Ties That Bind 1.5 The Knot
Chapter 1
Being With Him
Story Summary: Serena has everything her dreams had desired, except for the spoken words of love from the one man who holds her heart, but when a hidden secret of her past is revealed will Darien be able to hold onto what he treasures the most when he's forced to enter back into a world, he thought he left far behind him filled with gossip, backstabbing, lies, and betrayal. Read along on this new journey as truths are revealed and drama unfolds.
Author's Note: Hi everyone sorry about the delay with getting 1.5 out but I unfortunately caught a horrible head cold that put me on bed rest for a few days and still not completely over it yet, but doing better each day. I just want to thank everyone for all the support that I received with Ties That Bind and that you are still interested in reading more and I hope that I don't disappoint. Where Ties does focus mainly on Serena and Darien relationship this story will be doing the same but will also bring up some favorite characters as well as some new ones also.
In regards to one review I received asking if Mina and Andy's relationship will be further explored I do enjoy this idea of giving them more of a back story and where there will be moments mentioned between them I am not planning on putting too much of their relationship into this story, but if you would be interested in reading a story based of those two characters let me know by sharing your thoughts and I might just have to get writing further. Thanks for all of your support and please let me know your thought and reviews. Thanks Mars Light.
Standard Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon never did, never will thank you!
The sun shone in brightly through their bedroom window as Darien rolled over carefully to get out of bed, but there was a warm arm draped across his chest holding him in closer as she came up next to him and nuzzled against his neck telling him lazily "not yet"
He turned around to face the sleeping beauty beside him seeing her golden hair tossed around in all directions from last night's rastle as a small smirk came to his lips remembering how his fingers laced through her golden locks as she gently moaned out his name, as he leaned down and brushed a few stray hairs away from her eyes then placed a gentle kiss to her lips and moved her arm away regretfully placing it up towards his pillow telling her "I must"
He turned over hearing the slight moan of displeasure coming from her lips and stood up from the bed with a loud sigh, even though every inch of his body was fighting him from doing so and walked over to his dresser without it going unnoticed that she had lied back down in the same spot that his hands had caressed her adoringly throughout the night. While she continued on stretching her body out in ways that should be far beyond someone as pure as she is, but still she did a fine job of enticing him back to their bed as he watched her drape the blanket over herself in such a way so that just enough of her soft skin was teasing his eye balls and everything lower beyond there as she kept dropping the blanket down further exposing herself while looking up to him with a small pout questioning "but what if I catch a chill?"
He shook his head unable to look away from her and tried to force himself to turn around, but knowing before he started this would be a losing battle as he watched her hand come down gently caressing her right breast while he shook his head telling her "it won't work this time" and then turned around to look towards the door when he heard her let out a small pleasured moan and cry out "yes"
He let out a long sigh knowing he could never win this, not against her as he turned back around to see she was now sitting up on her knees with the blanket she had held up concealing parts of her warm body, was now left discarded to the side as she gently patted the spot next to her on the bed left unoccupied and waiting.
He was unable to move his eyes from where her hands drifted down her legs and with no control of his own, his feet started to walk closer as she began rubbing her hands up higher across her tender breasts giving them both a tender squeeze and then moved her hands up slowly to her neck as she tilted her head back begging "oh Darien it's so lonely over here, please come join me"
He put his hand up by the collar of his shirt feeling the room was growing steadily hotter as he shook his head and his body spoke one thing while his head told him another as he got the words through his open mouth "Serena I really shouldn't, I must be going I'm late as it is"
She looked up to him with those eyes he could become lost in a second while crooking her neck back and replying "if you must" as he watched her bite down on her lower lip and run her hands down lower, moving across her flat stomach, while she used her other hand with only one finger slowly circling around her tit as she extended her breasts out further begging to be touched and caressed by him.
