A/N: Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 1.

WARNING: LEMON, OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 12: Winds of Change

Argilla stared at the ceiling with unfeeling pink eyes. She clutched the warm satin sheets tightly to her bare body as she laid her head on her husband's bare chest, sighing.

She heard a chuckle erupting lowly from within her husband's throat, annoying her…but nonetheless, she thought nothing of it.

"Now…Serph…tell me." she whispered, against the warm yet cool air around them.

Serph's face hardened at bit at hearing her…He knew that he ought to tell her. There really was no point in procrastinating. She had given herself to him that night willingly. He didn't even have to coax her into his bed that night.

He only had to kiss her and that was how it all began.

Flashback

His hands threaded upon her pink silky threads as they sat side by side on his bed. He looked within her soft pink eyes and saw only submissiveness in them. He grinned. He slowly leaned in and closed his eyes…with her doing the same.

Soon after, their lips met in a soft and slow kiss…

She moaned as her hands felt their way on his chest, settling on his shoulders…She felt herself drawn to him as his strong arms encircled her petite waist, pulling her against him.

She shyly parted her lips and there, did his hungry tongue invade her mouth. Serph's kiss then transcended all gentleness as he devoured her mouth roughly. She whimpered in his mouth but made no move to part from him…

From her waist, his hand traveled up to the edge of her sari and there started to unwrap her slowly…sensuously…

His lips then left hers and began to trail wet kisses along her throat and then along her collarbone, nipping and suckling every now and then.

She moaned and grabbed onto Serph's robes as his lips found her jugular and bit down, hard. She arched her head backwards and openly moaned, "Aa…Serph…"

He chuckled as he heard her sweet sound of music flowing from her elegant and delicate pair of lips…His fingers, now having succeeded at undressing her, now held her firmly against him and there softly yet gently push her on her back. She complied and there, lay on her back, waiting for him to take the next step.

He slowly undressed himself and when he was done, he looked at her again and there, did his manhood throb almost painfully as he saw her heaving and gaping chest. There, on her back, she waited for him patiently…Her pink eyes were on his…she looked so timid…so vulnerable…so weak.

She was right there…right for the taking.

He smirked and there, he slowly got on her and leaned down, kissing her once more. And as soon as he did, her arms wrapped themselves around his neck and pulled him closer to her. This was the first time that she had ever done this…

She had never been voluntary whenever he would decide to make love with her. He had always to "persuade her" in order to respond to him.

But now, she did it without being asked.

And what was more was that she had kissed him back with equal passion; her lips and tongue battling his with urgent fervor.

A moment later, his lips left hers and again traveled downwards…on his throat, and there, found themselves on the valley of her plump breasts. His hands, meanwhile, meandered all over her body, from her long and smooth legs to her flat belly, and onto her arms, leaving electrifying streaks of energy along its wake on her skin.

She moaned as his lips found her breast and there suckled on it as hungry as a newborn child. Her hands tightened their grip on him and he chuckled, lifting his head up so that their eyes met. With a grinning face, he spoke "Worry not. I'm not going anywhere…" he spoke seductively.

She blushed.

He bared his teeth at her and there returned to his task. His lips once more were on her breast while his other one had now traveled upwards, cupping her other unattended breast sensuously, slowly.

She squealed though as he bit her pink nipple, "Serph…!"

He chuckled again and then had his lips leave her ample chest, kissing the skin on her flat belly and then…on her abdomen.

He rose from her suddenly and their eyes met. She looked at him with questioning eyes and he looked at her with firmness and cold resolution, "You will bear me a child."

She felt a lump in her throat but said nothing. Serph then touched her knees and parted her legs. He pulled at her legs, consequently drawing her closer to him; drawing her core towards his waiting and twitching manhood.

His hand reached out for her neck and caressed her skin softly while his other hand had his fingers slowly dive within her inner lips. She gasped and grasped the sheets around her as his fingers moved freely, to and fro within her.

She moaned his name openly as her body began to heat up, her skin felt as though it was burning as he continued to take her higher upon the pillar of conscious pleasure.

She bit her lip almost painfully and bucked her hips, matching his thrusts and moaned uncontrollably. Beads of sweat began to form on her forehead and on her chest as he continued to take her painfully slow towards her final destination…to paradise…to nirvana.

She prayed and prayed that she arrived sooner…And soon after, her wish, her silent prayer had been heard…and granted.

She let out a cry of pure ecstasy, completely disoriented about her surroundings. Serph grinned and exited her inner lips, marveling at the sight of her nectar on his fingers. Without hesitation, he brought his fingers up his lips and suckled them dry.

He looked at her again and saw a dreamy expression on her face. He smiled and there, pulled her legs towards him once more. From there, he entered her tight and wet core. Argilla's eyes shot open as she once more felt a larger and stiffer intruder wedged in between her legs.

Without hesitation, he moved furiously within her. Argilla groaned and there bucked her hips towards him, intensifying the electrical and blissful experience for the both of them.

Serph then leaned down and supported his weight on her by being on his elbows as he continued to wildly thrust within her…Like a caged animal, he pillaged her body with the anger and force of a hurricane.

Argilla's eyes dilated at an extreme degree as overwhelming pleasure overtook her sense of being…

The two continued to pant loudly, making the air around them all the more damp…Serph looked at his wife's face and saw her eyes widened, her lips parted, her mouth agape. Argilla tightly wrapped her legs around his waist as he continued to move within her, letting her walls crush his manhood from within.

