April 2002
Disclaimer: These character's aren't mine, but the story is..
Chapter 19
Darien stepped into the foyer of Selenity's home and looked around.
Selenity and her father were seated just inside the main room on the
right. He handed his jacket to Charles before entering and nodding to each
of them. "Thank you for seeing me on your first night back, sire."
The king looked from his daughter and then to Darien, "I had hoped
to have a few days before this meeting, young man."
"I realize that sire, but what I have to ask is something very
delicate, something that could change your view on me and I need an
answer."
Selenity placed a hand on her father's arm, "Darien would have asked
me daddy, but he felt we would be better able to help him together."
"Proceed. What is this urgent matter that only I can help you
with?"
Darien took a seat across from them, his toes tapping nervously. "I
would like to know the name of Martin's younger brother, his parents, and
the circumstances surrounding their deaths."
The king froze. Of all the things he'd expected, this was not one.
"You are presumptuous young man. Why should any of this be of relevance?"
"Martin and I were at a dinner together about a week ago and one of
the other Dukes mentioned that Martin is an orphan. The discussion that
ensued had them questioning my parentage due to my resemblance to Martin."
The king looked at him thoughtfully, "Who else have you spoke to
about this request?"
"I spoke with my foster parents and I checked the Library, but my
parents names are not ever listed. The identity of the boy is myself, I
know, but my name is never given either. The strangest part of all this,
in my opinion, is that my foster parents have no adoption papers for me.
Someone had them sign the originals and then disappeared with them. Oh,
they have legal papers for me, but not the official ones. Bill and Mae
also insinuated that my parents had a lot of pull with the government. I
know it seems far-fetched, your majesty, but I have been weighing the facts
in my head for the last week and I have examined all of the evidence I
available to me. The last pieces of this puzzle can only be found by
asking yourself or Martin. Knowing he is an orphan, and asking him about
his family, seems cruel to me. I do not like him but I have not wish to be
the one to bring up the scars of early childhood trauma."
"Martin's parents renounced their title at one time, Darien,"
Selenity told him quietly, "Martin only took it up because it was what he
wished. His father made sure that one of his sons was educated in dealing
with nobility. Martin spent most of his childhood, as I did, in multiple
homes. One of the conditions his parents set for their son taking back the
title was a marriage to me. That is why I am betrothed to Martin."
"Not exactly true, my dear," Darien and Selenity turned to look at
him in confusion. "It is what we have been telling you so that you are
accepting of it. Martin's younger brother, who was to be closer to you in
age, was supposed to be your intended. Martin received your hand by
default. When his younger brother died, we had to give him something."
"Are you certain the Duke's younger brother is dead?"
"As certain as anyone can be. The crash that killed his parents
ensured the boy would never know of his parentage if he survived. For all
intense and purposes, 'Dymion is dead."
"Dymion? The boy's name was Dymion?"
"No, Darien. It is how we fondly remember him. Selenity had just
been born when he died. His parents named him after one of the legends of
the moon and we named her to match him. 'Endymion' was his full name."
Selenity gasped as Darien froze. "Endymion?"
The King nodded, "Something wrong, young man?"
Darien reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. With
shaking hands, he extended it to the King, "My birth certificate is on the
inside flap."
The King opened the wallet and read the little, laminated piece of
paper. His eyes widened and he dropped the leather to the floor. "Is this
some kind of joke?"
Darien shook his head, "No, sir. My first name is Endymion, my
middle name is Darien. I simply use Darien because it is more
conventional."
The King scooped the wallet up again and took another look at the
birth certificate. He looked back at Darien, returning the wallet to him,
"There is an easy way of finding out. Tomorrow when Selenity goes to have
her test done, Martin and yourself will join us and have a blood test done.
If you are indeed related, that should prove it."
Darien felt light headed. Endymion. His first name, the name he
always wanted to pretend wasn't there. He heard Selenity speak from a
distance. "Daddy, if Darien in indeed Martin's younger brother Endymion,
am I betrothed to Martin, or am I still, according to the contract,
betrothed to Endymion?"
