April 2002
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters but the story is mine.
Chapter 13
Darien pulled at the tie on his suit. "Are you sure this is
alright?"
"Perfect, Darien. Relax, ok?"
He grimaced at his reflection, pulling his bangs out of his eyes,
"Easy for you to say. I want to dazzle those reporters."
Selenity laughed softly, coming up behind him and peeking at his
reflection. He wore a black Armani suit cut to his dimensions. His dress
shoes were black, shiny, the white collar contrasting nicely against his
tanned throat. "You look gorgeous, good enough to eat even. Relax, once
they meet you they might not let you go."
He smiled, turning to pull her into his arms. "I love you."
"And I love you." She embraced him back, holding on a moment longer
than necessary before smoothing her hands down the front of her skirt. She
held her hands out to her sides, "How do I look?"
His gaze travelled over her royal hairstyle, the ribbons of gold
framing her body. A loose, white blouse, knee length black skirt, a black
jacket and black high heels completed her ensemble. His pendant was draped
around her neck, resting in the hollow of her collar bone, small golden
earrings in each ear. "Beautiful, lovely lady."
She smiled, adjusting the strap of her watch as she picked up a small
purse, "Well, if you are ready, darling, shall we go?"
"Let's."
She winked at him, "Remember, try to keep the contractions down to a
minimum. That should keep my father, the media and the mayor on their
toes."
He chuckled as he offered her his arm and escorted her out of the
room, "I have met the mayor, my dear lady, and he is not what you would call
a great conversationalist."
She grinned, "I know. He is far from what I would call ideal when it
comes to company, but it could be worse."
His eyes twinkled with a sudden sense of mischief, "Want to cause a
scandal?"
She stopped, "Excuse me?"
He winked at her, "We could take a taxi."
She burst out laughing as he led her through the halls and down the
main staircase.
Charles was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, "Are we ready for
this afternoon's excursion?"
"Ready and waiting, my good man," Darien told him pleasantly. If
nothing else he was going to enjoy this afternoon.
Charles didn't even blink as he nodded and stepped outside. They
followed him out, allowing him to hold the door, and flashbulbs went off
from through the gate. "Wave, darling," Selenity teased, raising one hand
to wave at the reporters, "we are on candid camera."
"Hardly candid," he replied as he waved once. They dropped out of
sight as Charles held the door to the limousine open for them. Darien
helped Selenity into the back before climbing in himself. Charles closed
the door before walking around to the driver's door and slipping inside.
"Very good, Master Darien," he tossed back over his shoulder, "One
would almost think you a proper gentleman."
He chuckled, "Selenity gave me a crash course in escorting Royalty
last night. Some of it stuck, but I am certain I will forget something...
like not speaking as a commoner."
That got a grin from both of them as they pulled out of the house
driveway, through the gate, and into the street. The reporters couldn't see
through the darkened windows but it didn't stop them from taking pictures of
the limo or from shouting a mess of rapid-fire questions at the moving
vehicle. "We really need to make a press release," Selenity murmured,
sitting carefully in her seat. She had her seat belt on and her knuckles
were white in her lap.
He covered her hands with his and gently rubbed them, "Relax,
Selene." he told her, slipping as close to her as his belt would allow,
"Charles is a safe driver and limousines are built like tanks. If something
hit us, short of a semi-truck, it would do more damage to them than to us."
Her smile was forced, "I am sorry. I do not mean to be nervous but I
cannot help it."
He laced their hands together and gently ran his thumbs across her
knuckles as he kissed her cheek gently, "I am not worried, lovely. It is a
normal reaction after a traumatic accident."
She sighed and leaned into him, trying to relax. For the next little
while they sat in silence as Charles drove them carefully through the
streets. The limousine finally stopped outside of "Le Chateau Merveilleux"
and Charles came around to open the door.
"French, meaning The Wonderful Castle," Selenity murmured to Darien
as started to slide out of the car. He offered her his hand and camera's
flashed as she stepped out. She smiled for them, tucking her hand into
Darien's elbow.
He smiled pleasantly at the reporters, feeling his stomach twisting
nervously. The King had implied he would be left with these vultures for a
few minutes before lunch to see how he fared. They ignored the shouted
questioned as he escorted her into the restaurant. The doors closed behind
them and she left out a sigh, "Phase one complete."
He chuckled, squeezing her fingers, "Phase two, press conference."
"Remember, do not answer questions as to our relationship."
"I know, Princess, I do not like it but I remember."
She smiled at him before leaving his side, gracefully walking towards
one of the larger rooms on the right. To the left was a large room set
aside for banquets, the sign on the door proclaiming it the place where the
press conference was to be taking place. He took a deep breath and walked
inside. He had a couple of minutes before they would be allowed inside and
took the opportunity to survey the room. There were places on both side of
a raised platform for photographers and a space, the largest space, spread
out in front for reporters asking questions. He made his way through the
sea of chairs and hopped up onto the raised platform, ignoring the stairs.
A podium. He chuckled. It would be just like giving his oral final for his
public speaking class. No problem.
