Chapter Eleven, Loss:
Pitch black. Black, darkness. Swirling. She was swirling,
vague. It is all vague, and she is not sure what is going on or
where she is. So lost, lost in the swirling darkness. Some part
of her struggles, struggles to be free, to escape. Escape what?
She is swirling, turning, lost. Can she get away? How does she get
away? Why? What is she escaping from? Where is she? Help...she
needs help. It is so dark, and she is so lost. Swirling into
oblivion.
Wham! She hit the cold, stone floor hard. She was in a
dark, grey chamber with ornate decorations surrounding her, and in
front of her were the plush, velvet red thrones with golden rims
around the back. Also in front of her was Queen Selenity.
Realization dawned upon her. She was back in the Moon Palace with
her mother, far away from her love Wesley and her home on Earth.
*What have those moon guards done with Wesley?* she worried.
Instantly she looked down for her baby in a panic. She was
clutching Serena tightly in her arms. She sighed in relief. *At
least I still have her.*
Queen Selenity looked at her daughter in more than just
her usual distaste. The look on her face was one of complete
disgust. "So, you thought you could get away with your insolent
display of disobedience and utter disregard for your
responsibilities and place in this world?"
Serenity struggled to stand up, still clutching her baby
tightly and safely. Although her body was weak from the trip, her
mind was stronger than ever. Determined to stand up to this woman
for truly the first time in her entire life face to face. "My
Place in this world is with my love Wesley and my darling baby,
Serena."
Selenity's face became even more disgusted if possible.
"You did have a child with that loathsome, lowly, disgraceful
town boy?!"
"What you call loathsome and disgraceful is actually a
treasure in this world and the light of my life, and I will not
allow you to take him or my precious daughter away from me," she
said with conviction.
"That child is even more loathsome coming from the two of
you," Selenity said angrily.
"This child is the sunshine. This child fills my life,
completes it. You will not dare to insult my husband or my child
ever again," she said strongly.
Selenity smirked. "Insolent child. You have no control or
power any longer. You never should have. Do not even begin to
think you will ever be able to talk this way to me again. You
learned some horrible habits there on Earth that must be taken
out of you at all costs. You will learn to be obedient again."
"WHERE IS WESLEY?" Serenity yelled desperately.
"Why Wesley has been imprisoned for kidnapping the
princess of the Moon of course," Selenity smirked.
"He did NOT kidnap me. I left on my own in order to
escape your oppression and abuse."
"You thought that was bad? Try life with me," and a man
with dark black hair to mid-way down his ears and hard, cold
black eyes sauntered into the throne room.
Serenity's body tensed up and her eyes flashed.
"Raymond," she barely breathed out.
Raymond nodded his head, and he smiled lasciviously.
"That is right princess. I will enjoy having you as my bride."
"You could not have me as your bride if all the worlds
came crashing down on you."
Raymond's eyes flashed with anger. "You will soon regret
that remark."
Queen Selenity laughed. "Oh, it will not take worlds
crashing down. All that needs to happen is your father and me
saying the word, and you will have no choice but to marry him
Serenity."
Serenity whipped her head around. "What do you want?"
Queen Selenity smirked again, obviously deriving great
pleasure from this. "To see you back in your place," she answered
simply. "You were supposed to marry him on your 20th birthday,
but we are not too far off from that. After all, that loathsome
town boy kidnapped you, so what could you do?" She laughed in
pleasure. "You will marry him in a week, and the two of you will
rule the Moon Kingdom. He will be the one with the final word
though as it should be. You will be obedient to his every whim.
Do you understand?"
"No, I do not. I will not." Serenity said, conviction in
her eyes. She was still holding her baby close to her body.
"Raymond, you can leave," Selenity nodded to the exit. He
bowed and exited in a flourish. I am afraid you do not have a
choice in this matter Serenity. The Moon Kingdom is the most
powerful in this galaxy. We have full control over the other
planets, and Wesley will be imprisoned forever. Samantha exists
no longer. She is wanted on every planet in this galaxy should
you try to escape and become her again. You can never go anywhere
as her again, and you will never see that town boy again either.
You will have no option but to take your place as the Queen of
the Moon Kingdom daughter."
"Do NOT call me your daughter," Serenity spat out
angrily.
Selenity frowned. "You will never use that tone with me
again. We need to dye your hair back to its original color. What
an ugly color you have in your hair now. It will take some time
for it to grow out I suppose," she said in disappointment. "Ah
well. Your father is away on business, so be glad you do not have
to face his wrath. I am still corresponding with him and
following his orders though."
"He has destroyed you," Serenity said sadly.
"Excuse me?" Selenity asked sharply.
"I said," Serenity took a deep breath. "He has destroyed
you."
Selenity frowned. "You are not showing the proper respect
to your father. How dare you insult him like that?"
"I dare," Serenity said strongly.
Selenity's eyes hardened with anger. "Oh, and you will
never see this baby again," she said. She smirked again and
pressed a button near her throne.
Serenity backed away as guards entered the room from all
sides. She held onto her baby desperately. "NOOOOOOOOO," she
screamed. Selenity said nothing; she simply motioned to the
guards to take Serena from Serenity.
Serenity's eyes flashed with determination, and she
closed her eyes as she began to glow. Selenity gasped. The guards
hesitated for a second, but at Selenity's motion continued to
close in on Serenity and Serena. Serenity's figure was glowing
purple as she opened her hardened, determined eyes and threw an
energy ball of magic at all of the guards in a sweeping, circular
motion. All of the guards were thrown back forcefully and hit the
walls hard, but they all got up. They were winded but unharmed.
"Call off your guards, or I will not be so easy on them next
time," Serenity promised.
Selenity nodded solemnly and called them off.
"Now I suppose you understand that I mean business?"
Serenity asked in a hard tone.
Selenity nodded and pushed a buzzer. She spoke in a
whisper into the intercom. Serenity looked around, all her senses
remaining alert. Selenity turned to Serenity solemnly. Selenity
was obviously trying to keep her boiling anger in check as she
forced a polite demeanor. Serenity would have thought this was
humorous if she was not so frightened about her immediate and
long term future. Christine entered the room. "You remember your
maid Christine of course," Selenity said solemnly.
"We do not have maids on Earth; I would rather call her
my friend. I see no purpose for someone being enslaved and then
forced to serve me," Serenity said simply.
Selenity attempted to disguise her disgust. "Of course,"
she strained to say. "She will take you to your new bedchamber.
It is much larger and more fit for a queen."
"I never agreed to be the Queen of this kingdom,"
Serenity said.
"At least consider it?" Selenity asked. "Wesley will be
brought up her immediately and shown his bedchamber. I will make
sure he knows where yours is as well and comes to see you later
tonight."
Serenity nodded. "All right. Agreed," and she followed
Christine to the new bedchamber.
"Serenity, thank you for all you said back there,"
Christine said.
Serenity smiled. "I hope you learn to stand up for
yourself. If, after all, I do become queen, you will be
liberated."
Christine looked at her in surprise. "Really? Hmm." She
appeared lost in thought. "Oh, here we are," she said stopping
and turning Serenity around because she had just passed by the
room by accident.
Serenity looked into the bedchamber. It was much more
sparsely furnished than she expected. It was not actually sparse
at all, but compared to what she had seen her parents stay in,
and compared to what she was expecting, it was not nearly as
pompous. She smiled, liking the cozy feel of the room much
better than her old bedchamber. "I like this," she said happily.
Christine nodded. "The Queen thought you would. Have a
good rest," and she closed the door before Serenity could ask
her to stay and chat for awhile. Serenity was feeling tired but
much too anxious to sleep. She lay Serena down on the bed,
disappointed that there was no crib for her. She would remember
to ask for one tomorrow morning she reminded herself. *Could
this be a new start for me and Wesley after all? Could I change
things for the better as Queen of the Moon Kingdom with him by
my side as the King? Would he want to do this? It was definitely
something to be....* and then a crackling sound interrupted her
thoughts. She turned and saw a flash. However, before she could
react, her whole body was being electrocuted. Shocks of energy
sparking through her body. She screamed and writhed in pain,
feeling her very essence being drained. The whole room flashed
from the sparks and lightning flashes striking her. Her whole
body was burning, crackling. She fell to the ground in pain,
screaming at the intense burning pain flashing throughout her
entire body. When it stopped, she collapsed and passed out on
the carpeted floor.
Serenity was lost in a world of pain for quite some
time. Actually only a day, but it felt like an eternity in her
mind. When she slowly opened her eyes, she closed them again
quickly because they burned from the bright light near her face.
"Oh, I am so sorry. Those bright lights are shining right on
you are they not?" a kind voice said softly as the lights were
turned off. She slowly opened her eyes again, vaguely feeling
the soft bed underneath her burning body. Sitting on the bed
beside her was an older woman with beautiful, long, curly blue
hair and kind, dark eyes. The woman slowly helped her sit up.
"Are you all right?" she asked in concern, seeing Serenity
wince from the pain.
Serenity looked over to where she was sitting. Her
baby was not there. "Where is Serena?" Serenity asked
desperately.
"You mean your baby? I put her in another bedroom,"
the woman admitted. "I did not want Queen Selenity's guards to
take her. I knew those were their orders."
"You did that for me?" Serenity asked in surprise.
"And for the child, yes. She is safe," the woman said
kindly. "Do you remember me Serenity dear?"
Serenity rubbed her eyes. "Lune?" she asked. The
woman's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Oh wait, you are not
Lune," she said, seeing the person more clearly now. Her hair
was a different color and more neat. She was too young to be
Lune.
"I was your substitute maid when you were younger. My
name is Maria."
"Maria," Serenity said softly. "Yes, of course I
remember you. I am sorry. My mind is not the best right now."
