Chapter Six, Family:
Christine was preparing Serenity's hair. They had spent the
week going over the necessary preparations for the first ceremony
she would be attending after showing her parents that her magic was
under control. The ceremony was both in honor of Princess
Serenity's return to the royal functions as well as in honor of
Princess Lily's 12th birthday, signifying she could now join the
rest of the princes and princesses of the Silver Millennium
Alliance who could all already attend the royal functions. Princess
Lily was the younger sister of Princess Helen, the oldest princess
of Saturn. Christine and Serenity had gone over all the basics
several times, and Princess Serenity felt sure she could at least
perform near the level she had been at when she went to her last
ball at 13. Of course, she would have to get to the level of a 15
year old princess quickly, but the level of a 13 year old would at
least manage to get her through the night. She could walk, curtsey,
and speak with the proper manners. That would be enough to satisfy
those who attended. Her parents would expect more, but Serenity
tried to calm her anxiety from that thought by reminding herself
that all she could do was her best, and if that was not good enough
that was their loss as Miriam would tell her. She need not listen
so closely to all their opinions as Lune had taught her; she barely
even respected them anymore. The only respect she had was for their
grace and poise at handling themselves at all royal functions. In
general, she was noticing how truly blind and ignorant they were
even compared to her and Miriam and especially compared to wise
ones such as Lune.
The ceremony began with the grand entrance of Princess
Serenity. "Returning after two years in solitude, the magnificent
Princess Serenity of the Silver Millennium Alliance," the
announcer's voice boomed throughout the Royal Garden where the
ceremony was taking place. Serenity came in humbly and blushing
from the magnificence of the ceremony as well as the reverence and
applause all around her. *So much attention. I do not want nor
deserve this; no person does,* she thought to herself, embarrassed
by all the attention.
After Serenity had entered, she walked as gracefully as she
could toward Princess Darla and Miriam as well as Prince Michael.
"How are you three this fine evening?" Princess Serenity asked
politely.
"Hello Princess Serenity. I am doing well. You looked ill at
ease up there. Are you feeling all right?" Prince Michael asked in
concern."I am feeling fine," Princess Serenity said honestly. "I am
ill at ease with all this attention and grandeur though; it is so
pompous." Prince Michael nodded in agreement. Princess Miriam and
Princess Darla were talking, but Princess Darla stopped and looked
at Princess Serenity. "Oh how I wish I could hug you right now
Princess Serenity. I have missed you greatly. You look magnificent."
"Oh I have missed you greatly as well Princess Darla, and
you look magnificent tonight as well."
None of them wanted to use titles of course, but they were
obligated to by the occasion. Even Miriam managed to address
Serenity as princess. "Princess Serenity, I am so glad to see you
here. I have missed you greatly as well," she managed to say.
"Oh and I have greatly missed you Princess Miriam," Serenity
said. Both were pretending to have not seen each other for two
years. The guards were present at this ceremony as well as the
princes and princesses. Some had four women guards like Princess
Serenity, some had four male guards like Princess Raven, and some
had a mixture of female and male guards like Prince Alan.
Princess Serenity's guards were here as well and approached
her. "I am glad to see you again Princess after such a long time
apart," Lily said.
Princess Serenity smiled and looked at each of them. "Hello
Lily. Hello Cassie. Hello Trina. Hello Maddie. How are you all
doing?" she asked politely, purposely putting Lily's name before
Cassie because she knew it was improper to do so and almost wanted
to vex Cassie.
"I am doing well Princess," Lily said appreciatively.
"I also am well and noticing that you still do not respect
the proper way of phrasing your sentences," Cassie said, irritated.
"I am doing fine," Trina acknowledged Serenity's presence
with a slight curtsey, and Princess Serenity stopped her.
"No need for that Trina."
Trina nodded. Maddie did a full curtsey just to rile
Serenity and smiled not so innocently. Serenity sighed. "I am also
fine your highness," Maddie said, a hint of malice in her voice.
Serenity looked out at the dance area and saw only one
couple dancing. It was Princess Raven wearing the same harsh
expression. She was dancing with a man with dark black hair
halfway down his ears and similar dark black eyes that had a
penetrating stare. Serenity shivered, a chill going down her spine.
She knew this was an instinct. Lune had taught her not to ignore
those instincts, so she watched them more carefully until they were
all called near the podium. Princess Lily was given a standing
ovation as she blew out the candles on her cake, and it was
requested that everyone begin dancing now. Princess Lily got the
chance to request any prince or guard she wanted to dance with,
and she requested a dance with the top guard to Prince Alan, Damion.
Damion had dark midnight blue hair that curled around his ears and
dark black eyes.
"Who was that dancing with Princess Raven?" Serenity asked
Miriam quietly but urgently.
"With Princess Raven? You mean before Princess Lily's
birthday ovation?" she questioned.
"Yes, yes," Serenity said urgently.
"Let me think. Oh I think that it was the top guard to
Prince Lester of Jupiter. His name is Raymond."
"Thank you," Serenity mumbled.
"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you Princess
Serenity?" Prince Tritan asked her.
"Yes, it would be my pleasure," Princess Serenity replied
politely, glad it was Tritan rather than some of those other
princes. She saw Miriam dancing with Prince Michael of course, and
Princess Darla was dancing with Prince Henry of Titanium who had
purple hair to his shoulder and deep, velvet violet eyes. Serenity
noticed that Tritan was leading her carefully and helping cover up
her mistakes. She did not say anything about it directly, but she
smiled at him and said, "thank you."
He halfway smiled back. "You are welcome princess."
After the dancing ended, there were fireworks and chatting.
Princess Serenity went around and chatted with everyone. She found
the princes from Titanium quite interesting and unique although
Princess Anita was still self-absorbed. She thought Andrew was
still self absorbed as well although she found his younger sister
Princess Melody, who had turquoise hair past her shoulder blades
and deep blue eyes, quite unique and talented. Princess Raven was
mostly the same though harder and crueler, and she found Raymond
had the same disposition as well as a violent tendency. She saw
him hit Raven twice when no one else was looking, and she wished
she could talk candidly with Princess Raven about it, but she knew
that was not possible. Prince Lester was also the same. Princess
Helen and Princess Tamara were as mysterious as ever. Princess
Lily however, with her soft green eyes and long wavy light brown
hair that went to her hips, seemed to live in her own little world,
more so than Helen and Tamara even. Prince Alan and Prince Matthew
both had their unique characteristics but both seemed closer to one
another and more remote from the rest of the group. Princess
Alyssa, Prince Matthew's younger sister, who had blond hair that
went just below her chin and wise turquoise eyes seemed friendly
and creative. Princess Serenity greatly enjoyed her presence.
When she retired to her bedchamber that evening after
saying a sad goodbye to Princess Darla and Prince Michael and
winking at Miriam to signal their plan to meet that morning, she
got reprimanded by her parents for blushing when she entered and
seeming uncomfortable
at first.
"You need to enter with more grandeur and show you are
perfectly at ease in this environment," her mother chastised.
"I am not though mother," Serenity admitted.
"We do not care," her father shouted. "Simply do it right
from now on you worthless excuse for a daughter," he said angrily,
leaving the room in a huff.
Serenity looked down sadly. "I will try," she promised.
"We are tired of your trying Serenity. Simply do it," her
mother ordered, leaving with her father.
Early that morning she met Wesley in town, and they walked
to the river to meet Miriam. As the three sat down by the water's
edge after taking their shoes off, they slowly dipped their feet in
the water, enjoying the cool, refreshing sensation.
Miriam splashed Serenity with water.
Serenity smiled a little but did not respond.
"Are you all right Serenity?" Miriam asked as Wesley looked
at Serenity in concern.
"I got in trouble with my parents again," Serenity said
sadly.
"Again??!" Miriam said angrily.
"Does it happen often?" Wesley asked.
"Yes," Miriam said definitely.
"Well, I mean they have their reasons. You saw how
uncomfortable I was at the ball," Serenity said to Miriam.
"Oh Serenity, will you ever stop defending them?" Miriam
asked sadly. "They hurt you. They verbally and emotionally abuse
you. You do not deserve that treatment. You did your best at the
ball. That is all anyone can ask of you."
Serenity sighed. Wesley took her hand in concern. "I am
here for you Serenity. They hurt you emotionally and verbally?"
"Well, I mean. I am so sensitive," Serenity admitted.
"Does not change their behavior," Miriam said angrily.
"They have no right to do that to you. I wish I could get you out
of their grasp. As does Lune."
"And as do I," Wesley said compassionately.
Serenity smiled some. "Thank you both. You are both so kind
to me always."
"You deserve that dear Serenity," Miriam said.
"Yes, my dear. You do," Wesley said.
"Awww you two stop it. She splashed Miriam then Wesley.
Wesley laughed, but Miriam got revenge, pushing Serenity
into the river.
"Hey," Serenity said, pulling Miriam in the river.
Wesley kept laughing, so they both pulled him in the river.
They all splashed each other for a good half hour before returning
to their residences soaking wet. Serenity decided to hang the outfit
she had been wearing in her bathroom, hoping it would be dry in the
morning so she could move it back into her closet before Christine
came in to get her ready for the day. She missed being independent
and getting ready on her own. She did not like having someone come
in and get her ready every morning. It embarrassed her and made her
feel as though her privacy was being invaded. Well, actually, it
was.
