Title: True to Yourself
Author- Starr Ryder
Rating- PG-PG-13
**This chapter is PG.**
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, and I maybe never will,
but some of these characters and the storyline are mine so
please don't touch.
I fiddled with the curls in my hair and placed the other hand over my now, very reaveling bosom. Raye faced me towards the full mirror and I was forced to look. I stared in wonder. The dress was a beautifully made low cut pink flannel gown which cresended down to my feet. My hair was a wonder also,the hairdresser had braided a crown on my head and had all the rest of my abundant hair curled and layed down across my back. They also had applied eye coloring and a little pink rouge. According to the mirror, I was a beautifully made lady. Inside I felt just as good. This I knew, was the woman I was made out to be. Not Serena the Slave, or Serena the Servant, but Serena the Lady. I couldn't help but smile as I looked into the mirror again.
"Wow you look really nice." Raye said smiling. I reached over and hugged her tightly with tears trying to push themselves out of my eyes. "What was that for?" She asked after I pulled away.
"For everything..." I looked back to the mirror and gestured towards it. "For this..."
"Aww.. Thats what friends are for." She wiped at me eyes. "Don't cry. Your gonna mess up your eye color." We both laughed as I wiped my now damp eyes.
"Gosh, now my eyes are all red."
"No there not, there fine come on let's get downstairs." She
grabbed my hand and we walked out of her room together. It was then that I noticed how well she looked also. She had the nicest red ballgown on. The sleeves fell off her sholders and her long black hair was topped with a golden diamond crown. I followed her as we got to the two great doors that I figured led to the ballroom.
"You ready?" She asked me kindly. I just nodded unable to speak for all the butterflies in my stomach stopped any form of communication. "Remember, if someone asks you your name just make one up. We can't afford you getting caught." She winked. "After all I can't lose the first friend I've ever had, now can I?" She smiled and I smiled back as the great black doors opened.
The ballroom was even nicer then I expected. It was a huge room,
bigger then proably the whole marketplace. Each window which had to be
at least 20 feet tall was covered with maroon drapes and golden holders.
At the end of the hall there were 2 staircases. They were connected and
then cresended down, each on a different side. The ceiling was higher then even the tallest giant to reach. It held 4 shimmering shandaliers that each were bigger then even Moonlight. There was 1 long dinning tables which held pounds of food and then many others for dining. Back by the staircases there were 4 thrones. 2 in the middle and 2 smaller ones at each side of the bigger. Two of those were already occupied by who I assumed to be the King and Queen. On the right side there was a stage and the band was starting to tune up. I was still looking around at the many people in the room when Raye grabbed my hand.
"Oh, there's Mother and Father! Come! You must meet them!" She
started to pull me towards them when I stopped her and faced her to me.
"I can't meet them! I'm just a servant girl and..." I blubbered.
Raye just made a face.
"Not tonight your not! Tonight your as worthy of talking to them as anyone in this room. Now come on!" She countinued to pull me through the rest of the room. I didn't even struggle. I was starting to feel sick in the stomach. I remembered Lita's warning and felt more quiesy. My worries only rose when I was infront of King Harold and Queen Rebecca. The King had coal-black hair unlike his daughters and a round cheery face I'd only seen from far away. He had a long royal robe in the color of red. The Queen had light blonde hair unlike Raye and The King she had a slim skinny face. She had a long midnight blue gown and a light blue shall. Her green eyes sparkled as we came closer.
"Raye darling!" The Queens voice was light and dainty. It reminded me much of Beth's.
"Hello Mother." She hugged her mother briefly.
"Why who is your friend, my daughter?" The Queen asked after they
parted and I had begun to feel quite awquered.
"Mother, Father, this is my friend...ah..."
"Lady Serenity." I said as I curtised. It was the first name in my head.
"Yes, my friend Lady Serenity." Raye repeated.
"Well it's very nice to meet you, Lady Serenity." The King replied. He had a much musical voice. He smiled at me.
"The pleasure is all mine." I smiled back at him.
"Dearest," The Queen said to Raye. "Could you please go find your
brother? This ball is for him after all and he is not even in sight!"
"Alright,Mother." Raye took my hand. "Come along Serenity." We
laughed at the empizated name. I could tell we left the monaches in udder confusion. "See that wasn't so bad huh?" She said as soon as we were away and stopped laughing.
"Oh yeah we were real classy. You didn't even know my name!" I said laughing again.
"Yeah well, thats alright." She said making a face. "Now to find that brother of mine." She quickly scanned the room and stopped soon after. "Ah-ha!" She said walking over to one of the dinning tables. This one seemed to be swarmed with a bunch of woman. They were surrounding one man that wasn't in my clear view of vison. Raye pushed through all the woman and got some not so warming comments from them. It was then that I saw him. He was talking to a tall green eyed flirt who was flaunting herself more then even my own dress could flaunt me. He had black hair much like his fathers. It seemed so touchable and perfect. It wasn't until he turned to face Raye that I saw his eys. They were the unique color of sapphire blue. He's face was a most perfect shape and I had to keep my head down so I wouldn't stare.