Maria nodded. "I know. You were hurt so badly. You will
get better though. I will help you."
"Thank you. What happened?" Serenity asked.
Maria grimaced. "Well, you are not going to like
this..."she said hesitantly.
"I already do not like this," Serenity admitted. "Do
not worry. I know you are not behind it. I am not upset with
you," she assured
Maria.
Maria nodded. She looked in concern at Serenity. "I
hope you can handle this news in your condition," she said
hesitantly.
"I have to know Maria please," Serenity pleaded.
"All right. Well, Queen Selenity set up this room for
you knowing your magic might be strong. She had it sealed with
some kind of energy that drains magical powers from magical
beings."
"You mean she took my powers?" Serenity asked, knowing
this was what Maria had said but hoping with all her heart that
it was not true.
Maria nodded somberly.
Serenity took a deep breath. "You are right. I did not
want to know that, but I needed to. This is not good." She
paused for a few moments. "So, I suppose she never had any
intention of bringing Wesley here or abiding by my requests."
Maria shook her head regretfully. "I was sent here to
dye your hair back to its original color," she said hesitantly.
"I really do not want to Serenity, but I will be in so much
trouble if I do not. I cannot afford to lose my job. Both of my
parents are old and depend upon my financial support," she said
desperately.
Serenity's eyes filled with compassion as she reassured
Maria. "It is all right Maria. I do not want you to lose your
job either. At this point I do not know what I should do, but go
ahead and dye my hair. I would never want to get you in
trouble."
"Oh Serenity, you are so wonderful. Thank you your
highness," she said gratefully.
Serenity shook her head. "Simply call me Serenity. No
your highness or princess. We are of equal status as far as I
and any other reasonable being is concerned."
Maria's eyes filled with tears. "Oh thank you Serenity."
She hesitated. "There is another more serious problem," she said
sadly.
"What is it?" Serenity asked.
"I am...supposed..." she sighed sadly, "to get rid of
your child."
"Get rid of her?" Serenity asked in astonishment.
"Yes, the Queen said she did not care what I did with
the child as long as it was never within her sight or these
palace walls again."
"You cannot harm her," Serenity said harshly.
"No, never Serenity," Maria assured her. "What should I
do?" she asked in concern.
Serenity thought for a moment. "I always want her with
me..." she said hesitantly, "but the Queen is obviously trying
to destroy my life and hurt me. Now I have no powers to fight
her back with. I am afraid Serena is in more danger with me than
with someone else. I will have to find someone else to take care
of her, someone safe. I will visit Lune as soon as I can, but I
do not know when I will be able to get away. Until I am able to
find her and ask her to watch Serena, will you please watch
after my child?" Serenity asked Maria.
Maria thought about it for a few moments. "I have a few
friends whom I suppose could look after her while I am working,
but the Queen will be angry if she finds her in the palace."
"I know. I know, but I do not know what else to do.
Please Maria. Just tell her that you gave the child to some
peasants. Hide her for me please. I will get to Lune as soon as
I possibly can."
Maria nodded. "All right. I cannot let her be hurt, and
I see you have nowhere else to turn right now. I will do this
for you."
"Oh Maria, thank you so much."
"You are welcome Serenity. Now shall I wash your hair?"
Serenity sighed. "Let us get this over with."
Maria was very gentle and did the process as quickly as
possible before going to get Serena and allowing Serenity to
say goodbye to her daughter. Goodbye until she could find Lune
anyway. "Oh my darling, precious baby," said Serenity. Serenity
just cried, holding her for a few last moments.
"You will see her again Serenity," Maria said.
Serenity nodded, but in her heart she was beginning to
feel the distance already. *What if I do not ever see my
precious child or my darling Wesley again? How will I live?*
Flashes of Lune's story before they left for Earth entered her
mind. *So this is the pain she went through. Now I understand
why none of us could take it away. How horrible. She is so
strong to have made it through that. She will look after Serena
well. I am sure of it,* Serenity thought. Inside Serenity was
filled with doubt, fear. All her emotions were churning out of
control, but outside she remained composed and appeared strong.
She would not give Selenity the satisfaction of seeing her
otherwise. She paced the floor anxiously all day and night. She
did lay down for awhile to rest her aching, burning body,
but she could not sleep at all. *My heart is with you Wesley. I
know you can feel me in your heart, and that is enough for now.
We will be together again soon I promise.*
The door to the bedchamber opened late the next morning,
and Queen Selenity entered gracefully. Serenity did not even
have respect for that anymore. *Anyone can learn to be graceful
with enough practice, but she will never be able to learn
compassion,* Serenity knew. "Good morning daughter," Selenity
said, the smile of triumph on her face.
Serenity remained quiet and simply nodded her head at
the Queen. *Do not think this battle is over yet. I would not
give into you so easily,* she thought to herself.
"Your wedding to Raymond is in five days," Selenity
said, still smiling.
Serenity's eyes hardened. "That would be illegal.
Kidnapping or not, I am still legally married to Wesley," she
shot back.
"Wrong again," Selenity said in triumph. "That
marriage is only legal on Earth. Moon law supercedes the laws
of all the other planets. Thus, unless you are on Earth, the
marriage is void."
Serenity smiled coldly. "You must be so happy about
your little win here mother, but this is not over," she warned.
"Oh, a threat?" the Queen asked in amusement. "You
forget your place, but time and Raymond will remind you of that
child."
"I am not a child any longer mother, and it would do
you well to remember that."
"I do not think you are in the position to be giving
advice daughter. Your father and I are still amazed at how
horribly you turned out. Even with all the stunts you pulled as
a child and as an adolescent, we still never expected you to
run away with a town boy, get married, abandon all your duties,
and forget your place."
"Is everyone inferior to you?" Serenity asked sadly.
"The King is the King, the Queen is the Queen,"
Selenity answered vaguely.
"Oh that is right. Everyone except his all powerful
majesty," Serenity spat out in sarcasm.
"You will show more respect Serenity. You forget who
has the upper hand and the higher position."
"Not for long. Once I become Queen there will be
changes," Serenity said.
"No changes will be made without Raymond's approval,
and your father and I both trust his judgment completely. He
is a strong, devoted, intelligent guard and will be so as a
ruler as well.
"He is heartless and cruel," Serenity said.
Selenity shook her head. "Learn your place Serenity,
and you will lead a much better life. Why waste all this time
on getting upset about the way the world always has been and
always will be?"
Serenity frowned. "Because I would not be able to live
with myself if I became a mindless, submissive zombie like you,"
she said honestly.
"Silence. Your father says you are not to speak that way
to any of us ever again, and I agree with him completely."
"Of course you do," Serenity mumbled.
"Your wedding is in five days. Everything including your
dress and caterer are all set up and ready. Christine will
prepare you. The guests have been invited. All the kings, queens,
princes, princesses, and guards throughout the solar system will
be here tomorrow for the four day long celebrations before the
wedding. You will behave and not embarrass the Moon Kingdom. If
you mess up you can attribute it to the horrible treatment you
received by that town boy after being kidnapped. You do Not have
a daughter any longer. Do you understand?" Serenity nodded
silently, and Queen Selenity exited.
Serenity decided to play this game, not really seeing any
other option at this point. She contemplated all day and night
again but came up with no solutions to escape, nor did she even
think of a way to get to Lune. She did explore and find Maria's
small chamber eventually in the basement of the palace. There she
visited with her daughter for awhile. Maria assured her that she
had a system worked out, and Serena would be safe here for awhile
longer while she looked for a way to get to or contact Lune.
It was not until the next morning, all dressed up and
ready to play along as she met with the royalty and their guards
of all the planets, that she realized what this celebration
meant. *Miriam will be there,* Serenity thought, happy to meet
her friend again though so sad it was under these circumstances.
What was four days of celebration in anticipation of the Moon
Princess' marriage to everyone else would be four days of
planning how to escape and get Wesley for Miriam and Serenity.
*It will be just like old times with the two of us planning an
escape from the evils of royalty and authority,* Serenity
thought. She was getting a bit excited despite her pain, fears,
and misery.
Serenity's hair was no longer long enough for her
traditional buns. She had hair that went a bit past her
shoulders, but it was a sparkling, light purple again to nearly
match her gentle, purple eyes. She went out and prepared to meet
all the royalty and be curtseyed to a lot. She sighed, hating to
go through this ritual again when she thought she was done with
it, but she reminded herself that it was worthwhile if it allowed
her to escape this nightmare soon.
Walking into the hall gracefully, she quickly placed some
clips in her hair and walked into the entrance room to greet all
the arriving guests. The first to arrive were King Henry of
Saturn, the former younger prince from Titanium, with his purple
hair going to his shoulders and his deep, velvet violet eyes and
Queen Helen of Saturn with long black hair past her feet and soft
black eyes. Serenity nodded her head at them and tried not to
grimace as King Henry did a full bow and Queen Helen did a full
curtsey. "You look wonderful," Princess Serenity complimented.
"As do you princess," Queen Helen said respectfully.
"Are you all right after your kidnapping experience?"
asked King Henry.
Serenity tried to hide her disgust at comparing her
husband to a kidnapper. "I am fine," she said tightly. King Henry
still appeared concerned, but he nodded his head and moved on
with his wife.
The next to arrive was Queen Raven of Mars. She arrived
with her small daughter. "Ah, who is this Queen Raven?" Serenity
asked softly. She barely stopped herself from kneeling to be at
eye level with the girl with dark black eyes and black hair that
was beginning to show purple streaks when the light hit it in a
certain way.