It was at the next ball that Serenity both achieved the goal
of her parents-she was graceful and poised at the ball from weeks
of practice in her room- and got ready to take her next step in her
relationship with Wesley.
As Serenity descended into the crowd, she approached Prince
Michael and Princess Miriam. She nodded to each of them briefly as
Miriam did a full curtsey and Michael a full bow to demonstrate the
differences in power. Serenity hated this, but she grinned and
managed to get through it. "How are you Prince Michael and Princess
Miriam?" Serenity asked.
"I am well," Prince Michael responded.
"I am well also," Princess Miriam added. "How are you Princess
Serenity?"
"I am also well. Thank you."
"Could you get me something to drink Michael?" Miriam asked.
"Of course Miriam," he said courteously, walking off.
"Serenity," Miriam said quietly. "I saw Wesley last night."
Serenity nodded. "He wanted to know if you would like to meet his
family and have dinner with them tomorrow morning. He has already told
his family about you, and they are eager to meet you. They think you
are from the town of Balinverd though. He said he has not told them
much about you other than that you are his new girlfriend he met while
carving wood one day and that you had wandered away from Balinverd due
to your natural curiosity." Serenity smiled.
"Oh I would like to go very much of course, but I could not
possibly go for breakfast. My parents would notice I was missing.
Christine would notice I was missing."
"You could say you are staying with Princess Darla. I am sure
she would help you if we go explain the situation to her. She deserves
to know anyway. I would let you stay with me, but I doubt your parents
would like that."
"You are right. They would not, and she deserves to know. Let
us go see her."
"Let us dance first. I do not want to draw suspicion. We can
dance and then we can both go our separate ways. I will go off with
Michael, and you can go find and talk to Darla."
"All right," Serenity agreed.
After dancing, Miriam said, "Please let me know how it goes
dear Serenity," and she left with Michael.
Princess Serenity found Darla with Princess Lily. "Hello
Princess Darla, Princess Lily," she said nodding her head at each
respectively. They both did a full curtsey for her. Serenity fought
the disgust in her and the urge to ask them not to treat her as a
superior. Serenity spoke with them for nearly half an hour before
Princess Lily saw her sister and said she wanted to go speak with
her. "Until next time," Princess Serenity nodded. Lily curtseyed fully
and walked off gracefully. Serenity turned to Darla. "I need to speak
with you about something important," she said.
Darla nodded. "Anytime Serenity. What is it?"
"I...I found someone," Serenity admitted. "He is kind and
compassionate, intelligent and funny. We have a connection, a strong
one, between our souls."
Darla smiled. "This is wonderful Serenity. Who is he?"
"Well...that is the strange part. His name is Wesley. He lives
in a town outside the palace. I know that this is very unconventional
and improper, but please try to understand. You know a person's place
in society means nothing to me. It is a position determined merely by
chance and used by those who are lucky enough to obtain a good position
to dominate and control the masses."
Darla giggled. "I have never understood your thought process
Serenity, but you know I support you no matter what."
"Oh I am so glad. I truly wish that I could hug you right now,"
Serenity said honestly.
"I wish the same. Perhaps later Serenity."
"I was wondering if I could come stay with you tonight and
sneak away to see him. I really want to meet his family."
"His family knows about you?" Darla asked.
"Well, for now I am pretending to be from another town."
"For now? What about later? Do you think they will ever accept
you? Or even more importantly that your parents will ever accept him?"
"I really do not know," Serenity said honestly, "but I have to
try. I love him."
Darla nodded. "Of course. We are staying on the outskirts of
the Moon Palace Hotel Complex. You may stay with me tonight. I am sure
my parents would be honored. You ask yours after the ball and I will
ask mine. Now, I think I want to go dance. I will see you tonight
Serenity."
"Thank you Darla," Serenity said, watching her walk off to go
dance with the top guard of Saturn.
That night, after getting her parents approval, gritting her
teeth through meeting Darla's parents, and enjoying her tour through
the floor Darla's family was staying on, Serenity woke Darla up to say
goodbye.
"I will be back in three hours...you can keep your parents out
of the room until then?"
"Yes. My parents will get up in two hours, and come in here in
about another half hour. So that only leaves me stalling for half an
hour or so. Take good care, and be careful Serenity."
"I will be careful. You take care too Darla. I will tell you
all about it when I return. Thank you so much," and the two embraced.
As she approached Wesley, he took her hand and swept his hand
through her hair. "I love your hair. It is so unique," Wesley
commented sincerely.
Serenity smiled and blushed. "Oh thank you my dear."
"Shall we enter my humble abode?" he asked, smiling.
Her smile grew bigger. "We shall," and they both giggled. "Oh
what are you parents' names? Gosh I hope they like me all right."
"Oh, I am sure they will dear Serenity." He turned her to face
him, holding both of her hands and looking into her eyes. "You will be
wonderful Serenity. Their names are Francis and Timothy."
"You really think I will be all right? I am so nervous."
"You will be all right. Just hold my hand Serenity."
She held his warm hand, feeling the warmth seep through her
body. Together they entered the hut he lived in. She saw a nicely
stained wooden table with a rug underneath it and chairs with flower
fabric around the table. There was a couch in the back of the room
with a blanket over it and a pillow. "That is where I sleep
Serenity." She noticed the curtain drawn back right now. *He must
close that for privacy. What a small room. He must feel so cramped.*
"That is my parents' room," Wesley said, pointing to a closed door
on the left. "That is the kitchen," he said, pointing to the archway
through which she saw a white kitchen and smelt the sweet aroma of
honey and freshly baked bread.
Serenity turned to Wesley and smiled. "It is beautiful," she
said honestly, feeling the warmth from the oven throughout the hut.
Wesley simply smiled back, his eyes gazing into hers.
A man emerged from the kitchen. He was bald and short and
did not resemble Wesley at all, and Serenity almost thought he was
the cook until she saw his warm, brown eyes. It was just like
looking into Wesley's eyes, and she realized that if they could only
afford this small hut with no real room for Wesley then they
probably could not afford any servants or maids or cooks. She felt a
rush of happiness. *How wonderful. No one oppressed here,* she
thought happily. "Hello, you must be Samantha," the man said,
extending his hand.
Serenity jolted. *Wesley did not tell me he was using the
name Samantha. I forgot to ask him about that,* she thought while
also put back by the fact that he was extending his hand. She liked
it better, but she was not used to greeting people this way. Getting
a grip on her senses, Serenity smiled lopsidedly and blushed "I am
so sorry. How rude of me. Yes, I am Samantha. It is nice to meet you
Mister...Mister..." *I do not know his last name,* she realized.
"Timothy," she ended.
The man smiled. "Just call me Tim. How are you doing?"
"I am well," she said warmly, enjoying his presence.
"Well sit down at the table; sit down. My wife and I will be
done with dinner in a few minutes. You two kids have fun," he added,
winking at his son.
"Dad," Wesley protested.
Serenity giggled. "Now see, she gets my sense of humor," he
said smiling at Serenity and withdrawing into the kitchen.
"Oh, he seems so nice," Serenity said happily.
"Yeah, he is," Wesley admitted. "He is great actually.
Always telling jokes and keeping us looking at the lighter side of
things. My mom and I tend to be more serious. Of course we work
harder," he added, only half joking.
Serenity giggled. "Well I really like him."
"Good. I think you will like my mom as well. She can be a
really tough, hard person, but she is very warm and caring too. She
loves us all, and she is a hard worker."
"Both are admirable qualities," Serenity said, her eyes
shining.
A woman with long, shiny brown hair and her face a more
feminine version of Wesley's face entered. She had black eyes that
Serenity imagined could look tough when they were hardened, but
right now they were soft and inviting. She was carrying a basket of
bread and a big, hot container of honey. Serenity sighed and enjoyed
the aroma of the hot honey.
"Why hello there Samantha. So nice to finally meet you," his
mother said, smiling warmly. She had a more patient, yet tough
quality to her warmth whereas Tim had more jovial, cheery warmth to
his spirit. Serenity was surprised to find that she could feel their
spirits so strongly. She usually sensed things about people, but it
was rare to find someone with such a strong spirit. Strong spirits
meant that they either were very strongly good or very strongly bad,
and Serenity knew it was good for these people.
"Hello Francis," she said, smiling and wanting to grab the
honey but not sure if that was proper etiquette here or not.
Francis smiled and saw her eyeing the honey. "You want
some?" she asked. "We do usually wait until the main part of the
meal is out, but if you are hungry dig in," she said warmly. And you
can call me Fran."
Serenity nodded. "All right, I will, thank you. I am not that
hungry actually. I was just wondering if it would be proper etiquette
to help you with the honey or not."
"Proper etiquette?" Tim had entered and burst out laughing.
Fran smiled strangely. "Hon, do not worry about proper
etiquette here. What town did you say she was from again Wesley? What
child your age is thinking about manners? Is your town not having
the food shortage ours is? You should be thinking about where to get
your next meal, not how to eat your next meal."
Serenity's eyebrow furrowed. "Food shortages? You did not
tell me about this Wesley," she said, looking to him in concern.
Wesley shrugged. "I did not want to bother you."
"You are not having those problems hon?" Fran asked.
"Oh, oh, we are, but I just did not realize other towns were
in the same position," Serenity guessed hesitantly.
