Storms Upon the Heart
Chapter Thirteen
Dermius and the four generals sped through the night, followed by a group of thirty of the Hershim army's finest men.
Dermius, on exiting the palace, had quickly rounded up parts of his army. He sent thirty to follow Endymion and Motoki on their search in the south, while he and the generals, along with thirty others, searched the north.
Zoicite kicked his horse and prodded him to the front with Dermius. "Your majesty, perhaps we should follow Endymion to the south… it was where we found Saphir. Perhaps his brother thought it a good place to hide as well?"
Dermius shook his head and grunted. "No, Zoicite. Endymion and his men can search the south without our help. It would displease him even more to know the south was the only place searched… she could be trapped with that monster anywhere. Demando has already proved that he is different from his brothers, yes? No, we stay on our path." Suddenly he pulled his horse to a stop and turned to face his men, who were all halting their horses as well.
Before him was a northern Hershim village, with several small inns, a trading market, and a large population of common villagers.
"I want every inn searched from top to bottom… no room is to go without close inspection. You will not invade anyone's home until I give the order." He turned and along with the four generals, forged ahead into the village, the army following closely behind, dispersing into the streets.
A sharp knock at the heavy wooden door made Serenity jump up. Her heart began to beat faster, hope and dread filling her at the same time as she watched Demando open the door.
A black-cloaked figured entered the room, a heavy hood hiding their features. Serenity looked down at their feet and noticed swirling skirts underneath the cloak. She held her breath, knowing it was 'her'.
The hood was thrown back as Demando closed the door, and Serenity looked up to see Setsuna, her dark eyes filled with fury, hate and pain, staring at her.
Serenity gulped and tried to look away, but Setsuna grabbed her face and jerked her around to look her in the eye again. She yelped when she felt Setsuna's long, sharp nails dig into her skin.
"What do you have that I don't?" Setsuna mumbled, her eyes slightly softening. "Why you over me?"
Serenity breathed a sigh of relief when Setsuna dropped her hand. She cleared her throat softly and looked at Setsuna sadly. "Setsuna… why are you doing this? You know that my marriage to Endymion was arranged. Even if I wanted out of it, there is no way I could. If it weren't for the arrangement, it…" She gulped as pain hit her heart at the words she was about to utter. "Well, it could very well be you marrying Endymion. I would have… never met him."
Setsuna pursed her lips together and looked at Demando, who stood quiet in the corner. "Demando… leave us."
Demando smirked. "Not until you pay."
Setsuna sighed impatiently and dug under her cloak and pulled out a hefty bag of coins. "Here you are. Now go."
Demando mockingly bowed and grabbed the coins from her hands. "As you wish!"
He winked slyly at Serenity and left the room, pulling the door shut behind him.
The room was quiet for several long minutes, and Serenity sat listening to a horse outside, no doubt Demando's, riding away. She looked at Setsuna's back. The woman stood as silent as she, staring at a wall.
A few more minutes passed, and Setsuna took the seat that Demando had previously occupied. She looked Serenity from her toes up, and frowned. "You're beautiful. I suppose that is why Endymion is in love with you."
Serenity winced at the words… she knew Endymion loved her for more than that. "Setsuna, beauty means nothing to Endymion. Besides… you are beautiful as well, more so than I. Setsuna, you have to understand… our marriage is arranged."
Setsuna's eyes flared and she stood up, walking up to Serenity and slapping her. "You little witch! You think me a fool? You think I don't understand that Endymion was to marry you? I knew, of course I knew! I knew before I ever became involved with Endymion that he was to be married. But it doesn't mean it didn't hurt as much when it actually came to be! When it separated us! Because of his damn honor and pride! If it weren't for that, we would still be together, whether or not he was married to you! He would have stayed with me, if only… if only in secret." She slunk back to the chair again, burying her face in her hands. Serenity listened, and could hear soft sobs coming from her. "I approached him in Fellotinhan. At that stupid ball for your brother. He shunned me. Do you have any idea what it is like to be shunned by someone that you love? That you would give anything to be with? Well, of course you don't. You have Endymion. And his love. Though years ago he promised never to love anyone but me, he falls head over heels in love with you and completely abandons me." She looked up and Serenity saw tears running down her face. "I want to know, Serenity. What is it that has claimed his love away from me? What? What did I do? Why were we so happy once, to be destroyed by some lowly Fellotinhan princess? The very absurdity!"
Serenity bit her lip. She was quiet for several minutes, and the soft sniffles of Setsuna seemed loud in the silence.
She looked up at Setsuna's tear-filled eyes, and her own eyes became soft and sad. "Oh, Setsuna… if I could explain Endymion to you, I would. But I can't. I don't know his thoughts, and I don't know how he fell in love with me. In… in all honesty, I fell in love with him first, while he was still mending his own broken heart, and… it hurt to think he was still in love with you, though I loved him. Setsuna, I'm so sorry, but I fell in love so hard… I love him, and I'm sorry that things haven't turned out the best way for you, but… I love him, so please don't hate me for it." Suddenly Serenity was crying, wiping at her eyes furiously and watching Setsuna.
