Once Upon a ….. Sometime.

By Skyflame

Chapter Four

Not long after the Serena had escaped Darien began to look for her and after searching everywhere realized that she had gone and there was no way for him to find her. He decided to leave the ball now as he had no reason to be there now his princess was gone. He then realized that he had been so absorbed in the princess that he hadn't watched for the young maiden he had invited and requested attend, and he almost kicked himself.

How could he have forgotten about the sweet angel he had met in the woods, as he went to bed he couldn't sleep as a result of his confusion for he wasn't sure who he truly loved and wanted in his life. Did he love the beautiful village girl who understood him and made him feel happy and adventurous, or did he love the stunning princess who enchanted him and refused to answer his questions.

As he arose the next morning tired as a result of not sleeping he decided that he needed to talk to Andrew and ask him what to do. His brother was shocked that Darien was torn in his love not knowing which girl to love. Andrew suggested "What if you find each of the girls and spend some time with each and try to decide how you feel about each of them." Darien agreed "That is a good idea I only wish I knew where to find the princess. You know you do have good ideas sometimes Little Brother." Andrew responded by saying, "I am only a year younger than you Darien, and you have always known I give good advice, which is why I have always been your best friend Big Brother."


Taking Andrew's advice Darien headed through the forest and towards the village, hoping that he would find Serena on the way. For once in the village he had no idea where to start looking, or even if she would talk to him, especially if she had turned up last night and he hadn't noticed. As Darien entered the marketplace he saw a familiar black stallion tied to a post while the beautiful young maiden stood nearby buying food, his heart began to pound and he felt like his soul had just been set free to fly just by the sight of her. Today she was wearing a forest green dress, which was covered by her black cloak with the hood down, and her braided golden hair hanging over the top.

He wondered how she could have slipped from his mind last night for this was his beautiful, spirited, angelic maiden who he had so much in common with and could talk to for hours. While the princess last night refused to talk at all or even really listen to him, her mind had seemed to wander. As Serena stood at the stall she could feel someone watching her, and she was surprised when she turned around to see Prince Darien watching her. She quickly dropped into a deep curtsy before he told her to rise then taking her basket from her said,

"I've been looking for you. Do you still have to shop or are you free to come ride with me." Serena appeared shocked when he said he had been looking for her, but then lowered her eyes and said

"No, your highness to both things. For though I have finished the shopping, I have to return home and give my family this food and finish my chores" while walking slowly towards her horse, never once looking up at him. He surprised her once more by saying

"Then I shall accompany you home and wait while you finish your chores. I wish to speak to you." As Serena mounted her horse, sidesaddle today, she replied,

"As you wish, my lord" and rode off in the direction of her home with the prince in pursuit.


Before they arrived she informed Darien that they were not rich and lived in a humble home unlike what he was used to, before they continued towards the cottage and farm on the edge of the forest. He followed her as she led her horse to the stables and then fed and watered his horse before tending to her own. Then he watched her collect up all the food and head towards the cottage where he decided to open the door for her and when she hesitated he ushered her in ahead of him. Serena then walked up to the older woman in the kitchen and put the basket beside her before hugging her from behind.

"Mama, the prince from the next kingdom has decided to follow me and wishes to take me riding, so just tell me what I have left to do before I grant his request." Savannah turned around shocked at first, but then gave him a winning smile while curtsying deeply and saying

"It is a pleasure to meet you, your highness, and a great honor to have you in my home. Is there anything I can get you to make you more comfortable, for you need only ask." Darien motioned for her to rise and said

"Madam, it is easy to see where your daughter gets her good looks, and I request nothing except you allow your daughter to accompany me, after she has finished her chores of course" smiling down at her.

"Of course you have my permission, your highness and you may take her now for she can complete the last of her chores when she returns, for I wouldn't want her to delay you." Darien surprised both the women by bowing and lifting the Serena's mothers hand to his lips and saying

"I thank you deeply madam and shall not keep her out too long" before grabbing Serena's hand and gently pulling her back out to the stables. He then took her regular saddle and put it on her horse while she watched in wonder and once he had finished he turned to help her up.

There was no way to control the surprised look on her face and he said with a smile on his face

"Well are you getting up or not?" Realizing from his remark that she wasn't moving, stepped towards him and he boosted her up into her saddle, then vaulted into his own while Serena organized herself.


Darien led the way out of the stable and into the forest, only when they had arrived at a beautiful waterfall and seated themselves beneath a tree did they speak again. He asked, looking slightly ashamed, whether she had attended the ball last night, which was very quickly followed by a look of complete mortification, when she replied that she had gone for a short while.

