Author's Notes: Here's the next chapter.
*************************************************************************************************
When Midnight Comes - Chapter 6 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
*************************************************************************************************
The midnight air whiped her blonde bangs across her pale skin. A shiver rose up her spine while she grabbed onto a few holes on the castle wall. She pulled her body up each time while she quickly climbed up the little gaps and loose bricks. In a few minutes, she swiftly slipped through the open window she always went through when she was about to battle him. It was always the same....she climbed up with cat-like ease, she battled him, and then she jumped off when she was about to leave. However, things weren't the same this time. He wasn't there.
Her cold blue eyes roamed around the room hoping to find him hiding within the shadows. She completely expected him to suddenly leap out and attack her, but no one else was in the room. A small smirk rose to her lips. She knew he didn't have the guts to come anymore. She was beginning to think that he had chickened out until the sound of horses running outside broke her train of thoughts.
Almost instantly, Serena looked out the window only to find Darien and his men riding out towards the direction of her house. " Shit, " she muttered realizing what could happen. With an angry heart she planned to throw at Darien when she'd meet him again, she jumped out of the window and ran towards a valley of nearby trees. Darien was riding upon the open area....the meadow if you wish to put it that way. She was actually right beside them except she was hidden.
Fear crawled up her back as the horses ran faster and faster by the minute. She knew what he had in mind. Her legs took long strides and carried her across the grass covered ground in an attempt to keep up with the horses. Of course, it was impossible for her to run as fast as any horse, but she knew enough short cuts to get her there as soon as they did......hopefully sooner.
The only problem was her energy. She had energy to fight, but she can only run for so long. Her movements were swift and her legs carried her silently across the fallen trees as if she were flying, but how long could she keep doing that?
Trying to calm her breath down, she quickly made a sharp left and disappeared into a group of trees. That exit of hers was a bit noisy, but the sound of the horses covered up her own mistakes. Darien, however, could sense that she was there.
It wasn't long until they reached John's house. The family was actually awake at this time....at least Edith was. She was working on a piece of fabric she had bought in an attempt to make Serena a wedding gown at night while she was sleeping.....or was she sleeping?
" Edith, " Darien had silently called out the moment he got off his horse.
Edith, who was so concentrated on working on the gown, quickly shot her head up. " Oh, your highness, I'm so sorry......I didn't know you were coming. "
" Don't bow down, " Darien directed once she placed herself on the floor before him. " I'm sorry to come at such a late hour.....an early one, I mean. I hope I didn't wake you. "
" No sir, you didn't. I was already awake.....making Serena's gown for her wedding. John told me you already know that she's getting married. "
" Yes, I do, " Darien frowned. " By the way, I hope I haven't awaken any of your daughters. May I check to see if they're awake? "
" Go right ahead. "
Darien smiled at her and looked inside each room just to cover up his curiosity. Finally, he reached Serena's room. His hand firmly gripped the door knob and turned it. The door creaked silently as it opened revealing a dim room and a fixed bed.......without Serena in it.
A small smile spread across Darien's lips. He knew it she was the Midnight Prowler. It wasn't something hard to admit. He knew she was probably looking for him or waiting for him to arrive. He knew she would be home soon seeing that she wasn't there and when she does arrive, she can't hide it any longer.
Edith's eyes went wide. " Where-where's Serena? "
Darien turned toward Edith and smiled. " Ma'am, I'm afraid your daughter's - "
" Drinking water, " a femenine voice cut him off causing all eyes to turn toward Serena who was wearing her white dress with a glass of water in her hand. " I just woke up because I was thirsty. What did you think I was doing? "
Darien could've sworn a grin had slipped across her lips, but if she did grin, she had a good way of covering it up.
" Then why didn't I hear you, child, " Edith questioned.
" Because you looked so busy while working on that dress you were making. I didn't want to disturb you. What is it for anyway, " she asked innocently while placing the glass back where it belongs.
" Oh, well......it's, it's for your wedding. I was working on it now because I knew that you would protest, " a look of disappointment crossed Edith's face.
