Chapter 4 – Lies

Old habits die hard. Just like I did in the Silver Millennium, I stood on the veranda, staring off to where Darien was; the Crystal Palace. I stood there in the dark, staring at the white palace, hoping Darien was alright. I couldn't tell how bad his injuries were. Amy would help him and Raye would aid her in his healing. My star locket played our tune and it only brought tears to my eyes. It was nothing but a hurtful reminder of what I had to give up. Mercifully, Diamond left me alone after my outburst. Diamond's voice, saying that he wanted me to be his queen never left my mind. What will he do?

Beryl had to brainwash Darien to turn him against me, but even when he was on her side, he protected me. There were glimmers of hope that he wasn't completely lost to me. But now, here in the future, who knows what powers Diamond has to overpower me? My two middle fingers lowered the cover of my locket, stopping the music. I sighed, trying to think. This place was too dark to make out. How was I going to find my way out of here?

Thunder crashed above and I jumped. Nothing scared me more than thunder. Lightening lit the sky and my eyes widened; this place was a labyrinth. This was going to take more time than I thought. I have to get back to Darien, Rini and the girls. Another roll of thunder roared and I rushed back inside. The doors closed on their own, but not before more thunder crashed, adding to the horror of where I was. My heart picked up, listening to the brewing storm. Another roll of thunder crashed loudly outside the door and I jumped. My body spun too quickly and I fell on the floor. My palms smacked the cold floor, throbbing in pain.

"What are you doing on the floor?" I looked up to see Diamond coming towards me. He looked a little different. His face wasn't marred with anger, he actually looked happy; it was a bit unsettling. He looked at me and I exhaled out the breath I was holding, "I fell. The thunder... made me jump." Glancing at the doors, Diamond disappeared and reappeared right in front of me. Instead of taking my hand, Diamond took me up in his arms, "Then stay inside until the storm passes." I gasped, as he carried me. He was being nice. Was he trying to get on my good side?

Diamond walked over to the platform and placed me on the bed. His fingers stayed on my shoulder, moving down to my arm. My body moved away from his touch, looking away from him. "What is it?" I wanted him to leave. I didn't know anything about this Prince Diamond, all I knew was that I didn't want to be near him. He stole me from my friends. I had to find a way out of here. My skin crawled when he touched me. "Serena?" My eyes closed slowly; I had to get him to leave, but I was out of ideas. I knew he wouldn't leave me this time, so I would have to deal with it until I thought of something else.

My teeth were clinched, but I answered him, "Yes?" Diamond sat down next to me, brushing his body against mine and he took my hand, "Is something wrong?" My throat closed, holding back my emotions. I wanted to scream, cry and run from him, but I couldn't. Fingers turned my face, making me look at him. My teeth sank into my lip, "It's just thunder really scares me." That and I am disgusted being next to you. Diamond's arm pulled me into his chest. My cheek was pressed against his body, "I won't let anything harm or scare you."

What?! I blinked, shaking off my confusion, "Why are you doing this? Why did you bring me here?" His arms tightened, "Because I love you." My heart fell out of my chest, "What?!" Diamond's hand brushed my hair, "It is true. I love you, I want to give you everything you want and need." He was in love with me! We're enemies…. Why is this happening again? He wants me to be his queen…. A thought hit me. Diamond wants me to marry him! He won't let me go, not ever. My breathing increased, realizing I was letting this man hold me.

I shook my head, shaking off his hand, "This is insane." Diamond let me pull away and he looked at me, "What do you mean?" I gawked at him, "How can you possibly be in love with me?" Diamond's shoulders dropped, "From the moment I saw you. You were the most entrancing sight I've ever seen." My eyebrows shot up, "You first saw me yesterday." A smirk crossed his lips, "I meant your future self. The one when you are the powerful queen of this planet. Your eyes haunted me from the moment I saw them. I've loved you from the moment I saw you and I wanted you. When you, as in the queen, was attacked, that is not what I wanted. It was meant for Small Lady, but you pushed her out of the way."

