A/N: Thanks for coming back to me my wonderful reviewers! I thought because of the late update you moved on…*dramatic sigh*. But I am really sorry for the late update. The next chapters will hopefully be longer and shed more light into the characters and those mysterious 'riders'. Enjoy.
Part 2: Marcus
He tasted like fresh mint mixed in with some honey and morning dew. She felt his teeth nip at her lower as she tried unsuccessfully to suppress a moan. Involuntary she felt her hand reach behind his head and pull him even closer.
He immediately responded with pressing himself closer to her body then running his hands in circular motion on her back. He couldn't believe she was responding to him so well, he nearly lost himself with her when he heard a load noise coming from the door.
Breaking away from her he looked down and smiled at her swollen lips and dilated eyes; if only they could stay like this forever. Another knock from the door, this time even loader, reminded him why he was not enjoying her company.
Roaring, Endymion unwrapped his arms from her waist and tilted her chin so her eyes met his, "Go over to the other side of the bed and only come out when I say." Nodding, she turned towards the bed and began to walk away.
Walking to the door, Endymion unlocked it and opened it with anger and stiffness; he was taken back when his eyes rested upon the man in front of him. "Marcus?" Endymion whispered.
"Hello, brother." The silver haired man identified as Marcus stated sharply, his eyes narrowing into hard slits.
Endymion could not believe the person standing in front of him: his brother. Marcus was younger than Endymion by only a few years, and harbored little love for his older brother. Endymion and Marcus had always been rivals from the beginning, and it only increased when they grew older and competed for their mother's love and father's attention.
"What are you doing here, Marcus?" Endymion asked perplexed. Usually his younger brother would raise hell itself if it meant not seeing him; its been nearly five years since their last encounter. Something was wrong.
"May I come in or will this meeting take place where several ears listen in?" Marcus replied monotone. His voice should have been the second indication something was wrong; the visit being the first.
Looking over his shoulder towards Serenity, who's hand had parted the curtain around the bed and eyes looking over his shoulders towards parted door.
"…this is not the best time, give me a few moments and I shall meet you at the Infer manor in an hour."
Marcus looked over his brother with derision and contempt a sly and mocking chuckle leaving his mouth, "Fine. But if you are not there in one hour I shall leave; you will have to find out yourself."
Turning around, Marcus motioned his men to follow him casting one glace at the figure behind the door before obscurity got in the way.
Closing the door, Endymion let out a low sigh and growl before turning his back towards Serenity and sitting on the far edge of the bed.
Coming out of the corner she was ordered to stay in, Serenity looked over the man who had seemed to forget about her in his deep thoughts. Boldly rising, she pressed her back to the wall and started to slowly and silently glide to the door that was unlocked.
"You know, if you wanted to be tied to the bed you could move closer to that door. If not I would turn back now."
Frozen and defeated, Serenity moved back towards what she now knew as 'her' corner and sat on the marble floor. "What is going to happen now? I mean to me..?" She asked slowly, cautious of any body movements that might seem threatening.
"We go home, little one. 'And what will happen in the future is but bare.'" He said standing back up and extending his hand to her.
"Rowen Isle, 1601, The Sleeping Angels."
Cocking his head to one side, Endymion looked at her questionably; his hand still outstretched, "You know of Rowen Isle?"
"He is my favorite author." She said moving towards him slowly and placing her hand in his, never losing eye contact.
Leading her towards the door, Endymion paused before opening it; turning to her grinning, "Maybe there is more than what I saw in you, I know that I will enjoy discovering you either way."
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Lady Helena was furious. How dare he leave her in the middle of an auction and buy that….thing! But Lady Helena knew better than to question her future husband; for her role was chosen even before her birth. It is very easy for another to condemn this woman, who yes, is vain, and yes, does not care for the masses. Yet, her own faults are not hers alone. They come from a society that develops this kind of woman to suit the type of man she will one day wed. Lady Helena was brought up by a widowed mother that is less nurturing and moreover serpent-like.
Her mother trained the young Helena in the world or aristocracy and power; all what a little girl needs to learn. And when her mother found out the prospect of a match with Lord Endymion, her future was nearly set.
Lady Helena walked toward the carriage on the arm of the driver deep in her own world of misery; all the while thoughts swirling in her head. 'Why would he cast me out in such a manner, leaving me like I was nothing!'
Upon entering the carriage, the driver closed the door and climbed to his leather seat, set in by many years of sitting on. Looking over his shoulder to confirm the departure, the door man waved him off.
As the carriage began to move, Helena haughty tapped the roof demanding the driver's attention, "Driver! Where are you going? Endymion has not arrived yet."
