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

WARNING: OOC, LANGUAGE

Chapter 14: To Seek and Not Look

Jenna laughed heartily as the breeze met her face as she rode her white mare. Gale had surprised her. She had thought that he was to take her to another place; another diplomatic treaty…or something of the like.

But it wasn't. It was merely an act of leisure on their parts.

She was surprised though; Gale wasn't the type to do that…

Her mind raced; that was right…When she returned to the castle, she was to make preparations for her upcoming marriage with him.

She blushed at that; if Argilla had been there, she would have been laughing her head off. Jenna rolled her eyes; so she was fond of Gale, so what?

'Hmph. It's just a marriage. That's all.' she thought.

"Jenna, what is the matter?"

Jenna turned, "Huh?"

Gale raised an eyebrow, "You stopped in the middle of the field all of a sudden. What's wrong?"

Jenna looked around and saw that she indeed had completely pulled her horse to a complete stop…and apparently, for no reason. She blushed; she had been that engrossed in her thoughts to have done that?

"Jenna?"

She snapped back to reality and looked at Gale, "'Tis nothing milord. I do believe that I've been merry enough. I would very much like to return to the castle now…"

Gale looked at her thoughtfully, wanting to question her. But…remembering that she was a woman, and more importantly, that she was Jenna, he didn't question further.

"Alright."

The two rode silently and swiftly. Soon they had reached the castle. Gale assisted her and held her firmly by the waist as she dismounted the horse. Again, Jenna blushed, "Thank you milord…"

She felt uncomfortable within his arms and so she turned away and took a step back, "Milord…"

He nodded; well, some things never change. He was surprised to say the least; over the last few weeks, she had changed drastically, but it was hoping a bit too much for him to expect that she would allow him to touch anything of her body other than her hands…

So, he promptly let go and offered her his arm instead.

Beaming, she took it without hesitation.

They both walked back, together, wordless. Not long after that, he had left her in her room…Gale walked towards his own chambers, flabbergasted.

It was no question before, that he felt drawn towards her but it was not because of her beauty.

It wasn't just that; it was her mind…

Her mind was simply brilliant…

'Her eyes…her pout…'

He blinked, aghast, "What…what was that just now?"

He shook his head and touched his forehead, 'I…have not changed.' he thought defiantly. No. He hadn't. She may have; she began to feel fond of him…but he on the other hand, did not alter his feelings.

Feelings?

What exactly did he feel for her?

'I want her.' he deadpanned, 'I have never seen such a brilliant mind…'

Yes. That was all that he saw in her. It wasn't her quaint little mannerisms or her childish antics that drew him to her…

It was her mind.

She had a sharp mental acumen. She was the best that he had seen in terms of tactical planning…In essence, she would make the perfect partner.

Yes.

That was all that he wanted from her.

A counterpart.

Pushing all thoughts of her away, he continued his walk.

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The day had arrived. Argilla took a deep breath. She would miss this place…

Serph looked at her as she gazed sadly at the horizon from the window of her carriage. She was saddened.

Taking his horse near her carriage, he bent down and spoke to her through his mask, "Worry not Argilla. You may return here whenever you wish it."

Argilla looked at him and smiled, "Truly?" she asked.

He nodded, "Yes."

And without further words, he galloped away. And a few seconds later, her carriage moved. She sighed; but still, thinking back at it now, she had a wonderful time.

But most importantly…she had had a most memorable time…with Serph. Her gaze suddenly fell on her flat stomach. Suddenly, she felt queasy. Her hand immediately flew to her aforesaid stomach and touched it lightly.

She felt guilty…

'You say you love him…but you continue to kill your children…!' a voice within her head sneered.

Argilla's face hardened; yes. She had taken those herbs still…

She took a deep breath and released it just as evenly, 'I may…feel affection for him…But…if there's anything I learnt as a princess, and as a queen, it is that emotion was a deceiver.' Her eyes flashed red, 'I will not allow it to rule the whole of me…'

She didn't want to admit it…but she was afraid. There really was no guarantee that he really did love her. Or even if he did mean it, there was nothing to assure her that he really knew what love really was.

Given his background, it was hard to believe that such a man could be capable of love.

And that, was the reason why she killed her would-be children. She would not bring any child into the world in a loveless relationship.

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Cielo knocked on Sera's door softly, "Sera? Are you alright?" he asked softly.

"I'm almost ready!" she replied back; her voice muffled by the door.

Cielo nodded, "Alright!"

He proceeded to sit on the wooden floor, by the cushions, waiting. This was the day that she and he were to go to town together. He sighed; he wasn't really interested in the whole "out in the open" scenario.

Crowds and people in general, irked him.

But he supposed he had to do it; for Sera's sake.

That was why he was out of his gi and was just wearing his "civilian" apparel which consisted of black khamees and loose pants. It was the male counterpart of the sari. His hair was lose and not in its usual low ponytail.

A moment later, the door opened and there came out Sera. He stood and turned around; he gulped as he regarded her.

She was wearing a light blue sari. To hide her appearance, she had donned a matching blue veil around her head that concealed her entire head and a fraction on her face. Granted, it was nothing fancy…but…to him, it looked…

Amazing.

She blushed under his gaze and fidgeted with her skirt. It wasn't just his gaze that made her flustered. It was his appearance…

She had never seen him look the way he did…

Her words died at her lips before she could utter them. He just looked…too handsome.

