April 2002
Disclaimer: Enter standard disclaimer here... The story is mine.
Chapter 7
Charles and Darien helped Selenity into the wheelchair. Her legs wouldn't
support her yet, being only partially healed, but that would change very quickly.
If the past was anything to go by, Charles judged that she'd be back on her feet by
Monday. Tuesday afternoon at the latest. "Are you feeling better miss?"
"Much, thank you Charles. I want Dr. Mizuno Amy for my physician in the
future, can you arrange it?"
"I took the liberty, miss. She insisted actually."
Selenity was quiet as they rolled her through the halls. Charles had done
her hair up in its trademark fashion and brought clean clothes for her. Dressed in
black flats, a pair of black slacks and a white t-shirt with a black coat, she
looked very stylish. Her pendant was suspiciously absent. She'd just discovered
its absence when she'd gone to dress. Charles had told her it was not among her
things and she's just about broken down before Darien had promised to find it for
her.
She looked left and right, smiling at the people who were up walking around
in their gowns, staring openly at her. The doctors graced her with a smile or nod,
sometimes a wave, as she was pushed through the halls. A young girl, no more than
four or five years old stumbled into her wheel chair. Selenity reached out and
steadied her as Darien stopped their forward momentum.
"Are you alright, sweetie?"
She girl's eyes were filled with tears and she sobbed into Selenity's lap,
"My mommy won't wake up!"
Selenity felt her heart contract and pulled the girl onto her lap, hugging
her close, "I'm sorry, sweetie," she murmured, stroking the girl's hair
comfortingly. "Sometimes mommy's have to go away."
The child's lower lip trembled as she looked into Selenity's eyes, "Why?"
she sniffled.
"Because..." she sighed, "because they have to go look after the lost little
children."
"Doesn't she love me?"
"Of course she does, sweetie, but mommy has so much love she was called
away."
"By God?"
Selenity nodded, brushing the little girl's brown hair out of her eyes.
Charles pressed a handkerchief into her hand and she wiped the girl's cheeks. "God
needs mommy to look after all of the little children who have no mommy or daddy.
She loves you so much, God needed her to share it with all the children. I'm sure
your daddy loves you very much. He's going to miss your mommy as much as you do."
She sniffed and hugged Selenity again, "I don't want mommy to go away,"
"I know, honey," she said softly, her own eyes filling with tears, "I know.
No one ever does. I lost my mommy too."
She girl rubbed her eyes, "You did?"
Selenity nodded, "God called my mommy too."
The little girl sat up straighter and sniffled once, "Your mommy needed
somebody to talk to and help her take care of the kids that don't have mommies and
daddies. That's why my mommy won't wake up."
Selenity let her blow her nose before wiping her eyes again, blinking back
tears, "It's a big job, sweetie, and mommies don't always want to go. Your daddy
will need you, now more than ever, to remind him that he has to go on living.
Alright?"
The girl hugged her tightly again before hopping off her lap. "Daddy needs
me?"
She nodded, smiling, "You two are a team. He needs your help just as much
as my mommy needs your mommy to help her."
The girl smiled through her tears, "Thank you pretty lady." she leaned
forward and placed a messy kiss on Selenity's cheek before running off towards a
man who was bent over in a chair, his grief obvious. The little girl tugged on his
jacket before being enfolded in a huge hug.
"You're good with children, Princess."
She glanced up at Darien, "I know what she's going through."
They were silent for a few moments. "Are you ever going to tell me what
happened to her?"
Selenity shook her head, her throat closing, "Not yet."
She heard him sigh as they continued towards the lobby.
She was waiting for Charles to go bring the car up when a cool familiar
metallic piece slid around her neck and into the hollow at the base of her throat.
Darien dropped a gentle kiss on the back of her neck as he fastened the clasp.
"I'm sorry I took so long to find it for you, Princess. I just wanted to give it
back to you when Charles wasn't around."
Her hand sneaked up to grasp the cool metal in her hand. Everything would
be alright. The pendant he'd given her signified balance in her mind. Now that it
was returned she found she could breathe easier. He wrapped his arms around her
shoulders from behind and squeezed. "I love you Princess."
She wrapped her hands gently around his forearms and held him there, her
head falling back until it lay on his shoulder. He turned his head and gently
kissed her cheek before pulling away. The black limo was pulling up in front of
the Hospital. Surprisingly, reporters were suspiciously absent.
"I don't like this," Selenity murmured, looking around as Darien wheeled her
outside, "Where is the press?"
Charles got out of the limo can came around to help her into the back, "Nice
change, miss?"
"It is too quiet, Charles. There were supposed to be a sea of reporters."
Charles shrugged, "Your father came into land this afternoon, they're all
going to get 'exclusive' photographs of the king."
She swallowed hard. He was early. They helped her into the seat and Darien
sat next to her as Charles went to get in the driver's side. She buckled her
seatbelt as Darien did the same. "I am not looking forward to this meeting." she
told him with a soft sigh.