Francis sighed, "It will become complicated, Selenity. It has been
accepted that Endymion would not have the ties his brother has, in fact, he
will never be Duke, unless by default. If Darien is indeed Endymion, the
contact has already been moved to Martin. Hence, you are still betrothed
to him. If the test tomorrow is negative, I will keep my word and allow
you to formally break the betrothal."
Selenity smiled, "Thank you daddy." She rose from her seat and left
them alone as Darien reeled from the news.
Darien pulled himself back to the present with difficulty. "I am
sorry, sir, the possibility of being royalty has never once occurred to
me."
Francis raised an eyebrow, "Never? Not when you first met my
daughter? When you first befriended her?"
Darien shook his head, "No, sir. To be honest I found it rather
humbling that she found me such good company. I grew up in a stable home
with friends that are more like family. I have never wanted more, except
to be a doctor to help those who need it. Selenity has a rare gift of
making an individual feel special when she speaks to them. I wished I was
royalty, briefly, when she had to leave after the fight, but I never
thought myself to be."
Francis nodded. He glanced towards the doors his daughter had
exited and turned back to Darien, "Son, I will be frank. If you are in
fact Martin's brother, your marriage to her would be easier on some levels
and more difficult on others. It would be more acceptable for the other
nobles of the world if you are. Selenity should not marry beneath her
station. You are an admirable character, one of strong conviction, and I
admire that but as a commoner you are beneath her. Many people will not
see your union as you do. She must be wary of her public image. She is
loved, yes, but that can quickly turn to scorn if she makes a false step."
Darien nodded, "I know, sir. I do not want to do anything to make
her lose that respect but I will not lose her to the life you wish for her.
Not again."
"So, even if the results are positive you would want her as your
wife?"
Darien nodded, "Even if she were dying of some unknown disease and
had but 6 months to live. I love her, sir and I will not watch her station
ruin her chance at happiness. It is not right."
"Then you are a more tenacious man than I took you for. I
understand from Charles that your etiquette classes are completed. Your
speech is much improved, your posture acceptable. If the results are
negative tomorrow and if you are indeed related to Martin I will allow your
marriage to go through as soon as you wish. If you are simply a matter of
a series of coincidental circumstances, you will have to prove to me, young
man, exactly how your studies and the life the both of you plan to build
will include her duties to her blood."
Darien nodded, "You will not be disappointed," with a curt nod of
his head he left the room. As he closed the door behind him he clenched
his fist. It wasn't fair. Rejected or accepted on the basis of blood.
His steps brought him to the far side of the entryway, almost into the
kitchen.
"Darien?"
He looked up, seeing a very uncertain looking Selenity regarding
him. He opened his arms and she ran into them. He hugged her tightly, "I
won't let you go," he told her roughly, "Blood ties be damned, I'm going to
fight for you Princess."
She clung to him, "I am sorry I left you with him," her head rested
under his chin comfortably, "Daddy said if I didn't give the two of you a
few minutes alone he'd take me away again. He can, you know."
He pulled back and searched her eyes, "No. If he takes you away I
will never stop looking for you. I would come after you."
Tears filed her eyes as she met his intense gaze, "Would you
really?"
He nodded, his face inching towards hers. A small voice in the back
of his mind called for control, reminded him of a vow made in his mind,
reminded him of his honor. In that split second he made a decision. Vow
be damned. His lips came down across hers, sliding across her mouth
gently. He felt his control wavering as fire raced through his veins. Her
lips tasted of peaches, so sweetly intoxicating he wondered how he'd waited
so long to taste them.
A half second later, Selenity's hands were tangled in his hair, her
body arching into his wantonly as she kissed him fiercely. Her mouth
opened to his but he didn't take advantage. Fighting for control, he
angled his head as she slid her lips across his, tentatively touching his
with her tongue. He jerked at her unexpected initiative. His heart raced
in his ears as he lifted his head. She made a sound of protest but he
reached up and loosened her hands, covering them with his on his chest.