"This is Princess Raye, my daughter," Queen Raven said
tightly. She smiled tightly and curtseyed fully. Serenity
reluctantly bowed her head in recognition. "Curtsey Princess
Raye," Queen Raven said harshly. Raye stuck her finger in her
mouth and wriggled her body, a confused look on her face. Queen
Raven almost blushed in embarrassment. "We went over this," she
said tightly, using her hands to force her daughter to bow and
apologizing tightly to Princess Serenity.
"Please, it is all right," Princess Serenity said in
concern for Princess Raye. "How old is she?"
"A little over a year old. She learned to walk so well,
yet she gets confused about a simple curtsey," Queen Raven said.
Her angerwas beginning to show. She checked herself, but
Serenity had a feeling that behind closed doors Raye would be
getting some bad punishment, and it broke her heart looking at
those innocent, confused eyes. As Queen Raven was passing to
move into the dining room for the dinner tonight, she whispered
in Serenity's ear. "You will regret taking Raymond away from
me."
Serenity's eyes opened wide in astonishment and
confusion, but she did not have much time to think about that
statement as King Tritan and Queen Tamara of Pluto entered. King
Tritan, the former prince of Titanium, had green hair cut just
above the top of his ears and dark red eyes with flecks of gold
in them. Queen Tamara still had her long, dark blue hair going
to her hips and her light colored crimson eyes. Standing off on
her own was their daughter. She had long dark green hair and
darker colored crimson eyes. King Tritan did a full bow as Queen
Tamara did a full curtsey. Princess Serenity nodded her head at
them in recognition, and they stepped aside to allow their
daughter to come forward. "Hello there," Princess Serenity said
kindly. The girl silently curtseyed and kept the same far-off,
mysterious expression on her face as Serenity remember her
mother, Tamara, always having on her face at the balls and
celebrations. "What is your name?" she asked softly.
"I am Princess Trista," she said calmly.
"Ah, and how old are you?"
"Seven and a half," she answered politely, but her
expression remained far-off.
Serenity nodded and smiled kindly as they passed.
"Nice to see you again Princess," Tritan said kindly.
"Likewise," she agreed.
The next to arrive were King Andrew and Queen Alyssa of
Mercury. Serenity quickly noted that King Andrew still had
short, dark blond hair and dark, hard blue eyes. Queen Alyssa,
the former princess of Neptune, had long straight blue hair
that was a strange combination of light and dark tints. It went
to her knees almost and was choppy at the ends, and it
accompanied her blue eyes. Just as they were curtseying and
bowing to her, she nodded her head and noticed the entrance of
King Lester and Queen Lily of Jupiter. She noted that Lily and
Alyssa appeared close in age, both being younger than her even
it seemed. Queen Lily, the former younger princess of Saturn,
had the same soft green eyes and long, wavy light brown hair
that went down to her hips. King Lester had his usual short
buzz cut brown hair and flinty black eyes. Queen Alyssa was
still very friendly. "How are you doing Princess?" she asked
when the formalities were over. King Andrew's eyes flashed as
he obviously did not like her asking the question. He seemed
eager to get into the dining room, so she kept her answer
short. "I am all right," she lied, smiling at Alyssa.
"Did you get someone to watch Princess Lita as well?"
Queen Alyssa asked Queen Lily. Queen Lily was still as lost in
her own world as ever, and King Lester responded for her in
the affirmative.
Queen Alyssa nodded. "Yes, we got someone to watch
Princess Amy as well. She is our 10 month year old daughter,"
she explained to Princess Serenity. "Oh, and Lita is their 7
month year old daughter," she offered when she noticed that
King Lester and Queen Lily were not going to offer that
information.
"Come on," King Andrew said authoritatively, pulling
his wife into the dining room. King Lester and Queen Lily
joined them. Serenity sighed, having a feeling Queen Alyssa
would end up as dominated and crushed as her own mother,
Queen Selenity.
The next to enter were King Matthew and Queen Melody
of Neptune. They also had a young daughter with them. King
Matthew still had his wavy brown hair that stopped just above
the top of his ears and dark green eyes. Queen Melody, the
former princess of Mercury, still had her beautiful turquoise
hair that went past her shoulder blades and those deep blue
eyes. The young girl standing beside her mother seemed very
refined for such a young age and possessed the most
enchanting short, wavy, sea blue hair and sea blue eyes. The
King and Queen bowed and curtseyed as Serenity nodded her
head, and the young girl came forward and curtseyed at just
the right moment which obviously pleased her parents as
Serenity nodded back respectfully.
"This is our daughter, Princess Michelle."
"Ah, I see. I am Princess Serenity."
"I know," she answered simply.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"Three," the girl responded.
Serenity smiled and nodded at them once more as they
went past her to the dining room. It was not much later when
Serenity sighed in relief to see King Michael and Queen Miriam
of Venus enter the entrance area. Serenity felt a cold flash
of confusion when she saw Miriam's expressionless face. She
did not like the way she and Michael quickly looked at each
other either. King Michael with his dark blond hair with
choppy ends and sparkling green eyes stepped forward and
bowed. She nodded. Queen Miriam still had her shiny, straight,
and full blond hair to her ankles, and she still possessed
soft, baby blue eyes. However, they did not possess the same
wisdom anymore. They appeared much more dull and lifeless.
Serenity nodded at Miriam, trying to hide the fear in her eyes
from her dearest friend. Michael looked to the dining area.
Serenity looked at Miriam, her eyebrows furrowed in concern
and confusion. Miriam looked to the dining area too but looked
back at Serenity and sighed. "How are you?" she finally asked
softly.
"Can we talk later?" Serenity asked.
"Of course," Miriam nodded.
Serenity sighed in relief. "I am fine," she
mechanically answered.
Miriam nodded and an uncomfortable silence ensued.
Michael broke it. "We have an 8 ½ month year old baby
daughter. Her name is Mina,"he said.
Serenity smiled briefly. "That is wonderful."
"We think so," Miriam answered.
"Well until later," Serenity said, wanting her to go
on because their communication was obviously off. She could not
read Miriam nearly so well, and she did not feel the same
connection with her. There was a terrible distance that made
Serenity cold and made her heart ache.
The next to come were King Damion and Queen Darla of
Earth. A young boy with short black hair and dark black eyes
followed behind them stubbornly. They each bowed and curtseyed
as Serenity nodded. The boy stepped forward and said "I am
Prince Darien," and bowed to her. She nodded, noting the pouty
expression on his face, and his angry voice.
"Can you not just be respectful," King Damion sighed
in exasperation. He looked at his son with hard, frustrated
eyes.
Prince Darien nodded reluctantly and ran into the
dining room area. As he flashed by, Serenity felt an
overwhelming sense of déjà vu. *Have I seen him before?* she
wondered. "I apologize for that," King Damion said in a cold
tone. Serenity nodded.
Queen Darla kept her eyes averted from Serenity as they
entered the dining area. Serenity saw the feeling of guilt on
her face. *Why does she feel guilty? Is it possible she turned
me in and caused me to be back here?* she wondered, hurt deeply
by the thought. As she was contemplating this possibility,
realizing she could not sadly think of any other explanation
for how her mother found her after all this time, King Alan and
Queen Anita of Uranus entered with a young girl. King Alan has
his buzz-cut blond hair and light green eyes with a hint of
black. Queen Anita, the former princess of Titanium, still had
her blond hair that curled up just below her chin and her wise
turquoise eyes. *Appearances can be deceiving,* Serenity
thought, remembering how unwise and self-absorbed she had
been as a princess. This time was no different. After the
bowing and curtseying and nodding, she went into a speech about
how wonderful it was to see her after that lowly, despicable
town boy had kidnapped her and what an awful experience that
must have been. She explained all about how wonderful her life
has been with Alan. When Princess Serenity asked about their
daughter, Anita appeared surprised. "Oh yes, that is right,"
she said. Briefly turning around to see her daughter who turned
away, her daughter's face flushed with anger. "She is probably
still upset with me. She was angry with me earlier for making
her wear a dress. She is so disobedient," Anita whispered to
Serenity. Serenity closed her mouth and nodded, feeling bad for
the girl stuck with Anita for a mother.
"How old is she?"
"Three," King Alan answered. "Come forward Princess
Amara," he said to his daughter. She came forward reluctantly,
looked at Serenity coldly as she curtseyed. Serenity smiled
kindly, and Amara responded with a small smile back losing some
of that cold look to her eyes. Her mother spoke however, saying
they should go to the dining area and speak with everyone else.
Alan sighed, and the cold look returned to Amara's face.
Serenity sighed sadly. All these children oppressed, hurt, and
misunderstood. She hated it. She knew how it felt, and she
wished she could sweep them up in her arms and give them a
healthy, caring environment away from the pressure and demands
that no child should feel.
Then a realization hit her. That boy Prince Darien
looked quite a lot like that child on Earth that had seen them
in the park twice and been so interested in Serena. She smiled.
*I guess it could not have been him. He was too young to be that
far from the palace,* she reasoned with herself. She still found
the similarities strange though.
Serenity took a deep breath, and she reluctantly entered
the dining area to take her seat at the other end of the table
with her fiancé, Raymond, at the head of the table of course.
She smiled at him as she sat down, innerwardly disgusted at his
position at the head. *He will never dominate me,* she promised
herself. She knew marriage was about mutual caring and respect,
not domination and submissiveness. She smiled to herself,
knowing that if nothing else, she always had that inner
knowledge and conviction. She kept trying to catch Miriam's
eyes, but Miriam was busy chatting with everyone else. Serenity
felt confused and cold and alone again, and she hated the
feeling. The combination of Wesley being gone, Serena being with
someone else, and Miriam's new attitude left this giant hole and
feeling of emptiness in Serenity.
After the dinner, Serenity noted all the groups
congregating to have their conversations before going to rest
for the night. King Alan and Queen Anita were talking with King
Andrew and Queen Alyssa as well as King Damion and Queen Darla.