"We'll dear Darien, you've found some more admires?" Raye asked
eyebrows raised.
"Not more, all the same. They've just found more area's to flaunt and more places to put make-up." Even his voice was perfect! Wait a second what am I talking about? I'm a mere servant girl and he's prince for heaven's sakes! And plus, I'm Serena, the girl who doesn't fall in love or get schoolboy crushes!
All this while my eyes were still fixed on the floor below me and I didn't notice him come next to me.
"Is there something of intrest on the floor that I'm not aware of?" I looked up only to realize his face was only inches from mine. My heart started drumming a beat of it's own while my knees began to quivere.
"No...No... Not at all." I found my voice with difficulty. Then he did something so cruel that I wanted to hit him, for all he was a prince. He smiled.
"Good then." He laughed. His laugh chimed through my head. Then Raye, my now savior, stepped in.
"Darien this is my friend, Lady Serenity, Serenity this is my brother Darien." She said smiling wickedly for some reason.
I curtised. "A pleasure to meet you, your highness."
He bowed. "Pleasures all mine."
Just then the orchestra started to play a slow waltz. Many couples went onto the dance floor. A young knight came up and tapped Raye on the shoulder.
"Your highness, will you do me the pleasure of a dance?" He offered her his hand. I was afraid she would leave me here and make me stand around like a mindless idiot.
"Yes, sure. Just one moment please?" She turned towards Darien and me. "Darien could you please dance with Serenity? She's new and I don't want to leave her standing alone."
"No it's alright. Really." I said quickly.
"It's alright, I'll do it." He said. At that point he seemed kind of self-concered to me. Talking as if I were a challage to be forfilled.
"No, really, I don't even dance that well." I said glaring at Raye.
"Don't worry! Just follow Darien's lead he's a great dancer. Go on!" She then took the knights arm and they extended onto the dance floor.
"So what do you say?" He asked extending his hand to me.
"Ummm... Alright. But I really am a horrid dancer."
"Don't worry, just follow my lead." He led me out onto the dance
floor and then put his hand around my waist and the other connected with my hand. As soon as his hand touched mind I felt a comforting shock. It fit perfectly as though meant for it, almost as a glove. It was then I realized how tall the prince actually was. He was at least a half a foot taller then my 5'7. I just continued to stare at my feet while trying to get the hang of the dance. He was a wonderful dancer. He somehow made it a whole lot easier then it really was.
"So your not from around here I would think." I lifted my head a bit when he said this.
"Ahhh... No, not from here. I'm visiting my aunt and cousins." I
lied.
"Oh. Where is it your from?"
"Ummmm... Much...Much farther then you've ever travelled I'm sure."
"I've travelled many places. I'll give it a shot."
"Ummm... Beth." I practically hit myself at the answer. Beth? Beth wasn't a city! Never-the-less a town!
"Your right, never heard of it." He whispered into my ear. I couldn't help but smile. He believed me! This blockhead believed me! My Gods! He must be like one of those beautiful on the outside, but completely empty on the inside people.But my happy thoughts weren't enough to stop my heart from beating 20 times faster when he did so.
"Yes, Beth's far up north, past the Ridge Mountains." I said happy with my made up town.
"Really?" He looked at my suspiciously. "I visited all city's in
that area and I don't recall one being named Beth. Was it newly found?"
Shit. I had to go on didn't I? I couldn't just leave it at that!
"Well then you must have missed this particular city, your highness. Beth is a very small city and is very easy to miss."
"Oh well then I must have just over looked it." He repiled after a long pause.
TWICE THE FOOL! I can't believe I just fooled a prince twice! I had no idea what his face looked like at this point because I was still staring at the floor but I could almost bet it was one of confusion.
As the dance required he twired me out and then back in closer then before. I wasn't aware of this part of the dance until it was too late. I tripped over myself and almost fell flat on my face, hadn't Darien been there to stop my fall. I could feel my face turn a deep red.
"Well, you weren't kidding about not knowing how to dance now were you?" He laughed. Not only was he a dumb-block but he was arrogant to! Here I was, ready to run out of teh room in embarassment and he had the spite to mock me at it.
"I told you I was horrid at it." I said coldly. I knew he noticed the tone of voice I used. I was much relived when, soon after that the dance ended, and after a quick curtisy I parted from Darien.
"Beth? Who the hell wold live in a place named Beth?" I laughed to myself as I was walking back to where Raye stood now.
"Lovely dancing." She said smiling. I made a face.
"But wasn't it?" I asked sacasically. "Your brother is a wonderful dancer, but not much in the noggin, huh?"
"What makes you think so." She asked curiously.
"I told him I lived in Beth."
"In where?"
"Exactly."
"And he believed you?!" She said laughing nd holding the table to
hold her steady.
"That he did." I said laughing equally as hard.
"What's so funny?" A voice spoke from behind me. I turned around and faced Darien. It only made me laugh harder and I turned to see Raye
laughing even harder then me. I just stayed bent over laughing but Raye
somehow regained her voice back.