"Ah, I see. Well do not worry about us hon. The food shortage
is not affecting us too much. Wesley here is so great at finding
substitutes for us in the woods when there is not enough to buy or we
are low on money."
"All the same, if it helps, I really am not hungry."
"Nonsense. You must be starving hon."
"Oh no, not at all. Really I am fine."
"I insist hon," she said, sitting down and pushing the bread
toward Serenity. Right then the oven alarm went off. "Could you get
that dear?"
"Got it." Tim jumped up and came out with a sweet smelling
quiche. "We saved this for when you would come. Wesley speaks of you
often."
After the enjoyable meal that Serenity had reluctantly ate,
Serenity said goodbye.
"Do come again hon. It was wonderful to meet you," Fran said,
shaking her hand.
Then Tim shook her hand. "Hope to see you again soon
Samantha," he said.
Serenity shook their hands, enjoying this custom.
"I am going to take a walk with her back to her place all
right?" Wesley asked.
"No problem hon," Fran nodded and gave him a hug.
Serenity looked on sadly. *Parents that give hugs. What is
that like?*
As they were walking back to the Moon Palace Hotel, Wesley
asked her if she enjoyed herself.
"Oh very much. Your parents are so kind, so loving, and so
wonderful."
"They just love us," Wesley said. "As all parents should."
"Not 'just.' So many parents do not," Serenity said sadly.
Wesley looked down. "So sad. You are right of course, but so
hard to understand how parents could not love their own children."
"I guess my parents love me in their own way."
"Maybe they think they do," Wesley admitted. "They do not
though. They do not know the meaning of love if they believe that."
"Perhaps they never learned of it, and then it is not their
fault."
"Fault...blame, so hard to know where those lie, but at some
point people have to be responsible for their actions, especially when
they are adults, and even more especially when they are parents.
Serenity sighed. "I suppose you are right."
"Leave them Serenity. Stay with us. You can have the couch. I
will sleep on the floor in my parents' room."
"And have you all rearrange your lives to accommodate and
feed and teach me things? I could not do that to you all. Besides I
do not want to hurt my parents, and I do have obligations and duties
as a princess too you know. If only it were that simple," she said
wistfully.
"It can be," Wesley said eagerly.
"You are too much the optimist for me Wesley. Who would rule
the kingdom after my parents are gone?"
"Well, you still could."
"No, not without the official training."
Wesley sighed. "Is that truly important to you?"
Serenity thought for a few minutes. "No...and yes."
"No and yes? What does that mean? Explain it to me," he said,
stopping outside the hotel and turning her toward him again, his
hands intertwined with hers.
"Wesley. I just...I cannot. I am so sorry," she said, running
into the hotel with tears streaming from her eyes. When she snuck
into the room, she immediately ran to the window and saw Wesley walk
off sadly. "I am so sorry my love," she whispered.
"How did it go?" Darla asked.
"Oh it went well. It went very well. His parents are wonderful
people, and I got honey bread and quiche for breakfast."
"Oh yum," Darla said, excited.
"Oh Darla," she said hugging her. "What if I lose him? What if
we never do get to be with one another?"
"Oh Serenity. I am so sorry. Try to be strong," she said,
hugging her friend.
"I am trying. I am trying," she promised.
That evening Serenity slunk into her parents' bedchamber.
"What is it Serenity?" her mother asked, sitting on her plush
peach chair while her maid was taking her earrings out. Her mother
lookedlike an angel with the white dress she was wearing and her long,
purple curly hair falling all around the beautiful peach colored
chair. Her father walked in from the bathroom with his dark blue night
robe on.
"What is going on?" he asked.
"I...I just wanted to talk to you both about something. If the
time is all right?" Serenity asked cautiously.
"Go ahead," her father said.
"I...I know you will not like what I have to say."
Her father sighed. "Tell us something new. Just say it
Serenity."
Serenity gulped. "I...I met a male," she admitted.
Her mother smiled. "That is nice Serenity."
Her father asked, "Why would we care about this Serenity?"
"Well...because...I do not...exactly think...that you would
like him."
Her father groaned. "Who is it Serenity?"
"You do not know him. He is...I mean he lives in a town near
the palace."
Her parents turned to each other as the maid left, taking her
cue from Queen Selenity. A smile came over her father's face and then
her mother's face, and they both burst out laughing.
"That is nice Serenity. Go to your room now all right,"
Selenity said, still chuckling.
"You...you are not upset?"
"Serenity, we know you will get over this crush soon,"
Selenity said.
"Besides, you know as well as we do that it is against
protocol to go with this town boy. You will not be allowed to act on
your feelings even if they do remain. Now Serenity, we have been
meaning to tell you about your 16th birthday coming up. You will be
going to the dance in your honor with the top guard of Prince Lester,
Raymond. All the other top guards could take a lesson from his
example. He is dedicated and strong. You are lucky Serenity. We set
up the arrangement with the King and Queen of Mars. Now, off to bed,"
King Stephen added.Serenity left the room quietly. "All I wanted was
their approval. They do not even take it seriously enough to be
angry. They will be angry when they realize how serious it is. How
can I show them what he means to me?* Serenity was also worried as
she remembered the harsh Raymond who had been dancing with Princess
Raven at that first ceremony she had attended after her
Serenity was glad to get Maria instead of Christine as her
maid again to prepare her for her 16th birthday. She had not seen her
for years now and truly enjoyed her company. Christine was taking her
month long vacation. Maria's dark blue hair was longer now and curly.
Serenity looked into her dark eyes and smiled to convey how much she
liked her new hairstyle. Maria's eyes looked back kindly as she
smiled at Serenity and carefully, gently brushed her long, sparkling,
light purple hair.
She was not alone with Maria. All of her guards were there,
and they were congratulating her on turning 16. Serenity was not
listening to them though, and as she left to go down to the ballroom
she went against custom by taking Maria's hands in her own and
smiling compassionately at her. Maria smiled back, her black eyes
sparkling. Maddie immediately began to protest, but Serenity simply
walked out. The guards looked at each other, wanting to get onto
Serenity but knowing they were now obligated to follow her.
Callie just sighed and signaled to the rest of them to
follow Serenity. "We will either speak to her or her parents later,"
she said. The others nodded and followed.
As she entered the ballroom, she was met by Top Guard
Raymond, and she was looking again into his hard, black eyes that
sent a coldness throughout her whole body. He narrowed his eyes,
smiling and reminding her of a serpent in her mind as he escorted
her up to the podium. She stood up there and smiled as the steamers
came down and the confetti flew through the air and the announcers'
voices boomed, saying congratulations to the princess for turning
16. Serenity sighed, daydreaming of being away from this place.
As they walked onto the dance floor and danced together, he
gripped her body hard, spinning her around him. She noticed how much
he enjoyed having her in his grasp, and she felt sick at the thought
of being his possession.
After the first dance, Princess Miriam, Prince Michael,
Princess Darla, and Prince Henry all joined Top Guard Raymond and
Princess Serenity. They smiled at each other and went through all
the customs, but Michael and Miriam looked sympathetically at
Serenity knowing how much she dreaded being here and with Raymond
of all beings. Miriam smiled and winked doing a V sign beside her
dress that Serenity quickly glanced at and winked back at Miriam.
She smiled at Michael appreciatively too. The dance went by
extremely slow, but that night Serenity went to bed with a smile on
her face, knowing she would join Wesley and Miriam by the river.
She hoped she and Wesley would be all right. *Although
compared to Raymond any male would be a dream come true,* Serenity
thought.
When they all met by the river, Serenity hugged Wesley
immediately. "I am sorry about how I left last time," she said in
sorrow.
"Oh Serenity. It is all right Serenity," he said hugging
her close, tears streaming from his eyes.
They both lay down on the soft ground, snuggling as she
laid her head on his shoulder. Miriam sat down beside them. "You
are looking cozy miss future wife of the evil Raymond," she said,
giggling.
"Oh stop it," Serenity said, starting to giggle now too.
"Seriously he creeps me out."
Miriam got silent. "Yeah, me too. I get a bad feeling
about him."
"Ah well none of those nobles are really a prince
charming."
"Hey, except for my baby Michael," Miriam said.
"Yes, of course except for your Michael," Serenity said
smiling.
"Tell me about Raymond," Wesley requested.
"He is just this creepy top guard of Prince Lester. My
father thinks he is the best top guard of all the top guards. I
had to be escorted to the 16th birthday ball by him and dance with
him at the ball."
Wesley wrapped his arm around her. "I am sorry Serenity.
What a rotten 16th birthday. I guess all your birthdays were
crappy like that."
"Yeah, mostly," Serenity admitted.
"I wish I could give you a wonderful birthday party."
"Oh I enjoyed the time with your parents. That is the best
birthday present ever."
"That was almost a month ago."
"Oh it does not matter. How are they doing?"
"They are doing well. They ask of you often. They really
like you Serenity."
"Oh I feel so honored. I truly like them as well,"
Serenity said happily.
They all just sat together for awhile, enjoying the
tranquility of the place. As they parted, Wesley gave Serenity her
first real kiss and said, "I love you Serenity."
"Oh Wesley. I love you too."
The next night Serenity and Miriam met Darla by the
fountain because they wanted to show her the river. As they walked
to the river, they caught up on what was going on in Darla's life,
and she learned of how they were both doing.
"I am surprised that you are still with Wesley Serenity.
He is just a town boy after all."