I smacked his hands away, "Of course I would. That is my child. You think I would have gone with you after seeing what you wanted to do to her." Diamond blinked once, "That is the same look you gave me the day we came to this planet. Anger radiated in the queen's gaze. No one has ever looked at me like that. I want you, Serena for myself. You are mine and mine alone." My lips pursed together as things came into focus, "So, when you realized that I was the Queen's past self, you couldn't resist. This is before I was married to Darien, before Rini was born and before we came to rule the earth. You're hoping to alter Earth's history by taking their queen for yourself."

Diamond's smirk deepened, "Exactly, my queen. You and I will rule this world, this universe together." My head shook, having a hard time believing what was just said to me, "So, then you just lied to me. You will only do anything for me, as long as I stay here. I want to go home where I belong, but you won't let me go, will you?" An emotion flashed across his face, before Diamond composed himself, "No, you are to remain here with me. I've waited so long for you, my princess. Do not think I do not know what you and the Earth Prince said to each other. Remember, you already promised yourself to me." I blinked, trying not to cry. He had a point. Did I said what I said to Darien to make him feel better? No, it wasn't. I was going to find my way back to him.

My chest heaved as I tried to hold back from tearing up, "Will I ever see the Sailor Scouts again?" Diamond's hand grasped mine, "If you would like, but only after the ceremony." A cringe ran through me, "What ceremony?"

An actual smile crossed his lips, "The crowning ceremony. You will be crowned as our princess. This will also serve as a promise of marriage." I gasped. Diamond touched my cheek, "You knew this was coming. I will not release you." I couldn't fight the tears. This was too much to handle, but I had to ask, "When?" The pad of his thumb brushed away my tears, "In three days." My eyes closed and I cried. Diamond tried to pull me closer and I fought against his hold, "No, no." He wouldn't release me, "Serena, please don't cry." I stopped fighting him, letting my hands fall into my lap. What was the point? I was trapped here. Something touched me cheek, pressing lightly. I opened one eye and saw his neck; he was kissing my cheek. The fight in me was gone; there was nothing for it. This man will never let me go.

After a minute, I was able to make myself stop crying. My breathing slowed and Diamond released me. He watched as I brushed my hand across my cheek. "I hate seeing you cry." I couldn't speak, not yet. He leaned closer and I back away. "Serena, you belong to me now," he said sweetly, yet it was menacing. Diamond leaned closer again, his hand holding onto my back. He was much stronger than I was. His hands were strong as I was pulled until his lips were on mine. My eyes shot open and I gasped under the kiss. My hands flew up to his chest, pushing at him, but his muscles tightened, holding me in place.

One arm slipped out of his hold and my hand slapped his face away. Caught off guard, Diamond's hold was gone and I jumped off the bed, stepping around it, putting distance between us. His eyes were cold as he stood, watching me. My fingers covered my mouth. Moving away, I stepped off the platform, letting him see the tears streak down my face. Diamond slowly stepped around the bed in my direction, "You've never kissed anyone else before?" My head shook slowly. He sighed, "Then I apologize." My eyes narrowed, "What?" He was repentant? "I'm sorry. I rushed my intentions. But now this," he folded his arms, "I am not a patient man, Serena. You are mine and in time, you will come to me."

Disappearing from sight, the room was silent. I looked around, seeing no movement. I jumped when hands caught my shoulder, sliding down my arms and resting on my waist, "Now, you need rest." A kiss was placed on the back of my head. I thought he was leaving, only Diamond lingered, breathing in my hair. He sighed, resting his head against mine, "Good night, Serena." Coldness touched my skin as Diamond disappeared again.

My breathing was slow and I didn't move an inch, in case he came back. I didn't know what time it was. My heart began to slow to a normal pace, bringing on a sudden wave of fatigue. My eyes blinked and they felt heavy. Huh, it's literally been a thousand years since I slept. I walked toward the bathroom and searched the closet for something to sleep in. I wasn't happy to be sleeping in the Dark Palace, but right now I didn't have a choice. I will have to figure out a plan to get back to the Crystal Palace when I wake up. Exhaustion was beating at me while I looked through the drawers. There was nothing but silks and satins. Selecting a pink piece of silk, I let it slip through my fingers; it was a short nightgown. Picking another one, this one was a dark purple, long sleeve pajamas. This one seemed like a safer choice. Diamond could come in and out of this room whenever he wanted. "You will come to me," rang through my mind. No, don't think about that right now.