He put his hands up through his hair watching unable to move or look away as she let out a slight groan and let her fingers drift down lower towards her womanhood and let out a small cry of ecstasy "oh yes" and that was his final undoing as he quickly shortened the gap between them and bent over the bed grabbing her by her arms forcing them up high above her head as she let out a small giggle and looked up to him asking playfully "I thought you must be going"
He shook his head knowing that she knew full well what she did to him and that there was no other that could possibly compare in his eyes to this amazing woman that he got to lie with night after night and keep as his own as his lips came down roughly on top of her soft skin kissing over every spot her hands explored as she let out a deep moan of pleasure with having him one again take complete control of her ambitions.
Darien could feel her breathing pick up as his own chest began to rise with a strong taste of wanting what only she could give him as he moved his hand slowly down her chest asking "Serena what am I going to do with you"
She felt her body heating up from his touch wanting, demanding more of him then just a slight touch as she felt his hands move and caress against her heated skin as she placed her hand up behind his neck pulling his face in closer to her own as she looked back at him with a little smirk telling him "anything you want"
He looked down into the deep blue eyes of his beautiful Serena with her perfect body that she willingly gave to him night after night and often in the morning hours too and continued to amaze him further with each passing day with her resilience, strength and courage, then reached his hand up and stroked her cheek gently while telling her with a joyous smile "you will be my undoing someday" as he lowered his mouth down to her own for a tender kiss.
Much Later that same day…
Darien stood by the bureau attempting to get dressed again for the third time as Serena sat on the edge of the bed pouting with sad eyes asking "why must you have to go so soon?"
He placed on a new shirt from where his last attempt now lied discarded on the floor and walked over to the bed where she sat up on her knees waiting and placed a gentle kiss to her forehead telling her with a small chuckle "it has been hours since we left this room, not that I am complaining, but this time I must go" as he tossed the blanket over to cover up her bare skin from further distraction and took a deep breath in, knowing very well how much she could be capable of finding ways to distract him.
Serena tossed the blanket to the side feeling slightly defeated as she looked over seeing him tightening the belt up on his pants and stood up from the bed with a heavy sigh, then picked up her own silk robe from the floor that had been discarded there the evening prior by his clever hands and wrapped it around herself telling him with a small pout "very well" as she purposely sauntered right past him leaving the robe untied in the front, just enough for a taste of what he would be missing.
Darien took a deep breath in watching her walk right past him while having her being that close and wanting desperately to mold his hand against her tight bottom as he he watched her slowly start to bend down to pick up her panties from the floor, while not missing the amount of cleavage she purposely left open for him to see as he turned around so he wouldn't have to face her, and the many ways she intrigued him, knowing better that if he did they may never leave this room at all.
He took in yet another deep breath trying to stay focused on finishing getting dressed and looked down to make sure his belt was on tight enough to keep his pants from hitting the floor again, although he was pretty certain the erection he had being near her, was large enough to hold them in place as he tried to keep his focus on the wall behind him, when he heard her nearby starting to hum that little tune of hers again.
He closed his eyes hearing the sweet melody and tried to think of other things not so tempting to him to help cool himself down like a cold bath, next to Serena, or a piece of juicy fruit that her tasty lips had just been nibbling on. He took a deep breath in knowing his own thoughts were betraying him and tried to think of other things not so enticing like war, famine, plague, as he took a deep breath in and then let it back out again.
He turned around slowly feeling more in control of his own desires as his rise subsided a little only to see her standing by the night stand that he always kept a vase of fresh flowers handpicked by her every morning as he walked up behind her and placed his hands down against her arms and she crooked her neck slightly to the side and looked up at him half expecting, with the look that he knew instantly that took his breath away.
He reached slowly down her chest and then grabbed both sides of her dressing robe and pulled it shut tight away from his view, before he could become further tempted by his siren of the night and then reached down and placed a soft kiss to her neck on one of the many places he left his marking last night as he told her with a deep sigh "I will be away for the next few days"
Serena looked up to him surprised by his comment after spending every waking moment of the last two days together, he hadn't taken the time to mention anything about leaving her for an extended period of time as she placed both of her hands up to his shoulders asking concerned "What? Why?"