"Oh you just do not understand," Serenity sighed sadly.
"I know you feel we are all equals, but frankly do you not
think you are taking it a bit too far Serenity?"
"I cannot believe you would say that Darla," Serenity
said, upset.
"I am sorry Serenity. You are right. It is your life and
none of my business. It must be something I am missing, and
besides Miriam is even more amazing. How long have you been with
Prince Michael now?"
"Only almost two years," Miriam said.
"That seems like such a long time for princesses our age."
"I suppose so," Miriam admitted. "What can I say? I am in
love with him."
"I hope it lasts for you two," Darla said.
"Me too," Miriam said. "It will if it is meant to be," she
said with authority.
"I do not think it always works out that well," Serenity
said honestly. "I cannot imagine not being meant to be with Wesley,
but I doubt it will happen."
"Serenity, how can you not have faith in your two's love?"
"Miriam. I have to be honest. How will we ever convince my
parents and get through the laws against it?"
"I do not know," Miriam admitted, "but it will happen if
you are meant to be. I believe in that. I hope you do as well
someday."
"Here is the river," Miriam told Darla, pointing at the
winding, sparkling river.
Darla smiled. "It is beautiful," she said.
"I will see you two later. Take care you two," Serenity
said as they parted ways after a big group hug.
"See you soon Serenity," Miriam said, winking and making
the V sign.
"Take care," Darla added.
The next night Darla could not join Miriam and Wesley. As
they were sitting by the river, Miriam suggested visiting Lune. "Oh
that is a wonderful idea. I think you will enjoy meeting her
Wesley. She is amazing," Serenity said.
They walked to Lune's cottage and did not see her in the
front. They went up to the door and Miriam knocked on it. "This
place is certainly well hidden," Wesley said.
"Yes, she prefers the mysterious location. Also, I am
fairly sure my parents want her hidden away from the population,"
Serenity said.
"Why is that?" Wesley asked.
"She is considered dangerous and eccentric. In fact I think
she is considered dangerous because she is eccentric and so good at
magic." Wesley nodded.
"She is not answering," Miriam said in concern.
"We have never knocked on her door. Perhaps she does not
know it is us."
"She does not get any visitors from the village ever,"
Miriam said. "Also, I have come to her cottage when she was not
expecting me before, remember?"
"Ah, that is true," Serenity said.
"Perhaps she is out back on her porch."
"She has a porch?" Serenity asked.
"Yes. I have not been out there, but I saw it last time I
was at the cottage. I think she built it herself."
"Well she does have magic to help her," Wesley chuckled.
They went into the cottage, and they saw her frizzy hair
sticking up from behind the chair on the porch. They went out to
the porch. "Lune?" Serenity asked cautiously. "How are you?"
"Oh Serenity," she turned around, "and Miriam, and..."
"This is Wesley," Serenity filled her in.
"Oh wonderful. So glad to meet you Wesley."
"Very glad to meet you as well miss Lune," Wesley said.
"Please, just Lune is fine," Lune requested.
"Oh, of course Lune. I apologize."
"No need for an apology." Lune smiled. "So glad to see you
all." Serenity noted that she was looking out to the horizon. She
turned to Serenity and smiled. "Just watching for the sunrise. It
will be spectacular today."
"How do you know?" Serenity asked.
"Oh Serenity, because it always is; it always is."
Serenity smiled. "I suppose I never really looked at it."
"Oh you should," Wesley said. "They are truly
magnificent."
Lune smiled. "I like him."
Miriam chuckled. "We are glad you approve of him Lune.
Can we go out to the field?"
"I would like that," Serenity said.
"Me too," Wesley added.
"Let us go then," Lune said.
"Do you want to go though?" Serenity asked.
"Yes dear. I would enjoy going out to the field with you
all, but then again I would enjoy being anywhere with you all."
"Ah, how sweet," Miriam said.
They all smiled and joined Lune into a group hug. Lune
pretended to think it was ridiculous, but they all felt how much
she enjoyed it inside. Out in the field, Miriam and Serenity
enjoyed using their magical powers to pull the tops off of trees
in the woods quite a distance away and spin the tops around the
fields, then spinning them back onto the treetops they came from.
They were giggling. Lune and Wesley watched in amusement. "Must
be interesting to have those powers," Wesley said.
"Oh you would not believe how interesting it is," Lune
said honestly. "Unfortunately consequences and more
responsibilities come from it. Sometimes life is better without
the magic," she added sorrowfully. "Enjoy what you have. You
are an amazing person, and that is what truly matters."
Wesley nodded. "I know. Thank you."
Lune smiled.
"Lune, you have insight about life. Tell me, do you
think Serenity and I will make it? She fears we will not, but
I have faith in our
love as does Miriam."
Lune sighed. "You sound like William."
"William?"
"Oh, it is not important. That is off track. Anyway,
Serenity is right to realize the reality of how difficult it
will be for you
two to get together."
"You do not think it will happen?"
"I did not say that. You need her to bring you back to
reality. She needs you to help her find some faith. Both are
important. Have faith in this Wesley. It will work out for the
best in the end."
"Do you believe everything works out for the best in the
end?" Wesley asked. "I know I do."
"I do not believe it does work out for the best for
everyone always. I believe in the grand scheme of things it will
be all right. Even if the two of you cannot be together until
death or even if you two are not meant to be."
"No, I will not believe that," Wesley said stubbornly.
"No, I did not suppose you would," Lune said.
Miriam and Serenity ran up giggling. "How did you like
our show?" Miriam asked, glowing with happiness.
Serenity went up and hugged him. "I love you Wesley."
"Beautiful show darlings," he joked, hugging Serenity
back.
"I think we need to return," Serenity said.
"Yes of course. Take care Lune," Wesley said.
"See you again soon Lune," Miriam added, hugging her one
last time.
"Take care Lune," Serenity said as they parted.
"Take care all of you," Lune said, a smile appearing on
her face. "So life goes on after all," she whispered to herself.
As they were walking home, Serenity turned to Wesley
with a serious look on her face. "What is it Serenity?" he asked
in concern.
"I want you to meet my parents."
"What?" Wesley asked.
"Please Wesley. I do not like the idea either, but they
need to know how serious we are and how important you are to me.
If they are going to see how much we mean to one another, you
have to meet them."
Wesley thought for a few minutes. "All right. It is
important. I suppose we should do it soon."
"How about tomorrow? We might as well not dwell on it
otherwise I will be worrying incessantly about my parents'
reactions."
"Do not worry. No matter what they say the only way I
would ever leave you is if you asked me to darling."
Serenity smiled. "Oh darling, thank you so much."
"We will get through this. I will show up for lunch
tomorrow. Should I just ring the doorbell on the gate?"
"Yes, thank you. I hope we do get through this."
"We will. Do not worry about them. They are wrong. You
are an incredible, good person."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I know your soul dear Serenity. Until tomorrow," he
said walking off into the distance.
"Until tomorrow my prince," she whispered.
The next morning, she approached her parents in the hall.
"Father, mother, I have something to tell you both." This time
she was determined to show how serious the relationship was
despite the fear they instilled in her.
She walked with them. "You both have this afternoon off,
do you not?"
"Yes we do. Why?" her father asked.
"I invited Wesley to lunch. I know I should have asked
you. Please accept my sincerest apologies. I just want you to
realize how serious our relationship is."
"Who is this Wesley you speak of?" Selenity asked, her
father fuming at her going behind his back with the invitation.
"The town boy I told you of before my 16th birthday."
"TOWN BOY?" her father yelled. "ARE YOU CRAZY? HAVE YOU
SLEPT WITH HIM? IS THAT HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE YOU WHORE?? That is
it. You deal with her," he told his wife and walked off.
"Serenity, I cannot believe you put us in this position.
We cannot take back the invitation because that would be simply
rude. We will have to go through with this, but we do not like
it at all. Then you get him out of your mind do you hear? You
do not belong with some lowly town boy," and she walked off
before Serenity could say another word.
Lunch was tense. Her parents were polite but obviously
did not like him, and as soon as it was over they told him
goodbye. Wesley was the only reason she made it through without
bursting out in tears. He kept looking at her and smiling
reassuringly. Both could feel the fakeness of her parents'
polite words, but they still enjoyed each other's company
somehow. *That is love,* Serenity thought. *No matter where I am,
I feel his warmth and love.* As he walked out the door, he
mouthed, "I love you." Serenity mouthed, "I love you," back to
him.
"That was a ridiculous thing to do. You are such a bad
daughter, a horrible daughter," her father said angrily. "Never
put us in that position again."
"I love him," Serenity said decisively, reaching for
the strength to defy her father and defend her love and
independence in her soul.
"Pathetic. You do not have any idea what you want. You
are too young."
"You are already engaged. Every princess marries on their
20th birthday, and we were going to tell you soon that you were
engaged to be married to Raymond on your 20th birthday. He
enjoyed the dance with you and told his parents, and they set it
up with us right after your 16th birthday," Queen Selenity said.
"What? Without asking me whom I want to marry? How could
you?"
"It is tradition Serenity," Selenity said.
"Forget tradition. I do not even like him."
"Tough. Life is not fair. You will learn to like him,"
her father ordered.
Serenity ran off to her bedchamber, sobs wracking her
body. *How could they do this?* her mind thought, racing and
spinning with fear and misery.
To Be Continued...
