The Black Rose Curse
By Princess Serena
Chapter 9
Thank you so much for reviewing, courtjasnluvr87, super sailor usagi, zilla girl, TheOne1OnlyDiva, Serenity51, and Kitty17794, and thank you Nielluin for e-mailing me. Since all of you have been leaving reviews for me, I've been writing more frequently and updating faster! Although, I must say, it's taken me a while to get this chapter started. Maybe about 2 or 3 days after I posted the last one. Please forgive me! ..
Disclaimer: Naoko has much more creativity than me!!
***
Serena and Darien stood against the wall in front of Beryl's room. Their fingers were laced at their sides, and Serena's head rested on Darien's arm.
The couple watched as Beryl's trunks were moved out of her room by men dressed in dark blue suits. Darien and Serena had revealed to the king and queen of their relationship, and, to Darien's surprise, they accepted it. Lady Beryl was to move out of the castle in a week, and Serena was to move into the room. She was bought nice dresses and accessories and everything essential to a new room. So while Lady's Beryl's things were being moved out, Serena's new belongings.
"Thank you, Darien," Serena said out of nowhere.
Darien looked upon the blonde angel next to him with confusion written all over his face. "For what?"
Serena giggled lightly. "For being so good to me."
Darien smiled and engulfed her in a hug. "Let's go for a walk in the rose gardens."
Serena eyes lit up and she took Darien's hand. Darien found that Serena loved the rose gardens and enjoyed taking walks in them with him.
Once they had made it out to the royal gardens, they sat down on a bench in the middle of a clearing near the red, white, and pink roses. Serena's head rested atop of Darien's shoulder, while the prince gently stroked the girl's long golden hair.
"I love you," Serena whispered lovingly.
"I love you, too." Darien put his arm around her and Serena looked up at him. The prince smiled and pulled her in for a kiss...
***
Lady Beryl sat in her coach with a disgusted look on her face. She crossed her legs under the black skirts of her dress, then rested her hands upon her lap. She scowled. "That... stupid girl... She stole him from me. And now I can't get her back as easily because the king and queen kicked me out," she muttered to herself. "But I WILL find a way... if it's the last thing I do."
"Are you ready, Lady Beryl?" the coachman asked.
"As long as my belongings are aboard."
The coachman nodded and shut the door. Beryl thought and stared out the window of the coach thinking of her revenge. She didn't know yet, but something very fortunate was to come her way.
***
Serena's mind was racing. He was going to kiss her! KISS her!
She closed her eyes and waited for the glorious feeling of her first kiss. But all of a sudden, she froze. Something was nagging her in the back of her mind, and images started flashing across her eyes. She saw a woman with long black hair laughing maniacally and a woman with long silver hair crying. She heard voices echoing in her ears saying things like, "...on her 17th birthday!" and "She will die!" and words like "black rose" and "prick her finger."
She couldn't take it anymore. She opened her eyes and pulled away from Darien. "Darien... I don't feel well all of a sudden. I... I think I'm gonna go check on my room and take a nap or something, ok?" She stood up.
"Oh, ok. Do you want me to walk you back?" The prince as well stood up behind her and engulfed her in a hug from behind.
"That's ok. Thanks though." She pulled away from him once more and ran off. "I'll talk to you later tonight!" she called from over her shoulder.
But she stayed in her room all night instead of coming to talk to him.
***
Serena was very desolate. She sat on her new soft, white bed and stared at the pure white wall. Despite all the beautiful furniture and extra trinkets in her new room, she was still extremely sad. She spent so much time with Darien, but the romantic moment they have when they're about to kiss, she would get a pounding feeling in her head and have images of these two woman, one laughing, one weeping, and hear voices in her head. One time, she almost heard a full sentence, but that was nothing to be proud of. The sentence kind of scared her it was something like, "On her 17th birthday... prick her finger on a black rose... die!" It wasn't very comforting, especially since her 17th birthday was close by.
But another thought came to her. What if it wasn't for her, but someone else? But... why would she be getting images and hearing voices if they were for someone else? It just didn't make sense. But deep down, she hoped they weren't for her.
The blonde sighed and fell backward onto her fluffy white sheets. She hoped these visions and voices would end soon. How could she go on in the relationship if she kept hearing things in her head that sounded cruel and evil? And what about the images? She swore she saw the silver haired woman before... a long time ago, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
After a while of thinking, Serena grew tired and her eyes slowly closed. She drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
***
Darien paced his room. He couldn't understand why Serena always ran away when he tried to kiss her.
"I don't understand it, Andrew," he complained to his friend sitting on the prince's bed. "It just doesn't make any sense."
Andrew sighed and smoothed out a wrinkle in the sheets. "Maybe she's just scared."
Darien turned to look at Andrew. "If she loved me, then why would she be afraid to kiss me?"
His friend shrugged. "I don't know. She's probably never kissed a man before and is nervous."
Darien sighed and resumed pacing. "Maybe... but, uh!" He groaned in frustration and sat in a chair backwards. "But if you love someone, you trust them completely, right? I mean, I trust her, so shouldn't she trust me?"