King Henry and Queen Helen were speaking with King Tritan and
Queen Tamara as well as King Matthew and Queen Melody. Neither
the parents of Princess Amara, nor the parents of Princess
Michelle seemed to notice the two girls were not standing by
their parents. They were sitting off on their own, but the
strange part was that they did not seem to be playing any kind
of game or doing anything really at all, and they were not
speaking to one another either. They just sat silently on the
floor, holding each other's hands. Each in their own little
world, yet somehow connected to each other's worlds. It was
like they were alone yet together. *They are a paradox,*
Serenity thought, confused as to how two three year olds could
interact this way. She shook it off and turned to see King
Michael and Queen Miriam speaking with King Lester and Queen
Lily and Queen Raven. Serenity gasped at this. Miriam was
actually speaking kindly to Raven and without any hesitation or
disgust showing. Well of course she would not show it, but
Serenity could usually read her very well. She could not even
read it. *This does not seem good,* she thought sadly.
As she was getting into bed after checking on Serena
briefly, there was a short rap on the door. Serenity went to
the door and opened it slowly, not sure who to expect. Miriam
was standing there alone. "You wanted to talk," she asked
shortly.
Serenity nodded slowly and stepped aside as Miriam
entered. *Why is she acting like this?* Serenity wondered
sadly. "Thank you for coming," Serenity said, after a long
silence.
Miriam nodded. "Sure, what is it?"
"Why are you acting like this?" Serenity burst out.
Miriam looked taken aback for a moment before
regaining her composure.
"There, that," Serenity said. "You do not need to be
so composed around me. You can be yourself Miriam. Where is
the Miriam I know?"
"She is gone Serenity," Miriam said in a matter of
fact tone of voice.
Serenity sat down. Her breathing becoming faster and
her anxiety level rising. "I...I do not understand...where...
where is she?" she asked anxiously, her voice cracking from
the strain of the sadness.
Miriam remained standing, composed as ever. Her eyes
remained dull and lifeless. "Serenity, you never got in contact
with me."
"Did you not get my note? Did Lune not explain what
happened to you?"
"I did and...she did, but that was not a whole lot to
go on for four years Serenity. Four long years."
"Oh Miriam," Serenity sobbed and stood up to hug her.
Miriam reluctantly hugged her back. "I know. I missed you so
much too. My heart ached for you. The first year was the
hardest. I will admit I got comfortable, safe, secure, and
happy down there, but there was always a big part of my life
missing without you."
Miriam nodded. "I understand. I know you missed me,
but I suppose I just felt that in all that time if you really
really wanted to get in contact with me you would have found
a way."
"I know, but we could not think of a way. I was
trying to get settled, and oh Miriam I got so depressed for so
long. The first year was so hard, but Wesley did not want me
to stay that way. He was that way too without his parents. We
had to get through that, find a way to be happy in our lives.
We did, but of course I always kept an eye out for a way to
contact you. Of course I often thought of you and always
missed you. You know you were always in my heart and soul."
Miriam nodded. "As you were always in mine Serenity."
"What happened to you Miriam?" Serenity asked, her
eyes filling with tears as she held her close. Miriam seemed
uncomfortable with that though so Serenity backed off.
"Miriam?" she asked sadly.
"People change Serenity. It has been a long four
years. I am no longer the Miriam you knew."
"I am no longer the Serenity you knew, but our
friendship does not leave. Our closeness never left because of
that."
Miriam looked away. "This time it did. The separation
was too hard for me Serenity."
"You were always the stronger one," Serenity cried.
"I do not think either one of us realized how much of
my strength came from you. At least I know I did not realize
until after you had been gone."
Serenity shook her head, sobbing in anguish. "There
were other times we were apart for so long, and there were
eight years before we had met where you were still strong and
independent and full of life without me," she said
desperately.
"I was at a different point in my life then Serenity."
Serenity's anguished sobs filled the room as she fell
to the floor. Miriam's dull eyes softened though they remained
dull. Her eyes got watery as she sat down beside Serenity and
reached her hand out. Serenity took it, and Miriam held her
just like before. *But things are no longer just like before,*
Serenity realized sadly. *Not at all.*
"Serenity...I had to become a different person. I
still hate these fake people, but I wanted to be a different
kind of ruler who would change things in her kingdom. To do so
I still had to fit in with this world too."
"I know, but it seems so much more genuine this time
than when we pretended as children," Serenity said, sniffling.
Miriam nodded. "Unfortunately I think it is Serenity.
You live in this world of royals for this long and you become
more a part of it inside each time, but that sacrifice must be
made if changes are to gradually be made."
Serenity shook her head. "No, you can pretend to be
like them without becoming them. You believed in that with all
your heart. Be the fighter you were before Miriam. Be her,"
Serenity screamed.
"Serenity shush. It is all right. I am a fighter
still, but in a different way. I did not mean that I become
them. I do not agree with them or understand them Serenity. I
am trying to make changes, so how could I agree with them? I
do not become them, but I do become more a part of their
world."
"Well...stop," Serenity said strongly.
"I observe good changes in you Serenity," Miriam said
wisely.
What do you mean?" Serenity asked.
"You are more outspoken, stronger in your convictions
and beliefs. I admire that in you. I like the person you have
become."
Serenity hugged her in appreciation. "I...I wish I
could say the same back to you," she said hesitantly.
"It is all right. I did not expect you to say the
same back," Miriam said. "I am not sure I like the person
whom I am now either."
"Then change back Miriam."
"It does not work that way Serenity. I have been
forever changed. Things happen in four years."
"I know they do Miriam...I know, but why like this?"
"I am not sure. As I said to fight them from the
inside I did have to become more a part of their world and
that went against everything inside of me. I think doing it
killed a part of me, but it was essential to do that to ensure
change for the future. Really though, more than anything, I
think I died the day you left Serenity. Michael is and will
always be my soul mate, but you are my soul sister, and that
is just as important to a person's life."
"Miriam you have never been that attached to anyone.
Not even me. You were strong and independent. Yes I know you
must have missed me terribly as I missed you, but you know how
to make it and find happiness on your own."
"I do Serenity, but you were gone so long, and I had
to become such a part of their world. Somewhere in there I
lost myself, and maybe if you had been here to stop me from
going that far inside I would not have. Alas things did not
go that way."
"Oh Miriam, I am sorry."
"No need to be Serenity. You went where you were
meant to go with the person you were meant to be with. I am
sorry we lost each other in the process though."
"If only my parents had not forced the whole thing to
happen so much sooner," Serenity said regretfully.
"If only," Miriam said vaguely, trailing off and lost
in her own thoughts.
"Miriam I need you for something," Serenity said after
a few moments.
Miriam looked at her. "What is it Serenity?"
"Queen Selenity wanted to take my one year old
daughter, Serena, from me."
Miriam gasped. "That is horrible Serenity."
"Will you help me? I asked Maria to look after her for
awhile until I could find a way to contact Lune. I am sure
Lune would look after her right? I do not feel she is safe
with me right now as my magic has been taken away, and Queen
Selenity does not approve of her. For now I want to play along
with the Queen until I can escape with Serena and find and
free Wesley. I need you to help me with a plan to do all of
that. To give me and Wesley back our life together. Even if it
is not the same, and I am sure it will not be. We can come up
with an escape plan together, just like when we were younger,"
Serenity said in nostalgia.
Miriam looked down silently.
"What is it?" Serenity asked quietly, fear growing in
her heart.
"Serenity...things...things are different now," she
said.
"What are you saying?" Serenity asked, upset.
"I am saying that I cannot make plans like that with
you. As I told you my life is now to be a part of their world.
I am against it but not openly like that anymore. Besides that
I do have a daughter now to take care of and look after and
raise. I cannot be part of these plans anymore."
"Miriam, if you have a daughter you will understand
what keeping her safe means to me," Serenity said in
desperation.
"Of course. I understand completely. I would help you
with that part. I will try actually, but you are going to have
to find someone else to look after her."
"You do not think Lune will do it?"
Miriam's eyes filled with tears.
"Lune...Lune is...dead Serenity."
There was a long silence. Serenity's eyes got wide,
and she shook her head. "No...no...no...that is not possible,"
she repeated anxiously.
"I am sorry Serenity," Miriam said sadly, holding her
close again. "I wish she was not gone. I wish it so much."
"When?" Serenity choked out.
"Three years ago...almost a year after you left,"
Miriam said quietly.
Serenity looked at Miriam. "Please Miriam. Help me
find Wesley, and let us be a family again. Please do not leave
me to do this all alone."
Miriam looked away sadly. "All right Serenity. I will
try to help, but I honestly do not know what to do. I will not
go against any royalty or any laws in public. Only in this
room and in secret can I help you. I do not think there is
anything we can do Serenity, but for you I will try."
Serenity nodded. "I understand."
Miriam hugged her once more and left quietly.
Serenity stared at the ceiling that night. The hole of
emptiness inside her growing much bigger. The loss of Lune was
tearing her apart. It was so long ago when Lune had died, but
she had never known. Some friend she had been to Lune and
Miriam never contacting them all that time, never finding a
way. She should have tried harder. Now Lune was gone, and she
never even got to say goodbye. She was not sure if she felt a
larger loss from the loss of Lune's life or the loss of
Miriam. *Miriam's body may still be here,* Serenity thought,
*but Miriam was permanently changed. Not a normal life change.
Something inside of her had permanently changed her. Most of
the important parts of her personality were still there, but
her core, her inner strength, and her life have been drained
out of her it seems.* Serenity turned over in the bed,
uncomfortable. She looked out the large window at the planet
Earth, placed alone in the view from her window, and she
sighed sadly.
