Destined to be Together
Chapter 4
"I didn't ask you for an explanation. I asked who you were."
the voice said.
"S.. Serenity."
"Serenity. I've heard that name before." The voice was coming
closer and closer. Serenity opened her eyes to find that the candle
was right in front of her face. She looked up into the most beautiful
eyes she had even seen, but she had seen them before. Those were the
eyes of-
"Seiya!" Serenity screamed out with a smile. "Oh it's been so
long since I've seen you. How are you?"
"I knew that name was familiar. I've been great how about
you?"
"Better than ever actually. You've gotten so tall."
Seiya was a servant at the Walker Estate five years ago. They
were the same age and used to make mischief together. Seiya and his
family had left the estate without telling any of the servants why.
Serenity had missed him greatly, and thought she would never see him
again. "You've grown up too Serenity." Seiya said.
"Where did you're family go to after you all left? Why did you
go? I've missed you so much!" Serenity's questions slid out one after
the other in excitement.
"Whoa, slow down Serenity." Seiya chuckled. "Well, my family
and I are here at the palace now. We left the estate because my father
had heard about the queen looking for some servants and was able to
slip us in. I don't know much of the details for that. Just that my
father knew people that knew the king and queen. I too have missed
you. Are you still at the estate?" He moved the burning candle to his
other hand.
"Oh no. Laura lied and got me moved. Gisselle said that it was
going to be so much worse than her place, but it's not! It's so much
better! I'm at the royal palace of Cartel with the Allen family. I'm
the personal servant for the king and queen's daughters. They all love
me like a family, and I love them. I'm treated like an actual person
there, like I'm apart of their family." Serenity explained happily.
"I'm so glad I ran into you Seiya. But listen, can you direct me to
the bathroom, because I really do need to go."
Seiya laughed. 'She's still the same. Bubbling with happiness
and excitement and asking a million questions in one breath. "Sure,
first we need to go back this way."
Seiya led Serenity to the bathroom and waited for her because
he knew she wouldn't be able to get back to the ballroom. He regretted
not attending the ball, but he was dreadfully tired after helping
prepare for it and he still had a few more halls to check before
retiring to bed.
"Listen, Serenity, it's been nice talking to you, I'll try to
keep in touch through letters ok?" Serenity nodded her head. "Now you
go back in the ball and have the time of your life. I'm too tired to
stay for it but I'll be looking forward to your letters about it ok?"
Serenity smiled and kissed Seiya on the cheek. "I will Seiya.
Hope I'll see you later."
Serenity opened the ballroom doors to see that the numbers of
people had grew during her absence and the dancing had already
started. When she walked in, she felt hundreds of eyes on her, some
with looks of longing, others with jealousy, and some with admiration.
No one stopped what they were doing, but they glanced at her. She saw
some of the girls smooth out their dresses and try to do a quick check
to be sure they too looked beautiful.
Serenity wasn't exactly looking to dance, she just wanted to
get back into the ballroom. The further in she walked, the more people
that glanced at her. She turned around as she felt a tap on her
shoulder.
"Yes?" "Uhh... excuse me Miss, but would you uhh... would you
like to dance?" a red haired young man asked.
"Sure I'd love to."
Serenity danced with the man and learned that his name was
Ryan. She took no interest in him and danced for just one song. She
was grateful that he wanted to get something to drink and took the
opportunity to move away. It wasn't like he had offered her something
to drink, so she didn't feel bad leaving him. While she was walking
away, she felt another tap on her shoulder and was asked to dance.
Before she could even turn around and answer, she was being blindly
led to the dance floor. When they reached the floor and turned into
her mysterious dancer's arms, she gasped.
'Oh my goodness!'
"I'm so glad you showed up Melissa. I knew something like this
would get me to see your face again."
"Umm... about that, my name's no-"
"Shhh! Just let the music carry you away, don't speak, just
dance. We can talk later."
Serenity nodded and fell deeper into his embrace. She couldn't
believe she was dancing with the prince. He looked so handsome in his
black tuxedo with a royal sash going from shoulder to waist displaying
his medals. Never in a million years had she thought she would be
dancing with Darien.
"Honey look at that." Celeste whispered to her husband.
"Well isn't that something? He hasn't even danced with Laura
yet and it's well into the ball. I don't like Laura anyway...." Darius
stated.
"Who cares about that girl, honey do you know who that is he's
dancing with?" Celeste questioned.
"No, I don't. Why do you?"
"Yeah that's Serenity."
"Really? They look so perfect together out there, as though
they are meant to be."
"That's exactly it Darius! They are, I'm telling you, my
mother is never wrong." Celeste said smugly.
As the song ended, Darien and Serenity opened their eyes up to
see that everyone had moved off the dance floor to watch in awe of the
two. They could hear the murmurs flying through the spectators. They
both blushed when they heard someone mention some joke about the two
and marriage. Darien looked at his mother pleading with her to get the
band to play another song. He smiled at her gratefully soon as he
heard the first note. Other couples began to fill the dance floor and
the attention was off of Darien and Serenity. Serenity sighed happily
and lowered her head onto Darien's shoulder. She couldn't help but
feel a pair of eyes glaring at her so fiercely, that if possible,
could burn a hole right through her dress.
"Look at that Alicia." Edward motioned for his wife to look to
the dance floor.
"Oh wow, they look great together," she said with a smile. "I
see Serenity's having a great evening."
"I'm sure everyone's talking about how great they are
together, but I'm not talking about Serenity, I knew she would be
happy, I'm talking about Helen."
Alicia's eyes scanned the floor to find her daughter dancing
with a young man with blond hair, fair skin, and green eyes who looked
about Helen's age. She was happy for her daughter and hoped she was
enjoying herself. She would talk with her daughter during dinner which
was about to be served after the song ended. She could remember back
in her days of being fifteen and attending a ball....
Edward noticed his wife's smile grow bigger and knew she was
remembering when they had first met. They met at a ball similar to
this, Edward was just a wealthy boy of a neighboring kingdom and
Alicia was the sister of the prince having the ball. The two stuck to
each other during the ball and haven't separated yet. Edward took hold
of Alicia's hand and kissed her sweetly.