Cielo blinked and grinned instead, "Well, come on. We haven't got all day!" he said cheerfully.

Sera, broken from her trance, nodded instead and walked over to him. Cielo took her hand in his and walked out of the tree-house. Sera held on to him as he eased them down via a rope.

Sera blushed harder as the women looked at them in a knowing way. She knew what it was they were thinking…They all thought that she and Cielo were…

"What are you thinking?" a voice asked curiously.

Sera looked at him as she continued to walk, her fast cast down to hide her embarrassment, "Oh nothing, I'm just thinking of the things I'm…going to buy…" she said meekly.

"Oh okay."

Cielo frowned as the two of them continued to walk along the woods. Sera could sense his apprehension and she giggled.

Cielo looked at her, "What's so funny?"

She stopped giggling and looked at him, "Oh nothing…"

"Nu-uh." he said, pouting, as he stopped walking, pulling her hand to make her stop as well, "Not nothing. What's so funny?"

"You." she deadpanned, giggling, "You're bored. I know you hate these long trudges through the forest…"

Cielo blinked; it was that obvious eh? He scratched his head and grinned sheepishly, "Aah…well…yeah. It is pretty boring…"

Sera giggled again; she liked the way he did that…It was…cute.

Without warning, Cielo scooped her up in his arms and grinned like a Cheshire cat earning him a confused look from her; confused and bemused.

"Cielo…?"

Cielo's grin widened as he bared his teeth and without another thought, leapt to the trees. Sera held on to him as he zipped through the forest. She told him that he shouldn't do that. But he did it anyway.

A few minutes later, they found themselves near the entrance to the forest. Cielo jumped down and landed soundlessly on the grass and carefully set Sera on her feet, "There. Wasn't that much faster?"

Sera rolled her eyes, "Faster, yes. But someone could have seen! And you might ruin your clothes!" she said as she neared him, inspecting his clothes closely for tears and whatnot.

Cielo blushed as she looked under his shirt and looked at his pants; she was too close for comfort. He immediately moved away and pulled her to her feet, "It's alright. Come on! We have to get you those clothes!"

Sera nodded and walked with him.

Cielo held her hand tightly as they mingled in with the crowd. Sera, with her free hand, grasped the scarf on her head tightly so as to not have to loose. She still remembered Cielo's words.

Heat was looking for her.

She cast her head down and pressed herself on Cielo's side. Cielo looked at her and saw how she attempted to hide her face from the crowd by looking at the filthy ground instead. Cielo drew her from the crowd and found an empty spot by the side and tilted her chin up, "Hey…don't do that…" he said gently.

Her silver eyes told him that she did not understand.

He chuckled and whispered, "If you act as if you're hiding, people would look! So, don't."

Sera nodded meekly.

Cielo looked at her seriously now, his boyish smile long gone, and cupped her cheek in his hand, "Besides, I'm here. I'll protect you."

Sera's heart melted at hearing his words. So, feeling invigorated and all the more confident, she squeezed his hand and smiled.

Nodding, the two braved the crowd once more.

"This is the town of Angara." Cielo whispered to her as they walked hand in hand through the busy streets.

Sera nodded, "Aa…Is there anything special about this town?"

Cielo shrugged his shoulders, "Nothing really. This is just a town that we use to replenish supplies…It's the closest to us you see…And well, this is a favorite place for mercenaries and the like."

"Mercenaries?"

Cielo nodded, "Yes. The town is rather poor…Everyone's desperate…and well, where there is desperation, there are desperate people willing to do anything for a price."

"This place…is filled with them? This is…"

"This is their home; this is the Arkanadaran town of mercenaries." Cielo told her seriously. He held her hand tighter, "So, let's be careful."

She nodded.

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Heat sat atop the local temple's roof. He had settled within the town for more than a day now and he had heard that there were rebels who hung about.

He sat there, looking for any person, any person at all who seemed unsavory…Heat knew his instincts and it told him that he would find something there.

He narrowed his eyes; his gut told him that he would be one step closer to retrieving his lost wife…

He frowned though; he didn't like the town very much. There were many mercenaries, like him.

His eyes flashed dangerously as he saw a suspicious-looking man. Well, it was time. He jumped from the roof and disappeared within the crowd.

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Sera looked at the textiles before her. She had come inside the shop and had Cielo wait outside. Actually, it had been his idea. Since it was a shop purely for women, he hadn't any desire to mingle with them.

Sera had been in there for fifteen whole minutes, still not sure which she should take…Cielo had given her two gold coins and three silver ones. She wanted to be as shrewd as possible. After all, it was Cielo's money anyway…

So far she had bought her shalwar khamees and her "unmentionables" but she hadn't a sari of her own just yet.

'Which one?' she thought deeply, contemplating on the pink and the purple saris…

She was startled as Cielo poked his head inside, "Are you done yet?" he whined impatiently.

Sera giggled before shooing him away, in a feigned angry manner. The storekeeper, an older woman laughed at that, "Your husband is very impatient. Men. They know nothing of a woman's sensitivity."

Sera blushed harder, "My…my…"

"Aren't you done?!" Cielo's voice interrupted. Sera turned and saw his head poking through the door.

