title: Elusive Thoughts | Chapter 8
rating: PG-13
author: Mir
email: incandescence@juno.com
website: http://cathedraldragon.tripod.com/sm/
disclaimer: Sailor Moon, et al. belongs to Naoko Takeuchi,
etc., etc., and so on and so forth ^_^. The other characters
belong to me...for whatever that's worth. I have no money
to speak of, so suing me will not make you rich. Yes, and
this story was inspired by Melanie Rawn's *Dragon Prince*.
Kudos to her, it's an excellent novel.
AN: Yes, pg-13 again. More of the same...by the way, my
website will probably have new parts to stories out sooner
than the archives (if anyone's interested). Plus there will be
teasers there for works currently in progress but not yet
completed. Oh, and this chapter's slightly longer too...so
enjoy :)
*Chapter 8*
Darien accepted the offered wine glass and smiled at Prince Helder.
"Here's to your first Caucus," the older man congratulated, raising his glass to
make a toast. "May it be the first of many." The light chime of rims colliding
was drowned out by the jocund beat of music playing. The grass was soft
beneath his feet, and Darien's head spun with the excitement of a good, noisy
party. He tilted the glass to his lips, watching the red liquid drain away.
"Aye, and it can't be over soon enough, I'll say." His eyes wandered
over the girls congregating around the buffet table, searching for a certain
light-haired pixie. "Thank the Goddess that today was the last day we had
to sit around that damned table."
"No complaints here," Helder replied, chuckling. "By the way, what
did you think of the way Raonus slid that treaty in at the last moment. Quite
sly of him really."
Darien squinted, inspecting Helder's features for traces of suspicion
or dishonesty. But finding none, he shrugged casually and again raised his
glass. "I think it would be in the best interests of all gathered here today to
sign an agreement proclaiming that if anyone's land is wrongfully invaded
by another then the rest of us shall willingly and swiftly come to that Prince's
aid," he replied, doing his best imitation of the High Prince while reciting
Raonus's words verbatim. "I have my ideas, but when all is said and done,
who know? It's Raonus we're discussing here, remember."
"Quite right, quite right." Helder slapped his companion's back in
friendly appreciation. "Your father was honored as a fierce warrior, and
your sister was both fair and just, but you, my son, are the best entertainment
I've had since Taro walked into my tent half-naked and fast-asleep. Did
you know, he's a horrible sleepwalker. His wife has leaned to keep him
tied to the bed; can you believe it? Just think of the teasing he'd get from
his vassals if they ever found out."
Darien shook his head in amusement. "Oh Goddess, he'd never
live it down if they knew knew, would he?" He grinned, pantomiming
a man tied to his bed but trying to sleepwalk nonetheless. Wine sloshed
from his glass unnoticed onto the ground, and it was all the other could do
to refrain from exploding with laughter.
"Oh Darien, you're wonderful, did you know that?" Helder exclaimed,
wiping a tear from his eye. But Darien wasn't listening - he had finally spotted
the object of his desire, her plate piled high with half the buffet table, and he
was making his way toward her like there was no tomorrow.
- - - - - - - - - -
As the party carried on, a lively ruckus for the young and starry-eyed,
Nora sat by herself in the shadows of the willow trees. With her husband
nowhere in sight, she couldn't help feeling lonely. 'Poor Nora, all alone and
looking like she's going to burst of she gets any fatter' were her thoughts as
she patted her swollen abdomen. At the very least she felt tired and disgusting.
'I really can't blame Raonus for staying away from me when I'm this big. I
can hardly stand myself'.
She sighed heavily, closing her eyes and propping her aching feet up
on the stool beside her. "You notice Berlyn's nowhere to be found." She
jumped at the low voice next to her ear, but exhaled slowly when she
realized who it was. "Elvira, don't scare me like that. You nearly gave me
a heartattack.
"Sorry, Mother, but did you see Berlyn come back to her tent last night?
She was barefooted, and her skirt was drenched in mud up to her knees. Did
you see her hair? All in tangles around her shoulders. The walls have been
whispering. They say she all but threw herself at Darien. The little whore..."
Nora frowned. "Oh dear me. The Prince doesn't seem like the type
who'd appreciate the gesture," she replied, eyes drifting slowly to the man in
question. Elvira shrugged. "Of course he isn't. Why else do you think he
would have sent her away in disgrace. You know, she claims she went out
walking and fell in a mud puddle, but I think that she made a serious
miscalculation last night."
She paused to catch her breath, cheeks pink with excitement. Loose
strands of auburn hair waved gently in the breeze, and she reached up to tuck
them behind her ears. "She's effectively taken herself out of the competition.
