Unrelenting Compromise

You put this onto yourself, I reminded myself, as all eyes turned to me.

"Do you deny it?" his voice was mocking me now.

"No, I don't," I answered firmly.

My words rang off the walls with an eerie silence as my words finally got through to them.

"I admire your spirit, Selene" his lazy grin was back on as he watched the flicker of terror in my eyes, "If I wanted to reveal you, I would have done so. I'm here with a proposal," he beckoned to his friends, "They will be sworn to secrecy, along with myself. However –"

"You mean to blackmail me," I stated simply.

He frowned slightly, "Blackmail? No, not blackmail. The word is too uncivilized for my liking. I prefer an agreement… a deal… understanding."

"And if I refuse to cooperate, you will reveal me. I believe that is blackmail. Pure and simple."

"It would be if I planned to reveal you, but I don't. As I said, this is an agreement, one made to benefit the both of us… a partnership, if you will."

With a wave of his hand, I watched his friends exit the room, giving me and Darien the utmost privacy, except for Malachite, who still lunged in the chair next to him.

A deal? My interest sparked. When my real father was alive, he used to play business with me. We would be two partners, attempting to strike a deal. It was great fun and I enjoyed every moment of it. "What kind of deal?"

"I'm looking for someone to work for me. A special someone that could blend in with the crowd, remains inconspicuous, and yet holds a wide variety of skills that would suit my purpose."

That wouldn't be me. I couldn't stay inconspicuous if they paid me. Skills? That's a joke. He must be playing with me. "I wish you luck on your search for him. I, however, need to tend to my horse."

"It's not a him, it's a her and I have already found her," he corrected, stopping me mid-step.

I frowned even harder, "Good for you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I got to-"

"Sit down," he commanded icily.

My insides boiled, "And what makes you think that if you tell me to sit, I will sit? You might be able to cock that altitude of yours with everyone else, but I am not going to eat out of your hand like a good, obedient puppy!"

Malachite cast me a stern look, "I believe that is enough, lady. In case you haven't noticed, that attitude of yours needs a spanking as well. Don't think that-"

"Malachite." His name was said quietly, but with a deadly warning.

"Darien, I-"

"No."

Casting one last desperate look at his friend, he quieted obediently.

"I'll ask of you one more time, Lady Selene. Rest assured, I will not ask this again. We have not finished. Sit."

I couldn't disobey him. I just couldn't. In truth, he scared me. The look on his face froze my blood cold, scattering any resistance in my body.

I sat.

"I believe you would fit perfectly. Your fighting skills are most admirable and extremely useful if used the right way. I plan to work towards that."

I was unsure of what I was hearing, "You want me to be a spy for you?"

"Part-time, yes. There are others jobs that I'll have you undertake. Of course, you will be trained."

"And why should I take up on your offer?"

He shrugged casually, "What would you want in return? Money? Jewels? Fame?"

There was only thing I wanted and I told him.

Raising his eyebrows in surprise, he nodded. Popping a bottle of champagne, he raised the glass in toast, "To our partnership."

I echoed him, vaguely wondering just how many 'partnerships' I was going to have with him.

"You are crazy," Mina told me the second she saw the guests out. Slamming the door shut, she turned to face me, "I cannot believe such nerve!"

"Tell me something I don't know," I followed her wild rampage through the house.

"I have never seen such… such…!" she pointed an accusing finger at me, "I do sincerely hope that you have your will ready to go. Once he finds out that you are also his future wife and have been deceiving him…" she trailed off, shuddering.

I looked sympathetically at her, "Cold feet?"

She cast me a glare, "I just never expected to go so far, that's all. Our lives have never had this kind of excitement. We are ladies that have only one life, the life that society calls upon us," she sighed, her gaze softening, "I'm sorry. This is just so much to take in. I loved the way you held yourself in the parlor. I could never do that. A lot of ladies couldn't do that, especially in front of him."

"He is a bit intimidating, I guess."

"Come on Sere," she rolled her eyes, "Didn't you see how handsome he is?"

"It's a bit hard to miss," I answered dryly. And apparently, my fear and lack of judgement robbed me blind.

"Exactly. Currently, he is occupied with Beryl. Everyone knows that he doesn't like her though. Still, she holds power and having her around does have its useful points, even if it means putting up with her slutty attitude."

"She can't be that bad," I reasoned, thinking that her bad points were just exaggerated. In a few hours from now, that statement would be one of the biggest mistake I have every made.

"She can and she is. You have to see it for yourself.

"I suppose," not wanting to argue further more about it, I changed the topic, "So, are you free this afternoon?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"A tour would be nice," I suggested.

"A tour it is."

I had asked for a simple, easy tour. Was that too much to ask? Cursing my luck, I glanced hatefully back at the laughing lord and had to sigh. I couldn't think with him around and every once in a while, I would glance sideways at him and wish that he's just a figment of my imagination. Of course, five seconds after I blink, he is still there.

