Author's Notes: Chapter 3 is here. Thank you for the emails and reviews.
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When Midnight Comes - Chapter 3 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
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The sound of horses echoed against a nearby wooden cottage causing a young woman to come out. Rubbing her hands against her apron, she picked up a bundle of hay and set it down on the ground in front of the wild beasts for them to feast on. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear when a cool breeze whiped her face and tried to squint in the sunlight. Her blue eyes roamed across the land in search of her sister.
" Father, " she called out as soon as an old man stepped out of the cottage with a bucket of water. " Where is she? "
" Out chopping wood. "
" Then why are one of the horses missing, " she gestured toward the horses. All were white and brown but there was one black one......one that was missing.
" She took Ebony again? "
" Yes. She wasn't suppose to take Ebony if she was actually going to chop wood. "
The older man sighed in frustration before turning to face a nearby group of hills covered with trees. Muttering, he placed the bucket down and went back into the cottage.
Walking toward the bucket, she picked it up with a small groan and carried it toward the horses. Her eyes absently watched them drink one by one before the sound of running horses from a distance broke the silence. Turning around, she squinted her eyes trying to see who was coming despite the bright rays of the sun that blinded her. She only managed to see about six men on horses and one female carrying a child. All were riding in their direction.
" Father, we have visitors, " she called out.
The older man stepped out again right when the men finally stopped before their cottage. The young girl's eyes went wide with fear as she bowed down before them. " Your highness, " she blurted out upon recognizing who it was.
" You may stand. You're not in trouble, " Darien chuckled as he and Isabelle got off their horses.
The young girl hesitantly stood up and looked at him with confusion. " What brings his highness here? "
" Your father.....John Edwards, " he turned to face the older man who was bowing down before him as well.
" Have I forgotten to bring you something my lord, " he choked out.
" No you haven't. I just came here to ask you a few questions, that's all. By the way, you may stand up. "
John Edwards stood up and looked at him with a puzzled expression. " About what your majesty? "
" About your daughter. "
The young girl's eyes went wide with fear as Darien looked at her. " Is your name Serena by any chance, " he questioned.
" No your highness, Serena's out in the woods. She's suppose to be chopping wood for us and she'll be back sometime soon, " her voice sounded releived.
" I see. Then if you're not Serena who are you? "
" Mina, your highness. My name is Mina. "
" Oh, " he narrowed his eyes before turning to Isabelle who only flashed him an uncertain look.
" Um....would you like to come in, " she questioned.
" Yes, thank you, " he replied as he entered the cottage followed by Isabelle and a few extra guards that went along with him.
His midnight blue eyes roamed the place which was surprisingly big before spotting another young girl and an older one inside...........one with blonde hair and the other with brown.
" My wife, Edith, and my other daughter, Lita, your highness, " John introduced them to him as they were all seated around an oak table.
The two women looked a bit scared. Mrs. Edwards was nervously cooking while Lita quickly arranged a basket of flowers that she soon set on the table. Her green eyes rose to meet her father's as if to question him. He only looked away to face Darien.
" What does his highness want from my other daughter? Has she done something wrong? "
" No, no, I've just been quite curious lately. I hope I'm not bothering any of you, but note that none of you are in trouble.
A look of relief seemed to cross Lita's face as she began to help her mother with the cooking.
A cloud of silence fell upon everyone. Darien and Isabelle only exchanged glances while the three other women flashed John silent questions. He only shook his head at them and stared out the door as if hoping for Serena to return.
" Are you hungry my lord? Maybe you want to eat for a bit, " Edith silently questioned.
Darien smiled at her and shook his head. " I'm fine thank you. "
" What about your companions? "
All the others shook their heads except for Isabelle who was tending to her child who was now awake.
" Do you think I could have something for my child? He's a bit hungry, " she mentioned once the toddler started to cry.
Edith nodded and quickly handed her a bowl of the steaming liquid which was eagerly consumed by the child. " I'm sorry but he's not usually like this, " Isabelle apologized about seeing the child's appetite.