The dark haired girl sat back and looked at the dimly lit room. "I know how it feels to be deeply in love with that man." She sighed. "I just wish I wasn't anymore. That's what hurts the most… that I still want him more than anything, though I know there's no way it could ever be. Even if he didn't love you, he has his pride, and he would be faithful to you." She looked at Serenity. "I'm sorry I kidnapped you, but… I had to speak to you myself. I had to."
Serenity folded her hands in her lap and looked at them, twisting the soft fabric of her dress. "You never planned to kill me, did you?"
Setsuna scoffed, turning her head. "Of course not. I'm no murderer. I only gave Demando that lie so he would actually do his job. Otherwise he would have laughed and turned me away. I just wanted to confront you."
Serenity nodded. "I'm sorry, Setsuna." She heard the girl across from her laugh scornfully, and continued. "I know it means nothing from me, but I am sorry that… things did not turn out the way you planned. But… have you not thought about the possibilities you have now? Setsuna, if Endymion can fall in love again, with his arranged fiancée, no less, than of course you can as well. There's someone out there for you, who will be more perfect for you than Endymion ever was." She watched Setsuna's eyes, looking for a sign as to what the girl was thinking.
Setsuna looked away from Serenity's penetrating gaze and sighed deeply. "I was told that by my mother, my friends, and everyone who knew of my relationship with Endymion… but have I seen anyone since? No, none. No one wants me… no one would want the girl who was refused by Endymion."
"Because they know you haven't let Endymion go." Serenity said softly. "Who WOULD want a girl that is still madly in love with a man engaged to someone else? You've got to go on and forget the past." She smiled kindly at her 'captor'. "I know you aren't cruel, but… actually, despite the whole… umm… kidnapping me thing, I think we could be friends." She twirled a strand of her hair in her fingers. "Truthfully, I was scared of you before you showed up."
Setsuna grinned wryly. "What, don't you know you should still be terrified?" At Serenity's frightened look, she laughed. "I'm only kidding. Of course I'm not cruel." She frowned. "I guess… mostly, I only wanted to scare Endymion, and hurt him, like he hurt me. So I asked Demando and Saphir to help me." She looked at Serenity sheepishly. "You would have never talked to me otherwise."
Serenity shrugged helplessly. "Actually, Endy wouldn't have let me, really. But I am glad we've talked, even if…" She looked around. "Even if the circumstances are… a bit odd."
Setsuna nodded. "Controlling, he is." She bit her lip. "I am sorry about this. It… it will take a long time for my heart to mend, but… I suppose I do need to move on past Endymion. I am still young. Twenty three is not old."
Serenity smiled. "Not old at all! I do promise you, you'll be much happier once you forget him. There's someone better out there for you. Endymion is rather annoying and brutish... and that EGO!" She rolled her eyes playfully.
Setsuna laughed and stood up, reaching out to give Serenity a hand up. "I have a horse and small carriage outside. Would you like me to take you home now?"
Serenity smiled and took her hand. "Thank you." She looked at Setsuna for a long moment, and a thought hit her. "Setsuna, you're in no rush to go back to Perusia, are you?"
Setsuna shook her head. "No, my parents are here for your wedding." She ducked her head. "But they do think I am at home."
Serenity took her arm. "Well, why not stay in the palace with us, and have tea tomorrow with me? I am SO very tired of listening to Cassandra and Mother gossip constantly. We could have tea and take a walk around the gardens… oh, and I believe that Endymion mentioned that the swimming pools are open. Or we could play croquet! Do you play croquet?"
Setsuna laughed lightly. "I do, yes. Serenity, are you actually telling me you want to get to know your 'assassin'?"
Serenity giggled. "Well, yes, I believe I am saying that! Oh, why not? I told you, we could very well be friends!"
Setsuna smiled. "Alright. I accept your invitation. Tea, swimming, and croquet it is." She looked and noticed Serenity's slightly red cheek. "Oh, Serenity… I'm sorry. I'm afraid I have a bit of a temper. I'm so sorry I hit you."
Serenity smiled. "Don't worry. I'm just glad that you'll be alright. I know that a broken heart must hurt, and take time to heal." She followed Setsuna out of the room, into the rest of a small house, and out a door into a dark yard, with a horse and carriage waiting at the front. "But I have to know… how on earth did you find that Demando character?"
Setsuna climbed into the carriage and cleared her throat. Serenity climbed in with her, trying to get comfortable in the seat.
Setsuna laughed uncomfortably. "Actually, he was captured in a prison in Perusia for attempting to murder one of our generals, and… I freed him, brought him with me here, and asked for his help. I know it was terrible of me, but… I didn't know who else to ask!"
Serenity shrugged. "A girl has to do what she must!"
They giggled, and Setsuna was about to grab the horse's reins when suddenly, a swarm of armed men surrounded the carriage, swords and guns pointed at them. They both screamed and grabbed each other in a hug, inching away from the swords.
"What the hell is this!" Serenity yelled, and Setsuna widened her eyes at Serenity's tone. She'd never have though Serenity to have such a stern manner.