Darien almost instantly dropped onto his knees before her and apologized profusely, saying he was sorry he hadn't paid her any attention when he had been the one to invite her. And when he looked deep into her eyes and begged for forgiveness she almost told him the truth, but she needed to know if he truly loved the 'princess' he had met last night. Serena told him he was forgiven and then innocently asked who the girl that he had been dancing with most of the night was, Darien hung his head and said he didn't know.

By now Serena was getting bored with the topic and decided to paddle in the refreshing stream. Before Darien could say anything she threw off her stockings and shoes and ran towards the water lifting her skirt so it wouldn't get too wet as she ran around in the water. She looked like she was enjoying herself immensely Darien thought as he came closer to the waters edge, when all of a sudden a shower of water headed towards him from which he got reasonably soaked.

"I'm going to get you for that, my dear maiden" and began to chase after her when all of a sudden she plunged from sight, one moment she was there and the next she was not.


Darien became worried, and then more so when he saw her pop her head out of the water arms flailing before once more disappearing from sight.

"Serena, Serena get up here now" when he got no response he dove under the water to see his young maiden trying to claw her way back up to the surface, he grabbed her and getting her above water carried her to shore.

As he gently put her down she spluttered a few times, coughing out the water that she had swallowed before smiling up at him and saying "Your Highness, you are my hero. I am deeply grateful that you saved my life and for that I will be forever indebted to you" before bowing her head.

Darien gently put his hand beneath her chin and tilted her head lifting her lips to his own and then gently kissed her. He felt sparks fly even though they had barely touched and then he said to her

"You have put me under a spell and you have no debt to me as it has been paid in full by your laughter and spirited nature." Then he kissed her again just as gently before saying

"Dear Serena, would you do me the honor of meeting me at the lake tomorrow, for I have come to see that I can't seem to survive without the spirit and laughter you bring into my life. Please say yes before we have to think of a way to dry our clothing, for I can't return you home in the state you are in, but if you don't mind riding a short way we can dry off at he Chateau."

Serena could tell that he was nervous because he was talking so much. But when she was able to get a few words in she smiled up at him and said,

"Of course I shall meet with you tomorrow. I don't mind a short ride if it means I shall be dry and if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to see the rest of the Chateau, if you will show me."

He just nodded while a perfect, beautiful smile lit up his face then he helped her up and dropped her cloak around her shoulders while she put her shoes back on. Darien then said

"You know I would have taken you to the Chateau if you'd just asked. You didn't need to risk your life or get us both saturated to get yourself an invitation" sounding amused. Then they both burst out laughing and continued to laugh as they mounted their horses and headed for the Chateau.


Upon arriving Darien helped Serena down then handed their horses over to the stable boy who stared at Serena as she walked away, because although she was beautiful, she wasn't a princess and that was all the prince had ever shown interest in.

Darien took Serena's hand and said reassuringly not to be afraid, he asked one of the servants where the Duchess was and finding out she was in her chambers pulled his young maiden towards them. When they arrived he knocked and after a muffled reply he stepped inside pulling Serena with him.

Mina looked quite shocked at their appearance and that Darien had brought a girl with him, then she remembered the words of her husband that morning and how he had said that Darien was torn between two loves.

"Sister, may I speak with you a moment please" Darien said and at her nod he turned to Serena and said

"Just wait here a moment please while I speak with my sister." Then in a hushed tone whispered "Everything will be alright, I promise" all Serena could do was nod as she was awe-struck by the Duchess's beauty and the beauty of her chambers.

The Duchess Mina had long golden colored hair that had been styled so half of it was pulled back with a bow that matched her dress, causing the hair to fall in a silky sheet down her back. Her eyes were a familiar startling sapphire blue color that reminded Serena of her own. As Serena continued to look at her surroundings Darien said to his sister-in law,

"As you might be able to see my friend and I seem to have got a bit wet as we had an accident at the waterfall a short way from here. Since I can't let her return home in the state she is in, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to loan her something to wear while her own dress dries and I will keep her company while we wait for it. Please, please, please, it was my fault she got that wet and if you refuse then I shall have to loan her something of mine" he finished with a wicked look gleaming in his eyes.


Mina thought a moment and said,

"Yes I'll loan her something on one condition, tell me is this the girl you are in love with?" Darien looked at her sadly,

"I'm unsure if its her I love or the princess from the ball last night, but I know that I love being with Serena so if I never find the princess she will be enough for me as I feel I already love her. But a piece of my heart is still unsure, so please don't say anything to her for I wish not to tell her until I'm completely sure."