"So you've said, Selene." he put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed
gently as she put her head against his shoulder. "I'll be with you, I won't let
you face either of them alone."
She placed one hand on his knee, the other in her lap, as they were silent
the rest of the way 'home'.
Selenity took Darien's arm as Charles helped her out of the car. She
straightened her shoulders, accepting Charles' aid on the other side. Outside of
her house were the swarm of reporters she'd been expecting. No doubt they all had
a good view of her, Charles and Darien, her mystery man. Flashes went off and they
shouted questions as she was slowly escorted towards the house. They climbed the
stairs and Charles moved to open the door. Selenity leaned hard against Darien but
half turned towards the gate and waved. The main entrance to the house was on a
rise. Easy to hide in the shadows and among the plants if she wanted but easy to
be seen as well. She waved and smiled for the cameras. Darien, his eyes
glittering mischievously, turned them fully towards the reporters and waved at them
too.
Selenity laughed, "You're nuts, now they'll never let you be!"
He shrugged as he helped her inside. His shoulders were tense. Any moment
now he was expecting to see this betrothed of hers. More than anything he wanted
to take the guy down a few notches. Heck, knocking him to the bottom wouldn't even
be enough. "I don't care. They're a part of your life, Princess. I'll get used
to it."
Charles took her coat and his. "Miss, if I may say so, you look much
improved. No more facial bruising?"
She shook her head, "It is still a little tender, but that is expected. But
you know that."
Charles shrugged, "Always makes you feel better when I ask."
"True. Are we alone?"
Charles nodded, "I sent Martin," she shuddered, "to acquire us a decent chef
to help in the kitchen. He's not staying here either. His interviews are taking
place in a hotel downtown. He will be by for dinner however."
Darien tightened his grip around Selenity's shoulders, "Let's get you
upstairs, Princess."
She nodded as Charles left towards the back of the house. Thankfully, with
so few people around, there was no one to witness her stumbling attempts at walking
again. Her legs ached, almost as if she'd broken both of them. She stumbled
against her door, breathless as Darien put out his arm to stop her headlong tumble.
She reached for the handle and glanced at him. "You ready for my sparse room?"
He chuckled, "Selene, I really don't care what your room looks like. If
you'd rather I don't come in..."
She shook her head, "I'm sorry. After seeing your well lived in apartment
mine is going to seem somewhat ulitarian."
She turned the knob and opened the door. He stepped beside her and his
mouth dropped. Ulitarian? Who was she kidding? On one wall was a huge screen.
The whole wall was a movie theatre size screen. In front of it was a sunken
Jacuzzi, a large sofa and a low table. The table was littered with magazines, most
of them looking untouched. Glamour, Cosmo, all things a Princess would need to
have to keep up with the latest fashions. One the other side was a huge, king
sized bed. Draped in a peach and blue duvet, it looked like a piece of a sunset.
Two pillows were thrown carelessly at the headboard. Not a sign of the frilly
little pillows most women cluttered their rooms with. On the end of her bed was a
pink nightgown and matching robe.
The nightstand was more a dresser; covered in pictures and almost 5 feet
long, the marked the edge of her sleeping area. He'd expected more than one room.
A small kitchenette was in the corner, a door leading to what he assumed was the
other next to the wall screen. Her floor was immaculate. Next to the dresser was
a folding door, one of them open, revealing a huge closet and a multitude of
clothes. She closed the door behind him. "Kind of crazy, huh?" she offered
weakly.
He glanced at her. "Spartan is right! This place is huge, but where's all
the furniture? I thought you had a series of rooms."
She blushed as he helped her into the room and down onto the couch, "I do.
Through the bathroom," she waved at the door near the TV Screen, "there is an
adjoining bedroom. I suppose I could use it for visitors but I was never allowed
to have anyone over. The other room is in all blacks and blues. I was in a pretty
dreary mood when I designed it."
He hugged her, "This place just needs to be lived in a little, that's all.
Invite Mina and some of her friends over, that should liven it up a bit."
Selenity laughed, "No kidding." she pushed herself to her feet and nearly
fell. His arms came around her quickly. "Help me to the bed, would you? I'm
tired."
He looked around, "You want me in the other room or shall I just pull the
couch up and sleep on it?"
She grinned, "The couch is probably more comfortable. It's a hide-a-bed.
Never been used."
He nodded, gently depositing her on her bed before backing away, sliding his
hands into his pockets, "I'm going to go find Charles while you change. Maybe I
can convince him to send somebody to get me some things from my apartment." His
eyes widened, "Oh damn. I have to go feed Luna!"
Selenity blinked. She'd forgotten all about his cat. "You could bring her
here if you think she might like me." she offered hesitantly. She still wasn't too
sure on the whole cat issue. Still, it was Darien's cat and they were going to get
married. Tomorrow. Her hands flew to her cheeks, "Oh! Your birthday is tomorrow.