"Just a little joke..." Laugher."Serenity told me."giggling. "One she heard in..." More laughing. "In Beth." At these last word she started laughing hysterically and my laughter only increased.
"Alright..." That was all he manged to say. After all what could he say to two laughing girls who obviously couldn't do anything but laugh. He causally turned around and walked away then. I was able to control my laughter after that, and it eventually subsided.
For most of the ball we stood there and talked. We each rejected
dozens of invitations to dance, Raye, so she could stay with me, and Me
becuase I didn't want to trip over myself again. Time went by so quickly and I didn't realize how late it was getting.I yawned.
"Goddess, I'm tired!" I said yawning again. I wonder what time it
is? As almost on signal the grand clock started to chim. 11 chimes. 11 o'clock, Already! I'd be in so much trouble, and I knew it. I tried to
act as calm as I could. "Maybe I should be going. I don't want to get in too much trouble." I said causally.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble." Raye said nodding. "Come back up to my chambers and change." She motioned me to the door and we quietly walked back to her bed-chambers. I quickly changed into my blue dress once again. I looked at the pink gown. I mourned the loss of such a fine dress, which had been mine for a few short hours. I walked out from behind the changing-screen and went to hand the dress and shoes to Raye. She just shook her head. For a second I thought I had ruined them, for why else would she be shaking her head, but I soon realized that wasn't the reason.
"You keep it." I just stood there, trying to comprehend the words she just said. I could keep it! Oh Goddess! Wow. Never had I ever had such a luxuary in my life, at least not before my father died! Then I realized I coudn't keep it. This was too generious. And what would a servant girl do with a grand dress like this? It would waste away in my closet. Although I would love the idea of just calling it my own.
"Oh thank you your highness, but I can't. You've been more then kind as to inviting me here and dressing me up and all. I couldn't take it, I just couldn't." I so wanted to just take it, but my dignity would never let me.
"What are you talking about? You must take it. I mean Serena, it's practically made for you! I could never wear it anyway! So go on. Please." She smiled and I slowly looked down at it. I placed it on the bed where she had been sitting and gave her a huge hug.
"Thank you so much. You have no idea what you have done for me
tonight." She just smiled wider.
"No, you have no idea what you did for me. I've never met anyone like you. I'm very happy were friends."
"Me too." I said smiling and wiping at my eyes. She just smiled back. "I'm gonna miss having a friend like you." I said giving her yet another hug.
"What are you talking about?" She pulled away quickly.
"Well, it's not like I'll be seeing you, I mean, I couldn't risk
coming here again and I couldn't ask you to come to the city again." I
shrugged. Raye bit her bottom lip in thought.
"Wait a second, is there anyone I'd be able to give a message to, for you to recieve?" She said slowly. I thought for a second.
"Ummm... I don't thi... Oh wait! There is! You can talk to Lita! I see her in town all the time! Just give it to her." I smiled thinking of spending a day with Raye again. I rather enjoyed her company and would really like to see her again.
"Alright." She smiled back. "You better be going now. See you soon!"
"Bye!" I whispered exiting the door.
A few moments later I was out of the palace and stepping inside the carriage, heading back to what seemed like a deathcall compared to the night I just had. We soon pulled up to the back of Springstone Manor. I carefully exited the carriage door and entered the back door as quietly as I could. I carefully crept up the stairs and into the servants wing. I opened my door and closed it quietly.
I placed the bag which contained the dress and shoes at the side of the door and smiled a little remembering my time. As I quickly prepared for bed I tried to recalled the nights happenings, but all I could think of was Darien. I just remembered him smiling at me and holding me close after I fell while dancing, I remembered him being so confused when Raye and I were laughing at him. I couldn't seem to remember anything else, and I wasn't sure why. Whatever was blocking my meomory was annyoing me. It didn't matter now though. I wouldn't see him again. At that thought for some reason I felt my heart weigh down a bit. What was I doing? Or more likely what was my body doing? Obviously more things I didn't want it to do. I didn't want to think about it anymore. I lazily got into bed and pulled the blankets over my head and fell asleep soon after my head touched the pillow.
The morning was dull and gray. I could see through my window it had started to drizzle. It didn't matter much to me though. I was still in a great mood. I carefully got dressed in another one of my taddered dresses and left my room. I nearly skipped down the hallways and down the stairs. When I got down to the dining hall my step-family were already eating.
"Good Morning dear family!" I said cheerfully. Dear family? Where did that come from? I looked around at the stunned faces of my step family and the smiling face of Beth. I grabbed an apple and some milk from cook before skipping out to the stables. I opened the door loudly, and walked up to Moonlights stall.
"Hey girl! Miss me?" I pet her absently and fed her the apple.
"I'm sure she did, considerign you didn't come back until 11:30
last night." Beth said from behind me. I hadn't even heard her come in.
I giggled. "So how was it?"
"Oh Beth it was just the best!" I entered the stall and started to feed Luna her milk when still talking."You should have seen it! Everyone was dressed so nice... I was dressed so nice..."