"Yeah, I guess she should..."
Darien shook his head. "Then there can be only one explanation." He sighed and gulped. "That she doesn't love me."
***
Serena ran down the corridor of the castle to meet Darien. She was finally going to eat dinner with the royal family, and she was very happy about it.
She smiled when she saw Darien's back. "Darien!" she exclaimed happily. She flew down the hall toward him and hugged him from behind.
"Oh, hi Serena," she replied, his voice dripping with icicles.
The blonde frowned and released him. She bounced up beside him and asked, "What wrong?"
"Nothing." He continued to walk with long strides. "Serena, we can't see each other anymore."
Serena stopped walked. She shook her head, thinking she heard wrong. "Wh-what?"
"I said we can't see each other anymore," he repeated sternly.
Serena choked back tears. "B-but why? What did I do?"
Darien sighed exasperatedly and stopped walking, but didn't turn to look at her. "I've just realized something that I should've seen a while ago."
Serena shook her head. The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. "No. No, you're kidding, right? What happened to 'I love you'?"
"Look, I just noticed something, ok? And I can't be with you anymore."
Serena shook her head and sank to her knees. "Darien! Please!"
But Darien didn't answer. He simply started walking again down the hallway to the dining hall.
The girl on her knees shook her head and started sobbing. What did she do wrong? She cried and sobbed as she watched her love's retreating figure.
***
Serena sat on Molly's bed back in her old room, sobbing into her best friend's shoulder.
"Shhh... It's ok, Serena. I knew there was something wrong with him," her friend comforted while hugging the crying girl.
Serena shook her head and sat up. "Molly, I love him," she whispered.
Molly nodded, sympathetically. "Yes, but if he doesn't love you back... it's his loss."
Serena nodded and hugged her friend as fresh tears pushed out the old ones. "Thank you," she said to her friend. "You've always been there for me, Molly."
***
A woman with long silver hair in two buns with ponytails trailing from each bun appeared in front of the guards of the Earth castle. She wore a silver gown with a crescent moon pendent on the top and middle of the dress.
The guards exchanged looks, then the one with brown hair spoke. "Please state your name and purpose."
The woman held her head high. "My name is Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
The guards' eyes widened, and then they bowed to her. The one with the red hair spoke this time. "What is your purpose on Earth, your majesty?"
"I am here to speak with the queen and king of Earth about my daughter who is currently living under the roofs of this castle."
"Yes, your majesty. We will lead you to the king and queen." The two guards stood up and opened the doors of the castle.
The guards led Queen Serenity through the halls of the castle and left her in a small conference room. "The king and queen will be with you in a moment." And then they left.
Serenity sat down on a red cushion chair and waited. After a while, the door opened and in walked King Bryan and Queen Isabelle. They sat across the small room from her in two identical chairs to the one Serenity was sitting in.
Serenity gave a warm smile and stood up. She curtsied. "Hello, King Bryan, Queen Isabelle."
The king and queen exchanged glances, then Isabelle cleared her throat as Serenity sat down again. "You wanted to speak to us?"
It was very rare that Queen Serenity of the Moon would talk to them. As long as Earth could remember, Serenity turned them down for being part of the Silver Millennium, and the king and queen of Earth hadn't been very fond of Queen Serenity.
"Yes. Um... where should I start this?" Serenity thought. "Well, a while ago, maybe 16 or 17 years ago, I left a baby with a servant of yours here at the castle." The queen paused, looking as if she was thinking about something.
Isabelle nodded. "Yes, go on."
Serenity sighed. "Anyway, I have come here today to take her home with me. I feel that it is the right time now, and that she deserves to know of her past."
The king and queen of Earth nodded, and Isabelle asked, "But, Queen Serenity, may I ask WHY you left her here on Earth? And what, pray tell, is her name?"
"Her name is Serena." Serenity watched at the couples eyes turned to orbs.
"You mean... blonde hair blue eyed Serena?" Isabelle asked.
Serenity nodded. "At least, that is what I imagine she looks like..."
"Oh! Our son is courting your Serena," the queen said, and the king nodded in agreement. "But, I'm afraid that something is going on between them. She was supposed to dine with us, but she hasn't left her room since a couple days ago. And Darien never talks about her anymore." The queen sighed. "It's terrible. They seemed so much in love, too." Isabelle shook her head, as if ridding her mind of the thought that they weren't seeing each other anymore. "Anyway, why did you leave Serena- PRINCESS Serena here on Earth, anyway?"
"Why I left her here is of my business and of hers. No one needs to know why."
Isabelle nodded and ducked her head. "I am sorry, Queen Serenity.
"No matter." Serenity stood up and swallowed hard. Isabelle could have sworn she saw tears glisten in her eyes. "Now, if you give me the directions to her room, I will head down there and give her the news."
King Bryan nodded. "Yes, Queen Serenity. Just head down the hall and- "
"Why, Bryan, we will SHOW her where it is." Queen Isabelle smiled at Serenity and stood up.