Christine was preparing Serenity's hair. They had spent the
week going over the necessary preparations for the first ceremony
she would be attending after showing her parents that her magic was
under control. The ceremony was both in honor of Princess
Serenity's return to the royal functions as well as in honor of
Princess Lily's 12th birthday, signifying she could now join the
rest of the princes and princesses of the Silver Millennium
Alliance who could all already attend the royal functions. Princess
Lily was the younger sister of Princess Helen, the oldest princess
of Saturn. Christine and Serenity had gone over all the basics
several times, and Princess Serenity felt sure she could at least
perform near the level she had been at when she went to her last
ball at 13. Of course, she would have to get to the level of a 15
year old princess quickly, but the level of a 13 year old would at
least manage to get her through the night. She could walk, curtsey,
and speak with the proper manners. That would be enough to satisfy
those who attended. Her parents would expect more, but Serenity
tried to calm her anxiety from that thought by reminding herself
that all she could do was her best, and if that was not good enough
that was their loss as Miriam would tell her. She need not listen
so closely to all their opinions as Lune had taught her; she barely
even respected them anymore. The only respect she had was for their
grace and poise at handling themselves at all royal functions. In
general, she was noticing how truly blind and ignorant they were
even compared to her and Miriam and especially compared to wise
ones such as Lune.
The ceremony began with the grand entrance of Princess
Serenity. "Returning after two years in solitude, the magnificent
Princess Serenity of the Silver Millennium Alliance," the
announcer's voice boomed throughout the Royal Garden where the
ceremony was taking place. Serenity came in humbly and blushing
from the magnificence of the ceremony as well as the reverence and
applause all around her. *So much attention. I do not want nor
deserve this; no person does,* she thought to herself, embarrassed
by all the attention.
After Serenity had entered, she walked as gracefully as she
could toward Princess Darla and Miriam as well as Prince Michael.
"How are you three this fine evening?" Princess Serenity asked
politely.
"Hello Princess Serenity. I am doing well. You looked ill at
ease up there. Are you feeling all right?" Prince Michael asked in
concern."I am feeling fine," Princess Serenity said honestly. "I am
ill at ease with all this attention and grandeur though; it is so
pompous." Prince Michael nodded in agreement. Princess Miriam and
Princess Darla were talking, but Princess Darla stopped and looked
at Princess Serenity. "Oh how I wish I could hug you right now
Princess Serenity. I have missed you greatly. You look magnificent."
"Oh I have missed you greatly as well Princess Darla, and
you look magnificent tonight as well."
None of them wanted to use titles of course, but they were
obligated to by the occasion. Even Miriam managed to address
Serenity as princess. "Princess Serenity, I am so glad to see you
here. I have missed you greatly as well," she managed to say.
"Oh and I have greatly missed you Princess Miriam," Serenity
said. Both were pretending to have not seen each other for two
years. The guards were present at this ceremony as well as the
princes and princesses. Some had four women guards like Princess
Serenity, some had four male guards like Princess Raven, and some
had a mixture of female and male guards like Prince Alan.
Princess Serenity's guards were here as well and approached
her. "I am glad to see you again Princess after such a long time
apart," Lily said.
Princess Serenity smiled and looked at each of them. "Hello
Lily. Hello Cassie. Hello Trina. Hello Maddie. How are you all
doing?" she asked politely, purposely putting Lily's name before
Cassie because she knew it was improper to do so and almost wanted
to vex Cassie.
"I am doing well Princess," Lily said appreciatively.
"I also am well and noticing that you still do not respect
the proper way of phrasing your sentences," Cassie said, irritated.
"I am doing fine," Trina acknowledged Serenity's presence
with a slight curtsey, and Princess Serenity stopped her.
"No need for that Trina."
Trina nodded. Maddie did a full curtsey just to rile
Serenity and smiled not so innocently. Serenity sighed. "I am also
fine your highness," Maddie said, a hint of malice in her voice.
Serenity looked out at the dance area and saw only one
couple dancing. It was Princess Raven wearing the same harsh
expression. She was dancing with a man with dark black hair
halfway down his ears and similar dark black eyes that had a
penetrating stare. Serenity shivered, a chill going down her spine.
She knew this was an instinct. Lune had taught her not to ignore
those instincts, so she watched them more carefully until they were
all called near the podium. Princess Lily was given a standing
ovation as she blew out the candles on her cake, and it was
requested that everyone begin dancing now. Princess Lily got the
chance to request any prince or guard she wanted to dance with,
and she requested a dance with the top guard to Prince Alan, Damion.
Damion had dark midnight blue hair that curled around his ears and
dark black eyes.
"Who was that dancing with Princess Raven?" Serenity asked
Miriam quietly but urgently.
"With Princess Raven? You mean before Princess Lily's
birthday ovation?" she questioned.
"Yes, yes," Serenity said urgently.
"Let me think. Oh I think that it was the top guard to
Prince Lester of Jupiter. His name is Raymond."
"Thank you," Serenity mumbled.
"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you Princess
Serenity?" Prince Tritan asked her.
"Yes, it would be my pleasure," Princess Serenity replied
politely, glad it was Tritan rather than some of those other
princes. She saw Miriam dancing with Prince Michael of course, and
Princess Darla was dancing with Prince Henry of Titanium who had
purple hair to his shoulder and deep, velvet violet eyes. Serenity
noticed that Tritan was leading her carefully and helping cover up
her mistakes. She did not say anything about it directly, but she
smiled at him and said, "thank you."
He halfway smiled back. "You are welcome princess."
After the dancing ended, there were fireworks and chatting.
Princess Serenity went around and chatted with everyone. She found
the princes from Titanium quite interesting and unique although
Princess Anita was still self-absorbed. She thought Andrew was
still self absorbed as well although she found his younger sister
Princess Melody, who had turquoise hair past her shoulder blades
and deep blue eyes, quite unique and talented. Princess Raven was
mostly the same though harder and crueler, and she found Raymond
had the same disposition as well as a violent tendency. She saw
him hit Raven twice when no one else was looking, and she wished
she could talk candidly with Princess Raven about it, but she knew
that was not possible. Prince Lester was also the same. Princess
Helen and Princess Tamara were as mysterious as ever. Princess
Lily however, with her soft green eyes and long wavy light brown
hair that went to her hips, seemed to live in her own little world,
more so than Helen and Tamara even. Prince Alan and Prince Matthew
both had their unique characteristics but both seemed closer to one
another and more remote from the rest of the group. Princess
Alyssa, Prince Matthew's younger sister, who had blond hair that
went just below her chin and wise turquoise eyes seemed friendly
and creative. Princess Serenity greatly enjoyed her presence.
When she retired to her bedchamber that evening after
saying a sad goodbye to Princess Darla and Prince Michael and
winking at Miriam to signal their plan to meet that morning, she
got reprimanded by her parents for blushing when she entered and
seeming uncomfortable
at first.
"You need to enter with more grandeur and show you are
perfectly at ease in this environment," her mother chastised.
"I am not though mother," Serenity admitted.
"We do not care," her father shouted. "Simply do it right
from now on you worthless excuse for a daughter," he said angrily,
leaving the room in a huff.
Serenity looked down sadly. "I will try," she promised.
"We are tired of your trying Serenity. Simply do it," her
mother ordered, leaving with her father.
Early that morning she met Wesley in town, and they walked
to the river to meet Miriam. As the three sat down by the water's
edge after taking their shoes off, they slowly dipped their feet in
the water, enjoying the cool, refreshing sensation.
Miriam splashed Serenity with water.
Serenity smiled a little but did not respond.
"Are you all right Serenity?" Miriam asked as Wesley looked
at Serenity in concern.
"I got in trouble with my parents again," Serenity said
sadly.
"Again??!" Miriam said angrily.
"Does it happen often?" Wesley asked.
"Yes," Miriam said definitely.
"Well, I mean they have their reasons. You saw how
uncomfortable I was at the ball," Serenity said to Miriam.
"Oh Serenity, will you ever stop defending them?" Miriam
asked sadly. "They hurt you. They verbally and emotionally abuse
you. You do not deserve that treatment. You did your best at the
ball. That is all anyone can ask of you."
Serenity sighed. Wesley took her hand in concern. "I am
here for you Serenity. They hurt you emotionally and verbally?"
"Well, I mean. I am so sensitive," Serenity admitted.
"Does not change their behavior," Miriam said angrily.
"They have no right to do that to you. I wish I could get you out
of their grasp. As does Lune."
"And as do I," Wesley said compassionately.
Serenity smiled some. "Thank you both. You are both so kind
to me always."
"You deserve that dear Serenity," Miriam said.
"Yes, my dear. You do," Wesley said.
"Awww you two stop it. She splashed Miriam then Wesley.
Wesley laughed, but Miriam got revenge, pushing Serenity
into the river.
"Hey," Serenity said, pulling Miriam in the river.
Wesley kept laughing, so they both pulled him in the river.
They all splashed each other for a good half hour before returning
to their residences soaking wet. Serenity decided to hang the outfit
she had been wearing in her bathroom, hoping it would be dry in the
morning so she could move it back into her closet before Christine
came in to get her ready for the day. She missed being independent
and getting ready on her own. She did not like having someone come
in and get her ready every morning. It embarrassed her and made her
feel as though her privacy was being invaded. Well, actually, it
was.