Rumor has it that Lady Ariane wanted him to marry her little fair-haired
Goddess-chosen girl, but Darien hasn't said more than three words to her this
entire time. Damn it, Mother, there's no one else. The Prince is mine."
Nora, slightly taken aback by the other's vehement tone, blinked several
times, gathering her thoughts. She glanced up to observe Darien's latest
antics, only to find that he'd wondered out of her line of sight. When she
finally located him he was...leaning seductively over the 'fair-haired girl', and
she arched an eyebrow in amusement. "Are you so sure, dear? It seems
he's quite interested in her now." She watched as her daughter-in-law
scowled in displeasure and stormed off in the prince's direction. 'They all want
to marry into power, but it doesn't matter because I'm going to have a son,
and Raonus is going to love me forever' she mused with detached contentment.
- - - - - - - - - -
Serena lifted her fork, all but drooling over the multicolored mound
on her plate. She tilted her head first to the right, then to the left, forming a
strategy for consuming the work of art. "Are you just going to look at that
or are you going to eat is as well?"
"D-Darien." His hands gripped her shoulders, and she tilted her head
back so that she was looking lovingly up at his chin. "Where did you come
from?" She twisted around so that she was facing him, leaving only a plates-
width between them.
"Out of thin air, my love." He leaned down and would have planted
a sloppy kiss on her forehead if Serena hadn't taken a quick step back. "Shh,
you know you can't say things like that here. What if someone overhears us?
It'll be all over the tents in a heartbeat, and what would you do then?" She
could smell that alcohol on his breath, and she knew that she should really get
away before they did something they'd regret in the morning, but her head
spun in his close presence, and her heart beat loudly in her chest.
"Not all the mercenaries in Sheridia could drag me away from you
tonight," he replied, reaching for the offending plate that acted as separation.
"Maybe not, but I have a feeling that one High Prince's daughter is going to
give it her best shot," Serena retorted, retaining a firm grip on her food and
eyeing a fast-approaching Elvira warily.
"Who cares about them when I've got you?" He commented dreamily.
Giving up on the plate, he was now trying to work his arm around Serena's
waist, but she easily managed to evade his clumsy attempts. 'Goddess, he must
really be drunk if he's acting so spaced-out...if only I could enjoy this' She took
an apple from her plate and placed it in his hand, using his confusion to gain a
foot or two of breathing space. "Why hello, Elvira. What a lovely evening this
is, and what a pleasure it is to see you."
Two sets of eyes glared at Serena, but Elvira was the first to respond.
"Oh, it's nice to see that you two are enjoying the celebration." She smiled
sweetly and laid her hand on Darien's arm. "But if you don't mind, I'd like to
have a word or two with the Prince by myself. So if you'll leave us - "
'Why that little wrench, just who does she think she is? Coming along
and thinking she can drag my Darien off while I'm standing here...' Serena
pressed her lips together, trying to control her complete and utter disgust for
the High Prince's daughters. 'But at least it's not Berlyn again. Just let them
wait and see. Come tomorrow they'll both get their just desserts' She breathed
deeply, then replied with forced amiability. "Of course not, Your Highness. I was
just on my way anyhow."
Serena could feel Darien's eyes follow her as she made her way to the
edge of the celebration, plate still in her hand. She dug her fork into the pilaf
in frustration, not caring as bits of rice dusted the ground beneath her feet.
She speared a piece of chicken, inspected it in the semidarkness, and was
about to shove it in her mouth when footsteps behind her made her freeze.
"I've been looking for you all evening, my fair Lady." Her eyes met those of the
High Prince, and she suddenly felt nauseous.
- - - - - - - - - -
Darien leaned against the frame of his tent, breathing hard. 'The one day
I could have used Justin he's nowhere to be found' he grumbled as he reached
for the edge of the flap and staggered inside. The only thing in his line of vision
was his bed - the most inviting sight he'd ever seen in his entire existence - and
he couldn't get to it soon enough. Falling onto it was the easy part, pulling the
blanket up over his head was torture.
It seems as though he had only just closed his eyes, and he groaned as
a hand roughly shook his shoulder. "Darien? C'mon, you've got to wake up."
Someone sighed in exasperation. "Darien, listen - we can't find Serena." The
words jolted through him, tiredness fizzling away into the night air.
"Did you just say that Serena was missing?" he murmured, focusing his
eyes with effort on the worried face of Rei. She nodded. "She'd disappeared from
the party, so Lita went back to the tents to see if she'd gotten tired, but the camp
was empty. We walked down to the river but couldn't find her there either. Then
Ami said that she noticed her talking with the High Prince near the edge of the
dancing area...are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
He clenched his fists and slammed them against his forehead. "Damn,
damn, damn the man. Why didn't I see it before?" He threw the blanket back,
thankful that he'd fallen into bed fully clothed. "You...you stay here - in case
she comes back." One hand against his temple, Darien spun around, searching
for a match and a lantern. "I think it's time I paid the High Prince a visit."