"I can see." She said touching the perfect curls still intaced in my hair. I fingered it. I completly forgot to take it out. My step family must have been stunned this morning when I came down.
"Oh right, I forgot. But, you must see the dress! Could you believe that the princess let me keep it! The room was so big. Bigger then practically all of Springstone.The Princess was so nice! The King and Queen were just as nice! I can't even believe I met them! And the prince..."
"How was he?" Beth raised her eyebrows. I sighed.
"Well, it'd be an under-statment to say he was the most handsome
man I've ever seen." Beth laughed at this. "But he was an awful blockhead." I shook my head. Beth laughed harder at this.
"How so?" She asked still laughing.
"Well when we danced..."
"You danced?"
"Well, yes but, when we were dancing he asked me where I lived and I told him Beth..." Beth snorted.
"You told him what?"
"I told him I lived in Beth!" I laughed along with her.
"And what did he say?"
"He said he'd never heard of it."
"How very causal." She smiled. "Well I suppose that doesn't make him too bright but then again, how was he suppose to tell you otherwise?"
"Well I guess so, I mean it would sound awfully weird if he told me I didn't live in a real place." Beth took over feeding Luna.
"Maybe not such a blockhead after all?" She asked eyeing me.
"No still a blockhead." I said after a pause.I took the safest answer I could. Then the milk was gone, and I put Luna back into her bed. Beth and I walked back up to Springstone.
Susan and Beryl were still eating when we got back into the dining hall.
"Child don't you have some place to be?" Susan shot at me. "Some
cleaning that has been untended?"
"Yes ma'am." I said my head drooping down but my smile still held.
"What are you just standing there for servant?" Beryl said coldly
flicking her blood red hair out of her face. "Go make yourself useful
somewhere. Your presence is hurting my head." How me being in the room
had any affect on Beryl's headaches were a mystery to me, but in any case I started to walk back to the staircase.
"Considering you forgot to pick up the grocieries yesterday, you will go back to the market today and pick up twice as much." Susan said almost as if she thought it was a punishment. All I could do was smile and I ran up to get started with my chores.
The day went by rather quickly. I finished my chores in record time. I couldn't wait to get down to the market. The rain had stopped before I had left, so I didn't have to worry about that. I put on another one of my nice dresses before I left just in case. It was a long walk to the market, but it didn't seem to take too long today. As I entered the marketplace I carefully walked up to the first fruitcart.
"Morning Lady," The woman behind the stand said. Her aqua wavy hair was tied back today and her white dress was shining in the new sunlight.
"Morning Michelle!" I said happily picking out the ripe peaches.
"My are we in a good mood this morning." She said curiously.
"Well why shouldn't we be?" I said taking a last apple and moving on to the fish cart. But what I saw there wasn't just fish but one thing I had least expected... Prince Darien.
"Lady Serenity, good morning." He said rather suprised, as I took a package of fish from the cartman. "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm picking up a few greocies," I said looking up at him. I started to walk away and he followed.
"Don't you have servants to do that though?" He asked curiously.
"Unlike some selfish people," I said looking up at him. "I don't
fully depend on my servants." I walked over to the meat cart and started looking for some fresh meat. Suprising enough, he still followed.
"Are you calling me selfish?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Did it seem like I was?"
"I'm not sure."
"Well then you'll never know I guess." I paid for the meat and
continued walking through the town square. Still he followed me. I swiftly turned around to face him.
"How is it, you may court and tumble any woman in this court, and yet you choose to stalk the one who has no sort of liking for you?" I asked raising my eyebrows. He just stared and smiled. I assumed he had no idea anyone could say something like that to him. I wasn't completley lying for I didn't like the blockhead, but I somewhat enjoyed this little game we were playing.
"I think of it as a challange." He replied after.
"Well, I refuse to be a challange for a stuck up snobbish prince." I said turning away again and walking towards the vegatable cart.
"You forget who your talking to? Remember I'm the prince! I could punish you dearly!." He said more as a joke then a threat.
"I'm awfully sorry, but prince or not, my tongue stops for no one." I smiled. "Actually I'm told it's one of my many charms, but it's not like you'd care in the least." I said putting some carrots in my bag.
"I wouldn't argue that in the least." He said looking down to me. I stared at him and couldn't help but smile.
"Did you just compliment me?"
"Did it sound like I did?" He asked with a mocking smile.
"I'm not sure that's why I'm asking." I said matching the grin.
"Well then I guess you'll never know." He whispered into my ear. He then turned around and heading back down the square. I had no idea why but he didn't seem like such a blockhead right about then. I smiled to myself and quickly paid for the vegatables and started heading back to Springstone Manor.
Hey mina-chan!!! I hope you liked this chapter. A quick thanks to
all the reviewers and people who emailed me! And another thank you to
Lily, my editor and Beth-chan!!!! Read her stories because there the
best! Send questions/suggestions/comments ect. to starrryder@email.com.