"But, dear, we-"
"Come on, Bryan," Queen Isabelle said irritably. When Bryan stood up, Isabelle hissed in his ear, "Maybe if she sees how nice we are, she'll allow us to join the Silver Millennium. Now come ON."
King Bryan shut his mouth and walked to the door, allowing the two women to walk out. "It's just this way," Isabelle said, smiling.
The royal couple led Queen Serenity down the corridor and made a couple of turns before arriving in front of the mahogany door of Serena's room. "I'll just have a quick talk with her before you show yourself, if you don't mind," Isabelle suggested.
Queen Serenity nodded and Isabelle knocked on the door, then opened it a crack and peered in.
***
Serena sat on her bed. She hadn't left her room since that dreadful day, which was only three days ago. Molly had brought some food to her, but she only ate nibbles of it. She didn't feel like eating or doing anything. She just stayed in her long, white nightgown all day and stayed in bed.
After three days of crying, Serena was all out of tears. All that was left were the tears stains on her cheeks and her puffy bloodshot eyes. She thought that once Darien and she got together, she wouldn't have bloodshot eyes anymore. She thought the world would be perfect and she'd never cry again. But she was wrong. She was crying again, and she couldn't stop. Until now, since she had no more tears left in her eyes.
She sighed and decided she should get up. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and dragged herself over to a full length mirror. She was shocked to see her reflection. Her hair was out of the two ponytails and was dragging on the floor. It was knotty and lost its shine, except around the roots where her hair was dirty. Her once shining, bright blue eyes were now dull, tired, and full of pain. Her face was pale, even more pale than what it usually was.
Serena spun around, not wanting to stare at the girl in the mirror any longer. She looked around her elegant room, and then her eyes landed on a tray of food Molly had brought for her earlier. She started making her way over to the tray when a knock came from outside the door. She froze.
Someone opened the door a tiny crack, and then she realized it was the queen. Her eyes widened and she bowed. "Y-your highness..." She glanced up as the queen opened the door more and slipped in, shutting it behind her.
"My dear, you look so pale..." Queen Isabelle said as she glided over to her.
Serena raised and looked at the queen. She took her hand and tilted Serena's head up and studied her. "You look frail and weak, child. What is wrong?" Queen Isabelle guided Serena over to the bed and they both sat down side by side.
"I... I just haven't been feeling well, lately, I'm sorry to say," Serena lied. Well, it wasn't a TOTAL lie. She really hadn't been feeling well, but Queen Isabelle took it the way Serena intended she should.
"Oh. I'm very sorry to hear that child. I do hope you feel better." Serena nodded and let Queen Isabelle continue. "Anyway, I hope you're up to meet someone. We... meaning my husband and I, we... we have found your mother."
Serena looked up at the queen wide-eyed. "Y-you found my mother? MY mother?"
Queen Isabelle nodded. "Yes, we have. And... well, I'll let your mother tell you. She's right outside. I'll let her in, if you are ready to see her."
Serena nodded eagerly. She couldn't believe it! They found her mother! "Ah... My queen, I thank you so very much for searching and finding her for me. I greatly appreciate it."
"Oh, eh... Well, we didn't really search. She kind of... just showed up. A little while ago, actually. She is... well, I'll just let you talk to her." The queen stood up and left Serena on the bed.
The door opened and the queen slid out. Serena heard some talking outside, and she strained her ears to listen. Then she remembered how she looked. She cringed and quickly ran her fingers through her hair to try to make look a little neat. She rubbed her hands over her face to get rid of any sign of crying that she left behind.
Then a woman walked in. She was very beautiful, Serena thought. She had beautiful long, silver hair in the same style as Serena usually wore it. But, of course, this lady's hair was longer. She seemed, almost, of royalty. She was stunned. She couldn't believe that this was her mother. She slowly stood up, but couldn't bring her feet to move.
The woman, who claimed to be her mother, smiled almost relieving, and tears started streaming down her face. She, too, stood there and couldn't move. Then, as if on cue, the two ladies ran and embraced each other. Both of them were crying. Neither of them could believe this was actually happening.
Once they were both calmed down, they sat on Serena's bed side by side as the queen and Serena had just a little while ago.
Serena's mother smiled at her. "Well, let's start off with the basics. My name is Serenity, Queen Serenity."
Serena's eyes widened. "Qu-Qu-QUEEN Serenity? Then... that makes me a... a..."
"Yes, a princess. Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom."
"The Moon Kingdom!" Serena couldn't believe it. Her? A PRINCESS? Was it possible?
Queen Serenity nodded. "Yes, the Moon Kingdom. Anyway, I'm sure you would want to know why I left you here on Earth as a baby." Serena nodded, and then her mother continued. "Well, someone... Well, something happened on your day of birth, and I decided that you shouldn't be around the Moon Kingdom anymore. I was protecting you. Well, I'm pretty sure that... THING has passed, so I decided to introduce myself to you, and let you know of your past."