"Who does she think she is to be dancing with Darien like
that. I haven't even had a word with him yet and she's dancing with
him? Why is she dancing so close to him? If I knew that girl I would
kill her!" Laura ranted on and on. She finally stopped talking for
about a second when her sister told her that dinner was going to be
served soon. She looked at her sister in annoyance and took her glare
back at the couple on the dance floor only to find that they had
somehow disappeared.
"I don't believe this..." were the final words that came out
of Laura's mouth. She could no longer find the words that expressed
her anger and just closed her mouth. She was quiet for the rest of the
evening.
"Oh Darien, this is too wonderful, but I must tell you
something."
"I know you do Melissa, but just wait. Let's have dinner out
her on the balcony under the night sky with only the stars listening
to our conversation. It really is beautiful out here isn't it?"
"Oh yes it is, but where are we going to eat? Surely we aren't
going to stand here with everyone trying to watch our every little
move."
"Don't worry, I have a place we can go, I'll just have a
servant bring us our meal." Darien said as he led her to a secluded
area of the balcony. There was a table set up for two with two single
candle sticks burning brightly. Darien sat Serenity down and went away
from the area to inform a servant where they were so he could bring
them their meal.
Serenity thought about how she would tell Darien about her.
Surely he must be feeling something to dance with her so gracefully
and to bring her out here to eat with just the two of them under the
stars. Sure it was romantic, but she couldn't let this happen with him
thinking she was someone that she wasn't.
"Our meal should be here shortly." Darien said as he sat down
to the table. "Now what is it that you want to tell me?"
"Oh Darien, I can't let you continue thinking I'm someone
that I'm not. My real name isn't Melissa, it's Serenity Tsukino. I
don't know if you remember or not, but you helped me out when I was at
the Walker Estate."
"Is that all you wanted to tell me Melissa? I already know all
of that."
"What do you mean you already know that? If you know that, why
are you still calling me Melissa?"
"I'm just so used to it now, I'm actually a bit frightened
that if I call you by your name, you will disappear and all that I
felt were just emotions from a dream."
"Oh Darien, I won't go away, this isn't a dream. I really am
Serenity Tsukino, the girl that said her name was Melissa a while back
in the Marketplace."
"I know all that. My mother told me about the servant at the
Walker Estate and at first I didn't believe her, but when she
mentioned the color of your eyes, I knew that you, Serenity, were
Melissa. I only ask why didn't you tell me your real name."
"I've always been afraid to tell people that I was a servant
when they didn't already suspect I was one. I'm not even supposed to
be a servant. I'm the daughter of King and Queen Tsukino. They ruled a
kingdom that was overthrown before my father had settled a deal with
one of their friend's who were king and queen of a kingdom. I presume
they were your parents. My mother died and my father had remarried. He
too had died and that's when I suddenly became a servant. I don't
remember most of these events on my own, but I was told them by my
trusted friend."
"I had heard that Gisselle had moved you away because of
Laura," Darien said as their food had been set before them. "Why and
where did they move you to?"
Serenity took ate some of her chicken. "Laura overheard some
of what you had told your parents about when you met Melissa in the
Marketplace. She knew that I was Melissa when you mentioned the color
of her eyes. She told her mother that I was out to sabotage the
evening and that I was out to get her because she was with you. They
moved me to the palace in Cartel with King and Queen Allen. I'm a
personal servant of their five daughters, but I'm treated like an
older sister. Why did you have this ball anyway Darien?" Serenity
questioned.
"Well, I wanted to see if I could somehow meet you again. I
knew that they couldn't have moved you too far, that's why I invited
everyone from Winnorrow and Cartel. It was just a matter of luck for
whether or not the head of the house would allow their servants to
attend." Darien explained.
"What I don't understand is why you were with Laura. Did you
love her?"
"No Serenity, I could barely manage being around the girl, but
in some odd way I felt closer to you. I can't explain it, but I did.
Knowing that at one time you two were in the same house. It's true, I
did start to enjoy Laura's company, but I didn't feel that same pull
towards her that I felt towards you. At times I didn't like her
attitude and she was very possessive at times. She didn't want me
going to the Marketplace for fear that I would run into you. She was
aware of my feelings for you and tried everything to get you off of my
mind. I thought that after a while she would see that I only wanted to
be her friend, but she didn't. I sure it should be really clear by
now." Darien explained with a smile.
The two finished their meal while talking about their
childhood. Darien was surprised that Serenity was able to even have
happy memories. They stood up to dance under the moonlight to music
only they heard. Darien led Serenity over to a bench on the balcony
and looked into her eyes. They held the gaze for a few moments before
Serenity lifted her head so her lips could meet Darien's in a kiss. It
was the first kiss she had ever had and did she love it. The warmth of
his lips on hers warmed her body in ways she could never imagine.
When they had finally broke apart from the kiss, Serenity
whispered smiling, "This truly is a magical night."
"Oh Serenity, I'm so glad to finally have found the one I
should be with. Did you feel something inside of you grow stronger as
we kissed Serenity?"
"Oh yes, I thought it was my imagination though. Oh Darien, I
love you so much."
"I love you too Serenity. I wanted to know if-"
Darien was cut off by one of the servants. "Excuse me Prince
Darien, your mother and father wish for you to come back inside. They
don't want you to be missing too long."
"Ok we are right behind you. Can you be sure that whoever is
cleaning up tonight doesn't forget to get the plates from out here?"
"Of course sir." The servant said as he led Darien and
Serenity back inside to the ballroom.
Darien and Serenity walked hand in hand towards the king and
queen. Along the way, many of the guests stopped dancing to look at
the incoming couple as they smiled happily towards each other.
'I know who that girl is and I know she doesn't think she has
Darien because she doesn't. Once a guy is with Laura Walker they never
want to leave and they don't until I'm finished with them. Darien is
mine and he always will be.' Laura thought to herself with a vengeance
as she stomped out of the ballroom.
Laura knew most of the palace by heart after being there so
many times and knew where she was headed.
"Serenity will pay!"
"Yes mother, father, you wanted to see me?" Darien asked.
"Yes Darien, we were just wondering where you had run off to.