He marched down the platform, counting off measured steps. Tend
paces each way, eight back. Retreat to the left and back. He stretched,
checking the stairs to his exit and finally stepped into the area itself.
Small, with two doors, one that led out into the conference area, the other
leading back into the restaurant. Presumably to where Selenity would be
waiting when this was over. He heard the doors open behind him and peaked
out. The reporters were being let in and directed to their assigned seats.
He swallowed hard. Courage, he told himself, this is for Selenity.
Charles stepped into the small space with him, offering him a glass
of water, "I will make your introduction to the press. They will have a ten
minute session to ask questions after you speak to them. You have five
minutes to speak and anticipate their questions."
Darien sipped from the glass, "Thank you, Charles."
He smiled faintly before reaching up to adjust Darien's tie. "Keep
your answers short and precise."
"I know." his smile was wry, "Believe it or not I have dealt with the
press before."
"Not on subjects such as this. I warn you, sir, that they will ask
you everything from early childhood questions to what is the nature of your
relationship with the Princess. This is not the time to formally announce
your intentions, understood?"
Darien nodded, "Selenity and I talked about it before hand, Charles.
Do not worry."
Charles glanced through the door leading into the banquet hall, "I
will stop worrying when this is over, sir."
Darien took another sip of water as Charles stepped out into the
hall, and climbed the podium. "Respected members of the press," he began,
holding his hands up for silence. You could hear a pin drop in the next few
seconds as they came to order quickly, eagerly awaiting their subject.
"Thank you for coming this day at King Tuskino's request. I regret
it was at such short notice, but we hope to answer all of your questions
regarding this mysterious young man who was seen with the Princess Selenity
of late. As with all of our press conference's we ask that you keep your
questions simple and short as we have limited time. Without further ado,
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Chiba Darien."
Darien stepped out and walked slowly to the platform. He was seeing
spots as he climbed the steps as camera flashes went off from both sides.
Keep his eyes firmly forward his mind went back to his public speaking
instructor's advice. Walk casually, but with dignity, keep your eyes on
places in the room where there are things other than people to focus on.
Doors, plants, chairs. Smile before you speak. He stepped up to the podium
and ran his hands along the side as he looked out across the sea of
reporters.
"Thank you, Charles. Good day, ladies and gentlemen, I am Chiba
Darien. I understand that many of you are going to have questions about me
so I will try to be frank. I am an orphan. My parents died when I was very
young and I was raised by a friend's parents. To protect their privacy I am
going to refrain from giving their names so do not ask. I met the Princess
when I was in grade six. Her mother, Mrs. Tuskino, was my favorite teacher.
At the time I was unaware of their status in the monarchy, but I babysat
Selenity many times for her mother until they moved away later that same
year. My relationship with the family was interrupted at that point and I
knew nothing beyond what I read in the papers for the next five years. I
excelled in sports at school as well as staying in the top of my classes all
through junior high school. I saw Selenity again when I was in grade 11.
Her mother was not with her, but she and I became fast friends. Two days
after she arrived here, as is public knowledge, she was in a fight with a
young woman at her school and she was transferred away from Tokyo. Myself,
and another of her friends, have kept in touch with her over the years
through letters."
He took a sip of the glass left for him on the stand before speaking
again, "The Princess and I have been friends for many, many years. Our
relationship has been secret for far too long because her parents did not
think it correct for a member of nobility to have contact with me. Our
relationship is a very good friendship built on a solid foundation of trust
built over many years. I will not answer any questions regarding any other
kind of relationship you think us to have, so do not ask. Are there any
questions?"
A dozen hands shot up as soon as he started to ask the question, a
dozen more coming up quickly. He motioned to a young man in a pin stripe
suit sitting in the third row, "You sir?"
"Mr. Chiba, how is it that you are attending the Princess as she is
recovering from her accident"
"I am studying to be a doctor at the local university and because I
am her friend, she is more comfortable having someone she knows treat her
injuries. You in the back, Ma'am?"
He motioned to a raven-haired woman standing by the doors. "Mr.
Chiba, how much older than the princess are you exactly?"
"I am 25, madam, though I fail to see the relevance of your question.
Sir?"
A man in the fifth row off by the photographers stood and flipped a
page on his notebook, "Do you agree that the Royalty needs to update some of
its archaic rules concerning the treatment of the noble women?"
"I believe that a woman should be able to speak her mind without fear
of oppression, sir," Darien's smile was easy, though his hands tightened on
the sides of the podium, "Selenity had told me on more than one occasion she
would like to have a stronger voice in politics. You, miss?"
The young woman directly in front of him cleared her throat, "Are you
aware that you look like the Princess' intended and do you think you may
have some kind of relation to him?"
"I have had the opportunity to meet her betrothed and, though I have
noted the resemblance in features, I sincerely hope I am not related to him.
Sir?"
A rat-like reporter smiled as he spoke, "Is your relationship with
the Princess a way of blackmailing the monarchy into giving you something
you want?"