"But Darien, you can't possibly think that I'd let you go after her alone - "
Rei responded, following him around the tent. "No, you're staying here." He
watched as fire spread from the match to the oil inside the lantern, then turned
to face Rei. "This is something I've got to deal with myself." And before she
could protest he swept quickly from the tent, jaw set in determination.
When guards stopped the rumpled young man who approached the
High Prince's tents as if he owned them, Darien flashed his seal rings, muttering
"Princes's business," and they bowed their heads and let him pass without
further question. He paused at the entrance to Raonus's tent, knowing that,
(depending on what he found inside) Serena's life might depend on his next
actions.
"Don't touch him. He's nothing to you." That familiar voice, strained
with fatigue, cut through the air. "You lay a hand on my Lady, and you'll
regret it!" His squire quickly followed, and Darien smiled faintly. "My Prince
will come after us, you'll see."
'They're playing for his attention, throwing each other cues' he thought
in commendation. 'Thank the Goddess they've both got good heads on their
shoulders.' Then in one fluid movement he lifted the flap and slid inside. "You
have her rather inconveniently placed for rape, Your Highness."
Raonus pivoted so quickly he almost lost his balance, and only a
nearby chair kept him from ending up sprawled upon the ground. "I was
wondering when the Princeling was going to show up," he smirked, folding his
arms across his chest. "They've been assuring me repeatedly that you'd swing
by to save them, but I admit that I was beginning to have my doubts."
"Release them." Darien's reply was low, but firm. "Ah, so now the
Princeling decides to give me orders. Darien, I'm sure your personhood
wouldn't suffer from bit more vocabulary." The High Prince smiled cooly,
his tone saturated with feigned levity.
Darien stepped further into the room, talking and hoping that the
other prince wouldn't notice his advance. "If you were smart you'd have
already suggested that I am attempting to attack you and called for your
guards." His gaze flickered toward Serena, and he squinted when he
noticed her odd position once more.
"Fantastic idea. I'm surprised I didn't think of that one myself - "
Raonus replied brightly. Darien shook his head. "The problem is that you're
thinking with what's between your legs, not your head. My Squire and Serena
as attackers? No one would believe that; those chosen by the Goddess are
bound by oath never to kill. And me, what motive would I have? I've been
looking over your daughters, haven't I?"
The High Prince, now fuming, raised his hand for silence, but Darien
continued breathlessly. "No, I'd wait until after the marriage, not before.
With Princemarche and the Desert united through matrimony and you without
an hier, I could finish you off then and legally inherit your lands." He paused,
catching his breath. "You do know that I never really considered marrying
one of your daughters. I'm not as big a fool as you think I am."
"I should have known, you little prick," Raonus growled, shaking his
fist at Darien. "I should have known you were never up to any good. You
thought you could lead me around like a horse to water, waving a marriage
proposition under my nose while I signed treaties like a fool?" He stood
before the younger man, broad shoulders firmly squared. "Well this is one
fool who's too smart for your little games."
"And what if I had married Elvira? Or perhaps your charming slut
Berlyn? Oh I'm sure I would have made it home alright. But at the next
Caucus, when I have a young son bouncing happily on my knee, would
I find a knife in my back on the way home? Of course the other princes'
would find it natural that you, as my son's grandfather, would sweep into
the Desert and offer to govern it until the young Desert prince is old
enough to rule in his own right." He pictured the two glass knifes he had
hidden in his tent, one from the riverside and one from the race course.
"The first attack was only meant to scare, wasn't it?" He sneered,
drawing himself to his full height and staring confidently into Raonus' eyes.
"Sheridians never miss...even when throwing from a galloping horse."
He searched his opponent for signs of recognition, of surprise at the
accusation, but Raonus wouldn't give into taunting, yet.. "That's why you
insisted on that last agreement today, wasn't it? When Sheridian mercenaries
sweep into my lands you'll cite the treaty as an excuse to bring your troop
across the border as well." He broke eye-contact, right hand reaching
slowly for his beltknife. "My vassals wouldn't put up with your stench near
their holds, your boots on their fields. Let a single soldier of your cross
across the border, and you'll see just how well my sister trained her army."
"Silence," the High Prince bellowed, pressing close to Darien, teeth
clenched. He pointed at the other's chest, fingertip digging into his sternum.
"You'll be sorry you ever got involved with me and my affairs, princeling.