We saw you dancing with this young lady and we couldn't help but
wonder who she was." Celeste said with a sly smile.
"Mother, father, this is Serenity. Serenity, these are my
parents, King Darius and Queen Celeste."
"Pleased to meet you your highnesses." Serenity said as she
began to curtsy.
"Please don't Serenity. We sense something in the two of you.
By any chance might there be something between you two?" Darius
questioned.
"King! Queen! Come quick! Someone has broken into your safe,
and there's some evidence that has been left behind." a guard yelled
into the ballroom.
"We're coming now." Darius said as he whispered something into
his wife's ear and walked quickly out of the room.
"Please everyone stay calm. The ball will continue as planned
and do enjoy yourselves. This minor crisis will be over in no time."
Celeste said informing everyone not to worry.
"Darien stay here, don't worry about the safe. We'll get down
to the bottom of this." Celeste whispered into her son's ear and got
up to leave.
"Oh Darien, who do you think could have done such a thing?"
Serenity asked with concern.
"I don't know, but I know my parents will take care of it. I
wonder what the evidence was. Oh well, come on, let's dance some more."
Serenity shook her head. "I'm sorry Darien, but I have to
check on Helen. I think Alicia and Edward are leaving soon and I need
to talk with them also."
"Be back shortly." Darien said placing a small kiss on her
cheek.
Serenity flushed as she walked off. She first stopped at the
table where Alicia and Edward were getting the girls ready to go.
"How was your evening Serenity?" Edward asked.
"I had a great evening, it was truly magical." Serenity said
with a faint smile on her face.
"That's great. Well, we are going to be leaving. There's a
carriage that will be waiting for you all when the ball is over. You
can stay awhile after it's over, just don't stay too long." Alicia
explained. "Tell Helen we said good night." she added.
"See you at home Serenity." whispered a very sleepy Courtney.
Serenity hugged all 4 girls, even the already asleep Jenny,
and walked off to find Helen. She found her standing near the punch
table talking lowly with Simon.
"Excuse me, but I need to speak with Helen for a minute."
Serenity said politely.
Helen stood up and walked next to Serenity.
"Yes Serenity, anything wrong?"
"No there isn't. I just wanted to let you know that your
parents have left and they said good night. We can stay until it's
over and even talk a little bit afterwards. So are you having a nice
night?"
"Oh yes, I really like Simon and I think he likes me. I can't
believe it, but I think it's true! He's the only person I've danced
with all night and I'm the only one he's danced with. How has your
night been?" Helen asked excitedly.
"That's good to hear. I wish you two the best. My night has
been magical. I've danced with the prince and I've been with him
almost all evening. We ate dinner outside on the balcony. It was
great. I've actually fallen in love with a prince." Serenity explained
starry eyed. "That's great for you too Serenity!" Helen said
smiling.
"Well listen, I think we should meet back here when the ball's
over ok?"
Helen agreed and went back to Simon. Serenity went to go to
Darien only to find him in the arms of Laura. Serenity was devastated.
Some type of sound escaped her lips and she saw the smug look on
Laura's face. She turned and fled before Darien could try to say
something to her. She was sick of Laura always ruining everything for
her when it was finally going well. The sound of her sobs blocked out
any other sound in the room.
"Let her go Darien, she's not what you think she is." Laura
said as Darien broke their embrace. "She's also done some really bad
things Darien."
"I don't believe you Laura, I know perfectly well who she is."
"You do huh? Well I hope you know her name's not Melissa, it's
Serenity. She's a servant, and surely you don't want to be with a
servant." Laura replied with a nasty tone.
"I already know all that, and nothing you say can change the
feelings I have for her. Why do you think I had a ball for everyone in
the two kingdoms? Remember when you told me that you lied on Serenity
to get her moved out of the house? My mother told me that Serenity was
a servant and that she was the only person with eyes of her color
besides her mother who is dead. I had the ball to try and find her so
that I could tell her my feelings for her. I know for sure she's not
what you think she is Laura my dear." Darien finished sarcastically.
"What do you mean she's not who I think she is. I know who she
is. She's Serenity Tsukino. A former servant at the Walker Estate,
there's no more to her than that. She has nothing and is worth
nothing. I don't see why you could have feelings for someone like
that."
"Exactly my point. Serenity is the daughter of King and Queen
Tsukino. Her parents both died after their kingdom was overthrown
while in the process of being turned over to my parents. Before her
father died, he had married your mother because she fooled him into
thinking that she was a truly caring mother and would love Serenity as
she loved you and Jessica. Soon as her father died, she made Serenity
a servant. When Serenity was really young, way before your family was
in the picture, Serenity's family used to come over to my palace and
we used to play together. I had fallen in love with Serenity way back
then, but as time passed and I no longer saw her, I forgot about her.
Now she's back in my life and I don't want to lose her again. She's
nice and caring and wouldn't hurt anyone, not even you, even after all
the pain you've caused her." Darien hotly yelled at Laura.
"You can go ahead and say all that Darien, but I know what
Serenity has done tonight. You know that safe your parents have?
Serenity was the one that broke into it." Laura said, trying to use
anything to get Darien away from his feelings for Serenity.
"How would you know?"
"I over heard the guards talking about the evidence found near
the safe. A silver anklet. Serenity was wearing a silver anklet, but I
bet if you check both of her ankles, you won't find a silver anklet."
Laura said slyly as she walked away from Darien with a self-satisfied
smile across her lips.
"You.. You're lying!" was all Darien could muster out as Laura
walked away. Darien knew that Serenity wasn't the one that broke into
the safe. He knew she was better than that and would never still from
anyone. He had no proof that Laura was telling the truth when she said
that about the evidence found. He ran off to find his mother.
'I can't believe her!' Serenity thought silently as the tears
fell down her cheeks and left light stains on her silver dress. Laura
was jealous and conniving and probably did something to Darien to get
him in her embrace. 'He didn't even look happy there with her.'
Serenity thought trying to console herself. "But he was still there."
she cried out in pain. Serenity was ready to go home, but decided to
wait until the ball was over because she didn't want to ruin Helen's
night.
"Excuse me, Serenity?"