Darien looked into the expressive eyes she had and reached up to gently touch her cheek knowing he could put the trip off no longer and knew how nervous she still became when he had to leave even for a short trip as he told her calmly "I have business I must take care of, but I will return to you as soon as I can"
Serena lowered her hands down and turned her shoulder away from him, wrapping her arms protectively around herself tightly not enjoying the times when he had to be away and she would be left here in this room alone, but knew it had been weeks since he last traveled and now if he was doing so it was unavoidable as she looked up to him hopeful asking "would you like me to join you?"
Darien walked up closing the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her tightly as she rested her head up against his chest with a small sigh and he wanted nothing more than to keep her there with him for always, but knew he could not, at least not this time anyway as he shook his head telling her calmly "nothing would give me greater pleasure, but this is not the time you should come with me"
Serena looked down at herself worriedly at the way that others would still perceive her, while feeling disappointed that he preferred to keep her hidden away from others view as she shook her head asking him alarmed "are you ashamed of me? I know I am not pretty as I was, but"
Darien looked to her amazed that she could ever believe such a thing as he placed both his hands up on her shoulders and took a step back then took a long look over the beauty that stood in front of him and shook his head telling her strongly "no that is not it at all, Serena I am proud to call you my own" as he lifted her face up to look at him and shook his head telling her deeply "and you are not just pretty, your beautiful"
Serena wiped a small tear from her eyes and looked up to him with a small smile knowing only he could look past all of her scars and see only her real beauty, but also knew he still held many of his possessive qualities of her too, even when not trying be, which didn't bother her so much anymore as she teased him back asking "yours huh, I thought I was no longer your possession and could do as I please"
Darien shook his head hearing the challenge she made against him and would not have it any other way while replying with a small grin "do you always have to make things so difficult?" she gave him a warm smile back knowing with him she could truly be free to be herself and speak her mind without worry of any repercussions to follow while telling him back "yes because you let me"
Darien shook his head seeing the way her cheeks shined a darker shade of pink from her outward defiance and let out a small chuckle, thinking of how their past discussion last evening ended with him holding her underneath him in bed together while he pounded into her flesh as she called out his name several times throughout the night, and then forced himself to take a step back to be sure that would not be the same case again while telling her back "that maybe so, but you are still living under my roof and I will do all I can to see you stay safe and protected with me always"
Serena felt her heart steadily beating from his words knowing she never felt more secure then when wrapped up in his arms and took a step forward and placed her hand down on his chest wanting to feel safe at his side as he followed with his eyes down to where her hand lied as she told him with a gentle caress "yes, but if you let me join you I will feel protected and I assure you, well pleasured"
Darien took a deep breath in from the promises of what could be knowing it did sound most pleasing to have her with him, but he wouldn't take the chance with her safety and peace of mind as he took her hand away from his chest and gave it a small squeeze then shook his head explaining "not this time Lord Christopher will be there and I don't want you anywhere near him"
Serena felt a queasiness in her stomach with just the mention of the bastards name as she stepped away from his caress and turned to face the wall, to not show the emotions that were clearly written over her face by just the mention of that name as she wrapped her arms tightly around herself thinking of the horrible brutality that man, that beast inside of him showed while saying back harshly "I don't understand why you continue to do business with him. He is an animal and you are so much better than he is"
Darien let out a small chuckle taking her statement into a different context as he stepped up behind her, knowing without seeing the emotions she tried to keep hidden away and wrapped his arms tightly around her feeling the tension rising within her, knowing exactly where her thoughts had escaped to again and held her back up against his strong chest telling her smoothly "while I appreciate the compliment, believe me I don't like it any more than you do. I would much rather put my hands around his neck and strangle the life from his body for what he did to you, but for now I must continue to keep things civil with Christopher. He is still the closest ally we have and as long as this war continues on, we must keep our relations positive for the good of the people"
Serena let out a small sigh hearing his explanation and knew that she could not dispute it. Darien's duty to his people that he watched over was another positive change that she had seen from him in these recent months, taking the time to really listen and resolve any problems that came about was something he took very seriously that just made her love him all the more for it as she turned back around to face and placed a small kiss to his cheek telling him softly "I understand, I don't like it, but I understand"
Darien looked into those strong eyes of hers and put his hand up behind her neck feeling her tension slowly evaporating, knowing even with the hell she went through she accepted that Christopher would face no real blame in doing so, due to his high position in society while telling her back caringly "I knew you would understand, you amaze me everyday Serena" as he brought his mouth down closer to her own, having no intention of leaving without giving her a proper kiss to remember him by as she leaned forward into his embrace with her lips slightly parted and he took her breath away.