When the time comes - and believe me, it will - the others will side with me,
not you." Before Darien could reply, a flash of silver appeared in Raonus'
hand, and he faltered backward in surprise.
"Better run back to your tent, you son-of-a-bitch. Run while
you've got the chance," Raonus snapped, waving his knife at Darien's
midsection. "Not without my squire and wife," he spat, emphasizing
the last word. "You don't think I'd leaving her here to be ravaged, do
you?" Wasting no time he drew his knife and lunged toward the
captives.
Raonus caught his arm. "Not so fast." He smirked with disdain.
"I doubt she'd be much use to you tonight anyway. To your credit, I
had to drug her to get her here." Before the other could stick a knife in
his gut, Darien twisted away, thankful that it was the right arm that had
been captured instead of the left. The two circled each other at a
comfortable distance, each sizing up his opponent.
- - - - - - - - - -
Serena sat awkwardly on the bed, ropes chafing against her wrists
and ankles. She stared at Darien, both relieved that he'd come to rescue
her and concerned that he'd put his own life in danger. She tried to think
of something to say, something that would distract that jerk, the High
Prince, but her head swam, and her vision faded in and out with each breath.
'What did he put in that wine anyway?' She closed her eyes and
scolded herself. She should had known. 'He had two glasses, one in
each hand, and he handed me the one on the right. I should have guessed
his intentions.'
'But at least Darien got here in time...' Her eyes flew open as she
heard the quiet whoosh of steel through air, and had her hands been free
she would have brought them to her mouth in surprise...or used them to
conjure enough flame to burn Raonus to an indistinguishable crisp. Paralyzed,
she watched them circle each other, crouched like hunting desert cats.
'Raonus has the longer reach, but Darien has his youth and energy. He's
stronger than he looks...but there's also the shoulder injury from the race'
She weighed the factors favoring both, preying that no blood would be
drawn.
- - - - - - - - - -
"If you've hurt her - " Darien threatened, easily sidestepping Raonus's
lunge. The High Prince quickly regained his balance, scowling. "No
permanent damage, I assure you," he retorted, gripping his blade tightly.
Then suddenly, he closed again, missing the other's midsection by a mere
fingerswidth. Darien spun away only just in time, cursing the lingering
effects of the wine he had consumed earlier that evening.
"Can the princeling only talk, or can he fight too?" Raonus taunted,
once again advancing. Darien was unprepared for in the power of his
attack, surprised that the High Prince continued his thrust even as his own
blade tore into Raonus's shoulder. He felt a searing pain across his
abdomen and heard Serena gasp, his knife falling to the floor. One swift
kick by Raonus sent it skidding to the edge of the tent.
"Should I kill you quickly or savor your suffering?" Raonus inspected
his shoulder gingerly, keeping one eye on the younger prince. Silently,
Darien reached down and pulled the second knife from his boot. "Neither,
you Highness. Your Sheridian allies have failed, and you will as well." Ire
rising, he began his attack, using his speed and cunning to deliver thrusts the
High Prince was only barely able to avoid.
But at last he stumbled, falling into Raonus, who grabbed his arm,
placing his knife at the other's injured shoulder. "Cut me and I'll break your
wrist." Darien threatened, grabbing the High Prince's arm. "You wouldn't
dare, would you?" Raonus growled, pressing harder against Darien's skin.
And in one smooth movement the Desert Prince wrenched himself out of the
other's grasp, digging deeply Raonus's arm with his knife. He gasped in pain,
stepping backwards and dropping his knife in surprise.
"I think I'll be keeping this." Darien placed his foot over the blade,
then leaned down to retrieve it and tuck it into his belt. Raonus watched
in barely contained fury as Darien quickly slit the ropes restraining Serena
and Justin. He gathered the former in his arms, placing her head against
his chest. He strode to the tent flap, but turned at the exit, head held high.
"If you bandage that well no one will notice," he advised, pulling Serena
closer against him. Then, almost as an afterthought, he threw his parting
shot. "I'm a Prince before I'm a man, your Highness, something you'll
never understand. But while the Prince may forget about tonight, I assure
you that the man will not." And with that, he turned sharply and left the
tent, ignoring the set of dark eyes that sought to bore holes through his
back.
*end of Chapter 8*
- - - - - - - - - -
Thank you to everyone who has written to me about this story and about my
website. It really does mean a lot to me to know what you all think - and if
you haven't written, please don't be shy! I promise I won't bite, and I don't
mind criticism (as long as you have a reason for why you think my work
stinks ^_^). So keep your eyes open for chapter nine - I'm not sure whether
it's going to be the grand finale or not...it all depends on how everything works
out.