Catching my glance, he left off from flirting with Mina and urged his stallion next to mine. I cast him a wary glance, waiting for him to break the silence.

"It seems you do not welcome my company," he observed.

"Does it? How unfortunate."

"There's no need to be so distant. After all, we shall be brother and sister within the month."

"What irony," I commented. Not only was I going to be married to him, I was also going to be his sister in law. How many times have that happened? First woman in history.

"No one knows of our deal," he said warningly, "It remains our secret, along with Malachite. You can trust him."

"Trust." I exclaimed bitterly, "I hardly know you."

He smiled a humorless smile, "You have no choice. Learn to trust me. It makes no difference."

I scowled and kicked my horse forward, not wanting to talk to him further. Trotting ahead of the group, I was determined to get the tours I wanted by myself. Who needs them?

"He's hard to deal with," Jadeite smiled at me, keeping his stallion in pace next to mine.

"I suppose you would know," I said grimly.

"You know, you are a really odd lady," he commented, grinning at her.

"Define lady," I retorted.

Andrew caught up to us, "A well mannered and considerate woman with high standards of proper behavior," he recited. I snorted in a very unladylike way.

"However, it mainly refers to a general feminine title of nobility and other rank, especially in Britain," Jadeite added, "So, in some terms, you are still a lady."

"Surprise," I commented dryly, "You guys make me fell so special. I can definitely see how you charm beautiful maidens now."

"Oh, not maidens," his eyes twinkled madly.

"Please, spare me."

"Say, are you really the Rose?"

"Rose?" I turned puzzled eyes on him.

The green-eyed blond shrugged, "Rose Maiden. The whole thing is too long, too complicated," he paused, "Too sappy."

"Sappy?" I echoed.

"Just answer my question."

"Why do you even ask? Isn't a straight accusation right in my face and me nodding 'yes', not good enough for you?" I turned to face them.

Andrew grinned, "You really are a very different lady. A simple 'no' could have done well, yet you insist on stuffing the whole thing in our faces," he paused, "I like that."

"It's called sadistic humor, I suppose," I replied wryly, "I have a talent in it. So, tell me, why is the Rose so known? She's only been out once and only to kick the crap out of some guy."

"That's the thing," Jadeite answered absently, glancing toward the merchandise on the stands, "She's a woman that can beat men's ass and that's unheard of. New things bring out mysterious stories and imagination takes care of the rest. Like it or not, you are famous.

"And shunned," I pointed out, "Certainly the majority of people feels that a woman's role is with her husband or at home."

"True, but what can they do about it? They can only shake their heads and complain about the ladies these days. You have talent. Darien saw to that. There's no need to waste it."

"Of course not," a new voice cut in.

I turned. A black haired beauty sat relaxed on Mars with hands outstretched for me to shake. "Hi, my name is Rei, sister to Darien," she grinned, "I understand that my brother is not in your good favor, so let me assure you, I'm nothing like him."

I crossed the gap between us and clasped her hand firmly, "That's good to hear," I joked.

She returned my humor, "It is for most."

"I doubt everyone hates your brother. Intense dislike, maybe."

Rei shook her head, "Rivals want him dead. At times, even I would like to murder him."

"Seeing how he is still alive, I would suppose no one has tried to kill him," I commented, feeling a bit disappointed.

"Oh, people have tried. They are now pleading insanity and a quick death. Darien refused to kill them outright. He doesn't believe in mercy."

I paled.

She shot me an amused look, "Do you have anything to hide? If you do, you should tell me now."

"Oh, it's not that. I was just thinking that your brother was a bit…harsh, that's all."

"We live in London, dear girl. The rules of the jungle apply here as well. Power or be overpowered. Our family is currently in power and others are trying to overpower us. That's the way it is."

"I suppose," I admitted, "This London way of life is new to me, that's all. Do you have any idea what your brother really plans to do with me while I'm under his 'employment'?

She shrugged, "Acquire information, go murder somebody, how do I know?"

I observed her thoughtfully. Her eyes moved down and to the left. It was a rapid movement, quick as a blink. I recognized it immediately. My father was a suspicious man and even though I hated him to hell, he had taught me a few useful things, like being able to tell when someone is lying or keeping things a secret. A simple unneeded hesitation or a dart of the eye was all I needed. Rei knew something that I didn't, but I wasn't going to press her.

Instead, I dismounted and walked my horse through the marketplace. I have time, I figured, to find out what was going on. There was no need to hurry things.

I stopped to admire the beautiful glass trinkets on display, my eyes lighting on a straight, double-edged sword. It's blade was see-through, most likely made from glass and used as a display ornament. It was surprisingly thin and light, designed for the cut. It's grip was made from silver and intended to accommodate a single, small hand.