I still haven't called a minister. Or Andrew and Rita!"
He rolled his eyes, "We can do that later, Princess. I'll call Drew
myself." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "I've gotta hit my apartment.
I'll be back in about a half hour, alright?"
She swallowed hard, but nodded. "Lock the door behind you, would you?"
He nodded before striding away from her. He heard the zipper on her slacks
grating as he reached the door. With a flick of his wrist he opened it and locked
it, stepping out. He heard the lock click into place as he closed the door before
he retraced his steps back towards the front door.
"Darien?"
He looked up. Charles was waiting for him at the bottom of the main
staircase. "Can I help you, Charles?"
Charles glanced towards the closed door off to his right. "Martin is early,
sir, and demanding to see her. In all honesty, if the King shows up, regardless of
her wishes, I will have to let him see her."
Darien's fist clenched. He was going to see this son of a bitch who'd hurt
his Princess. He took a deep breath. Not now. This was not the time or the
place. Soon, but not now. "Do what you can, Charles. I have to go by my place,
my cat has probably torn my bedroom to shreds."
Charles blinked, "Your cat, sir?"
He nodded, "Don't ask. Selenity has asked me to bring her over, along with
a few things."
"I'll arrange her second room for you, sir. I understand you are studying to
be a doctor?"
Darien nodded.
"Would it be too much to ask if you do not tell the press the true nature of
your relationship with the Princess? If anyone asks, you are her personal home
care attendant."
Darien shrugged, "I won't comment but if it comes down to it I won't lie
Charles."
"Not even to protect her image, sir? If the press finds out the true nature
of your relationship with her, she will be branded a harlot and a slut. Is that
what you wish."
Darien winced. "Point taken, I'll do it. I'll be back in less than a half
hour." he started to move past Charles.
"Do you have a vehicle, sir?"
Darien cursed softly, "Not anymore. Do you have one I could borrow?"
Charles reached back and opened his hand. A set of keys dangled from
between his fingers. "Return swiftly, sir. The remote for the gate is in the
glove compartment and the car is by the stairs. Drive safe."
"Thanks." Darien grabbed the keys and dashed out of the house before Charles
could say anything else.
He slid behind the wheel of the small car and started the engine. The gates
opened before him as he put his foot to the accelerator and left the house. The
reporters outside the gate jumped back as the car came through at a higher speed
than normal, signalling before turning off down a side road and disappearing.
Selenity yawned as she stretched out on her bed, tugging the comforter up to
her neck and yawning. It was nice to be in her own bed. She smiled, thinking of
Darien. Endymion. She gently fingered the pendant around her neck, lost in
thought. He would be here when it came time to break her betrothal. He would be
here when it came time to face her father and her attacker. She shuddered. What
if he wasn't here? What if she had to face them alone and injured? She wouldn't
be completely healed for another couple of days as internal injuries took longer to
heal. Her blood ran cold at the thought of having to see him again, the monster
from her nightmares, the man who hunted her like a fox.
A knock on her door almost made her jump out of her skin as she bit her lip
to keep from screaming. "Miss?"
She pressed one hand against her pounding heart. It was only Charles.
"Yes, Charles?"
"I will be in your other room if you need me. Simply press the button on
the side of your dresser if you need anything."
"Notify me when Darien returns, that is all, Charles."
"Yes miss. Sleep well."
She didn't bother replying as she sank down into her pillow and curled her
hands under her cheek. Closing her eyes, she called to mind Darien's face.
Without the bandage. She smiled softly as she drifted off.
*Selenity's Dream*
"Princess."
She looked up from the balcony rail, her dainty fingers drawing idly on the
marble. The midnight sky was stretched out beyond her, framing her from behind.
"Endymion."
His smile was slow, sexy, sending a tingling sensation straight to her toes.
He black hair curled over his brow, shadowing his incredible eyes, lending him an
almost mysterious air. His black tuxedo was cut to form. Emphasizing his wide
shoulders and trim waist, her heart began to beat faster. He looked stunning,
taking her breath away. "You look breathtaking, Princess."
She blushed softly, "And you look very handsome."
He grasped one of her hands and gently kissed the back of it, "May I entice
you into a dance, milady?"
She went willingly, a smile on her lips, "I was hoping you would."
He escorted her back into a huge ballroom. They were alone, music floating
through the air, as he slid one arm gently around her waist, the other holding her
hand in a light grip. She glanced down. She was dressed in white satin; her
favorite gown. Trimmed with gold, it swept the floor, hanging loose from her waist
and swirling about her legs like a cloud. Her top was cut to her figure, with a
scoop neckline that was off the shoulder. Her hands were covered in almost clear
fabric, a gossamer film that flared out with every move. She grasped her skirt and
followed him in the dance.
Their gazes locked, they danced, his head inching slowly closer to hers.