Serena nodded, letting everything sink in. "Yes, but... what was that something that you needed to protect me from?"
Queen Serenity stood up. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are safe, and I found you." She turned around to face Serena. "I will come for you tomorrow at the seventeenth hour of the day. I hope that gives you enough time to pack and say good bye to your friends. But don't worry, Serena, you will be able to visit them." She sighed. "It feels so good to say your name again."
Serena stood up and hugged her mother. They embraced each other for a long time, before Queen Serenity told her that she had to go. Serena was sad to see her leave, but she knew that her mother, as the queen of the moon, had many duties.
The second the queen left the room, the blonde girl dashed to her dresser and pulled out her old servant's dress which she pulled on over her nightgown. She slipped her servant shoes on, then flew out the room to find Molly and Ilene.
***
The door of the prince's room opened and in walked Darien. "So," he said to himself as he shut the door behind him. "She's a princess." He snorted. "She's probably gonna get married to a prince of another planet. Mars, or something." He shook his head, pretending not to care.
But he did care. Deep in his heart, he knew he cared. He didn't want anyone else to touch her, kiss her, or marry her. He didn't want any guy to even be NEAR her. But he couldn't admit it. He had to get over her because she didn't love him.
The prince sighed and plopped himself down on his bed. He stared at the ceiling. 'Why can't I get her out of my head?' he thought. 'Because you still love her!' his conscience shouted at him.
He sighed exasperatingly and told his conscience to shut up. So what if he was still loved her. She didn't love him, and that was enough to hurt him.
Darien turned on his sighed and stared at the floor. "Whatever. I just gotta ignore the fact that I still love her," he said firmly to himself.
But he knew he could never just forget about her or his love for her.
***
"I'm going to miss you guys so much!" Serena exclaimed as she hugged her best friend. "I promise I'll write to you and visit you." She turned to Ilene. "Oh Ilene! You've been so good to me!" She hugged her former almost mother.
"Serena..." Ilene hugged the princess back. "I'll miss you so much. I'll try not to cry."
Serena pulled away. "Me, too," she said, even though she already had tears in her eyes. She let out a shaky sigh and gave them each a big hug before sulking down the hallway.
The princess stared down at her black dress. She had worn is specifically because it was like she was going to a funeral. She knew she would probably never see Darien again, and that just tore up her heart even more. But she had to say goodbye to him. She just could leave without seeing him one more time.
The corridor seemed to grow longer with every step she took. She eventually came in view of his door, and that's when her throat started to close up and her eyes sting with tears. She shook her head, telling herself that she HAD to do this. She gulped and rapped her knuckles upon the wood lightly. She stared at the floor and clutched the thick material of her dress to stay calm.
And then the door opened.
She glanced up and looked Darien in the eyes. "I'm leaving now," she said quietly and returned her gaze to the floor.
From the corner of her eye, she saw him nod. "Have fun being a princess," he muttered.
She nodded slowly, then looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She lunged at him and hugged him while sobbing into his shoulder. "I'll miss you," she whispered, then with one last sob, she took off down the hall leaving behind a bewildered prince.
***
The prince stared at Serena ran down the hall. Maybe she DID love him. Maybe he made a mistake.
He took a step forward and opened his mouth to call to her, but thought better of it. No, she didn't love him. If she did, she would've told him right then, right? He was just denying the fact that she didn't love him because he wanted her to love him because he loved her.
Darien shook his head. It was too complicated to think about. He decided to forget about it and walked back into his room where he could take his mind off of Serena.
***
The princess stood in the portal room of the Earth castle. She was finally going to live with her true mother. She smiled lightly at the thought, but then thought about Darien.
She was going to miss him so much. She hugged herself and stared at the two trunks of her belongings next to her. It wasn't fair. Why had he broken it off with her? He said he loved her, and she loved him with all her heart. Didn't she know how many nights she had spent crying over him? He obviously did not.
But... did he really love her? Maybe he didn't. But she knew he had. She could feel it when she was around him and see it in his eyes. What was wrong? Why didn't he want her anymore.
Serena stared at the trunks as tears started falling rapidly down her face. She closed her eyes and hugged herself tightly. She had to get over him, but it was so hard. She was in love with him, and you can't just get over love.
She let out a sob, but kept her eyes shut. She heard the people working the portal asking if she was alright. She didn't answer. She just kept her eyes closed.
A manly voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you ready, Princess?"
She nodded her head and kept her eyes closed. Then she felt a tingling feeling all over her body and she knew she was leaving. She was leaving the home she had stayed for 16, almost 17, years. She was leaving her friends. She was leaving her temporary and very close mother. She was leaving behind the man she loved.
