Disclaimer: is there really a point to a disclaimer?

Chapter 7

With the sun setting once again Andrew watched it once more, which seemed like the millionth time. "Where are you Serena?"

His men had already come back and said that she was not found in those towns. Neither was she in the other two that they had searched. Banging his fist on the table he yelled out loud to no one in particular.

"Serenity where are you!" Wiping the already forming tears from his eyes, looking down at the map they still had three more places to look. "If she is not in one of those then I fear that it will be three more years before I ever see her again."

Going into the other rooms that his guards were using he informed them that they would be splitting into three groups and the same plan applied. This time he had a feeling that one of those cities surely housed his sister and he would find her.

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Serena watched as she saw the sun set in the horizon getting up she had long ago finished all of her chores and she just wanted to get out of the house that seemed to be looking like a prison for the next three days.

"What have I gotten myself into now Serena?" Looking up at the night sky she closed her eyes as she continued talking to herself, "Well mother it seems that you were right along. You knew it too at the time as well. I have really made a fool of myself this past year! Believing in something that was not and never will be real."

Tears starting to fall down her cheeks she kept on talking not hearing the footsteps approaching her. "At first I had it all planned out! Funny how simple plans can go drastically wrong. I know you and father would be furious if I suggested the very idea!" Her voice began to waver and came out even more so as she continued, "But all I can say is that I may finally be defeated. In the end both you and father will get what you want in the end."

Suddenly feeling a hand on her shoulder she stood up and spun around to come face to face with Heero. Whipping the tears off her face she replied coldly. "Do you need something sir? Or does your lady friend need something, like to have her make-up re-applied before bed?"

His jaw tightened and unclenched he a came and stood beside her, "Serena you need to show her respect, she is a wealthy woman with a good title. From the sound of it, it seems that you are complete opposites."

Keeping her voice low she answered, "What is that suppose to mean? That I desire no respect just because I am a servant, with no title and no money! Is that what you look for Heero?" Stepping up towards him she spat out the rest, "You thought to yourself that I would have been good for nothing! Is that what you thought of me, since I am poor, have no title and desire no respect?"

Not showing any emotion on the outside but on the inside he was in turmoil with himself. "Of course, you have no title and are poor, an unsuitable match and not that hard to spot."

Serena paled at his answer and her heart broke. "So…you are just like most men. Caring for money and title alone. You do not wish to marry for love do you? To marry someone worthy of your title that they can meet yours." Walking towards the house she hugged herself and then turned around, "Then go and marry for title or money I don't care anymore! Don't marry for love, someone that you can see yourself spending the rest of your life with." That said she turned and left to go to bed.

Left alone outside Heero looked back at the doorframe where she once stood and ran a hand through his chocolate brown hair. "Even if title didn't count I would still marry…you Serena. But you will thank me in the end, so that I could spare you the pain that you would go through if you were my wife from the rest of society that would mock you." Walking back inside the house to go to bed he didn't look forward to the next two days.

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Running through the halls a young girl with blue hair kept on running looking for something, actually someone. Finally stopping at the gardens edge she called out and the other three came running towards her.

Catching her breath she waited a while. "You guys the King and Queen has received word that the Prince has possibly found Serena! I am afraid that they are in the right city, but it might take a while."

Trying to clear her head with the information Raye shook Amy by the shoulders, "What exactly do you mean Amy!"

"Well maybe if you stop shaking her she could tell us Raye!" Lita said while she crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.

"Lita's right Raye! So just stop it now!" Mina replied while grabbing onto Raye's shoulders and pulled her off.

"Thanks! What I meant was that the other two groups came back with a negative report. That means they only need to search that one city. I think that we need to go and see what we can do for her!"

The girls quickly agreeing except for Raye who put a stop to it. "NO! We will not go and see about this matter! Two of us must stay here and keep tabs and the other two will go. I'll stay since I already went to see Serena!"

Mina understood and nodded her head, "Yes, Raye's right and I'm staying here as well. Amy, Lita you two go and see how we can help." Nodding in agreement they hugged each other as the two got prepared to leave.

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In the morning Serena woke up to get ready for work. Really today she is up two hours early due to the fact that today Samantha was leaving. The entire household would be celebrating. They had explained to her that Samantha used to be Heero's girlfriend and they thought she was to marry him. Turns out that he heard something and found out it was true. A couple years later it was said that she had changed they highly doubted such a thing. Serena shivered when she remembered what had happened on the second day of her visit all too well.

