to Molly seeing her wiping down a table and put his hand onto her shoulder telling her "I would appreciate it if you would go upstairs and help Serena pack so we may continue back to the manor"
Molly dropped the cloth she was holding and turned around to look to him with resentment after having no other choice, but to stay downstairs while hearing Serena's cries and nodded her head having a small idea of how Serena felt under his domineering control telling him "yes my lord" and quickly rushed up the steps to see her friend
She walked down the hall and stood in front of Serena's door then took a deep breath not sure what she would find behind that door and knocked. She waited a second with no reply before asking gently "Serena can I come in"
She waited a moment longer not hearing any response and was about to leave to give her a minute for herself, when she finally heard Serena respond "yes Molly come in"
Molly opened the door slowly to see Serena standing there with her arms wrapped around herself tightly, her eyes were all red and her cheeks flushed from where she had been crying
Molly had been Serena's friend for most of her life and had seen her upset before, the worst being when her aunt no longer wanted her around and sold her off to the Montgomery manor with no other choice but to follow her aunt's orders. At the time she had convinced Serena it could be an exciting and new adventure an escape from what she knew, but never had she imagined dealing with anyone the likes of him before. She walked over and gave her friend a hug telling her "its okay I understand everything now, we'll figure this out"
Serena took a step back from her hold knowing they were no longer young girls with big dreams and shook her head telling her friend as she cried "no Molly it's not what you think, it's so much worse"
Molly looked over to her shaking her head telling her "I don't understand Serena I know who he is now, what hold he has over you"
Serena looked up to her and wiped a tear from her eyes then shook her head confused asking "you do"
Molly nodded her head telling her sadly "Yes father told us downstairs he is Lord Montgomery"
Serena looked to her knowing his identity would not stay secret for long and nodded her head telling her "yes he is"
Molly walked over and placed a comforting hand to her shoulder asking "so what happened I thought you were only going to work in the manor in the kitchen or something"
Serena looked to her letting out a deep breath at the reminder of her brief time working in the kitchen which led to her current duties. She looked to Molly's expectant face and felt relieved that her secret would finally come out she shook her head telling her "I am his mistress"
Molly looked to her confused shaking her head questioning "his mistress, but you were unwed and unexperienced in such ways how could that be?"
Serena went and sat down gingerly on the bed while putting her head down between her hands remembering all the events that took place to turn her into the woman that she was now or lack thereof and the man who was responsible for what she had become with his cruel and heartless behavior asking herself the same question "how did this all happen Molly?"
Molly walked over silently and sat at her friend's side putting a comforting arm around her shoulder telling her "there must be something we can do, we'll find a way out of this"
Serena shook her head knowing better telling her "no there is no escaping this life or him"
Molly looked to her friend knowing Serena's never give up attitude and always seeing the brighter side of things she shook her head telling her "this doesn't sound like you. Where is this all coming from?"
Serena took a deep breath thinking about how she felt for him and looked down at the bed remembering the warmth she felt having his arm's wrapped around holding her all night long and then looked to the wall where he held her up against it and spanked her for disobeying him.
She stood up from the bed and turned her back towards Molly not wanting to drag her dearest friend into the unknown world she has become apart of.
Molly could feel the growing tension rising in the room and felt there was something her friend was not saying she looked to her questioning "Serena?"
Serena stood in the same spot she had earlier when she admitted her feelings to him, her internal battle raging on silently questioning herself why she said anything at all.
