Ooooohhhhhh.......here comes the bride- all dressed in white. You know, that does not rhyme unless you say it in a hill billie way: here comes the bry, all dressed in why... but anyway, hello! Thanks for all those reviews, people! Really love 'em. Some of you asked questions about some stuff and I'm here to clear them all up. First, I'd like you all the keep in mind that the flashback is still going on...unless I say so in the story. It isn't only in Serena's view but the whole thing. Second, any author notes I would like to give will be given up here in the intro so please read this all. This is the last time I will type this note (thank god!) The only reason I wrote one on Lita last time was cause I was to lazy to add it in the intro. Okay, now to the answers to some of the questions asked. Luna and Artemis, the royal cats, may not be added into this story. I'm already having major trouble with the dialogues of the characters and I really don't need to add more....sorry...lol...for all those cat fans out there. Be happy with Felix. Some asked about the one better in Zoicite's mind and I reserve the rights to calling you all idiots for not realizing....*shakes head *.....why is this not getting through your heads? (raises hands to heaven)....I'll let you figure it out (lol)....well that's all for now and lets get on with the story....and the eighth chapter!!!!! Another note: *NEW STORY ALERT* *NEW STORY ALERT *I'VE STARTED A NEW STORY, "AN UNLIKELY PAIR." THIS ONE'S RATED 'R' BUT I DON'T THINK IT'LL BE MAKING IT AS HARSH AS THE RATINGS...I HAVE TO SEE ABOUT THAT...BUT IT YOU HAVE THE TIME, TRY TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER...IT'S SET IN THE TIME OF DUKES, EARLS, BARONS, AND KINGS....TRY IT!

(grand music in the background) here comes the clown in a purple gown....just kidding! (lol) But atleast it rhymes. Oh wait- one more thing. Something I introduced in chapter 3 is here again...enjoy! (hint: read last paragraph of chapter 3..short but to the point)

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Darien examined his fingernails in boredom. So the chit decided to drop her act, did she? He saw her underlying fury at his vague expression and grinned. So, she was expecting him to be awed at her sight like the rest of the fools in the room. No, he wasn't going to go along with her this time. Maybe he should start admiring her firends for a while. He wanted to anger her like she had angered him with her poor disguise. He was furious at her, especially at what she really was underneath that slutty dress and make- up. Did she not think that he was good enough for her?

Serena raised her chin and her eyes shimmered. Bastard...he should be grateful that she wasn't hiding in make- up. He should be staring at her figure, his eyes- wait. Serena's brow wrinkled. What was she thinking? She didn't want him to notice her. Maybe he was so disinterested in her that he would drop the marriage. But...did she want him to? Serena frowned deeply but quickly put on a smile while walking towards her parents. She cast a quick glance and the prince. Damn him, he was smiling at Rei. Then he caught her gaze and smirked. She realized that he was mocking her...at their prenuptial!

Queen Serenity rose from her throne to receive her daughter. She gently took her hand and addressed the guests. "My dear friends and loyal followers, today is a grand day for all of us. Your princess, and my daughter, Serenity, is to be given her hand in marriage to the great prince of Earth, Prince Darien. We shall celebrate in joy and festivity, for they are our future rulers and the symbolization of our next generation." Then she turned to her daughter, her eyes glittering. Serena realized that her mother was holding back tears and she gave a smile of assurance, something she needed herself.

"My dear daughter, you have grown so quickly before my eyes, from a charming (but mischievous) babe to a beautiful woman. Today, I grieve to give you away-"

Then why are you, Serena thought but she quickly regretted her viciousness. She was starting to accept what was happening to her and she knew that her mother was just doing her best to make her happy. She sighed inward. Then she cast a glance at Darien. He had straightened up and he was looking directly at her- no, at her mother. As her mother went on, Serena observed her "knight in shining armor". He was beautiful- that was the only word for him. He surpassed every man in the ballroom, with grace and radiating charm. His hair was combed back and his clothing was simple but elegant. Serena wanted to fan herself before fainting into a puddle. Damn him. Why wouldn't he look at her? Serena wanted to eat a prune rather that think those thoughts. She tried to concentrate on her mother but...

~~~~~~

Father Bartholomew raised the silver cup towards them. Darien took it and drank a sip of the sweet nectar inside. Then he passed it to Serena who did the same. The priest then said, "Under the great eyes of Selene, the First Queen of the Moon, both of you are now bond in ways that can never be separated. You have now been blessed by all in this room and the ones above. Now you shall take these rings-"

Serena stared at the Father's blank face. She gulped subconsciously. Did he have to make it sound so damning? Bond in ways that can't be separated? She reached for the ring and slipped it onto her fiancé's finger. The whole prenuptial was a big blur of people and rituals and drinks of the holy gods. Serena felt slightly dizzy. Darien seemed nonchalant about the whole process, all controlled and staid. She envied his indifference. She wondered if he had ever cared about his freedom, he attachment to her. Then she reminded herself bitterly, of course, he still had his freedom. He was allowed to parade his mistresses under her nose while she was to remain calm and willing. For some reason, the thought angered her.

Darien took her hand and slipped the diamond ring onto her ring finger. He studied her face all he could. Hell, she was beautiful. He large, cerulean blue eyes shimmered. He wondered, with what? He hoped she was thinking of the honeymoon. He certainly was. Suddenly he felt guilty. What if she was scared? She was still a virgin and innocent of the ways of sex...well, he would teach her. He almost groaned at the thought.