Darien simply stared at him, shook his head once before looking away,
"Sir?"
An older man stood, knocking his press hat back on his head, "If you
are only a friend of the Princess then why was she staying in your apartment
the night before her accident? Which was in your car, I might add."
"The Princess said she was tired from the dinner with myself and my
friends. I own a two bedroom apartment and saw no reason why she could not
use the extra room." his mouth was dry. That would probably get twisted
into something he hadn't said.
"Are you single?" shouted a woman from nearby.
"I am currently seeing someone."
A few more minutes of questions and he held up his hands, "My time
is up for today, thank you all for coming." He turned on his heel and
walked down into the small room trying to ignore the dozens of questions
thrown his way as he closed the door behind him. He stepped into the
hallway and leaned against the wall. Phew. A nut house.
"Darien, you were magnificent!" Selenity beamed as she wrapped her
arms around him in a tight hug.
He hugged her back, "I feel like someone took me out and beat me," he
admitted, "talk about a lion's den!"
Selenity blushed softly, "I am guilty of something."
He raised an eyebrow at her in inquiry.
"I threatened the press that if they did not behave themselves and
ask relevant questions I would never allow them to cover another of my press
conferences."
He chuckled, "I won't hold it against you, love. Come, we must be
getting to lunch."
She folded her hand into his elbow, "Indeed. Next time, sometime
this week, we will have to announce our intentions to the press."
He squeezed her fingers as he escorted her down the hall, "All in
good time, Selene. We have to take things one at a time. Phase two
completed. Phase three, lunch with your father and the mayor."
She grinned. His sense of humor was still intact. After the verbal
melee with the reporters, lunch would be a cinch.
"Darien, how nice to see you again," the mayor offered his hand,
smiling.
"A pleasure to see you as well, Mr. Mayor," he returned the handclasp
warmly. "Have you had the opportunity to meet my companion, the Princess
Selenity?"
Selenity curtsied to the Mayor and he bowed to her, "No yet. The
pleasure is all mine, my dear. Please, sit."
Darien noted the King was already seated but he rose to his feet as
Darien held the chair for his daughter. The three men waited until Selenity
was seated before sitting themselves. Selenity, as the only woman, was in
charge of ordering their lunch.
Darien opened his menu as the Mayor and the King did the same, and
was dismayed to see it was all in French. He glanced at Selenity to find
her watching him, an amused sparkle in her eye. Her hands sat on top of her
closed menu and she nodded for him to do the same. He did as she suggested,
leaning towards her and speaking softly, "Order me something appropriate, my
dear."
She smiled, winking at him, "Trust me."
The King and the Mayor were discussing the different menu items and
failed to notice their exchange. Darien waited until their conversation
lapsed into a lull. "Mr. Mayor, is it my imagination or do we have a number
of French restaurants in Tokyo?"
The Mayor chuckled, "We do indeed, young man, though so few people
notice. French cuisine is excellent, and a favortie of the Royal family, so
it is only proper that we dine in a French establishment."
"Intriguing. Do you speak the language, Mr. Mayor?"
"I must, do you?"
"Alas no, but Selenity has graciously agreed to order for me. The
lovely lady is accustomed to my tastes."
The Mayor blinked. "You dine together often?"
Selenity smiled, shaking her head, "No, Mr. Mayor, but we do talk a
lot about our favorite foods and activities. I shall have to take it upon
myself to teach Darien French, it is always good to have another language."
"Well said, young woman," The Mayor was obviously impressed, "Your
father tells me you speak more than twelve different languages fluently."
She lowered her eyes modestly, "I have had a need for many languages
in my travels, not all of them as melodious as the French, Italian or
Spanish tongues. English is alright, but Japanese is by far the language I
am most comfortable with."
The Mayor nodded as the King spoke up, "It is my understanding that
this city also has many English establishments? Fast food and the like?"
"They are popular with the younger generation, sire, but there are
more than enough high society restaurants, some from each country, so there
is no lack."
They lapsed into silence as a waiter came and placed water glasses on
their table. He quickly took a drink order for wine all around before
disappearing again.
"Have you gentlemen found something that catches your eye?" Selenity
asked, twisting her water glass in one hand, the other resting casually on
Darien's knee.
"Coq-au-vin avec une salade de fruits." The King's words were
clipped as he spoke, as if the French language was something he would rather
not use.
The Mayor closed his menu and placed it in an empty space, "Une soupe
aux nageoires de requin."
Selenity nodded, raising one hand to gain the attention of their
server. He was at their table quickly. "Est-ce que vous etes prêts?
"Oui. Une soupe aux nageoires de requin. Un Coq-au-vin avec une salade
de fruits. Une soup du jour et, pour moi, une salade."
"Oui, Mademoiselle," he replied, collecting the menus and departing.
Darien leaned in towards her, "What did you just order?"
"Wine Chicken and a fruit salad for my father, shark fin soup for the
Mayor, the soup of the day for you, it's a potato bacon and comes with a side
sandwich. I ordered a salad."