To Be Continued...
Pitch black. Black, darkness. Swirling. She was swirling,
vague. It is all vague, and she is not sure what is going on or
where she is. So lost, lost in the swirling darkness. Some part
of her struggles, struggles to be free, to escape. Escape what?
She is swirling, turning, lost. Can she get away? How does she get
away? Why? What is she escaping from? Where is she? Help...she
needs help. It is so dark, and she is so lost. Swirling into
oblivion.
Wham! She hit the cold, stone floor hard. She was in a
dark, grey chamber with ornate decorations surrounding her, and in
front of her were the plush, velvet red thrones with golden rims
around the back. Also in front of her was Queen Selenity.
Realization dawned upon her. She was back in the Moon Palace with
her mother, far away from her love Wesley and her home on Earth.
*What have those moon guards done with Wesley?* she worried.
Instantly she looked down for her baby in a panic. She was
clutching Serena tightly in her arms. She sighed in relief. *At
least I still have her.*
Queen Selenity looked at her daughter in more than just
her usual distaste. The look on her face was one of complete
disgust. "So, you thought you could get away with your insolent
display of disobedience and utter disregard for your
responsibilities and place in this world?"
Serenity struggled to stand up, still clutching her baby
tightly and safely. Although her body was weak from the trip, her
mind was stronger than ever. Determined to stand up to this woman
for truly the first time in her entire life face to face. "My
Place in this world is with my love Wesley and my darling baby,
Serena."
Selenity's face became even more disgusted if possible.
"You did have a child with that loathsome, lowly, disgraceful
town boy?!"
"What you call loathsome and disgraceful is actually a
treasure in this world and the light of my life, and I will not
allow you to take him or my precious daughter away from me," she
said with conviction.
"That child is even more loathsome coming from the two of
you," Selenity said angrily.
"This child is the sunshine. This child fills my life,
completes it. You will not dare to insult my husband or my child
ever again," she said strongly.
Selenity smirked. "Insolent child. You have no control or
power any longer. You never should have. Do not even begin to
think you will ever be able to talk this way to me again. You
learned some horrible habits there on Earth that must be taken
out of you at all costs. You will learn to be obedient again."
"WHERE IS WESLEY?" Serenity yelled desperately.
"Why Wesley has been imprisoned for kidnapping the
princess of the Moon of course," Selenity smirked.
"He did NOT kidnap me. I left on my own in order to
escape your oppression and abuse."
"You thought that was bad? Try life with me," and a man
with dark black hair to mid-way down his ears and hard, cold
black eyes sauntered into the throne room.
Serenity's body tensed up and her eyes flashed.
"Raymond," she barely breathed out.
Raymond nodded his head, and he smiled lasciviously.
"That is right princess. I will enjoy having you as my bride."
"You could not have me as your bride if all the worlds
came crashing down on you."
Raymond's eyes flashed with anger. "You will soon regret
that remark."
Queen Selenity laughed. "Oh, it will not take worlds
crashing down. All that needs to happen is your father and me
saying the word, and you will have no choice but to marry him
Serenity."
Serenity whipped her head around. "What do you want?"
Queen Selenity smirked again, obviously deriving great
pleasure from this. "To see you back in your place," she answered
simply. "You were supposed to marry him on your 20th birthday,
but we are not too far off from that. After all, that loathsome
town boy kidnapped you, so what could you do?" She laughed in
pleasure. "You will marry him in a week, and the two of you will
rule the Moon Kingdom. He will be the one with the final word
though as it should be. You will be obedient to his every whim.
Do you understand?"
"No, I do not. I will not." Serenity said, conviction in
her eyes. She was still holding her baby close to her body.
"Raymond, you can leave," Selenity nodded to the exit. He
bowed and exited in a flourish. I am afraid you do not have a
choice in this matter Serenity. The Moon Kingdom is the most
powerful in this galaxy. We have full control over the other
planets, and Wesley will be imprisoned forever. Samantha exists
no longer. She is wanted on every planet in this galaxy should
you try to escape and become her again. You can never go anywhere
as her again, and you will never see that town boy again either.
You will have no option but to take your place as the Queen of
the Moon Kingdom daughter."
"Do NOT call me your daughter," Serenity spat out
angrily.
Selenity frowned. "You will never use that tone with me
again. We need to dye your hair back to its original color. What
an ugly color you have in your hair now. It will take some time
for it to grow out I suppose," she said in disappointment. "Ah
well. Your father is away on business, so be glad you do not have
to face his wrath. I am still corresponding with him and
following his orders though."
"He has destroyed you," Serenity said sadly.
"Excuse me?" Selenity asked sharply.
"I said," Serenity took a deep breath. "He has destroyed
you."
Selenity frowned. "You are not showing the proper respect
to your father. How dare you insult him like that?"
"I dare," Serenity said strongly.
Selenity's eyes hardened with anger. "Oh, and you will
never see this baby again," she said. She smirked again and
pressed a button near her throne.
Serenity backed away as guards entered the room from all
sides. She held onto her baby desperately. "NOOOOOOOOO," she
screamed. Selenity said nothing; she simply motioned to the
guards to take Serena from Serenity.
Serenity's eyes flashed with determination, and she
closed her eyes as she began to glow. Selenity gasped. The guards
hesitated for a second, but at Selenity's motion continued to
close in on Serenity and Serena. Serenity's figure was glowing
purple as she opened her hardened, determined eyes and threw an
energy ball of magic at all of the guards in a sweeping, circular
motion. All of the guards were thrown back forcefully and hit the
walls hard, but they all got up. They were winded but unharmed.
"Call off your guards, or I will not be so easy on them next
time," Serenity promised.
Selenity nodded solemnly and called them off.
"Now I suppose you understand that I mean business?"
Serenity asked in a hard tone.
Selenity nodded and pushed a buzzer. She spoke in a
whisper into the intercom. Serenity looked around, all her senses
remaining alert. Selenity turned to Serenity solemnly. Selenity
was obviously trying to keep her boiling anger in check as she
forced a polite demeanor. Serenity would have thought this was
humorous if she was not so frightened about her immediate and
long term future. Christine entered the room. "You remember your
maid Christine of course," Selenity said solemnly.
"We do not have maids on Earth; I would rather call her
my friend. I see no purpose for someone being enslaved and then
forced to serve me," Serenity said simply.
Selenity attempted to disguise her disgust. "Of course,"
she strained to say. "She will take you to your new bedchamber.
It is much larger and more fit for a queen."
"I never agreed to be the Queen of this kingdom,"
Serenity said.
"At least consider it?" Selenity asked. "Wesley will be
brought up her immediately and shown his bedchamber. I will make
sure he knows where yours is as well and comes to see you later
tonight."
Serenity nodded. "All right. Agreed," and she followed
Christine to the new bedchamber.
"Serenity, thank you for all you said back there,"
Christine said.
Serenity smiled. "I hope you learn to stand up for
yourself. If, after all, I do become queen, you will be
liberated."
Christine looked at her in surprise. "Really? Hmm." She
appeared lost in thought. "Oh, here we are," she said stopping
and turning Serenity around because she had just passed by the
room by accident.
Serenity looked into the bedchamber. It was much more
sparsely furnished than she expected. It was not actually sparse
at all, but compared to what she had seen her parents stay in,
and compared to what she was expecting, it was not nearly as
pompous. She smiled, liking the cozy feel of the room much
better than her old bedchamber. "I like this," she said happily.
Christine nodded. "The Queen thought you would. Have a
good rest," and she closed the door before Serenity could ask
her to stay and chat for awhile. Serenity was feeling tired but
much too anxious to sleep. She lay Serena down on the bed,
disappointed that there was no crib for her. She would remember
to ask for one tomorrow morning she reminded herself. *Could
this be a new start for me and Wesley after all? Could I change
things for the better as Queen of the Moon Kingdom with him by
my side as the King? Would he want to do this? It was definitely
something to be....* and then a crackling sound interrupted her
thoughts. She turned and saw a flash. However, before she could
react, her whole body was being electrocuted. Shocks of energy
sparking through her body. She screamed and writhed in pain,
feeling her very essence being drained. The whole room flashed
from the sparks and lightning flashes striking her. Her whole
body was burning, crackling. She fell to the ground in pain,
screaming at the intense burning pain flashing throughout her
entire body. When it stopped, she collapsed and passed out on
the carpeted floor.
Serenity was lost in a world of pain for quite some
time. Actually only a day, but it felt like an eternity in her
mind. When she slowly opened her eyes, she closed them again
quickly because they burned from the bright light near her face.
"Oh, I am so sorry. Those bright lights are shining right on
you are they not?" a kind voice said softly as the lights were
turned off. She slowly opened her eyes again, vaguely feeling
the soft bed underneath her burning body. Sitting on the bed
beside her was an older woman with beautiful, long, curly blue
hair and kind, dark eyes. The woman slowly helped her sit up.
"Are you all right?" she asked in concern, seeing Serenity
wince from the pain.
Serenity looked over to where she was sitting. Her
baby was not there. "Where is Serena?" Serenity asked
desperately.
"You mean your baby? I put her in another bedroom,"
the woman admitted. "I did not want Queen Selenity's guards to
take her. I knew those were their orders."
"You did that for me?" Serenity asked in surprise.
"And for the child, yes. She is safe," the woman said
kindly. "Do you remember me Serenity dear?"
Serenity rubbed her eyes. "Lune?" she asked. The
woman's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Oh wait, you are not
Lune," she said, seeing the person more clearly now. Her hair
was a different color and more neat. She was too young to be
Lune.
"I was your substitute maid when you were younger. My
name is Maria."
"Maria," Serenity said softly. "Yes, of course I
remember you. I am sorry. My mind is not the best right now."
