Author's Notes: Okay, here it is. Chapter 5......thanks for the reviews and emails.
*************************************************************************************************
When Midnight Comes - Chapter 5 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
*************************************************************************************************
Serena could feel his breath upon her lips which were turning dry with anxiety. She could feel her own heart beating rapidly against her chest while temptation slowly crawled up her spine. Neither one of them moved. She felt as if someone had pushed her towards Darien so that she would finally kiss him, but she looked away instead.
Her movement was so fast, it took Darien a moment or two to realize what had happened. Here he was thinking that he was going to kiss here, and he found himself staring at her like a mindless idiot while she avoided his gaze once again. His heart had slowed down for it was beating against his chest as well. Sighing inwardly, he gained back his composure and stood up.
" So.....are you going to stay? "
Serena stood in front of him with her confidence back even though she still didn't face him. " I might, but not for tonight. I....I have to go. " At that, she turned around and opened his door, only to freeze in place. Her eyes roamed around searching for a way out, but the nearest window was a bit too high for her. The sound of laughter made her turn around, only to find Darien smirking at her.
" Lost, " he chuckled.
Serena frowned at him. " I wouldn't say lost since all I need is a window, " she bit back as if their experience hadn't happened. Things were back to normal as if what had happened that night meant nothing.
Serena's eyes roamed around until they finally landed upon an open window in Darien's room. She quickly ran towards it in an attempt to jump, but Darien had caught her by the wrist. He firmly turned her around so that she faced him.
" I'm not letting you go until you answer one simple question for me. "
A hint of impatience crossed Serena's features but she kept her tone of voice steady. " And what would that question be? "
" Actually.....it's more of something you must admit. "
Serena's eyes narrowed. " I have nothing to admit. "
" Then I won't let you go. "
" I can take you down by force in one swing and get out of here before you can catch me. Not letting me go is quite impossible. "
" True.......unless the window's closed. " At that, Darien pulled out a dagger he kept in his belt and threw it at the window's lock, managing to hit it right in the middle. The lock fell down causing the window pane to fall down. It was closed.
Serena turned toward Darien and glared at him for a moment before finally giving in. " Fine....what do you want me to admit? "
" You see the scratch marks on my face? Did you make them? "
" Fancy way of asking whether or not I'm John's daughter. "
" You pick up things very fast, don't you? So you know John. "
" Many people do. It's not like what you're really asking me is hard to see. My answer is no. "
At that, Serena pulled her hand away and opened the window. She grabbed the dagger from the lock and threw it at Darien in an attempt to slow him down. He stepped aside just in time for it to miss him by an inch.
" I'll see you again at midnight, " she jumped off with those last words and disappeared into the night.
-----
" Isabelle, I'm telling you....she's his daughter I know it, " Darien stated while pacing around the library the next morning.
" But didn't she say no? "
" She could've lied. Besides, my question wasn't that direct. Maybe she was being too specific and she might end up giving me some excuse later on relating to how I just didn't blurt out 'are you John's daughter?' "
" I think you're stressed out a little more than you're suppose to be. I've never seen you this concerned about a woman before. "
" That's because this one's diff.... " his sentence trailed off upon seeing the triumphant smirk on Isabelle's face. " No.....no, you did not just think that - "
" I knew it! I knew it she did more than just intrigue you because of her skills, " she stated with a victorious smirk. " Now I think you have some admitting to do yourself. You like her, don't you? "
" I do no - "
" Then why is she so different? Don't tell me it's because she's very skilled because I know that's not enough reason to turn you into some love sick - "
" I am not love sick! "
Isabelle laughed. " Good god, a king who fell for a thief.....a female warrior. In other's eyes she's just some robber, but in yours I'm pretty sure you're seeing a vixen. Why is that so hard to admit? "
" Because a king can't fall for a thief, Isabelle, " he growled.
" In short, you can't admit verbally that you like her because you're afraid your people will think you're not worthy of being a king. "
" Isabelle, this can't get out of this library's walls, you understand? No one but you knows this so I can only hope you're wise enought to keep this a secret, " Darien's voice rose as he shot his cousin a warning glare.