The storekeeper laughed once more and looked at Cielo, her gray eyes twinkling, "I believe your wife had chosen her sari. She would be done momentarily."

Sera began to panic. Cielo heard it! What was she to say? Nothing. So, she kept quiet, looking at Cielo, her eyes asking him for support.

His eyes met hers for but a moment before looking back at the other woman, nodding, "Ah yes…my wife. She takes an eternity to do anything. Well, I shall continue to wait then."

Sera's face flared in the fury of her blood. She was as red as a tomato. Cielo had just admitted that they were married!

She looked at her hand and saw that she had been holding the pink sari all along. In a daze, she gave the sari to the old woman, "I'll take this please."

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Heat followed the man. There was just something I the way that the man walked that Heat knew that he was suspicious.

He had a brown hood and walked in a huddled fashion.

Heat kept his eyes on him as he followed him through the crowds. Then suddenly, he bumped into another person; a woman. And it wasn't just that.

The woman glared at him, "Watch where you're going knave!" she screamed. He saw that he had spilled all that she had in her basket.

Heat glared at her and left. He cursed; he had lost the person he had been following. Growling, he turned his head left and right as he craned up his neck.

There.

He found him. He pushed his way through the crowds.

'He turned left…!' he thought.

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Cielo folded his arms as he leaned on the shop's wall. Sera had been in there close to half an hour. He hoped that she had bought everything that she needed.

'…'

'I vow in the honor of my clan, that this is the last time that I would ever allow Sera to do her purchasing!' he thought with feigned contempt; pouting.

He was about to poke his head within the shop once more when he was met with Sera's smiling, albeit blushing face, "I'm done. I appreciate you waiting for me…"

One look at her and he had already forgotten all about his previous vow.

Cielo gave her a smug grin, "I'd wait for you for all eternity Serish."

Serish?

'Oh.'

Yes; that was her name when she was in public. She had nearly forgotten that. But still, she blushed; Cielo was ruffling her feathers. She blushed harder; but she needn't tell him that.

She arranged her scarf and nodded, "Shall we?"

Cielo grinned again and took her hand in his, "We shall."

Again, they fought their way through the crowds. Cielo frowned; it was as if he were fighting within a battlefield.

He tightened his grip on Sera. And after minutes of that grueling challenge, the crowd had lessened, somewhat.

Sera stopped suddenly, tugging at Cielo to halt as well. He looked back at her, "What is the matter?"

Sera frowned and looked within the basket that she held, "I think I lost something…" she said, looking at the ground behind her, bending her body.

Cielo scratched his head when suddenly someone bumped into him, rather roughly. He swore that if it weren't for his quick reaction time and his agility, he would've stumbled over and fallen over Sera.

Cielo gritted his teeth and turned to the stranger, "Hey! Watch where you're going!" he said to the red-haired man, glaring.

At that moment, time froze as blue met red. Cielo's eyes pierced into the stranger's blood red eyes.

Much to his surprise, the red-haired man glared at him as well, "Out of my way boy!" he growled before shoving passed him roughly, disappearing into the crowd behind them.

Cielo blinked; that person was no ordinary citizen…

'Most probably a mercenary…or a soldier.' he thought venomously.

"Oh! Silly me! It's here!" a cheerful female voice said.

Cielo blinked and turned to Sera's direction completely forgetting about the red-haired cloaked stranger and smiled, "Aayya…! You're a whole lot of trouble!"

She blushed, "I'm sorry…"

He chuckled and grabbed her hand once more, "Don't apologize so much. Come on, we have to get going."

She nodded and again, followed him out of the village.

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Heat cursed as he stood in the middle of the busy street.

'Drat!' he cursed, 'I've lost him.'

His eyes flared and his eyebrows furrowed, 'It's because of that damned boy!' he thought to himself as he remembered the blue-haired young man that he had bumped into.

Heat sighed; well, it looked like it was back to scouting possible targets once more. He thought for a moment as he walked calmly amongst the crowd.

It would be best, he reckoned, to wait until nightfall. There were plenty of pubs within the town; that would be the best place to lie in wait.

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Serph took with him a single candle as he walked along the dark halls. He reached his intended chambers and there, entered.

Within, a silhouette stood.

"I've been waiting…"

"Aah…" said Serph, setting the candle on the table, just enough to illuminate him but not the person he was conversing with, "I apologize. I was attending to my wife."

"Your wife?" asked the person venomously.

"Yes." he replied nonchalantly, "Listen here. I have not summoned you to speak about matters such as that. I am here for the information that you have."

The person said nothing but walked over to the Serph, revealing to him the appearance of the person of whom he spoke to.

The silhouette was revealed to be a woman.

She walked over to Serph and sighed, "I…I feel…shameful…" she told him truthfully.

Serph raised an eyebrow, "Come now. You have chosen this path. Cease this foolishness and tell me what I need to know."

The woman felt a painful prick in her heart as she heard his punishing and cold words. But because of what she felt for this man…she yielded, "They are planning to raid a caravan arriving to Arkanadara from Shankara in a week. 'Tis the same day of today in a week…"

Serph crossed his arms, "You could just tell me where they are hiding."

She shook her head, "I would not tell you milord."

"Oh? Why not?"

"Not until you give me what I want…" she said cryptically.