She opened her eyes to look at him, her blue irises almost purple.
Darien reached up and gently stroked her cheek, "I don't know if I
should apologize for that kiss or bend down and do it again."
She pressed closer to him, arching her neck, her eyes half closing,
"Kiss me again, most certainly."
He chuckled softly, "That was incredible, Princess."
She frowned. "Indeed. But?"
He bent down and gently kissed her lips, a quick soft kiss, that
gave her no time to react, "But I've just broken my word."
She shook her head, "No. There are no shadows in my eyes, Endymion.
I love you. I have wanted you to kiss me for so long now, I was starting
to think you never would."
He ducked his head, holding his face just out of range as he looked
into her eyes, "And now that I've done it once?"
"I want more." She tugged one hand free and reached up to push his
bangs out of his eyes, "Will you not kiss me again?"
"And break that same vow again?"
She nodded, "As many times as possible. The time is right."
He chuckled, "Again soon, Princess. I'll be back in the morning
before we go to the doctor's office, alright?"
She sighed, "Alright. I love you."
He ducked his head and she lifted her face, their lips meeting in a
quick, chaste kiss. "I love you, Princess."
She watched him collect his jacket, her hands folded in front of
her. As he stepped out she leaned against the wall, pressing her hands to
her racing heart. Wow, oh wow, talk about electrifying! That kiss had
made her blood sing and her head spin. She fanned herself with one hand
before her lips split in a silly smile. He'd kissed her. He'd finally
kissed her. She wrapped her arms around her waist and began climbing the
stairs towards her room. No matter the grief, it had been well worth the
wait.
Author's Note: Damn, about time I got around to their first kiss,
eh? Comments, Questions, Suggestions, flames... all go to
Jademax@hotmail.com
Unless of course you'd like to write a review!
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
Disclaimer: These character's aren't mine, but the story is..
Chapter 19
Darien stepped into the foyer of Selenity's home and looked around.
Selenity and her father were seated just inside the main room on the
right. He handed his jacket to Charles before entering and nodding to each
of them. "Thank you for seeing me on your first night back, sire."
The king looked from his daughter and then to Darien, "I had hoped
to have a few days before this meeting, young man."
"I realize that sire, but what I have to ask is something very
delicate, something that could change your view on me and I need an
answer."
Selenity placed a hand on her father's arm, "Darien would have asked
me daddy, but he felt we would be better able to help him together."
"Proceed. What is this urgent matter that only I can help you
with?"
Darien took a seat across from them, his toes tapping nervously. "I
would like to know the name of Martin's younger brother, his parents, and
the circumstances surrounding their deaths."
The king froze. Of all the things he'd expected, this was not one.
"You are presumptuous young man. Why should any of this be of relevance?"
"Martin and I were at a dinner together about a week ago and one of
the other Dukes mentioned that Martin is an orphan. The discussion that
ensued had them questioning my parentage due to my resemblance to Martin."
The king looked at him thoughtfully, "Who else have you spoke to
about this request?"
"I spoke with my foster parents and I checked the Library, but my
parents names are not ever listed. The identity of the boy is myself, I
know, but my name is never given either. The strangest part of all this,
in my opinion, is that my foster parents have no adoption papers for me.
Someone had them sign the originals and then disappeared with them. Oh,
they have legal papers for me, but not the official ones. Bill and Mae
also insinuated that my parents had a lot of pull with the government. I
know it seems far-fetched, your majesty, but I have been weighing the facts
in my head for the last week and I have examined all of the evidence I
available to me. The last pieces of this puzzle can only be found by
asking yourself or Martin. Knowing he is an orphan, and asking him about
his family, seems cruel to me. I do not like him but I have not wish to be
the one to bring up the scars of early childhood trauma."
