A/N- Sorry it took me so long to update. My friend got me into reading these really good books last week and then I had a swim meet and some tests to worry about. Now that I'm on break there should be a couple chapters coming up this week. Good news is I'm done with college apps, so those won't be taking time away from writing… or writing won't take time away from them. Enjoy!

Niko8- Glad you think so.

Coreagurl- You'll see, but this chapter isn't about the ball. I think you can guess if she makes it there or not.

Kana07- Happy to hear you like it!

WitchyWiccan- Thanks!

Sunny38- I'm here to answer questions if something isn't clear. I have to keep some humor in the story though, it wouldn't be fun otherwise, to write or read.

lunarianmaiden51- Is Sere a princess? Well in this chapter you find out she's pretty important in her village so almost like a princess. Her village is comprised of different mythical races so it's more of a democracy, but Serena's mother is pretty much the one everyone goes to when there's a problem or if they need advice.

Supersaiyanx- Thanx!

Melody87- It is a love story between Dare and Sere so the feelings are starting to come out.

Pheniox Rose- Diamond won't get his paws on Sere… yet. He'll be coming in a couple chapters.

Silver Moon Goddess1- Thanks!

"Serena, where have you been?" A tall elegant woman with long silver hair asked rushing to Serena as she entered her home village with her entourage.

"I'm sorry mama; I was at the human castle. I was staying as a guest of the King." Serena explained. The woman released her daughter and looked at her, inspecting for any signs of mistreatment.

"You should have returned home the first moment you had. What if they found out about what you are? Or where this village was? Serena, this is one of the most irresponsible things you have ever done if not the most."

"I know mama."

"As your punishment you are to stay within the village limits and will only be out during the day. I want someone trailing you at all time."

"MOM!" Serena whined. "I promised the king I would be back for a winter ball he was holding!"

"You will not be going, as simple as that." Serena's mother said. "Now, let us get you cleaned up. I believe I will put Tristan on duty for watching you." Tristan nodded from where he stood behind the two women. Serena's mother dragged her away from the center of town and into a large cabin. Maids helped Serena get her bath and then into a white dress that matched her mothers.

When Serena entered the foyer of her home her mother was talking to Tristan and giving him orders as to what he would allow and not allow to happen. Serena smiled at Tristan, but ignored her mother, deciding that she would not talk to her mother. "If you want, you have two hours before night falls and you can walk around." Serena nodded and started walking out the door. Tristan nodded to Serena's mother before following Serena.

"Why do you even want to go back?" Tristan asked. He wasn't a phoenix like Serena and her mother, but a werewolf. The village that Serena lived in was filled with all of the creatures that the race of men had run off.

"I promised them. I gave them my word. Plus they became my friends and I want to see them again." Serena explained.

"Them or him?" Tristan asked. On the ride back to the village Alec explained everything that happened, including Darien's reaction to the news and his request for Serena to return.

"Both…" Serena whispered. She stepped next to a bush of wild roses and pulled one up to her nose. The smell reminded her of the castle, the girls and their after dinner chats, but mostly Darien.

"Serena, you did not fall in love with him, did you?" Tristan asked turning Serena to look at him. Serena avoided his eyes and looked at her hand that was petting the petals of one of the roses. "You did."

"I couldn't help it Tristan! It just happened. I tried to avoid it, not talking to him or any other man, but then I just started to!" Tears gathered in Serena's eyes and Tristan sighed.

"Then we need to find out a way to get you to the ball." Tristan said. He wiped away the tears in Serena's eyes and gave her a tired smile.

"Really?"

"Yes, we'll talk to my brother and Alec about it. We'll try talking to your mother, but you never know what will happen. She's where you get your headstrong attitude from." Tristan said. Serena nodded before jumping up and giving Tristan a hug.

"Thank you Tristan! Why don't we go back? I am tired so I think I'll rest before dinner. You should be tired to." Serena said. The two walked back to Serena's home before Tristan left to go back to his own home where he lived with his brother.

"You're home early." Serena's mother said when she saw her daughter walking to her room.

"I know, I'm just really tired and I to rest before dinner." Serena said. Her mother nodded and Serena quickly left for her room. Instead of going to bed Serena took out a pen and found some paper and sat down at her desk and started writing a letter. When she was done she smiled and re-read her letter before going over to her bed and falling asleep.

"Miss Serena, dinner is to be served soon and you've wrinkled your dress! We need to get you changed." A maid said as she shook Serena awake. Serena groaned, but rose so she could change. Before leaving her room Serena folded the letter she had written and brought it with her.

"Serena! It is good to see you home." Serena's childhood friend Molly said. She gave Serena a hug before taking her hand and leading her deeper into the dinning room. Most of the village was there and they were all talking with each other.

"Molly, I need you to do something for me."

"Depends on what you need me to do." Molly said with a smile.

"I need you to take this letter to the castle I have been staying at. It is just beyond the old forest." Serena explained. She gave Molly the letter, which Molly hesitated before taking.