Serph gritted his teeth and had his eyebrows furrowed as she did so, the pressure of her legs on his hips driving him further to go even faster, even deeper still within her excruciatingly tight passage.

Soon, nirvana had been revealed to the two heathens…And there, did their beliefs suddenly materialized…The two walked hand in hand within nirvana…

Serph grunted and froze, burying himself within her, up to the hilt as he released his essence within her womb. Time froze at that moment; there was only a moment of pure bliss, clarity…and serenity.

Emotions from all corners of the universe flowed through them as they had become one. Their love embrace of both body and soul had enabled them to hear the life force of the earth…letting their ears hear even the slightest sound…the sound of a raindrop just outside their window…the otherwise silent whisper of the cool breeze…the happy chirp of a bird in the air…

"Serph…!!" she screamed as she herself released her essence…her nectar, letting it intertwine and mix with his.

With a low growl, Serph collapsed on her…And for the first time, it was she who had caught him with open arms…

"Serph…" she moaned, closing her eyes slowly…

End Flashback

Ah yes…it definitely felt invigorating to have her this willing…this loving of him.

Of course, he knew that it was a silent trade from her part. She had slept with him in exchange for information about her sister.

He could choose not to tell her; but…he was still a man of honor. He would keep his end of the bargain.

Putting a firm hand on her shoulder, he slowly pushed her away from him. Argilla had understood and had now, sat up, bringing with her, the sheet, covering herself.

Serph sat up as well and looked at her seriously, "Argilla. Your sister had disappeared without a trace. She had been missing for the last week. I had an investigation done and we had concluded that she had been abducted by the rebels."

Argilla's eyes began to water as she registered the words that he had spoken within her mind.

Her sister…was gone?

"I do apologize if Heat hadn't been entirely truthful. I had asked him to keep the truth from you. I had told him that I would be the one to tell you personally…" he told her unflinchingly.

Argilla, being speechless suddenly broke into tears, burying her face in her palms. Serph looked at her with cold eyes; 'Weak…' he told himself as he regarded his wife. A smile suddenly tugged itself upon his lips…

Such tragedies often became useful…if one knew how to manipulate them…

Reaching for her, he gently drew her within his arms, holding her gently, yet tightly against his chest. Argilla sobbed harder against him; he could feel her tears trickling down on his skin. Balling her hands into fists, she pounded on his chest wildly…hitting him without reserve.

"I promise you…I shall bring her back."

Argilla didn't know why…but at that moment, the man that she hated, became the only crutch that she could rely upon, upon that dire moment…And so, at hearing his promise, she held on to him as tightly as she could, clinging to him desperately.

Ah…just the reaction that he was counting on…He wasn't disappointed.

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Sera rubbed her flat stomach. She was within Cielo's home, within Cielo's room, looking out through the window, staring at the stars. It was night now and she wondered for a moment whether or not she was with child.

Her stomach churned at that thought. It wasn't that she repulsed her would-be child. It wasn't that. It was just that, how was she raise it when it was born? Not only that, but she herself was unsure of whether or not she would still be alive when the time came…

'I don't even know where I'll be by that time…'

She didn't even know what the point of her running away was anymore…Her whole life was there at Arkanadara and she had thrown all that away. She said that it was for her to discover herself; to get stronger.

But right now, she felt lost.

What was she doing here? Why was she there in the first place?

It was then, as she thought about it that her eyes began to brim with tears. Sobbing faintly, she laid her head on her arms.

Unbeknownst to her, Cielo had entered the room and was now gazing at her sympathetically. The room was completely dark with the exception of the moon's pale light from the window.

He walked closer to her and draped a hand on her shoulder, "Serish?" he asked, lowly, concern evident in his voice.

Sera immediately stiffened and straightened up, "Cielo…!" she exclaimed, wiping her tears way.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his sapphire eyes peering at her silver ones.

She nodded and smiled weakly. Not only had she run away from her responsibilities, now she had also involved someone else. She had involved Cielo. Who was she kidding? She was nothing more than a fraud.

This man had taken her from Arkanadara without question. He had convinced the Resistance to accept her. And now, he had taken her within his very home…

And she didn't even have the decency to tell him her real name.

She closed her eyes as she felt the emotion of guilt overwhelm her senses. Cielo knelt down and embraced her, "Hey…Is there anything that I could to…?"

Sera clung to him tightly as he held her…

She pulled away a moment later; she couldn't take it anymore…The more seconds ticked by, the more guilty she felt…

She didn't want to live like this anymore.

"Cielo, I have something to tell you…" she breathed out.

Cielo pulled her to her feet and tugged at her to sit on the bed. She followed suit, no longer uncomfortable at the idea of them being in one bedroom.

"What is it?" he asked gently.

Sera sighed; how was she to begin all of this?

"First of all…my name isn't Serish." She paused and looked at Cielo, gauging his facial expression. But his face betrayed nothing; it was the same as before.

He nodded, "Go on." he whispered.

She took a deep breath, "My real name…is Sera." she paused; she didn't know how she was to continue.