Mina smiled sadly for she could understand how hard this was for him, Darien then walked over to Serena and brought her forward and said

"Duchess Mina, I'd like you to meet Serena." At that moment Serena dropped into a curtsy before her and said sweetly

"Duchess, it is a great honor and pleasure to be in your presence." Mina allowed her to rise happy that the girl had perfect manners. Mina then said

"Serena, I see that you have got a bit wet now come with me and we will try and get you dry. Bye Darien we will see you later" before instructing the young maiden to follow her into the next room.

After giving Serena a hot bath and dry clothes to wear she decided to have a chat with this sweet girl. Because as she had been organizing her she had found her an interesting and a lovely young lady, she asked Serena to join he for tea and she accepted using her never faltering manners.


They began talking about all kinds of things such as the weather and their families, and Mina insisted that Serena called her by her name, as she knew that they would become good friends. But when Mina asked Serena if she had attended the ball last night she saw Serena bow her head and blush, very quietly giving an affirmative answer. Mina wondered about something, then said

"Darien seemed to dance most of the night with a very mysterious princess, who has now vanished." With her head still bowed and blushing even more she replied

"I know, milady." Mina decided to jump out on a limb and asked

"You don't happen to know who she is do you?" then watched very closely as Serena turned very red, but when she opened her mouth to speak, could not utter a word.

"You're the 'princess' aren't you Serena" Mina stated and Serena just nodded sadly. "I thought you looked familiar when Darien first brought you in. Do you know that I am going to tell you something that I shouldn't but I don't care. He is torn between his love for the two of you. Serena you are going to have to think of some way to get his heart to decide. I want to help but you will have to work out a plan then tell me. And don't worry I won't tell anyone about you, it can just be our little secret" then duchess said then watched as relief showed on the young maidens face at the last sentence.


Almost immediately there was a knock at the door and Darien entered and asked whether his sister-in-law would mind giving up her companion so she could accompany him for a walk in the gardens. Mina agreed as long as she came to bid her farewell before leaving.

"Milady, what about your dress?" Serena inquired

"Keep it as a gift to remember our enjoyable talk, I must say that I find you very easy to talk to. I hope that you will think about it often and that we will be able to talk again soon" Mina answered cryptically, but Serena knew what she meant.

Darien took Serena by the hand and led her around explaining all the aspects within the house before leading her out into the gardens where she seemed to come back to life, as a smile lit her face while she danced between the flowers. Darien watched her with great amusement and when she stepped up on to the side of the fountain and asked

"Would you rescue me if I was hurt, milord?" He laughed and answered

"Of course, but I shall not rescue you now if you fall in" coming up to her and lifting her into his arms before spinning her around and setting her back on her feet. As he put her down he saw something odd flash across her face, but decided not to pursue it, the look Darien had seen was a plan forming in the young maidens mind and the idea became stronger as they continued to walk.


When it was time to return home Mina asked Darien to give her a moment alone with Serena for she had seen the flash of hope in the girls eyes and wished to know the plan. Serena told Mina what to do and that they would be at the lake at midday tomorrow so the plan could be put into action, Serena went home knowing that the next day she would find out whether the 'princess' meant more to Darien than she did as herself.

Serena dressed with care the next day knowing that today would decide her fate, for if Darien chased after the 'princess' she knew that they would never be together. She and Darien had a picnic by the lake and talked for awhile until Mina came along right on cue, she whispered in the princes ear then said she must be going. Darien leapt to his feet as Mina rode away and he said

"Something important has just been brought to my attention and I must go." He helped her up and then quickly packed everything into his saddlebags, but as Serena walked towards her horse she screamed in pain and fell down clutching her ankle. Hearing her scream Darien looked into the forest before rushing to her side to help her up

"Serena what's wrong?" he asked concerned

"I'm sure its nothing" she said but groaned as she put weight onto her foot.

"I may just sit awhile and hope I can walk again soon, but you should go" she said with pain in her voice, which Darien didn't realize came from her heart and not her ankle. Without saying anything but

"Okay then, see you later" he leapt onto his horse and took off into the woods.


As soon as he was out of sight Mina came out from behind a nearby tree and took Serena who was now sobbing in her arms.

"I'm so sorry Serena, so very sorry, and he will be too when he realizes what he has done, but you can't let him off easy. No matter what he says always remember the pain you are feeling now because I know we will eventually be sisters, but I don't want it to be easy for him after the pain he has caused you. Do I have your permission to tell him the truth tonight" and the still weeping Serena just nodded while Mina held her in her arms.

After a short while Serena got up and went home thanking Mina for her help before she left. Mina watched as Serena rode off hoping she would do nothing to harm herself, but she was looking forward to telling Darien how foolish he had been and what he had now lost. He was stupid to chase after some girl he didn't know when he had a young maiden who he knew and cared about, but it was too late now she said to herself as she remembered the pain in the Serena's sobs.