She swallowed hard, feeling her heart race faster, her breathing becoming shallow.
She closed her eyes, tilting her head up...
His mouth came down cruelly on hers, bruising and drawing blood as her teeth
cut into the inside of her cheek. Her eyes flew open as she wrenched herself away.
She tried to scream. Him! "Leave me alone." she got out, her voice trembling and
low.
He laughed at her, grabbing her wrists and forcing them down to her waist.
He grasped them both in one hand, his hand raking down across her chest, tearing
fabric. She struggled against him, her throat closed. No, don't let this happen
again, she begged silently. She felt more fabric tear, his lips cruel and hard on
her body, his hands tight enough to bruise her fine skin. She was backed into a
wall, her head connecting solidly with the pillar as she felt him reaching...
"No!" she screamed, bolting upright in bed. Her breathing was ragged, her
eyes fearful as she looked around the room. No one. She placed one hand against
her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. It was only a dream. That was in the
past, Darien was her future. Where was he?
"Selenity?"
She froze. That was his voice. Martin. At her door? She clutched her
comforter to her chin, sinking down in the mattress. Go away, she begged silently,
squeezing her eyes shut, just go away and leave me alone!
"Selenity, darling, are you alright in there?" She stared at the door as he
knocked. It shook on its hinges from his heavy handed abuse.
"It is nothing," she called back, "Just a dream."
She heard him try the lock, and then heard his curse when he couldn't open
the door. "Are you sure, lovely? I can comfort you if you need it. Open the
door, darling, I just want to make sure you are alright."
No you can't, she thought viciously. It's because of you I'm like this.
It's because of you I can't live a normal life. "Just go away, Martin, I'm fine,
really."
He tried the knob again, "Open up, Selenity, this is not funny."
She shrank down in her bed, praying he wouldn't try and knock down her door.
Why couldn't he just go away?
"Martin, sir!"
Her head came up as she heard Charles' voice. Anger? From her mild
tempered guardian? Wow.
"Stay out of this, Charles, this does not concern you. I just want to make
sure my betrothed is alright."
"She is fine, my lord, as she has just told you. Pounding on her door will
keep her from needed rest. She was in an accident and needs her rest to heal. If
you do not desist I will have you removed from the premises, is that clear?"
"As crystal." Selenity envisioned Martin's handsome face twisted in rage.
His hands were probably clenched, his teeth grinding together. Good. He deserved
to be treated no better than pond scum and secretly cheered her guardian for
standing up to the pompous windbag.
She heard Martin's voice retreating, his tread heavy on the floor boards.
"Are you alright, miss?"
"Fine, Charles. Thank you."
"Rest well, miss."
She sighed, laying back against the pillows. She would never be able to
rest now, not after a nightmare like that. She held a hand out in front of her.
She was shaking. Badly if her hand was anything to go by. She shivered. What if
Martin had taken it into his mind to knock her door in? What could she have done?
She rolled over on her side, trying to curl up, but winced and stretched
back out. She wasn't healed enough for that yet. She slid her hands behind her
head and stared at the ceiling. What would it be like, she found herself
wondering, to live like a normal teenager? To have friends and family that love
you for who you are inside and not that the world sees? She sat up and reached for
the top drawer on her dresser. She slowly opened it and pulled out a faded
photograph.
Leaning against her headboard she stared at it. "Mom," she whispered
softly, gently stroking the lovely woman staring back at her. She blinked a few
times, smiling through her tears. "I miss you mom. More than anything I wish you
were here right now."
The photograph remained silent, as always, and she bowed her head, "What do
I do?" she asked softly. "Why did you have to leave me? Why did you have to go
away?"
She watched as her tears landed on the protected image. Her mother, in full
royal dress, on the arm of a serious young man. Her parents made an exceptional
couple. Tall, regal, and completely mismatched. She could see it in the awkward
way her mother was holding her father's arm. She blinked her tears away and placed
the photograph on her dresser. No matter how much she cried about or wished for
something, it wasn't going to help. She wrapped her hand around her pendant as she
slid back under her covers and closed her eyes. When Darien got back, everything
would be alright.
Darien opened the door to the main house, cat carrier in hand, 20 minutes
after he left. Charles greeted him with a nod and motioned for him to place his
things on the floor. "Keys, sir?"
Darien blinked. Charles was mad about something. His posture screamed
confrontation. He dug the keys out of his pocket and handed them back over,
"Thanks. I've got a couple more things to get before I'm done though."
Charles waved him off. "I will move the car around and bring the rest of
your things up myself. Make yourself at home."
"Thanks." he glanced back as Charles jerked his shoes and coat on before
leaving. Shaking his head, Darien climbed the stairs and made his way back towards
Selenity's wing. Hopefully, once he was in his assigned room, he could take the
time for a shower. With a rueful smile, he lugged an unresisting Luna through the
corridors and closer to his Princess.