Out of the darkness, Endymion, followed by Motoki, walked forward. He walked slowly through the men, who parted to make room for him. Reaching up into the carriage, he grabbed Serenity down, and pulled her to the ground. She blinked up at him in astonishment, but he paid her no attention for the moment.
He spoke to a soldier nearest the carriage. "Take her into custody for her crimes against Princess Serenity."
Serenity gasped. "Endymion, no!"
Setsuna's eyes widened fearfully as a soldier pulled her out of the carriage by her thin wrist.
Serenity hit Endymion's arm as hard as she could. "Endymion, don't you dare do this! You let her go this instant!"
Endymion glared down at Serenity. "Have you gone mad, Serenty? She pays someone to kidnap you and murder you, and you want to free her?" He turned back to Setsuna, who was chained and whimpering softly. "How dare you do something like this, Setsuna! I WILL make you pay!"
He turned and handed Serenity into Motoki's open arms, but Serenity fought against her brother and rushed up to Endymion again. "Endymion, let Setsuna go! She meant no harm! She only wanted to talk to me!"
Endymion's eyes flared. "Talk! TALK! If she wanted to talk, she should have attended the ball! No, she did not plan to talk, Serenity." He leaned down to kiss her forehead. "Go to Motoki while I deal with this." He turned to a few soldiers. "Demando can't be too far. Send message to my father and the generals that Serenity is safe, but to keep looking for Demando."
"ENDYMION!" Serenity screamed, again wrenching away from Motoki, who sighed. "I will not let you do this! You listen to me, Prince Endymion!"
Endymion blinked and turned around, looking at his fiancée. "Serenity…? Why on earth are you speaking to me this way! I'm only trying to protect you!"
"Protect me! You bastard, protect me from what! From making friends! Setsuna is coming with ME! NOT those guards! Do you understand me!" She stormed up to him and pointed to Setsuna. "She did what she had to so she could talk to me! You would have never allowed her at the ball, and you know it! So back off and let her go!"
Endymion shook his head. "She kidnapped you, Sere. She had intent to harm you; I can't let her go. Now let's just go home and relax, okay? You've had a long day. As for your name-calling, we'll discuss THAT in the morning…" He gave her a funny look. "You've never spoken those words before… especially to me!"
"If you don't knock some sense into your head, I'll continue to use them!" She yelled, and turned to the guards. "Release her immediately!"
They only grinned and looked at her in slight amusement.
Endymion sighed and walked to where Motoki stood waiting with the horses, pulling Serenity with him. "Come on; let's go home. There will be no more discussion about this. Setsuna will be in prison, whether she is a princess or not."
Serenity's face turned red; she was getting ready to start yelling until her throat became sore. She turned quickly to where a guard was lifting Setsuna into the carriage and sitting beside her. She called back to her new friend. "Setsuna! DON'T WORRY! I'll talk some sense into this idiot and it'll all be okay! Don't worry!"
Setsuna flashed Serenity a small, worried smile and looked down sadly.
Motoki was watching Serenity curiously. "What on earth happened tonight, Sere?"
Serenity turned to her brother with a glare. "I made a friend and my pig-headed fiancé is trying to stop me from being friends with her, that's what happened!" She mounted Motoki's horse, and Endymion looked up in surprise.
"Serenity!"
"Don't you dare speak to me, Prince Endymion. I am not speaking to you… nor am I sleeping with you tonight! Make yourself comfortable in a guest room!" She turned her head away as Motoki mounted the horse and looked at Endymion with a sympathetic glance.
Endymion sighed impatiently and followed behind his fiancée and her brother.
"Okay, little sis, what's going on?" Motoki murmured to the girl sitting in front of him as they rode toward the palace.
Serenity, sitting side-saddle, turned and gave her brother a sad glance. "Setsuna is just mending her broken heart, and… she wanted to talk to me. We… were becoming friends, and I had even invited her to come with me to tea and croquet tomorrow, but no… Endymion and his stupid idiocy had to butt in. He shall be sleeping alone until Setsuna is free. In fact…" She sniffed and crossed her arms. "I will not marry him until she is free."
Motoki blinked. "Sere, isn't that taking things too far?"
"No. I refuse to marry someone so pig-headed… and single-minded! Just because he has a past with poor Setsuna, he thinks that she's just 'oh-so-terrible' when in reality she's just simply a girl who was fiercely in love… and who is just having a hard time getting over her hurt heart."
Motoki sighed. "What a long, terrible night it has been. First you're kidnapped, now you're friends with your kidnapper and refusing to marry Endymion! Sere, he's only doing what he thinks is best for you, because he loves you."
"I don't care. If he wants to marry me, then he'll have to stop treating me like I'm just his little toy that he doesn't have to listen to! Did you not see him back there! He wouldn't even listen to me! He kept ignoring me, and belittling what I said! I will NOT marry him until he stops being a pig."
Motoki sighed again and they rode the rest of the way in silence, Serenity staring off with a deep, angry frown on her face.
End Chapter Thirteen
(Bet no one expected me to turn around and make Setsuna good, ne? Heh, I love odd, unexpected twists.)