>>Flashback>>

Serena was busy cleaning the den and had just finished when she went upstairs to start on doing the rooms on the third floor of the manor. She was busy taking the sheets off since the laundry maids said that they would wash the sheets today since Samantha was sitting on them. Nobody really liked her that much and wanted her to just leave.

Taking the sheets outside she entered the house again to confront Samantha once more. Samantha tried to humiliate her by talking about her status and saying that she would never achieve anything in this world.

"Really Serena you should just admit defeat in life. I know that you must feel miserable since you don't even have a husband. But I don't blame you after all you are just a maid and that says it all right there." As Serena started walking away Samantha followed her, "You are low class and must serve people like me the upper class."

Having heard enough Serena marched up to her and stared straight at her. "Sam, look I am happy with my life and don't see anything wrong with it. As for the status issue, I see everyone as equals and nobody is above anyone else. That was how I was raised and I must say you need to get off your supposed filthy high horse and actually do something to contribute instead of trying to see who is worthy of your flirtations." Her face turned a bright red and she stormed out of the room defeated.

With a smile on her face she turned around to face Heero who didn't look too pleased with just what took place. "Serena, I have told you to be nice and to respect Samantha, I expect to see you in my office in five minutes."

Five minutes went by and she went into his office and sat down in one of the chairs. He raked his hand through his hair. "Serena, we've already had this talk before and I'm really getting tired of this. You will show the proper respect deserved to Samantha, not 'Sam' as you've dubbed her."

"Well actually it rather suits her; I mean she is a grouch to anyone who is within seeing distance of her. I see no reason; you have to earn respect you aren't born into it. No matter what you were born into in the first place." Serena knew this was a losing battle and she didn't feel like fighting.

"Serena one more incident and you will see your way to find another job." That said he excused her, of course Samantha heard and pushed Serena to her limit.

>>End Flashback>>

"Oh well she is leaving in four hours, right after breakfast the witch will be gone." Finished getting dressed she cleaned her room and went downstairs to start breakfast. She had to make something for Heero and Sam to eat so that they could wish her farewell and hope to see her again…in neither life times.

Going into the kitchen she had just started to make breakfast when Heero and Samantha entered. They sat at the table and talked about nonsense stuff. Her fake laughter drifting through the air and trying her best to make Heero see that she should be by his side.

Of course this made Serena and the other maids gag. Even Melody didn't like her that much and the entire staff was miserable. So after breakfast when she gave a two-hour goodbye everyone waved after her with the biggest smile on their faces. Serena went back into the house and finished the breakfast dishes. The day passed as it normally did.

After Serena and the other maids finished with all of there chores they met in the barn. Melody had baked a cake and Sarah had made punch and sandwiches. That night they threw a party in celebration of Samantha leaving. Their laughter filled the barn and even traveled outside.

Heero was in his office working on finishing some papers for his business. Lifting up his head and staring out the window he swore that he heard laughter. Getting up and walking towards the window he looked outside very briefly before he went back to his desk.

At night when all the servants went home Serena lay on her bed with her feet near the headboard. She was thinking about how she was raised and was she losing some of the lessons taught. She felt a shift in the mattress and knew that it was Heero who for some odd reason, wanted to visit her at night for some odd reason. Oh, get a grip Serena. I've had one too many slices of cake.

Stroking her hair she kept her eyes closed not daring to look into his. "What is it that you want Heero?"

His hand stopped and rested on her forehead, "Serena, I'm sorry that I treated you like that but she really has changed."

Opening her eyes she stared at him only one question played on her mind, "Do you love her? Are you in love with her?"

Looking at Serena he sighed and resumed stroking her hair, "No, she's not the one I'm in love with Serena. You already know its you; but because of your status in society it would be mockery. I wouldn't mind because I love you, I fear for you because you may not be used to the mockery."

Now sitting up on the bed she turned to face him. No, he loves me for me. But the status issue is in the way. How can I make him see? "So you are just trying to protect me you say?" Nodding his head she closed her eyes refusing the tears their release. "Heero don't worry about me. I don't care what will happen as along as I am with you. I'm tired I would like to get some rest now if you don't mind." Getting up he went into his own room to get some needed sleep as well.

Crawling under the covers she started to drift off to sleep and had a feeling that something was going to happen. "Probably just my mixed emotions about this entire situation." Closing her eyes it wasn't long before the dreamland found her and carried her there.

