Disclaimer: Don't own crap, so no point in suing. First story ever, hope u likey :)

It was too dark for her to see when they finally removed the blindfold. The light rushed to her squinting eyes like a welcome to arms. Her wrists were still bound behind her as she rode bumpily on a carriage that occupied another form. Black spots in her vision prevented her from seeing the person seated in front of her. But she could almost see glints of black, greasy hair weighed down by the scorching heat that had plagued her country for days.

Dizzy with fear and confusion, Serenity tried to regain some sort of memory as to what led her to where she was. Nothing but the faint glimpse of towering trees could be shown. What was going on?

"She's the one, alright," grunted the man, from what she could tell from his voice, opposite her. Who was he talking to?

"That she is. Hope this doesn't turn into some nasty business, you know how he hates complications. Best keep her controlled before she's to arrive," answered a voice, elderly-like, beside her. Tilting her head slightly, she saw an old woman, a scarf around her head, as if the heat laid no affect on her. Was she masking her face from someone?

Suddenly, Serenity had the strong urge to speak but found a gag in her mouth, silencing her cries as they knocked her head against the wall of the carriage and the world went black. Fortunately, before her eyes were flooded with dreams of long ago, Serenity was able to glance at the haunting image of a building, nay, a castle, ghostly hanging back in the landscape as if it were being driven away from the earth and Hell was beckoning for it's underling.

Jasmine, that's what it was. What else could it have been? It was the Jasmine that drew her to the library located doors away from her bedroom. The aroma was so pungent, so overpowering that she could not help but leave her bed, clothed in a thin nightgown. Her fingertips trailed past the hallway walls as she slowly followed the scent that which pulled out her most vulnerable state and made her a slave to this.

Sadly, if she were more perceptive, she could've noticed the dark figures ghosting the space behind her, their golden daggers glinting under the torches' fire. With tepid steps, Serenity had reached the library before darkness filled her eyes and consciousness was all but a dream that invaded her being like the virus her enemy soon would turn out to be.

Soft, feather-filled pillows swallowed her as dreams slipped away from her like water from a broken cup. Baby blues widened as Serenity took in her surroundings. The whole room was furnished with hues of gold, and ivory; she knew white when she saw it and a princess knows when an off-white color scheme has been put in place.

"Finally, we've been waiting for Your Highness to awaken. What a terrible fall you took," why was she trying to cover it up? Serenity shot the woman evil daggers that made no effect on her as she stood and laid a tray on Serenity's lap laden with food.

"Eat up; you're going to need it. Won't have anyone to help you when the morning grows older. Take contentment in my company for you will find naught an ally when we've gone," she gestured to the food with a gnarled hand.

What if it's poisoned? thought Serenity. She didn't want to risk it but the pain in her stomach suggested that immediate action take place or passing out would be the end result.

"Dear, eat up. Can't count on the next one coming any time soon," she said in a voice devoid of any emotion.

"What do you mean?" her low voice sounded strange to her. With that gag in her mouth for God knows how long, it was like regaining her voice after years of silence.

"He's a mean one, that one. Might be easier to surrender now, no sense in dying for it," she swiftly left the room but before she closed the door, Serenity managed to get out one last string of words.

"Who are you talking about?"

"The prince of these lands. You kinfolk might know him as "Cursed Prince." Best not give him any reason to strike you down. There aren't many servants left here," she slammed the door like thunder, its sound resounding over and over again in her head and rumbling out her ears. Covering her face in her pale hands, she uttered words that broke the silence and awoke the sobs curling in her.

"Not again."

Give reviews cuz if it ain't good, don't wanna keep writing it if I can be writing another one. But on the off chance I write more(on second thought, i think i will, whether i get responses or not) Serenity will meet Endy in da next chapter. Try to go easy on da flames. My heart can't bear the weight of the added burden I already carry (too philosophical for ya?) :P