Author's Notes: Write me, I'd love to hear from you!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
Disclaimer: Enter standard disclaimer here... The story is mine.
Chapter 7
Charles and Darien helped Selenity into the wheelchair. Her legs wouldn't
support her yet, being only partially healed, but that would change very quickly.
If the past was anything to go by, Charles judged that she'd be back on her feet by
Monday. Tuesday afternoon at the latest. "Are you feeling better miss?"
"Much, thank you Charles. I want Dr. Mizuno Amy for my physician in the
future, can you arrange it?"
"I took the liberty, miss. She insisted actually."
Selenity was quiet as they rolled her through the halls. Charles had done
her hair up in its trademark fashion and brought clean clothes for her. Dressed in
black flats, a pair of black slacks and a white t-shirt with a black coat, she
looked very stylish. Her pendant was suspiciously absent. She'd just discovered
its absence when she'd gone to dress. Charles had told her it was not among her
things and she's just about broken down before Darien had promised to find it for
her.
She looked left and right, smiling at the people who were up walking around
in their gowns, staring openly at her. The doctors graced her with a smile or nod,
sometimes a wave, as she was pushed through the halls. A young girl, no more than
four or five years old stumbled into her wheel chair. Selenity reached out and
steadied her as Darien stopped their forward momentum.
"Are you alright, sweetie?"
She girl's eyes were filled with tears and she sobbed into Selenity's lap,
"My mommy won't wake up!"
Selenity felt her heart contract and pulled the girl onto her lap, hugging
her close, "I'm sorry, sweetie," she murmured, stroking the girl's hair
comfortingly. "Sometimes mommy's have to go away."
The child's lower lip trembled as she looked into Selenity's eyes, "Why?"
she sniffled.
"Because..." she sighed, "because they have to go look after the lost little
children."
"Doesn't she love me?"
"Of course she does, sweetie, but mommy has so much love she was called
away."
"By God?"
Selenity nodded, brushing the little girl's brown hair out of her eyes.
Charles pressed a handkerchief into her hand and she wiped the girl's cheeks. "God
needs mommy to look after all of the little children who have no mommy or daddy.
She loves you so much, God needed her to share it with all the children. I'm sure
your daddy loves you very much. He's going to miss your mommy as much as you do."
She sniffed and hugged Selenity again, "I don't want mommy to go away,"
"I know, honey," she said softly, her own eyes filling with tears, "I know.
No one ever does. I lost my mommy too."
She girl rubbed her eyes, "You did?"
Selenity nodded, "God called my mommy too."
The little girl sat up straighter and sniffled once, "Your mommy needed
somebody to talk to and help her take care of the kids that don't have mommies and
daddies. That's why my mommy won't wake up."
Selenity let her blow her nose before wiping her eyes again, blinking back
tears, "It's a big job, sweetie, and mommies don't always want to go. Your daddy
will need you, now more than ever, to remind him that he has to go on living.
Alright?"
The girl hugged her tightly again before hopping off her lap. "Daddy needs
me?"
She nodded, smiling, "You two are a team. He needs your help just as much
as my mommy needs your mommy to help her."
The girl smiled through her tears, "Thank you pretty lady." she leaned
forward and placed a messy kiss on Selenity's cheek before running off towards a
man who was bent over in a chair, his grief obvious. The little girl tugged on his
jacket before being enfolded in a huge hug.
"You're good with children, Princess."
She glanced up at Darien, "I know what she's going through."
They were silent for a few moments. "Are you ever going to tell me what
happened to her?"
Selenity shook her head, her throat closing, "Not yet."
She heard him sigh as they continued towards the lobby.
She was waiting for Charles to go bring the car up when a cool familiar
metallic piece slid around her neck and into the hollow at the base of her throat.
Darien dropped a gentle kiss on the back of her neck as he fastened the clasp.
"I'm sorry I took so long to find it for you, Princess. I just wanted to give it
back to you when Charles wasn't around."
Her hand sneaked up to grasp the cool metal in her hand. Everything would
be alright. The pendant he'd given her signified balance in her mind. Now that it
was returned she found she could breathe easier. He wrapped his arms around her
shoulders from behind and squeezed. "I love you Princess."
She wrapped her hands gently around his forearms and held him there, her
head falling back until it lay on his shoulder. He turned his head and gently
kissed her cheek before pulling away. The black limo was pulling up in front of
the Hospital. Surprisingly, reporters were suspiciously absent.
"I don't like this," Selenity murmured, looking around as Darien wheeled her
outside, "Where is the press?"
Charles got out of the limo can came around to help her into the back, "Nice
change, miss?"
"It is too quiet, Charles. There were supposed to be a sea of reporters."
Charles shrugged, "Your father came into land this afternoon, they're all
going to get 'exclusive' photographs of the king."
She swallowed hard. He was early. They helped her into the seat and Darien
sat next to her as Charles went to get in the driver's side. She buckled her
seatbelt as Darien did the same. "I am not looking forward to this meeting." she
told him with a soft sigh.
