~ When the sky has fallen
When darkness arrives
One thing shines strong in my mind
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Invictus
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Of course. I may be a chatterbox, but I will never tattle on a friend."
"What if I told you that I am the Rose Maiden?"
She didn't blink an eye, "I will tell you it is not possible. The moon maiden is most likely one of those from the lower class. No lady of stature, such as you, could even have the remotest possibly of..."
"Why not?"
Who, in their right minds would learn to fight? Her family name would be disgraced!"
I was insulted at the description of me, "Never mind Mina..."
"It would be so exciting though," she gushed.
"What?" I turned to her in surprise.
She shrugged, "I sensed you were serious. Besides, why would you lie to me about that? So... let's see you fight."
"I can't go picking a fight with anyone I meet! Besides, no one can know who I really am. You were right; my family name would be ruined if someone found out."
My new friend looked delighted, "Then that means we have to find you a costume, right? I have a few that just might fit you," taking my hand, she led me back toward the Westford mansion..
"Do you have a horse Serena?"
"Yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
"My mansion is all the way across London. The fastest way to get there is on horseback."
"Is that how you got here?"
"Yes. Here we are," she turned me toward the stables, pointing out a roan mare, "That one is mine. I named her Venus, after the goddess of love."
"Which one is yours?"
"I don't know where they put him," I walked through the isles, admiring the beautiful horses. My horse, however, wasn't there.
"Excuse me. Have you seen my horse?" I asked a raven-haired girl grooming a sleek black mare.
Her face lightened when she saw me, "You must be Lady Moonhaven!" she stuck out a hand to shake, "I'm Rei, sister of Lord Westford. I was wondering when I'd meet my brother's fiancée.
"It's great to meet you. Is that your horse?"
She nodded, "I named her Mars, after the God of War."
At my questioning look, she shrugged, "Mina thought it would be fun to name our horses after Gods and Goddesses, so we did. Naturally, she got Venus. Anyhow, what's your horse's name?"
"Crystal Invictus" (an: invictus is a Latin Word meaning 'unable to be conquered or overpowered')
"Invictus is your horse? We thought he was the horse that was supposed to arrive today. I'm afraid Darien took him out to the pastures to train him."
"To... train? But he's already perfectly trained by me!"
"Well, we didn't know that. He was so wild that it took 5 groom hands just to bridle him. Here, take my horse and you can go fetch Invictus back."
I thanked her and mounted. Like she had told me, I found my horse in an open pasture. I took the time to admire him as he bucked and twisted in an attempt to unseat his rider. To my surprise, Darien stuck to the saddle like a burr. I watched them for some time, waiting for him to fall, but he didn't. I grudgingly admired his skills at handling my horse. Hopping off from Mars, I made my way up to them.
Darien, seeing me so close to the out of control horse, motioned furiously for me to get out of the way.
I didn't move.
"Are you crazy?! Do you not value your life?!" he yelled.
Sensing the distraction, my horse made one final buck and managed to send Darien flying. Cursing like all of hell is after him, he curled himself into a ball and rolled harmlessly across the grass. Having finally gotten rid of his rider, Invictus circled once and charged straight back at him. No doubt he was planning to trample Darien into a pancake, and as much as I would like to get rid of my fiancé, I couldn't.
"Invictus!" I barked. Whinnying, the magnificent black steed jumped over Westford and pranced his way back to me. I had to laugh at his playful antics, patting him heartily. With him firmly in my hand, I made my way to Darien, who was patting the dust off his breeches.
I had intended to start off with an apology, yet the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "You had no right to ride my horse!" my tone was accusing.
"That's your horse?" the disbelief was evident as his glance shifted between Invictus and me.
"Why the doubt?" I asked boldly.
"I was merely wondering why a lady such as you has such a fierce steed. He does not seem to match you. Most women have mares, or in some cases, ponies. They do not have the strength to control a wilder beast."
"I have raised Invictus since he was a colt and that's why we are inseparable."