Stopping for a moment the driver opened the escape window on the roof and replied, "His lordship has informed me to escort you to the mansion while he has business to attend to."
Glaring at the driver in frustration, Helena bit out, "Then how will he get home? We arrived together?"
Nodding, ye mentally wanting to strangle the heiress, the driver spoke slowly as if talking to a child, "His lordship had unexpected business to take care of, especially with Master Marcus's arrival; he will rent another carriage when he wishes to leave."
Taking her stunned silence as a chance for him to leave, the driver closed the upper door and clucked his tongue in a familiar gesture to leave, the horses replied by moving their feet in a cadent dance towards the path to Infer manor.
Helena's eyes widened with anxiety, "Marcus…"
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Sitting across from him, Serenity watched as Endymion run a hand though his hair in a nervous gesture- for the tenth time. They were currently on route to Infer manor riding in an opulent carriage given by the auction proctor as a token of appreciation for his lord's presence.
Was this how it always was for Endymion? People always bending down on one knee to meet his demands and predict future ones?
Serenity mentally shook her head. She had not been a slave for long yet she has always been and will be common. When Serenity's mother died and father decided to abandon her, she was immediately set into a world she only knew as well as the English Queen herself. Yes, she had been a commoner. Helping her father with his trading business, yet she was still naïve about the way the world was orchestrated.
Until her few liberties were taken….then the world was set in black and whit; no gray to ease her pain.
Being a slave is an existence Serenity would not wish upon any person. Sadly, it was her only way to survive. Many Irish people are starving, have no shelter, and are slowly living their life away. Serenity may have sold her life but she was still able to survive.
'Yes. Survive, if being cast into chains is living…what could not living feel like?' She thought.
"When we arrive at the manor you will be immediately escorted by Mrs. Hannon. She will take you to your room while I do my business." Endymion said, breaking the silence and her thoughts altogether.
Nodding, Serenity fondled with indecision, playing with the hem of her new dress anxiously. Endymion noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere and asked with a smirk crossing his hansom features, "What do you want to ask, little one?"
With wide eyes at his keen observational skill, Serenity softly asked the question she was itching to have answered, "Who was that man you were speaking to? He had an English accent, not common or welcomed in Ireland…"
"No it is not, but he is Irish."
"What do you mean? I do not understand…"
Smiling as knowing smile full of hidden secrets and mischief, Endymion explained, "His name is Marcus, my brother. He is an Irish lord equal to my ranking; he was also a war spy in England, going there and adopting their accent to masquerade. Marcus fought in the great battles for independence against British occupation here in Ireland, until one day he was struck down by an arrow to the right shoulder. But he was innovative and had the will to survive." Endymion watched as her eyebrows came together to grasp the information before continuing, "When he was struck, he hid in a ditch surrounded and protected by moss, unbeknown to him there was someone in that ditch: a young English man married to the royal family, also shot wounded. Instead of killing him, Marcus helped him; for he was disgusted with the very blood that he had spilt over the earth. When Marcus and the royal were found by British soldiers, they wanted to know what to do with him. The royal told them to let him go." Endymion paused for a moment, closing his eyes to remember more, "The royal was so taken back with him, he invited him to become a representative for the region of Infer."
Serenity shook her head in confusion, "But the British hate us! They killed so many and enslaved others for nothing short of sadistic supremacy!"
"I understand that, little one. Where you came from the British officers were daily fixtures, were they not?" She nodded. "Because of Marcus, Infer is left to govern herself; for you see the battle was fought in this very region."
Narrowing her eyes, Serenity shook her head in anger. Then she turned her head towards the window to avoid offending her new lord with her sharp glare. Endymion, noticing this sudden change, reached out grasped her shoulders pulling her into his lap.
"What are you doing?!" She said, frantically trying to wiggle out of his grasp. After a couple of seconds of endless struggling she stopped, totally exhausted.
Placing a hand on the top of her head, Endymion brought it down to caress her back. "Why are you so upset?"
"There are so many that suffer under British occupation; and you hide here, in your little sanctuary. It is not fair."
Coming across her neck, he lightly rubbed it in gentle, yet firm motions. "Your heart is so open to people, yet I do wonder. Why do you protect the very people who have sold you…?"
Closing her eyes, Serenity realized he was right…why was she protecting the very people that may have ruined her life. Going limp in his arms, Serenity let out a sigh, "I suppose it is because I have nothing that is mine or to call my own, except for my people."
"Maybe, the very thing you want to call your own, has already found you."
Serenity turned to him, confusion clearly written on her face. Why was he always speaking in riddles, was she supposed to spend her entire life trying to solve them? Shaking her head in an involuntary motion, Serenity replied, "Even so, who would want me?"