"Oh. Think you will have time to give me a crash course in French if
we happen to be going anywhere like this again?"
She laughed softly, squeezing his knee, "Relax. No one will hold
your lack of knowledge in languages against you. And my father does not
count. You were not given the same type of education I was, I think they
would be surprised if you did know another language."
He smiled and covered her hand with his own as they waited for their
lunches to be served. The next thirty minutes passed quickly as the Mayor
questioned Darien about his role in the Universities public relations, his
studies and lastly his future plans. The King seemed to be paying close
attention to his words so he was careful when voicing his answers.
With little prompting the Mayor launched into his plans for Tokyo in
the next three years, and continued talking as their food came. Through
their meal they listened as he talked about road construction, education
funding and supporting the hospitals. The King questioned him doggedly on
the city's economical position, they're funding to parks, and lastly, their
belief in the monarchy.
"Well, sire, I would be lying to think everyone is enamoured with the
idea of their being a monarch who is the last surviving descendants to an
ancient bloodline. Most people are enamoured with your daughter as she is
what every girl hopes she secretly is. She is lovely; beautiful, graceful,
intelligent and envied for the respect she has shown to even the youngest
member of our community. She will marry a real life prince and live happily
ever after. It is the perfect fairy tale and people want so much to believe
in fairy tales."
Darien cleared his throat, glancing at Selenity, "It is not public
knowledge, Mr. Mayor, but Selenity is breaking her betrothal to Martin."
The Mayor reared back in shock, "Is this true, my dear?"
She nodded, not looking at her father, "I will hold a press
conference later this week to announce my annulment of the contract. My
understanding of the terms are that if we had not wed before I was 18 I
could search for a mate myself. Martin and I do not see eye-to-eye on
anything and it is better that we go our separate ways."
The Mayor looked from Darien to Selenity and back, "Would I be wrong
in offering congratulations to the both of you on your upcoming nuptials?"
Darien shook his head but the King spoke up, "You would be wrong, Mr.
Mayor. My daughter will marry Martin weather she wishes it or not."
"But, sire, she has said she will not marry him. How could you force
your own daughter into a marriage that she neither wants nor agrees with?"
"It is her duty to ensure the strength of our bloodline by a good
match, Mr. Mayor. Martin is the best."
The Mayor frowned as their empty plates were taken away, "Blood is
blood, sire, this young man could be mistaken for Martin's brother. The
similarities in their looks in incredible, have you not thought that this
young man could have some royal blood in him somewhere?"
The King eyed Darien disdainfully, "This young man is arrogant,
outspoken and brash. No noble acts in such a fashion."
The Mayor chuckled, "Except you, sire. I only ask that you consider
the possibility for your daughter's sake. Seeing her happy would please the
people rather than seeing her forced into a marriage she does not want."
Darien wanted to cheer the Mayor's words but bit his tongue. It took
a man to make the King see something his daughter's words couldn't. Maybe
the Mayor's words would help; he hoped they would. The last thing he wanted
to have was Selenity taken from him a third time. He wouldn't allow it. He
would kidnap her if the King tried to take her away again.
Selenity squeezed his knee, "If you gentlemen will excuse us, I am
tired. My injuries are newly healed and I am sadly lacking energy."
Darien took her hint and stood, pulling her chair out for her before
offering her his arm. Selenity smiled at her father and the Mayor as they
stood before allowing Darien to escort her away from the table.
"I thought we would never get out of there," she murmured softly as
the private dining room's doors closed behind them.
He chuckled, "Relax, phase three complete. Lunch was a success,
don't you think?"
She smiled, hugging his arm, "I think it was. We will know when I
get called to discuss it with daddy later tonight. Phase four, go home and
call the gang for some fun."
Darien grimaces, "For you, yes. I have to get back, change and get
my butt back to my classes. I can't let them slide now, Princess."
She sighed, "I know. Come on, let's get out of here."
They left quickly, ignoring the questions shouted at them from the
ever-present press as they left the restaurant and ducked into the
limousine. "Vultures," Darien muttered as they strapped themselves in. He
checked his watch. "I'm gonna be late."
"Charles, drop Darien at the University would you?"
"Of course, miss."
He blinked, "Selene, I don't have my books or anything!"
"Go to class," she lifted a bag from across the seat, "Charles got
you a couple of your text books and some of your note books. I realize
you're over dressed but I doubt that's a factor in your final grade."
He hugged her, "You are the best, Princess." he searched through the
bag and nodded, "You've read my schedule?"
She blushed, "Guilty. I had Charles memorize it in case this
happened and you needed your books."
He kissed the top of her head and hugged her more tightly before
settling back in his seat, one arm draped across her shoulders. Content, he
allowed Charles to drive them to the campus and simply enjoyed being in his
Princess' company until his school life reasserted itself.
Author's Note: Comments, questions, flames, suggestions, e-mail me! Oh, and
I'm sure I'm rusty with my French somewhere, so if you know how I've managed
to mess it up -please- let me know so I can fix it! Thanks!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters but the story is mine.