My response must have satisfied his suspicions, "Where are you headed to?"
"Aino mansion. Lady Aino wants to show me around her residence."
"Be back in time for the masquerade ball."
"I will, milord," I led my horse off to the front gates, glancing back at the lone figure staring back at me.
I had a suspicion that he knew something, something I would not want him to know, and something he's not telling.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"How about this one?" Mina asked, holding up a frilly shirt.
I made a face, "No."
"This?" she tossed me a black skirt.
"How am I supposed to fight in that?"
"How about this?"
"I'll trip on it and fall flat on my face."
She threw her hands up in exasperation, "We've been through my whole closet! None of them even went close to satisfying your 'needs'!"
I hopped off the bed, "Let me look."
"Fine!"
Rummaging around for a sec, I came across the perfect outfit. I held it up for my friend to see, "What do you think?"
Her face lightened, "I LOVE IT," she pushed me toward the changing room, "Go on... try it and let me see how you look!"
Two minutes later, I emerged from behind the screen, looking pleasingly at my reflection.
"It's perfect!" Mina gushed.
It was. The outfit I had chosen was indeed beautiful. A mini black skirt outlined by red gave me freedom of movement and showed off my slim waist. My top was a matching blouse with a logo of a red rose. Red fringed its edges and gave me a beautiful contrast in color. Grinning, I tossed a black cape over my shoulders and did a little twirl.
"What are we going to do to hide my face?"
"Try this for size," she offered me a mask.
I couldn't recognize myself. I was now transformed in a shroud of black, looking as mysterious as ever.
"I believe this is it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I'm sorry Luna. I'm just not feeling that well today. I'm afraid I can not attend the masquerade ball today. Please send Lord Westford my sincerest apologies."
Luna looked at me for a second. I could see the wheels turning in her head. Her eyes narrowed and I tried my best to look faint.
"Very well. I will inform him of the turn of events," with a sweep of her gown, she was gone.
My eyes cracked open. With a gleeful giggle, I was out of the bed. Hurriedly, I stuffed my bed with pillows, and changed into a silver ball gown I had bought earlier. My hair was left loose to cascade down my shoulders. Carefully, I placed the rose pin right above my left ear. Slipping on a matching mask that hid half of my face, I declared myself ready.
This masquerade ball would be the event in which I announce myself to the public as the Rose Maiden, and where better to do it, then at my unsuspecting future husband's mansion? The pure irony of this whole situation simply made this all the more excitable.
"Are you ready?" Mina asked from behind me.
"Of course. Let's rock their world."
Arm in arm, we entered the ball room floor. I was pretty lenient as Mina dragged me around to all her male friends, flirting shamelessly. I, myself, was quickly tiring of being looked at like a piece of meat. I felt my cheeks begin to flush in embarrassment at the constant glances that were directed toward me. Smiling politely, I declined all invitations for me to dance, saying that I am feeling a bit unwell. I watched as Mina twirled from man to man, laughing merrily at some lame jokes. For the life of me, I can't figure out how she does it.
I watched as my friend started yet another conversation about the weather, which ended up on the dance floor nonetheless. Amazing. Men have the most pathetic gullible souls. The sight of a pretty girl could make them pant like a dog in heat. At least, most of them anyway.
People often thought of the life as a lady a glamorous one, where you sit in your dainty little chairs and drink tea from dainty little cups, but I knew better. Life isn't that way. For a lady to climb higher on the society 'ladder', or at least stay where they are, they need to marry to the wealthiest. Money was everything. Money bought you power. It doesn't matter if you look like you just stepped out of world's-ugliest-top-ten. To marry to the best means the basics: family wealth, manners, charm, looks, flirting and seduction skills. Besides the wealth and looks, I was pretty much down in the dumps. My charm can kill a man... literally.