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Riding into the city Andrew looked around, this was the last one to search and they were anxious to see if she really was here. Putting their horses into some stalls and making sure they were taken care of they went off to get something to eat.

Walking into a restaurant they sat down in three different tables. When their waitress came by she instantly recognized the Prince since he traveled a lot with his mother and father. "Your highness! How may I be of service to you?"

Nodding his head at her he and his guards ordered their meals. When she and two others came back with their orders he pulled her aside to question her. "Have you seen a young woman with long blond hair that goes to her calves and with very blue eyes?"

Thinking hard she thought about it and then remembered the young lady that used to live not far from where the restaurant was. "Yes sir I have seen her. She used to live in the inn not far from here." Thanking her they resumed eating their meal.

After they had finished and paid Andrew told them to wait by the stalls but one came along just in case. Being a little angry when he had given the order to stay the guard simply stated, "Your highness my job is to protect you. I am one of your protectors and I don't want to lose a friend." Nodding his head they continued when they reached the inn they spoke to the landlord.

As they reached the inn the landlord was sitting outside playing cards with another man. As Andrew walked up the men turned towards him and bowed their heads low in sign of respect.

Looking at them Andrew addressed them both, "Which one of you are the landlord of this inn?"

The man who looked to be about 60 years old stood up and bowed again. "How can I be of assistance to you your highness?"

Andrew looked him in the eyes and continued on with the conversation, "I am looking for someone. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. I was told that she used to reside here."

The old man took a moment to think about such a person, "Why yes a young lady with that description used to reside here. Her name was I believe…ah yes! I remember now her name was Serena, such a nice and polite young lady."

Andrew's eyes widened up as he was close to at least something about his sister. "Can you tell me where she went to?"

Thinking about it he nodded his head with a smile. "Your highness she went to stay in the house of her boss, where she works as a servant."

Shocked at the news that he heard but happy that he would at last find her. "Who is her boss that she is a live in housemaid for?"

"Why the wealthiest man in this state among us commoners. Heero of Venetian, he is a very good businessman." The old man sat back down again and further told him more, "You can find him by taking the road through the woods. You won't be able to miss his place your highness."

After getting directions Andrew and his guard raced back to the others. "Come our search comes to an end today!" Getting their horses they raced towards Heero's manor.

"Come on Amy! At this rate we will not reach there until the Prince has her and has left to return to the palace!" Lita turned her horse around to her friend who was having trouble riding hers.

"Well Lita I'm sorry but I've never really rode a horse before and it is difficult for me!" Suddenly she fell off her horse for the eighth time that day.

Lita was trying hard to not laugh at her friend, "Amy it would be best if you rode astride, and make it easier for the both of us!"

Shooting her friend a look saying 'no way!' Shaking her head her ponytail hitting the side of her face as she waited for her friend to climb back onto the saddle.

Serena had already finished dusting and everything and Heero had actually told her that since everyone had been doing a good job when Samantha was here that he told them that they could leave after they finished their basic chores. Thankfully they finished and said their good-byes to Serena and Heero and went to their homes.

Not wanting to be in the manor with just Heero Serena grabbed a light jacket and headed towards the flower field. She would turn around every once in a while, basically to make sure Heero wasn't following her.

Walking in the flower fields in view of the manor Serena still couldn't shake that feeling that she had since last night. "What am I so nervous about?"

Bending down to pick a flower a forget-me-not she brought it up to her nose to smell. Then she heard Heero call her name looking up she saw that he was waving at her to come up and talk to him.

"Great now what does he want?" She stood looking at him waving at her.

Thinking about it she waved back signaling that she would be there in a moment. Suddenly it looked like he was running towards her.

Hearing hoof sounds behind her she turned around and her face went pale, it was her brother Andrew. Picking her skirts up she started to run for the manor but could not out run the horses. Andrew ran his horse up front and when he was beside Serena bent down and picked her up. Placing her in front of him and trying to stop her protests. Finally when Heero was able to reach him, they had already turned their horses around and rode off to take her home.

The last thing that he heard was Serena screaming his name. He didn't know how to react to this situation; he didn't know where that group of men was taking Serena. But he saw that the one who picked her up was protective of her.

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AN: Wow almost done. Yup…well I got to go for now. Fall semester has started, anyway I've got the next chapter done so I'll update soon, meaning 1-2 weeks. Because homework and studying will be my top priority.