-Starr-
Author- Starr Ryder
Rating- PG-PG-13
**This chapter is PG.**
Disclaimer: I don't own Sailor Moon, and I maybe never will,
but some of these characters and the storyline are mine so
please don't touch.
I fiddled with the curls in my hair and placed the other hand over my now, very reaveling bosom. Raye faced me towards the full mirror and I was forced to look. I stared in wonder. The dress was a beautifully made low cut pink flannel gown which cresended down to my feet. My hair was a wonder also,the hairdresser had braided a crown on my head and had all the rest of my abundant hair curled and layed down across my back. They also had applied eye coloring and a little pink rouge. According to the mirror, I was a beautifully made lady. Inside I felt just as good. This I knew, was the woman I was made out to be. Not Serena the Slave, or Serena the Servant, but Serena the Lady. I couldn't help but smile as I looked into the mirror again.
"Wow you look really nice." Raye said smiling. I reached over and hugged her tightly with tears trying to push themselves out of my eyes. "What was that for?" She asked after I pulled away.
"For everything..." I looked back to the mirror and gestured towards it. "For this..."
"Aww.. Thats what friends are for." She wiped at me eyes. "Don't cry. Your gonna mess up your eye color." We both laughed as I wiped my now damp eyes.
"Gosh, now my eyes are all red."
"No there not, there fine come on let's get downstairs." She
grabbed my hand and we walked out of her room together. It was then that I noticed how well she looked also. She had the nicest red ballgown on. The sleeves fell off her sholders and her long black hair was topped with a golden diamond crown. I followed her as we got to the two great doors that I figured led to the ballroom.
"You ready?" She asked me kindly. I just nodded unable to speak for all the butterflies in my stomach stopped any form of communication. "Remember, if someone asks you your name just make one up. We can't afford you getting caught." She winked. "After all I can't lose the first friend I've ever had, now can I?" She smiled and I smiled back as the great black doors opened.
The ballroom was even nicer then I expected. It was a huge room,
bigger then proably the whole marketplace. Each window which had to be
at least 20 feet tall was covered with maroon drapes and golden holders.
At the end of the hall there were 2 staircases. They were connected and
then cresended down, each on a different side. The ceiling was higher then even the tallest giant to reach. It held 4 shimmering shandaliers that each were bigger then even Moonlight. There was 1 long dinning tables which held pounds of food and then many others for dining. Back by the staircases there were 4 thrones. 2 in the middle and 2 smaller ones at each side of the bigger. Two of those were already occupied by who I assumed to be the King and Queen. On the right side there was a stage and the band was starting to tune up. I was still looking around at the many people in the room when Raye grabbed my hand.
"Oh, there's Mother and Father! Come! You must meet them!" She
started to pull me towards them when I stopped her and faced her to me.
"I can't meet them! I'm just a servant girl and..." I blubbered.
Raye just made a face.
"Not tonight your not! Tonight your as worthy of talking to them as anyone in this room. Now come on!" She countinued to pull me through the rest of the room. I didn't even struggle. I was starting to feel sick in the stomach. I remembered Lita's warning and felt more quiesy. My worries only rose when I was infront of King Harold and Queen Rebecca. The King had coal-black hair unlike his daughters and a round cheery face I'd only seen from far away. He had a long royal robe in the color of red. The Queen had light blonde hair unlike Raye and The King she had a slim skinny face. She had a long midnight blue gown and a light blue shall. Her green eyes sparkled as we came closer.
"Raye darling!" The Queens voice was light and dainty. It reminded me much of Beth's.
"Hello Mother." She hugged her mother briefly.
"Why who is your friend, my daughter?" The Queen asked after they
parted and I had begun to feel quite awquered.
"Mother, Father, this is my friend...ah..."
"Lady Serenity." I said as I curtised. It was the first name in my head.
"Yes, my friend Lady Serenity." Raye repeated.
"Well it's very nice to meet you, Lady Serenity." The King replied. He had a much musical voice. He smiled at me.
"The pleasure is all mine." I smiled back at him.
"Dearest," The Queen said to Raye. "Could you please go find your
brother? This ball is for him after all and he is not even in sight!"
"Alright,Mother." Raye took my hand. "Come along Serenity." We
laughed at the empizated name. I could tell we left the monaches in udder confusion. "See that wasn't so bad huh?" She said as soon as we were away and stopped laughing.
"Oh yeah we were real classy. You didn't even know my name!" I said laughing again.
"Yeah well, thats alright." She said making a face. "Now to find that brother of mine." She quickly scanned the room and stopped soon after. "Ah-ha!" She said walking over to one of the dinning tables. This one seemed to be swarmed with a bunch of woman. They were surrounding one man that wasn't in my clear view of vison. Raye pushed through all the woman and got some not so warming comments from them. It was then that I saw him. He was talking to a tall green eyed flirt who was flaunting herself more then even my own dress could flaunt me. He had black hair much like his fathers. It seemed so touchable and perfect. It wasn't until he turned to face Raye that I saw his eys. They were the unique color of sapphire blue. He's face was a most perfect shape and I had to keep my head down so I wouldn't stare.