Her eyes widened though as she felt Cielo's hand on hers, squeezing it tightly, "You can trust me…Sera…"

She blushed but nonetheless, found the strength to continue, "I am from Flavius Adeodatus…I'm not a slave…My name in court is Severina Fausta Flavia and the youngest sister to Arkanadara's Queen Amadeus Caelestis Flavia…I am married to Arkanadara's general…The Red Dragon…Heat…" she finished with a choke.

She couldn't bear to meet his eyes, and so she turned them away. She was getting nervous; why wasn't he saying anything? She could only wonder as to what he was thinking. Whatever it may be though, she knew one thing. She couldn't stay with him any longer.

Sera suddenly stood and bowed to him, "I thank you for your hospitality Prince of the Sanada…"

Cielo's sapphire eyes widened at that; how did she know that? Immediately, his hands flew to grab hers in lightning speed as she took one step forward, "Where are you going?"

She sighed, "I know that I am no longer welcome within your home…Rather than disgrace myself by overstaying my welcome, I would rather brave the wilderness…I bid you farewell…"

He chuckled and Sera frowned; what was so funny? For the past week that she had been with Cielo, she had noticed that about him. He tended to laugh at almost anything that might strike his fancy.

No matter the rank of pertinence, he would laugh at it convivially…

"What may I ask is so terribly hilarious that you find it a worthy receiver of your attention?" she asked, trying to quell her growing irritation.

Cielo shook his head as he stood up, never letting her hand go, "I believe you Sera. I knew from the beginning that you were of royalty…"

Sera stiffened; he had an idea from the very beginning? How?

"And I also knew that Serish wasn't your real name." he told her with a small laugh.

Her eyes widened still.

Cielo stood right in front of her and let her hand go and smiled gently, "It was easy to tell whether you were of noble birth or not…I knew that you were from Flavius Adeodatus…I also knew that you were no mere peasant. I saw it with your behavior…You were never trained for manual labor nor were you ever exposed to much physical exertion. I first noticed that when we were at Ilvika Forest. You tire easily…and the rest was easy…You cannot cook, or maintain the house…You cannot even wash clothes properly."

She blinked in astonishment but he wasn't through yet. He chuckled as he continued, "I knew that Serish wasn't your real name. Serish is an Arkanadaran name. You are obviously from Flavius Adeodatus."

He smiled again, "That's how I knew…"

She felt ashamed and blood rushed to her face, "What will happen now?"

Cielo sat down, "Now…? Sera…I promised you that I would help you…I'll continue to do that. But…now that you've told me about this, I would be pleased if you would tell me…everything."

Sera sighed; he was right. She owed him that much. And so, for hours the two sat together with Cielo listening while Sera talked. She had told him everything…From the moment that she was brought in the castle, to the time that she married…to the time she ran away.

Sera looked down, "What will become of me?"

Cielo's serious face softened, "Nothing…"

"Huh?" Sera asked, lifting her face so that their eyes met, "What do you mean?"

Cielo felt no ill will against his angel. He was glad that she had chosen to tell him the truth relatively early. It had just been a week since her arrival and she had already begun to grow on him. Now, as he looked at her for who and what she really was, he felt all the more bent to protect her.

"Your secret is safe with me Sera…But…"

"But…?" she prodded innocently.

"You must keep this between you and I alone."

Sera nodded and Cielo continued, "Knowing Heat…He wouldn't stop tearing down trees and burning down villages just to find you. That is why, even if you are here, you must keep your friendship to a minimal number of people and keep your secrets well guarded."

She raised an eyebrow, "Why are you doing all of this for me?"

Why indeed?

Cielo smiled, "Because you are a human being made of flesh and blood…just like me and everyone else in this world. You ran away because you were kept like a slave, thus becoming one. You asked for my help and I gave it. I won't abandon you now just because of your identity Sera."

Without thinking, Sera lunged herself at Cielo, taking him by surprise, and whispered, within his chest, "Thank you."

Cielo took a deep breath and released it; she was welcome to stay with him…for as long as she deemed it.

Cielo blinked as he felt the electrifying sensation as they touched but thought nothing of it. He was happy though; he had a real friend.

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It had been another week since Argilla's discovery of her sister's disappearance. She had also asked Serph pertaining Priya's dismissal. She was surprised that she did not feel angry at him though. He had a valid reason why he dismissed her. Sera's disappearance warranted that there was a spy amongst them who aided the rebels. Everyone was a suspect…even her handmaiden. He reasoned that he did it for that reason…And…strange as it may be, she believed him.

Her thoughts then drifted over to Sera. Yes…Sera had been missing for days…and she had worried for her sister for days on end and within each day she became ever wearier.

'Sera…Why don't you just come home?' she thought.

Granted, Serph had promised to bring her back and she believed him…but something else told her that they weren't going to find her.

'One cannot find a person who does not wish to be found…'

Well; there was another problem. She sat down and massaged her temples. Serph was a problem. As she had expected of him, he had been intimate with her at every given chance he got. He wouldn't stop until he had sown his seed within her womb.

That was why she kept taking her herbs. To remove his seed within her.

She didn't know how long she could keep this up…

He was going to find out sooner or later. The moment he became suspicious of foul play, her secret was no longer safe. And then, another problem crawled at the forefront of her thoughts; Roland.

She sighed a heavy sigh. Whenever she would think of him, her heart would feel heavy and her thoughts would roam and meander over to the land of fantasy where it was just she and he…

But still, he was right. Whatever it was they felt for one another didn't have a place in their lives.