Edith laughed inwardly and turned to look at the window at that sound of a horse arriving.
" She's here, " Mina called out.
Darien turned around just in time to see another young woman riding on a black horse with a bundle of wood in her arms. His eyes narrowed upon seeing her face. She looked too familiar. He silently turned to face Isabelle who only nodded.
" Serena, some men wish to see you, " John called out to her the moment she was close enough.
Serena swiftly got off the horse when it slowed down and handed the wood to her father before stepping inside. Her crystal blue eyes were at first filled with fear once she saw the guards, but they instantly grew cold once they landed upon Darien. She turned away almost instantly with the excuse that she had to change.
Darien narrowed his eyes at this. Obviously she was avoiding his gaze.
" I'm sorry.....she's not usually this rude, " John apologized with a hint of fear in his voice.
" Maybe you'd like to stay for dinner sir, " Mina changed the subject, hoping her sister wouldn't end up in greater trouble than she could handle.
Darien turned to Isabelle but she only shrugged. " If you don't mind. "
" Oh no, we don't. We have quite a lot of food around here, " Edith replied in attempt to make up for Serena's rude gesture.
" Alright then, but I must get home early tonight. I'm expecting to see someone around midnight. "
All eyes fell upon Darien as a storm of silence fell over them. Even Serena, who had been listening from her room the whole time, froze.
" Midnight, your highness, " John cut the silence.
" Yes....a young female who happens to have promised a challenge for me tonight. She had to leave so suddenly. "
" Is that why you came here, your highness, " John asked with hesitation.
" Basically yes. I've learned that your daughter has been out late at night. Don't get me wrong. I'm not accusing any of you. I'd just like some information that's all. "
" You're talking about the Midnight Prowler, aren't you, " Lita broke in.
Darien smiled at her. " Yes, I am. No one's in trouble here. I'm just.....curious. You know about her? "
Lita frowned. " Yes sir. People have been talking about how they think she's related to us....my sister to be exact. Rumors.... "
" And are any of these rumors true? "
" None that I know of. I haven't had any proof, " Lita stated not wanting to say any more.
" Alright then, " Darien narrowed his eyes, not wanting to push the subject.
As soon as the silence fell, Serena walked out of her room in a white dress and looked at everyone else. She bowed down before Darien but didn't give him any eye contact. " Forgive me, your highness. I was quite uneasy in the clothes I was formerly wearing. I just had to change. Pardon my.... "
" It's alright, " Darien stated, trying to catch her gaze but she only avoided it swiftly each time. " There is, however, one way you can make it up to me. "
Serena almost looked up but she remembered to keep her head bowed down. She knitted her brows together in frustration. " What does his highness want as payment for my rude behavior, " she bit out with a hint of impatience in her voice. Almost as soon as she said this, a sword landed in front of her on the floor. She stared at it for a moment but still didn't meet his gaze.
" How does a little combat.....or should I say, game between you and I sound? "
" Sounds exciting your highness, " she replied. " But I'm afraid I don't know how to carry a sword. "
" Then don't use it. Aren't you skilled enough, " there was a mocking tone in his voice.
" No your highness. After all......I'm only a woman, " that last word was forced out of her lips with bitterness written all over it.
" Very well then, " he replied.
" Thank you, your highness. Now if you'll excuse me, I must leave. I have some horses to attend to, " she stood up and swiftly walked toward the door. Not once had she looked him in the eye.
Darien smirked inwardly while watching her leave. His suspicions had been confirmed. She should just wait until tonight.
The afternoon went by quickly. John and his family were slowly getting used to the king's presence inside their home but Serena wasn't even around enough for her to get used to having his company. She would often come in and out of the cottage so quickly. Each time Darien made an attempt to catch her gaze but each time she dodged it.