"We'll dear Darien, you've found some more admires?" Raye asked
eyebrows raised.
"Not more, all the same. They've just found more area's to flaunt and more places to put make-up." Even his voice was perfect! Wait a second what am I talking about? I'm a mere servant girl and he's prince for heaven's sakes! And plus, I'm Serena, the girl who doesn't fall in love or get schoolboy crushes!
All this while my eyes were still fixed on the floor below me and I didn't notice him come next to me.
"Is there something of intrest on the floor that I'm not aware of?" I looked up only to realize his face was only inches from mine. My heart started drumming a beat of it's own while my knees began to quivere.
"No...No... Not at all." I found my voice with difficulty. Then he did something so cruel that I wanted to hit him, for all he was a prince. He smiled.
"Good then." He laughed. His laugh chimed through my head. Then Raye, my now savior, stepped in.
"Darien this is my friend, Lady Serenity, Serenity this is my brother Darien." She said smiling wickedly for some reason.
I curtised. "A pleasure to meet you, your highness."
He bowed. "Pleasures all mine."
Just then the orchestra started to play a slow waltz. Many couples went onto the dance floor. A young knight came up and tapped Raye on the shoulder.
"Your highness, will you do me the pleasure of a dance?" He offered her his hand. I was afraid she would leave me here and make me stand around like a mindless idiot.
"Yes, sure. Just one moment please?" She turned towards Darien and me. "Darien could you please dance with Serenity? She's new and I don't want to leave her standing alone."
"No it's alright. Really." I said quickly.
"It's alright, I'll do it." He said. At that point he seemed kind of self-concered to me. Talking as if I were a challage to be forfilled.
"No, really, I don't even dance that well." I said glaring at Raye.
"Don't worry! Just follow Darien's lead he's a great dancer. Go on!" She then took the knights arm and they extended onto the dance floor.
"So what do you say?" He asked extending his hand to me.
"Ummm... Alright. But I really am a horrid dancer."
"Don't worry, just follow my lead." He led me out onto the dance
floor and then put his hand around my waist and the other connected with my hand. As soon as his hand touched mind I felt a comforting shock. It fit perfectly as though meant for it, almost as a glove. It was then I realized how tall the prince actually was. He was at least a half a foot taller then my 5'7. I just continued to stare at my feet while trying to get the hang of the dance. He was a wonderful dancer. He somehow made it a whole lot easier then it really was.
"So your not from around here I would think." I lifted my head a bit when he said this.
"Ahhh... No, not from here. I'm visiting my aunt and cousins." I
lied.
"Oh. Where is it your from?"
"Ummmm... Much...Much farther then you've ever travelled I'm sure."
"I've travelled many places. I'll give it a shot."
"Ummm... Beth." I practically hit myself at the answer. Beth? Beth wasn't a city! Never-the-less a town!
"Your right, never heard of it." He whispered into my ear. I couldn't help but smile. He believed me! This blockhead believed me! My Gods! He must be like one of those beautiful on the outside, but completely empty on the inside people.But my happy thoughts weren't enough to stop my heart from beating 20 times faster when he did so.
"Yes, Beth's far up north, past the Ridge Mountains." I said happy with my made up town.
"Really?" He looked at my suspiciously. "I visited all city's in
that area and I don't recall one being named Beth. Was it newly found?"
Shit. I had to go on didn't I? I couldn't just leave it at that!
"Well then you must have missed this particular city, your highness. Beth is a very small city and is very easy to miss."
"Oh well then I must have just over looked it." He repiled after a long pause.
TWICE THE FOOL! I can't believe I just fooled a prince twice! I had no idea what his face looked like at this point because I was still staring at the floor but I could almost bet it was one of confusion.
As the dance required he twired me out and then back in closer then before. I wasn't aware of this part of the dance until it was too late. I tripped over myself and almost fell flat on my face, hadn't Darien been there to stop my fall. I could feel my face turn a deep red.
"Well, you weren't kidding about not knowing how to dance now were you?" He laughed. Not only was he a dumb-block but he was arrogant to! Here I was, ready to run out of teh room in embarassment and he had the spite to mock me at it.
"I told you I was horrid at it." I said coldly. I knew he noticed the tone of voice I used. I was much relived when, soon after that the dance ended, and after a quick curtisy I parted from Darien.
"Beth? Who the hell wold live in a place named Beth?" I laughed to myself as I was walking back to where Raye stood now.
"Lovely dancing." She said smiling. I made a face.
"But wasn't it?" I asked sacasically. "Your brother is a wonderful dancer, but not much in the noggin, huh?"
"What makes you think so." She asked curiously.
"I told him I lived in Beth."
"In where?"
"Exactly."
"And he believed you?!" She said laughing nd holding the table to
hold her steady.
"That he did." I said laughing equally as hard.
"What's so funny?" A voice spoke from behind me. I turned around and faced Darien. It only made me laugh harder and I turned to see Raye
laughing even harder then me. I just stayed bent over laughing but Raye
somehow regained her voice back.