***
*Dances around* Oh yeah! Who's done chapter 9?! I'm done chapter 9! Hee hee. Sorry. I'm just happy. It took me a while to write this, but here it is! I had writers block for a while, but then I got rid of it! And I finished it! Please review and e-mail me! VanillaChick32@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for reading my story! I love you all! *hugs everyone*
xoxo Sere
Thank you so much for reviewing, courtjasnluvr87, super sailor usagi, zilla girl, TheOne1OnlyDiva, Serenity51, and Kitty17794, and thank you Nielluin for e-mailing me. Since all of you have been leaving reviews for me, I've been writing more frequently and updating faster! Although, I must say, it's taken me a while to get this chapter started. Maybe about 2 or 3 days after I posted the last one. Please forgive me! ..
Disclaimer: Naoko has much more creativity than me!!
***
Serena and Darien stood against the wall in front of Beryl's room. Their fingers were laced at their sides, and Serena's head rested on Darien's arm.
The couple watched as Beryl's trunks were moved out of her room by men dressed in dark blue suits. Darien and Serena had revealed to the king and queen of their relationship, and, to Darien's surprise, they accepted it. Lady Beryl was to move out of the castle in a week, and Serena was to move into the room. She was bought nice dresses and accessories and everything essential to a new room. So while Lady's Beryl's things were being moved out, Serena's new belongings.
"Thank you, Darien," Serena said out of nowhere.
Darien looked upon the blonde angel next to him with confusion written all over his face. "For what?"
Serena giggled lightly. "For being so good to me."
Darien smiled and engulfed her in a hug. "Let's go for a walk in the rose gardens."
Serena eyes lit up and she took Darien's hand. Darien found that Serena loved the rose gardens and enjoyed taking walks in them with him.
Once they had made it out to the royal gardens, they sat down on a bench in the middle of a clearing near the red, white, and pink roses. Serena's head rested atop of Darien's shoulder, while the prince gently stroked the girl's long golden hair.
"I love you," Serena whispered lovingly.
"I love you, too." Darien put his arm around her and Serena looked up at him. The prince smiled and pulled her in for a kiss...
***
Lady Beryl sat in her coach with a disgusted look on her face. She crossed her legs under the black skirts of her dress, then rested her hands upon her lap. She scowled. "That... stupid girl... She stole him from me. And now I can't get her back as easily because the king and queen kicked me out," she muttered to herself. "But I WILL find a way... if it's the last thing I do."
"Are you ready, Lady Beryl?" the coachman asked.
"As long as my belongings are aboard."
The coachman nodded and shut the door. Beryl thought and stared out the window of the coach thinking of her revenge. She didn't know yet, but something very fortunate was to come her way.
***
Serena's mind was racing. He was going to kiss her! KISS her!
She closed her eyes and waited for the glorious feeling of her first kiss. But all of a sudden, she froze. Something was nagging her in the back of her mind, and images started flashing across her eyes. She saw a woman with long black hair laughing maniacally and a woman with long silver hair crying. She heard voices echoing in her ears saying things like, "...on her 17th birthday!" and "She will die!" and words like "black rose" and "prick her finger."
She couldn't take it anymore. She opened her eyes and pulled away from Darien. "Darien... I don't feel well all of a sudden. I... I think I'm gonna go check on my room and take a nap or something, ok?" She stood up.
"Oh, ok. Do you want me to walk you back?" The prince as well stood up behind her and engulfed her in a hug from behind.
"That's ok. Thanks though." She pulled away from him once more and ran off. "I'll talk to you later tonight!" she called from over her shoulder.
But she stayed in her room all night instead of coming to talk to him.
***
Serena was very desolate. She sat on her new soft, white bed and stared at the pure white wall. Despite all the beautiful furniture and extra trinkets in her new room, she was still extremely sad. She spent so much time with Darien, but the romantic moment they have when they're about to kiss, she would get a pounding feeling in her head and have images of these two woman, one laughing, one weeping, and hear voices in her head. One time, she almost heard a full sentence, but that was nothing to be proud of. The sentence kind of scared her it was something like, "On her 17th birthday... prick her finger on a black rose... die!" It wasn't very comforting, especially since her 17th birthday was close by.
But another thought came to her. What if it wasn't for her, but someone else? But... why would she be getting images and hearing voices if they were for someone else? It just didn't make sense. But deep down, she hoped they weren't for her.
The blonde sighed and fell backward onto her fluffy white sheets. She hoped these visions and voices would end soon. How could she go on in the relationship if she kept hearing things in her head that sounded cruel and evil? And what about the images? She swore she saw the silver haired woman before... a long time ago, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
After a while of thinking, Serena grew tired and her eyes slowly closed. She drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
***
Darien paced his room. He couldn't understand why Serena always ran away when he tried to kiss her.
"I don't understand it, Andrew," he complained to his friend sitting on the prince's bed. "It just doesn't make any sense."
Andrew sighed and smoothed out a wrinkle in the sheets. "Maybe she's just scared."
Darien turned to look at Andrew. "If she loved me, then why would she be afraid to kiss me?"
His friend shrugged. "I don't know. She's probably never kissed a man before and is nervous."
Darien sighed and resumed pacing. "Maybe... but, uh!" He groaned in frustration and sat in a chair backwards. "But if you love someone, you trust them completely, right? I mean, I trust her, so shouldn't she trust me?"