'That is why, it is best forgotten…' she thought sadly.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard footsteps nearing her vicinity. She immediately closed the book that she was reading as the footsteps got nearer. A moment later, she was met with the eyes of Serph who bowed to her and sat beside her, taking her hand in his and kissing it, "Hello Argilla."

"Hello Sire." she replied politely.

Serph knew how much distress Severina's disappearance affected Argilla. He himself felt bothered by this. Since she found out, she had been suffering from anxiety and she had lost her glow.

That was what bothered him.

He wanted to…

He wanted to see her smile; he wanted her to be happy…

That was why…

"Argilla, come with me." he said, standing up and holding out his hand. Argilla took his hand without question and gazed at him, puzzled, "Go milord?"

He smiled a gentle smile, "Yes. Come."

An hour later, having her face hidden within a white veil and wearing a traditional white and golden sari with a matching white cloak, she found herself seated on a carriage. Serph rode in front along with the Imperial Guards.

She remained quiet though; the moment she had arrived at her chambers, her things had been packed. Needless to say, Serph planned to take her somewhere…somewhere that she would live for a few days…

He had been in a hurry that she had not been able to inform Jenna personally of her sudden and abrupt departure.

But no matter, she had sent her servants to tell her in her stead.

Argilla looked out on the horizon, trying her best to appreciate its beauty. But no matter what she did, no matter how hard she looked, her thoughts would always find itself upon two things.

Sera and Roland.

She sighed; Sera was missing. Every time she would think of that, a painful tug would find its way on her heartstrings. And then, there was Roland. She was glad though; Roland was there with her on that trip.

Trip…

She didn't even know where she was going…

Feeling her head be overwhelmed with feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness, she leaned back on the backrest of the seat of the carriage and closed her eyes, dozing off.

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Argilla awoke to a rude awakening as she felt her carriage pull to a stop. She looked around her but everything was a blur. She frowned; she had fallen asleep. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and yawned.

Suddenly, the air was penetrated as a chuckle entered her ears. She turned to the window and there she saw her masked husband, "Come. We've arrived."

She nodded.

She watched him as he dismounted his horse and walked over to her carriage, opening the doors for her. He held out his hand for her to take and she did. His hand grasped hers firmly, yet gently.

She found herself smiling at that…

She stepped down from the carriage as slow as possible and widened her eyes.

"This is…"

She looked at Serph and saw his eyes twinkling; she could tell that he was smiling within his silver mask.

"Thank you Your Grace…"

He leaned closer to her, "It's Serph, Argilla." he insisted.

She nodded, "Serph…"

"Welcome home." he said as he led her through the lush greenery of Flavius Adeodatus.

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Roland looked at them from afar. As soon as the carriage had stopped, he had dismounted his horse and had walked towards the queen's carriage in order to aid her but stopped as the king had gotten to her first.

He felt a subtle sting of pain as he watched them. The sting persisted as he saw her flash the king with her smile…

He knew what he had told the queen days before…Their feelings for one another could not progress…

But that didn't stop him from feeling what he was feeling for her…

He sighed within as he watched them walked away, hand in hand…She belonged with the king. Not with him.

Wordless, he followed them.

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Serph took her through the streets of her city, where the people all bowed, all paved up for her. Argilla blushed; she felt so out of place at that moment, which was strange, since this was her very own country. This was the last place that she was supposed to feel out of place at.

As she looked at herself, she suddenly knew why.

She was wearing her sari and not her juni-hito.

Suddenly, she felt so detached…It wasn't supposed to be though; a mere piece of cloth shouldn't hinder her from loving her country…

'No…I don't think that that's just it…' she told herself, squeezing Serph's hand unwittingly as she pondered about it.

Serph stole a glance at her and saw the apprehension in her face. He smiled though as he felt her hand in his.

A while later, she found herself by the gardens of her old home. She looked at him and he nodded. She smiled and detached herself from him, running to her old flowerbeds. She picked one of the flowers and put it against her nose; it hadn't changed.

In fact, almost none of the infrastructure had been changed. She was thankful to Serph; he had kept his word…to the letter. She turned her head and saw him standing where she had left him.

She smiled tightly at him…but then, she saw something else…Far to his left stood her faithful guard. She saw that he was looking at her intently and she immediately blushed and so, turned her gaze back to the flowers.

She had been so busy at looking at the aforesaid flowers that she didn't notice someone approach her. She turned as she saw a shadow on the flowers. She smiled weakly as she was met by her husband's cold mask and his even colder eyes, "Come. It's getting cold."

He was right; the sun was beginning to set.

She took the hand that he was offering and started to walk over to the castle but stopped. Serph looked at her, "Something wrong?"

She looked at him with a pleading look, "I…do not wish to stay at the palace."

He read her eyes and understood. He brought her here to relieve herself of some stress and not to remind her of some of their memories…

So, they had taken up lodging at one of the other castles of Argilla's family. Argilla tugged at him excitedly and Serph raised a curious eyebrow. She had never acted this way around him before…And he could guess that it was the familiar halls that brought about such a drastic change of air in her.

But nonetheless, he was glad.

She led him through the halls and into the library. She looked at him like a child looking at her mother, "This is where my sisters and I played…"

Serph raised an eyebrow, "Play? Isn't this where you were supposed to study?"