"What do you want Darien?" Serenity asked angrily.
"I want to make sure you are ok and explain to you what
happened out there." Darien calmly replied.
"I'm fine. I don't want to know what happened."
"Serenity, listen. I know you're not ok. I can see the tears
running down your face and it hurts me to see you in such pain and
it's even worse to know that I caused it now listen," Darien started
as he sat down beside her. He grimaced as she turn to face the other
direction. "Serenity, when you had went off to talk to the Allen's,
Laura came over to me. At first we were just talking and then she
asked if I wanted to dance. I had nothing better to do so I agreed
thinking it would be just a dance among friends. When you had saw us,
she had pulled me closer to her. I was trying to break free honest,
but it was too late. She wanted you to see what you saw and then after
you ran out, she said some pretty mean things about you that lead me
to ask you these questions. First I want to say, I don't believe her
and even if they are true, I still love you."
Serenity turned to face Darien again. She was still crying and
she moved closer to hug him. He pulled her tightly and let the tears
fall on his tuxedo. He didn't care.
"Why is she doing this to me? I didn't do anything to her and
she just wants to see me in pain. Is it my fault that you and I love
each other? We can't control our feelings for one another." Serenity
cried out into Darien's chest.
"Shh Serenity, I know. Don't worry about her anymore. She'll
get hers sooner or later."
"I know but why not sooner?" Serenity asked more to herself
than to Darien. "Now what was it you needed to ask me?"
"Well Serenity as you know, my parent's had a safe broken into
tonight. There was a silver anklet left near safe. Were you wearing a
silver anklet tonight?
"Yes." Serenity said as she lifted up her leg to show Darien.
"It's a silver one, look right here on my rig-- It's not there!"
"Serenity, it has to be, Laura has already turned your name in
and they are going to automatically think it was you. You have to find
it, I don't believe you did it." Darien said grabbing Serenity's
shoulder's to look into her eyes.
"Darien, I didn't break into your parents safe. I must have
lost it when I got lost in the palace looking for the bathroom. I can
tell you everything I did when I wasn't in the ballroom." Serenity
said on the verge of tears. "Laura did this to me. She must have none
that I lost my anklet and wanted to get back at me. I've never been
here before, so I wouldn't know where to find a safe. Laura has been
here before. Haven't you taken her on tours of the palace?"
"Of course that makes sense. I've shown her the place of the
safe before and she does know the palace pretty well. The only thing
is that they are going to accuse you before they accuse her because
she's not a servant and you are."
"Darien, isn't there some kind of way we can prove her wrong?
There are sorcerers out there that can make something to get her."
Serenity cried. "Please she can't do anything else to me again!"
"That's right, come on let's go talk to my parents." Darien
said before pulling Serenity up.
After a long talk with Celeste and Darius, Darien and Serenity
were able to prove Serenity innocent. They were going to visit the
kingdom's sorcerer to see if he had anything that could prove Serenity
innocent. They let Serenity go home to Cartel and Darien kept in touch
with her through letters. Time passed quickly and before they knew it,
a year had gone by. Helen turned sixteen and had her own ball. She
announced her engagement to Simon Buckley that would take place in the
distant future. Helen had her own plans before she wanted to settle
down. Besides her parents were too young to give her the throne.
Serenity had turned eighteen and was relieved of her duties as
personal servant. Alicia and Edward allowed her to stay with them and
she still did everything she used to do with them.
In Darien's letters, he explained how the sorcerer had this
magical powder that when sprinkled across something they would show
the person's fingerprints. They dusted the safe, the anklet and the
people in the kingdom. They were finally down to the W's and the first
family on the list was the Walker family.
"First we would like Gisselle Walker to place all of her
fingertips into the powder and then place them on this paper. We would
like for the two daughters, Jessica and Laura Walker to do the same.
If there was anyone else that attended the last ball, to do so also.
If you were not at the ball, you are dismissed." one of the royal
guards instructed. Everyone except for Gisselle, Jessica, and Laura
left the room.
"I don't see why we have to do this. I know my daughters are
innocent. This is unbelievable. You know who did it, it was that
Serenity girl. She could never be trusted when she was here, I don't
know why the Allen's thought they could trust her to go out into
public." Gisselle complained constantly.
After the fingerprints were taken, they had them examined. The
examiner muttered something to the head guard.
"We have found our thief." He said. "Laura Walker, please step
forward."
"Oh my goodness. I don't believe this." Laura said while
taking a few steps.
"You are under arrest for stealing from the king and queen and
you are subject to a public hearing at the palace. Until then you are
to pack your bags and come with me to the prison. You have an hour
until I return."
The guards pack everything up and left the Walker Estate. They
told the king and queen the good news. They were so happy, they knew
it wasn't Serenity, but they had to be sure. Darien would be so happy
when he found out the great news.
"Serenity you have a guest." Stacie called to Serenity.
"Ok here I come." Serenity walked quickly down the steps. When
she saw who he was, she broke out in a run.
"Darien I'm so happy to see you!" she screamed in delight.
"Shhh calm down Serenity. I have great news! They found the
thief and I'm sure you already know who it was."
"It was Laura wasn't it?"
"Of course it was. She fessed up the entire story the moment
she entered the prison. They let her off with a not so harsh
punishment that you wouldn't believe. I'm not telling you what it is
until you answer a question I have for you."
"Aww come on Darien, I want to know!" Serenity pleaded.
Darien was almost tempted to tell her, but he kept his guard
up. "Not until you answer my question."
"Ok fine!" Serenity pouted. "What's your question?"
"Serenity you know how much I love you and I would do anything
for you. I just wanted to know, will you marry me?"
Darien watched in pain the reaction displayed across
Serenity's face.
"Darien I can't."
~*The End*~
So how'd you like it? Let me know. Remember my e-mail address is
Usagi261@yahoo.com. I don't use ICQ anymore, so if you have that
number, you can just delete it. I use AIM and Yahoo Messenger, both
with the name, Usagi261. I really want to know what you guys think.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Do you really think I could end it like this? That would be so mean.
This is not the end, there is one more chapter. The next one most
likely will be a shortie (like these others haven't ^_^) but I hope
you all like it.
