::peaks around the corner:: Hehe, well hello everyone...heh, it's me Sarah, the author...::dodges mob of crazed fanfic readers:: Ok Ok! I know it's literally been months, but no worries, right! I'm not killing the fic, see see! New chapter, haha! I'm sorry it took so long to get it out, but here, I did it, aren't you proud?? Yeh and I know once you're finished reading, you're all going to want to hunt me down and strangle me with my own cliffhangers, I can't help it! LoL, But i made this one long to make up for it. Well anyway, I hope every one had a great holiday, and got everything they wanted ::hugs her Devil May Cry game:: Dante's hot Dante's hot! Yeh he may have an alarming resemblance to Dilandau, but I swear that's not the only reason! Life Lesson of the day -Demon's are DAMN Sexy! Oh and speaking of Sexy I want you all to go right now! (well not RIGHT now, read the fic first) and download all the Malice Mizer songs you can, and while your at it, look em up on yahoo, cuz baisiclly they are the HOTTEST J-Rock band to grace the earth with their precense, ESPECIALLY Gackt! Oh gods he's gorgeous! Eh ::cough:: who cares if they look like girls... Any who heed thy words, and read and review and thus far on ye wander....that was incredibly random....oy I need coffee...
Chapter 25- Revelation
"One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
What more could your love do for me?
When will love be through with me?
Why live life from dream to dream?
And dread the day when dreaming ends" -Moulin Rouge (Yes I'm Obsessed)
Serryn's head was still spinning as she gazed over the twilight horizon from her tower window. The moment she had stepped out of the airship, she had been surrounded by people, all laughing and cheering in her return. She had never realized how close her country and this one were, but then again she never had paid much attention to foreign affairs, not since her father had died. She had just stopped caring.
Aria murmured, burying her head deeper into her arms as she slept soundly in Serryn's lap. The golden haired princess sighed, running her fingers through her younger sisters dark chocolate locks. 'All that matters is you,' she smiled, her heart finally more at peace.
Serryn would never forget seeing her sisters face, as she emerged from inside the castle gates, so overwhelmed with joy that the tears streaming down her face had not stop until only a few moments ago. How she wrapped her arms around her elder sister neck, weeping and begging her never to leave again. Serryn was crying then two as she sunk to her knees cradling the small child in her arms. 'Never,' she had whispered in reply to her sisters sobs, 'never.'
The only question was, what would she do now. Rebuild Conilia was of course the first thing that came to mind. "But how?" she wondered, absently. She had no knowledge of even where to start now that she was technically the "queen". Of course she'd never really refer to herself that way, though the people of Cala had made a habit of it. She'd been drowning in a sea of "yes your majesty" and "you needn't worry about that Queen Conil."
Most of these remarks were made whenever she inquired about how exactly the Duke of Cala was planning to handle the Zaibach army once they planned to attack. It wasn't a question, Serryn knew they would eventually. But the Duke seemed to be unworried, dismissing her concerns with a smile. 'Do not fret yourself Princess Serryn, ' he'd said, one of the few people who complied to call her by her preferred title, 'you needn't worry about the Zaibach any longer, as long as you are under my protection your safe from all harm."
As comforting as it would have been to just believe him and be done with it, Serryn couldn't help but worry. Though she didn't want to express her opinion, not wanting to offend the duke. She knew he really did care about her and her sister's protection, but she wasn't too sure if the Duke really knew what he was up against.
Outside the sound of distant thunder rumbled over the land. Dark clouds could be seen now, gathering in the northern sky, seemingly from nowhere at all. Was this some kind of bad omen?
Serryn sighed, shaking her head. 'There I go again, dwelling on dark thoughts, why can't I just let it go?' she demanded silently. All she wanted was to forget the past and go on with her life. To escape to a place without darkness and war and death, where the world wasn't painted red with blood. Red like his eyes...
The princess swore, her fist clenching. 'and above all, without HIM.' She could speak the words, could say them in her mind over and over, but somehow she knew they wouldn't always be true. She wasn't going to deny it any longer. She was in love with him. That evil, psychotic, manipulative and egotistical bastard. And though she was almost certain he didn't realize it, he felt the same way for her. It wasn't because he believed he possessed her, it wasn't lust...'well not entirely' she found her self thinking as a small smirk found its way to he lips. Dilandau Albatou, a general of Zaibach, leader of the Dragonslayer was in love with her. And she with him.