- Mir 01.24.01
.
rating: PG-13
author: Mir
email: incandescence@juno.com
website: http://cathedraldragon.tripod.com/sm/
disclaimer: Sailor Moon, et al. belongs to Naoko Takeuchi,
etc., etc., and so on and so forth ^_^. The other characters
belong to me...for whatever that's worth. I have no money
to speak of, so suing me will not make you rich. Yes, and
this story was inspired by Melanie Rawn's *Dragon Prince*.
Kudos to her, it's an excellent novel.
AN: Yes, pg-13 again. More of the same...by the way, my
website will probably have new parts to stories out sooner
than the archives (if anyone's interested). Plus there will be
teasers there for works currently in progress but not yet
completed. Oh, and this chapter's slightly longer too...so
enjoy :)
*Chapter 8*
Darien accepted the offered wine glass and smiled at Prince Helder.
"Here's to your first Caucus," the older man congratulated, raising his glass to
make a toast. "May it be the first of many." The light chime of rims colliding
was drowned out by the jocund beat of music playing. The grass was soft
beneath his feet, and Darien's head spun with the excitement of a good, noisy
party. He tilted the glass to his lips, watching the red liquid drain away.
"Aye, and it can't be over soon enough, I'll say." His eyes wandered
over the girls congregating around the buffet table, searching for a certain
light-haired pixie. "Thank the Goddess that today was the last day we had
to sit around that damned table."
"No complaints here," Helder replied, chuckling. "By the way, what
did you think of the way Raonus slid that treaty in at the last moment. Quite
sly of him really."
Darien squinted, inspecting Helder's features for traces of suspicion
or dishonesty. But finding none, he shrugged casually and again raised his
glass. "I think it would be in the best interests of all gathered here today to
sign an agreement proclaiming that if anyone's land is wrongfully invaded
by another then the rest of us shall willingly and swiftly come to that Prince's
aid," he replied, doing his best imitation of the High Prince while reciting
Raonus's words verbatim. "I have my ideas, but when all is said and done,
who know? It's Raonus we're discussing here, remember."
"Quite right, quite right." Helder slapped his companion's back in
friendly appreciation. "Your father was honored as a fierce warrior, and
your sister was both fair and just, but you, my son, are the best entertainment
I've had since Taro walked into my tent half-naked and fast-asleep. Did
you know, he's a horrible sleepwalker. His wife has leaned to keep him
tied to the bed; can you believe it? Just think of the teasing he'd get from
his vassals if they ever found out."
Darien shook his head in amusement. "Oh Goddess, he'd never
live it down if they knew knew, would he?" He grinned, pantomiming
a man tied to his bed but trying to sleepwalk nonetheless. Wine sloshed
from his glass unnoticed onto the ground, and it was all the other could do
to refrain from exploding with laughter.
"Oh Darien, you're wonderful, did you know that?" Helder exclaimed,
wiping a tear from his eye. But Darien wasn't listening - he had finally spotted
the object of his desire, her plate piled high with half the buffet table, and he
was making his way toward her like there was no tomorrow.
- - - - - - - - - -
As the party carried on, a lively ruckus for the young and starry-eyed,
Nora sat by herself in the shadows of the willow trees. With her husband
nowhere in sight, she couldn't help feeling lonely. 'Poor Nora, all alone and
looking like she's going to burst of she gets any fatter' were her thoughts as
she patted her swollen abdomen. At the very least she felt tired and disgusting.
'I really can't blame Raonus for staying away from me when I'm this big. I
can hardly stand myself'.
She sighed heavily, closing her eyes and propping her aching feet up
on the stool beside her. "You notice Berlyn's nowhere to be found." She
jumped at the low voice next to her ear, but exhaled slowly when she
realized who it was. "Elvira, don't scare me like that. You nearly gave me
a heartattack.
"Sorry, Mother, but did you see Berlyn come back to her tent last night?
She was barefooted, and her skirt was drenched in mud up to her knees. Did
you see her hair? All in tangles around her shoulders. The walls have been
whispering. They say she all but threw herself at Darien. The little whore..."
Nora frowned. "Oh dear me. The Prince doesn't seem like the type
who'd appreciate the gesture," she replied, eyes drifting slowly to the man in
question. Elvira shrugged. "Of course he isn't. Why else do you think he
would have sent her away in disgrace. You know, she claims she went out
walking and fell in a mud puddle, but I think that she made a serious
miscalculation last night."
She paused to catch her breath, cheeks pink with excitement. Loose
strands of auburn hair waved gently in the breeze, and she reached up to tuck
them behind her ears. "She's effectively taken herself out of the competition.