There kiss though was suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door which was both a blessing and a curse as he forced himself to stop kissing her and let out a deep breath as he turned his head towards the door hearing Andy on the other side yelling into him annoyed "you have to take a breather sooner or later, and we must be getting on the road soon if we are to keep the daylight"
Darien looked towards the door with a roll of his eyes from his comment, while keeping his arms draped around her for another moment finding it increasingly difficult to let her go or out of his sight for an extended time as he called out "I'll be there in a moment" as he heard Andy's reply on the other side of the door with a groggy reply "I've heard that before"
Serena let out a small chuckle hearing his response and knowing she was partially to blame for his delays and hoped to delay him some more as she reached down and gently rubbed the bed next to where she stood asking seductively "are you sure you have to leave now? I am certain that Mina can find ways to keep Andy busy a little longer, so we can have some more alone time together"
Darien looked to her with a surprised look from her comment asking "how much do you know about them?" Serena put both her hands up by his cheeks stating with a small chuckle "enough not to worry about what they do on there alone time and know that Mina's interests are on Andy and you will be pleased with their choice to be together, because you only have eyes for me, isn't that right"
Darien took a deep breath in knowing that there had definitely been a positive change in the manor these past few months, not just with himself but his men as well and it was something he wouldn't change a bit of as looked to her with a small grin stating "there is no other for me only you, and nothing would give me more pleasure than to go for another round four or maybe even five with you" but then released his hands from her tempting ways while saying with a small groan "but I must be going this time"
Serena reached up so she was standing up on her tippy toes and looked him in his deep blue eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck holding him in tightly, then placed a kiss behind his ear asking through a low whisper "alright, but not until you tell me when will you be returning to me?"
Darien held her body pressed up close to him as he took a deep breath in of her scent wanting to desperately change his mind and take her with him, but knew it would not be for the best saying with a loud sigh "three to four days' time, no longer I promise and when I do return, you can be sure we will not be leaving this room for the entire day"
Serena giggled at the promise of what would come at his return as she slowly took her arms away from around his neck and gave him a quick peck on the cheek knowing from experience of the kind of places he would be going to and the type association with the men that he would be surrounded with while saying with a small blush "don't forget about me when you're gone"
He let out a small chuckle knowing it would be unbearable enough to be without her, even for a few days that she was all he ever thought about anymore and shook his head replying "impossible" as he raised her hand up and placed one last kiss to her soft skin, then looked into her bright blue eyes that seemed to shine the brightest for him alone and told her ruefully "I must go now" as he released her hand and walked over by the door to pick up his packed bag as he looked back at her standing there with the light of the early afternoon sun glowing on her golden locks of hair and let out a long sigh.