"When do you need it sent?" Molly asked. Molly was one of the only two shape shifters in the village. Her favorite transformation was into a white snow owl so Serena knew she would take the letter.

"As soon as you can go." Serena replied.

"I'll leave tomorrow before dawn after Father has left for work." Molly said. "Who should I give it to?"

"If you can King Darien, but I doubt you would be allowed. If you cannot give it to me then Lord Malachite or Lady Mina. If you can not give it to anyone have it given to any of Darien's generals. They will give it to him."

"I should tell them it was from you?"

"Yes, that is probably the only way they'll take the letter." Serena nodded. "Now come, let us eat!"

"I can't believe it took you so long to start thinking about the food." Molly laughed. Serena broke out in a smile and nodded before grabbing Molly and dragging her over to where the food was being served.

It was the second day after Serena had left and even though the members of the castle tried to show that it did not affect them, the air around and in the castle was tired and heavy. Darien buried himself in war plans and other documents while the girls dove into the ball. It was going to be the best ball yet with all of the detail that was being seen to it.

Darien sat in his throne holding his throbbing head in his hands. Council had just taken a break and his generals were sitting around the table talking about nothing in general. They were all surprised in a white owl shrieked and flew into the room.

"A white owl? They have never been seen in these parts before." Zoicite said, watching the owl circle above their heads.

"It's holding something!" Malachite said. In its claws was a cream colored letter which the owl promptly let go of. The letter floated down until Darien could reach a hand up and grab it.

"It's from Lady Serena." Darien said as his eyes scanned the letter. He looked back up at the owl which was perched on a window. The owl seemed to nod before taking off back into the sun to where it had come from. "Jadeite, get the girls. They will want to hear this."

Jadeite nodded and quickly left the room. When eh returned Rei was the first to ask what was so urgent. "Darien, why are you calling us into your council? You know political and war talk bore us and has nothing to do with us."

"I have a letter from Serena." Darien stated simply.

"What? How?" Mina asked.

"An owl delivered it." Darien said. "Now are you going to let me read it or are you going to keep asking questions?"

"Read it!" Everyone responded.

My Friends-

I made it home without a problem. To tell you the truth the ride passed by faster than expected. My mother is beyond mad with me for being gone for so long and has put restrictions on the freedom I have always enjoyed. These restrictions include not leaving our village's limits. I also have to have a babysitter watching me, but my mother has assigned Tristan to that job and I could not be luckier. I am guessing you understand what this all means. My mother will not be letting me go to your winter ball. Do not despair my friends, I shall be coming. Tristan, his brother, and Alec are helping me find a way to get to the ball. I will keep my promise and I will be at the ball.

I shall see you soon

Lady Serena

"So there is a chance she can't come." Mina said quietly.

"She said she would come, she promised!" Rei whined.

"Both of you stop worrying. Rei's right, Serena did promise so she will probably be coming. Now don't you have some work to finish?" Darien asked. The girls all nodded and made their way out of the room. Darien sighed and put his head back in his hands.

"Darien, you look tired and worn out. You should go get some rest. When the council members come in I'll dismiss them for you." Malachite said. Darien nodded and gave his friend a tired smile. On his way to his suit he passed the gardens and stopped by the roses, remembering the first time he had heard Serena's voice talking to his sister and her friends.

"You better be coming back." Darien muttered as he traced a rose petal with his hand, thinking of Serena.

"Serena! I'm back!" Molly said running over to where Serena was currently sitting on a grassy hill.

"Did you give it to him? What did he say?" Serena questioned.

"Yes my trip was fine, thank you for asking. Hi Tristan." Molly said. Tristan nodded his hello and went back to watching the surrounding area. She plopped down next to Serena and spent a minute catching her breath.

"Are you going to tell me or not?" Serena asked.

"Alright, well I didn't de-transform. There was a window leading into the room he was in so I just flew in. He was sitting with his generals so I circled around then dropped the note. I stopped on the window to make sure he opened it and read it and when he said it was from you I left. It was as simple as that." Molly explained.

"Not transforming back into your human form was probably for the better." Serena said. "Thank you for helping me!"

"Your welcome. I must say he was quite handsome!" Molly smiled. "So how are you getting to the ball?"

"Well, um… I sort of need your help again."

"What do you mean?" Molly asked, raising her eyebrow.

"I need you to pretend to be me. Like shape shift into me for two days. The ball is the day that the men go out for the five day hunt. Your father won't be home and Tristan will say he is going with the men, but will really come with me." Serena explained.

"Your mother would have my head if I went through with this!" Molly screeched. Serena jumped at the noise and covered Molly's mouth.

"Please! I need to see him… them again. I promised them as well." Serena pleaded.

"Tristan, are you actually going through with this?" Molly asked.

"I actually brought it up. Serena looked so glum yesterday when her mother told her she could not go that I could not help but try and help." Tristan smiled.

"I can not believe you two!" Molly huffed.

"So will you help or not?" Serena asked.