Rumor has it that Lady Ariane wanted him to marry her little fair-haired
Goddess-chosen girl, but Darien hasn't said more than three words to her this
entire time. Damn it, Mother, there's no one else. The Prince is mine."
Nora, slightly taken aback by the other's vehement tone, blinked several
times, gathering her thoughts. She glanced up to observe Darien's latest
antics, only to find that he'd wondered out of her line of sight. When she
finally located him he was...leaning seductively over the 'fair-haired girl', and
she arched an eyebrow in amusement. "Are you so sure, dear? It seems
he's quite interested in her now." She watched as her daughter-in-law
scowled in displeasure and stormed off in the prince's direction. 'They all want
to marry into power, but it doesn't matter because I'm going to have a son,
and Raonus is going to love me forever' she mused with detached contentment.
- - - - - - - - - -
Serena lifted her fork, all but drooling over the multicolored mound
on her plate. She tilted her head first to the right, then to the left, forming a
strategy for consuming the work of art. "Are you just going to look at that
or are you going to eat is as well?"
"D-Darien." His hands gripped her shoulders, and she tilted her head
back so that she was looking lovingly up at his chin. "Where did you come
from?" She twisted around so that she was facing him, leaving only a plates-
width between them.
"Out of thin air, my love." He leaned down and would have planted
a sloppy kiss on her forehead if Serena hadn't taken a quick step back. "Shh,
you know you can't say things like that here. What if someone overhears us?
It'll be all over the tents in a heartbeat, and what would you do then?" She
could smell that alcohol on his breath, and she knew that she should really get
away before they did something they'd regret in the morning, but her head
spun in his close presence, and her heart beat loudly in her chest.
"Not all the mercenaries in Sheridia could drag me away from you
tonight," he replied, reaching for the offending plate that acted as separation.
"Maybe not, but I have a feeling that one High Prince's daughter is going to
give it her best shot," Serena retorted, retaining a firm grip on her food and
eyeing a fast-approaching Elvira warily.
"Who cares about them when I've got you?" He commented dreamily.
Giving up on the plate, he was now trying to work his arm around Serena's
waist, but she easily managed to evade his clumsy attempts. 'Goddess, he must
really be drunk if he's acting so spaced-out...if only I could enjoy this' She took
an apple from her plate and placed it in his hand, using his confusion to gain a
foot or two of breathing space. "Why hello, Elvira. What a lovely evening this
is, and what a pleasure it is to see you."
Two sets of eyes glared at Serena, but Elvira was the first to respond.
"Oh, it's nice to see that you two are enjoying the celebration." She smiled
sweetly and laid her hand on Darien's arm. "But if you don't mind, I'd like to
have a word or two with the Prince by myself. So if you'll leave us - "
'Why that little wrench, just who does she think she is? Coming along
and thinking she can drag my Darien off while I'm standing here...' Serena
pressed her lips together, trying to control her complete and utter disgust for
the High Prince's daughters. 'But at least it's not Berlyn again. Just let them
wait and see. Come tomorrow they'll both get their just desserts' She breathed
deeply, then replied with forced amiability. "Of course not, Your Highness. I was
just on my way anyhow."
Serena could feel Darien's eyes follow her as she made her way to the
edge of the celebration, plate still in her hand. She dug her fork into the pilaf
in frustration, not caring as bits of rice dusted the ground beneath her feet.
She speared a piece of chicken, inspected it in the semidarkness, and was
about to shove it in her mouth when footsteps behind her made her freeze.
"I've been looking for you all evening, my fair Lady." Her eyes met those of the
High Prince, and she suddenly felt nauseous.
- - - - - - - - - -
Darien leaned against the frame of his tent, breathing hard. 'The one day
I could have used Justin he's nowhere to be found' he grumbled as he reached
for the edge of the flap and staggered inside. The only thing in his line of vision
was his bed - the most inviting sight he'd ever seen in his entire existence - and
he couldn't get to it soon enough. Falling onto it was the easy part, pulling the
blanket up over his head was torture.
It seems as though he had only just closed his eyes, and he groaned as
a hand roughly shook his shoulder. "Darien? C'mon, you've got to wake up."
Someone sighed in exasperation. "Darien, listen - we can't find Serena." The
words jolted through him, tiredness fizzling away into the night air.
"Did you just say that Serena was missing?" he murmured, focusing his
eyes with effort on the worried face of Rei. She nodded. "She'd disappeared from
the party, so Lita went back to the tents to see if she'd gotten tired, but the camp
was empty. We walked down to the river but couldn't find her there either. Then
Ami said that she noticed her talking with the High Prince near the edge of the
dancing area...are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
He clenched his fists and slammed them against his forehead. "Damn,
damn, damn the man. Why didn't I see it before?" He threw the blanket back,
thankful that he'd fallen into bed fully clothed. "You...you stay here - in case
she comes back." One hand against his temple, Darien spun around, searching
for a match and a lantern. "I think it's time I paid the High Prince a visit."