Molly stood up from the bed seeing the lost look in her friend's eyes and walked over to her with a reminder of who she is saying "you know one of the things I always admired most about you is your determination, no one else has the same look in their eyes you do, you never give up Serena not until you have nothing left to fight for"
Serena turned around to look at Molly hearing her spirited words and heard his voice in her head reminding her she belongs to him now she shook her head telling her "it no longer makes a difference what I do"
Molly shook her head knowing this was not her friend speaking telling her "sure it does, wasn't it you who always told me as long as I don't give up on my dreams I have not lost everything"
Serena let out a deep breath remembering the girl who once spoke those words and shut her eyes tightly telling her "things are different now Molly"
Molly walked over to her and put her hands up on Serena's shoulders shaking her head telling her "I think right now it is more important to believe in yourself, and keep those beliefs alive Serena. Don't let him take away who you are"
Serena shook her head no as Molly questioned angrily "why are you speaking this way Serena? Why are you letting him destroy your dreams?"
Serena let out a sigh and turned to her stating "because Molly I am his and what's worse. I have grown to care for him"
Darien sat down in a small chair by the fireplace watching as the flames danced around as he let out a frustrated sigh and waited for Serena to come downstairs so they could return back to the manor back to where things were simpler and still under his control.
He looked up hearing slow footsteps coming down and saw Serena with Molly walking down the steps. Molly stood at her side holding onto her arm for balance while Serena came down to the bottom step and turned seeing him sitting by the fire very much the lord she knew he was and told him "I am ready my lord"
He stood up from the seat and walked over grabbing her bag from Molly's hand then looked down on her ordering "I will wait in the carriage say your goodbyes, but be quick about it"
Serena nodded her head appreciative that he was at least giving her time to say her goodbyes and turned to Molly who reached out to her with a big hug.
Serena held onto her friend a second longer not wanting to say goodbye again, not knowing when or if she would see her friend again while Molly whispered to her ear "don't forget what we spoke of"
Serena nodded her head feeling a flash of the girl she once knew telling her "I won't" and slowly took her arms away from Molly and turned to look over at Darien who was standing silently watching there interaction by the doorway. She looked back to Molly telling her "he is waiting I should be going"
Darien went to open the door as Mr. Sawyer quickly came over to him with a bow to his head nervously asking "I hope your visit with us was to your liking Lord Montgomery"
Darien turned and looked back in the inn where things had definitely taken an unexpected turn and put a hand to the man's shoulder telling him respectively "your family's generosity was well appreciated thank you" and walked out the door as Mr. Sawyer breathed out a sigh of relief.
Serena looked on watching the interaction between him and Molly's father knowing full well how he could command a room with just his presence and began to follow him out the door. Mrs. Sawyer quickly crossed the room and came over to her wrapping her arms around her telling her warmly "it was so wonderful seeing you again Serena, take care of yourself alright. I hope you won't be a stranger around here"
Serena looked to the kind woman who at one time treated her like the mother she wished she had, knowing she would never experience such warmth of feeling from another. She stayed enjoying an extra moment in her warm embrace before turning around and looked at her best friend giving her a reassuring smile all would be well then walked out the door.
She hobbled out to the waiting carriage where he already sat inside waiting for her. She took her time and slowly climbed into the carriage shutting the door behind her and sat in the seat opposite him waiting for his instructions.
The carriage started to move down the path, she waited patiently with her hands placed down on her knees for him to say something towards her to make a reply of the feelings she shared with him, to order her down onto her knees in front of him, to want to punish her further for seeing her with Kevin, for disobeying his orders, but nothing he didn't say a single word to her.
The carriage ride was a short distance back to the manor, but they rode the remainder of the way in an uncomfortable silence. She sat at the edge of her seat waiting for his orders to come, but he did not try to touch her once, nor did he say two words to her.
She sat silently rubbing up and down her knees where goosebumps were forming feeling a chill in the air between them, she considered reaching out and putting her hand to his knee which was only inches away from her own to get his attention, but then thought better of it and turned her head and looked away in the opposite direction deciding against it.
Darien was aware of the uncomfortable silence between them and cleared his throat then looked up at her for a moment, she turned her head back to look at him thinking he would finally choose to speak to her, but then he brought his attention back down to the paper he currently held in his hands that he had been reading for most of the ride.
She sat looking to him and remembered Molly's words to her earlier that day reminding her you are the most determined person I know. Don't let him take away who you are. She took a deep breath and looked to him asking "what is that you are reading?"