'And that is why,' she told herself, 'I will never again seek him out. Why I will never go back with him and why I will avoid ever again crossing his path at all costs. I no longer trust myself with him. My heart and my mind shall not mingle in this decision,' she finished her silent soliloquy, and found her eyes brimmed with tears. Almost as if her mind had known all along what was to be done, but her heart had just been delivered the terrible news and was not taking to it well at all. But this was the way it had to be.
Serryn turned her gaze back to the horizon, the red and orange and gold long since vanished replaced by shaded of green and blue, which was quickly disappearing behind the heavy rain clouds that were growing more and more abundant. She heard laughter coming from the floor below and the soft sound of music reached her ears. She hummed along with the melody, familiar to her, only keeping more in tune with the unsung lyrics then the music itself:
'Night bird spread your darkened wings
humbled in the warmth they bring
to sleeping souls
their tales untold
drifting as they dream'
It was a song her mother had sung to her as a small child. And to Aria too. A night time lullaby. She felt tears coming back. 'Why did it have to be this way?' She bit her lip thinking more of her mother. They had been at odds for so long. Ever since her father's death, and now Serryn would never see her again. Never be able to apologize for the way she had acted...Serryn had never felt guilt like this before.
A knock on the heavy oak doors brought the princess back from her thoughts. Aria stirred in her arms, but didn't wake.
The doors opened and a familiar face appeared. "Princess Serryn?" Aiden called looking around, "Oh there you are," he smiled stepping into the room.
"Hello Aiden, " Serryn said, struggling to keep her voice even, and smiled back weakly, blinking the tears away, "I haven't seen you since we arrived, what have you been up to?"
Aiden let out an exasperated sigh, "You wouldn't believe it. They've got me running all over this castle. I pull off one successful rescue mission and now they consider me a military genius...oh wait... I AM a military genius! HA!" He laughed, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
He stopped though seeing Serryn's eyes travel back out the window, a melancholy expression haunting them.
"Hey come on Princess. Stop worrying about the Zaibach, you're safe from them I promise," he said sitting down next to her.
"Everyone says that..." Serryn replied, "You, the Duke...but you don't know what they're like, what he's like..."
"What, Albatou? Well, I gotta agree with ya there Babe, I've never met him before today, but I've heard the stories. I just couldn't believe they were true... Gods that kid's younger then me and he's one of the most feared people ever. Kind of a put down," he joked glancing at her hopefully.
Serryn smiled at him, if a little forced. She did appreciate his kindness, and his attempt at understanding her feelings. Probably more then she let on. The rain had started to fall, slowly at first, in large scattered droplets that left dark dimples on the stone window ledge.
'Gods, its so unfair. Why did this have to happen to me?' she mused, as she studied Aiden's face which was turned to the window, 'Why couldn't I fall in love with someone so happy and carefree and...safe as him? As Aiden...'
Her hand grazed his, causing him to glance up. Serryn blushed, but smiled up at the golden eyed captain. "I...I want to thank you again. For everything, I mean if it wasn't for you...well," she shook her head, "if there's anything I can do to repay you..."
"Woah now! Don't trouble yourself in that department Princess, just doing my job. Course for you I'd go back and do it all over again." He grinned and Serryn felt her blush deepen and to her surprise a giggle escaped from her throat. 'Oh gods, I'm giggling....but Dilandau never made me giggle...'
"But actually now that I think about it, there IS something you can to do to repay me," Aiden said, raising an eyebrow as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
'Oh no, here we go...' "And what is that?" Serryn was almost afraid to ask.
"Come meet my mother!"
Serryn almost toppled over in surprise. "Your...your mother??" She asked in bewilderment.
"Yeh, she's been bugging the crap out of me ever since I got back. She wants to meet you, and I think you'll understand why after you meet her at the ball tonight- OH!" Aiden smack his forehead, "I totally forgot, that's why I came up here. To tell you about the ball. The Duke's having it in your honor, to welcome you and all."
"A ball?" Serryn asked, "For me?? Wow, I didn't know our Country's were so close."