Chapter 4
"I didn't ask you for an explanation. I asked who you were."
the voice said.
"S.. Serenity."
"Serenity. I've heard that name before." The voice was coming
closer and closer. Serenity opened her eyes to find that the candle
was right in front of her face. She looked up into the most beautiful
eyes she had even seen, but she had seen them before. Those were the
eyes of-
"Seiya!" Serenity screamed out with a smile. "Oh it's been so
long since I've seen you. How are you?"
"I knew that name was familiar. I've been great how about
you?"
"Better than ever actually. You've gotten so tall."
Seiya was a servant at the Walker Estate five years ago. They
were the same age and used to make mischief together. Seiya and his
family had left the estate without telling any of the servants why.
Serenity had missed him greatly, and thought she would never see him
again. "You've grown up too Serenity." Seiya said.
"Where did you're family go to after you all left? Why did you
go? I've missed you so much!" Serenity's questions slid out one after
the other in excitement.
"Whoa, slow down Serenity." Seiya chuckled. "Well, my family
and I are here at the palace now. We left the estate because my father
had heard about the queen looking for some servants and was able to
slip us in. I don't know much of the details for that. Just that my
father knew people that knew the king and queen. I too have missed
you. Are you still at the estate?" He moved the burning candle to his
other hand.
"Oh no. Laura lied and got me moved. Gisselle said that it was
going to be so much worse than her place, but it's not! It's so much
better! I'm at the royal palace of Cartel with the Allen family. I'm
the personal servant for the king and queen's daughters. They all love
me like a family, and I love them. I'm treated like an actual person
there, like I'm apart of their family." Serenity explained happily.
"I'm so glad I ran into you Seiya. But listen, can you direct me to
the bathroom, because I really do need to go."
Seiya laughed. 'She's still the same. Bubbling with happiness
and excitement and asking a million questions in one breath. "Sure,
first we need to go back this way."
Seiya led Serenity to the bathroom and waited for her because
he knew she wouldn't be able to get back to the ballroom. He regretted
not attending the ball, but he was dreadfully tired after helping
prepare for it and he still had a few more halls to check before
retiring to bed.
"Listen, Serenity, it's been nice talking to you, I'll try to
keep in touch through letters ok?" Serenity nodded her head. "Now you
go back in the ball and have the time of your life. I'm too tired to
stay for it but I'll be looking forward to your letters about it ok?"
Serenity smiled and kissed Seiya on the cheek. "I will Seiya.
Hope I'll see you later."
Serenity opened the ballroom doors to see that the numbers of
people had grew during her absence and the dancing had already
started. When she walked in, she felt hundreds of eyes on her, some
with looks of longing, others with jealousy, and some with admiration.
No one stopped what they were doing, but they glanced at her. She saw
some of the girls smooth out their dresses and try to do a quick check
to be sure they too looked beautiful.
Serenity wasn't exactly looking to dance, she just wanted to
get back into the ballroom. The further in she walked, the more people
that glanced at her. She turned around as she felt a tap on her
shoulder.
"Yes?" "Uhh... excuse me Miss, but would you uhh... would you
like to dance?" a red haired young man asked.
"Sure I'd love to."
Serenity danced with the man and learned that his name was
Ryan. She took no interest in him and danced for just one song. She
was grateful that he wanted to get something to drink and took the
opportunity to move away. It wasn't like he had offered her something
to drink, so she didn't feel bad leaving him. While she was walking
away, she felt another tap on her shoulder and was asked to dance.
Before she could even turn around and answer, she was being blindly
led to the dance floor. When they reached the floor and turned into
her mysterious dancer's arms, she gasped.
'Oh my goodness!'
"I'm so glad you showed up Melissa. I knew something like this
would get me to see your face again."
"Umm... about that, my name's no-"
"Shhh! Just let the music carry you away, don't speak, just
dance. We can talk later."
Serenity nodded and fell deeper into his embrace. She couldn't
believe she was dancing with the prince. He looked so handsome in his
black tuxedo with a royal sash going from shoulder to waist displaying
his medals. Never in a million years had she thought she would be
dancing with Darien.
"Honey look at that." Celeste whispered to her husband.
"Well isn't that something? He hasn't even danced with Laura
yet and it's well into the ball. I don't like Laura anyway...." Darius
stated.
"Who cares about that girl, honey do you know who that is he's
dancing with?" Celeste questioned.
"No, I don't. Why do you?"
"Yeah that's Serenity."
"Really? They look so perfect together out there, as though
they are meant to be."
"That's exactly it Darius! They are, I'm telling you, my
mother is never wrong." Celeste said smugly.
As the song ended, Darien and Serenity opened their eyes up to
see that everyone had moved off the dance floor to watch in awe of the
two. They could hear the murmurs flying through the spectators. They
both blushed when they heard someone mention some joke about the two
and marriage. Darien looked at his mother pleading with her to get the
band to play another song. He smiled at her gratefully soon as he
heard the first note. Other couples began to fill the dance floor and
the attention was off of Darien and Serenity. Serenity sighed happily
and lowered her head onto Darien's shoulder. She couldn't help but
feel a pair of eyes glaring at her so fiercely, that if possible,
could burn a hole right through her dress.
"Look at that Alicia." Edward motioned for his wife to look to
the dance floor.
"Oh wow, they look great together," she said with a smile. "I
see Serenity's having a great evening."
"I'm sure everyone's talking about how great they are
together, but I'm not talking about Serenity, I knew she would be
happy, I'm talking about Helen."
Alicia's eyes scanned the floor to find her daughter dancing
with a young man with blond hair, fair skin, and green eyes who looked
about Helen's age. She was happy for her daughter and hoped she was
enjoying herself. She would talk with her daughter during dinner which
was about to be served after the song ended. She could remember back
in her days of being fifteen and attending a ball....
Edward noticed his wife's smile grow bigger and knew she was
remembering when they had first met. They met at a ball similar to
this, Edward was just a wealthy boy of a neighboring kingdom and
Alicia was the sister of the prince having the ball. The two stuck to
each other during the ball and haven't separated yet. Edward took hold
of Alicia's hand and kissed her sweetly.