It was at the next ball that Serenity both achieved the goal
of her parents-she was graceful and poised at the ball from weeks
of practice in her room- and got ready to take her next step in her
relationship with Wesley.
As Serenity descended into the crowd, she approached Prince
Michael and Princess Miriam. She nodded to each of them briefly as
Miriam did a full curtsey and Michael a full bow to demonstrate the
differences in power. Serenity hated this, but she grinned and
managed to get through it. "How are you Prince Michael and Princess
Miriam?" Serenity asked.
"I am well," Prince Michael responded.
"I am well also," Princess Miriam added. "How are you Princess
Serenity?"
"I am also well. Thank you."
"Could you get me something to drink Michael?" Miriam asked.
"Of course Miriam," he said courteously, walking off.
"Serenity," Miriam said quietly. "I saw Wesley last night."
Serenity nodded. "He wanted to know if you would like to meet his
family and have dinner with them tomorrow morning. He has already told
his family about you, and they are eager to meet you. They think you
are from the town of Balinverd though. He said he has not told them
much about you other than that you are his new girlfriend he met while
carving wood one day and that you had wandered away from Balinverd due
to your natural curiosity." Serenity smiled.
"Oh I would like to go very much of course, but I could not
possibly go for breakfast. My parents would notice I was missing.
Christine would notice I was missing."
"You could say you are staying with Princess Darla. I am sure
she would help you if we go explain the situation to her. She deserves
to know anyway. I would let you stay with me, but I doubt your parents
would like that."
"You are right. They would not, and she deserves to know. Let
us go see her."
"Let us dance first. I do not want to draw suspicion. We can
dance and then we can both go our separate ways. I will go off with
Michael, and you can go find and talk to Darla."
"All right," Serenity agreed.
After dancing, Miriam said, "Please let me know how it goes
dear Serenity," and she left with Michael.
Princess Serenity found Darla with Princess Lily. "Hello
Princess Darla, Princess Lily," she said nodding her head at each
respectively. They both did a full curtsey for her. Serenity fought
the disgust in her and the urge to ask them not to treat her as a
superior. Serenity spoke with them for nearly half an hour before
Princess Lily saw her sister and said she wanted to go speak with
her. "Until next time," Princess Serenity nodded. Lily curtseyed fully
and walked off gracefully. Serenity turned to Darla. "I need to speak
with you about something important," she said.
Darla nodded. "Anytime Serenity. What is it?"
"I...I found someone," Serenity admitted. "He is kind and
compassionate, intelligent and funny. We have a connection, a strong
one, between our souls."
Darla smiled. "This is wonderful Serenity. Who is he?"
"Well...that is the strange part. His name is Wesley. He lives
in a town outside the palace. I know that this is very unconventional
and improper, but please try to understand. You know a person's place
in society means nothing to me. It is a position determined merely by
chance and used by those who are lucky enough to obtain a good position
to dominate and control the masses."
Darla giggled. "I have never understood your thought process
Serenity, but you know I support you no matter what."
"Oh I am so glad. I truly wish that I could hug you right now,"
Serenity said honestly.
"I wish the same. Perhaps later Serenity."
"I was wondering if I could come stay with you tonight and
sneak away to see him. I really want to meet his family."
"His family knows about you?" Darla asked.
"Well, for now I am pretending to be from another town."
"For now? What about later? Do you think they will ever accept
you? Or even more importantly that your parents will ever accept him?"
"I really do not know," Serenity said honestly, "but I have to
try. I love him."
Darla nodded. "Of course. We are staying on the outskirts of
the Moon Palace Hotel Complex. You may stay with me tonight. I am sure
my parents would be honored. You ask yours after the ball and I will
ask mine. Now, I think I want to go dance. I will see you tonight
Serenity."
"Thank you Darla," Serenity said, watching her walk off to go
dance with the top guard of Saturn.
That night, after getting her parents approval, gritting her
teeth through meeting Darla's parents, and enjoying her tour through
the floor Darla's family was staying on, Serenity woke Darla up to say
goodbye.
"I will be back in three hours...you can keep your parents out
of the room until then?"
"Yes. My parents will get up in two hours, and come in here in
about another half hour. So that only leaves me stalling for half an
hour or so. Take good care, and be careful Serenity."
"I will be careful. You take care too Darla. I will tell you
all about it when I return. Thank you so much," and the two embraced.
As she approached Wesley, he took her hand and swept his hand
through her hair. "I love your hair. It is so unique," Wesley
commented sincerely.
Serenity smiled and blushed. "Oh thank you my dear."
"Shall we enter my humble abode?" he asked, smiling.
Her smile grew bigger. "We shall," and they both giggled. "Oh
what are you parents' names? Gosh I hope they like me all right."
"Oh, I am sure they will dear Serenity." He turned her to face
him, holding both of her hands and looking into her eyes. "You will be
wonderful Serenity. Their names are Francis and Timothy."
"You really think I will be all right? I am so nervous."
"You will be all right. Just hold my hand Serenity."
She held his warm hand, feeling the warmth seep through her
body. Together they entered the hut he lived in. She saw a nicely
stained wooden table with a rug underneath it and chairs with flower
fabric around the table. There was a couch in the back of the room
with a blanket over it and a pillow. "That is where I sleep
Serenity." She noticed the curtain drawn back right now. *He must
close that for privacy. What a small room. He must feel so cramped.*
"That is my parents' room," Wesley said, pointing to a closed door
on the left. "That is the kitchen," he said, pointing to the archway
through which she saw a white kitchen and smelt the sweet aroma of
honey and freshly baked bread.
Serenity turned to Wesley and smiled. "It is beautiful," she
said honestly, feeling the warmth from the oven throughout the hut.
Wesley simply smiled back, his eyes gazing into hers.
A man emerged from the kitchen. He was bald and short and
did not resemble Wesley at all, and Serenity almost thought he was
the cook until she saw his warm, brown eyes. It was just like
looking into Wesley's eyes, and she realized that if they could only
afford this small hut with no real room for Wesley then they
probably could not afford any servants or maids or cooks. She felt a
rush of happiness. *How wonderful. No one oppressed here,* she
thought happily. "Hello, you must be Samantha," the man said,
extending his hand.
Serenity jolted. *Wesley did not tell me he was using the
name Samantha. I forgot to ask him about that,* she thought while
also put back by the fact that he was extending his hand. She liked
it better, but she was not used to greeting people this way. Getting
a grip on her senses, Serenity smiled lopsidedly and blushed "I am
so sorry. How rude of me. Yes, I am Samantha. It is nice to meet you
Mister...Mister..." *I do not know his last name,* she realized.
"Timothy," she ended.
The man smiled. "Just call me Tim. How are you doing?"
"I am well," she said warmly, enjoying his presence.
"Well sit down at the table; sit down. My wife and I will be
done with dinner in a few minutes. You two kids have fun," he added,
winking at his son.
"Dad," Wesley protested.
Serenity giggled. "Now see, she gets my sense of humor," he
said smiling at Serenity and withdrawing into the kitchen.
"Oh, he seems so nice," Serenity said happily.
"Yeah, he is," Wesley admitted. "He is great actually.
Always telling jokes and keeping us looking at the lighter side of
things. My mom and I tend to be more serious. Of course we work
harder," he added, only half joking.
Serenity giggled. "Well I really like him."
"Good. I think you will like my mom as well. She can be a
really tough, hard person, but she is very warm and caring too. She
loves us all, and she is a hard worker."
"Both are admirable qualities," Serenity said, her eyes
shining.
A woman with long, shiny brown hair and her face a more
feminine version of Wesley's face entered. She had black eyes that
Serenity imagined could look tough when they were hardened, but
right now they were soft and inviting. She was carrying a basket of
bread and a big, hot container of honey. Serenity sighed and enjoyed
the aroma of the hot honey.
"Why hello there Samantha. So nice to finally meet you," his
mother said, smiling warmly. She had a more patient, yet tough
quality to her warmth whereas Tim had more jovial, cheery warmth to
his spirit. Serenity was surprised to find that she could feel their
spirits so strongly. She usually sensed things about people, but it
was rare to find someone with such a strong spirit. Strong spirits
meant that they either were very strongly good or very strongly bad,
and Serenity knew it was good for these people.
"Hello Francis," she said, smiling and wanting to grab the
honey but not sure if that was proper etiquette here or not.
Francis smiled and saw her eyeing the honey. "You want
some?" she asked. "We do usually wait until the main part of the
meal is out, but if you are hungry dig in," she said warmly. And you
can call me Fran."
Serenity nodded. "All right, I will, thank you. I am not that
hungry actually. I was just wondering if it would be proper etiquette
to help you with the honey or not."
"Proper etiquette?" Tim had entered and burst out laughing.
Fran smiled strangely. "Hon, do not worry about proper
etiquette here. What town did you say she was from again Wesley? What
child your age is thinking about manners? Is your town not having
the food shortage ours is? You should be thinking about where to get
your next meal, not how to eat your next meal."
Serenity's eyebrow furrowed. "Food shortages? You did not
tell me about this Wesley," she said, looking to him in concern.
Wesley shrugged. "I did not want to bother you."
"You are not having those problems hon?" Fran asked.
"Oh, oh, we are, but I just did not realize other towns were
in the same position," Serenity guessed hesitantly.