Shuddering a breath, I began to get dress to go to sleep. Anything to distract myself from what Diamond told me and worse, what he expected from me. Going to the bathtub, I couldn't find the faucets. A thought came to me, when I first came into the bathroom. The lights turned on when I said 'lights,' so… "Water?" The water began to fall from the showerhead. I reached out to touch the falling water and it was very warm. The huge tub was full, but I was nervous to get undressed. Diamond could just appear in the room.

I shook my head and made this a quick bath. I was never dressed so quickly in my life. I was scared of Diamond seeing me undressed. Diamond being in love with me was not something I was prepared for. The two of us fighting, that would make more sense; something I could handle, but being torn away from everyone was ripping me apart. I peeked out of the door, seeing the empty room. The pajamas were a perfect fit, fitting me comfortably. The bed was so soft, warm and nice. My head rested on the pillow, looking around the large room. This day was such a long.

The room's light dimmed and I was starting to get nervous. Was someone coming here? This room was like a tomb, filled with nightmares. I closed my eyes and thought about Darien. It seemed so long ago that he and I had a good memory. It's been weeks of him staying away and pretending to not care. And before then, we didn't have a lot of time together. For as long as we've known each other, Darien and I spent more time fighting to be together than just being together. Will there ever be a time when we could just be together and happy? I thought about our time on the Moon, walking through the gardens. That was the happiest time of my life.

My eyes opened slowly, forgetting where I was. I brushed against my pillow, stretching my body. Sitting up, I looked around the room. Black crystalline walls reminded me of where I was. I shivered, pulling the quilt up to my neck. On the foot of the bed, there was a purple dress with the cloak from the closet. The Dark Palace, the home of the Black Moon Family. Prince Diamond was in love with me and I was to become his princess, wife then queen.

My throat thickened with emotion; time to plan my escape. I reached for the clothes, when a bright light appeared in the room. The light blinded me for a moment. My vision cleared up, seeing Diamond's image. He was a hologram like the King. The hologram was looking at me while I was kneeling in the middle of the bed. Behind the hologram, the bedroom door open and a young girl entered the room. The girl came up on the platform and bowed her head. Waves of deep red hair fell down her shoulders and she wore a silk red dress. She looked a little bit older than I was. "Serena," Diamond spoke, "This is Garnett. She is your lady in waiting. If you need anything, she will provide it for you."

Garnett smiled at me, "Good morning, Your Majesty." I nodded to her, "After you're dressed, Garnett will show you to the courtyard. I will be waiting there for you." Diamond's image faded, leaving me alone. Garnett took up the clothes on my bed, "What would you like for breakfast? His Highness said to let you have whatever you'd like." Food was the last thing on my mind, but I had to eat something. I told her what I wanted and she disappeared, just like Diamond did.

Daring to get out of bed, I held up the dress waiting for me. I had to admit, it was beautiful. There were hanging clear and pale purple crystals attached to the shoulders of the gown, quietly clinking together. The hem fell past my ankles. Nothing in the room was different, but I felt like I wasn't alone. Thinking, I thought I felt someone touching my cheek while I was sleeping. Last night was a dreamless sleep. My mind went back to the moment of awake and asleep. Someone sat on the bed while I was sleeping, brushing my cheek. My heart sank, thinking Diamond came in here while I was sleeping.

Garnett returned, breaking my train of thought. Thank goodness. She rested a tray on the nightstand, "I could help you dress after you've eaten." She removed silver covers from the plates, "The Prince will be expecting you in an hour." Hearing this made me lose my appetite, but I made myself eat some of the food. After eating, I sat on the vanity seat in the bathroom, while she pulled a brush through my hair. Having my hair brushed was something I enjoyed; Mina did it for me whenever I was troubled.

Looking up in the mirror, I noticed Garnet was going to style it in the traditional Lunarian Royal Family style; my signature hair style. My hand caught hers. She looked at my reflection in the mirror, "But His Highness prefers it." I exhaled slowly, "Well, I don't. I want something different." She nodded, then parted some of my hair and tied it into a ribbon, letting the rest of it fall open. Satisfied, Garnett helped me into the dress. There were crystals hanging across my chest. Then, she helped me put on the cloak.