"Oh Yeh, didn't you know? Your mother and the Duke went back a long time. He was one of your mom's tutors before he inherited the title of Duke, and he and your Mom were close. But they didn't have much contact after the civil war broke out here in Cala fifteen years ago. The Duke didn't want to get your mother involved so he broke off all relations with her until the war ended. But now since...well," Aiden sighed, "your mother passed on, and he's regretful, you know cuz he never got to see her again. He thinks of you as a sort of niece to him." A bolt of lighting streaked across the sky, followed instantly buy rolling thunder. "Quite a storm that brewing out there," he stated lean on the window lege as he gaze out at the dark clouds.
"You seem to know a lot about him, the Duke I mean" Serryn commented.
"Of course I do, he's my grandfather!"
*****
The rain was coming down in sheets now, but that was last thing on Serryn's mind as she and Aiden entered the ballroom. She was so focused on not tripping over the extravagantly long skirt of the gown she was wearing to notice.
"Are you sure I couldn't just where pants? I promise you it would be a lot safer," she informed the golden eyes captain, who on his part, was trying generously not to laugh.
"Sorry Babe," he replied, "looks like you're gonna have to be a girl, for tonight at least."
Serryn was about to ask where he got off calling her "Babe" all of a sudden, but was to busy watching where she put her feet to bother. Only when she heard a familiar voice calling her name did she look up.
Serryn couldn't believe her eyes. "Miss Narina!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around the women who introduced herself as Aiden's mother, "OH my goodness, you're Aiden's mother! I can't believe it!" She then wrapped her arms around Madine who was prancing around her singing happily.
Narina laughed, "It does seems pretty unbelievable doesn't it? But Serryn! Oh praise the Gods you're all right. I had no idea what would happen to you after Madine and I escaped that night. I came straight here to seek help from the Duke."
"So it was you who told them where I was," Serryn said, "wait a minute. If your Aiden's mother, then doesn't that make you-"
"The Duke's youngest and most unruly daughter, who defied all when she ran away with and married a lowly woodsman? Yes, that would be me."
"Aww Mom, you don't have to act so damn proud every time you tell the story," Aiden whined, his cheeks flushing as most young men do when their mothers embarrass them in front of a girl.
"You watch your language young man," Narina scolded, pointing a finger at her son. It was quite an amusing scene to see this middle age woman reprimand her son who stood a good foot taller then her.
"Yeh watch your language, silly head man!" Madine exclaimed, giggling as she waver her own finger before latching on to Aiden's leg.
"Madine!" Aiden exclaimed in a panicked tone, looking around wildly to make sure no one had noticed, "Why do you always act like someone's removed your brain whenever I'm around??"
"Because I loooooooooove you!"
Serryn was laughing hysterically watching as Aiden tried to maintain his nonchalant demeanor while turning beat red and attempting to detach himself from his over affectionate sister's grip.
"Hey Aiden?? Since you rescued Serryn and Serryn's a princess, does that mean you're gonna marry her? Can I be the flower girl?!?"
"ACK!"
*****
The orchestra had started to play again and couples started pairing off and whirling around the dance floor. Serryn stepped to the side, feeling a little awkward. But she felt a light touch on her shoulder then, and she turned to find Aiden smiling down at her. "What do you say princess? Allow me the honor of the first dance?"
Serryn laughed, "Of course," she replied and allowed the dark haired captain to lead her out onto the floor, "I have to warn you though I'm not a very good dancer..." As if on cue her right foot came down on Aiden's toes.
He winced but laughed. "Nah, you're great! I'm the one who's got two left feet. Just do whatever feels right to you."
They danced a sort of random combination of less then graceful twirls and dips all over the floor, occasionally bumping into another couple and gaining a few reproachful glances, but neither of the two noticed as they were two busy laughing.
"So I guess your sister won't be joining the party this evening, will she?" Aiden commented pulling Serryn out of a dip that almost knocked an elderly woman to the ground.
"No," replied Serryn, "she still sleeping, poor thing, she's exhausted. I doubt she slept at all while I was gone."
"Well, she's a tough kid, especially after what she's been through."