He placed his hand on the doorknob looking at the closed door in front of him and took a deep breath in knowing he had to leave this room sooner or later, but found it increasingly difficult with every second that passed to leave her behind, without being able to set his eyes on her whenever he needed and know she was safe and content as he turned back around telling her "while I am away the manor is open for you. Malcolm, Richard, and Daniel will be here for whatever you need, but please stay safe"
She looked to him with a little grin knowing how very much he wanted her to feel comfortable and happy here with him and she did, as she smiled and walked over to the bureau they shared and took a look at some of her new day dresses hanging inside while telling him back with a small grin "don't worry I know my way around and I think while you are away, I will go to the village to visit a friend"
Darien stopped frozen in place by her words and took his hand away from the doorknob knowing that was all the distraction he needed to hear from her and Andy would have to wait a little bit longer as he dropped his bag down to the floor then turned to face her saying sternly "I don't like the idea of you going to the village on your own"
Serena turned back around to look at him and put her hands down on her hips feeling frustrated from his lack of trust in her. They had this same conversation before in the months that passed which usually ended up with them in bed together not resolving the issue as she shook her head telling him back sternly "why not Lita goes all the time and I would like to see my friend Molly again"
Darien looked to her keeping his voice stern as he ordered in his lord of the manor tone stating forcefully "my answer remains no" as he reached down and picked up his bag from the floor, having no intention of letting her go about the village by herself, telling her in the no argument tone of voice that he used "you are not Lita and when I return if you wish to go I will take you there myself"
Serena stood there as she crossed her arms across her chest in a challenge hearing his direct order which she had no intention of obeying and stood there defiantly asking him "and what is that supposed to mean? Do you not think that I cannot take care of myself?" as she held her head up high knowing in the end, he would deny her nothing.
Darien dropped his bag back down to the floor and walked across the room as he placed his hand down on her shoulder telling her strongly "my answer remains the same no" while he watched her standing there with her arms crossed and her head turned away from him as he took a deep breath and let it out, not wanting to leave here with her like this asking "why must you always make things so difficult?"
She turned her head slightly to look back towards him and as expected she saw him toss his head back and let out a frustrated sigh showing her, he would give in and she would get her way after all as she placed her hand up by his cheek and did a small pout to seal the deal telling him "you will be gone for days. Where I will be here lonely and missing you. Please I promise I will stay safe…she's my friend and I haven't seen her in ages"
Darien saw the sad eyes she gave him that longed for the connection with her friend, and let out a deep exasperated breath seeing how she always seemed to win every argument they had when she gave him the sad eyes and placed a quick kiss down on her forehead as he regretfully agreed telling her "very well, but only if you take Malcom and Richard with you and be back before sunset"
Serena dropped the pout instantly and put her hands back on her waist with a loud huff asking "Malcom and Richard really Darien, you show that little trust in me still? What do you think would happen that I would have a chance encounter with some stranger and leave you to run off with him?"
She watched with a grim face that she may have taken it a bit too far this time, as his smile turned to something else at the quick reference she made to their last visit to her friend.
Darien pushed a stray hair from her eyes while trying to keep his emotions in check, while thinking of the other man who had tried to take his claim onto what was his while telling her back with a little grin "it's not that I don't trust you Serena"
She looked back at him with a shake of her head doubtful of his words as he looked down to where he had been stabbed protecting her from the highway men telling her back "you are too precious to me to lose and trouble seems to follow you around where ever you go, and I will use extra caution to protect was is the most valuable to me"
She stood there hearing him speak of her as his possession once again, but knew some habits were still hard to break and was about to object, but then stopped herself thinking of his earlier words wanting to keep her safe and protected from any harm and being his was not the worst thing she could hear from his lips as she took a deep breath in then let it out finally agreeing she told him "fine, but Richard only"
Darien nodded his head knowing it was not what he preferred, but Richard was reliable and would keep her safe of that he was certain telling her back with a small sigh "very well, but be back before sunset not a moment later Serena I mean it and keep to the roads"
She clapped her hands together excited to hear him agreeing with her terms, even if it didn't give her much time with her friend it was better than nothing then wrapped her arms around his neck saying pleased "thank you Darien" and placed a short brief kiss to his lips.