It wasn't until dinner was over when he managed to catch her gaze. Serena had been avoiding looking at him the whole time during dinner, and she had almost instantly left once she was done. John kept apologizing for his daughter's behavior thinking it increased Darien's anger. The truth was, it only intrigued him.
Isabelle and the rest of the men were ready to leave after dinner and only remained outside while waiting for Darien. The man had gone inside Serena's room. He closed the door quietly and walked up behind her seeing that she still hadn't noticed his presence. It was only until he was inches behind her when she turned around swiftly and raised her fist to hit him.
" You, " she froze.
" Me, " he chuckled while looking at her fist. " You're going to hit your king, " he smirked.
Serena narrowed her eyes in anger before turning around again to fold some clothes that were spread across her bed.
" Don't you know it's not polite to enter a lady's room without knocking, " she hissed while still keeping her back facing him.
" And don't you know it's not polite to be so rude to a king, " he grabbed her arm and firmly turned her around to face him. His grip was strong but not rough.
Serena's hand instantly shot up and scratched his face with short nails that were amazingly sharp.
" Hey, " Darien let go of her. " You have quite some claws over there.
" Oh, sorry, " She apologized innocently. " It's an automatic reaction. "
Darien looked in a mirror at his cheek where she had scratched it. There were two lines that were slightly bleeding while the area around them was red. It looked as if a cat had scratched him. " Automatic reaction, is it, " he turned to face her. " So that means you know how to fight then. "
Serena turned to face him and was about to reply when she was cut off by a chuckle that rose from his throat.
" Finally, I see your eyes. You've been avoiding my gaze all day. "
" Have I, " she bit back. " I haven't noticed. "
" Don't be mad. You don't look pretty when you're mad, " he teased.
Serena rolled her eyes and turned away, only to have him to grab her arm.
" Hey, I'm sorry. I was just teasing you. I just like your eyes better when they don't like so mad. They remind me of- "
" The Midnight Prowler, " she turned around to face him with hatred gleaming in her eyes. " You may the king but that gives you no right to accuse me of being some thief just because I act or maybe look like one. For god's sake, you even speak of me as if I were the Midnight Prowler! "
" Speak of you as the-.....wait a second, and when have I done this? "
" A young female who happens to have promised me a challenge tonight....that's what you said earlier. Why not say woman instead of female? Good lord you spoke as if you classified me as an animal! "
" Well with those claws of yours..... "
" How dare you! "
Darien laughed in amusement as her face turned reddish with anger. " Well I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I was only teasing you- "
" Again, " she snorted.
" So you were listening then, " he stated while still laughing. " I thought you were suppose to change. "
" I can change while listening. I don't use my ears to pick up things they're not suppose to pick up like what your damned ears do! You're a vulnerable king if you listened to all those rumors you're not even suppose to know about. "
Darien frowned at this. " In this case, I am suppose to know about them because they involve me. "
" Eaxctly....they concern you and not me. I'd appreciate it if you didn't blame me for being some prowler anymore. "
Darien chuckled and headed toward the door. " Very well. Maybe I'll see you sometime again, " he winked at her and left before she got the chance to reply.
Serena raised her brows at what he did but only turned away in silent anger, muttering under her breath.
" Thank you for having us over John, I hope we didn't bother you, " Darien shook hands with the older man once he arrived outside. " And thank you to you as well Edith. Dinner was very good. "
Edith smiled at him. " I'm glad you liked it your highness. Please do not hesitate to come back if needed."
" Oh, I won't. Believe me, I won't, " Darien smiled at her before turning toward Isabelle. " She's got quite a few reflexes there. "
" You mean Serena, " she whispered.
" Yes. She puzzles me but she won't admit anything. This might take quite a while, " he frowned. The rest of the men followed him as they rode off into the night. Midnight was coming and there were some things he had to take care of at that time.
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Author's Notes: A little late I know but fanfiction.net wouldn't let me in yesterday. ~_~ From now on, I'll only be uploading chapters and editing the author's notes because I only have so much time for that. Thank you again to all the readers and pardon the typos.