"Who does she think she is to be dancing with Darien like
that. I haven't even had a word with him yet and she's dancing with
him? Why is she dancing so close to him? If I knew that girl I would
kill her!" Laura ranted on and on. She finally stopped talking for
about a second when her sister told her that dinner was going to be
served soon. She looked at her sister in annoyance and took her glare
back at the couple on the dance floor only to find that they had
somehow disappeared.
"I don't believe this..." were the final words that came out
of Laura's mouth. She could no longer find the words that expressed
her anger and just closed her mouth. She was quiet for the rest of the
evening.
"Oh Darien, this is too wonderful, but I must tell you
something."
"I know you do Melissa, but just wait. Let's have dinner out
her on the balcony under the night sky with only the stars listening
to our conversation. It really is beautiful out here isn't it?"
"Oh yes it is, but where are we going to eat? Surely we aren't
going to stand here with everyone trying to watch our every little
move."
"Don't worry, I have a place we can go, I'll just have a
servant bring us our meal." Darien said as he led her to a secluded
area of the balcony. There was a table set up for two with two single
candle sticks burning brightly. Darien sat Serenity down and went away
from the area to inform a servant where they were so he could bring
them their meal.
Serenity thought about how she would tell Darien about her.
Surely he must be feeling something to dance with her so gracefully
and to bring her out here to eat with just the two of them under the
stars. Sure it was romantic, but she couldn't let this happen with him
thinking she was someone that she wasn't.
"Our meal should be here shortly." Darien said as he sat down
to the table. "Now what is it that you want to tell me?"
"Oh Darien, I can't let you continue thinking I'm someone
that I'm not. My real name isn't Melissa, it's Serenity Tsukino. I
don't know if you remember or not, but you helped me out when I was at
the Walker Estate."
"Is that all you wanted to tell me Melissa? I already know all
of that."
"What do you mean you already know that? If you know that, why
are you still calling me Melissa?"
"I'm just so used to it now, I'm actually a bit frightened
that if I call you by your name, you will disappear and all that I
felt were just emotions from a dream."
"Oh Darien, I won't go away, this isn't a dream. I really am
Serenity Tsukino, the girl that said her name was Melissa a while back
in the Marketplace."
"I know all that. My mother told me about the servant at the
Walker Estate and at first I didn't believe her, but when she
mentioned the color of your eyes, I knew that you, Serenity, were
Melissa. I only ask why didn't you tell me your real name."
"I've always been afraid to tell people that I was a servant
when they didn't already suspect I was one. I'm not even supposed to
be a servant. I'm the daughter of King and Queen Tsukino. They ruled a
kingdom that was overthrown before my father had settled a deal with
one of their friend's who were king and queen of a kingdom. I presume
they were your parents. My mother died and my father had remarried. He
too had died and that's when I suddenly became a servant. I don't
remember most of these events on my own, but I was told them by my
trusted friend."
"I had heard that Gisselle had moved you away because of
Laura," Darien said as their food had been set before them. "Why and
where did they move you to?"
Serenity took ate some of her chicken. "Laura overheard some
of what you had told your parents about when you met Melissa in the
Marketplace. She knew that I was Melissa when you mentioned the color
of her eyes. She told her mother that I was out to sabotage the
evening and that I was out to get her because she was with you. They
moved me to the palace in Cartel with King and Queen Allen. I'm a
personal servant of their five daughters, but I'm treated like an
older sister. Why did you have this ball anyway Darien?" Serenity
questioned.
"Well, I wanted to see if I could somehow meet you again. I
knew that they couldn't have moved you too far, that's why I invited
everyone from Winnorrow and Cartel. It was just a matter of luck for
whether or not the head of the house would allow their servants to
attend." Darien explained.
"What I don't understand is why you were with Laura. Did you
love her?"
"No Serenity, I could barely manage being around the girl, but
in some odd way I felt closer to you. I can't explain it, but I did.
Knowing that at one time you two were in the same house. It's true, I
did start to enjoy Laura's company, but I didn't feel that same pull
towards her that I felt towards you. At times I didn't like her
attitude and she was very possessive at times. She didn't want me
going to the Marketplace for fear that I would run into you. She was
aware of my feelings for you and tried everything to get you off of my
mind. I thought that after a while she would see that I only wanted to
be her friend, but she didn't. I sure it should be really clear by
now." Darien explained with a smile.
The two finished their meal while talking about their
childhood. Darien was surprised that Serenity was able to even have
happy memories. They stood up to dance under the moonlight to music
only they heard. Darien led Serenity over to a bench on the balcony
and looked into her eyes. They held the gaze for a few moments before
Serenity lifted her head so her lips could meet Darien's in a kiss. It
was the first kiss she had ever had and did she love it. The warmth of
his lips on hers warmed her body in ways she could never imagine.
When they had finally broke apart from the kiss, Serenity
whispered smiling, "This truly is a magical night."
"Oh Serenity, I'm so glad to finally have found the one I
should be with. Did you feel something inside of you grow stronger as
we kissed Serenity?"
"Oh yes, I thought it was my imagination though. Oh Darien, I
love you so much."
"I love you too Serenity. I wanted to know if-"
Darien was cut off by one of the servants. "Excuse me Prince
Darien, your mother and father wish for you to come back inside. They
don't want you to be missing too long."
"Ok we are right behind you. Can you be sure that whoever is
cleaning up tonight doesn't forget to get the plates from out here?"
"Of course sir." The servant said as he led Darien and
Serenity back inside to the ballroom.
Darien and Serenity walked hand in hand towards the king and
queen. Along the way, many of the guests stopped dancing to look at
the incoming couple as they smiled happily towards each other.
'I know who that girl is and I know she doesn't think she has
Darien because she doesn't. Once a guy is with Laura Walker they never
want to leave and they don't until I'm finished with them. Darien is
mine and he always will be.' Laura thought to herself with a vengeance
as she stomped out of the ballroom.
Laura knew most of the palace by heart after being there so
many times and knew where she was headed.
"Serenity will pay!"
"Yes mother, father, you wanted to see me?" Darien asked.
"Yes Darien, we were just wondering where you had run off to.