"Ah, I see. Well do not worry about us hon. The food shortage
is not affecting us too much. Wesley here is so great at finding
substitutes for us in the woods when there is not enough to buy or we
are low on money."
"All the same, if it helps, I really am not hungry."
"Nonsense. You must be starving hon."
"Oh no, not at all. Really I am fine."
"I insist hon," she said, sitting down and pushing the bread
toward Serenity. Right then the oven alarm went off. "Could you get
that dear?"
"Got it." Tim jumped up and came out with a sweet smelling
quiche. "We saved this for when you would come. Wesley speaks of you
often."
After the enjoyable meal that Serenity had reluctantly ate,
Serenity said goodbye.
"Do come again hon. It was wonderful to meet you," Fran said,
shaking her hand.
Then Tim shook her hand. "Hope to see you again soon
Samantha," he said.
Serenity shook their hands, enjoying this custom.
"I am going to take a walk with her back to her place all
right?" Wesley asked.
"No problem hon," Fran nodded and gave him a hug.
Serenity looked on sadly. *Parents that give hugs. What is
that like?*
As they were walking back to the Moon Palace Hotel, Wesley
asked her if she enjoyed herself.
"Oh very much. Your parents are so kind, so loving, and so
wonderful."
"They just love us," Wesley said. "As all parents should."
"Not 'just.' So many parents do not," Serenity said sadly.
Wesley looked down. "So sad. You are right of course, but so
hard to understand how parents could not love their own children."
"I guess my parents love me in their own way."
"Maybe they think they do," Wesley admitted. "They do not
though. They do not know the meaning of love if they believe that."
"Perhaps they never learned of it, and then it is not their
fault."
"Fault...blame, so hard to know where those lie, but at some
point people have to be responsible for their actions, especially when
they are adults, and even more especially when they are parents.
Serenity sighed. "I suppose you are right."
"Leave them Serenity. Stay with us. You can have the couch. I
will sleep on the floor in my parents' room."
"And have you all rearrange your lives to accommodate and
feed and teach me things? I could not do that to you all. Besides I
do not want to hurt my parents, and I do have obligations and duties
as a princess too you know. If only it were that simple," she said
wistfully.
"It can be," Wesley said eagerly.
"You are too much the optimist for me Wesley. Who would rule
the kingdom after my parents are gone?"
"Well, you still could."
"No, not without the official training."
Wesley sighed. "Is that truly important to you?"
Serenity thought for a few minutes. "No...and yes."
"No and yes? What does that mean? Explain it to me," he said,
stopping outside the hotel and turning her toward him again, his
hands intertwined with hers.
"Wesley. I just...I cannot. I am so sorry," she said, running
into the hotel with tears streaming from her eyes. When she snuck
into the room, she immediately ran to the window and saw Wesley walk
off sadly. "I am so sorry my love," she whispered.
"How did it go?" Darla asked.
"Oh it went well. It went very well. His parents are wonderful
people, and I got honey bread and quiche for breakfast."
"Oh yum," Darla said, excited.
"Oh Darla," she said hugging her. "What if I lose him? What if
we never do get to be with one another?"
"Oh Serenity. I am so sorry. Try to be strong," she said,
hugging her friend.
"I am trying. I am trying," she promised.
That evening Serenity slunk into her parents' bedchamber.
"What is it Serenity?" her mother asked, sitting on her plush
peach chair while her maid was taking her earrings out. Her mother
lookedlike an angel with the white dress she was wearing and her long,
purple curly hair falling all around the beautiful peach colored
chair. Her father walked in from the bathroom with his dark blue night
robe on.
"What is going on?" he asked.
"I...I just wanted to talk to you both about something. If the
time is all right?" Serenity asked cautiously.
"Go ahead," her father said.
"I...I know you will not like what I have to say."
Her father sighed. "Tell us something new. Just say it
Serenity."
Serenity gulped. "I...I met a male," she admitted.
Her mother smiled. "That is nice Serenity."
Her father asked, "Why would we care about this Serenity?"
"Well...because...I do not...exactly think...that you would
like him."
Her father groaned. "Who is it Serenity?"
"You do not know him. He is...I mean he lives in a town near
the palace."
Her parents turned to each other as the maid left, taking her
cue from Queen Selenity. A smile came over her father's face and then
her mother's face, and they both burst out laughing.
"That is nice Serenity. Go to your room now all right,"
Selenity said, still chuckling.
"You...you are not upset?"
"Serenity, we know you will get over this crush soon,"
Selenity said.
"Besides, you know as well as we do that it is against
protocol to go with this town boy. You will not be allowed to act on
your feelings even if they do remain. Now Serenity, we have been
meaning to tell you about your 16th birthday coming up. You will be
going to the dance in your honor with the top guard of Prince Lester,
Raymond. All the other top guards could take a lesson from his
example. He is dedicated and strong. You are lucky Serenity. We set
up the arrangement with the King and Queen of Mars. Now, off to bed,"
King Stephen added.Serenity left the room quietly. "All I wanted was
their approval. They do not even take it seriously enough to be
angry. They will be angry when they realize how serious it is. How
can I show them what he means to me?* Serenity was also worried as
she remembered the harsh Raymond who had been dancing with Princess
Raven at that first ceremony she had attended after her
Serenity was glad to get Maria instead of Christine as her
maid again to prepare her for her 16th birthday. She had not seen her
for years now and truly enjoyed her company. Christine was taking her
month long vacation. Maria's dark blue hair was longer now and curly.
Serenity looked into her dark eyes and smiled to convey how much she
liked her new hairstyle. Maria's eyes looked back kindly as she
smiled at Serenity and carefully, gently brushed her long, sparkling,
light purple hair.
She was not alone with Maria. All of her guards were there,
and they were congratulating her on turning 16. Serenity was not
listening to them though, and as she left to go down to the ballroom
she went against custom by taking Maria's hands in her own and
smiling compassionately at her. Maria smiled back, her black eyes
sparkling. Maddie immediately began to protest, but Serenity simply
walked out. The guards looked at each other, wanting to get onto
Serenity but knowing they were now obligated to follow her.
Callie just sighed and signaled to the rest of them to
follow Serenity. "We will either speak to her or her parents later,"
she said. The others nodded and followed.
As she entered the ballroom, she was met by Top Guard
Raymond, and she was looking again into his hard, black eyes that
sent a coldness throughout her whole body. He narrowed his eyes,
smiling and reminding her of a serpent in her mind as he escorted
her up to the podium. She stood up there and smiled as the steamers
came down and the confetti flew through the air and the announcers'
voices boomed, saying congratulations to the princess for turning
16. Serenity sighed, daydreaming of being away from this place.
As they walked onto the dance floor and danced together, he
gripped her body hard, spinning her around him. She noticed how much
he enjoyed having her in his grasp, and she felt sick at the thought
of being his possession.
After the first dance, Princess Miriam, Prince Michael,
Princess Darla, and Prince Henry all joined Top Guard Raymond and
Princess Serenity. They smiled at each other and went through all
the customs, but Michael and Miriam looked sympathetically at
Serenity knowing how much she dreaded being here and with Raymond
of all beings. Miriam smiled and winked doing a V sign beside her
dress that Serenity quickly glanced at and winked back at Miriam.
She smiled at Michael appreciatively too. The dance went by
extremely slow, but that night Serenity went to bed with a smile on
her face, knowing she would join Wesley and Miriam by the river.
She hoped she and Wesley would be all right. *Although
compared to Raymond any male would be a dream come true,* Serenity
thought.
When they all met by the river, Serenity hugged Wesley
immediately. "I am sorry about how I left last time," she said in
sorrow.
"Oh Serenity. It is all right Serenity," he said hugging
her close, tears streaming from his eyes.
They both lay down on the soft ground, snuggling as she
laid her head on his shoulder. Miriam sat down beside them. "You
are looking cozy miss future wife of the evil Raymond," she said,
giggling.
"Oh stop it," Serenity said, starting to giggle now too.
"Seriously he creeps me out."
Miriam got silent. "Yeah, me too. I get a bad feeling
about him."
"Ah well none of those nobles are really a prince
charming."
"Hey, except for my baby Michael," Miriam said.
"Yes, of course except for your Michael," Serenity said
smiling.
"Tell me about Raymond," Wesley requested.
"He is just this creepy top guard of Prince Lester. My
father thinks he is the best top guard of all the top guards. I
had to be escorted to the 16th birthday ball by him and dance with
him at the ball."
Wesley wrapped his arm around her. "I am sorry Serenity.
What a rotten 16th birthday. I guess all your birthdays were
crappy like that."
"Yeah, mostly," Serenity admitted.
"I wish I could give you a wonderful birthday party."
"Oh I enjoyed the time with your parents. That is the best
birthday present ever."
"That was almost a month ago."
"Oh it does not matter. How are they doing?"
"They are doing well. They ask of you often. They really
like you Serenity."
"Oh I feel so honored. I truly like them as well,"
Serenity said happily.
They all just sat together for awhile, enjoying the
tranquility of the place. As they parted, Wesley gave Serenity her
first real kiss and said, "I love you Serenity."
"Oh Wesley. I love you too."
The next night Serenity and Miriam met Darla by the
fountain because they wanted to show her the river. As they walked
to the river, they caught up on what was going on in Darla's life,
and she learned of how they were both doing.
"I am surprised that you are still with Wesley Serenity.
He is just a town boy after all."