"Martin's parents renounced their title at one time, Darien,"
Selenity told him quietly, "Martin only took it up because it was what he
wished. His father made sure that one of his sons was educated in dealing
with nobility. Martin spent most of his childhood, as I did, in multiple
homes. One of the conditions his parents set for their son taking back the
title was a marriage to me. That is why I am betrothed to Martin."
"Not exactly true, my dear," Darien and Selenity turned to look at
him in confusion. "It is what we have been telling you so that you are
accepting of it. Martin's younger brother, who was to be closer to you in
age, was supposed to be your intended. Martin received your hand by
default. When his younger brother died, we had to give him something."
"Are you certain the Duke's younger brother is dead?"
"As certain as anyone can be. The crash that killed his parents
ensured the boy would never know of his parentage if he survived. For all
intense and purposes, 'Dymion is dead."
"Dymion? The boy's name was Dymion?"
"No, Darien. It is how we fondly remember him. Selenity had just
been born when he died. His parents named him after one of the legends of
the moon and we named her to match him. 'Endymion' was his full name."
Selenity gasped as Darien froze. "Endymion?"
The King nodded, "Something wrong, young man?"
Darien reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. With
shaking hands, he extended it to the King, "My birth certificate is on the
inside flap."
The King opened the wallet and read the little, laminated piece of
paper. His eyes widened and he dropped the leather to the floor. "Is this
some kind of joke?"
Darien shook his head, "No, sir. My first name is Endymion, my
middle name is Darien. I simply use Darien because it is more
conventional."
The King scooped the wallet up again and took another look at the
birth certificate. He looked back at Darien, returning the wallet to him,
"There is an easy way of finding out. Tomorrow when Selenity goes to have
her test done, Martin and yourself will join us and have a blood test done.
If you are indeed related, that should prove it."
Darien felt light headed. Endymion. His first name, the name he
always wanted to pretend wasn't there. He heard Selenity speak from a
distance. "Daddy, if Darien in indeed Martin's younger brother Endymion,
am I betrothed to Martin, or am I still, according to the contract,
betrothed to Endymion?"
Francis sighed, "It will become complicated, Selenity. It has been
accepted that Endymion would not have the ties his brother has, in fact, he
will never be Duke, unless by default. If Darien is indeed Endymion, the
contact has already been moved to Martin. Hence, you are still betrothed
to him. If the test tomorrow is negative, I will keep my word and allow
you to formally break the betrothal."
Selenity smiled, "Thank you daddy." She rose from her seat and left
them alone as Darien reeled from the news.
Darien pulled himself back to the present with difficulty. "I am
sorry, sir, the possibility of being royalty has never once occurred to
me."
Francis raised an eyebrow, "Never? Not when you first met my
daughter? When you first befriended her?"
Darien shook his head, "No, sir. To be honest I found it rather
humbling that she found me such good company. I grew up in a stable home
with friends that are more like family. I have never wanted more, except
to be a doctor to help those who need it. Selenity has a rare gift of
making an individual feel special when she speaks to them. I wished I was
royalty, briefly, when she had to leave after the fight, but I never
thought myself to be."
Francis nodded. He glanced towards the doors his daughter had
exited and turned back to Darien, "Son, I will be frank. If you are in
fact Martin's brother, your marriage to her would be easier on some levels
and more difficult on others. It would be more acceptable for the other
nobles of the world if you are. Selenity should not marry beneath her
station. You are an admirable character, one of strong conviction, and I
admire that but as a commoner you are beneath her. Many people will not
see your union as you do. She must be wary of her public image. She is
loved, yes, but that can quickly turn to scorn if she makes a false step."
Darien nodded, "I know, sir. I do not want to do anything to make
her lose that respect but I will not lose her to the life you wish for her.
Not again."
"So, even if the results are positive you would want her as your
wife?"
Darien nodded, "Even if she were dying of some unknown disease and
had but 6 months to live. I love her, sir and I will not watch her station
ruin her chance at happiness. It is not right."