"But Darien, you can't possibly think that I'd let you go after her alone - "
Rei responded, following him around the tent. "No, you're staying here." He
watched as fire spread from the match to the oil inside the lantern, then turned
to face Rei. "This is something I've got to deal with myself." And before she
could protest he swept quickly from the tent, jaw set in determination.
When guards stopped the rumpled young man who approached the
High Prince's tents as if he owned them, Darien flashed his seal rings, muttering
"Princes's business," and they bowed their heads and let him pass without
further question. He paused at the entrance to Raonus's tent, knowing that,
(depending on what he found inside) Serena's life might depend on his next
actions.
"Don't touch him. He's nothing to you." That familiar voice, strained
with fatigue, cut through the air. "You lay a hand on my Lady, and you'll
regret it!" His squire quickly followed, and Darien smiled faintly. "My Prince
will come after us, you'll see."
'They're playing for his attention, throwing each other cues' he thought
in commendation. 'Thank the Goddess they've both got good heads on their
shoulders.' Then in one fluid movement he lifted the flap and slid inside. "You
have her rather inconveniently placed for rape, Your Highness."
Raonus pivoted so quickly he almost lost his balance, and only a
nearby chair kept him from ending up sprawled upon the ground. "I was
wondering when the Princeling was going to show up," he smirked, folding his
arms across his chest. "They've been assuring me repeatedly that you'd swing
by to save them, but I admit that I was beginning to have my doubts."
"Release them." Darien's reply was low, but firm. "Ah, so now the
Princeling decides to give me orders. Darien, I'm sure your personhood
wouldn't suffer from bit more vocabulary." The High Prince smiled cooly,
his tone saturated with feigned levity.
Darien stepped further into the room, talking and hoping that the
other prince wouldn't notice his advance. "If you were smart you'd have
already suggested that I am attempting to attack you and called for your
guards." His gaze flickered toward Serena, and he squinted when he
noticed her odd position once more.
"Fantastic idea. I'm surprised I didn't think of that one myself - "
Raonus replied brightly. Darien shook his head. "The problem is that you're
thinking with what's between your legs, not your head. My Squire and Serena
as attackers? No one would believe that; those chosen by the Goddess are
bound by oath never to kill. And me, what motive would I have? I've been
looking over your daughters, haven't I?"
The High Prince, now fuming, raised his hand for silence, but Darien
continued breathlessly. "No, I'd wait until after the marriage, not before.
With Princemarche and the Desert united through matrimony and you without
an hier, I could finish you off then and legally inherit your lands." He paused,
catching his breath. "You do know that I never really considered marrying
one of your daughters. I'm not as big a fool as you think I am."
"I should have known, you little prick," Raonus growled, shaking his
fist at Darien. "I should have known you were never up to any good. You
thought you could lead me around like a horse to water, waving a marriage
proposition under my nose while I signed treaties like a fool?" He stood
before the younger man, broad shoulders firmly squared. "Well this is one
fool who's too smart for your little games."
"And what if I had married Elvira? Or perhaps your charming slut
Berlyn? Oh I'm sure I would have made it home alright. But at the next
Caucus, when I have a young son bouncing happily on my knee, would
I find a knife in my back on the way home? Of course the other princes'
would find it natural that you, as my son's grandfather, would sweep into
the Desert and offer to govern it until the young Desert prince is old
enough to rule in his own right." He pictured the two glass knifes he had
hidden in his tent, one from the riverside and one from the race course.
"The first attack was only meant to scare, wasn't it?" He sneered,
drawing himself to his full height and staring confidently into Raonus' eyes.
"Sheridians never miss...even when throwing from a galloping horse."
He searched his opponent for signs of recognition, of surprise at the
accusation, but Raonus wouldn't give into taunting, yet.. "That's why you
insisted on that last agreement today, wasn't it? When Sheridian mercenaries
sweep into my lands you'll cite the treaty as an excuse to bring your troop
across the border as well." He broke eye-contact, right hand reaching
slowly for his beltknife. "My vassals wouldn't put up with your stench near
their holds, your boots on their fields. Let a single soldier of your cross
across the border, and you'll see just how well my sister trained her army."
"Silence," the High Prince bellowed, pressing close to Darien, teeth
clenched. He pointed at the other's chest, fingertip digging into his sternum.
"You'll be sorry you ever got involved with me and my affairs, princeling.