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When Midnight Comes - Chapter 3 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
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The sound of horses echoed against a nearby wooden cottage causing a young woman to come out. Rubbing her hands against her apron, she picked up a bundle of hay and set it down on the ground in front of the wild beasts for them to feast on. She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear when a cool breeze whiped her face and tried to squint in the sunlight. Her blue eyes roamed across the land in search of her sister.
" Father, " she called out as soon as an old man stepped out of the cottage with a bucket of water. " Where is she? "
" Out chopping wood. "
" Then why are one of the horses missing, " she gestured toward the horses. All were white and brown but there was one black one......one that was missing.
" She took Ebony again? "
" Yes. She wasn't suppose to take Ebony if she was actually going to chop wood. "
The older man sighed in frustration before turning to face a nearby group of hills covered with trees. Muttering, he placed the bucket down and went back into the cottage.
Walking toward the bucket, she picked it up with a small groan and carried it toward the horses. Her eyes absently watched them drink one by one before the sound of running horses from a distance broke the silence. Turning around, she squinted her eyes trying to see who was coming despite the bright rays of the sun that blinded her. She only managed to see about six men on horses and one female carrying a child. All were riding in their direction.
" Father, we have visitors, " she called out.
The older man stepped out again right when the men finally stopped before their cottage. The young girl's eyes went wide with fear as she bowed down before them. " Your highness, " she blurted out upon recognizing who it was.
" You may stand. You're not in trouble, " Darien chuckled as he and Isabelle got off their horses.
The young girl hesitantly stood up and looked at him with confusion. " What brings his highness here? "
" Your father.....John Edwards, " he turned to face the older man who was bowing down before him as well.
" Have I forgotten to bring you something my lord, " he choked out.
" No you haven't. I just came here to ask you a few questions, that's all. By the way, you may stand up. "
John Edwards stood up and looked at him with a puzzled expression. " About what your majesty? "
" About your daughter. "
The young girl's eyes went wide with fear as Darien looked at her. " Is your name Serena by any chance, " he questioned.
" No your highness, Serena's out in the woods. She's suppose to be chopping wood for us and she'll be back sometime soon, " her voice sounded releived.
" I see. Then if you're not Serena who are you? "
" Mina, your highness. My name is Mina. "
" Oh, " he narrowed his eyes before turning to Isabelle who only flashed him an uncertain look.
" Um....would you like to come in, " she questioned.
" Yes, thank you, " he replied as he entered the cottage followed by Isabelle and a few extra guards that went along with him.
His midnight blue eyes roamed the place which was surprisingly big before spotting another young girl and an older one inside...........one with blonde hair and the other with brown.
" My wife, Edith, and my other daughter, Lita, your highness, " John introduced them to him as they were all seated around an oak table.
The two women looked a bit scared. Mrs. Edwards was nervously cooking while Lita quickly arranged a basket of flowers that she soon set on the table. Her green eyes rose to meet her father's as if to question him. He only looked away to face Darien.
" What does his highness want from my other daughter? Has she done something wrong? "
" No, no, I've just been quite curious lately. I hope I'm not bothering any of you, but note that none of you are in trouble.
A look of relief seemed to cross Lita's face as she began to help her mother with the cooking.
A cloud of silence fell upon everyone. Darien and Isabelle only exchanged glances while the three other women flashed John silent questions. He only shook his head at them and stared out the door as if hoping for Serena to return.
" Are you hungry my lord? Maybe you want to eat for a bit, " Edith silently questioned.
Darien smiled at her and shook his head. " I'm fine thank you. "
" What about your companions? "
All the others shook their heads except for Isabelle who was tending to her child who was now awake.
" Do you think I could have something for my child? He's a bit hungry, " she mentioned once the toddler started to cry.
Edith nodded and quickly handed her a bowl of the steaming liquid which was eagerly consumed by the child. " I'm sorry but he's not usually like this, " Isabelle apologized about seeing the child's appetite.