Chapter 13
Darien pulled at the tie on his suit. "Are you sure this is
alright?"
"Perfect, Darien. Relax, ok?"
He grimaced at his reflection, pulling his bangs out of his eyes,
"Easy for you to say. I want to dazzle those reporters."
Selenity laughed softly, coming up behind him and peeking at his
reflection. He wore a black Armani suit cut to his dimensions. His dress
shoes were black, shiny, the white collar contrasting nicely against his
tanned throat. "You look gorgeous, good enough to eat even. Relax, once
they meet you they might not let you go."
He smiled, turning to pull her into his arms. "I love you."
"And I love you." She embraced him back, holding on a moment longer
than necessary before smoothing her hands down the front of her skirt. She
held her hands out to her sides, "How do I look?"
His gaze travelled over her royal hairstyle, the ribbons of gold
framing her body. A loose, white blouse, knee length black skirt, a black
jacket and black high heels completed her ensemble. His pendant was draped
around her neck, resting in the hollow of her collar bone, small golden
earrings in each ear. "Beautiful, lovely lady."
She smiled, adjusting the strap of her watch as she picked up a small
purse, "Well, if you are ready, darling, shall we go?"
"Let's."
She winked at him, "Remember, try to keep the contractions down to a
minimum. That should keep my father, the media and the mayor on their
toes."
He chuckled as he offered her his arm and escorted her out of the
room, "I have met the mayor, my dear lady, and he is not what you would call
a great conversationalist."
She grinned, "I know. He is far from what I would call ideal when it
comes to company, but it could be worse."
His eyes twinkled with a sudden sense of mischief, "Want to cause a
scandal?"
She stopped, "Excuse me?"
He winked at her, "We could take a taxi."
She burst out laughing as he led her through the halls and down the
main staircase.
Charles was waiting at the bottom of the stairs, "Are we ready for
this afternoon's excursion?"
"Ready and waiting, my good man," Darien told him pleasantly. If
nothing else he was going to enjoy this afternoon.
Charles didn't even blink as he nodded and stepped outside. They
followed him out, allowing him to hold the door, and flashbulbs went off
from through the gate. "Wave, darling," Selenity teased, raising one hand
to wave at the reporters, "we are on candid camera."
"Hardly candid," he replied as he waved once. They dropped out of
sight as Charles held the door to the limousine open for them. Darien
helped Selenity into the back before climbing in himself. Charles closed
the door before walking around to the driver's door and slipping inside.
"Very good, Master Darien," he tossed back over his shoulder, "One
would almost think you a proper gentleman."
He chuckled, "Selenity gave me a crash course in escorting Royalty
last night. Some of it stuck, but I am certain I will forget something...
like not speaking as a commoner."
That got a grin from both of them as they pulled out of the house
driveway, through the gate, and into the street. The reporters couldn't see
through the darkened windows but it didn't stop them from taking pictures of
the limo or from shouting a mess of rapid-fire questions at the moving
vehicle. "We really need to make a press release," Selenity murmured,
sitting carefully in her seat. She had her seat belt on and her knuckles
were white in her lap.
He covered her hands with his and gently rubbed them, "Relax,
Selene." he told her, slipping as close to her as his belt would allow,
"Charles is a safe driver and limousines are built like tanks. If something
hit us, short of a semi-truck, it would do more damage to them than to us."
Her smile was forced, "I am sorry. I do not mean to be nervous but I
cannot help it."
He laced their hands together and gently ran his thumbs across her
knuckles as he kissed her cheek gently, "I am not worried, lovely. It is a
normal reaction after a traumatic accident."
She sighed and leaned into him, trying to relax. For the next little
while they sat in silence as Charles drove them carefully through the
streets. The limousine finally stopped outside of "Le Chateau Merveilleux"
and Charles came around to open the door.
"French, meaning The Wonderful Castle," Selenity murmured to Darien
as started to slide out of the car. He offered her his hand and camera's
flashed as she stepped out. She smiled for them, tucking her hand into
Darien's elbow.
He smiled pleasantly at the reporters, feeling his stomach twisting
nervously. The King had implied he would be left with these vultures for a
few minutes before lunch to see how he fared. They ignored the shouted
questioned as he escorted her into the restaurant. The doors closed behind
them and she left out a sigh, "Phase one complete."
He chuckled, squeezing her fingers, "Phase two, press conference."
"Remember, do not answer questions as to our relationship."
"I know, Princess, I do not like it but I remember."
She smiled at him before leaving his side, gracefully walking towards
one of the larger rooms on the right. To the left was a large room set
aside for banquets, the sign on the door proclaiming it the place where the
press conference was to be taking place. He took a deep breath and walked
inside. He had a couple of minutes before they would be allowed inside and
took the opportunity to survey the room. There were places on both side of
a raised platform for photographers and a space, the largest space, spread
out in front for reporters asking questions. He made his way through the
sea of chairs and hopped up onto the raised platform, ignoring the stairs.