"So you've said, Selene." he put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed
gently as she put her head against his shoulder. "I'll be with you, I won't let
you face either of them alone."
She placed one hand on his knee, the other in her lap, as they were silent
the rest of the way 'home'.
Selenity took Darien's arm as Charles helped her out of the car. She
straightened her shoulders, accepting Charles' aid on the other side. Outside of
her house were the swarm of reporters she'd been expecting. No doubt they all had
a good view of her, Charles and Darien, her mystery man. Flashes went off and they
shouted questions as she was slowly escorted towards the house. They climbed the
stairs and Charles moved to open the door. Selenity leaned hard against Darien but
half turned towards the gate and waved. The main entrance to the house was on a
rise. Easy to hide in the shadows and among the plants if she wanted but easy to
be seen as well. She waved and smiled for the cameras. Darien, his eyes
glittering mischievously, turned them fully towards the reporters and waved at them
too.
Selenity laughed, "You're nuts, now they'll never let you be!"
He shrugged as he helped her inside. His shoulders were tense. Any moment
now he was expecting to see this betrothed of hers. More than anything he wanted
to take the guy down a few notches. Heck, knocking him to the bottom wouldn't even
be enough. "I don't care. They're a part of your life, Princess. I'll get used
to it."
Charles took her coat and his. "Miss, if I may say so, you look much
improved. No more facial bruising?"
She shook her head, "It is still a little tender, but that is expected. But
you know that."
Charles shrugged, "Always makes you feel better when I ask."
"True. Are we alone?"
Charles nodded, "I sent Martin," she shuddered, "to acquire us a decent chef
to help in the kitchen. He's not staying here either. His interviews are taking
place in a hotel downtown. He will be by for dinner however."
Darien tightened his grip around Selenity's shoulders, "Let's get you
upstairs, Princess."
She nodded as Charles left towards the back of the house. Thankfully, with
so few people around, there was no one to witness her stumbling attempts at walking
again. Her legs ached, almost as if she'd broken both of them. She stumbled
against her door, breathless as Darien put out his arm to stop her headlong tumble.
She reached for the handle and glanced at him. "You ready for my sparse room?"
He chuckled, "Selene, I really don't care what your room looks like. If
you'd rather I don't come in..."
She shook her head, "I'm sorry. After seeing your well lived in apartment
mine is going to seem somewhat ulitarian."
She turned the knob and opened the door. He stepped beside her and his
mouth dropped. Ulitarian? Who was she kidding? On one wall was a huge screen.
The whole wall was a movie theatre size screen. In front of it was a sunken
Jacuzzi, a large sofa and a low table. The table was littered with magazines, most
of them looking untouched. Glamour, Cosmo, all things a Princess would need to
have to keep up with the latest fashions. One the other side was a huge, king
sized bed. Draped in a peach and blue duvet, it looked like a piece of a sunset.
Two pillows were thrown carelessly at the headboard. Not a sign of the frilly
little pillows most women cluttered their rooms with. On the end of her bed was a
pink nightgown and matching robe.
The nightstand was more a dresser; covered in pictures and almost 5 feet
long, the marked the edge of her sleeping area. He'd expected more than one room.
A small kitchenette was in the corner, a door leading to what he assumed was the
other next to the wall screen. Her floor was immaculate. Next to the dresser was
a folding door, one of them open, revealing a huge closet and a multitude of
clothes. She closed the door behind him. "Kind of crazy, huh?" she offered
weakly.
He glanced at her. "Spartan is right! This place is huge, but where's all
the furniture? I thought you had a series of rooms."
She blushed as he helped her into the room and down onto the couch, "I do.
Through the bathroom," she waved at the door near the TV Screen, "there is an
adjoining bedroom. I suppose I could use it for visitors but I was never allowed
to have anyone over. The other room is in all blacks and blues. I was in a pretty
dreary mood when I designed it."
He hugged her, "This place just needs to be lived in a little, that's all.
Invite Mina and some of her friends over, that should liven it up a bit."
Selenity laughed, "No kidding." she pushed herself to her feet and nearly
fell. His arms came around her quickly. "Help me to the bed, would you? I'm
tired."
He looked around, "You want me in the other room or shall I just pull the
couch up and sleep on it?"
She grinned, "The couch is probably more comfortable. It's a hide-a-bed.
Never been used."
He nodded, gently depositing her on her bed before backing away, sliding his
hands into his pockets, "I'm going to go find Charles while you change. Maybe I
can convince him to send somebody to get me some things from my apartment." His
eyes widened, "Oh damn. I have to go feed Luna!"
Selenity blinked. She'd forgotten all about his cat. "You could bring her
here if you think she might like me." she offered hesitantly. She still wasn't too
sure on the whole cat issue. Still, it was Darien's cat and they were going to get
married. Tomorrow. Her hands flew to her cheeks, "Oh! Your birthday is tomorrow.