Sighing, I twirled the champagne glass in my hand, watching its soothing colors flash and sparkled.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you," Mina marched over, dragging a young man behind him. Beckoning to him, she began the introductions, "This is Lord Seiya Starlight. He had been dying to meet you and I felt that I can not refuse such a charming man."
He held out a gloved hand, "Would you honor me with a dance?"
My mouth opened automatically to refuse but I stopped, glancing uneasily at the grinning Mina.
I sighed inwardly, "Why not?"
I allowed myself to be twirled onto the dance floor, dancing awkwardly as I tried to avoid stepping on my partner's shoes. In my attempt to rid my partner of the possibility that I might cut off his toes, I noticed that my own foot gave me no relief as the sides of my high-heeled shoes pinched my toes painfully together. Excusing myself from my admirers, I headed outside. The stillness of the world outside made my ears ring. Breathing the fresh air greedily, I failed to notice a dark figure watching me.
"I'll kill Mina for making me wear this. I swear, the next time she tries to bribe me, I'll throw her into the pond."
I slid the shoes off, and in my blind anger and frustration, hurled the shoes as far as I could. I watched as they flew through the air and off a steep incline into a valley. As soon as I heard the soft plop! of my shoe hitting the river below, I regretted my actions. Imagine if someone saw my brash behavior.
"That wasn't a smart move Miss," a smooth, silky voice intervened.
I was convinced that someone hated me up there. I knew that voice.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Was that a long chapter or what? I think it is my longest yet. I really hate reading short chapters, and after I reviewed my work, I agreed that my chapters were way too short. I'm sorry about that cause I feel really guilty now. Anyhow, chapters for this story will be around this much from now on, if not longer.
How was this chapter? I had it written weeks ago, but I didn't really liked the way it turned out so I changed everything to suit my fancy... and hopefully yours too!
As for the next chapter... I'm not really much of a seer so I can't tell you the exact date or anything. However, you can keep checking out my bio cause that will give you an idea of how far I am into the new chapters, and which story I might update next, etc.
Thanks for ALL the reviews. They have been really helpful to me.
When darkness arrives
One thing shines strong in my mind
I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul ~
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Invictus
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Of course. I may be a chatterbox, but I will never tattle on a friend."
"What if I told you that I am the Rose Maiden?"
She didn't blink an eye, "I will tell you it is not possible. The moon maiden is most likely one of those from the lower class. No lady of stature, such as you, could even have the remotest possibly of..."
"Why not?"
Who, in their right minds would learn to fight? Her family name would be disgraced!"
I was insulted at the description of me, "Never mind Mina..."
"It would be so exciting though," she gushed.
"What?" I turned to her in surprise.
She shrugged, "I sensed you were serious. Besides, why would you lie to me about that? So... let's see you fight."
"I can't go picking a fight with anyone I meet! Besides, no one can know who I really am. You were right; my family name would be ruined if someone found out."
My new friend looked delighted, "Then that means we have to find you a costume, right? I have a few that just might fit you," taking my hand, she led me back toward the Westford mansion..
"Do you have a horse Serena?"
"Yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
"My mansion is all the way across London. The fastest way to get there is on horseback."
"Is that how you got here?"
"Yes. Here we are," she turned me toward the stables, pointing out a roan mare, "That one is mine. I named her Venus, after the goddess of love."
"Which one is yours?"
"I don't know where they put him," I walked through the isles, admiring the beautiful horses. My horse, however, wasn't there.
"Excuse me. Have you seen my horse?" I asked a raven-haired girl grooming a sleek black mare.
Her face lightened when she saw me, "You must be Lady Moonhaven!" she stuck out a hand to shake, "I'm Rei, sister of Lord Westford. I was wondering when I'd meet my brother's fiancée.
"It's great to meet you. Is that your horse?"
She nodded, "I named her Mars, after the God of War."
At my questioning look, she shrugged, "Mina thought it would be fun to name our horses after Gods and Goddesses, so we did. Naturally, she got Venus. Anyhow, what's your horse's name?"