Edith laughed inwardly and turned to look at the window at that sound of a horse arriving.
" She's here, " Mina called out.
Darien turned around just in time to see another young woman riding on a black horse with a bundle of wood in her arms. His eyes narrowed upon seeing her face. She looked too familiar. He silently turned to face Isabelle who only nodded.
" Serena, some men wish to see you, " John called out to her the moment she was close enough.
Serena swiftly got off the horse when it slowed down and handed the wood to her father before stepping inside. Her crystal blue eyes were at first filled with fear once she saw the guards, but they instantly grew cold once they landed upon Darien. She turned away almost instantly with the excuse that she had to change.
Darien narrowed his eyes at this. Obviously she was avoiding his gaze.
" I'm sorry.....she's not usually this rude, " John apologized with a hint of fear in his voice.
" Maybe you'd like to stay for dinner sir, " Mina changed the subject, hoping her sister wouldn't end up in greater trouble than she could handle.
Darien turned to Isabelle but she only shrugged. " If you don't mind. "
" Oh no, we don't. We have quite a lot of food around here, " Edith replied in attempt to make up for Serena's rude gesture.
" Alright then, but I must get home early tonight. I'm expecting to see someone around midnight. "
All eyes fell upon Darien as a storm of silence fell over them. Even Serena, who had been listening from her room the whole time, froze.
" Midnight, your highness, " John cut the silence.
" Yes....a young female who happens to have promised a challenge for me tonight. She had to leave so suddenly. "
" Is that why you came here, your highness, " John asked with hesitation.
" Basically yes. I've learned that your daughter has been out late at night. Don't get me wrong. I'm not accusing any of you. I'd just like some information that's all. "
" You're talking about the Midnight Prowler, aren't you, " Lita broke in.
Darien smiled at her. " Yes, I am. No one's in trouble here. I'm just.....curious. You know about her? "
Lita frowned. " Yes sir. People have been talking about how they think she's related to us....my sister to be exact. Rumors.... "
" And are any of these rumors true? "
" None that I know of. I haven't had any proof, " Lita stated not wanting to say any more.
" Alright then, " Darien narrowed his eyes, not wanting to push the subject.
As soon as the silence fell, Serena walked out of her room in a white dress and looked at everyone else. She bowed down before Darien but didn't give him any eye contact. " Forgive me, your highness. I was quite uneasy in the clothes I was formerly wearing. I just had to change. Pardon my.... "
" It's alright, " Darien stated, trying to catch her gaze but she only avoided it swiftly each time. " There is, however, one way you can make it up to me. "
Serena almost looked up but she remembered to keep her head bowed down. She knitted her brows together in frustration. " What does his highness want as payment for my rude behavior, " she bit out with a hint of impatience in her voice. Almost as soon as she said this, a sword landed in front of her on the floor. She stared at it for a moment but still didn't meet his gaze.
" How does a little combat.....or should I say, game between you and I sound? "
" Sounds exciting your highness, " she replied. " But I'm afraid I don't know how to carry a sword. "
" Then don't use it. Aren't you skilled enough, " there was a mocking tone in his voice.
" No your highness. After all......I'm only a woman, " that last word was forced out of her lips with bitterness written all over it.
" Very well then, " he replied.
" Thank you, your highness. Now if you'll excuse me, I must leave. I have some horses to attend to, " she stood up and swiftly walked toward the door. Not once had she looked him in the eye.
Darien smirked inwardly while watching her leave. His suspicions had been confirmed. She should just wait until tonight.
The afternoon went by quickly. John and his family were slowly getting used to the king's presence inside their home but Serena wasn't even around enough for her to get used to having his company. She would often come in and out of the cottage so quickly. Each time Darien made an attempt to catch her gaze but each time she dodged it.
It wasn't until dinner was over when he managed to catch her gaze. Serena had been avoiding looking at him the whole time during dinner, and she had almost instantly left once she was done. John kept apologizing for his daughter's behavior thinking it increased Darien's anger. The truth was, it only intrigued him.