Serph raised an eyebrow, "What is it that you want?"

She chuckled, "Now is not the time…"

"Is the Princess Severina among them?" he asked.

The woman shook her head, "No milord." she answered curtly.

This, Serph could not believe, "Are you lying to me?" There was no way that Severina wasn't among them. Where could she have gone to?

She shook her head, "I did not find anyone of royalty within their folds. All within are those seeking freedom from your rule…No one but simple folk. Thus, your princess isn't in their midst."

Serph narrowed his eyes, "Just make sure that you are telling me the absolute truth." he said; his eyes blazing.

She nodded and said nothing.

Serph looked at her as he touched his chin in thought. A moment later, he laughed, "I could have you killed."

"You wouldn't."

"Oh?" Serph said, arching an eyebrow, "Why not?"

"If you did, you'd have no other informant. No other informant would ever be as loyal to you as I."

Serph frowned within but said nothing and did not allow his cold and smug face to betray the feeling of anxiety within his chest. She was right; she was the most loyal of informants…But, then again, she was wrong. There could be others like her…

He could have them…He could create them…Lust was a powerful weapon if used correctly after all.

Like her, he could have any woman by the throat…

"Besides…if you did, I wouldn't be able to tell you of a curious rumor…"

Serph raised an eyebrow, "What rumor?"

"The masses grow ever impatient…and more of them are joining the Resistance. It wouldn't be long until they mass an army against you…"

Serph laughed, "I would very much like to see that…But still, if it would happen, it would happen. So be it. But…I'd still kill you."

The woman smiled bitterly, "Then you would never know the secret of which I know…and only I know."

"What secret?" Serph asked.

The woman smiled, "All in good time…milord…"

She walked over to him and placed both palms on his chest. Serph smirked at her and she looked at him with nothing but desire.

She tiptoed and kissed him. He eagerly returned her kiss and gripped her waist tightly, pressing the petite woman against him.

She moaned as he kissed her savagely…

Serph pulled away and looked at her disgustedly, "You are such a filthy whore…"

"I know…"

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"Thank you for today Cielo." Sera said, smiling as they sat together on the floor of Cielo's home.

Cielo laughed, "It's not a problem Sera…"

Sera sighed, "If only…"

"What?"

She blushed, "If only I were still a princess, I could have paid my debt to you…"

The smile on Cielo's face vanished and he looked at her firmly, "It is not a debt Sera. Never."

"But I-"

"There are no 'buts' Sera. You do not owe me anything. My money, my home is mine to give to whom I will. And I chose to give them to you." he told her seriously, his eyes penetrating hers.

She blushed and smiled, "Thank you…"

The two sat within uncomfortable silence once more when Sera gently broke it, "Cielo?"

"Yeah?"

"The mask that you wore…" she trailed off, hoping that he would catch her drift. He nodded, "My mask…you wanted to know its significance, right?"

She nodded.

He laughed, "It's kind of a funny story really."

She smiled at him warmly, "I'm in the mood for a story Cielo. Please tell me."

Cielo just couldn't refuse her; not with the way she was staring at him. She was staring at him as if she were a wounded puppy. Her eyes sparkled with hope and expectancy. And her smile was as innocent as an infant's.

Oh well. There was just no way to refuse her.

"Alright. On the Far East we lived. We were known as the Sanada tribe. We have a special ability that was ours and ours alone. You've already seen what that is."

Sera blinked, "Your stealth abilities and your speed…"

He nodded, "We never used to it hurt people though. We weren't the sociable type. We preferred to keep our numbers low so as to avoid unnecessary attention to ourselves…We lived within the forest, just fending for ourselves…Then, the Arkanadarans discovered our existence and offered a treaty of peace…My father, the head of the clan, accepted it of course. But we were betrayed. The Arkanadarans found a reason to attack us and they did. It was an ambush…a preemptive strike executed by Arkanadara's general, the Red Dragon."

Sera clutched her heart as she empathized with Cielo, feeling his heavy burden within her own heart.

Cielo's sapphire blue eyes momentarily lost its innocence as they flashed dangerously, "Almost everyone was killed…My father had been slain. In the end, the clan, well, what's left of it, and our lands submitted to Arkanadaran rule. I didn't stand for it though and joined the Resistance. I couldn't take up my father's position…I couldn't bring myself to accept their rule. Why would I when they themselves break their own word? The Arkanadaran king and his general…" Cielo shook his head, "they aren't men of value and virtue…They are nothing more than common criminals…fugitives from justice…"

Cielo looked at her again, glaring, "But…I promise you Sera…before my life is over, I would've avenged my clan. And would have fought for freedom."

Sera looked at him sadly; she read his eyes. There was so much grief and strife within them that she did the only thing that she knew would help; she took him in her arms and embraced him as tight as she could, sharing her body warmth with him…

Just letting him know that she was there with him…

And that she understood.

Cielo returned her embrace and buried his face in her hair…He inhaled her scent deeply…and there, felt soothed. He smiled and closed his eyes; Sera was the only person that managed to soothe him this way…

She was the only one…

He didn't forget that she was married though; he didn't forget that she was the Red Dragon's wife either. But none of that mattered to him. All that he understood was that she was there, with him, at that particular moment in time.

She was within his arms and he was within hers.

That was all that he needed to know.