"Crystal Invictus" (an: invictus is a Latin Word meaning 'unable to be conquered or overpowered')
"Invictus is your horse? We thought he was the horse that was supposed to arrive today. I'm afraid Darien took him out to the pastures to train him."
"To... train? But he's already perfectly trained by me!"
"Well, we didn't know that. He was so wild that it took 5 groom hands just to bridle him. Here, take my horse and you can go fetch Invictus back."
I thanked her and mounted. Like she had told me, I found my horse in an open pasture. I took the time to admire him as he bucked and twisted in an attempt to unseat his rider. To my surprise, Darien stuck to the saddle like a burr. I watched them for some time, waiting for him to fall, but he didn't. I grudgingly admired his skills at handling my horse. Hopping off from Mars, I made my way up to them.
Darien, seeing me so close to the out of control horse, motioned furiously for me to get out of the way.
I didn't move.
"Are you crazy?! Do you not value your life?!" he yelled.
Sensing the distraction, my horse made one final buck and managed to send Darien flying. Cursing like all of hell is after him, he curled himself into a ball and rolled harmlessly across the grass. Having finally gotten rid of his rider, Invictus circled once and charged straight back at him. No doubt he was planning to trample Darien into a pancake, and as much as I would like to get rid of my fiancé, I couldn't.
"Invictus!" I barked. Whinnying, the magnificent black steed jumped over Westford and pranced his way back to me. I had to laugh at his playful antics, patting him heartily. With him firmly in my hand, I made my way to Darien, who was patting the dust off his breeches.
I had intended to start off with an apology, yet the first thing that came out of my mouth was, "You had no right to ride my horse!" my tone was accusing.
"That's your horse?" the disbelief was evident as his glance shifted between Invictus and me.
"Why the doubt?" I asked boldly.
"I was merely wondering why a lady such as you has such a fierce steed. He does not seem to match you. Most women have mares, or in some cases, ponies. They do not have the strength to control a wilder beast."
"I have raised Invictus since he was a colt and that's why we are inseparable."
My response must have satisfied his suspicions, "Where are you headed to?"
"Aino mansion. Lady Aino wants to show me around her residence."
"Be back in time for the masquerade ball."
"I will, milord," I led my horse off to the front gates, glancing back at the lone figure staring back at me.
I had a suspicion that he knew something, something I would not want him to know, and something he's not telling.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"How about this one?" Mina asked, holding up a frilly shirt.
I made a face, "No."
"This?" she tossed me a black skirt.
"How am I supposed to fight in that?"
"How about this?"
"I'll trip on it and fall flat on my face."
She threw her hands up in exasperation, "We've been through my whole closet! None of them even went close to satisfying your 'needs'!"
I hopped off the bed, "Let me look."
"Fine!"
Rummaging around for a sec, I came across the perfect outfit. I held it up for my friend to see, "What do you think?"
Her face lightened, "I LOVE IT," she pushed me toward the changing room, "Go on... try it and let me see how you look!"
Two minutes later, I emerged from behind the screen, looking pleasingly at my reflection.
"It's perfect!" Mina gushed.
It was. The outfit I had chosen was indeed beautiful. A mini black skirt outlined by red gave me freedom of movement and showed off my slim waist. My top was a matching blouse with a logo of a red rose. Red fringed its edges and gave me a beautiful contrast in color. Grinning, I tossed a black cape over my shoulders and did a little twirl.
"What are we going to do to hide my face?"
"Try this for size," she offered me a mask.
I couldn't recognize myself. I was now transformed in a shroud of black, looking as mysterious as ever.
"I believe this is it."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I'm sorry Luna. I'm just not feeling that well today. I'm afraid I can not attend the masquerade ball today. Please send Lord Westford my sincerest apologies."
Luna looked at me for a second. I could see the wheels turning in her head. Her eyes narrowed and I tried my best to look faint.
"Very well. I will inform him of the turn of events," with a sweep of her gown, she was gone.