Serryn nodded. 'And thank the gods for that,' she added silently. She didn't know what she would have done without Aria. She would have given up back there in the castle tower, when the only thing between her and a death leap was Dilandau. And the only thing that had persuaded her to take his hand was the thought that Aria might still be alive...
Aiden must have noticed the Princess's silent brooding. "Hey, are you all right Serryn?"
Serryn blinked and looked up. "Yes," she blushed, "sorry, I'm fine."
'Stop thinking about it,' she silently commanded herself, 'just stop thinking about him...'
Just then as she glanced over Aiden's shoulder, A bolt of lighting stuck, and the light flickered through the window, flashing over something that immediately caught Serryn's attention. The unmistakable site of a silver haired person, just before they slipped out of view.
Without thinking Serryn broke away from Aiden's arms, and began shoving her way through the crowd of people. "Excuse me, EXCUSE ME!" she gasped.
"Hey Serryn! Wait up, what's wrong?" She heard Aiden call from behind her, but she ignored the captain and pressed further through the crowd. Then she caught sight of him. Yes, there was not mistaking that hair...
"You!" she cried, grabbing his shoulder and shoving him against the nearest wall. She gasped then regarding the old man who looked back at her and expression of alarm and shock on his face.
"Oh Gods, I'm...I'm sorry!" Serryn stuttered, stepping back as her cheeks burned with embarrassment, "I am SO sorry," she turned then. bumping into Aiden who grabbed her shoulders to steady her.
"Sorry folks, nothing to be alarmed about, just mistook you for somebody else Sir," he said to the man and the on-looking crowd, "Carry on then!" Murmurs followed them as Aiden guided Serryn away to a less populated area of the room.
"No no, it's all right," he assured her when she attempted to explain to him, "listen Serryn I understand you're afraid Albatou might try to sneak in, but you have to believe me! We've got guards everywhere, there's no way he's slipping in unnoticed."
Serryn nodded, she had to. He would never understand, he didn't know...
Suddenly the sound of the heavy wood doors of the Ballroom being thrown open distracted Serryn from her thoughts. Two guards hurried into the room addressing the Duke.
"Duke Cala! We've captured and intruder we believe to be a Zaibach spy!" A chorus of gasps and alarmed voices rose up from the crowded room.
Serryn felt her hear jump. Could it be....?
The Duke stood from his chair then, with an expression on his face that she could not determine. "I would like to speak with this intruder."
The two guards nodded and left the ballroom momentarily, and returned with two more guards who were dragging a third person between them. The person they were dragging appeared as if they had just dived into a lake they were so wet. And there was also no mistaking the streaks of red that signified an injury.
Serryn's eyes narrowed, trying to get a better look as the person lifted their head. Funny, the person almost look like...
"Celena!"
Chapter 25- Revelation
"One day I'll fly away
Leave all this to yesterday
What more could your love do for me?
When will love be through with me?
Why live life from dream to dream?
And dread the day when dreaming ends" -Moulin Rouge (Yes I'm Obsessed)
Serryn's head was still spinning as she gazed over the twilight horizon from her tower window. The moment she had stepped out of the airship, she had been surrounded by people, all laughing and cheering in her return. She had never realized how close her country and this one were, but then again she never had paid much attention to foreign affairs, not since her father had died. She had just stopped caring.
Aria murmured, burying her head deeper into her arms as she slept soundly in Serryn's lap. The golden haired princess sighed, running her fingers through her younger sisters dark chocolate locks. 'All that matters is you,' she smiled, her heart finally more at peace.
Serryn would never forget seeing her sisters face, as she emerged from inside the castle gates, so overwhelmed with joy that the tears streaming down her face had not stop until only a few moments ago. How she wrapped her arms around her elder sister neck, weeping and begging her never to leave again. Serryn was crying then two as she sunk to her knees cradling the small child in her arms. 'Never,' she had whispered in reply to her sisters sobs, 'never.'
The only question was, what would she do now. Rebuild Conilia was of course the first thing that came to mind. "But how?" she wondered, absently. She had no knowledge of even where to start now that she was technically the "queen". Of course she'd never really refer to herself that way, though the people of Cala had made a habit of it. She'd been drowning in a sea of "yes your majesty" and "you needn't worry about that Queen Conil."