"Yeah, I guess she should..."
Darien shook his head. "Then there can be only one explanation." He sighed and gulped. "That she doesn't love me."
***
Serena ran down the corridor of the castle to meet Darien. She was finally going to eat dinner with the royal family, and she was very happy about it.
She smiled when she saw Darien's back. "Darien!" she exclaimed happily. She flew down the hall toward him and hugged him from behind.
"Oh, hi Serena," she replied, his voice dripping with icicles.
The blonde frowned and released him. She bounced up beside him and asked, "What wrong?"
"Nothing." He continued to walk with long strides. "Serena, we can't see each other anymore."
Serena stopped walked. She shook her head, thinking she heard wrong. "Wh-what?"
"I said we can't see each other anymore," he repeated sternly.
Serena choked back tears. "B-but why? What did I do?"
Darien sighed exasperatedly and stopped walking, but didn't turn to look at her. "I've just realized something that I should've seen a while ago."
Serena shook her head. The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. "No. No, you're kidding, right? What happened to 'I love you'?"
"Look, I just noticed something, ok? And I can't be with you anymore."
Serena shook her head and sank to her knees. "Darien! Please!"
But Darien didn't answer. He simply started walking again down the hallway to the dining hall.
The girl on her knees shook her head and started sobbing. What did she do wrong? She cried and sobbed as she watched her love's retreating figure.
***
Serena sat on Molly's bed back in her old room, sobbing into her best friend's shoulder.
"Shhh... It's ok, Serena. I knew there was something wrong with him," her friend comforted while hugging the crying girl.
Serena shook her head and sat up. "Molly, I love him," she whispered.
Molly nodded, sympathetically. "Yes, but if he doesn't love you back... it's his loss."
Serena nodded and hugged her friend as fresh tears pushed out the old ones. "Thank you," she said to her friend. "You've always been there for me, Molly."
***
A woman with long silver hair in two buns with ponytails trailing from each bun appeared in front of the guards of the Earth castle. She wore a silver gown with a crescent moon pendent on the top and middle of the dress.
The guards exchanged looks, then the one with brown hair spoke. "Please state your name and purpose."
The woman held her head high. "My name is Queen Serenity of the Moon Kingdom."
The guards' eyes widened, and then they bowed to her. The one with the red hair spoke this time. "What is your purpose on Earth, your majesty?"
"I am here to speak with the queen and king of Earth about my daughter who is currently living under the roofs of this castle."
"Yes, your majesty. We will lead you to the king and queen." The two guards stood up and opened the doors of the castle.
The guards led Queen Serenity through the halls of the castle and left her in a small conference room. "The king and queen will be with you in a moment." And then they left.
Serenity sat down on a red cushion chair and waited. After a while, the door opened and in walked King Bryan and Queen Isabelle. They sat across the small room from her in two identical chairs to the one Serenity was sitting in.
Serenity gave a warm smile and stood up. She curtsied. "Hello, King Bryan, Queen Isabelle."
The king and queen exchanged glances, then Isabelle cleared her throat as Serenity sat down again. "You wanted to speak to us?"
It was very rare that Queen Serenity of the Moon would talk to them. As long as Earth could remember, Serenity turned them down for being part of the Silver Millennium, and the king and queen of Earth hadn't been very fond of Queen Serenity.
"Yes. Um... where should I start this?" Serenity thought. "Well, a while ago, maybe 16 or 17 years ago, I left a baby with a servant of yours here at the castle." The queen paused, looking as if she was thinking about something.
Isabelle nodded. "Yes, go on."
Serenity sighed. "Anyway, I have come here today to take her home with me. I feel that it is the right time now, and that she deserves to know of her past."
The king and queen of Earth nodded, and Isabelle asked, "But, Queen Serenity, may I ask WHY you left her here on Earth? And what, pray tell, is her name?"
"Her name is Serena." Serenity watched at the couples eyes turned to orbs.
"You mean... blonde hair blue eyed Serena?" Isabelle asked.
Serenity nodded. "At least, that is what I imagine she looks like..."
"Oh! Our son is courting your Serena," the queen said, and the king nodded in agreement. "But, I'm afraid that something is going on between them. She was supposed to dine with us, but she hasn't left her room since a couple days ago. And Darien never talks about her anymore." The queen sighed. "It's terrible. They seemed so much in love, too." Isabelle shook her head, as if ridding her mind of the thought that they weren't seeing each other anymore. "Anyway, why did you leave Serena- PRINCESS Serena here on Earth, anyway?"
"Why I left her here is of my business and of hers. No one needs to know why."
Isabelle nodded and ducked her head. "I am sorry, Queen Serenity.
"No matter." Serenity stood up and swallowed hard. Isabelle could have sworn she saw tears glisten in her eyes. "Now, if you give me the directions to her room, I will head down there and give her the news."
King Bryan nodded. "Yes, Queen Serenity. Just head down the hall and- "
"Why, Bryan, we will SHOW her where it is." Queen Isabelle smiled at Serenity and stood up.