My eyes cracked open. With a gleeful giggle, I was out of the bed. Hurriedly, I stuffed my bed with pillows, and changed into a silver ball gown I had bought earlier. My hair was left loose to cascade down my shoulders. Carefully, I placed the rose pin right above my left ear. Slipping on a matching mask that hid half of my face, I declared myself ready.
This masquerade ball would be the event in which I announce myself to the public as the Rose Maiden, and where better to do it, then at my unsuspecting future husband's mansion? The pure irony of this whole situation simply made this all the more excitable.
"Are you ready?" Mina asked from behind me.
"Of course. Let's rock their world."
Arm in arm, we entered the ball room floor. I was pretty lenient as Mina dragged me around to all her male friends, flirting shamelessly. I, myself, was quickly tiring of being looked at like a piece of meat. I felt my cheeks begin to flush in embarrassment at the constant glances that were directed toward me. Smiling politely, I declined all invitations for me to dance, saying that I am feeling a bit unwell. I watched as Mina twirled from man to man, laughing merrily at some lame jokes. For the life of me, I can't figure out how she does it.
I watched as my friend started yet another conversation about the weather, which ended up on the dance floor nonetheless. Amazing. Men have the most pathetic gullible souls. The sight of a pretty girl could make them pant like a dog in heat. At least, most of them anyway.
People often thought of the life as a lady a glamorous one, where you sit in your dainty little chairs and drink tea from dainty little cups, but I knew better. Life isn't that way. For a lady to climb higher on the society 'ladder', or at least stay where they are, they need to marry to the wealthiest. Money was everything. Money bought you power. It doesn't matter if you look like you just stepped out of world's-ugliest-top-ten. To marry to the best means the basics: family wealth, manners, charm, looks, flirting and seduction skills. Besides the wealth and looks, I was pretty much down in the dumps. My charm can kill a man... literally.
Sighing, I twirled the champagne glass in my hand, watching its soothing colors flash and sparkled.
"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you," Mina marched over, dragging a young man behind him. Beckoning to him, she began the introductions, "This is Lord Seiya Starlight. He had been dying to meet you and I felt that I can not refuse such a charming man."
He held out a gloved hand, "Would you honor me with a dance?"
My mouth opened automatically to refuse but I stopped, glancing uneasily at the grinning Mina.
I sighed inwardly, "Why not?"
I allowed myself to be twirled onto the dance floor, dancing awkwardly as I tried to avoid stepping on my partner's shoes. In my attempt to rid my partner of the possibility that I might cut off his toes, I noticed that my own foot gave me no relief as the sides of my high-heeled shoes pinched my toes painfully together. Excusing myself from my admirers, I headed outside. The stillness of the world outside made my ears ring. Breathing the fresh air greedily, I failed to notice a dark figure watching me.
"I'll kill Mina for making me wear this. I swear, the next time she tries to bribe me, I'll throw her into the pond."
I slid the shoes off, and in my blind anger and frustration, hurled the shoes as far as I could. I watched as they flew through the air and off a steep incline into a valley. As soon as I heard the soft plop! of my shoe hitting the river below, I regretted my actions. Imagine if someone saw my brash behavior.
"That wasn't a smart move Miss," a smooth, silky voice intervened.
I was convinced that someone hated me up there. I knew that voice.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Was that a long chapter or what? I think it is my longest yet. I really hate reading short chapters, and after I reviewed my work, I agreed that my chapters were way too short. I'm sorry about that cause I feel really guilty now. Anyhow, chapters for this story will be around this much from now on, if not longer.
How was this chapter? I had it written weeks ago, but I didn't really liked the way it turned out so I changed everything to suit my fancy... and hopefully yours too!
As for the next chapter... I'm not really much of a seer so I can't tell you the exact date or anything. However, you can keep checking out my bio cause that will give you an idea of how far I am into the new chapters, and which story I might update next, etc.
Thanks for ALL the reviews. They have been really helpful to me.