She chuckled, "Well…we played while we studied…"

He merely nodded…

Soon, their dinner was served and the couple had changed from their traveling apparel to that of a more comfortable one.

Serph sat at the head of the table and awaited his wife. It was just a private dinner between the two of them. A moment later, she graced his presence and he raised an eyebrow as he looked at her up and down.

She was wearing a loose robe…The traditional apparel of her country. But it wasn't as exaggerated as the one he saw at the throne room weeks ago.

Her hair was still loose and her face contained no paint. It was just her. His heart skipped a beat; she looked…beautiful. She wasn't in anything special but it allured him nonetheless.

She bowed to him. He rose from his chair and pulled up a chair for her. She bowed again and took his offer.

He looked at her, "You changed." he deadpanned.

She looked at him, nervous, "Do you disapprove milord?"

He shook his head, "No. You are in your country after all."

She cast her face down and began to eat. Although they had had a rather peaceful time together and had no more bickering or the throwing of insults, the air was still as awkward as it had been the first time they had met.

Argilla had just felt so happy that she had momentarily relinquished all ill feelings towards her husband.

She was happy because he had kept his word…And so, nothing could ruin her mood. And she was surprised though…She had not lashed out at Serph and he had not lashed out at her either. She had expected him to take abuse of her "vulnerable" and "gullible" state but he had done neither.

He had been a complete courteous gentleman to her.

She smiled at that thought.

Serph looked at her from the corner of his eyes as he sipped his soup soundlessly. She was smiling; that was a good thing. She needed this; she had been distraught ever since Severina had gone missing…

And he hated to see her that way…

Soon their dinner had ended and he led her to their bedroom. Argilla walked in and saw the balcony. She walked over to it and stared at the stars; the silver twinkling stars.

She sighed.

Serph saw her and followed. He put a hand on her shoulder. She was stressed.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently.

She slowly turned to him with sad eyes, "Serph…I don't care how stupid or foolish I may sound to you…But…I have one thing to say…"

"What is it?"

"Please find my sister." she told him sadly. Serph took her in his arms and embraced her, "I promised you I would. I will. I will find her…"

She pulled away from him, her eyes firm and no longer soft, "What do you want in return?"

The warm and soothing feeling within Serph's heart immediately dissipated as he heard her question. What did he want in return? Well…this was how she saw him? As nothing more than a knave…

A reprobate.

He looked at her with hard and steely eyes as he held her firmly, "I have everything of you Argilla. I own you." he paused as he looked at her intently, "There's nothing that you could possibly offer me."

Argilla stiffened in his arms as she was rudely reminded of her fate. She had been wrong. She had been foolish to think that perhaps he had changed…He was still that animal that she loathed.

'I should've known better.' she thought bitterly.

Serph caressed her face lovingly, "I would find Princess Severina for you Argilla; just for you. I need nothing in return."

Argilla's mouth hung agape at his statement and only watched as he left her standing there. This man was a surprise upon a surprise upon a surprise. Had she been wrong about him again?

His voice though, roused her from her state, "Come inside."

The night had finally rolled in and Argilla stared at the ceiling. It felt good to be within familiar halls again.

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Jenna stared at the window; her face as hard as a statue. She was in one of her more sensitive moods. She had just come to learn that Argilla had departed with the king on a trip.

As to where she was going, Jenna did not know. And apparently, neither did the queen. She sighed; what was it with her sisters disappearing on her?

Gale looked at her from afar. She hadn't changed at all since she had arrived…

Well, not really…Not within his eyes.

He had been having something within his head for a week now. But he had yet to ask her about it. But now, as the chances of finding Princess Severina diminished over the days, he knew that he had to ask her now.

"Junia."

She growled, "Stop calling me that…"

Gale, seeing that her back was facing him, allowed himself a small smile, "Aa…I apologize. Jenna, then."

Here, she turned around, "What is it with this country and its men's possessiveness with their women?"

Gale was taken aback by her question. But then, now that he thought more about it, he really shouldn't be surprised.

He walked over to her and took a chair, sitting in front of her, "It is culture for one thing. But tell me Junia, isn't it the same for your country as well?"

Jenna raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"The treatment of women. It's virtually the same I hear." he told her impassively.

"What?!" Here, Jenna stood and stomped her feet indignantly on the floor, "H-how dare you?!"

Gale was beginning to sweat. He did not mean to offend her…but it would seem to him that she herself did not know a great deal about her own culture.

"My father had ensured that our laws were accepting of women!" she thundered furiously.

Gale chose to hold back his words; for if he did not, he would crush Jenna's beliefs…the ideals that she had lived with for so long…And that, would be a most painful thing.

But still, the truth must be told. In what fashion, that was the real question.

"Tell me Jenna, have you spent a great deal of your time outside the palace's walls?" he asked her impassively.

She raised an eyebrow, wondering what he was getting at. She then shook her head, "No…I have not."

"Do you have many friends that are of common blood then? Servants perhaps, who would tell you of these things?"

Jenna blinked, "No. I have no such friends. My friends were all from the court…and of course, my sisters."

Gale nodded, "Then, you wouldn't have any knowledge of what went on beyond the castle's gates then?"

Jenna opened her mouth to spew nothing but insults at him when she suddenly stopped.

"No…" she said as sudden realization hit her, "I do not…"

Gale raised an eyebrow, "Then…"

She frowned and said nothing.