Darien put down the paper he was holding on his lap and looked up to her with a deep stare when they felt the carriage finally jerk to a complete stop in front of the manor. Before answering her question he quickly opened the door and disembarked without a word to her or even a turn back to look her way.
Serena went to stand up from the bench seat to see him quickly retreating up the front path to the manor while Constance and Andy quickly rushed outside to welcome him home, but he just held up his hand telling them "not now" and walked into the house.
Serena watched his cold demeanor to them and gingerly followed stepping down from the carriage trying to be mindful of her bad ankle. She had difficulty taking the large step down to the ground from the carriage without putting added pressure to her ankle and stumbled forward after putting her full weight onto her injured leg.
She regained her balance after wobbling ungracefully for a moment and then slowly hobbled up to the front door when Constance turned and looked at her with disdain asking accusingly "what have you done now"
Serena took a deep breath not ready to deal with her accusations and held her head up high feeling determined not to show any weakness. She walked up the couple of steps not watching where she was stepping and missed her footing and fell forward to the ground landing on her knees.
Mina and Rei came rushing outside after seeing their friend on her hands and knees on the ground. They rushed forward putting their hands to her arm to help her get back up to her feet, but Serena waved them off saying "I got this" and got back up to her feet alone and slowly hobbled her way inside with an injured ankle and scrapped knees.
She stepped inside the manor looking around seeing not much had changed since they left a few days earlier and yet everything was different. She walked towards the steps wanting to go up to her room, when she saw him standing there at the top of the steps watching her for just a brief second before he walked off out of her sight.
She made her way slowly up the stairs and to her own bedroom and stood in front of her closed door without opening it, she turned and looked towards his door without seeing she knew he was in there.
She wanted to be angry with him and yell and scream for him to acknowledge her to say something. She walked over to his door and lifted her hand going to knock to demand he stop this treatment, but then put it back down in her own cowardness and walked back to her own room opening the door and closing it behind her.
Over the next two days she ate all her meals by herself and slept in her own bed. He had not come for her or made any form of contact. He had been keeping his distance locked away in his study most of the day. She knew he was in the manor from hearing others speak, but she had not seen him.
She knew she should be grateful to have time to sort out her own confused feelings for him, without having to deal with his punishments any further or using her body for his own deep pleasures, but god help her she missed the way he would look at her and listen to her when she spoke, his touch and kisses against her soft skin and the feeling of his arms wrapped around her tenderly keeping her warm on a cold night.
She sat quietly in the dining room eating her lunch alone again and let out a sigh missing the simple conversation they shared, thinking to herself it was a beautiful day outside and would have been a perfect time for a picnic while remembering back to that day by the clear brook and how attentive he had been to her and missed the feel of his arms around her while she sat in his saddle holding onto the reins of his horse.
She smiled at the distant memory of their ride together and considered going out to the stalls to visit Midnight and maybe bringing him an apple to maw at.
She heard footsteps enter into the room behind her assuming it was Lita she asked her "can you please bring me an apple I would like to bring it out to Midnight for a snack"
To her surprise it was not Lita as her mouth opened wide seeing Darien come walking over taking the empty seat across from her. She looked up at him perplexed wondering what changed why he was here now when he spoke up telling her "he doesn't care for fruits, he actually prefers vegetables"
She looked to him surprised hearing the first words he had spoken to her in two days and nodded her head telling him "good to know"
He did not say anything else to her keeping his attention focused elsewhere when Lita came in a moment later and placed a bowl of chowder in front of him.
They sat across from each other picking up there spoons and sipping the soup in uncomfortable silence. Serena couldn't stand the silent treatment she was getting from him any longer. She put her spoon down on the table and looked to him asking "have you been well?"