Bringing his lips to her forehead, he set a soft kiss on her skin before moving down to her ear, "Me…"
Part 2: Marcus
He tasted like fresh mint mixed in with some honey and morning dew. She felt his teeth nip at her lower as she tried unsuccessfully to suppress a moan. Involuntary she felt her hand reach behind his head and pull him even closer.
He immediately responded with pressing himself closer to her body then running his hands in circular motion on her back. He couldn't believe she was responding to him so well, he nearly lost himself with her when he heard a load noise coming from the door.
Breaking away from her he looked down and smiled at her swollen lips and dilated eyes; if only they could stay like this forever. Another knock from the door, this time even loader, reminded him why he was not enjoying her company.
Roaring, Endymion unwrapped his arms from her waist and tilted her chin so her eyes met his, "Go over to the other side of the bed and only come out when I say." Nodding, she turned towards the bed and began to walk away.
Walking to the door, Endymion unlocked it and opened it with anger and stiffness; he was taken back when his eyes rested upon the man in front of him. "Marcus?" Endymion whispered.
"Hello, brother." The silver haired man identified as Marcus stated sharply, his eyes narrowing into hard slits.
Endymion could not believe the person standing in front of him: his brother. Marcus was younger than Endymion by only a few years, and harbored little love for his older brother. Endymion and Marcus had always been rivals from the beginning, and it only increased when they grew older and competed for their mother's love and father's attention.
"What are you doing here, Marcus?" Endymion asked perplexed. Usually his younger brother would raise hell itself if it meant not seeing him; its been nearly five years since their last encounter. Something was wrong.
"May I come in or will this meeting take place where several ears listen in?" Marcus replied monotone. His voice should have been the second indication something was wrong; the visit being the first.
Looking over his shoulder towards Serenity, who's hand had parted the curtain around the bed and eyes looking over his shoulders towards parted door.
"…this is not the best time, give me a few moments and I shall meet you at the Infer manor in an hour."
Marcus looked over his brother with derision and contempt a sly and mocking chuckle leaving his mouth, "Fine. But if you are not there in one hour I shall leave; you will have to find out yourself."
Turning around, Marcus motioned his men to follow him casting one glace at the figure behind the door before obscurity got in the way.
Closing the door, Endymion let out a low sigh and growl before turning his back towards Serenity and sitting on the far edge of the bed.
Coming out of the corner she was ordered to stay in, Serenity looked over the man who had seemed to forget about her in his deep thoughts. Boldly rising, she pressed her back to the wall and started to slowly and silently glide to the door that was unlocked.
"You know, if you wanted to be tied to the bed you could move closer to that door. If not I would turn back now."
Frozen and defeated, Serenity moved back towards what she now knew as 'her' corner and sat on the marble floor. "What is going to happen now? I mean to me..?" She asked slowly, cautious of any body movements that might seem threatening.
"We go home, little one. 'And what will happen in the future is but bare.'" He said standing back up and extending his hand to her.
"Rowen Isle, 1601, The Sleeping Angels."
Cocking his head to one side, Endymion looked at her questionably; his hand still outstretched, "You know of Rowen Isle?"
"He is my favorite author." She said moving towards him slowly and placing her hand in his, never losing eye contact.
Leading her towards the door, Endymion paused before opening it; turning to her grinning, "Maybe there is more than what I saw in you, I know that I will enjoy discovering you either way."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lady Helena was furious. How dare he leave her in the middle of an auction and buy that….thing! But Lady Helena knew better than to question her future husband; for her role was chosen even before her birth. It is very easy for another to condemn this woman, who yes, is vain, and yes, does not care for the masses. Yet, her own faults are not hers alone. They come from a society that develops this kind of woman to suit the type of man she will one day wed. Lady Helena was brought up by a widowed mother that is less nurturing and moreover serpent-like.
Her mother trained the young Helena in the world or aristocracy and power; all what a little girl needs to learn. And when her mother found out the prospect of a match with Lord Endymion, her future was nearly set.
Lady Helena walked toward the carriage on the arm of the driver deep in her own world of misery; all the while thoughts swirling in her head. 'Why would he cast me out in such a manner, leaving me like I was nothing!'
Upon entering the carriage, the driver closed the door and climbed to his leather seat, set in by many years of sitting on. Looking over his shoulder to confirm the departure, the door man waved him off.
As the carriage began to move, Helena haughty tapped the roof demanding the driver's attention, "Driver! Where are you going? Endymion has not arrived yet."
Stopping for a moment the driver opened the escape window on the roof and replied, "His lordship has informed me to escort you to the mansion while he has business to attend to."