We saw you dancing with this young lady and we couldn't help but
wonder who she was." Celeste said with a sly smile.
"Mother, father, this is Serenity. Serenity, these are my
parents, King Darius and Queen Celeste."
"Pleased to meet you your highnesses." Serenity said as she
began to curtsy.
"Please don't Serenity. We sense something in the two of you.
By any chance might there be something between you two?" Darius
questioned.
"King! Queen! Come quick! Someone has broken into your safe,
and there's some evidence that has been left behind." a guard yelled
into the ballroom.
"We're coming now." Darius said as he whispered something into
his wife's ear and walked quickly out of the room.
"Please everyone stay calm. The ball will continue as planned
and do enjoy yourselves. This minor crisis will be over in no time."
Celeste said informing everyone not to worry.
"Darien stay here, don't worry about the safe. We'll get down
to the bottom of this." Celeste whispered into her son's ear and got
up to leave.
"Oh Darien, who do you think could have done such a thing?"
Serenity asked with concern.
"I don't know, but I know my parents will take care of it. I
wonder what the evidence was. Oh well, come on, let's dance some more."
Serenity shook her head. "I'm sorry Darien, but I have to
check on Helen. I think Alicia and Edward are leaving soon and I need
to talk with them also."
"Be back shortly." Darien said placing a small kiss on her
cheek.
Serenity flushed as she walked off. She first stopped at the
table where Alicia and Edward were getting the girls ready to go.
"How was your evening Serenity?" Edward asked.
"I had a great evening, it was truly magical." Serenity said
with a faint smile on her face.
"That's great. Well, we are going to be leaving. There's a
carriage that will be waiting for you all when the ball is over. You
can stay awhile after it's over, just don't stay too long." Alicia
explained. "Tell Helen we said good night." she added.
"See you at home Serenity." whispered a very sleepy Courtney.
Serenity hugged all 4 girls, even the already asleep Jenny,
and walked off to find Helen. She found her standing near the punch
table talking lowly with Simon.
"Excuse me, but I need to speak with Helen for a minute."
Serenity said politely.
Helen stood up and walked next to Serenity.
"Yes Serenity, anything wrong?"
"No there isn't. I just wanted to let you know that your
parents have left and they said good night. We can stay until it's
over and even talk a little bit afterwards. So are you having a nice
night?"
"Oh yes, I really like Simon and I think he likes me. I can't
believe it, but I think it's true! He's the only person I've danced
with all night and I'm the only one he's danced with. How has your
night been?" Helen asked excitedly.
"That's good to hear. I wish you two the best. My night has
been magical. I've danced with the prince and I've been with him
almost all evening. We ate dinner outside on the balcony. It was
great. I've actually fallen in love with a prince." Serenity explained
starry eyed. "That's great for you too Serenity!" Helen said
smiling.
"Well listen, I think we should meet back here when the ball's
over ok?"
Helen agreed and went back to Simon. Serenity went to go to
Darien only to find him in the arms of Laura. Serenity was devastated.
Some type of sound escaped her lips and she saw the smug look on
Laura's face. She turned and fled before Darien could try to say
something to her. She was sick of Laura always ruining everything for
her when it was finally going well. The sound of her sobs blocked out
any other sound in the room.
"Let her go Darien, she's not what you think she is." Laura
said as Darien broke their embrace. "She's also done some really bad
things Darien."
"I don't believe you Laura, I know perfectly well who she is."
"You do huh? Well I hope you know her name's not Melissa, it's
Serenity. She's a servant, and surely you don't want to be with a
servant." Laura replied with a nasty tone.
"I already know all that, and nothing you say can change the
feelings I have for her. Why do you think I had a ball for everyone in
the two kingdoms? Remember when you told me that you lied on Serenity
to get her moved out of the house? My mother told me that Serenity was
a servant and that she was the only person with eyes of her color
besides her mother who is dead. I had the ball to try and find her so
that I could tell her my feelings for her. I know for sure she's not
what you think she is Laura my dear." Darien finished sarcastically.
"What do you mean she's not who I think she is. I know who she
is. She's Serenity Tsukino. A former servant at the Walker Estate,
there's no more to her than that. She has nothing and is worth
nothing. I don't see why you could have feelings for someone like
that."
"Exactly my point. Serenity is the daughter of King and Queen
Tsukino. Her parents both died after their kingdom was overthrown
while in the process of being turned over to my parents. Before her
father died, he had married your mother because she fooled him into
thinking that she was a truly caring mother and would love Serenity as
she loved you and Jessica. Soon as her father died, she made Serenity
a servant. When Serenity was really young, way before your family was
in the picture, Serenity's family used to come over to my palace and
we used to play together. I had fallen in love with Serenity way back
then, but as time passed and I no longer saw her, I forgot about her.
Now she's back in my life and I don't want to lose her again. She's
nice and caring and wouldn't hurt anyone, not even you, even after all
the pain you've caused her." Darien hotly yelled at Laura.
"You can go ahead and say all that Darien, but I know what
Serenity has done tonight. You know that safe your parents have?
Serenity was the one that broke into it." Laura said, trying to use
anything to get Darien away from his feelings for Serenity.
"How would you know?"
"I over heard the guards talking about the evidence found near
the safe. A silver anklet. Serenity was wearing a silver anklet, but I
bet if you check both of her ankles, you won't find a silver anklet."
Laura said slyly as she walked away from Darien with a self-satisfied
smile across her lips.
"You.. You're lying!" was all Darien could muster out as Laura
walked away. Darien knew that Serenity wasn't the one that broke into
the safe. He knew she was better than that and would never still from
anyone. He had no proof that Laura was telling the truth when she said
that about the evidence found. He ran off to find his mother.
'I can't believe her!' Serenity thought silently as the tears
fell down her cheeks and left light stains on her silver dress. Laura
was jealous and conniving and probably did something to Darien to get
him in her embrace. 'He didn't even look happy there with her.'
Serenity thought trying to console herself. "But he was still there."
she cried out in pain. Serenity was ready to go home, but decided to
wait until the ball was over because she didn't want to ruin Helen's
night.
"Excuse me, Serenity?"