" Don't worry, no one other than I will know. I must warn you though, the walls have ears and even though I won't tell anyone, people might still find out. You're quite an open book with these things you know. People aren't dense. If they figure out how you feel for her then don't blame me. "
" I won't. I trust you, so please speak of this no more. Change the topic.....or just don't mention anything about her. Or.....better yet, don't say something about 'how people will find out how I feel for her'. "
" I understand. Now if you'll just calm down, we'll discuss her without relating to you. Let's just consider this as business so we can lay off any suspicions for as long as we can. What do you plan to do anyway once you find out who she really is? "
Darien paused for a moment and lowered his voice. " You know....I haven't really thought about what will happen once she admits it. I want her, alright....I'll admit that, but what will I do with her? If she could just stop being such a thief then maybe there's still a chance that...... "
Isabelle watched him with curiosity as if waiting for him to continue. He never did finish that sentence.
" Maybe there's still a chance that you might be with her? Maybe there's still a chance that your people will accept her, " her voice was almost inaudible.
" Yes. "
" Your people might accept her, but your role as a king will still be hanging on a thin line. Your reputation, your job....your family's honor all hangs in the balance. If you try to....tame her, if you want to put it that way, then there's no guarantee that she actually will want to be with you. Look at it this way: you could end up trying to make her yours for nothing. If it doesn't work then what will people think of you, seeing that you've even bothered trying to control her. "
" I'm not trying to control her. "
" You know what I mean. Look....why don't I just ask John about this? Isn't he coming in a few minutes? I can ask him then. "
" You? What good will that do? "
" Most men like him expect women like me to just be curious about things like these. He won't suspect anything. I'll tell you what information I got out of him once we're done. I'll ask him about Serena. "
" This won't work. "
" Give it a try. Why would he suspect a woman for being so curious and.....well, caring for other people? "
" Maybe you should've been the king, " he stated with a hint of sarcasm.
" And become a man? I'd rather die. "
" And what is that suppose to mean? "
Isabelle laughed in amusement and headed for the library door. " I'm clueless about politics or whatever you deal with. I just know a lot about this type of thing because I'm a woman. Almost every man I know is quite clueless when it comes to dealing with other women. Just pay no attention to me and I'll do the rest. Don't make it too obvious. "
At her last word, the sound of horses outside alerted then. Isabelle rushed downstairs while Darien stroded confidenlty towards his servants, instructing them what to do.
John was outside on his horse while waiting for the servants to finish unloading the food he had brought. Isabelle had approahced him at this time.
" Good morning John, " she greeted.
" Good morning to you too Miss Isabelle. How is the lady doing today, " he smiled.
" Fine, just fine. I was just taking a little walk and I was a bit bored so I was hoping I could talk to you. You don't mind, do you? "
" No, not at all. "
" Very well then. How are you doing? "
" Quite well. Been a little busy lately but still in good shape. "
" That's good, and how are your wife and daughters? "
" Mina and Lita are fine, but Edith has been rather busy lately as well......preparing Serena to be a wife and all. "
" A wife, " Isabelle continued feeling very intrigued.
" Oh, didn't I tell you? Robert Lockey asked for Serena's hand. He propsed to her just yesterday. Serena didn't seem too pleased with him, but Edith and I gave him our permission for marriage anyway. He's a very rich man, I must say. "
" Serena doesn't want to marry him? Poor thing. "
" That's what Edith said, but he's nice enough and nothing's wrong with him. Serena was just never one to marry.....she always told us she would feel as if she were a captive if she would ever get married. We know her well enough which is why we made her agree with the marriage. He's the perfect man for her and if she doesn't marry him now I'm afraid she never will. "
" Oh.....When is the marriage? I would love to see her in her wedding gown. "
John chuckled. " She doesn't want a wedding gown so we're having some trouble with that. She gets married on Friday. "
" Friday, " Isabelle choked out. " I'm excited for her. I've heard about Robert.....he's very wealthy and handsome, I hear. "
" He is. That's why we want Serena to marry him. "
" Well I do hope everything goes well.