Isabelle and the rest of the men were ready to leave after dinner and only remained outside while waiting for Darien. The man had gone inside Serena's room. He closed the door quietly and walked up behind her seeing that she still hadn't noticed his presence. It was only until he was inches behind her when she turned around swiftly and raised her fist to hit him.
" You, " she froze.
" Me, " he chuckled while looking at her fist. " You're going to hit your king, " he smirked.
Serena narrowed her eyes in anger before turning around again to fold some clothes that were spread across her bed.
" Don't you know it's not polite to enter a lady's room without knocking, " she hissed while still keeping her back facing him.
" And don't you know it's not polite to be so rude to a king, " he grabbed her arm and firmly turned her around to face him. His grip was strong but not rough.
Serena's hand instantly shot up and scratched his face with short nails that were amazingly sharp.
" Hey, " Darien let go of her. " You have quite some claws over there.
" Oh, sorry, " She apologized innocently. " It's an automatic reaction. "
Darien looked in a mirror at his cheek where she had scratched it. There were two lines that were slightly bleeding while the area around them was red. It looked as if a cat had scratched him. " Automatic reaction, is it, " he turned to face her. " So that means you know how to fight then. "
Serena turned to face him and was about to reply when she was cut off by a chuckle that rose from his throat.
" Finally, I see your eyes. You've been avoiding my gaze all day. "
" Have I, " she bit back. " I haven't noticed. "
" Don't be mad. You don't look pretty when you're mad, " he teased.
Serena rolled her eyes and turned away, only to have him to grab her arm.
" Hey, I'm sorry. I was just teasing you. I just like your eyes better when they don't like so mad. They remind me of- "
" The Midnight Prowler, " she turned around to face him with hatred gleaming in her eyes. " You may the king but that gives you no right to accuse me of being some thief just because I act or maybe look like one. For god's sake, you even speak of me as if I were the Midnight Prowler! "
" Speak of you as the-.....wait a second, and when have I done this? "
" A young female who happens to have promised me a challenge tonight....that's what you said earlier. Why not say woman instead of female? Good lord you spoke as if you classified me as an animal! "
" Well with those claws of yours..... "
" How dare you! "
Darien laughed in amusement as her face turned reddish with anger. " Well I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to sound that way. I was only teasing you- "
" Again, " she snorted.
" So you were listening then, " he stated while still laughing. " I thought you were suppose to change. "
" I can change while listening. I don't use my ears to pick up things they're not suppose to pick up like what your damned ears do! You're a vulnerable king if you listened to all those rumors you're not even suppose to know about. "
Darien frowned at this. " In this case, I am suppose to know about them because they involve me. "
" Eaxctly....they concern you and not me. I'd appreciate it if you didn't blame me for being some prowler anymore. "
Darien chuckled and headed toward the door. " Very well. Maybe I'll see you sometime again, " he winked at her and left before she got the chance to reply.
Serena raised her brows at what he did but only turned away in silent anger, muttering under her breath.
" Thank you for having us over John, I hope we didn't bother you, " Darien shook hands with the older man once he arrived outside. " And thank you to you as well Edith. Dinner was very good. "
Edith smiled at him. " I'm glad you liked it your highness. Please do not hesitate to come back if needed."
" Oh, I won't. Believe me, I won't, " Darien smiled at her before turning toward Isabelle. " She's got quite a few reflexes there. "
" You mean Serena, " she whispered.
" Yes. She puzzles me but she won't admit anything. This might take quite a while, " he frowned. The rest of the men followed him as they rode off into the night. Midnight was coming and there were some things he had to take care of at that time.
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Author's Notes: A little late I know but fanfiction.net wouldn't let me in yesterday. ~_~ From now on, I'll only be uploading chapters and editing the author's notes because I only have so much time for that. Thank you again to all the readers and pardon the typos.