"But, dear, we-"
"Come on, Bryan," Queen Isabelle said irritably. When Bryan stood up, Isabelle hissed in his ear, "Maybe if she sees how nice we are, she'll allow us to join the Silver Millennium. Now come ON."
King Bryan shut his mouth and walked to the door, allowing the two women to walk out. "It's just this way," Isabelle said, smiling.
The royal couple led Queen Serenity down the corridor and made a couple of turns before arriving in front of the mahogany door of Serena's room. "I'll just have a quick talk with her before you show yourself, if you don't mind," Isabelle suggested.
Queen Serenity nodded and Isabelle knocked on the door, then opened it a crack and peered in.
***
Serena sat on her bed. She hadn't left her room since that dreadful day, which was only three days ago. Molly had brought some food to her, but she only ate nibbles of it. She didn't feel like eating or doing anything. She just stayed in her long, white nightgown all day and stayed in bed.
After three days of crying, Serena was all out of tears. All that was left were the tears stains on her cheeks and her puffy bloodshot eyes. She thought that once Darien and she got together, she wouldn't have bloodshot eyes anymore. She thought the world would be perfect and she'd never cry again. But she was wrong. She was crying again, and she couldn't stop. Until now, since she had no more tears left in her eyes.
She sighed and decided she should get up. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and dragged herself over to a full length mirror. She was shocked to see her reflection. Her hair was out of the two ponytails and was dragging on the floor. It was knotty and lost its shine, except around the roots where her hair was dirty. Her once shining, bright blue eyes were now dull, tired, and full of pain. Her face was pale, even more pale than what it usually was.
Serena spun around, not wanting to stare at the girl in the mirror any longer. She looked around her elegant room, and then her eyes landed on a tray of food Molly had brought for her earlier. She started making her way over to the tray when a knock came from outside the door. She froze.
Someone opened the door a tiny crack, and then she realized it was the queen. Her eyes widened and she bowed. "Y-your highness..." She glanced up as the queen opened the door more and slipped in, shutting it behind her.
"My dear, you look so pale..." Queen Isabelle said as she glided over to her.
Serena raised and looked at the queen. She took her hand and tilted Serena's head up and studied her. "You look frail and weak, child. What is wrong?" Queen Isabelle guided Serena over to the bed and they both sat down side by side.
"I... I just haven't been feeling well, lately, I'm sorry to say," Serena lied. Well, it wasn't a TOTAL lie. She really hadn't been feeling well, but Queen Isabelle took it the way Serena intended she should.
"Oh. I'm very sorry to hear that child. I do hope you feel better." Serena nodded and let Queen Isabelle continue. "Anyway, I hope you're up to meet someone. We... meaning my husband and I, we... we have found your mother."
Serena looked up at the queen wide-eyed. "Y-you found my mother? MY mother?"
Queen Isabelle nodded. "Yes, we have. And... well, I'll let your mother tell you. She's right outside. I'll let her in, if you are ready to see her."
Serena nodded eagerly. She couldn't believe it! They found her mother! "Ah... My queen, I thank you so very much for searching and finding her for me. I greatly appreciate it."
"Oh, eh... Well, we didn't really search. She kind of... just showed up. A little while ago, actually. She is... well, I'll just let you talk to her." The queen stood up and left Serena on the bed.
The door opened and the queen slid out. Serena heard some talking outside, and she strained her ears to listen. Then she remembered how she looked. She cringed and quickly ran her fingers through her hair to try to make look a little neat. She rubbed her hands over her face to get rid of any sign of crying that she left behind.
Then a woman walked in. She was very beautiful, Serena thought. She had beautiful long, silver hair in the same style as Serena usually wore it. But, of course, this lady's hair was longer. She seemed, almost, of royalty. She was stunned. She couldn't believe that this was her mother. She slowly stood up, but couldn't bring her feet to move.
The woman, who claimed to be her mother, smiled almost relieving, and tears started streaming down her face. She, too, stood there and couldn't move. Then, as if on cue, the two ladies ran and embraced each other. Both of them were crying. Neither of them could believe this was actually happening.
Once they were both calmed down, they sat on Serena's bed side by side as the queen and Serena had just a little while ago.
Serena's mother smiled at her. "Well, let's start off with the basics. My name is Serenity, Queen Serenity."
Serena's eyes widened. "Qu-Qu-QUEEN Serenity? Then... that makes me a... a..."
"Yes, a princess. Princess Serena of the Moon Kingdom."
"The Moon Kingdom!" Serena couldn't believe it. Her? A PRINCESS? Was it possible?
Queen Serenity nodded. "Yes, the Moon Kingdom. Anyway, I'm sure you would want to know why I left you here on Earth as a baby." Serena nodded, and then her mother continued. "Well, someone... Well, something happened on your day of birth, and I decided that you shouldn't be around the Moon Kingdom anymore. I was protecting you. Well, I'm pretty sure that... THING has passed, so I decided to introduce myself to you, and let you know of your past."