He pulled away slowly, having his emotions under control. He smiled at her, "Well…that wasn't what I planned to tell you anyway…I was to tell you of my mask right?"

She nodded.

He chuckled and took his mask and held it in his hands, looking at it, "This was given to me by my father. A mask is given to each member of our tribe that had fulfilled certain conditions."

Sera blinked, "What kind of conditions?"

Cielo laughed, "Nothing really…just your fundamental 'manhood' rituals…Anyway, a mask represents the warrior or the person possessing it."

Sera nodded, "So, they give you masks with accordance to your traits as…individuals?"

Cielo nodded, "Right."

"So, what do the blue streaks symbolize?"

Cielo laughed and scooted over to her and fingered the mask again, "You see how the holes for the eyes are slanted in shape?"

"Uh huh…" she concurred, gazing at the slit-eyed mask.

Cielo nodded, "That symbolizes the fox. Foxes are cunning and mischievous."

Sera giggled at that, "Well…your father had definitely gotten that trait correct."

"I suppose so." Cielo agreed.

He then touched the streaks, "See these streaks? They represent lightning."

"Lightning?"

He nodded, "You see, when lightning strikes, it does it in a precise moment. It strikes without warning. It's quick, decisive and never strikes in the same place twice."

"Reminds me of you…" she said, looking at him.

He nodded, "Yes. That was why I was called…Raikiri. Quick and precise…powerful, yet graceful…Lightning isn't just energy strikes without direction you know? When lightning strikes, it's like a rendition…gentle at first…and then ends in a crescendo!" he finished with a chuckle.

Sera laughed at that; he really was cute.

Sera smiled at him and touched his arm, "Well…they were right to call you that Cielo…"

Cielo looked at where Sera touched him, and there, draped a hand over hers, "Thank you."

She knew what he meant. His thank you was meant as thanks for her lending her ear to him…He was thankful that he had someone to confide in…He was thankful that he had someone soothe him…

Sera said nothing but continued to look at him in the eyes; she was thankful that she had gotten to know him better now.

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Argilla stood as she heard the doors open. She had returned to Arkanadara and had rested the entire day. She had not even the opportunity to see Jenna as yet.

When she awoke from the ride, she was surprised to have found herself within her husband's bed, within his chambers with the sun setting.

And now, she had continued to wait for him. She arched an eyebrow; he was never late. She could only guess that something important had occurred.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the chamber doors were suddenly pushed open.

Serph smiled at her as their eyes met. He came over to her and bowed before taking her in his arms, kissing her lightly on the lips.

He pulled back a moment later and she spoke, "I've been waiting milord…It's not like you to be…unknowing of the prudence of being punctual…"

Serph chuckled at that. She really liked to obfuscate things didn't she? Why couldn't she just say that she had been waiting for him and that she wanted to know where he was?

"I apologize. I was receiving information about the rebels." he told her truthfully.

Argilla's eyes widened and there, within her pink orbs, laid the seeds of hope; hope of finding her sister…

He read her eyes and shook his head, "I had been told that your sister wasn't among the rebels."

He saw Argilla's face fall and immediately, Serph maneuvered his words to soothe her without being untruthful, "I do suspect that the informant was lying though."

"You do?"

He nodded, "Yes. Where else would she go? But…do not concern yourself Argilla. Leave this business to me."

She nodded and said nothing. Serph took her in his arms and held her gently. Wordless and losing her strength, she clung to him and held him as tight as he did her.

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Heat sat at the bar, in the dark corner of the place, smoking his pipe, his hood in place, making him appear as a wraith instead of a man while his bright red orbs shone in the dark, carefully scrutinizing all that came and went.

Suddenly a hooded figure walked by him and dropped a note on the table, which he snatched with inhuman speed that it was a seamless act; it was as if the note had never even touched the wooden surface of the table.

Heat opened the small scroll and there, he found out that it was from the king.

He raised an eyebrow as he read its contents.

They were mounting forces for the interception of rebel guerillas in a week. Rolling the scroll back, he then took it to the candle, and there, burnt it completely, watching the small piece of paper go up in flames…slowly fading away into nothingness.

The attack was a week from now…It was a good opportunity.

He thought though…Should he return to Arkanadara and plan the assault? Or should he remain and watch the battle from afar?

Hm…

The note that was sent to him did not have any instructions for him to do. He leaned back on his chair. No. He'd remain where he was.

He'd watch. Then, when the rebels were fleeing, he'd track them down. Easy as pie. Gale was more than capable of planning and executing the assault.

For a battle such as that, they didn't need him.

He looked at the scenery of filth, degradation and desperation before him with an unfeeling gaze.

'A week more of this shit…' he told himself.

Well, if he would know where the rebels were situated, it would be worth it. He would be able to find leads that would lead him to Sera.

His heart ached at that thought. He wondered where she was…what she was doing…Was she safe? Was she being taken care of?

'Enough…' he told himself. Thinking of her in such a manner would only frustrate him.

So, his thoughts meandered to the rebels once more. The enlistment for the rebels would be easier. He could infiltrate their folds…But he decided against it. He was known as the Red Dragon after all.

It was difficult enough to be incognito as it was with his red hair and piercing red eyes. He sighed; that was why he had his long red hair cut and now it just reached his jaw whereas as before it flowed effortlessly up to the small of his back.