~~~ end of flashback ~~~

Serena sighed. She reluctantly corrected her lie. Yes, she wanted to marry the man. She wanted to give up her freedom for him. She didn't know why. For the days he had been here, all he did was act like a chaperone and anger her to her very bones... but still... Serena was a little scared at this revelation. How could she want to be attached, especially to a man who seemed to ignore her?

~~~~~~

Darien twirled the white rose between his fingers. He stared into the waterfalls between the meadow. How did she become such a great actress? How could he have been such a fool. He was probably going to be the father of a bastard now, and no one could do anything for she was a princess. He smiled bitterly and thought, I was right. All princesses are whores. How could I have fallen for her. Then he shook his head. No, he hadn't fallen for her. He had just admired her. Yes, lust was what he had felt. Well, that was all there was going to be between them.

He saw someone approaching him and turned to greet them.

"Ah, Princess Serenity. I'm glad you granted to honor me with your presence."

Serena frowned for a moment. Was that sarcasticness she heard? "Well, yes. I saw you standing here and I decided that maybe we should talk, of our future together."

Serena didn't notice Darien's death grip on the rose. He turned to give her a slow, controlled smile. "Yes. We should. Are you going to play the slut again, my dear? For it isn't accepted on Earth. There, people hate others who pull the wool over their eyes."

Serena gulped visably. Why was she feeling so nervous? "About that, my lord- "

"Darien."

"Well, about that - Darien - I apologize. You see, now that I think about it, I realize that I didn't really even have a solid reason to do it. I guess it was for the freedom of independence..."

"Haven't you had enough independence at night?"

"Excuse me?"

Darien gritted his teeth. Why was she such a good actress. He suspected no guile in her face. If he hadn't followed her last night, he would have still been a fool, lusting after her innocence. He said sharply, "Never mind. Well, what about our future?"

She might as well not beat around the bush. "We should lay out a few rules."

Now this was interesting. Darien believe that she was acting like a fool but he continued to listen to her. "We should?" Serena flushed under his gaze. Damn it, what was wrong with her?

"Yes, we should. After all, everyone deserves a happy marriage."

Except me, he thought, staring at her stomach. Was she pregnant right now? When had she thought about this? When she slept with a partner last night. He could swear that people believed that it wasn't respectful to approach him with this. She seemed to recognize the fact for she was fidgeting with her gown. Maybe she was just nervous. Maybe she was just acting.

"First, I would like to request a few days before we...um.."

"Have sex?" Darien winced at his sharp words. Serena looked surprised, "Uh, yes. I wish to get to know each other before we consummate. That way, it could be more, uh, pleasant....?"

"What is your second rule?"

"That we stay loyal and truthful to each other. I heard that marriages relied on this."

Darien almost laughed at that. What a hypocritical woman she was. Hell if he was going to follow that rule.

"And the last is that you should learn to trust me when I don't tell you things."

She was probably thinking of her dear Felix. "I see."

"You do?"

Darien meet her gaze and said, "I believe that I will need time to think up of my own. Yours seem very strict, do they not? I believe that with the last one, you would still maintain your freedom. What is in it for me? No, don't say anything. I believe it is time for lunch. Give me your arm and well shall go."

"Well, do you accept?"

"I believe that a future groom isn't to be accepted with rules attached."

Serena shrugged. "I don't believe it is such a horrible thing to lay out rules for future happiness."

"Don't you?"

"Well, do you accept?"

Darien said slowly, "I believe I shall think about it and tell you later."

Serena wondered at his tone. He seemed annoyed and angered. Well, if he didn't like them, he could just tell her. They could work together to modify them. She shrugged again at gave him her arm.

~~~~~~

Ami walked into the dining hall and gave a smile. She sat herself down next to general Zoicite, who smartly had pulled her chair out for her. Now, everyone was looking at Queen Serenity for her approval. When she had given it, the food was passed out. Oddly, today was a silent meal. Before, there was boisterous laughing and talking from the parents and the men. The girls would mostly talk to one another and giggle at the others conversations. Now, everyone was picking at their food, deep in their own thoughts. Rei seemed to be worried about something and Serena and Darien- well, actually, only Darien- were completely avoiding each other. Serena kept casting quick glances at him. It seemed that Mina noticed it too for she said cheerfully, "Only a week until the wedding, isn't everyone happy?"