"Just a little joke..." Laugher."Serenity told me."giggling. "One she heard in..." More laughing. "In Beth." At these last word she started laughing hysterically and my laughter only increased.
"Alright..." That was all he manged to say. After all what could he say to two laughing girls who obviously couldn't do anything but laugh. He causally turned around and walked away then. I was able to control my laughter after that, and it eventually subsided.
For most of the ball we stood there and talked. We each rejected
dozens of invitations to dance, Raye, so she could stay with me, and Me
becuase I didn't want to trip over myself again. Time went by so quickly and I didn't realize how late it was getting.I yawned.
"Goddess, I'm tired!" I said yawning again. I wonder what time it
is? As almost on signal the grand clock started to chim. 11 chimes. 11 o'clock, Already! I'd be in so much trouble, and I knew it. I tried to
act as calm as I could. "Maybe I should be going. I don't want to get in too much trouble." I said causally.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble." Raye said nodding. "Come back up to my chambers and change." She motioned me to the door and we quietly walked back to her bed-chambers. I quickly changed into my blue dress once again. I looked at the pink gown. I mourned the loss of such a fine dress, which had been mine for a few short hours. I walked out from behind the changing-screen and went to hand the dress and shoes to Raye. She just shook her head. For a second I thought I had ruined them, for why else would she be shaking her head, but I soon realized that wasn't the reason.
"You keep it." I just stood there, trying to comprehend the words she just said. I could keep it! Oh Goddess! Wow. Never had I ever had such a luxuary in my life, at least not before my father died! Then I realized I coudn't keep it. This was too generious. And what would a servant girl do with a grand dress like this? It would waste away in my closet. Although I would love the idea of just calling it my own.
"Oh thank you your highness, but I can't. You've been more then kind as to inviting me here and dressing me up and all. I couldn't take it, I just couldn't." I so wanted to just take it, but my dignity would never let me.
"What are you talking about? You must take it. I mean Serena, it's practically made for you! I could never wear it anyway! So go on. Please." She smiled and I slowly looked down at it. I placed it on the bed where she had been sitting and gave her a huge hug.
"Thank you so much. You have no idea what you have done for me
tonight." She just smiled wider.
"No, you have no idea what you did for me. I've never met anyone like you. I'm very happy were friends."
"Me too." I said smiling and wiping at my eyes. She just smiled back. "I'm gonna miss having a friend like you." I said giving her yet another hug.
"What are you talking about?" She pulled away quickly.
"Well, it's not like I'll be seeing you, I mean, I couldn't risk
coming here again and I couldn't ask you to come to the city again." I
shrugged. Raye bit her bottom lip in thought.
"Wait a second, is there anyone I'd be able to give a message to, for you to recieve?" She said slowly. I thought for a second.
"Ummm... I don't thi... Oh wait! There is! You can talk to Lita! I see her in town all the time! Just give it to her." I smiled thinking of spending a day with Raye again. I rather enjoyed her company and would really like to see her again.
"Alright." She smiled back. "You better be going now. See you soon!"
"Bye!" I whispered exiting the door.
A few moments later I was out of the palace and stepping inside the carriage, heading back to what seemed like a deathcall compared to the night I just had. We soon pulled up to the back of Springstone Manor. I carefully exited the carriage door and entered the back door as quietly as I could. I carefully crept up the stairs and into the servants wing. I opened my door and closed it quietly.
I placed the bag which contained the dress and shoes at the side of the door and smiled a little remembering my time. As I quickly prepared for bed I tried to recalled the nights happenings, but all I could think of was Darien. I just remembered him smiling at me and holding me close after I fell while dancing, I remembered him being so confused when Raye and I were laughing at him. I couldn't seem to remember anything else, and I wasn't sure why. Whatever was blocking my meomory was annyoing me. It didn't matter now though. I wouldn't see him again. At that thought for some reason I felt my heart weigh down a bit. What was I doing? Or more likely what was my body doing? Obviously more things I didn't want it to do. I didn't want to think about it anymore. I lazily got into bed and pulled the blankets over my head and fell asleep soon after my head touched the pillow.
The morning was dull and gray. I could see through my window it had started to drizzle. It didn't matter much to me though. I was still in a great mood. I carefully got dressed in another one of my taddered dresses and left my room. I nearly skipped down the hallways and down the stairs. When I got down to the dining hall my step-family were already eating.
"Good Morning dear family!" I said cheerfully. Dear family? Where did that come from? I looked around at the stunned faces of my step family and the smiling face of Beth. I grabbed an apple and some milk from cook before skipping out to the stables. I opened the door loudly, and walked up to Moonlights stall.
"Hey girl! Miss me?" I pet her absently and fed her the apple.
"I'm sure she did, considerign you didn't come back until 11:30
last night." Beth said from behind me. I hadn't even heard her come in.
I giggled. "So how was it?"
"Oh Beth it was just the best!" I entered the stall and started to feed Luna her milk when still talking."You should have seen it! Everyone was dressed so nice... I was dressed so nice..."