"What do you want Darien?" Serenity asked angrily.
"I want to make sure you are ok and explain to you what
happened out there." Darien calmly replied.
"I'm fine. I don't want to know what happened."
"Serenity, listen. I know you're not ok. I can see the tears
running down your face and it hurts me to see you in such pain and
it's even worse to know that I caused it now listen," Darien started
as he sat down beside her. He grimaced as she turn to face the other
direction. "Serenity, when you had went off to talk to the Allen's,
Laura came over to me. At first we were just talking and then she
asked if I wanted to dance. I had nothing better to do so I agreed
thinking it would be just a dance among friends. When you had saw us,
she had pulled me closer to her. I was trying to break free honest,
but it was too late. She wanted you to see what you saw and then after
you ran out, she said some pretty mean things about you that lead me
to ask you these questions. First I want to say, I don't believe her
and even if they are true, I still love you."
Serenity turned to face Darien again. She was still crying and
she moved closer to hug him. He pulled her tightly and let the tears
fall on his tuxedo. He didn't care.
"Why is she doing this to me? I didn't do anything to her and
she just wants to see me in pain. Is it my fault that you and I love
each other? We can't control our feelings for one another." Serenity
cried out into Darien's chest.
"Shh Serenity, I know. Don't worry about her anymore. She'll
get hers sooner or later."
"I know but why not sooner?" Serenity asked more to herself
than to Darien. "Now what was it you needed to ask me?"
"Well Serenity as you know, my parent's had a safe broken into
tonight. There was a silver anklet left near safe. Were you wearing a
silver anklet tonight?
"Yes." Serenity said as she lifted up her leg to show Darien.
"It's a silver one, look right here on my rig-- It's not there!"
"Serenity, it has to be, Laura has already turned your name in
and they are going to automatically think it was you. You have to find
it, I don't believe you did it." Darien said grabbing Serenity's
shoulder's to look into her eyes.
"Darien, I didn't break into your parents safe. I must have
lost it when I got lost in the palace looking for the bathroom. I can
tell you everything I did when I wasn't in the ballroom." Serenity
said on the verge of tears. "Laura did this to me. She must have none
that I lost my anklet and wanted to get back at me. I've never been
here before, so I wouldn't know where to find a safe. Laura has been
here before. Haven't you taken her on tours of the palace?"
"Of course that makes sense. I've shown her the place of the
safe before and she does know the palace pretty well. The only thing
is that they are going to accuse you before they accuse her because
she's not a servant and you are."
"Darien, isn't there some kind of way we can prove her wrong?
There are sorcerers out there that can make something to get her."
Serenity cried. "Please she can't do anything else to me again!"
"That's right, come on let's go talk to my parents." Darien
said before pulling Serenity up.
After a long talk with Celeste and Darius, Darien and Serenity
were able to prove Serenity innocent. They were going to visit the
kingdom's sorcerer to see if he had anything that could prove Serenity
innocent. They let Serenity go home to Cartel and Darien kept in touch
with her through letters. Time passed quickly and before they knew it,
a year had gone by. Helen turned sixteen and had her own ball. She
announced her engagement to Simon Buckley that would take place in the
distant future. Helen had her own plans before she wanted to settle
down. Besides her parents were too young to give her the throne.
Serenity had turned eighteen and was relieved of her duties as
personal servant. Alicia and Edward allowed her to stay with them and
she still did everything she used to do with them.
In Darien's letters, he explained how the sorcerer had this
magical powder that when sprinkled across something they would show
the person's fingerprints. They dusted the safe, the anklet and the
people in the kingdom. They were finally down to the W's and the first
family on the list was the Walker family.
"First we would like Gisselle Walker to place all of her
fingertips into the powder and then place them on this paper. We would
like for the two daughters, Jessica and Laura Walker to do the same.
If there was anyone else that attended the last ball, to do so also.
If you were not at the ball, you are dismissed." one of the royal
guards instructed. Everyone except for Gisselle, Jessica, and Laura
left the room.
"I don't see why we have to do this. I know my daughters are
innocent. This is unbelievable. You know who did it, it was that
Serenity girl. She could never be trusted when she was here, I don't
know why the Allen's thought they could trust her to go out into
public." Gisselle complained constantly.
After the fingerprints were taken, they had them examined. The
examiner muttered something to the head guard.
"We have found our thief." He said. "Laura Walker, please step
forward."
"Oh my goodness. I don't believe this." Laura said while
taking a few steps.
"You are under arrest for stealing from the king and queen and
you are subject to a public hearing at the palace. Until then you are
to pack your bags and come with me to the prison. You have an hour
until I return."
The guards pack everything up and left the Walker Estate. They
told the king and queen the good news. They were so happy, they knew
it wasn't Serenity, but they had to be sure. Darien would be so happy
when he found out the great news.
"Serenity you have a guest." Stacie called to Serenity.
"Ok here I come." Serenity walked quickly down the steps. When
she saw who he was, she broke out in a run.
"Darien I'm so happy to see you!" she screamed in delight.
"Shhh calm down Serenity. I have great news! They found the
thief and I'm sure you already know who it was."
"It was Laura wasn't it?"
"Of course it was. She fessed up the entire story the moment
she entered the prison. They let her off with a not so harsh
punishment that you wouldn't believe. I'm not telling you what it is
until you answer a question I have for you."
"Aww come on Darien, I want to know!" Serenity pleaded.
Darien was almost tempted to tell her, but he kept his guard
up. "Not until you answer my question."
"Ok fine!" Serenity pouted. "What's your question?"
"Serenity you know how much I love you and I would do anything
for you. I just wanted to know, will you marry me?"
Darien watched in pain the reaction displayed across
Serenity's face.
"Darien I can't."
~*The End*~
So how'd you like it? Let me know. Remember my e-mail address is
Usagi261@yahoo.com. I don't use ICQ anymore, so if you have that
number, you can just delete it. I use AIM and Yahoo Messenger, both
with the name, Usagi261. I really want to know what you guys think.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Do you really think I could end it like this? That would be so mean.
This is not the end, there is one more chapter. The next one most
likely will be a shortie (like these others haven't ^_^) but I hope
you all like it.