He held her close in his arms enjoying tasting the sweet nectar of her lips and not wanting to do without it for days as he raised a slight eyebrow telling her "and no climbing any more trees either" as she let out a small chuckle by his comment knowing how much trouble it had gotten her into last time saying back "I won't I promise I'll behave at least until you return" as she gave him a seductive grin stating "travel safe and come home to me soon"
He looked to her with a small grin enjoying hearing her use the word home to describe being here with him and felt her body pressed up against his own and wanted nothing more than to pick her up into his arms and carry her back over to the bed where neither of them would be going anywhere for days as he let out a long sigh saying "I must go now, otherwise I will not leave this room at all"
She smiled at the notion he presented telling him "that doesn't sound so bad" as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek telling her "no it does not sound bad at all, but I must go and when I return, we will have to see what we can do about that" then reached up and gently stroked her cheek telling her "I really must be going now, please stay safe"
She looked up into his soft eyes as she nodded her head replying back "I will, now don't' forget about me in your travels. I'll miss you while you're gone" as she placed both of her hands up to his cheek telling him softly "I love you"
He looked to her with his big blue eyes as she looked up at him expectantly waiting for an answer that would not come as he took a deep breath in, when there was another knock at the door with Andy yelling out "come on haven't you two said enough goodbyes, let's go already"
Darien let out a small chuckle by the unplanned distraction and gently removed her hands away from his cheeks and held them both tightly in his grip as he placed a sweet kiss down on their joined hands telling her gently "I must be going now" as he released her hands and then turned around to leave.
He opened the door and stood there for an extra second looking back at his beautiful Serena standing there alone as she took a deep breath in and then let it back out and he couldn't wait to get back to hold her wrapped up in his arms once more, then stepped out the door closing it behind him to leave knowing these would be long days and nights still ahead of him.
Later that Evening
Serena sat at one of the long tables at her friend Molly's family inn enjoying the pleasant company and distraction of how much she missed Darien while he was away as Molly came walking over holding two bowls of chowder placing one down in front of Serena and holding the other for herself as she told her with a small warning "be careful the bowls are still a little hot"
Serena lifted her spoon and carefully took a small sip of her chowder as she looked to Molly telling her pleased "it's delicious"
Molly smiled by her comment as she took the empty seat beside Serena telling her graciously "thanks it's a new recipe mother is letting me try out in the kitchen"
Serena took another sip of her soup knowing Lita the fine chef she is would love to have a taste of this soup for herself telling Molly back "it's perfect for a midday meal tasty, but not overly filling"
Molly nodded her head knowing Serena would always provide her honest opinion and since she had arrived unexpectedly earlier in the day, they had kept up a pleasant conversation about the weather, and small changes made around the inn, but her friend had not disclosed a single thing about her life over the past few months since they last saw each other.
Molly looked over to her oldest friend seeing someone who was far different now then the girl she had last seen enter the inn as Montgomery's mistress months before, something more than the way she was dressed which was finer than most that entered the inn, there was also a stronger confidence that she held within her today, then she ever remembered seeing in all the years they had known each other as she looked to Serena asking straight to the point "alright are you going to tell me what is going on with you or not?"