Serena was about to protest when Darien replied before she could say anything. " I'm sure she'll love it. We could really use it for her wedding. Your work is perfect, Edith. I want your daughter to wear that when we get married. "
Serena raised her brows in disbelief and looked at Darien as if he had given birth. She opened her mouth to protest only to have him cut her off once again.
" I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage, ma'am. I wish to marry her as soon as possible, " he grinned at Serena who still had confusion written all over her face.
" But-but I thought she was marrying - "
" Oh I'm sure he'll understand, seeing that I'm a king and all. Now, if you'll excuse me, my fiance and I must plan our marriage. " At that, he picked Serena up like what a man would do to his bride and carried her to her room.
Serena only let out a small shriek as he carried her to her room and laid her on her bed. " What on this bloody earth do you think you're doing? I'm not going to marry you! "
" Keep it down, they'll hear you, " he smirked while locking her door before sitting down beside her.
" And why shouldn't they? "
" Listen.....your father told me about your marriage. He told me you don't want to marry.....whatever his name is. Because of that, I'm offering you a deal. "
Serena frowned.
" If you agree to pretend to be in love with me for about a week or two, I could marry you so that you don't have to end up marrying Robert. He can't do anything about it. I'm practically saving you here. "
" And what will happen once the date of the marriage has passed? What then? "
" We'll get seperated. I'll make it known to everyone that no one is to lay a hand on you. No one will marry you unless you want them to. It's as simple as that. "
" Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to help me, " she knitted her brows together in confusion.
" Consider this as an apology for teasing you, " he grinned. " All you have to do is act. Make things look natural....I know you're good at that, " he added.
" Excuse me? What - "
" This is also where our deal can come in, now that I think about it. You'll have to sleep with me. "
" Sleep with you?! "
" No.....I meant sleep in my castle. Good lord you have some naughty things in your mind. "
" I would never - "
" We'll get married tomorrow. "
" Tomorrow?! Are you out of your mind? Make it Friday. "
" Wednesday. "
" Thursday. "
" Wednesday and that's my final offer. Wednesday or tomorrow. "
" Fine, I'll marry you on Wednesday. Good god I don't know how you talked me into this. "
" Let's just say you're really desperate. "
Serena cocked a brow with him. " Thank god I'm only pretending to marry you. I can't live with someone like you. "
" Hey, I'm already saving you from someone you don't even like. I think you owe me some gratitude. "
Serena frowned at him and replied. " Fine....thank you. "
" I didn't mean just a thank you. "
" Then what did you have in mind? "
At that last word, Darien took her by the wrist and lead her outside toward Edith. " Ma'am, we're getting married on Wednesday, " he grinned before pulling Serena toward him and covering her lips with a passionate kiss.
Serena, on the other hand, looked scandalized, but she could only kiss back with bitterness silently screaming.
When they finally parted, Serena tried to cover up any disgusted expressions while Darien kissed Edith's hand. " Maybe I can invite my mother in law for dinner sometime, " he grinned.
Edith laughed. " That would be wonderful, but I have to tell John about this first. What kind of a wedding are you planning? "
Darien looked at Serena and replied. " Your daughter was hoping she could stay at my castle for a few days so we could discuss this furthur. She was also hoping she could live with me immedietly after the marriage.....of course, that's what I want to, " he added once she dug her nails into his hand.
The moment he had finished his sentence, Robert had barged in their house. " Mother, I saw the king come here. Is something............wrong, " he finished upon seeing Serena and Darien together. " Did - did I miss something? "
Finally, Serena began to act. " Yes you did. His highness just proposed to me. We're getting married on Wednesday. I'm sorry, " she replied innocently.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to bring my fiance home, " Darien cut in before the other man could say any more.
" But what about her clothes, " Edith asked.
" Oh, she doesn't need any. "
Serena dug her nails into his hand even harder, causing him to reply again. " Because......I've already prepared some clothes for her at my castle, " he smiled before carrying her outside.
" Good bye Mother, " he emphasized the last word. " I'll be returning sometime later to see what Father has said about this, " he grinned at Robert who could only watch as they rode off into the night.
*************************************************************************************************
Author's Notes: Delayed, I know I'm delayed I'm sorry but a few social problems held me from uploading this. I am so sorry. Anyway, thank you to all the readers and please pardon the typos.