But still, it was for her.

It was for Sera.

Hair would always grow back anyway.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The sun had risen. Sera awoke bright and early. She and Cielo had training to do today. She was going to work on her aim and afterwards, Cielo would show her how to fight with a knife. Sera was happy; slowly she was feeling that she was a person of worth…

She sat up when suddenly, she was met with a most aggressive of headaches that she had no choice but to lay back down. She shut her eyes tightly and let her hand fly up to her temples, massaging carefully.

"Ohh…" she moaned.

Sera stiffened and her heart skipped a beat as she heard a knock on the door, "Sera? It's time!"

Sera groaned and struggled to get out of her bed. She turned to her side and opened her eyes, sitting up slowly, only to be met by a head-splitting pain within her temples.

'Can't…be weak!' she mentally screamed at herself as she forced herself to move out of the bed.

Losing her balance as her vision blurred and spun, she fell on the floor, causing a low but definite thud to be heard.

As soon as Sera had fallen did the door open, "Sera!" yelled Cielo, scooping her in his arms, "What's wrong?"

Sera looked at him and squinted her eyes, "I just have a headache…That's all…" As soon as her words left her lips, another unpleasant feeling emerged at the forefront. Her stomach churned and turned, tying knots.

She suddenly felt sick.

Her palm flew to her mouth as she felt that she wanted to vomit.

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Argilla embraced her sister. She was glad. She was glad that Jenna was happy. It was all obvious to her anyway…

Jenna had always been the stubborn type…But Jenna's emotions, no matter how hard she tried to hide, were always transparent to her sister.

Just like her emotions for Gale.

It had been obvious to her.

And now, she had finally yielded and surrendered. Jenna had succumbed to her love for Gale. The two were set to marry within a few days.

Argilla pulled away from her and smiled, threading her fingers on Jenna's ebony locks, "Are you happy?" she asked gently, tugging at Jenna to sit on the cushions with her.

Jenna, without dislodging her hands from Argilla's, sat down beside her and beamed at her, "Yes…I am happy."

Argilla chuckled, "I'm glad."

Argilla looked her up and down and giggled. Jenna blushed but said nothing. She knew what it was that amused her sister so.

It was her appearance.

Argilla covered her mouth with the back of her hand as she continued to laugh, "I thought that you were ever the conservative type sister?"

Jenna crossed her arms and looked away as she gritted her teeth, "I would appreciate it if we could forget about it…"

Argilla stifled a laugh. Jenna, now abandoning her juni-hito, wore a silver sari with golden stitches with a transparent veil on her head. Her hair was unbound and loose and her face possessed no paint but natural beauty.

Sighing, she scooted closer to Jenna and held her hand, looking intently within her silver eyes, "I am happy that you have chosen your path…May you be happy with Lord Gale…"

Jenna smiled, "Thank you."

"So," Jenna began, "how was your trip to Flavius Adeodatus?"

Argilla smiled, "It was fine…"

Jenna narrowed her eyes, "You've been gone a week."

Argilla nodded, "I am quite aware of that."

Jenna looked at her with a menacing look, "Have you taken your medication?"

Here, Argilla stood and turned her back at her sister, her hands clasped tightly together, "Things have changed…"

Jenna stood as well and frowned, "Changed?" Suddenly, she laughed, bitterness evident in her voice, "Do not tell me that you have fallen for the King's charms?"

Argilla glared at her, "I have not fallen into anything Jenna!" she seethed angrily.

Jenna frowned, "It seems that you already have…"

Argilla, feeling her anger rise at an accelerated rate, opened her mouth to speak when Jenna cut her off, "But I cannot blame you."

Here, Argilla's anger subsided, her feeling replaced by curiosity instead. Jenna nodded, "I cannot blame you if you choose to love the king. I…He cares for you…more than I or anyone else would ever know. You are the only one who'd know Argilla…But…I do believe that should you love the king, love him with caution."

Jenna paused and then continued, "If you do bring a child into this world…make sure he feels the same for you…And most importantly, ensure that he would love your child…and not merely use it to be his heir…his pawn."

Argilla stiffened at her spot and said nothing.

Jenna came over to her and kissed her on the cheek, whispering at her ear at the same time, "And what of Roland…? You had better be ever cautious…There are those who would use this knowledge to their advantage." She then pulled away and looked within Argilla's pink eyes impassively, "Thank you for your time Amadeus…"

Argilla stiffened; so her sister knew of that as well…

Knowing that their time had come to an end, Argilla left promptly, desiring nothing more than to leave the spacious room that seemed to suffocate her.

She almost stumbled out of the room and fell if it weren't for someone who caught her. She staggered to her feet as she recovered from her most embarrassing display of lack of posture.

She pulled away and looked at the person who caught her; her stomach somersaulted. She turned away, "Thank you Roland."

Roland nodded curtly, "It's of no consequence milady."

His face was impassive and his eyes calm but what his face concealed, his soul bore. He had held her for but a second, but at that precise moment, he felt surges of pure energy within his veins, invading his system.

And he knew that it came from her.

It was a difficult thing; his situation. It was a difficult position to be in. He was in love with her yet he can do nothing. He had wanted to leave…but his instincts told him to stay. He knew he was only damaging himself…As the days went by, he felt all the more drawn to his queen.