Most of these remarks were made whenever she inquired about how exactly the Duke of Cala was planning to handle the Zaibach army once they planned to attack. It wasn't a question, Serryn knew they would eventually. But the Duke seemed to be unworried, dismissing her concerns with a smile. 'Do not fret yourself Princess Serryn, ' he'd said, one of the few people who complied to call her by her preferred title, 'you needn't worry about the Zaibach any longer, as long as you are under my protection your safe from all harm."
As comforting as it would have been to just believe him and be done with it, Serryn couldn't help but worry. Though she didn't want to express her opinion, not wanting to offend the duke. She knew he really did care about her and her sister's protection, but she wasn't too sure if the Duke really knew what he was up against.
Outside the sound of distant thunder rumbled over the land. Dark clouds could be seen now, gathering in the northern sky, seemingly from nowhere at all. Was this some kind of bad omen?
Serryn sighed, shaking her head. 'There I go again, dwelling on dark thoughts, why can't I just let it go?' she demanded silently. All she wanted was to forget the past and go on with her life. To escape to a place without darkness and war and death, where the world wasn't painted red with blood. Red like his eyes...
The princess swore, her fist clenching. 'and above all, without HIM.' She could speak the words, could say them in her mind over and over, but somehow she knew they wouldn't always be true. She wasn't going to deny it any longer. She was in love with him. That evil, psychotic, manipulative and egotistical bastard. And though she was almost certain he didn't realize it, he felt the same way for her. It wasn't because he believed he possessed her, it wasn't lust...'well not entirely' she found her self thinking as a small smirk found its way to he lips. Dilandau Albatou, a general of Zaibach, leader of the Dragonslayer was in love with her. And she with him.
'And that is why,' she told herself, 'I will never again seek him out. Why I will never go back with him and why I will avoid ever again crossing his path at all costs. I no longer trust myself with him. My heart and my mind shall not mingle in this decision,' she finished her silent soliloquy, and found her eyes brimmed with tears. Almost as if her mind had known all along what was to be done, but her heart had just been delivered the terrible news and was not taking to it well at all. But this was the way it had to be.
Serryn turned her gaze back to the horizon, the red and orange and gold long since vanished replaced by shaded of green and blue, which was quickly disappearing behind the heavy rain clouds that were growing more and more abundant. She heard laughter coming from the floor below and the soft sound of music reached her ears. She hummed along with the melody, familiar to her, only keeping more in tune with the unsung lyrics then the music itself:
'Night bird spread your darkened wings
humbled in the warmth they bring
to sleeping souls
their tales untold
drifting as they dream'
It was a song her mother had sung to her as a small child. And to Aria too. A night time lullaby. She felt tears coming back. 'Why did it have to be this way?' She bit her lip thinking more of her mother. They had been at odds for so long. Ever since her father's death, and now Serryn would never see her again. Never be able to apologize for the way she had acted...Serryn had never felt guilt like this before.
A knock on the heavy oak doors brought the princess back from her thoughts. Aria stirred in her arms, but didn't wake.
The doors opened and a familiar face appeared. "Princess Serryn?" Aiden called looking around, "Oh there you are," he smiled stepping into the room.
"Hello Aiden, " Serryn said, struggling to keep her voice even, and smiled back weakly, blinking the tears away, "I haven't seen you since we arrived, what have you been up to?"
Aiden let out an exasperated sigh, "You wouldn't believe it. They've got me running all over this castle. I pull off one successful rescue mission and now they consider me a military genius...oh wait... I AM a military genius! HA!" He laughed, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
He stopped though seeing Serryn's eyes travel back out the window, a melancholy expression haunting them.
"Hey come on Princess. Stop worrying about the Zaibach, you're safe from them I promise," he said sitting down next to her.
"Everyone says that..." Serryn replied, "You, the Duke...but you don't know what they're like, what he's like..."
"What, Albatou? Well, I gotta agree with ya there Babe, I've never met him before today, but I've heard the stories. I just couldn't believe they were true... Gods that kid's younger then me and he's one of the most feared people ever. Kind of a put down," he joked glancing at her hopefully.