Gale looked at her intently, "Did you know of the existence of geishas My Lady?"

Jenna laughed, "Of course! They are women of complete grace and art! Truly wonderful…true class."

Gale narrowed his eyes, "And do you know of how men bid for their purity My Lady?"

Here, Jenna gasped and stopped; no. It wasn't possible…It was…unfathomable. Men bidding for a woman's virginity…She suddenly found her throat very dry…

But then, why be affected by what he said? Why did she have to believe him anyway?

Seeing the doubt in her mind, he sighed, "I know of some okiya that are open still Jenna. I would take you there if you wish…"

Jenna felt her cold sweat forming. She had had enough. So, she sat back down and ignored him.

Gale looked deeply at her face, "And the burlesque bars…?"

Jenna had had enough, "What's your point?!" she yelled, standing. She didn't care if she appeared uncouth in his eyes; his prodding questions had pushed her over the edge, "Are you insinuating that my country is filthy? Chauvinistic?! That my father was a liar?!" she thundered.

Gale stood as well, his eyes boring into hers, "I'm not insinuating anything. I am merely saying that…I do not know why the world is the way it is now…It is what it is and I am calling it as I see it. But…I will make sure, that I would try to change it, no matter how small the effect…"

Jenna's heart softened at that that she smiled at him tightly. He would do that…Why? Come to think of it…he had been treating her fairly…And the word "fair" was an understatement. He had been uttermost patient with her. He had put up with some of her most challenging behavior.

But since they had been affianced…not once did he punish her.

Unlike her sisters at the hands of their husbands.

Also, Gale had never forced her to do anything that she did not want to do…and had even capitulated to some of what she had wanted.

Gale felt glad as he saw the small smile on her lips and took that one more step and held her smooth hand in his, caressing it lovingly, "I would change it." he repeated.

At that moment, Jenna felt her heart melt. And then, again, she felt that funny feeling again; that warm and fuzzy feeling that overwhelmed her whenever he was around her…Well, now, she had capitulated.

She had surrendered.

She smiled at him and moved her fingers within his hands, reciprocating his gentle strokes. Gale was taken aback. He had half expected her to recoil her hand back. He had expected her to remain perfectly still within his hand…but he had never expected her to caress his hand the way he did hers…

He looked at her questioningly.

She continued to smile at him, now, as heartily as ever, "You already had…"

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She looked at her side and saw her husband fast asleep, his arm over her waist. She blinked; he didn't even pressure her for copulation that night…

No. He merely fell on the bed and slept.

She unexpectedly felt her soul stir as she continued to appraise him. He was an enigma to her…She had seen him in almost every situation and yet, his real personality seemed so elusive. He was capable of throwing the required personality depending on the situation…

She understood that though when it came to politics…

But what bothered her was that, even when with her, he seemed to pretend…

Argilla touched his face lightly, "Why are you hiding from me…?" she asked him. At that point, she felt nothing but pity for him. The man had no family as he had killed his own to get where he was now.

He was heartless, cruel, lustful…He was bloodthirsty.

But it wasn't those things that bothered her.

She wanted to know only one thing.

How.

How did he become to be like this? She had been taught long before that there was always goodness in people…no matter how terrible they were. There was always that small seed of good in their hearts.

And she believed that. Even for him, she believed it.

She sighed. If she was to have his children, she wanted them to have a loving family; the kind that she grew up in.

But as long as Serph was continuing to elude his real self, she didn't see that happening.

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Cielo knocked at Sera's door. He had just been into town and had caught an interesting gossip that he thought she may want to hear.

He waited a moment later and then narrowed his eyes. He opened the door roughly and saw that she was not in it.

"Damn." he cursed.

With the skills that his family was known for, he blended into the shadows and vanished literally into thin air.

He sped through the trees as fast as he could, his sharp sapphire eyes scouring the area below him.

He stopped though as his ears perked up at hearing a sound.

He straightened himself and listened intently. It was coming from the western part of the forest. He sped through the trees again.

There, he was led back to the waterfalls.

But it wasn't the rushing of the water that he heard.

It was a voice. Someone was humming…

And it wasn't just any voice. It was…

Like the gentle breeze that swayed playfully through the trees, carried to him by the billowing leaves, her voice, he heard.

His heart skipped a beat as he saw her. What was she doing here?

His eyes widened as he saw her. She was within the shallow side of the river; bathing…He forced his eyes to turn away but was futile as her voice, like a siren's, allured him to her direction.

He shut his eyes instead as he knelt on the branch of the tree, wondering, 'How did she get here?' he asked himself.

But another question popped itself in his head. What was he to do now? He can't just leave her there. Bandits might come. But on the other hand, he can't intrude on her now; it would cause endless aloofness between them when it was over. So, the way he figured, he would just wait for her to finish and then "conveniently" appear when she finished dressing herself.

He stiffened and pressed himself against the tree as he heard her stop.

Sera sighed; she used to sing back when she was still at Flavius Adeodatus. But ever since the war, she hadn't sung a single note. She wanted to sing again…but mere humming was all that she was able to do. The words just…wouldn't come to her.

Her thoughts were in a jumble.

Over the last day and night, Cielo had been a wonderful person to her. He had sworn to help her and didn't turn her away. She smiled at that.

'He's pretty honorable…' she thought, 'And valiant…and considerate…and brave…and…courteous…and…'

'Handsome.'