Maria nodded. "I know. You were hurt so badly. You will
get better though. I will help you."
"Thank you. What happened?" Serenity asked.
Maria grimaced. "Well, you are not going to like
this..."she said hesitantly.
"I already do not like this," Serenity admitted. "Do
not worry. I know you are not behind it. I am not upset with
you," she assured
Maria.
Maria nodded. She looked in concern at Serenity. "I
hope you can handle this news in your condition," she said
hesitantly.
"I have to know Maria please," Serenity pleaded.
"All right. Well, Queen Selenity set up this room for
you knowing your magic might be strong. She had it sealed with
some kind of energy that drains magical powers from magical
beings."
"You mean she took my powers?" Serenity asked, knowing
this was what Maria had said but hoping with all her heart that
it was not true.
Maria nodded somberly.
Serenity took a deep breath. "You are right. I did not
want to know that, but I needed to. This is not good." She
paused for a few moments. "So, I suppose she never had any
intention of bringing Wesley here or abiding by my requests."
Maria shook her head regretfully. "I was sent here to
dye your hair back to its original color," she said hesitantly.
"I really do not want to Serenity, but I will be in so much
trouble if I do not. I cannot afford to lose my job. Both of my
parents are old and depend upon my financial support," she said
desperately.
Serenity's eyes filled with compassion as she reassured
Maria. "It is all right Maria. I do not want you to lose your
job either. At this point I do not know what I should do, but go
ahead and dye my hair. I would never want to get you in
trouble."
"Oh Serenity, you are so wonderful. Thank you your
highness," she said gratefully.
Serenity shook her head. "Simply call me Serenity. No
your highness or princess. We are of equal status as far as I
and any other reasonable being is concerned."
Maria's eyes filled with tears. "Oh thank you Serenity."
She hesitated. "There is another more serious problem," she said
sadly.
"What is it?" Serenity asked.
"I am...supposed..." she sighed sadly, "to get rid of
your child."
"Get rid of her?" Serenity asked in astonishment.
"Yes, the Queen said she did not care what I did with
the child as long as it was never within her sight or these
palace walls again."
"You cannot harm her," Serenity said harshly.
"No, never Serenity," Maria assured her. "What should I
do?" she asked in concern.
Serenity thought for a moment. "I always want her with
me..." she said hesitantly, "but the Queen is obviously trying
to destroy my life and hurt me. Now I have no powers to fight
her back with. I am afraid Serena is in more danger with me than
with someone else. I will have to find someone else to take care
of her, someone safe. I will visit Lune as soon as I can, but I
do not know when I will be able to get away. Until I am able to
find her and ask her to watch Serena, will you please watch
after my child?" Serenity asked Maria.
Maria thought about it for a few moments. "I have a few
friends whom I suppose could look after her while I am working,
but the Queen will be angry if she finds her in the palace."
"I know. I know, but I do not know what else to do.
Please Maria. Just tell her that you gave the child to some
peasants. Hide her for me please. I will get to Lune as soon as
I possibly can."
Maria nodded. "All right. I cannot let her be hurt, and
I see you have nowhere else to turn right now. I will do this
for you."
"Oh Maria, thank you so much."
"You are welcome Serenity. Now shall I wash your hair?"
Serenity sighed. "Let us get this over with."
Maria was very gentle and did the process as quickly as
possible before going to get Serena and allowing Serenity to
say goodbye to her daughter. Goodbye until she could find Lune
anyway. "Oh my darling, precious baby," said Serenity. Serenity
just cried, holding her for a few last moments.
"You will see her again Serenity," Maria said.
Serenity nodded, but in her heart she was beginning to
feel the distance already. *What if I do not ever see my
precious child or my darling Wesley again? How will I live?*
Flashes of Lune's story before they left for Earth entered her
mind. *So this is the pain she went through. Now I understand
why none of us could take it away. How horrible. She is so
strong to have made it through that. She will look after Serena
well. I am sure of it,* Serenity thought. Inside Serenity was
filled with doubt, fear. All her emotions were churning out of
control, but outside she remained composed and appeared strong.
She would not give Selenity the satisfaction of seeing her
otherwise. She paced the floor anxiously all day and night. She
did lay down for awhile to rest her aching, burning body,
but she could not sleep at all. *My heart is with you Wesley. I
know you can feel me in your heart, and that is enough for now.
We will be together again soon I promise.*
The door to the bedchamber opened late the next morning,
and Queen Selenity entered gracefully. Serenity did not even
have respect for that anymore. *Anyone can learn to be graceful
with enough practice, but she will never be able to learn
compassion,* Serenity knew. "Good morning daughter," Selenity
said, the smile of triumph on her face.
Serenity remained quiet and simply nodded her head at
the Queen. *Do not think this battle is over yet. I would not
give into you so easily,* she thought to herself.
"Your wedding to Raymond is in five days," Selenity
said, still smiling.
Serenity's eyes hardened. "That would be illegal.
Kidnapping or not, I am still legally married to Wesley," she
shot back.
"Wrong again," Selenity said in triumph. "That
marriage is only legal on Earth. Moon law supercedes the laws
of all the other planets. Thus, unless you are on Earth, the
marriage is void."
Serenity smiled coldly. "You must be so happy about
your little win here mother, but this is not over," she warned.
"Oh, a threat?" the Queen asked in amusement. "You
forget your place, but time and Raymond will remind you of that
child."
"I am not a child any longer mother, and it would do
you well to remember that."
"I do not think you are in the position to be giving
advice daughter. Your father and I are still amazed at how
horribly you turned out. Even with all the stunts you pulled as
a child and as an adolescent, we still never expected you to
run away with a town boy, get married, abandon all your duties,
and forget your place."
"Is everyone inferior to you?" Serenity asked sadly.
"The King is the King, the Queen is the Queen,"
Selenity answered vaguely.
"Oh that is right. Everyone except his all powerful
majesty," Serenity spat out in sarcasm.
"You will show more respect Serenity. You forget who
has the upper hand and the higher position."
"Not for long. Once I become Queen there will be
changes," Serenity said.
"No changes will be made without Raymond's approval,
and your father and I both trust his judgment completely. He
is a strong, devoted, intelligent guard and will be so as a
ruler as well.
"He is heartless and cruel," Serenity said.
Selenity shook her head. "Learn your place Serenity,
and you will lead a much better life. Why waste all this time
on getting upset about the way the world always has been and
always will be?"
Serenity frowned. "Because I would not be able to live
with myself if I became a mindless, submissive zombie like you,"
she said honestly.
"Silence. Your father says you are not to speak that way
to any of us ever again, and I agree with him completely."
"Of course you do," Serenity mumbled.
"Your wedding is in five days. Everything including your
dress and caterer are all set up and ready. Christine will
prepare you. The guests have been invited. All the kings, queens,
princes, princesses, and guards throughout the solar system will
be here tomorrow for the four day long celebrations before the
wedding. You will behave and not embarrass the Moon Kingdom. If
you mess up you can attribute it to the horrible treatment you
received by that town boy after being kidnapped. You do Not have
a daughter any longer. Do you understand?" Serenity nodded
silently, and Queen Selenity exited.
Serenity decided to play this game, not really seeing any
other option at this point. She contemplated all day and night
again but came up with no solutions to escape, nor did she even
think of a way to get to Lune. She did explore and find Maria's
small chamber eventually in the basement of the palace. There she
visited with her daughter for awhile. Maria assured her that she
had a system worked out, and Serena would be safe here for awhile
longer while she looked for a way to get to or contact Lune.
It was not until the next morning, all dressed up and
ready to play along as she met with the royalty and their guards
of all the planets, that she realized what this celebration
meant. *Miriam will be there,* Serenity thought, happy to meet
her friend again though so sad it was under these circumstances.
What was four days of celebration in anticipation of the Moon
Princess' marriage to everyone else would be four days of
planning how to escape and get Wesley for Miriam and Serenity.
*It will be just like old times with the two of us planning an
escape from the evils of royalty and authority,* Serenity
thought. She was getting a bit excited despite her pain, fears,
and misery.
Serenity's hair was no longer long enough for her
traditional buns. She had hair that went a bit past her
shoulders, but it was a sparkling, light purple again to nearly
match her gentle, purple eyes. She went out and prepared to meet
all the royalty and be curtseyed to a lot. She sighed, hating to
go through this ritual again when she thought she was done with
it, but she reminded herself that it was worthwhile if it allowed
her to escape this nightmare soon.
Walking into the hall gracefully, she quickly placed some
clips in her hair and walked into the entrance room to greet all
the arriving guests. The first to arrive were King Henry of
Saturn, the former younger prince from Titanium, with his purple
hair going to his shoulders and his deep, velvet violet eyes and
Queen Helen of Saturn with long black hair past her feet and soft
black eyes. Serenity nodded her head at them and tried not to
grimace as King Henry did a full bow and Queen Helen did a full
curtsey. "You look wonderful," Princess Serenity complimented.
"As do you princess," Queen Helen said respectfully.
"Are you all right after your kidnapping experience?"
asked King Henry.
Serenity tried to hide her disgust at comparing her
husband to a kidnapper. "I am fine," she said tightly. King Henry
still appeared concerned, but he nodded his head and moved on
with his wife.
The next to arrive was Queen Raven of Mars. She arrived
with her small daughter. "Ah, who is this Queen Raven?" Serenity
asked softly. She barely stopped herself from kneeling to be at
eye level with the girl with dark black eyes and black hair that
was beginning to show purple streaks when the light hit it in a
certain way.