Serryn smiled at him, if a little forced. She did appreciate his kindness, and his attempt at understanding her feelings. Probably more then she let on. The rain had started to fall, slowly at first, in large scattered droplets that left dark dimples on the stone window ledge.
'Gods, its so unfair. Why did this have to happen to me?' she mused, as she studied Aiden's face which was turned to the window, 'Why couldn't I fall in love with someone so happy and carefree and...safe as him? As Aiden...'
Her hand grazed his, causing him to glance up. Serryn blushed, but smiled up at the golden eyed captain. "I...I want to thank you again. For everything, I mean if it wasn't for you...well," she shook her head, "if there's anything I can do to repay you..."
"Woah now! Don't trouble yourself in that department Princess, just doing my job. Course for you I'd go back and do it all over again." He grinned and Serryn felt her blush deepen and to her surprise a giggle escaped from her throat. 'Oh gods, I'm giggling....but Dilandau never made me giggle...'
"But actually now that I think about it, there IS something you can to do to repay me," Aiden said, raising an eyebrow as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
'Oh no, here we go...' "And what is that?" Serryn was almost afraid to ask.
"Come meet my mother!"
Serryn almost toppled over in surprise. "Your...your mother??" She asked in bewilderment.
"Yeh, she's been bugging the crap out of me ever since I got back. She wants to meet you, and I think you'll understand why after you meet her at the ball tonight- OH!" Aiden smack his forehead, "I totally forgot, that's why I came up here. To tell you about the ball. The Duke's having it in your honor, to welcome you and all."
"A ball?" Serryn asked, "For me?? Wow, I didn't know our Country's were so close."
"Oh Yeh, didn't you know? Your mother and the Duke went back a long time. He was one of your mom's tutors before he inherited the title of Duke, and he and your Mom were close. But they didn't have much contact after the civil war broke out here in Cala fifteen years ago. The Duke didn't want to get your mother involved so he broke off all relations with her until the war ended. But now since...well," Aiden sighed, "your mother passed on, and he's regretful, you know cuz he never got to see her again. He thinks of you as a sort of niece to him." A bolt of lighting streaked across the sky, followed instantly buy rolling thunder. "Quite a storm that brewing out there," he stated lean on the window lege as he gaze out at the dark clouds.
"You seem to know a lot about him, the Duke I mean" Serryn commented.
"Of course I do, he's my grandfather!"
*****
The rain was coming down in sheets now, but that was last thing on Serryn's mind as she and Aiden entered the ballroom. She was so focused on not tripping over the extravagantly long skirt of the gown she was wearing to notice.
"Are you sure I couldn't just where pants? I promise you it would be a lot safer," she informed the golden eyes captain, who on his part, was trying generously not to laugh.
"Sorry Babe," he replied, "looks like you're gonna have to be a girl, for tonight at least."
Serryn was about to ask where he got off calling her "Babe" all of a sudden, but was to busy watching where she put her feet to bother. Only when she heard a familiar voice calling her name did she look up.
Serryn couldn't believe her eyes. "Miss Narina!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around the women who introduced herself as Aiden's mother, "OH my goodness, you're Aiden's mother! I can't believe it!" She then wrapped her arms around Madine who was prancing around her singing happily.
Narina laughed, "It does seems pretty unbelievable doesn't it? But Serryn! Oh praise the Gods you're all right. I had no idea what would happen to you after Madine and I escaped that night. I came straight here to seek help from the Duke."
"So it was you who told them where I was," Serryn said, "wait a minute. If your Aiden's mother, then doesn't that make you-"
"The Duke's youngest and most unruly daughter, who defied all when she ran away with and married a lowly woodsman? Yes, that would be me."
"Aww Mom, you don't have to act so damn proud every time you tell the story," Aiden whined, his cheeks flushing as most young men do when their mothers embarrass them in front of a girl.
"You watch your language young man," Narina scolded, pointing a finger at her son. It was quite an amusing scene to see this middle age woman reprimand her son who stood a good foot taller then her.
"Yeh watch your language, silly head man!" Madine exclaimed, giggling as she waver her own finger before latching on to Aiden's leg.
"Madine!" Aiden exclaimed in a panicked tone, looking around wildly to make sure no one had noticed, "Why do you always act like someone's removed your brain whenever I'm around??"