Silence and forced smiles were her answer. King Damien gave a controlled grin and Queen Gaea smiled, a little flustered for some reason. Mina decided that any trying would be in vain. She went back to concentrating on the roast duck. Ami shifted uncomfortably on her seat. Any conversation had the life of a small flicker for it soon died away. Then suddenly, Darien asked, "Are you happy with the idea of marrying Serena?"

Queen Serenity appeared to pale significantly but Serena just gave a small smile. "Well, at first, like I told you, I didn't really want to, but now, I don't really mind."

Darien studied her under hooded eyes. "Oh, so the rules you have put to me confirm your acceptance?"

The queen looked sharply at Serena. "What is this I hear, Serenity?"

Serena fidgeted with her table cloth and jumped at her mother's tone. She looked up with some dignity and said, "I thought that a few, agreeable, checks would be of benefit for both of us."

"Serenity, you do not do that, under any circumstances."

Darien wanted to throw his penny in. "I don't remember agreeing to you or making rules of my own."

Serena was flabbergasted. "Why, you -"

"My dear, rules never apply for marriages for they can be broken very easily. Trust me when I say that we can have a happy marriage without them."

Darien grinned as his fiancee's cheeks brightened with anger. He continued, as if not noticing her glare, "Don't you agree with me that rules are immature? They make people feel like they are playing games like little babes. Let us agree on just one rule though. That is, not to make anymore, hmm?"

"But-"

"No, no. Let me continue. I did tolerate your remarks when you had made them but now I would like to correct you now, for I realized that it was quite impertinent of you to approach me like that. Even before we were married. I believe it is showing lack of confidence you future spouse and doubt in his/ her support. That is all I have to say."

Serena felt as if she could spit. Her eyes glazed over with anger. How could he have made such a small thing sound so demeaning? He preached to her like a teacher would to a small child. Damn his hide. How could he embarrass her like this. Everyone were either staring at her with amusement at her stupidity, pity, or disapproval. She opened her mouth only to be cut of by her mother.

"Serenity, I can not believe that you would do such a childlike thing. Darien is right. That attitude does show the utmost disrespect. Now you shall not argue with me but finish up your meal. Then we can decide to discuss it or not."

Serena raised her chin and resumed eating. She was completely embarrassed and humiliated to her toes. She had also lost any tender feeling to her husband to be. She hated being treated like a child. He was despicable. The rest of the meal continued in silence, except for the tinkering of forks and spoons. Darien admired her grit to not run from the room, but she was definitely punished... for today. His parents tried to soothe her but he imagined it just made her even redder.

~~~~~~

Jadeite shook his head mournfully at his friend and leader. "How could you have done such a thing to her? What is your problem?"

"Did the food not agree with you? Were you annoyed and you wanted to take it out on someone?"

Darien cast cold glances at Nephrite and Jadeite and shook of their disapproval. "That is none of your business."

Malachite lay back on the fluffed bench. "Well, the girl has guts to remain and finish her lunch. Either that, or she was really hungry."

The earned grins from everyone but Darien you murmured, "She does have one hell of an appetite."

Zoicite frowned. He could swear that Darien wasn't talking about food. He asked slowly, "Darien, has she done something to displease you?"

Darien wanted to yell that wasn't a bloody virgin but a slut. Instead, he said, "No. I'm not in the mood for company. I request that all of you leave."

Malachite groaned, "And just when I was getting comfortable."

"Leave. Now."

Now, Jadeite also realized that this wasn't just some meager matter. Darien was brooding. Something he rarely did. Yes, he plotted and thought up strategies silently but this was different. Darien seemed to be mad about something that he didn't want to say. Jadeite said tartly, "Well, if you going to be so rude, I believe that I will show myself to the door."

"I don't really care."

Zoicite and Nephrite frowned at their prince before exiting. Malachite moaned over the lost bench. Darien hated this. Why did he have to follow her? Why couldn't he just pretend like nothing happened?

~~~~~~

Serena hated the confinements of her room right now. Her mother had forbid anyone to visit her the rest of the day and so from lunch and onwards, she was left alone. She felt embarrassed at her mother's punishment. It made her feel vulnerable and small. She wanted to talk to someone but her friends could help there. They were in beds, fast asleep. Yes, she could go talk to Felix. Her loyal pet. At least he didn't yell at her. All she had to do was feed him and he would be hers. Serena threw her legs over the side of the bed and quickly put on her dressing gown and a robe. It was time to talk to Felix again. He was the only on right now to give her comfort.

~~~~~~

She gave Durmis a quick look over and nodded to herself. Yes. He would blend right in with the guests and servants of the royal household. She slid a sharp nail down the monster's cheek. It, in turn, winced at the pain.

"Durmis, do you understand your duty?"

"Yes."

"Do you plan to complete it to the fullest?"

"Yes."

"And are you aware of the consequences if you fail to act accordingly?"

Durmis gave a slight pause before responding, "Yes."

She nodded in approval. "Have Botania get you ready to ship out and under cover. Remember, she will have surveillance monitoring your moves, so one toe out of line and-"

She moved her finger across her throat, depicting a gruesome end.

"I understand."