A podium. He chuckled. It would be just like giving his oral final for his
public speaking class. No problem.
He marched down the platform, counting off measured steps. Tend
paces each way, eight back. Retreat to the left and back. He stretched,
checking the stairs to his exit and finally stepped into the area itself.
Small, with two doors, one that led out into the conference area, the other
leading back into the restaurant. Presumably to where Selenity would be
waiting when this was over. He heard the doors open behind him and peaked
out. The reporters were being let in and directed to their assigned seats.
He swallowed hard. Courage, he told himself, this is for Selenity.
Charles stepped into the small space with him, offering him a glass
of water, "I will make your introduction to the press. They will have a ten
minute session to ask questions after you speak to them. You have five
minutes to speak and anticipate their questions."
Darien sipped from the glass, "Thank you, Charles."
He smiled faintly before reaching up to adjust Darien's tie. "Keep
your answers short and precise."
"I know." his smile was wry, "Believe it or not I have dealt with the
press before."
"Not on subjects such as this. I warn you, sir, that they will ask
you everything from early childhood questions to what is the nature of your
relationship with the Princess. This is not the time to formally announce
your intentions, understood?"
Darien nodded, "Selenity and I talked about it before hand, Charles.
Do not worry."
Charles glanced through the door leading into the banquet hall, "I
will stop worrying when this is over, sir."
Darien took another sip of water as Charles stepped out into the
hall, and climbed the podium. "Respected members of the press," he began,
holding his hands up for silence. You could hear a pin drop in the next few
seconds as they came to order quickly, eagerly awaiting their subject.
"Thank you for coming this day at King Tuskino's request. I regret
it was at such short notice, but we hope to answer all of your questions
regarding this mysterious young man who was seen with the Princess Selenity
of late. As with all of our press conference's we ask that you keep your
questions simple and short as we have limited time. Without further ado,
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Chiba Darien."
Darien stepped out and walked slowly to the platform. He was seeing
spots as he climbed the steps as camera flashes went off from both sides.
Keep his eyes firmly forward his mind went back to his public speaking
instructor's advice. Walk casually, but with dignity, keep your eyes on
places in the room where there are things other than people to focus on.
Doors, plants, chairs. Smile before you speak. He stepped up to the podium
and ran his hands along the side as he looked out across the sea of
reporters.
"Thank you, Charles. Good day, ladies and gentlemen, I am Chiba
Darien. I understand that many of you are going to have questions about me
so I will try to be frank. I am an orphan. My parents died when I was very
young and I was raised by a friend's parents. To protect their privacy I am
going to refrain from giving their names so do not ask. I met the Princess
when I was in grade six. Her mother, Mrs. Tuskino, was my favorite teacher.
At the time I was unaware of their status in the monarchy, but I babysat
Selenity many times for her mother until they moved away later that same
year. My relationship with the family was interrupted at that point and I
knew nothing beyond what I read in the papers for the next five years. I
excelled in sports at school as well as staying in the top of my classes all
through junior high school. I saw Selenity again when I was in grade 11.
Her mother was not with her, but she and I became fast friends. Two days
after she arrived here, as is public knowledge, she was in a fight with a
young woman at her school and she was transferred away from Tokyo. Myself,
and another of her friends, have kept in touch with her over the years
through letters."
He took a sip of the glass left for him on the stand before speaking
again, "The Princess and I have been friends for many, many years. Our
relationship has been secret for far too long because her parents did not
think it correct for a member of nobility to have contact with me. Our
relationship is a very good friendship built on a solid foundation of trust
built over many years. I will not answer any questions regarding any other
kind of relationship you think us to have, so do not ask. Are there any
questions?"
A dozen hands shot up as soon as he started to ask the question, a
dozen more coming up quickly. He motioned to a young man in a pin stripe
suit sitting in the third row, "You sir?"
"Mr. Chiba, how is it that you are attending the Princess as she is
recovering from her accident"
"I am studying to be a doctor at the local university and because I
am her friend, she is more comfortable having someone she knows treat her
injuries. You in the back, Ma'am?"
He motioned to a raven-haired woman standing by the doors. "Mr.
Chiba, how much older than the princess are you exactly?"
"I am 25, madam, though I fail to see the relevance of your question.
Sir?"
A man in the fifth row off by the photographers stood and flipped a
page on his notebook, "Do you agree that the Royalty needs to update some of
its archaic rules concerning the treatment of the noble women?"
"I believe that a woman should be able to speak her mind without fear
of oppression, sir," Darien's smile was easy, though his hands tightened on
the sides of the podium, "Selenity had told me on more than one occasion she
would like to have a stronger voice in politics. You, miss?"
The young woman directly in front of him cleared her throat, "Are you
aware that you look like the Princess' intended and do you think you may
have some kind of relation to him?"
"I have had the opportunity to meet her betrothed and, though I have
noted the resemblance in features, I sincerely hope I am not related to him.
Sir?"
A rat-like reporter smiled as he spoke, "Is your relationship with
the Princess a way of blackmailing the monarchy into giving you something
you want?"