Glaring at the driver in frustration, Helena bit out, "Then how will he get home? We arrived together?"
Nodding, ye mentally wanting to strangle the heiress, the driver spoke slowly as if talking to a child, "His lordship had unexpected business to take care of, especially with Master Marcus's arrival; he will rent another carriage when he wishes to leave."
Taking her stunned silence as a chance for him to leave, the driver closed the upper door and clucked his tongue in a familiar gesture to leave, the horses replied by moving their feet in a cadent dance towards the path to Infer manor.
Helena's eyes widened with anxiety, "Marcus…"
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sitting across from him, Serenity watched as Endymion run a hand though his hair in a nervous gesture- for the tenth time. They were currently on route to Infer manor riding in an opulent carriage given by the auction proctor as a token of appreciation for his lord's presence.
Was this how it always was for Endymion? People always bending down on one knee to meet his demands and predict future ones?
Serenity mentally shook her head. She had not been a slave for long yet she has always been and will be common. When Serenity's mother died and father decided to abandon her, she was immediately set into a world she only knew as well as the English Queen herself. Yes, she had been a commoner. Helping her father with his trading business, yet she was still naïve about the way the world was orchestrated.
Until her few liberties were taken….then the world was set in black and whit; no gray to ease her pain.
Being a slave is an existence Serenity would not wish upon any person. Sadly, it was her only way to survive. Many Irish people are starving, have no shelter, and are slowly living their life away. Serenity may have sold her life but she was still able to survive.
'Yes. Survive, if being cast into chains is living…what could not living feel like?' She thought.
"When we arrive at the manor you will be immediately escorted by Mrs. Hannon. She will take you to your room while I do my business." Endymion said, breaking the silence and her thoughts altogether.
Nodding, Serenity fondled with indecision, playing with the hem of her new dress anxiously. Endymion noticed the sudden change in the atmosphere and asked with a smirk crossing his hansom features, "What do you want to ask, little one?"
With wide eyes at his keen observational skill, Serenity softly asked the question she was itching to have answered, "Who was that man you were speaking to? He had an English accent, not common or welcomed in Ireland…"
"No it is not, but he is Irish."
"What do you mean? I do not understand…"
Smiling as knowing smile full of hidden secrets and mischief, Endymion explained, "His name is Marcus, my brother. He is an Irish lord equal to my ranking; he was also a war spy in England, going there and adopting their accent to masquerade. Marcus fought in the great battles for independence against British occupation here in Ireland, until one day he was struck down by an arrow to the right shoulder. But he was innovative and had the will to survive." Endymion watched as her eyebrows came together to grasp the information before continuing, "When he was struck, he hid in a ditch surrounded and protected by moss, unbeknown to him there was someone in that ditch: a young English man married to the royal family, also shot wounded. Instead of killing him, Marcus helped him; for he was disgusted with the very blood that he had spilt over the earth. When Marcus and the royal were found by British soldiers, they wanted to know what to do with him. The royal told them to let him go." Endymion paused for a moment, closing his eyes to remember more, "The royal was so taken back with him, he invited him to become a representative for the region of Infer."
Serenity shook her head in confusion, "But the British hate us! They killed so many and enslaved others for nothing short of sadistic supremacy!"
"I understand that, little one. Where you came from the British officers were daily fixtures, were they not?" She nodded. "Because of Marcus, Infer is left to govern herself; for you see the battle was fought in this very region."
Narrowing her eyes, Serenity shook her head in anger. Then she turned her head towards the window to avoid offending her new lord with her sharp glare. Endymion, noticing this sudden change, reached out grasped her shoulders pulling her into his lap.
"What are you doing?!" She said, frantically trying to wiggle out of his grasp. After a couple of seconds of endless struggling she stopped, totally exhausted.
Placing a hand on the top of her head, Endymion brought it down to caress her back. "Why are you so upset?"
"There are so many that suffer under British occupation; and you hide here, in your little sanctuary. It is not fair."
Coming across her neck, he lightly rubbed it in gentle, yet firm motions. "Your heart is so open to people, yet I do wonder. Why do you protect the very people who have sold you…?"
Closing her eyes, Serenity realized he was right…why was she protecting the very people that may have ruined her life. Going limp in his arms, Serenity let out a sigh, "I suppose it is because I have nothing that is mine or to call my own, except for my people."
"Maybe, the very thing you want to call your own, has already found you."
Serenity turned to him, confusion clearly written on her face. Why was he always speaking in riddles, was she supposed to spend her entire life trying to solve them? Shaking her head in an involuntary motion, Serenity replied, "Even so, who would want me?"
Bringing his lips to her forehead, he set a soft kiss on her skin before moving down to her ear, "Me…"