He wouldn't have done anything about it, naturally, but now as he learnt that she had fallen for her husband, did he realize that it was painful for him.

He took a step back and waited for her to make the first move. He was just to follow her around anyway.

Argilla turned and walked away. She wanted to go back to her chambers. Her interaction with Roland had made her feel all the more awkward with him and she realized that even if she was in love with Serph, she still felt something for Roland.

It hadn't been erased.

'Perhaps it's because I see him everyday…I should have him dismissed…' she thought with a frown.

She turned a corner and stopped as she saw her husband. He had his mask in place and strode ever closer to her. He reached her and bowed and then proceeded to take her hand in his.

He led her to their chambers and ushered Roland out, to which Roland complied without question.

Roland cursed within. He hadn't admitted it to himself, but now, he just couldn't take it anymore. He hated escorting the queen to her chambers. It would just mean that she was to meet with the king.

He took a deep breath and released it slowly, calmly, his eyes looking as ever bored and disinterested. He hadn't meant to, but he perked up his ears and heard nothing.

It was either that the king and queen were whispering to each other…or were doing something else. He frowned at that, displeased at his own thoughts as his mind began to envision scenarios that he deemed were disturbing to him.

His fingers went up to arrange his glasses as he shook his head, 'Get over it…You rejected her. There's nothing more to be said.'

'…'

The word "reject" was too powerful a word. He wouldn't say that he rejected her. It was just a reality check for the both of them. It was just that their feelings for one another were being all the more rampant that he had to halt momentarily and appraise the situation, to which he had not liked the results.

Should he and she continue about what they felt for one another, it would be all the more of a possibility that they may lose their way…lose their control and give in to their desires…

And when that happened…she would be forever disgraced.

Disgraced by him. And that, he could not allow. And that was the sole reason that while he continued to guard her and wait on her the way he did now, his heart began to slowly die and fade away.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Milord?" Argilla asked.

Serph said nothing but removed his mask, grinning at her, "It's nothing My Queen. I am merely going for a sport."

"Sport?"

"Hunting." he said nonchalantly, waving his hand dismissively, "But that is not my concern at the moment."

Argilla looked at him, puzzled and there, she saw a mixture of emotions dancing within his silver eyes; amusement and displeasure.

She seriously did not fathom how it was the two conflicting emotions could coexist…but for some reason, they did.

He sauntered over to the chair and sat down comfortably. Argilla looked at him and remained rooted at her spot; she could tell that there was something that had gone terribly awry…

He flashed his fox-like grin and bade her to sit beside him.

Argilla could feel her hair stand on one end; there was definitely something wrong. She did as she was asked and sat down. Serph laughed, "You're too tense…You need to loosen up a bit…"

Argilla was getting irritated and once more, donned on her cold and calculating face, "Do not insult my intelligence with this charade milord. Please tell me of what you wanted to say…"

Serph chuckled and looked at her. He was an oxymoron. His face grinned while his eyes pierced her soul. She shivered.

"I've heard a curious rumor." he began, redirecting his gaze elsewhere before retuning them to her.

"What rumor milord?" Argilla asked, arching an eyebrow.

He chuckled again and there, he looked at her, leaning down on her…looming over her and whispered, "I heard…that my wife had found a rather interesting pastime."

"And what pastime would that be milord?" she asked bravely; not allowing him to see the fear that she had behind her eyes.

She had a feeling of what it might be…and her heart pounded like a jackhammer as she speculated Serph speculating her.

But still, she kept her calm.

If she panicked now, he'd know and he'd get furious.

'Roland…' she thought helplessly behind her cool and calm façade.

Suddenly, Serph leaned back and laughed, "I never knew you were interested in embroidery."

That was it?

Argilla slowly released the breath that she didn't even realize that she had been holding and had her gaze softened, "I am milord."

He smiled at her, "It's just that…I've never seen you do it Argilla…I'm quite bothered that people had seen you at it whilst I haven't."

So that was why he had been displeased. He felt left-out.

She smiled tightly at him, "It isn't that milord…It's just that I prefer to converse with you and give you my full attention…while we are together…and not just focus on my embroidering…" she finished meekly, turning away to hide the faint tinge of pink in her cheeks.

Serph stood and pulled her to her feet, his hands on her hips and leaned down, "Well…" he began, whispering against her moist and full lips, "should that be the case…then, I do not mind…"

His lips met hers in a slow and sensuous kiss. Argilla could feel her knees buckle as weakness invaded her legs greedily like a disease and thus, held onto her husband for dear life.

Soon, the kiss had ended and Serph searched her eyes, his fingers running through her hair, "I would like to know everything about you Argilla…Everything."

Argilla said nothing and continued to look within his eyes and saw that he was sincere with what he had said.

And so, not trusting herself with words, she rested her head on his chest instead, sighing.

Serph held her tightly; he felt it.

She really did love him.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jenna looked at the charts and maps in front of her. Again, Gale was planning an assault. And again, he had asked for her insight.

She frowned; that was all that she ever did with Gale…

She wanted to spend more time with him and get to know him personally…but all that he ever did with her was ride and plan military campaigns.

And what even more gave her the feeling of distraught was that he had seemed to have forgotten about their wedding.

She, of course, would never remind him of it.