*************************************************************************************************
When Midnight Comes - Chapter 6 By: Hell's Huntress (R)
*************************************************************************************************
The midnight air whiped her blonde bangs across her pale skin. A shiver rose up her spine while she grabbed onto a few holes on the castle wall. She pulled her body up each time while she quickly climbed up the little gaps and loose bricks. In a few minutes, she swiftly slipped through the open window she always went through when she was about to battle him. It was always the same....she climbed up with cat-like ease, she battled him, and then she jumped off when she was about to leave. However, things weren't the same this time. He wasn't there.
Her cold blue eyes roamed around the room hoping to find him hiding within the shadows. She completely expected him to suddenly leap out and attack her, but no one else was in the room. A small smirk rose to her lips. She knew he didn't have the guts to come anymore. She was beginning to think that he had chickened out until the sound of horses running outside broke her train of thoughts.
Almost instantly, Serena looked out the window only to find Darien and his men riding out towards the direction of her house. " Shit, " she muttered realizing what could happen. With an angry heart she planned to throw at Darien when she'd meet him again, she jumped out of the window and ran towards a valley of nearby trees. Darien was riding upon the open area....the meadow if you wish to put it that way. She was actually right beside them except she was hidden.
Fear crawled up her back as the horses ran faster and faster by the minute. She knew what he had in mind. Her legs took long strides and carried her across the grass covered ground in an attempt to keep up with the horses. Of course, it was impossible for her to run as fast as any horse, but she knew enough short cuts to get her there as soon as they did......hopefully sooner.
The only problem was her energy. She had energy to fight, but she can only run for so long. Her movements were swift and her legs carried her silently across the fallen trees as if she were flying, but how long could she keep doing that?
Trying to calm her breath down, she quickly made a sharp left and disappeared into a group of trees. That exit of hers was a bit noisy, but the sound of the horses covered up her own mistakes. Darien, however, could sense that she was there.
It wasn't long until they reached John's house. The family was actually awake at this time....at least Edith was. She was working on a piece of fabric she had bought in an attempt to make Serena a wedding gown at night while she was sleeping.....or was she sleeping?
" Edith, " Darien had silently called out the moment he got off his horse.
Edith, who was so concentrated on working on the gown, quickly shot her head up. " Oh, your highness, I'm so sorry......I didn't know you were coming. "
" Don't bow down, " Darien directed once she placed herself on the floor before him. " I'm sorry to come at such a late hour.....an early one, I mean. I hope I didn't wake you. "
" No sir, you didn't. I was already awake.....making Serena's gown for her wedding. John told me you already know that she's getting married. "
" Yes, I do, " Darien frowned. " By the way, I hope I haven't awaken any of your daughters. May I check to see if they're awake? "
" Go right ahead. "
Darien smiled at her and looked inside each room just to cover up his curiosity. Finally, he reached Serena's room. His hand firmly gripped the door knob and turned it. The door creaked silently as it opened revealing a dim room and a fixed bed.......without Serena in it.
A small smile spread across Darien's lips. He knew it she was the Midnight Prowler. It wasn't something hard to admit. He knew she was probably looking for him or waiting for him to arrive. He knew she would be home soon seeing that she wasn't there and when she does arrive, she can't hide it any longer.
Edith's eyes went wide. " Where-where's Serena? "
Darien turned toward Edith and smiled. " Ma'am, I'm afraid your daughter's - "
" Drinking water, " a femenine voice cut him off causing all eyes to turn toward Serena who was wearing her white dress with a glass of water in her hand. " I just woke up because I was thirsty. What did you think I was doing? "
Darien could've sworn a grin had slipped across her lips, but if she did grin, she had a good way of covering it up.
" Then why didn't I hear you, child, " Edith questioned.
" Because you looked so busy while working on that dress you were making. I didn't want to disturb you. What is it for anyway, " she asked innocently while placing the glass back where it belongs.
" Oh, well......it's, it's for your wedding. I was working on it now because I knew that you would protest, " a look of disappointment crossed Edith's face.
Serena was about to protest when Darien replied before she could say anything. " I'm sure she'll love it. We could really use it for her wedding. Your work is perfect, Edith. I want your daughter to wear that when we get married. "
Serena raised her brows in disbelief and looked at Darien as if he had given birth. She opened her mouth to protest only to have him cut her off once again.