She stiffened at that and blushed; where had that come from? She splashed the cold water on her face, trying not to think about him. But attempting not to, got her to think more of him, unfortunately.

She kept seeing his mischievous grin on his face…Those sparkling blue eyes…that long flowing blue hair…

"Aargh!" she exclaimed; frustrated, "I shouldn't think of him…"

Cielo raised an eyebrow, 'Shouldn't think of whom?' he wondered in curiosity.

He made a face, 'Her husband…?'

He felt unpleasant as the thought passed through him. That was right…She was married…

Sera blinked and then thought of Heat. She frowned; no. She would not return until she was stronger.

Wait…

Would she even return…?

She was through being useless. She narrowed her eyes and swam to the edge of the river where her towel and clothes laid.

Cielo's body heated up as he saw her beginning to emerge from the river, her body that once was concealed by the water, slowly unfolding its secrets before his eyes. He turned away immediately.

Sera clothed herself as quick as she could and then prepared to leave when she saw a silhouette drop from the tree. She gasped and took a step back, "Who are you?"

Cielo, having his emotions in check looked at her worriedly, "It's just me Sera. What are you doing here at this time of night?"

Sera released a breath of relief, "Oh…I'm sorry I worried you Cielo. I just love this place and I couldn't sleep…so I…"

Cielo smiled at her; she came here all by herself? In the dark? If so, she had a good sense of direction.

But still, it didn't change the fact that it was unsafe.

"That's not the point Sera. There might have been intruders." he told her firmly.

She cast her face down, "Oh…I'm sorry."

Cielo laughed, "Don't do that. It doesn't suit you."

Sera raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

He grinned playfully, "Pouting doesn't suit you. Sure, you look cute…but you look pretty when you smile."

'Damn!' he cursed himself; where did that come from? Did he just say that she was…pretty?

Sera blushed; but thanks to the lack of sunlight, it was hardly visible. But still, did he just give her a compliment?

At that time, she allowed herself to only think of the moment at hand…No thoughts of her sisters, her title or Heat entered her mind.

"Anyway," Cielo said, "come on. Let's go. I've got news."

Sera looked at his hand and there she took it in hers.

Sera felt her body tingle as she walked in the dark…with him by her side, his hand holding hers. She knew that it was inappropriate…But at the same time, she couldn't bring herself to dislodge her hand from his…

She felt comforted…

And so, in the dark, for the first time in days, she smiled genuinely.

Cielo grew impatient as they trudged slowly back to the Resistance's hideout. He stopped and Sera looked at him, "What is it?"

Cielo made a face at her and pouted, "We'll never reach there fast enough."

Sera blinked, "So…what shall we do about it? There isn't any other way to get back…"

Cielo grinned and grabbed her by the waist and scooped her in his arms and leapt for the nearest tree. Sera felt her stomach do summersaults and held onto Cielo as hard as she could.

She heard him chuckle and she buried her face in his chest as they sped through the trees. A moment later, she forced herself to open her eyes once more in order to see the blurry vision of the trees around her. Her eyes widened themselves in glee.

No longer frightened and nervous, she embraced the wind as it met her body. She had never seen such speed in her life…

'This is probably the specialty of his clan…' she thought, marveling at his flawless movement…She sucked in the air gleefully, feeling invigorated as she flew with him…

'It feels like…'

It felt like she was soaring…and not just as a bird that flew…It was as if she were…free.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jenna blushed as she and Gale broke apart. Gale could only smile. Jenna blinked and blushed; once again thankful to her makeup for not letting it show…

Gale smiled…

He never smiled. Well, not really.

She turned her back, "Milord, you did not come here for mere trivialities such as discussing the women's issues of our countries…So…what is it?"

Gale shook off the strange feeling that he had gotten at that moment and once more had his cold façade back in place, "I need your opinion on something."

So, he explained to her the finer details of her sister's disappearance. That and the involvement of the rebels and a possible abduction.

Jenna gazed at the map in front of her seriously, not speaking for several minutes. She then looked at him and gazed up his emerald eyes impassively, "Your theory is sound…I agree with you milord. I have reason to believe that the rebels are in hiding in any of these forests…"

Gale couldn't help but notice how she stressed the word "rebels" in her sentence. No doubt, she felt repulsed by the idea of her sister being abducted…

Suddenly, he saw Jenna narrow her eyes. She looked at him with a cold countenance, "I may have an idea of where they might be…"

Gale looked at her expectantly.

She nodded, "Here…or here." she said, pointing to the eastern then the southern forests of the map.

Gale nodded and smiled; she was right.

Jenna looked at him stoically, "The forest to the East, Ilvika and the southern forest of Asmana both have large rivers that flow out into the ocean to the south. If your rebels are not situated within the towns or villages, then they are within the forests…But which ones? That is rudimentary…In order to sustain their large number they need food, shelter and water. The first two are easily satisfied…but the third…well, you and I know how drought can affect life in this part of the world…"

Gale could only nod in concurrence.

She paused, deep in thought, before continuing, her eyes never leaving his, "Only Ilvika and Asmana forests contain the large rivers…It would be prudent for them if they were to make their settlements within those areas."

Gale was impressed; she was a lot better than any other member of his tactical team. He touched his forehead; he supposed that was why he always worked alone…and had his "team" only for "support" purposes, that was, if brewing coffee and taking out garbage could be counted as "support activities".