'Hell would have to freeze first before I would bow to him!' she told herself defiantly as she crossed her arms, not listening in whatever it was that Gale was saying.

"Jenna?"

She snapped out of her daze and looked at Gale, "Milord?"

Gale looked at her with a concerned face, "Is something amiss? You haven't heard a single word I said."

Jenna blushed but fought it back and stared at him defiantly, "What? Of course not milord. I'm quite aware of what you plan to do."

Gale was not convinced, "Oh? Then would you kindly explain to me my battle plan?"

Jenna blushed but said nothing and glared at him and looked at the maps, "The raid would supposedly begin here," she pointed, "in between these hills en route for Arkanadara. The rebels would have placed themselves conveniently behind the aforesaid hills…and knowing their guerilla tactics, they probably had troops on the trees as well. Our troops would be …here," she pointed again on the checkpoint nearest to the hills, "which would take about ten minutes to get to the battle-site. The caravan would be false and would contain troops. The real caravan would only be sent after the skirmish had been won."

Gale smirked at her; he knew that she really wasn't listening to him. She really was daydreaming. But thanks to her sharp mind, she was able to concoct an impromptu battle plan at a short notice just to save face.

She was proud and would never ask him to repeat whatever it was he said. No; she would consider that as condescending treatment and knowing her, she'd never stand for it.

"Was that all?"

Gale nodded, "Yes. That was all."

Jenna crossed her arms and turned away; hurt. He had not even remembered anything about their wedding…

"Jenna." Gale said, walking up to her, touching her shoulder.

Jenna stiffened and turned to look at him, "Yes milord?"

He looked at her with pure regret, "I…I hate to inform you…but…it would seem that our nuptials would have to wait."

Of course it had to. She knew that from the moment she learnt of the assault. She nodded and looked at him coldly, "I understand milord." With that, she turned away from him and walked away, his hand falling from her shoulder.

She didn't care though.

If the skirmish with a ragtag group was more worthy of his attention than she, then, she wouldn't give him a shred of her attention.

Gale saw how hurt she was. She was strong yes, but he could see how disappointed she was at his announcement.

But there was nothing he could do. His hands were tied.

Jenna was proud though; she'd never let him know, at least, not consciously, that she had been the least bit offended.

He sighed.

The two were encased within the thick fog of silence as they each gathered their thoughts and thought of what they were to say to one another. Gale suddenly had an idea. He walked over to her again and spun her around.

She looked at him with displeased eyes, "Gale! Stop that!" she squirmed as he touched her, glaring at him.

He held her still though and looked at her earnestly, "Jenna…marry me tonight." he whispered.

She blinked, "What? But you just said…"

He shook his head, "I know what I said. But…I want us to be married before the battle…I promised you that and I intend to keep it."

"But it would take days…The preparations…"

He shook his head again, "No. There needn't be a big celebration Jenna. Just you and me…"

Jenna was shocked; she had never known Gale to be…impulsive. The reason was simple; it was because that Gale was never impulsive. He was rational and calculating.

"Why are you doing this?" she suddenly asked, glaring at him, "Is it a pitiable attempt to appease me?" she accused bitterly.

He sighed; that was another part of Jenna. She was overly cynical and was the proverbial skeptic. He gripped her tighter as she struggled against him, "Let go Gale!"

She was reverting back to her old self; the one with multiple barriers…She was once more isolating herself from him.

No. He wouldn't let her do that.

So, he did the only thing that he could think of to calm her. He embraced her tightly, removing any gap between them.

She continued to squirm for but a second more before halting altogether. Sensing her calm down, Gale whispered, "I want to marry you tonight. I'll arrange it. I'll come for you at sundown."

He pulled away and saw the uncertainty in her eyes. She was scared; that he knew. He wanted to assure her that there was nothing to be afraid off. He would never hurt her and had only her best interests in mind…

But she seemed to distrust him so…

Being drawn into her eyes, he could feel his control over his desires and emotions grow lax. There, a chink in his armor had been found. He leaned in towards her face…and he was surprised to see that she too was leaning towards him…

Their lips were only half an inch apart…and he could feel her trembling breath tickle his lips.

They slowly closed their eyes…

Gale suddenly opened them back and instead of kissing her, just nuzzled his face against hers. He whispered, "I would honor your wishes Jenna…I won't touch you." With those words, he took a step back, releasing her from his hold.

Jenna stared blankly at him. What just happened in there…? She had never before felt so…out of control.

Gale took her hands again and kissed them, "Marry me tonight."

She blushed, surrendering, "I shall…"

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

"Well?" Cielo asked the medicine woman within the tent, "What's wrong with her?" he asked, as he looked at Sera's form, lying down on the makeshift bed.

The old woman smiled at him, "There's no problem…The young lady is with child."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

A/N:

Raikiri: Lightning Edge.

Khamees: Arabic and Urdu word for "shirt".

Khamees (story): The khamees is a part of the Shalwar Khamees.

Shalwar Khamees: This is Pakistan's national dress. It is an ensemble of a loose long-sleeved shirt that reaches the knees with slits on either side with a pair of matching loose pants. It is usually referring to women's clothes but men also wear them. It can/is considered to be the male counterpart of the female's sari.

Angara: The Hindu name for the Planet Mars.

Angara (story): The name of the city by the outskirts of Ilvika forest.