"Then you are a more tenacious man than I took you for. I
understand from Charles that your etiquette classes are completed. Your
speech is much improved, your posture acceptable. If the results are
negative tomorrow and if you are indeed related to Martin I will allow your
marriage to go through as soon as you wish. If you are simply a matter of
a series of coincidental circumstances, you will have to prove to me, young
man, exactly how your studies and the life the both of you plan to build
will include her duties to her blood."
Darien nodded, "You will not be disappointed," with a curt nod of
his head he left the room. As he closed the door behind him he clenched
his fist. It wasn't fair. Rejected or accepted on the basis of blood.
His steps brought him to the far side of the entryway, almost into the
kitchen.
"Darien?"
He looked up, seeing a very uncertain looking Selenity regarding
him. He opened his arms and she ran into them. He hugged her tightly, "I
won't let you go," he told her roughly, "Blood ties be damned, I'm going to
fight for you Princess."
She clung to him, "I am sorry I left you with him," her head rested
under his chin comfortably, "Daddy said if I didn't give the two of you a
few minutes alone he'd take me away again. He can, you know."
He pulled back and searched her eyes, "No. If he takes you away I
will never stop looking for you. I would come after you."
Tears filed her eyes as she met his intense gaze, "Would you
really?"
He nodded, his face inching towards hers. A small voice in the back
of his mind called for control, reminded him of a vow made in his mind,
reminded him of his honor. In that split second he made a decision. Vow
be damned. His lips came down across hers, sliding across her mouth
gently. He felt his control wavering as fire raced through his veins. Her
lips tasted of peaches, so sweetly intoxicating he wondered how he'd waited
so long to taste them.
A half second later, Selenity's hands were tangled in his hair, her
body arching into his wantonly as she kissed him fiercely. Her mouth
opened to his but he didn't take advantage. Fighting for control, he
angled his head as she slid her lips across his, tentatively touching his
with her tongue. He jerked at her unexpected initiative. His heart raced
in his ears as he lifted his head. She made a sound of protest but he
reached up and loosened her hands, covering them with his on his chest.
She opened her eyes to look at him, her blue irises almost purple.
Darien reached up and gently stroked her cheek, "I don't know if I
should apologize for that kiss or bend down and do it again."
She pressed closer to him, arching her neck, her eyes half closing,
"Kiss me again, most certainly."
He chuckled softly, "That was incredible, Princess."
She frowned. "Indeed. But?"
He bent down and gently kissed her lips, a quick soft kiss, that
gave her no time to react, "But I've just broken my word."
She shook her head, "No. There are no shadows in my eyes, Endymion.
I love you. I have wanted you to kiss me for so long now, I was starting
to think you never would."
He ducked his head, holding his face just out of range as he looked
into her eyes, "And now that I've done it once?"
"I want more." She tugged one hand free and reached up to push his
bangs out of his eyes, "Will you not kiss me again?"
"And break that same vow again?"
She nodded, "As many times as possible. The time is right."
He chuckled, "Again soon, Princess. I'll be back in the morning
before we go to the doctor's office, alright?"
She sighed, "Alright. I love you."
He ducked his head and she lifted her face, their lips meeting in a
quick, chaste kiss. "I love you, Princess."
She watched him collect his jacket, her hands folded in front of
her. As he stepped out she leaned against the wall, pressing her hands to
her racing heart. Wow, oh wow, talk about electrifying! That kiss had
made her blood sing and her head spin. She fanned herself with one hand
before her lips split in a silly smile. He'd kissed her. He'd finally
kissed her. She wrapped her arms around her waist and began climbing the
stairs towards her room. No matter the grief, it had been well worth the
wait.
Author's Note: Damn, about time I got around to their first kiss,
eh? Comments, Questions, Suggestions, flames... all go to
Jademax@hotmail.com
Unless of course you'd like to write a review!
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max