" I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage, ma'am. I wish to marry her as soon as possible, " he grinned at Serena who still had confusion written all over her face.
" But-but I thought she was marrying - "
" Oh I'm sure he'll understand, seeing that I'm a king and all. Now, if you'll excuse me, my fiance and I must plan our marriage. " At that, he picked Serena up like what a man would do to his bride and carried her to her room.
Serena only let out a small shriek as he carried her to her room and laid her on her bed. " What on this bloody earth do you think you're doing? I'm not going to marry you! "
" Keep it down, they'll hear you, " he smirked while locking her door before sitting down beside her.
" And why shouldn't they? "
" Listen.....your father told me about your marriage. He told me you don't want to marry.....whatever his name is. Because of that, I'm offering you a deal. "
Serena frowned.
" If you agree to pretend to be in love with me for about a week or two, I could marry you so that you don't have to end up marrying Robert. He can't do anything about it. I'm practically saving you here. "
" And what will happen once the date of the marriage has passed? What then? "
" We'll get seperated. I'll make it known to everyone that no one is to lay a hand on you. No one will marry you unless you want them to. It's as simple as that. "
" Why are you doing this? Why are you trying to help me, " she knitted her brows together in confusion.
" Consider this as an apology for teasing you, " he grinned. " All you have to do is act. Make things look natural....I know you're good at that, " he added.
" Excuse me? What - "
" This is also where our deal can come in, now that I think about it. You'll have to sleep with me. "
" Sleep with you?! "
" No.....I meant sleep in my castle. Good lord you have some naughty things in your mind. "
" I would never - "
" We'll get married tomorrow. "
" Tomorrow?! Are you out of your mind? Make it Friday. "
" Wednesday. "
" Thursday. "
" Wednesday and that's my final offer. Wednesday or tomorrow. "
" Fine, I'll marry you on Wednesday. Good god I don't know how you talked me into this. "
" Let's just say you're really desperate. "
Serena cocked a brow with him. " Thank god I'm only pretending to marry you. I can't live with someone like you. "
" Hey, I'm already saving you from someone you don't even like. I think you owe me some gratitude. "
Serena frowned at him and replied. " Fine....thank you. "
" I didn't mean just a thank you. "
" Then what did you have in mind? "
At that last word, Darien took her by the wrist and lead her outside toward Edith. " Ma'am, we're getting married on Wednesday, " he grinned before pulling Serena toward him and covering her lips with a passionate kiss.
Serena, on the other hand, looked scandalized, but she could only kiss back with bitterness silently screaming.
When they finally parted, Serena tried to cover up any disgusted expressions while Darien kissed Edith's hand. " Maybe I can invite my mother in law for dinner sometime, " he grinned.
Edith laughed. " That would be wonderful, but I have to tell John about this first. What kind of a wedding are you planning? "
Darien looked at Serena and replied. " Your daughter was hoping she could stay at my castle for a few days so we could discuss this furthur. She was also hoping she could live with me immedietly after the marriage.....of course, that's what I want to, " he added once she dug her nails into his hand.
The moment he had finished his sentence, Robert had barged in their house. " Mother, I saw the king come here. Is something............wrong, " he finished upon seeing Serena and Darien together. " Did - did I miss something? "
Finally, Serena began to act. " Yes you did. His highness just proposed to me. We're getting married on Wednesday. I'm sorry, " she replied innocently.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to bring my fiance home, " Darien cut in before the other man could say any more.
" But what about her clothes, " Edith asked.
" Oh, she doesn't need any. "
Serena dug her nails into his hand even harder, causing him to reply again. " Because......I've already prepared some clothes for her at my castle, " he smiled before carrying her outside.
" Good bye Mother, " he emphasized the last word. " I'll be returning sometime later to see what Father has said about this, " he grinned at Robert who could only watch as they rode off into the night.
*************************************************************************************************
Author's Notes: Delayed, I know I'm delayed I'm sorry but a few social problems held me from uploading this. I am so sorry. Anyway, thank you to all the readers and please pardon the typos.