Darien looked to her surprised by the question asking her "I'm sorry" She took a deep breath knowing he would play his game well and shook her head telling him "I have not seen you the past two days. I thought possibly you had been taken ill"
Darien looked to her without saying a word, then shook his head and concentrated back on his soup telling her "no, I had other things that needed my attention"
Serena felt a knot forming in her stomach wondering what other things or with whom the others were being done she asked him cautiously "what kind of things?"
Darien looked up to her annoyed knowing he could not get through a simple lunch without speaking to her he stated aloud with an edge to his voice "we left Christopher's earlier than expected and I have things that needed my immediate attention to be sorted out"
Serena sat there and sunk down in her chair feeling foolish for judging, she had expected he was trying to avoid her, but meanwhile all this time he was doing important work, that was probably caused due to her unfortunate incident with Lord Christopher.
She hung her head low apologetically and put her hand on the table towards him asking "is there anything I can due to be of assistance to you"
Darien looked up at her surprised by her comment he could think of several ways she could be of assistance to him. She could be of assistance to him right here on this table as his eyes grew with intensity. He sat there looking at her with her plump breasts and soft skin that his tongue thirsted to lick over.
Serena sat there feeling the air in the room getting thicker as her pulse started to speed up at the thought, any moment now he was going to stand up, grab her by the waist, lift her dress, place her down on the table and take her right there in the dining room and part of her wanted him too.
She sat there feeling the heat in his stare while her breath caught in her throat watching as he stood up from the table, but instead of coming towards her he yelled out to Lita "the soup is not cooked properly" and walked out of the room leaving her sitting alone.
Serena sat there looking at his empty seat, not understanding what just happened what made his whole demeanor change so quickly. The soup was tasty as always when she saw Lita come walking out from the kitchen to take his bowl away.
Serena looked to Lita knowing the real truth of his unspoken words saying halfheartedly "it's delicious Lita, it's not the soup, it's me that he has a problem with"
Lita stood there holding the soup bowl in front of her and looked to Serena surprised questioning "you?"
Serena took a deep breath and nodded her head yes, feeling once again in her life used and unwanted then stood up from the table telling her "I don't have much of an appetite any longer Lita, but thank you for the soup. I'll see you later" before Lita could comment she watched Serena walk out from the dining room.
Serena walked back up the stairs slowly and considered for a moment going to his study to confront him and then turned to look out the front window not sure what she would say if she did, but instead she watched him ride away on Midnight through the trees into the forest.
She leaned up against the wall watching him ride off, racing away from her pushing his horse faster and farther until he was no longer in her view.
She let out a deep sigh knowing there talk would have to wait and then slowly turned around to walk up the stairs leading to her bedroom when she heard Constance's voice behind her asking "where do you think you are going?"
She took a deep breath then turned around to see Constance looking her way with distaste she told her calmly "I was going to go up to my room and rest, put my ankle up for a time.
Constance shook her head proudly telling her "it is the middle of the day you will not be resting. Lord Montgomery has instructed me to find something to occupy your time"
Serena looked to her hopeful that they could find a way to work through this quiet barrier between them asking her "do you know when he will return"
Constance looked to her with disdain telling her "it is not my place to ask and neither should you" but added in mockingly "you've really done it this time haven't you"
Serena looked to her feeling the pit in her stomach rising again questioning "what do you mean?" Constance let out a small chuckle telling her "it was he that told me I should find something for you to do that your duties to his lordship are no longer needed at this present time"
Serena stood there dumbfounded she silently questioned herself no longer needed? Why? When panic started to consume her thoughts wondering if he no longer needed her. What then would become of her?
Constance spoke up answering her unspoken question telling her "I will find something for you to do, until other arrangements can be made"
Serena stood there nervously asking her "other arrangements?"
Constance nodded her head pleased telling her "yes, for the time being you will help Mina with her chores until a proper place for you is found" and then walked off down the hall.
Serena stood there feeling her hands shaking and looked out the window seeing the path he had ridden off on Midnight confirming for herself "he no longer wants me around"