"Oh you just do not understand," Serenity sighed sadly.
"I know you feel we are all equals, but frankly do you not
think you are taking it a bit too far Serenity?"
"I cannot believe you would say that Darla," Serenity
said, upset.
"I am sorry Serenity. You are right. It is your life and
none of my business. It must be something I am missing, and
besides Miriam is even more amazing. How long have you been with
Prince Michael now?"
"Only almost two years," Miriam said.
"That seems like such a long time for princesses our age."
"I suppose so," Miriam admitted. "What can I say? I am in
love with him."
"I hope it lasts for you two," Darla said.
"Me too," Miriam said. "It will if it is meant to be," she
said with authority.
"I do not think it always works out that well," Serenity
said honestly. "I cannot imagine not being meant to be with Wesley,
but I doubt it will happen."
"Serenity, how can you not have faith in your two's love?"
"Miriam. I have to be honest. How will we ever convince my
parents and get through the laws against it?"
"I do not know," Miriam admitted, "but it will happen if
you are meant to be. I believe in that. I hope you do as well
someday."
"Here is the river," Miriam told Darla, pointing at the
winding, sparkling river.
Darla smiled. "It is beautiful," she said.
"I will see you two later. Take care you two," Serenity
said as they parted ways after a big group hug.
"See you soon Serenity," Miriam said, winking and making
the V sign.
"Take care," Darla added.
The next night Darla could not join Miriam and Wesley. As
they were sitting by the river, Miriam suggested visiting Lune. "Oh
that is a wonderful idea. I think you will enjoy meeting her
Wesley. She is amazing," Serenity said.
They walked to Lune's cottage and did not see her in the
front. They went up to the door and Miriam knocked on it. "This
place is certainly well hidden," Wesley said.
"Yes, she prefers the mysterious location. Also, I am
fairly sure my parents want her hidden away from the population,"
Serenity said.
"Why is that?" Wesley asked.
"She is considered dangerous and eccentric. In fact I think
she is considered dangerous because she is eccentric and so good at
magic." Wesley nodded.
"She is not answering," Miriam said in concern.
"We have never knocked on her door. Perhaps she does not
know it is us."
"She does not get any visitors from the village ever,"
Miriam said. "Also, I have come to her cottage when she was not
expecting me before, remember?"
"Ah, that is true," Serenity said.
"Perhaps she is out back on her porch."
"She has a porch?" Serenity asked.
"Yes. I have not been out there, but I saw it last time I
was at the cottage. I think she built it herself."
"Well she does have magic to help her," Wesley chuckled.
They went into the cottage, and they saw her frizzy hair
sticking up from behind the chair on the porch. They went out to
the porch. "Lune?" Serenity asked cautiously. "How are you?"
"Oh Serenity," she turned around, "and Miriam, and..."
"This is Wesley," Serenity filled her in.
"Oh wonderful. So glad to meet you Wesley."
"Very glad to meet you as well miss Lune," Wesley said.
"Please, just Lune is fine," Lune requested.
"Oh, of course Lune. I apologize."
"No need for an apology." Lune smiled. "So glad to see you
all." Serenity noted that she was looking out to the horizon. She
turned to Serenity and smiled. "Just watching for the sunrise. It
will be spectacular today."
"How do you know?" Serenity asked.
"Oh Serenity, because it always is; it always is."
Serenity smiled. "I suppose I never really looked at it."
"Oh you should," Wesley said. "They are truly
magnificent."
Lune smiled. "I like him."
Miriam chuckled. "We are glad you approve of him Lune.
Can we go out to the field?"
"I would like that," Serenity said.
"Me too," Wesley added.
"Let us go then," Lune said.
"Do you want to go though?" Serenity asked.
"Yes dear. I would enjoy going out to the field with you
all, but then again I would enjoy being anywhere with you all."
"Ah, how sweet," Miriam said.
They all smiled and joined Lune into a group hug. Lune
pretended to think it was ridiculous, but they all felt how much
she enjoyed it inside. Out in the field, Miriam and Serenity
enjoyed using their magical powers to pull the tops off of trees
in the woods quite a distance away and spin the tops around the
fields, then spinning them back onto the treetops they came from.
They were giggling. Lune and Wesley watched in amusement. "Must
be interesting to have those powers," Wesley said.
"Oh you would not believe how interesting it is," Lune
said honestly. "Unfortunately consequences and more
responsibilities come from it. Sometimes life is better without
the magic," she added sorrowfully. "Enjoy what you have. You
are an amazing person, and that is what truly matters."
Wesley nodded. "I know. Thank you."
Lune smiled.
"Lune, you have insight about life. Tell me, do you
think Serenity and I will make it? She fears we will not, but
I have faith in our
love as does Miriam."
Lune sighed. "You sound like William."
"William?"
"Oh, it is not important. That is off track. Anyway,
Serenity is right to realize the reality of how difficult it
will be for you
two to get together."
"You do not think it will happen?"
"I did not say that. You need her to bring you back to
reality. She needs you to help her find some faith. Both are
important. Have faith in this Wesley. It will work out for the
best in the end."
"Do you believe everything works out for the best in the
end?" Wesley asked. "I know I do."
"I do not believe it does work out for the best for
everyone always. I believe in the grand scheme of things it will
be all right. Even if the two of you cannot be together until
death or even if you two are not meant to be."
"No, I will not believe that," Wesley said stubbornly.
"No, I did not suppose you would," Lune said.
Miriam and Serenity ran up giggling. "How did you like
our show?" Miriam asked, glowing with happiness.
Serenity went up and hugged him. "I love you Wesley."
"Beautiful show darlings," he joked, hugging Serenity
back.
"I think we need to return," Serenity said.
"Yes of course. Take care Lune," Wesley said.
"See you again soon Lune," Miriam added, hugging her one
last time.
"Take care Lune," Serenity said as they parted.
"Take care all of you," Lune said, a smile appearing on
her face. "So life goes on after all," she whispered to herself.
As they were walking home, Serenity turned to Wesley
with a serious look on her face. "What is it Serenity?" he asked
in concern.
"I want you to meet my parents."
"What?" Wesley asked.
"Please Wesley. I do not like the idea either, but they
need to know how serious we are and how important you are to me.
If they are going to see how much we mean to one another, you
have to meet them."
Wesley thought for a few minutes. "All right. It is
important. I suppose we should do it soon."
"How about tomorrow? We might as well not dwell on it
otherwise I will be worrying incessantly about my parents'
reactions."
"Do not worry. No matter what they say the only way I
would ever leave you is if you asked me to darling."
Serenity smiled. "Oh darling, thank you so much."
"We will get through this. I will show up for lunch
tomorrow. Should I just ring the doorbell on the gate?"
"Yes, thank you. I hope we do get through this."
"We will. Do not worry about them. They are wrong. You
are an incredible, good person."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I know your soul dear Serenity. Until tomorrow," he
said walking off into the distance.
"Until tomorrow my prince," she whispered.
The next morning, she approached her parents in the hall.
"Father, mother, I have something to tell you both." This time
she was determined to show how serious the relationship was
despite the fear they instilled in her.
She walked with them. "You both have this afternoon off,
do you not?"
"Yes we do. Why?" her father asked.
"I invited Wesley to lunch. I know I should have asked
you. Please accept my sincerest apologies. I just want you to
realize how serious our relationship is."
"Who is this Wesley you speak of?" Selenity asked, her
father fuming at her going behind his back with the invitation.
"The town boy I told you of before my 16th birthday."
"TOWN BOY?" her father yelled. "ARE YOU CRAZY? HAVE YOU
SLEPT WITH HIM? IS THAT HOW SERIOUS YOU ARE YOU WHORE?? That is
it. You deal with her," he told his wife and walked off.
"Serenity, I cannot believe you put us in this position.
We cannot take back the invitation because that would be simply
rude. We will have to go through with this, but we do not like
it at all. Then you get him out of your mind do you hear? You
do not belong with some lowly town boy," and she walked off
before Serenity could say another word.
Lunch was tense. Her parents were polite but obviously
did not like him, and as soon as it was over they told him
goodbye. Wesley was the only reason she made it through without
bursting out in tears. He kept looking at her and smiling
reassuringly. Both could feel the fakeness of her parents'
polite words, but they still enjoyed each other's company
somehow. *That is love,* Serenity thought. *No matter where I am,
I feel his warmth and love.* As he walked out the door, he
mouthed, "I love you." Serenity mouthed, "I love you," back to
him.
"That was a ridiculous thing to do. You are such a bad
daughter, a horrible daughter," her father said angrily. "Never
put us in that position again."
"I love him," Serenity said decisively, reaching for
the strength to defy her father and defend her love and
independence in her soul.
"Pathetic. You do not have any idea what you want. You
are too young."
"You are already engaged. Every princess marries on their
20th birthday, and we were going to tell you soon that you were
engaged to be married to Raymond on your 20th birthday. He
enjoyed the dance with you and told his parents, and they set it
up with us right after your 16th birthday," Queen Selenity said.
"What? Without asking me whom I want to marry? How could
you?"
"It is tradition Serenity," Selenity said.
"Forget tradition. I do not even like him."
"Tough. Life is not fair. You will learn to like him,"
her father ordered.
Serenity ran off to her bedchamber, sobs wracking her
body. *How could they do this?* her mind thought, racing and
spinning with fear and misery.
To Be Continued...