Darien simply stared at him, shook his head once before looking away,
"Sir?"
An older man stood, knocking his press hat back on his head, "If you
are only a friend of the Princess then why was she staying in your apartment
the night before her accident? Which was in your car, I might add."
"The Princess said she was tired from the dinner with myself and my
friends. I own a two bedroom apartment and saw no reason why she could not
use the extra room." his mouth was dry. That would probably get twisted
into something he hadn't said.
"Are you single?" shouted a woman from nearby.
"I am currently seeing someone."
A few more minutes of questions and he held up his hands, "My time
is up for today, thank you all for coming." He turned on his heel and
walked down into the small room trying to ignore the dozens of questions
thrown his way as he closed the door behind him. He stepped into the
hallway and leaned against the wall. Phew. A nut house.
"Darien, you were magnificent!" Selenity beamed as she wrapped her
arms around him in a tight hug.
He hugged her back, "I feel like someone took me out and beat me," he
admitted, "talk about a lion's den!"
Selenity blushed softly, "I am guilty of something."
He raised an eyebrow at her in inquiry.
"I threatened the press that if they did not behave themselves and
ask relevant questions I would never allow them to cover another of my press
conferences."
He chuckled, "I won't hold it against you, love. Come, we must be
getting to lunch."
She folded her hand into his elbow, "Indeed. Next time, sometime
this week, we will have to announce our intentions to the press."
He squeezed her fingers as he escorted her down the hall, "All in
good time, Selene. We have to take things one at a time. Phase two
completed. Phase three, lunch with your father and the mayor."
She grinned. His sense of humor was still intact. After the verbal
melee with the reporters, lunch would be a cinch.
"Darien, how nice to see you again," the mayor offered his hand,
smiling.
"A pleasure to see you as well, Mr. Mayor," he returned the handclasp
warmly. "Have you had the opportunity to meet my companion, the Princess
Selenity?"
Selenity curtsied to the Mayor and he bowed to her, "No yet. The
pleasure is all mine, my dear. Please, sit."
Darien noted the King was already seated but he rose to his feet as
Darien held the chair for his daughter. The three men waited until Selenity
was seated before sitting themselves. Selenity, as the only woman, was in
charge of ordering their lunch.
Darien opened his menu as the Mayor and the King did the same, and
was dismayed to see it was all in French. He glanced at Selenity to find
her watching him, an amused sparkle in her eye. Her hands sat on top of her
closed menu and she nodded for him to do the same. He did as she suggested,
leaning towards her and speaking softly, "Order me something appropriate, my
dear."
She smiled, winking at him, "Trust me."
The King and the Mayor were discussing the different menu items and
failed to notice their exchange. Darien waited until their conversation
lapsed into a lull. "Mr. Mayor, is it my imagination or do we have a number
of French restaurants in Tokyo?"
The Mayor chuckled, "We do indeed, young man, though so few people
notice. French cuisine is excellent, and a favortie of the Royal family, so
it is only proper that we dine in a French establishment."
"Intriguing. Do you speak the language, Mr. Mayor?"
"I must, do you?"
"Alas no, but Selenity has graciously agreed to order for me. The
lovely lady is accustomed to my tastes."
The Mayor blinked. "You dine together often?"
Selenity smiled, shaking her head, "No, Mr. Mayor, but we do talk a
lot about our favorite foods and activities. I shall have to take it upon
myself to teach Darien French, it is always good to have another language."
"Well said, young woman," The Mayor was obviously impressed, "Your
father tells me you speak more than twelve different languages fluently."
She lowered her eyes modestly, "I have had a need for many languages
in my travels, not all of them as melodious as the French, Italian or
Spanish tongues. English is alright, but Japanese is by far the language I
am most comfortable with."
The Mayor nodded as the King spoke up, "It is my understanding that
this city also has many English establishments? Fast food and the like?"
"They are popular with the younger generation, sire, but there are
more than enough high society restaurants, some from each country, so there
is no lack."
They lapsed into silence as a waiter came and placed water glasses on
their table. He quickly took a drink order for wine all around before
disappearing again.
"Have you gentlemen found something that catches your eye?" Selenity
asked, twisting her water glass in one hand, the other resting casually on
Darien's knee.
"Coq-au-vin avec une salade de fruits." The King's words were
clipped as he spoke, as if the French language was something he would rather
not use.
The Mayor closed his menu and placed it in an empty space, "Une soupe
aux nageoires de requin."
Selenity nodded, raising one hand to gain the attention of their
server. He was at their table quickly. "Est-ce que vous etes prêts?
"Oui. Une soupe aux nageoires de requin. Un Coq-au-vin avec une salade
de fruits. Une soup du jour et, pour moi, une salade."
"Oui, Mademoiselle," he replied, collecting the menus and departing.
Darien leaned in towards her, "What did you just order?"
"Wine Chicken and a fruit salad for my father, shark fin soup for the
Mayor, the soup of the day for you, it's a potato bacon and comes with a side
sandwich. I ordered a salad."