"This is Princess Raye, my daughter," Queen Raven said
tightly. She smiled tightly and curtseyed fully. Serenity
reluctantly bowed her head in recognition. "Curtsey Princess
Raye," Queen Raven said harshly. Raye stuck her finger in her
mouth and wriggled her body, a confused look on her face. Queen
Raven almost blushed in embarrassment. "We went over this," she
said tightly, using her hands to force her daughter to bow and
apologizing tightly to Princess Serenity.
"Please, it is all right," Princess Serenity said in
concern for Princess Raye. "How old is she?"
"A little over a year old. She learned to walk so well,
yet she gets confused about a simple curtsey," Queen Raven said.
Her angerwas beginning to show. She checked herself, but
Serenity had a feeling that behind closed doors Raye would be
getting some bad punishment, and it broke her heart looking at
those innocent, confused eyes. As Queen Raven was passing to
move into the dining room for the dinner tonight, she whispered
in Serenity's ear. "You will regret taking Raymond away from
me."
Serenity's eyes opened wide in astonishment and
confusion, but she did not have much time to think about that
statement as King Tritan and Queen Tamara of Pluto entered. King
Tritan, the former prince of Titanium, had green hair cut just
above the top of his ears and dark red eyes with flecks of gold
in them. Queen Tamara still had her long, dark blue hair going
to her hips and her light colored crimson eyes. Standing off on
her own was their daughter. She had long dark green hair and
darker colored crimson eyes. King Tritan did a full bow as Queen
Tamara did a full curtsey. Princess Serenity nodded her head at
them in recognition, and they stepped aside to allow their
daughter to come forward. "Hello there," Princess Serenity said
kindly. The girl silently curtseyed and kept the same far-off,
mysterious expression on her face as Serenity remember her
mother, Tamara, always having on her face at the balls and
celebrations. "What is your name?" she asked softly.
"I am Princess Trista," she said calmly.
"Ah, and how old are you?"
"Seven and a half," she answered politely, but her
expression remained far-off.
Serenity nodded and smiled kindly as they passed.
"Nice to see you again Princess," Tritan said kindly.
"Likewise," she agreed.
The next to arrive were King Andrew and Queen Alyssa of
Mercury. Serenity quickly noted that King Andrew still had
short, dark blond hair and dark, hard blue eyes. Queen Alyssa,
the former princess of Neptune, had long straight blue hair
that was a strange combination of light and dark tints. It went
to her knees almost and was choppy at the ends, and it
accompanied her blue eyes. Just as they were curtseying and
bowing to her, she nodded her head and noticed the entrance of
King Lester and Queen Lily of Jupiter. She noted that Lily and
Alyssa appeared close in age, both being younger than her even
it seemed. Queen Lily, the former younger princess of Saturn,
had the same soft green eyes and long, wavy light brown hair
that went down to her hips. King Lester had his usual short
buzz cut brown hair and flinty black eyes. Queen Alyssa was
still very friendly. "How are you doing Princess?" she asked
when the formalities were over. King Andrew's eyes flashed as
he obviously did not like her asking the question. He seemed
eager to get into the dining room, so she kept her answer
short. "I am all right," she lied, smiling at Alyssa.
"Did you get someone to watch Princess Lita as well?"
Queen Alyssa asked Queen Lily. Queen Lily was still as lost in
her own world as ever, and King Lester responded for her in
the affirmative.
Queen Alyssa nodded. "Yes, we got someone to watch
Princess Amy as well. She is our 10 month year old daughter,"
she explained to Princess Serenity. "Oh, and Lita is their 7
month year old daughter," she offered when she noticed that
King Lester and Queen Lily were not going to offer that
information.
"Come on," King Andrew said authoritatively, pulling
his wife into the dining room. King Lester and Queen Lily
joined them. Serenity sighed, having a feeling Queen Alyssa
would end up as dominated and crushed as her own mother,
Queen Selenity.
The next to enter were King Matthew and Queen Melody
of Neptune. They also had a young daughter with them. King
Matthew still had his wavy brown hair that stopped just above
the top of his ears and dark green eyes. Queen Melody, the
former princess of Mercury, still had her beautiful turquoise
hair that went past her shoulder blades and those deep blue
eyes. The young girl standing beside her mother seemed very
refined for such a young age and possessed the most
enchanting short, wavy, sea blue hair and sea blue eyes. The
King and Queen bowed and curtseyed as Serenity nodded her
head, and the young girl came forward and curtseyed at just
the right moment which obviously pleased her parents as
Serenity nodded back respectfully.
"This is our daughter, Princess Michelle."
"Ah, I see. I am Princess Serenity."
"I know," she answered simply.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"Three," the girl responded.
Serenity smiled and nodded at them once more as they
went past her to the dining room. It was not much later when
Serenity sighed in relief to see King Michael and Queen Miriam
of Venus enter the entrance area. Serenity felt a cold flash
of confusion when she saw Miriam's expressionless face. She
did not like the way she and Michael quickly looked at each
other either. King Michael with his dark blond hair with
choppy ends and sparkling green eyes stepped forward and
bowed. She nodded. Queen Miriam still had her shiny, straight,
and full blond hair to her ankles, and she still possessed
soft, baby blue eyes. However, they did not possess the same
wisdom anymore. They appeared much more dull and lifeless.
Serenity nodded at Miriam, trying to hide the fear in her eyes
from her dearest friend. Michael looked to the dining area.
Serenity looked at Miriam, her eyebrows furrowed in concern
and confusion. Miriam looked to the dining area too but looked
back at Serenity and sighed. "How are you?" she finally asked
softly.
"Can we talk later?" Serenity asked.
"Of course," Miriam nodded.
Serenity sighed in relief. "I am fine," she
mechanically answered.
Miriam nodded and an uncomfortable silence ensued.
Michael broke it. "We have an 8 ½ month year old baby
daughter. Her name is Mina,"he said.
Serenity smiled briefly. "That is wonderful."
"We think so," Miriam answered.
"Well until later," Serenity said, wanting her to go
on because their communication was obviously off. She could not
read Miriam nearly so well, and she did not feel the same
connection with her. There was a terrible distance that made
Serenity cold and made her heart ache.
The next to come were King Damion and Queen Darla of
Earth. A young boy with short black hair and dark black eyes
followed behind them stubbornly. They each bowed and curtseyed
as Serenity nodded. The boy stepped forward and said "I am
Prince Darien," and bowed to her. She nodded, noting the pouty
expression on his face, and his angry voice.
"Can you not just be respectful," King Damion sighed
in exasperation. He looked at his son with hard, frustrated
eyes.
Prince Darien nodded reluctantly and ran into the
dining room area. As he flashed by, Serenity felt an
overwhelming sense of déjà vu. *Have I seen him before?* she
wondered. "I apologize for that," King Damion said in a cold
tone. Serenity nodded.
Queen Darla kept her eyes averted from Serenity as they
entered the dining area. Serenity saw the feeling of guilt on
her face. *Why does she feel guilty? Is it possible she turned
me in and caused me to be back here?* she wondered, hurt deeply
by the thought. As she was contemplating this possibility,
realizing she could not sadly think of any other explanation
for how her mother found her after all this time, King Alan and
Queen Anita of Uranus entered with a young girl. King Alan has
his buzz-cut blond hair and light green eyes with a hint of
black. Queen Anita, the former princess of Titanium, still had
her blond hair that curled up just below her chin and her wise
turquoise eyes. *Appearances can be deceiving,* Serenity
thought, remembering how unwise and self-absorbed she had
been as a princess. This time was no different. After the
bowing and curtseying and nodding, she went into a speech about
how wonderful it was to see her after that lowly, despicable
town boy had kidnapped her and what an awful experience that
must have been. She explained all about how wonderful her life
has been with Alan. When Princess Serenity asked about their
daughter, Anita appeared surprised. "Oh yes, that is right,"
she said. Briefly turning around to see her daughter who turned
away, her daughter's face flushed with anger. "She is probably
still upset with me. She was angry with me earlier for making
her wear a dress. She is so disobedient," Anita whispered to
Serenity. Serenity closed her mouth and nodded, feeling bad for
the girl stuck with Anita for a mother.
"How old is she?"
"Three," King Alan answered. "Come forward Princess
Amara," he said to his daughter. She came forward reluctantly,
looked at Serenity coldly as she curtseyed. Serenity smiled
kindly, and Amara responded with a small smile back losing some
of that cold look to her eyes. Her mother spoke however, saying
they should go to the dining area and speak with everyone else.
Alan sighed, and the cold look returned to Amara's face.
Serenity sighed sadly. All these children oppressed, hurt, and
misunderstood. She hated it. She knew how it felt, and she
wished she could sweep them up in her arms and give them a
healthy, caring environment away from the pressure and demands
that no child should feel.
Then a realization hit her. That boy Prince Darien
looked quite a lot like that child on Earth that had seen them
in the park twice and been so interested in Serena. She smiled.
*I guess it could not have been him. He was too young to be that
far from the palace,* she reasoned with herself. She still found
the similarities strange though.
Serenity took a deep breath, and she reluctantly entered
the dining area to take her seat at the other end of the table
with her fiancé, Raymond, at the head of the table of course.
She smiled at him as she sat down, innerwardly disgusted at his
position at the head. *He will never dominate me,* she promised
herself. She knew marriage was about mutual caring and respect,
not domination and submissiveness. She smiled to herself,
knowing that if nothing else, she always had that inner
knowledge and conviction. She kept trying to catch Miriam's
eyes, but Miriam was busy chatting with everyone else. Serenity
felt confused and cold and alone again, and she hated the
feeling. The combination of Wesley being gone, Serena being with
someone else, and Miriam's new attitude left this giant hole and
feeling of emptiness in Serenity.
After the dinner, Serenity noted all the groups
congregating to have their conversations before going to rest
for the night. King Alan and Queen Anita were talking with King
Andrew and Queen Alyssa as well as King Damion and Queen Darla.