Serena put her spoon back down in the bowl hearing Molly's outward comment and looked to her asking calmly "going on with me I don't know what you mean, I am very happy there is nothing wrong"
Molly shook her head knowing that was obvious and let out a small chuckle telling her "that is exactly what I mean. Serena I can see a big difference in you, you look wonderful from the last time we saw each other. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is I mean the clothes are different, but there is something else different too I can tell"
Serena blushed a little knowing she could never hide much from her friend Molly and was not sure exactly how to describe what the situation is now between her and Darien, but she did feel like a new person with him telling her eagerly "yes I am feeling much lighter about many things"
Molly nodded her head as she bit down on her lower lip nervously, thinking about ways that were not to be discussed outside of the marriage bedroom and leaned over asking her cautiously "I take it Lord Montgomery is treating you very well"
Serena looked to her knowing what she was implying and partially she was right Darien did take care of her well in that regard, but it was much more than that also. He insisted that he kept her dressed in the finest clothing and jewels, and took the time to listen to all her thoughts. It was more the man inside that he had become with her, that she just enjoyed being in his company as she nodded her head replying "yes I am very happy with him"
Molly put a hand on top of Serena's not knowing entirely what was happening in the big house on the hill, but knew she had never seen Serena look happier telling her "I can see that now, when you first arrived with him a few months back I had deep concerns, but it looks like things are getting along better between you"
Serena nodded her head remembering when she and Darien had last been there which ended with her in tears never believing someone like him could ever really care for her which turned out not to be true as she took Molly's hand telling her reassuringly "I know the things that I said then, but things are different now. I'm different"
Molly nodded her head hearing of all the rumors that had been spoken throughout the village of her friend which she chose neither too confirm or deny and refused to pry any further into some of the outward scars her friend wore of what could be a painful past telling her back "yes I can see that too, but know if you ever need to talk or take a break from the big house I'm always here to listen"
Serena nodded her head knowing of the way people still spoke about that day in the village and the rumors that were spread about her time with Christopher that were nowhere near close to the truth of what actually happened for that she was grateful, but looked down at the pale pink gown that she now wore with the rich gold necklace around her neck and barely recognized herself anymore feeling like a stranger in her own body, that carefully concealed her hidden past, with her hair done up all perfect as she took a deep breath in telling her "thanks Molly"
Molly looked to her friend with a little grin after being mistaken when Serena first walked in the inn with a guard at her side that she was some rich land owner's wife and was shocked to find out it was her own good friend and was never more pleased to feel this way too as she picked up her spoon and took another sip of her soup then looked up to Serena telling her knowingly "it's because he loves you isn't it"
Serena dropped her spoon back into the soup not expecting the comment to come and then all went quiet in the small inn as Molly looked to her seeing the sudden change in her friend as she told her apologetically "I'm sorry if I said something wrong, I didn't mean to overstep"
Serena shook her head knowing that she had told Darien many times before that she loved him, and he either found a way to change the subject or made a polite comment back that he enjoyed being with her or was happy with the way things are, but she had yet to hear him say the same words back to her that he loved her too, but put on a pleasant smile for Molly telling her back "no, no things are wonderful between Dar. I mean Lord Montgomery and myself, really I couldn't be happier"
Molly looked to her concerned seeing Serena still scrunched up her nose when she was caught lying as she told her worriedly "but"
Serena shook her head not wanting to take any chances and mess up the greatest thing to ever happen in her life telling her strongly "no buts, I know he cares for me a great deal and that is enough for me"
Molly turned around and took a sip of her own soup hearing Serena's definitive answer, but also that she knew Serena a long time too and knew when she was holding back her true feelings, that what she really wanted is one of the happy endings she read about in one of her story books, but could see she was obviously well taken care of and seemed happy enough as she nodded her head telling her "alright if you say so" then decided to change the subject to what she hoped was a safer topic asking "have you heard from your father lately. It was very odd the way he and your aunt just up and left so suddenly wasn't it"
Serena became choked up feeling like she lost her appetite at the mention of them as her stomach flipped over with the image floating in her head of the last time, she saw the man she refused to acknowledge any longer by the word father.