Serena nodded, letting everything sink in. "Yes, but... what was that something that you needed to protect me from?"
Queen Serenity stood up. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is that you are safe, and I found you." She turned around to face Serena. "I will come for you tomorrow at the seventeenth hour of the day. I hope that gives you enough time to pack and say good bye to your friends. But don't worry, Serena, you will be able to visit them." She sighed. "It feels so good to say your name again."
Serena stood up and hugged her mother. They embraced each other for a long time, before Queen Serenity told her that she had to go. Serena was sad to see her leave, but she knew that her mother, as the queen of the moon, had many duties.
The second the queen left the room, the blonde girl dashed to her dresser and pulled out her old servant's dress which she pulled on over her nightgown. She slipped her servant shoes on, then flew out the room to find Molly and Ilene.
***
The door of the prince's room opened and in walked Darien. "So," he said to himself as he shut the door behind him. "She's a princess." He snorted. "She's probably gonna get married to a prince of another planet. Mars, or something." He shook his head, pretending not to care.
But he did care. Deep in his heart, he knew he cared. He didn't want anyone else to touch her, kiss her, or marry her. He didn't want any guy to even be NEAR her. But he couldn't admit it. He had to get over her because she didn't love him.
The prince sighed and plopped himself down on his bed. He stared at the ceiling. 'Why can't I get her out of my head?' he thought. 'Because you still love her!' his conscience shouted at him.
He sighed exasperatingly and told his conscience to shut up. So what if he was still loved her. She didn't love him, and that was enough to hurt him.
Darien turned on his sighed and stared at the floor. "Whatever. I just gotta ignore the fact that I still love her," he said firmly to himself.
But he knew he could never just forget about her or his love for her.
***
"I'm going to miss you guys so much!" Serena exclaimed as she hugged her best friend. "I promise I'll write to you and visit you." She turned to Ilene. "Oh Ilene! You've been so good to me!" She hugged her former almost mother.
"Serena..." Ilene hugged the princess back. "I'll miss you so much. I'll try not to cry."
Serena pulled away. "Me, too," she said, even though she already had tears in her eyes. She let out a shaky sigh and gave them each a big hug before sulking down the hallway.
The princess stared down at her black dress. She had worn is specifically because it was like she was going to a funeral. She knew she would probably never see Darien again, and that just tore up her heart even more. But she had to say goodbye to him. She just could leave without seeing him one more time.
The corridor seemed to grow longer with every step she took. She eventually came in view of his door, and that's when her throat started to close up and her eyes sting with tears. She shook her head, telling herself that she HAD to do this. She gulped and rapped her knuckles upon the wood lightly. She stared at the floor and clutched the thick material of her dress to stay calm.
And then the door opened.
She glanced up and looked Darien in the eyes. "I'm leaving now," she said quietly and returned her gaze to the floor.
From the corner of her eye, she saw him nod. "Have fun being a princess," he muttered.
She nodded slowly, then looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She lunged at him and hugged him while sobbing into his shoulder. "I'll miss you," she whispered, then with one last sob, she took off down the hall leaving behind a bewildered prince.
***
The prince stared at Serena ran down the hall. Maybe she DID love him. Maybe he made a mistake.
He took a step forward and opened his mouth to call to her, but thought better of it. No, she didn't love him. If she did, she would've told him right then, right? He was just denying the fact that she didn't love him because he wanted her to love him because he loved her.
Darien shook his head. It was too complicated to think about. He decided to forget about it and walked back into his room where he could take his mind off of Serena.
***
The princess stood in the portal room of the Earth castle. She was finally going to live with her true mother. She smiled lightly at the thought, but then thought about Darien.
She was going to miss him so much. She hugged herself and stared at the two trunks of her belongings next to her. It wasn't fair. Why had he broken it off with her? He said he loved her, and she loved him with all her heart. Didn't she know how many nights she had spent crying over him? He obviously did not.
But... did he really love her? Maybe he didn't. But she knew he had. She could feel it when she was around him and see it in his eyes. What was wrong? Why didn't he want her anymore.
Serena stared at the trunks as tears started falling rapidly down her face. She closed her eyes and hugged herself tightly. She had to get over him, but it was so hard. She was in love with him, and you can't just get over love.
She let out a sob, but kept her eyes shut. She heard the people working the portal asking if she was alright. She didn't answer. She just kept her eyes closed.
A manly voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you ready, Princess?"
She nodded her head and kept her eyes closed. Then she felt a tingling feeling all over her body and she knew she was leaving. She was leaving the home she had stayed for 16, almost 17, years. She was leaving her friends. She was leaving her temporary and very close mother. She was leaving behind the man she loved.
***
*Dances around* Oh yeah! Who's done chapter 9?! I'm done chapter 9! Hee hee. Sorry. I'm just happy. It took me a while to write this, but here it is! I had writers block for a while, but then I got rid of it! And I finished it! Please review and e-mail me! VanillaChick32@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for reading my story! I love you all! *hugs everyone*
xoxo Sere