"I can see." She said touching the perfect curls still intaced in my hair. I fingered it. I completly forgot to take it out. My step family must have been stunned this morning when I came down.
"Oh right, I forgot. But, you must see the dress! Could you believe that the princess let me keep it! The room was so big. Bigger then practically all of Springstone.The Princess was so nice! The King and Queen were just as nice! I can't even believe I met them! And the prince..."
"How was he?" Beth raised her eyebrows. I sighed.
"Well, it'd be an under-statment to say he was the most handsome
man I've ever seen." Beth laughed at this. "But he was an awful blockhead." I shook my head. Beth laughed harder at this.
"How so?" She asked still laughing.
"Well when we danced..."
"You danced?"
"Well, yes but, when we were dancing he asked me where I lived and I told him Beth..." Beth snorted.
"You told him what?"
"I told him I lived in Beth!" I laughed along with her.
"And what did he say?"
"He said he'd never heard of it."
"How very causal." She smiled. "Well I suppose that doesn't make him too bright but then again, how was he suppose to tell you otherwise?"
"Well I guess so, I mean it would sound awfully weird if he told me I didn't live in a real place." Beth took over feeding Luna.
"Maybe not such a blockhead after all?" She asked eyeing me.
"No still a blockhead." I said after a pause.I took the safest answer I could. Then the milk was gone, and I put Luna back into her bed. Beth and I walked back up to Springstone.
Susan and Beryl were still eating when we got back into the dining hall.
"Child don't you have some place to be?" Susan shot at me. "Some
cleaning that has been untended?"
"Yes ma'am." I said my head drooping down but my smile still held.
"What are you just standing there for servant?" Beryl said coldly
flicking her blood red hair out of her face. "Go make yourself useful
somewhere. Your presence is hurting my head." How me being in the room
had any affect on Beryl's headaches were a mystery to me, but in any case I started to walk back to the staircase.
"Considering you forgot to pick up the grocieries yesterday, you will go back to the market today and pick up twice as much." Susan said almost as if she thought it was a punishment. All I could do was smile and I ran up to get started with my chores.
The day went by rather quickly. I finished my chores in record time. I couldn't wait to get down to the market. The rain had stopped before I had left, so I didn't have to worry about that. I put on another one of my nice dresses before I left just in case. It was a long walk to the market, but it didn't seem to take too long today. As I entered the marketplace I carefully walked up to the first fruitcart.
"Morning Lady," The woman behind the stand said. Her aqua wavy hair was tied back today and her white dress was shining in the new sunlight.
"Morning Michelle!" I said happily picking out the ripe peaches.
"My are we in a good mood this morning." She said curiously.
"Well why shouldn't we be?" I said taking a last apple and moving on to the fish cart. But what I saw there wasn't just fish but one thing I had least expected... Prince Darien.
"Lady Serenity, good morning." He said rather suprised, as I took a package of fish from the cartman. "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm picking up a few greocies," I said looking up at him. I started to walk away and he followed.
"Don't you have servants to do that though?" He asked curiously.
"Unlike some selfish people," I said looking up at him. "I don't
fully depend on my servants." I walked over to the meat cart and started looking for some fresh meat. Suprising enough, he still followed.
"Are you calling me selfish?" He raised his eyebrows.
"Did it seem like I was?"
"I'm not sure."
"Well then you'll never know I guess." I paid for the meat and
continued walking through the town square. Still he followed me. I swiftly turned around to face him.
"How is it, you may court and tumble any woman in this court, and yet you choose to stalk the one who has no sort of liking for you?" I asked raising my eyebrows. He just stared and smiled. I assumed he had no idea anyone could say something like that to him. I wasn't completley lying for I didn't like the blockhead, but I somewhat enjoyed this little game we were playing.
"I think of it as a challange." He replied after.
"Well, I refuse to be a challange for a stuck up snobbish prince." I said turning away again and walking towards the vegatable cart.
"You forget who your talking to? Remember I'm the prince! I could punish you dearly!." He said more as a joke then a threat.
"I'm awfully sorry, but prince or not, my tongue stops for no one." I smiled. "Actually I'm told it's one of my many charms, but it's not like you'd care in the least." I said putting some carrots in my bag.
"I wouldn't argue that in the least." He said looking down to me. I stared at him and couldn't help but smile.
"Did you just compliment me?"
"Did it sound like I did?" He asked with a mocking smile.
"I'm not sure that's why I'm asking." I said matching the grin.
"Well then I guess you'll never know." He whispered into my ear. He then turned around and heading back down the square. I had no idea why but he didn't seem like such a blockhead right about then. I smiled to myself and quickly paid for the vegatables and started heading back to Springstone Manor.
Hey mina-chan!!! I hope you liked this chapter. A quick thanks to
all the reviewers and people who emailed me! And another thank you to
Lily, my editor and Beth-chan!!!! Read her stories because there the
best! Send questions/suggestions/comments ect. to starrryder@email.com.
-Starr-