I still haven't called a minister. Or Andrew and Rita!"
He rolled his eyes, "We can do that later, Princess. I'll call Drew
myself." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "I've gotta hit my apartment.
I'll be back in about a half hour, alright?"
She swallowed hard, but nodded. "Lock the door behind you, would you?"
He nodded before striding away from her. He heard the zipper on her slacks
grating as he reached the door. With a flick of his wrist he opened it and locked
it, stepping out. He heard the lock click into place as he closed the door before
he retraced his steps back towards the front door.
"Darien?"
He looked up. Charles was waiting for him at the bottom of the main
staircase. "Can I help you, Charles?"
Charles glanced towards the closed door off to his right. "Martin is early,
sir, and demanding to see her. In all honesty, if the King shows up, regardless of
her wishes, I will have to let him see her."
Darien's fist clenched. He was going to see this son of a bitch who'd hurt
his Princess. He took a deep breath. Not now. This was not the time or the
place. Soon, but not now. "Do what you can, Charles. I have to go by my place,
my cat has probably torn my bedroom to shreds."
Charles blinked, "Your cat, sir?"
He nodded, "Don't ask. Selenity has asked me to bring her over, along with
a few things."
"I'll arrange her second room for you, sir. I understand you are studying to
be a doctor?"
Darien nodded.
"Would it be too much to ask if you do not tell the press the true nature of
your relationship with the Princess? If anyone asks, you are her personal home
care attendant."
Darien shrugged, "I won't comment but if it comes down to it I won't lie
Charles."
"Not even to protect her image, sir? If the press finds out the true nature
of your relationship with her, she will be branded a harlot and a slut. Is that
what you wish."
Darien winced. "Point taken, I'll do it. I'll be back in less than a half
hour." he started to move past Charles.
"Do you have a vehicle, sir?"
Darien cursed softly, "Not anymore. Do you have one I could borrow?"
Charles reached back and opened his hand. A set of keys dangled from
between his fingers. "Return swiftly, sir. The remote for the gate is in the
glove compartment and the car is by the stairs. Drive safe."
"Thanks." Darien grabbed the keys and dashed out of the house before Charles
could say anything else.
He slid behind the wheel of the small car and started the engine. The gates
opened before him as he put his foot to the accelerator and left the house. The
reporters outside the gate jumped back as the car came through at a higher speed
than normal, signalling before turning off down a side road and disappearing.
Selenity yawned as she stretched out on her bed, tugging the comforter up to
her neck and yawning. It was nice to be in her own bed. She smiled, thinking of
Darien. Endymion. She gently fingered the pendant around her neck, lost in
thought. He would be here when it came time to break her betrothal. He would be
here when it came time to face her father and her attacker. She shuddered. What
if he wasn't here? What if she had to face them alone and injured? She wouldn't
be completely healed for another couple of days as internal injuries took longer to
heal. Her blood ran cold at the thought of having to see him again, the monster
from her nightmares, the man who hunted her like a fox.
A knock on her door almost made her jump out of her skin as she bit her lip
to keep from screaming. "Miss?"
She pressed one hand against her pounding heart. It was only Charles.
"Yes, Charles?"
"I will be in your other room if you need me. Simply press the button on
the side of your dresser if you need anything."
"Notify me when Darien returns, that is all, Charles."
"Yes miss. Sleep well."
She didn't bother replying as she sank down into her pillow and curled her
hands under her cheek. Closing her eyes, she called to mind Darien's face.
Without the bandage. She smiled softly as she drifted off.
*Selenity's Dream*
"Princess."
She looked up from the balcony rail, her dainty fingers drawing idly on the
marble. The midnight sky was stretched out beyond her, framing her from behind.
"Endymion."
His smile was slow, sexy, sending a tingling sensation straight to her toes.
He black hair curled over his brow, shadowing his incredible eyes, lending him an
almost mysterious air. His black tuxedo was cut to form. Emphasizing his wide
shoulders and trim waist, her heart began to beat faster. He looked stunning,
taking her breath away. "You look breathtaking, Princess."
She blushed softly, "And you look very handsome."
He grasped one of her hands and gently kissed the back of it, "May I entice
you into a dance, milady?"
She went willingly, a smile on her lips, "I was hoping you would."
He escorted her back into a huge ballroom. They were alone, music floating
through the air, as he slid one arm gently around her waist, the other holding her
hand in a light grip. She glanced down. She was dressed in white satin; her
favorite gown. Trimmed with gold, it swept the floor, hanging loose from her waist
and swirling about her legs like a cloud. Her top was cut to her figure, with a
scoop neckline that was off the shoulder. Her hands were covered in almost clear
fabric, a gossamer film that flared out with every move. She grasped her skirt and
followed him in the dance.
Their gazes locked, they danced, his head inching slowly closer to hers.