"Because I loooooooooove you!"
Serryn was laughing hysterically watching as Aiden tried to maintain his nonchalant demeanor while turning beat red and attempting to detach himself from his over affectionate sister's grip.
"Hey Aiden?? Since you rescued Serryn and Serryn's a princess, does that mean you're gonna marry her? Can I be the flower girl?!?"
"ACK!"
*****
The orchestra had started to play again and couples started pairing off and whirling around the dance floor. Serryn stepped to the side, feeling a little awkward. But she felt a light touch on her shoulder then, and she turned to find Aiden smiling down at her. "What do you say princess? Allow me the honor of the first dance?"
Serryn laughed, "Of course," she replied and allowed the dark haired captain to lead her out onto the floor, "I have to warn you though I'm not a very good dancer..." As if on cue her right foot came down on Aiden's toes.
He winced but laughed. "Nah, you're great! I'm the one who's got two left feet. Just do whatever feels right to you."
They danced a sort of random combination of less then graceful twirls and dips all over the floor, occasionally bumping into another couple and gaining a few reproachful glances, but neither of the two noticed as they were two busy laughing.
"So I guess your sister won't be joining the party this evening, will she?" Aiden commented pulling Serryn out of a dip that almost knocked an elderly woman to the ground.
"No," replied Serryn, "she still sleeping, poor thing, she's exhausted. I doubt she slept at all while I was gone."
"Well, she's a tough kid, especially after what she's been through."
Serryn nodded. 'And thank the gods for that,' she added silently. She didn't know what she would have done without Aria. She would have given up back there in the castle tower, when the only thing between her and a death leap was Dilandau. And the only thing that had persuaded her to take his hand was the thought that Aria might still be alive...
Aiden must have noticed the Princess's silent brooding. "Hey, are you all right Serryn?"
Serryn blinked and looked up. "Yes," she blushed, "sorry, I'm fine."
'Stop thinking about it,' she silently commanded herself, 'just stop thinking about him...'
Just then as she glanced over Aiden's shoulder, A bolt of lighting stuck, and the light flickered through the window, flashing over something that immediately caught Serryn's attention. The unmistakable site of a silver haired person, just before they slipped out of view.
Without thinking Serryn broke away from Aiden's arms, and began shoving her way through the crowd of people. "Excuse me, EXCUSE ME!" she gasped.
"Hey Serryn! Wait up, what's wrong?" She heard Aiden call from behind her, but she ignored the captain and pressed further through the crowd. Then she caught sight of him. Yes, there was not mistaking that hair...
"You!" she cried, grabbing his shoulder and shoving him against the nearest wall. She gasped then regarding the old man who looked back at her and expression of alarm and shock on his face.
"Oh Gods, I'm...I'm sorry!" Serryn stuttered, stepping back as her cheeks burned with embarrassment, "I am SO sorry," she turned then. bumping into Aiden who grabbed her shoulders to steady her.
"Sorry folks, nothing to be alarmed about, just mistook you for somebody else Sir," he said to the man and the on-looking crowd, "Carry on then!" Murmurs followed them as Aiden guided Serryn away to a less populated area of the room.
"No no, it's all right," he assured her when she attempted to explain to him, "listen Serryn I understand you're afraid Albatou might try to sneak in, but you have to believe me! We've got guards everywhere, there's no way he's slipping in unnoticed."
Serryn nodded, she had to. He would never understand, he didn't know...
Suddenly the sound of the heavy wood doors of the Ballroom being thrown open distracted Serryn from her thoughts. Two guards hurried into the room addressing the Duke.
"Duke Cala! We've captured and intruder we believe to be a Zaibach spy!" A chorus of gasps and alarmed voices rose up from the crowded room.
Serryn felt her hear jump. Could it be....?
The Duke stood from his chair then, with an expression on his face that she could not determine. "I would like to speak with this intruder."
The two guards nodded and left the ballroom momentarily, and returned with two more guards who were dragging a third person between them. The person they were dragging appeared as if they had just dived into a lake they were so wet. And there was also no mistaking the streaks of red that signified an injury.
Serryn's eyes narrowed, trying to get a better look as the person lifted their head. Funny, the person almost look like...
"Celena!"