She took a deep breath knowing that Darien's men had made it clear they were to move on and she hadn't seen or heard from him or her aunt since that last day in the village when he sold her off to be Lord Christopher's whore which was more than fine by her that they keep a far distance away and not return as she shook her head telling Molly coldly "no I haven't"
Molly sat there stunned by Serena's cold reaction she knew she had said something to cause such a strong response from her friend and began to wonder how much of the rumors she had been told were true as she shook her head telling her "it's probably for the best that he left to get a new start. I have been told most days when he was here he just sat in the pub from open to close"
Serena nodded her head not expecting to hear anything less of the man she shared the same blood with, but that was all he would ever be to her again and knew from one of the few brief conversations she had with Darien on the man, that he would not be returning again because in Darien's own words he had made it clear that he would kill the man if he ever set eyes on him again as she told Molly plainly "my father is not a well man it is best that he stay away"
Molly let out a loud gulp unsure what it was that happened, but knew something big went down to cause Serena to speak with such hatred of a man she had once idolized telling her with a small gulp "if that is what you think is best"
Serena dropped her shoulders down and tried to mask the anger and resentment she felt boiling up inside of her, not wanting Molly to ever know the real truth of the matter and the pain he was responsible for bringing down on her as she elaborated stating "after he returned from the war, he was not the same man"
Molly nodded her head solemnly in agreement she knew Serena was hiding something deep from her, but what it was she knew without a doubt would never be spoken aloud as she nodded her head saying in the same cool tone "I understand. It must have been very difficult for him"
Serena returned all her focus down to the soup bowl in front of her and took another small sip from her spoon and tried to focus down on the bowl in front of her to hide away the tears welling up in her eyes telling her choked up "yes it must have"
Richard stood by watching the interaction between Serena and her friend and knew his duty to keep her protected at all costs was something he took very seriously, in which Montgomery would not be pleased to see the tears coming to her eyes and felt now would be a good time to break things up as any. He walked over to the table and bowed his head down properly saying "pardon Ms. Serena, but the sun is beginning to set and Lord Montgomery did request we be back before it gets dark"
Serena turned her head around and looked out the window to see Richard was right it was starting to get dark already as she nodded her head knowing Darien would be very angry with her, if he found out she stayed later then she should have which she was certain Richard would give him a detailed report when he returns as she nodded her head telling Molly "I'm sorry, he is right I must be going"
Molly stood up from the table glad to have the time she did with her friend as she gave her a big hug telling her "I understand and it was so wonderful seeing you again today, please promise you will return again soon"
Serena hugged her back not realizing how much she did miss speaking to her friend while telling her back honestly "as soon as I can" as she looked to see Richard standing to the side holding out her cape for her as she looked to Molly with a little grin telling her "I must be going now, but please thank your parents for me as well for a wonderful visit"
Molly nodded her head knowing fairy tale or not Serena had definitely changed into a newer version of the same old kind self she is telling her back "I will do so"
Serena turned to leave the inn with a small wave of her hand and then followed Richard outside the inn as he closed the door behind them and then turned to look at Serena asking concerned "are you alright?"
Serena looked up at him surprised by the usually stern guards unexpected nosey question asking "what do you mean?"
Richard stepped over and put a comforting hand to her arm, being one of the few who knew of the real relationship she had with her father as he handed her a handkerchief from his pocket telling her "your friend doesn't seem to know about your relationship with your father and how he really is?"
Serena stood there for a moment surprised by his comment and then realized she didn't have to hide her true feelings with Richard as she let out a little smirk and took the handkerchief from his hand to wipe away the few tears drops that escaped down her cheek and took a deep breath in, then let it back out telling him "no she doesn't and I don't want her too"
Richard put a comforting arm around her shoulder feeling like he said too much already and hoped there would be four girls back at the manor who would be better suited for this conversation, then he is as he told her comfortingly "come along, I'll get you home"
Serena nodded her head enjoying hearing the word home and knowing it was a word of comfort to her now opposed to what it once was as she walked with him down the road in silence while keeping her eyes focused on the small abandoned cottage at the end of the road.
Author's Note: HI everyone okay I know there was not much action or intrigue in the first chapter, but just wanted to give a little casing of where the characters are in the story right now, as it will relate to where the story will be heading towards in chapters to come. Hope you are enjoying reading and please send your thoughts and reviews. Thanks Mars Light.