King Henry and Queen Helen were speaking with King Tritan and
Queen Tamara as well as King Matthew and Queen Melody. Neither
the parents of Princess Amara, nor the parents of Princess
Michelle seemed to notice the two girls were not standing by
their parents. They were sitting off on their own, but the
strange part was that they did not seem to be playing any kind
of game or doing anything really at all, and they were not
speaking to one another either. They just sat silently on the
floor, holding each other's hands. Each in their own little
world, yet somehow connected to each other's worlds. It was
like they were alone yet together. *They are a paradox,*
Serenity thought, confused as to how two three year olds could
interact this way. She shook it off and turned to see King
Michael and Queen Miriam speaking with King Lester and Queen
Lily and Queen Raven. Serenity gasped at this. Miriam was
actually speaking kindly to Raven and without any hesitation or
disgust showing. Well of course she would not show it, but
Serenity could usually read her very well. She could not even
read it. *This does not seem good,* she thought sadly.
As she was getting into bed after checking on Serena
briefly, there was a short rap on the door. Serenity went to
the door and opened it slowly, not sure who to expect. Miriam
was standing there alone. "You wanted to talk," she asked
shortly.
Serenity nodded slowly and stepped aside as Miriam
entered. *Why is she acting like this?* Serenity wondered
sadly. "Thank you for coming," Serenity said, after a long
silence.
Miriam nodded. "Sure, what is it?"
"Why are you acting like this?" Serenity burst out.
Miriam looked taken aback for a moment before
regaining her composure.
"There, that," Serenity said. "You do not need to be
so composed around me. You can be yourself Miriam. Where is
the Miriam I know?"
"She is gone Serenity," Miriam said in a matter of
fact tone of voice.
Serenity sat down. Her breathing becoming faster and
her anxiety level rising. "I...I do not understand...where...
where is she?" she asked anxiously, her voice cracking from
the strain of the sadness.
Miriam remained standing, composed as ever. Her eyes
remained dull and lifeless. "Serenity, you never got in contact
with me."
"Did you not get my note? Did Lune not explain what
happened to you?"
"I did and...she did, but that was not a whole lot to
go on for four years Serenity. Four long years."
"Oh Miriam," Serenity sobbed and stood up to hug her.
Miriam reluctantly hugged her back. "I know. I missed you so
much too. My heart ached for you. The first year was the
hardest. I will admit I got comfortable, safe, secure, and
happy down there, but there was always a big part of my life
missing without you."
Miriam nodded. "I understand. I know you missed me,
but I suppose I just felt that in all that time if you really
really wanted to get in contact with me you would have found
a way."
"I know, but we could not think of a way. I was
trying to get settled, and oh Miriam I got so depressed for so
long. The first year was so hard, but Wesley did not want me
to stay that way. He was that way too without his parents. We
had to get through that, find a way to be happy in our lives.
We did, but of course I always kept an eye out for a way to
contact you. Of course I often thought of you and always
missed you. You know you were always in my heart and soul."
Miriam nodded. "As you were always in mine Serenity."
"What happened to you Miriam?" Serenity asked, her
eyes filling with tears as she held her close. Miriam seemed
uncomfortable with that though so Serenity backed off.
"Miriam?" she asked sadly.
"People change Serenity. It has been a long four
years. I am no longer the Miriam you knew."
"I am no longer the Serenity you knew, but our
friendship does not leave. Our closeness never left because of
that."
Miriam looked away. "This time it did. The separation
was too hard for me Serenity."
"You were always the stronger one," Serenity cried.
"I do not think either one of us realized how much of
my strength came from you. At least I know I did not realize
until after you had been gone."
Serenity shook her head, sobbing in anguish. "There
were other times we were apart for so long, and there were
eight years before we had met where you were still strong and
independent and full of life without me," she said
desperately.
"I was at a different point in my life then Serenity."
Serenity's anguished sobs filled the room as she fell
to the floor. Miriam's dull eyes softened though they remained
dull. Her eyes got watery as she sat down beside Serenity and
reached her hand out. Serenity took it, and Miriam held her
just like before. *But things are no longer just like before,*
Serenity realized sadly. *Not at all.*
"Serenity...I had to become a different person. I
still hate these fake people, but I wanted to be a different
kind of ruler who would change things in her kingdom. To do so
I still had to fit in with this world too."
"I know, but it seems so much more genuine this time
than when we pretended as children," Serenity said, sniffling.
Miriam nodded. "Unfortunately I think it is Serenity.
You live in this world of royals for this long and you become
more a part of it inside each time, but that sacrifice must be
made if changes are to gradually be made."
Serenity shook her head. "No, you can pretend to be
like them without becoming them. You believed in that with all
your heart. Be the fighter you were before Miriam. Be her,"
Serenity screamed.
"Serenity shush. It is all right. I am a fighter
still, but in a different way. I did not mean that I become
them. I do not agree with them or understand them Serenity. I
am trying to make changes, so how could I agree with them? I
do not become them, but I do become more a part of their
world."
"Well...stop," Serenity said strongly.
"I observe good changes in you Serenity," Miriam said
wisely.
What do you mean?" Serenity asked.
"You are more outspoken, stronger in your convictions
and beliefs. I admire that in you. I like the person you have
become."
Serenity hugged her in appreciation. "I...I wish I
could say the same back to you," she said hesitantly.
"It is all right. I did not expect you to say the
same back," Miriam said. "I am not sure I like the person
whom I am now either."
"Then change back Miriam."
"It does not work that way Serenity. I have been
forever changed. Things happen in four years."
"I know they do Miriam...I know, but why like this?"
"I am not sure. As I said to fight them from the
inside I did have to become more a part of their world and
that went against everything inside of me. I think doing it
killed a part of me, but it was essential to do that to ensure
change for the future. Really though, more than anything, I
think I died the day you left Serenity. Michael is and will
always be my soul mate, but you are my soul sister, and that
is just as important to a person's life."
"Miriam you have never been that attached to anyone.
Not even me. You were strong and independent. Yes I know you
must have missed me terribly as I missed you, but you know how
to make it and find happiness on your own."
"I do Serenity, but you were gone so long, and I had
to become such a part of their world. Somewhere in there I
lost myself, and maybe if you had been here to stop me from
going that far inside I would not have. Alas things did not
go that way."
"Oh Miriam, I am sorry."
"No need to be Serenity. You went where you were
meant to go with the person you were meant to be with. I am
sorry we lost each other in the process though."
"If only my parents had not forced the whole thing to
happen so much sooner," Serenity said regretfully.
"If only," Miriam said vaguely, trailing off and lost
in her own thoughts.
"Miriam I need you for something," Serenity said after
a few moments.
Miriam looked at her. "What is it Serenity?"
"Queen Selenity wanted to take my one year old
daughter, Serena, from me."
Miriam gasped. "That is horrible Serenity."
"Will you help me? I asked Maria to look after her for
awhile until I could find a way to contact Lune. I am sure
Lune would look after her right? I do not feel she is safe
with me right now as my magic has been taken away, and Queen
Selenity does not approve of her. For now I want to play along
with the Queen until I can escape with Serena and find and
free Wesley. I need you to help me with a plan to do all of
that. To give me and Wesley back our life together. Even if it
is not the same, and I am sure it will not be. We can come up
with an escape plan together, just like when we were younger,"
Serenity said in nostalgia.
Miriam looked down silently.
"What is it?" Serenity asked quietly, fear growing in
her heart.
"Serenity...things...things are different now," she
said.
"What are you saying?" Serenity asked, upset.
"I am saying that I cannot make plans like that with
you. As I told you my life is now to be a part of their world.
I am against it but not openly like that anymore. Besides that
I do have a daughter now to take care of and look after and
raise. I cannot be part of these plans anymore."
"Miriam, if you have a daughter you will understand
what keeping her safe means to me," Serenity said in
desperation.
"Of course. I understand completely. I would help you
with that part. I will try actually, but you are going to have
to find someone else to look after her."
"You do not think Lune will do it?"
Miriam's eyes filled with tears.
"Lune...Lune is...dead Serenity."
There was a long silence. Serenity's eyes got wide,
and she shook her head. "No...no...no...that is not possible,"
she repeated anxiously.
"I am sorry Serenity," Miriam said sadly, holding her
close again. "I wish she was not gone. I wish it so much."
"When?" Serenity choked out.
"Three years ago...almost a year after you left,"
Miriam said quietly.
Serenity looked at Miriam. "Please Miriam. Help me
find Wesley, and let us be a family again. Please do not leave
me to do this all alone."
Miriam looked away sadly. "All right Serenity. I will
try to help, but I honestly do not know what to do. I will not
go against any royalty or any laws in public. Only in this
room and in secret can I help you. I do not think there is
anything we can do Serenity, but for you I will try."
Serenity nodded. "I understand."
Miriam hugged her once more and left quietly.
Serenity stared at the ceiling that night. The hole of
emptiness inside her growing much bigger. The loss of Lune was
tearing her apart. It was so long ago when Lune had died, but
she had never known. Some friend she had been to Lune and
Miriam never contacting them all that time, never finding a
way. She should have tried harder. Now Lune was gone, and she
never even got to say goodbye. She was not sure if she felt a
larger loss from the loss of Lune's life or the loss of
Miriam. *Miriam's body may still be here,* Serenity thought,
*but Miriam was permanently changed. Not a normal life change.
Something inside of her had permanently changed her. Most of
the important parts of her personality were still there, but
her core, her inner strength, and her life have been drained
out of her it seems.* Serenity turned over in the bed,
uncomfortable. She looked out the large window at the planet
Earth, placed alone in the view from her window, and she
sighed sadly.
To Be Continued...