" So do I. "
Isabelle turned to face the sun and shielded her eyes. " Oh no, I forgot to finish up some chores. If you'll excuse me sir, I'd like to get a few things done. Thank you for the little chat and please wish your family goodluck for me. "
" You're welcome Miss Isabelle, and I will, " he smiled.
Isabelle smiled back and went back inside the castle before watching John leave once all the food was unloaded. Once he was out of sight and the servants were back in the kitchen, she and Darien hurried back toward the library.
" Serena's getting married, " she instantly blurted out once the library doors were locked.
" What, " Darien looked at her as if she had gone mad.
" To a man she doesn't even like as I've been told. His name's Robert Lockey I think..... "
" Him, " Darien narrowed his eyes.
" You know him? "
" One of my rivals at night. He's rather good I must say. Why is she marrying him if she doesn't even like him then? "
" John told me he and Edith forced her too. He propsed just yesterday and he said Serena would've said no to any man anyway. He thinks John is the right man for her so he give him his permission for him to marry her. "
Darien had a lost look on his face for a moment. Isabelle only took one look at him and sighed. " I'm sorry. I really - "
Her sentence was cut off by Darien who started laughing.
" What's so funny, " she questioned now looking at him as if he had gone mad instead.
" Isabelle, this is perfect, " he hugged his cousin tightly before pacing around the library.
" How is this perfect? She's getting married.....you can't have her. "
" Yes I can. Don't you see? If she doesn't like John then maybe I can offer her a deal. If she agrees to 'pretend' to like me, we can both act as if we're in love with each other and she won't have to marry him. If she's desperate enough then she'll agree to anything that will get him off her back. No one can say no to a king, " he grinned.
" But it's only acting. "
" True, but maybe I can tempt her a bit while it's going on. She might actually find me irresistable by the time we're done. "
" Good lord, where on earth did you get that idea? "
" Let's just say I'm not that clueless with women, " he smirked.
*************************************************************************************************
Author's Notes: Done......what do you think? Emails and reviews please. Thanks to all the readers and pardon the typos.
*************************************************************************************************
When Midnight Comes - Chapter 5 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
*************************************************************************************************
Serena could feel his breath upon her lips which were turning dry with anxiety. She could feel her own heart beating rapidly against her chest while temptation slowly crawled up her spine. Neither one of them moved. She felt as if someone had pushed her towards Darien so that she would finally kiss him, but she looked away instead.
Her movement was so fast, it took Darien a moment or two to realize what had happened. Here he was thinking that he was going to kiss here, and he found himself staring at her like a mindless idiot while she avoided his gaze once again. His heart had slowed down for it was beating against his chest as well. Sighing inwardly, he gained back his composure and stood up.
" So.....are you going to stay? "
Serena stood in front of him with her confidence back even though she still didn't face him. " I might, but not for tonight. I....I have to go. " At that, she turned around and opened his door, only to freeze in place. Her eyes roamed around searching for a way out, but the nearest window was a bit too high for her. The sound of laughter made her turn around, only to find Darien smirking at her.
" Lost, " he chuckled.
Serena frowned at him. " I wouldn't say lost since all I need is a window, " she bit back as if their experience hadn't happened. Things were back to normal as if what had happened that night meant nothing.
Serena's eyes roamed around until they finally landed upon an open window in Darien's room. She quickly ran towards it in an attempt to jump, but Darien had caught her by the wrist. He firmly turned her around so that she faced him.
" I'm not letting you go until you answer one simple question for me. "
A hint of impatience crossed Serena's features but she kept her tone of voice steady. " And what would that question be? "
" Actually.....it's more of something you must admit. "
Serena's eyes narrowed. " I have nothing to admit. "
" Then I won't let you go. "
" I can take you down by force in one swing and get out of here before you can catch me. Not letting me go is quite impossible. "
" True.......unless the window's closed. " At that, Darien pulled out a dagger he kept in his belt and threw it at the window's lock, managing to hit it right in the middle. The lock fell down causing the window pane to fall down. It was closed.