He looked at her again and bowed, "I thank you for your brilliant insight…Jenna…"

She blushed as she heard how her name rolled off his tongue. There was something in the way Gale said her name that made her whole body tingle.

He raised his head and took her hand in his…And once more, she did not object. She decided…that she liked the way his hand felt against hers. It was warm…and comforting.

She sighed though as he kissed her hand. He looked at her, "Jenna…"

She looked at him, letting her cold pretense crumble, "When will you find my sister…?" she asked him; her eyes brimming with tears, her voice shaking.

Gale gave her hand a gentle squeeze. His other hand braved her defenses and caressed her cheek affectionately, threading lightly on her smooth skin, "The king will find her Jenna… He will…"

That wasn't good enough for Jenna. She didn't need the king to find Sera! She needed Gale to promise her that Sera would be found…!

"How can you be sure that the king will care about that?!" she yelled angrily, her fear for her sister written all over her eyes.

The old Gale would have reprimanded her for speaking that way about the king…But he realized that he felt no such thing as he stood there with her. She didn't mean any disrespect…she was merely voicing out her worry…her anxiety over having been apart from her sibling…in such an unexplained fashion as Sera's disappearance.

And so…he braved another step…

Gale stepped up to her and enveloped her in his arms. He sighed as he relished with the unique feeling of having her in his arms…He had expected her to squirm and shove him away…but she did no such thing…

Jenna clung to him; her tiny hands gripping his robes tightly, "Tell me Gale…" she pleaded.

Gale embraced her tighter, "The king would not abandon your sister."

She pulled away from him, skepticism clearly written in her eyes, "How can you be so sure?"

Gale knew of course; Serph cared for the queen. He would not like to see her unhappy. He looked deep within Jenna's eyes, "The king would not stand to see the queen unhappy. He would find Princess Severina; he would do it for the queen's sake."

Still, the skepticism did not leave Jenna's eyes.

"The king…cares for my sister?" asked Jenna; her eyebrow raised.

Gale nodded, "More than you or I will ever know."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sera giggled as she sat on her bed. She had had the most wonderful of times…She couldn't really help but blush as Cielo had set her on the bed carefully when came back to his house through the opened window of his room in which she stayed.

"I'm glad that you enjoyed that." he said, playful.

She giggled again and released a breath as she calmed herself down, "Cielo, what was it that you wanted to tell me?"

Here, the playfulness within his sapphire eyes vanished and his smile disappeared, "The general has issued a search for you. He had ordered his spies to gather information about a maiden in the age from sixteen to twenty one from Flavius Adeodatus with ebony black hair and silver eyes."

Sera stiffened, "…Heat…"

He didn't know why, but Cielo once more felt another unpleasant feeling gnawing at his gut. But still, he remained quiet. He looked at Sera, who had cast her face down, clutching her heart.

Cielo didn't know what to do…She looked…distraught and utterly depressed. He sighed and draped a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, and he smiled warily, "Do you…miss him?"

Sera stiffened and said nothing. Cielo read her eyes though. Yes; she missed the man. He didn't understand why though…

But still, it wasn't his place…If she loved Heat, then, it was her choice…But with her being there with him now could only mean one thing. He didn't treat her right.

He felt angry at that point. And there, as he saw a lone tear trickle down her face, he swore that no man would ever mistreat her again…

'Never again.'

After a moment of silence, he spoke again, "Because of that…I do not think it wise for you to leave the forest…"

Sera's face fell; he had promised her that he would take her into town in one of those days…But with this recent development, it wasn't safe.

"I'm sorry Sera…" he said apologetically.

She smiled, forgetting all about her thoughts of Heat as she gazed at his pouting face; he looked too quaint…Too cute.

"It's alright. You don't have to apologize…In fact, it is I who must say I am sorry…I did not mean to be such a heavy burden."

The playful pout that graced Cielo's lips vanished, and he grasped both her hands in his, "You're not a burden Sera…Never…"

Sera felt herself be drawn to his innocent eyes as his words left his lips…She could feel his aura engulf her in a soft light…of warmth and protection.

Yes.

With him, she felt…safe…and important…

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Heat stared at the glass in his hands, his red eyes narrowed into slits. He laughed bitterly as he drank the glass' contents.

"Damn it…" he cursed.

Why did she leave?

"Why…?" he asked himself; his face contorting into a face of pain and anguish…

He stared at the glass and there he saw his reflection…A distorted figure stared back at him. Repulsed at himself, he threw the glass and it shattered as it hit the wall.

"Aaargghh!!" he shouted as he buried his face in his hands. Was he the reason she left? Of course he was…

He had scoured the country and yet she was not found…

"How hard is it to find one fucking girl?!" he yelled angrily.

"Those idiots can't do anything right!!"

He suddenly stopped. He sat up and stared at the broken pieces of the glass. He narrowed his eyes again; that was right. The idiots that he had assigned to find his wife were unreliable…

"I would find her myself."

He frowned as he realized what it was he should do. He stood and crossed his arms; he would inform Gale and Serph immediately.

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A/N:

The ideas and opinions expressed here about the rights of women and the opinions expressed about the culture of Japan is not a personal commentary of the author but is done for this fanfiction's dramatic effect and is not necessarily congruent with that of the author's opinion.