When the time comes - and believe me, it will - the others will side with me,
not you." Before Darien could reply, a flash of silver appeared in Raonus'
hand, and he faltered backward in surprise.
"Better run back to your tent, you son-of-a-bitch. Run while
you've got the chance," Raonus snapped, waving his knife at Darien's
midsection. "Not without my squire and wife," he spat, emphasizing
the last word. "You don't think I'd leaving her here to be ravaged, do
you?" Wasting no time he drew his knife and lunged toward the
captives.
Raonus caught his arm. "Not so fast." He smirked with disdain.
"I doubt she'd be much use to you tonight anyway. To your credit, I
had to drug her to get her here." Before the other could stick a knife in
his gut, Darien twisted away, thankful that it was the right arm that had
been captured instead of the left. The two circled each other at a
comfortable distance, each sizing up his opponent.
- - - - - - - - - -
Serena sat awkwardly on the bed, ropes chafing against her wrists
and ankles. She stared at Darien, both relieved that he'd come to rescue
her and concerned that he'd put his own life in danger. She tried to think
of something to say, something that would distract that jerk, the High
Prince, but her head swam, and her vision faded in and out with each breath.
'What did he put in that wine anyway?' She closed her eyes and
scolded herself. She should had known. 'He had two glasses, one in
each hand, and he handed me the one on the right. I should have guessed
his intentions.'
'But at least Darien got here in time...' Her eyes flew open as she
heard the quiet whoosh of steel through air, and had her hands been free
she would have brought them to her mouth in surprise...or used them to
conjure enough flame to burn Raonus to an indistinguishable crisp. Paralyzed,
she watched them circle each other, crouched like hunting desert cats.
'Raonus has the longer reach, but Darien has his youth and energy. He's
stronger than he looks...but there's also the shoulder injury from the race'
She weighed the factors favoring both, preying that no blood would be
drawn.
- - - - - - - - - -
"If you've hurt her - " Darien threatened, easily sidestepping Raonus's
lunge. The High Prince quickly regained his balance, scowling. "No
permanent damage, I assure you," he retorted, gripping his blade tightly.
Then suddenly, he closed again, missing the other's midsection by a mere
fingerswidth. Darien spun away only just in time, cursing the lingering
effects of the wine he had consumed earlier that evening.
"Can the princeling only talk, or can he fight too?" Raonus taunted,
once again advancing. Darien was unprepared for in the power of his
attack, surprised that the High Prince continued his thrust even as his own
blade tore into Raonus's shoulder. He felt a searing pain across his
abdomen and heard Serena gasp, his knife falling to the floor. One swift
kick by Raonus sent it skidding to the edge of the tent.
"Should I kill you quickly or savor your suffering?" Raonus inspected
his shoulder gingerly, keeping one eye on the younger prince. Silently,
Darien reached down and pulled the second knife from his boot. "Neither,
you Highness. Your Sheridian allies have failed, and you will as well." Ire
rising, he began his attack, using his speed and cunning to deliver thrusts the
High Prince was only barely able to avoid.
But at last he stumbled, falling into Raonus, who grabbed his arm,
placing his knife at the other's injured shoulder. "Cut me and I'll break your
wrist." Darien threatened, grabbing the High Prince's arm. "You wouldn't
dare, would you?" Raonus growled, pressing harder against Darien's skin.
And in one smooth movement the Desert Prince wrenched himself out of the
other's grasp, digging deeply Raonus's arm with his knife. He gasped in pain,
stepping backwards and dropping his knife in surprise.
"I think I'll be keeping this." Darien placed his foot over the blade,
then leaned down to retrieve it and tuck it into his belt. Raonus watched
in barely contained fury as Darien quickly slit the ropes restraining Serena
and Justin. He gathered the former in his arms, placing her head against
his chest. He strode to the tent flap, but turned at the exit, head held high.
"If you bandage that well no one will notice," he advised, pulling Serena
closer against him. Then, almost as an afterthought, he threw his parting
shot. "I'm a Prince before I'm a man, your Highness, something you'll
never understand. But while the Prince may forget about tonight, I assure
you that the man will not." And with that, he turned sharply and left the
tent, ignoring the set of dark eyes that sought to bore holes through his
back.
*end of Chapter 8*
- - - - - - - - - -
Thank you to everyone who has written to me about this story and about my
website. It really does mean a lot to me to know what you all think - and if
you haven't written, please don't be shy! I promise I won't bite, and I don't
mind criticism (as long as you have a reason for why you think my work
stinks ^_^). So keep your eyes open for chapter nine - I'm not sure whether
it's going to be the grand finale or not...it all depends on how everything works
out.
- Mir 01.24.01
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