Serena turned toward Darien and glared at him for a moment before finally giving in. " Fine....what do you want me to admit? "
" You see the scratch marks on my face? Did you make them? "
" Fancy way of asking whether or not I'm John's daughter. "
" You pick up things very fast, don't you? So you know John. "
" Many people do. It's not like what you're really asking me is hard to see. My answer is no. "
At that, Serena pulled her hand away and opened the window. She grabbed the dagger from the lock and threw it at Darien in an attempt to slow him down. He stepped aside just in time for it to miss him by an inch.
" I'll see you again at midnight, " she jumped off with those last words and disappeared into the night.
-----
" Isabelle, I'm telling you....she's his daughter I know it, " Darien stated while pacing around the library the next morning.
" But didn't she say no? "
" She could've lied. Besides, my question wasn't that direct. Maybe she was being too specific and she might end up giving me some excuse later on relating to how I just didn't blurt out 'are you John's daughter?' "
" I think you're stressed out a little more than you're suppose to be. I've never seen you this concerned about a woman before. "
" That's because this one's diff.... " his sentence trailed off upon seeing the triumphant smirk on Isabelle's face. " No.....no, you did not just think that - "
" I knew it! I knew it she did more than just intrigue you because of her skills, " she stated with a victorious smirk. " Now I think you have some admitting to do yourself. You like her, don't you? "
" I do no - "
" Then why is she so different? Don't tell me it's because she's very skilled because I know that's not enough reason to turn you into some love sick - "
" I am not love sick! "
Isabelle laughed. " Good god, a king who fell for a thief.....a female warrior. In other's eyes she's just some robber, but in yours I'm pretty sure you're seeing a vixen. Why is that so hard to admit? "
" Because a king can't fall for a thief, Isabelle, " he growled.
" In short, you can't admit verbally that you like her because you're afraid your people will think you're not worthy of being a king. "
" Isabelle, this can't get out of this library's walls, you understand? No one but you knows this so I can only hope you're wise enought to keep this a secret, " Darien's voice rose as he shot his cousin a warning glare.
" Don't worry, no one other than I will know. I must warn you though, the walls have ears and even though I won't tell anyone, people might still find out. You're quite an open book with these things you know. People aren't dense. If they figure out how you feel for her then don't blame me. "
" I won't. I trust you, so please speak of this no more. Change the topic.....or just don't mention anything about her. Or.....better yet, don't say something about 'how people will find out how I feel for her'. "
" I understand. Now if you'll just calm down, we'll discuss her without relating to you. Let's just consider this as business so we can lay off any suspicions for as long as we can. What do you plan to do anyway once you find out who she really is? "
Darien paused for a moment and lowered his voice. " You know....I haven't really thought about what will happen once she admits it. I want her, alright....I'll admit that, but what will I do with her? If she could just stop being such a thief then maybe there's still a chance that...... "
Isabelle watched him with curiosity as if waiting for him to continue. He never did finish that sentence.
" Maybe there's still a chance that you might be with her? Maybe there's still a chance that your people will accept her, " her voice was almost inaudible.
" Yes. "
" Your people might accept her, but your role as a king will still be hanging on a thin line. Your reputation, your job....your family's honor all hangs in the balance. If you try to....tame her, if you want to put it that way, then there's no guarantee that she actually will want to be with you. Look at it this way: you could end up trying to make her yours for nothing. If it doesn't work then what will people think of you, seeing that you've even bothered trying to control her. "
" I'm not trying to control her. "
" You know what I mean. Look....why don't I just ask John about this? Isn't he coming in a few minutes? I can ask him then. "
" You? What good will that do? "
" Most men like him expect women like me to just be curious about things like these. He won't suspect anything. I'll tell you what information I got out of him once we're done. I'll ask him about Serena. "
" This won't work. "
" Give it a try. Why would he suspect a woman for being so curious and.....well, caring for other people? "
" Maybe you should've been the king, " he stated with a hint of sarcasm.