She swallowed hard, feeling her heart race faster, her breathing becoming shallow.
She closed her eyes, tilting her head up...
His mouth came down cruelly on hers, bruising and drawing blood as her teeth
cut into the inside of her cheek. Her eyes flew open as she wrenched herself away.
She tried to scream. Him! "Leave me alone." she got out, her voice trembling and
low.
He laughed at her, grabbing her wrists and forcing them down to her waist.
He grasped them both in one hand, his hand raking down across her chest, tearing
fabric. She struggled against him, her throat closed. No, don't let this happen
again, she begged silently. She felt more fabric tear, his lips cruel and hard on
her body, his hands tight enough to bruise her fine skin. She was backed into a
wall, her head connecting solidly with the pillar as she felt him reaching...
"No!" she screamed, bolting upright in bed. Her breathing was ragged, her
eyes fearful as she looked around the room. No one. She placed one hand against
her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. It was only a dream. That was in the
past, Darien was her future. Where was he?
"Selenity?"
She froze. That was his voice. Martin. At her door? She clutched her
comforter to her chin, sinking down in the mattress. Go away, she begged silently,
squeezing her eyes shut, just go away and leave me alone!
"Selenity, darling, are you alright in there?" She stared at the door as he
knocked. It shook on its hinges from his heavy handed abuse.
"It is nothing," she called back, "Just a dream."
She heard him try the lock, and then heard his curse when he couldn't open
the door. "Are you sure, lovely? I can comfort you if you need it. Open the
door, darling, I just want to make sure you are alright."
No you can't, she thought viciously. It's because of you I'm like this.
It's because of you I can't live a normal life. "Just go away, Martin, I'm fine,
really."
He tried the knob again, "Open up, Selenity, this is not funny."
She shrank down in her bed, praying he wouldn't try and knock down her door.
Why couldn't he just go away?
"Martin, sir!"
Her head came up as she heard Charles' voice. Anger? From her mild
tempered guardian? Wow.
"Stay out of this, Charles, this does not concern you. I just want to make
sure my betrothed is alright."
"She is fine, my lord, as she has just told you. Pounding on her door will
keep her from needed rest. She was in an accident and needs her rest to heal. If
you do not desist I will have you removed from the premises, is that clear?"
"As crystal." Selenity envisioned Martin's handsome face twisted in rage.
His hands were probably clenched, his teeth grinding together. Good. He deserved
to be treated no better than pond scum and secretly cheered her guardian for
standing up to the pompous windbag.
She heard Martin's voice retreating, his tread heavy on the floor boards.
"Are you alright, miss?"
"Fine, Charles. Thank you."
"Rest well, miss."
She sighed, laying back against the pillows. She would never be able to
rest now, not after a nightmare like that. She held a hand out in front of her.
She was shaking. Badly if her hand was anything to go by. She shivered. What if
Martin had taken it into his mind to knock her door in? What could she have done?
She rolled over on her side, trying to curl up, but winced and stretched
back out. She wasn't healed enough for that yet. She slid her hands behind her
head and stared at the ceiling. What would it be like, she found herself
wondering, to live like a normal teenager? To have friends and family that love
you for who you are inside and not that the world sees? She sat up and reached for
the top drawer on her dresser. She slowly opened it and pulled out a faded
photograph.
Leaning against her headboard she stared at it. "Mom," she whispered
softly, gently stroking the lovely woman staring back at her. She blinked a few
times, smiling through her tears. "I miss you mom. More than anything I wish you
were here right now."
The photograph remained silent, as always, and she bowed her head, "What do
I do?" she asked softly. "Why did you have to leave me? Why did you have to go
away?"
She watched as her tears landed on the protected image. Her mother, in full
royal dress, on the arm of a serious young man. Her parents made an exceptional
couple. Tall, regal, and completely mismatched. She could see it in the awkward
way her mother was holding her father's arm. She blinked her tears away and placed
the photograph on her dresser. No matter how much she cried about or wished for
something, it wasn't going to help. She wrapped her hand around her pendant as she
slid back under her covers and closed her eyes. When Darien got back, everything
would be alright.
Darien opened the door to the main house, cat carrier in hand, 20 minutes
after he left. Charles greeted him with a nod and motioned for him to place his
things on the floor. "Keys, sir?"
Darien blinked. Charles was mad about something. His posture screamed
confrontation. He dug the keys out of his pocket and handed them back over,
"Thanks. I've got a couple more things to get before I'm done though."
Charles waved him off. "I will move the car around and bring the rest of
your things up myself. Make yourself at home."
"Thanks." he glanced back as Charles jerked his shoes and coat on before
leaving. Shaking his head, Darien climbed the stairs and made his way back towards
Selenity's wing. Hopefully, once he was in his assigned room, he could take the
time for a shower. With a rueful smile, he lugged an unresisting Luna through the
corridors and closer to his Princess.
Author's Notes: Write me, I'd love to hear from you!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max