"Oh. Think you will have time to give me a crash course in French if
we happen to be going anywhere like this again?"
She laughed softly, squeezing his knee, "Relax. No one will hold
your lack of knowledge in languages against you. And my father does not
count. You were not given the same type of education I was, I think they
would be surprised if you did know another language."
He smiled and covered her hand with his own as they waited for their
lunches to be served. The next thirty minutes passed quickly as the Mayor
questioned Darien about his role in the Universities public relations, his
studies and lastly his future plans. The King seemed to be paying close
attention to his words so he was careful when voicing his answers.
With little prompting the Mayor launched into his plans for Tokyo in
the next three years, and continued talking as their food came. Through
their meal they listened as he talked about road construction, education
funding and supporting the hospitals. The King questioned him doggedly on
the city's economical position, they're funding to parks, and lastly, their
belief in the monarchy.
"Well, sire, I would be lying to think everyone is enamoured with the
idea of their being a monarch who is the last surviving descendants to an
ancient bloodline. Most people are enamoured with your daughter as she is
what every girl hopes she secretly is. She is lovely; beautiful, graceful,
intelligent and envied for the respect she has shown to even the youngest
member of our community. She will marry a real life prince and live happily
ever after. It is the perfect fairy tale and people want so much to believe
in fairy tales."
Darien cleared his throat, glancing at Selenity, "It is not public
knowledge, Mr. Mayor, but Selenity is breaking her betrothal to Martin."
The Mayor reared back in shock, "Is this true, my dear?"
She nodded, not looking at her father, "I will hold a press
conference later this week to announce my annulment of the contract. My
understanding of the terms are that if we had not wed before I was 18 I
could search for a mate myself. Martin and I do not see eye-to-eye on
anything and it is better that we go our separate ways."
The Mayor looked from Darien to Selenity and back, "Would I be wrong
in offering congratulations to the both of you on your upcoming nuptials?"
Darien shook his head but the King spoke up, "You would be wrong, Mr.
Mayor. My daughter will marry Martin weather she wishes it or not."
"But, sire, she has said she will not marry him. How could you force
your own daughter into a marriage that she neither wants nor agrees with?"
"It is her duty to ensure the strength of our bloodline by a good
match, Mr. Mayor. Martin is the best."
The Mayor frowned as their empty plates were taken away, "Blood is
blood, sire, this young man could be mistaken for Martin's brother. The
similarities in their looks in incredible, have you not thought that this
young man could have some royal blood in him somewhere?"
The King eyed Darien disdainfully, "This young man is arrogant,
outspoken and brash. No noble acts in such a fashion."
The Mayor chuckled, "Except you, sire. I only ask that you consider
the possibility for your daughter's sake. Seeing her happy would please the
people rather than seeing her forced into a marriage she does not want."
Darien wanted to cheer the Mayor's words but bit his tongue. It took
a man to make the King see something his daughter's words couldn't. Maybe
the Mayor's words would help; he hoped they would. The last thing he wanted
to have was Selenity taken from him a third time. He wouldn't allow it. He
would kidnap her if the King tried to take her away again.
Selenity squeezed his knee, "If you gentlemen will excuse us, I am
tired. My injuries are newly healed and I am sadly lacking energy."
Darien took her hint and stood, pulling her chair out for her before
offering her his arm. Selenity smiled at her father and the Mayor as they
stood before allowing Darien to escort her away from the table.
"I thought we would never get out of there," she murmured softly as
the private dining room's doors closed behind them.
He chuckled, "Relax, phase three complete. Lunch was a success,
don't you think?"
She smiled, hugging his arm, "I think it was. We will know when I
get called to discuss it with daddy later tonight. Phase four, go home and
call the gang for some fun."
Darien grimaces, "For you, yes. I have to get back, change and get
my butt back to my classes. I can't let them slide now, Princess."
She sighed, "I know. Come on, let's get out of here."
They left quickly, ignoring the questions shouted at them from the
ever-present press as they left the restaurant and ducked into the
limousine. "Vultures," Darien muttered as they strapped themselves in. He
checked his watch. "I'm gonna be late."
"Charles, drop Darien at the University would you?"
"Of course, miss."
He blinked, "Selene, I don't have my books or anything!"
"Go to class," she lifted a bag from across the seat, "Charles got
you a couple of your text books and some of your note books. I realize
you're over dressed but I doubt that's a factor in your final grade."
He hugged her, "You are the best, Princess." he searched through the
bag and nodded, "You've read my schedule?"
She blushed, "Guilty. I had Charles memorize it in case this
happened and you needed your books."
He kissed the top of her head and hugged her more tightly before
settling back in his seat, one arm draped across her shoulders. Content, he
allowed Charles to drive them to the campus and simply enjoyed being in his
Princess' company until his school life reasserted itself.
Author's Note: Comments, questions, flames, suggestions, e-mail me! Oh, and
I'm sure I'm rusty with my French somewhere, so if you know how I've managed
to mess it up -please- let me know so I can fix it! Thanks!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max