" And become a man? I'd rather die. "
" And what is that suppose to mean? "
Isabelle laughed in amusement and headed for the library door. " I'm clueless about politics or whatever you deal with. I just know a lot about this type of thing because I'm a woman. Almost every man I know is quite clueless when it comes to dealing with other women. Just pay no attention to me and I'll do the rest. Don't make it too obvious. "
At her last word, the sound of horses outside alerted then. Isabelle rushed downstairs while Darien stroded confidenlty towards his servants, instructing them what to do.
John was outside on his horse while waiting for the servants to finish unloading the food he had brought. Isabelle had approahced him at this time.
" Good morning John, " she greeted.
" Good morning to you too Miss Isabelle. How is the lady doing today, " he smiled.
" Fine, just fine. I was just taking a little walk and I was a bit bored so I was hoping I could talk to you. You don't mind, do you? "
" No, not at all. "
" Very well then. How are you doing? "
" Quite well. Been a little busy lately but still in good shape. "
" That's good, and how are your wife and daughters? "
" Mina and Lita are fine, but Edith has been rather busy lately as well......preparing Serena to be a wife and all. "
" A wife, " Isabelle continued feeling very intrigued.
" Oh, didn't I tell you? Robert Lockey asked for Serena's hand. He propsed to her just yesterday. Serena didn't seem too pleased with him, but Edith and I gave him our permission for marriage anyway. He's a very rich man, I must say. "
" Serena doesn't want to marry him? Poor thing. "
" That's what Edith said, but he's nice enough and nothing's wrong with him. Serena was just never one to marry.....she always told us she would feel as if she were a captive if she would ever get married. We know her well enough which is why we made her agree with the marriage. He's the perfect man for her and if she doesn't marry him now I'm afraid she never will. "
" Oh.....When is the marriage? I would love to see her in her wedding gown. "
John chuckled. " She doesn't want a wedding gown so we're having some trouble with that. She gets married on Friday. "
" Friday, " Isabelle choked out. " I'm excited for her. I've heard about Robert.....he's very wealthy and handsome, I hear. "
" He is. That's why we want Serena to marry him. "
" Well I do hope everything goes well.
" So do I. "
Isabelle turned to face the sun and shielded her eyes. " Oh no, I forgot to finish up some chores. If you'll excuse me sir, I'd like to get a few things done. Thank you for the little chat and please wish your family goodluck for me. "
" You're welcome Miss Isabelle, and I will, " he smiled.
Isabelle smiled back and went back inside the castle before watching John leave once all the food was unloaded. Once he was out of sight and the servants were back in the kitchen, she and Darien hurried back toward the library.
" Serena's getting married, " she instantly blurted out once the library doors were locked.
" What, " Darien looked at her as if she had gone mad.
" To a man she doesn't even like as I've been told. His name's Robert Lockey I think..... "
" Him, " Darien narrowed his eyes.
" You know him? "
" One of my rivals at night. He's rather good I must say. Why is she marrying him if she doesn't even like him then? "
" John told me he and Edith forced her too. He propsed just yesterday and he said Serena would've said no to any man anyway. He thinks John is the right man for her so he give him his permission for him to marry her. "
Darien had a lost look on his face for a moment. Isabelle only took one look at him and sighed. " I'm sorry. I really - "
Her sentence was cut off by Darien who started laughing.
" What's so funny, " she questioned now looking at him as if he had gone mad instead.
" Isabelle, this is perfect, " he hugged his cousin tightly before pacing around the library.
" How is this perfect? She's getting married.....you can't have her. "
" Yes I can. Don't you see? If she doesn't like John then maybe I can offer her a deal. If she agrees to 'pretend' to like me, we can both act as if we're in love with each other and she won't have to marry him. If she's desperate enough then she'll agree to anything that will get him off her back. No one can say no to a king, " he grinned.
" But it's only acting. "
" True, but maybe I can tempt her a bit while it's going on. She might actually find me irresistable by the time we're done. "
" Good lord, where on earth did you get that idea? "
" Let's just say I'm not that clueless with women, " he smirked.
*************************************************************************************************
Author's Notes: Done......what do you think? Emails and reviews please. Thanks to all the readers and pardon the typos.