I nodded toward the merchant, who, recognizing a potential buyer, hurried over to me right away. He was a stocky little fellow, with teethes jutting out and some missing. His hair looked like a rat's nest and his nose had the look as if it had been broken recently. Leaning close to me so that I could smell his foul stench, he pointed to the sword in my hand, "Made from a special type of crystal from the moon," he whispered confidentially, pointing toward the moon symbol engraved on the handle.

This guy must be off his rocker, I thought.

He grasped the sword in one hand and delicately drew it across his arm, smiling dementedly at me as a trail of blood followed, "See? Works perfectly."

I wondered vaguely how many times he has bled himself to sell this merchandise. Studying the blade more carefully, I found that it wasn't moon crystal or even glass. With astonishing wonder, I realized that it was diamond. How absolutely perfect! Diamond was the hardest of all minerals and completely unbreakable.

The question was, how did he get this sword? Stolen, most likely. That was when I noticed a girl tending another customer. The way she carried herself told me that she was noble born and her intelligent eyes promised a good education. What would a scum like him be doing with her?

"How much is this sword?"

He smiled a crooked smile, "You won't be able to pay for it."

My eyebrows twitched. "Look, you and I both know that this sword is not really made out of moon crystal."

"However," he added slyly, "I'm willing to exchange for other ways of payment."

Somewhere behind me, I heard a familiar dark chuckle. Of course, I admonished myself, I should have known.

I turned back to the merchant, "Tell me, where did you obtain this sword?"

"Another dealer sold it to me for cheap," he answered.

It was a lie.

Swiftly, I grabbed his collar and leaned him across the table toward me, ignoring the breaking of several objects under his weight.

"Let's try this again and don't even bother to lie cause I know. Where did you get this sword?"

"I'm not lying!" he cried, his eyes darting around for means of escape, landing on the girl who was watching the pair with a vague curiosity, yet making no move to help him. Everyone else ignored them as if this happened everyday.

Shrugging, I pulled myself a chair and made myself comfortable.

"Final answer?"

He nodded.

"Wrong."

Glancing around, I picked up a bottle of Taittinger champagne and took a sip, pronounced it 'not bad' and shook the bottle violently. Tilting his head backwards, I stuffed a towel in his mouth and released the agitated wine up his nasal cavity. As his body began to buck as the liquid was sucked into his lung, I glanced at the girl again. She still made no move to help him. Neither did anyone else.

I didn't really want to kill him, nor did I mean to steal the sword. What I did want to know was the connection he has between him and the girl, who I suspected had everything to do with the diamond sword.

The towel was removed and the champagne was put down, "The truth, if you please."

"It was hers," he spluttered, his face contorting was fear, "The sword was hers!"

"Who's her?" I asked patiently.

He pointed at the girl.

"Then why is she here?"

He stayed silent.

I sighed. It wasn't really my style to be doing this. My eyes darted to a cup of water nearby.

The merchant cowered as if struck by a phantom blow, "I kidnapped her!" he shouted.

What have I gotten myself into? I beckoned toward the girl, "What's your name?"

"Amy," she answered quietly, wincing as she walked over to me.

"What's wrong? Did he beat you?"

She nodded shyly.

"Is there anyone else this scum has kidnapped?"

"There's a 6 year old boy…"

"Take him," I interrupted, "and pack up all your belongings."

The merchant made a choked noise. I glared heatedly at him, "You have no say in the matter. I'm being lenient and you should be thanking me on bended knees. I can have you arrested, where undoubtedly you will be hanged for such treachery."

He shuddered and nodded his head.

As Amy arrived with her bags and a little boy in tow, I sheathed the sword and handed it to her, "It's yours, I believe."

I let go of the pitiful man and handed him a few pounds, "For your inconvenience."

"Do you know how to ride?" I asked Amy.

She nodded, "Timmy can ride in front of me."

"Okay, then," I whistled cheerfully. "We can finally get out of this god-forsaken place."

I helped her on to Invictus and gave her the directions home. Without turning I, commented to the air, "I know you are there. I heard you earlier. No doubt you heard and saw the whole entire damned thing."

A deep chuckle answered me, "It was an admiral show," he admitted, stepping out into the light, "I was right in my decision to hire you on."

"No, you weren't," I massaged my forehead tiredly, "That whole thing was a mistake."

He took a step closer, his arms snaking across my waist, drawing me against him, "Why do you feel so guilty?" he murmured, letting his head rest on mine.

I LIVE!! I know it has just been ages and it might seem as if i died or something. That's why i made this chapter extra long. Anyway, i have only three days more of intense studying, then i'll be back on my feet and back to my stories... yes... ALL my stories. I'll be working on editing them as well.

I can't wait till school is over. Like i said, end of year finals are really stressful and that's why there that long delay. So sorry, dear readers, and i hope you like this chapter.

Note: Most likely, there aren't any Taittinger champagne back then, but just go with the flow please. I'm only 13. What do i know about champagne ?