She led me out of the bedroom, through the dark palace. I took in everything around me, studying the way out of the palace. High arches were above our heads as we walked and there was a chill that never faded. The walls were luminescent, strangely glowing without a notable source. We walked through a large, open room. There was a raised platform with a large black throne. It was Diamond's throne room. This palace was covered in shadows and I saw little, but I felt like there was someone constantly watching me. Garnett led me through a hidden door, stepping outside. Outside was a bit warmer than inside the palace. I put my hood up, covering my hair. I don't care if Diamond preferred my hair in the traditional style; I wasn't here to appease him.

Everything in the courtyard was made of marble, "The Prince is waiting for you." Garnett bowed her head and left, leaving me alone. I was nervous to go outside, but it would be better to know what the outside would be like. I wasn't going to stay here and I needed to know where to go. I remembered how big this place was from my balcony, but I couldn't let that stop me.

Walking through the courtyard, there were several still figures in the dark. Was it really morning? There was no sun in the sky, just the constant storm that went on since we arrived from the past. The thunder still rolled in the sky, not as loud as last night, but it still made me jumpy. A shiver ran through me; I wasn't alone out here. I walked closer to the still figures, seeing that they were statues. Some were hidden in the darkness and I was afraid to go any further. Another statue caught my eye. I held the hem of the hood, moving it back to see it better; it was a statue of a couple.

The statue was of a man with an arm around a woman and his other hand was holding hers. "They were my parents," my heart jumped and I turned as Diamond stood behind me. "My father, Diamond and my mother, Katherine. They died after the first war with the Earth. At first, my parents wanted to negotiate with the Earth King and Queen. They were against the war, so they were over thrown. After the lost battle, the royal family came back into power. We still had some supporters, but my parents died before we came back. After their death, I took the throne and tried to continue with their plan. But it was said that King Endymion began to plot an attack."

I stepped away from Diamond, glowering at him. That was a lie. I hated hearing him talk about Darien like that. Diamond caught my hand, "I know it upsets you, but it's the truth." I looked away from him, the hood hiding my face, "Darien would never do that. I don't care if its a thousand years in the future, I know him, heart and soul. Who told you this?" Diamond's eyes hardened, "The Wiseman. He became my advisor after my parents' death." Anger coursed through me, "I want to see him. I want this Wiseman to tell me these lies." Diamond smirked, then shook his head, "All the Wiseman asks is not to be disturbed." My anger was growing; this Wiseman was lying. Something was wrong and I had to find this out. Did Nemesis attack Earth because of this liar? I had to know.

"Your Highness." Suddenly, Diamond and I were not alone. I turned to see Emerald standing behind us. I'd all but forgotten about her. My throat tightened. Oh no, this is her home too. Her eyes iced over seeing me and I returned the sentiment. Diamond put his arm around my waist, "What is it, Emerald?" She was looking at me and I stared right back, not backing down. Emerald was my enemy and nothing was going to change that. She finally looked at Diamond, "We must meet in the throne room." Contempt dripped from every word she spoke. Emerald clearly wasn't happy that I was here.

Diamond glanced between us, as though he was waiting for something. She and I only glared at each other; hated enemies. "Emerald," he finally spoke, "when you see Serena, she is to be acknowledged as 'Your Highness' as well." Emerald's eyes widened, looking at him. She was silent for a moment; that was a first. Emerald then plastered a fake smile on her face, "Forgive me. I forgot my manners." She turned her eyes on me, "Your Highness."

My head shook and I walked away, muttering to myself. Emerald was going to be a problem. I walked past the statue of Diamond's parents, looking over the horizon, trying to calm down. It was too dark to make out the layout. "I will be there momentarily," Diamond found me. I was looking at the Crystal Palace, thinking of the people there.

"We have to go to the throne room." I tore my gaze away from the bright palace in the distance, "Why do I have to go?" He took my hand again, "You are our princess. The others must meet you."

I was starting to feel sick, but hopefully, the Wiseman will be there.