We traveled to the Dark Moon in a small ship. I wish to have just teleported, but there aren't many such skilful magicians in the Universe, that could teleport from planet to planet. I was also alone, torturing myself with thoughts that Demando might come along. Mentally my "screaming speech" was created therefore I needed someone to pour my anger on. But… no such luck… I sigh as the ship stops and its door opens.
My dark prince awaits me as I enter his Crystal Palace. Oh, such beauty I never thought possible! White, crystal walls carved with roses, marble floor, at every corner and window are crystal shaped roses and everything smells so fresh as if we would be outside, in a real rose garden. I find myself bewitched by its light and elegancy. Let me be here forever…let me be with him forever…
Me : "I am my old self again…" – I whisper as I notice my servant disguise has disappeared – "I did not change… How is this even possible? What sort of magic is this?" I ask dazzled still by everything surrounding me.
Demando : "My magic." – he answers with a smile.
Me : "Everything is so beautiful here! But… I should not be thinking of such things…"
Demando – taking a step closer to me – "You cannot help your parents." – he states firmly.
Me : "How would you know?"
I snap at him. He is not shocked by my outburst; in fact he shows no emotions what so ever, yet again. But I am weak. Why should I scream now? Why did I just? You're pitiful Serena! I say to myself, for not even anger could be heard in my last words, not even pain or sadness. I sounded like a stubborn, spoiled child who would refuse to lose a game that clearly he already lost. Great! Now to prove your point why don't you stick your tongue out at him, would you? I scold myself.
Me : "I apologize for my outburst, your majesty. I am sure you have reasons as to believe I cannot help my parents in fighting by their side, although I do wish I had a chance to try."
I swear I could strangle the man if he dares to laugh just now. I know that for him or my family all odds are against me, still I don't deserve to be mocked. Dare I hope he won't ridicule every word I said. But still I wait for a cold, trenchant reply which to my surprise does not come.
Demando: "I see you are poorly informed on the matter. However since your family's choice was to spare you entirely from any information concerning the war, I feel obliged by their wishes. I am sorry but as I said at the White Palace : you shall not receive any further information from me."
He turns to leave but after taking a few steps he stops and grins back at me.
Demando : "If there was a chance you could over power my magic then maybe you could be of some sort of help to your parents."
Ahhh! Why, oh why does he pushes me so far that I want to explode with anger all over his fancy palace? Did I say I like this place? Well I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! And I hate him!... Oh look at me? How immature… Still if a challenge he wants then a challenge he shall get!
Me : "Listen, you royal pain in the…"
Demando : "A! I will not tolerate such language within the walls of my palace!" – he says, again with a smirk
Me – forcing a smile – "Very well. If that is all I need in order to prove myself then I would gladly fight you right here, right now!"
Moment of honesty now : I overreacted. Also I assume he expected me to do as much for he had a "I'm so pleased with myself" smile on his lips. His sensual lips… Wake up, Serena! Still very ashamed I admit that I have somehow forgotten about the war and my family. The thought of them was still there but covered by intense feelings and questions of the heart. And what do I feel? He infuriates me! He drives me insane! And yet… would he consider letting me find comfort in his arms?
Demando – raising an eyebrow – "It is quite a tempting offer : to see you try, but regrettably I have other matters to attend! Wait here! A servant will come and guide to your new chambers." – he states with such simplicity if nothing I said could affect him – "One more thing : you'll have to share."
I whisper : Share what? My chambers? Never mind; he left. A silent laugh escapes me as I analyze my own reactions to his words. Still I should not think he has the right to constantly and intentionally inflame my emotions. Well… right or not he does and with so much as a slight effort. Oh may! But I must get back to the point. I will find out everything I need to know about the war concerning lunarians and I shall prove myself helpful! I am not sure how but there is always a way. Although my first step should be acting more wisely and having some patience for once in a while. Remember Serena, I told myself, you were brought up better then to act childish and unmannered. From this moment forward I promise to never again give in to prince Demando's game or let myself provoked by anything he says.
"My lady…"
Occupied by my thoughts I have failed to see another presence approaching. This girl is young, I think. She in fact could be my age.
Me : "What is your name?" – I ask silently
She tells me her name is Anne and that she will lead me to my chamber. I analyze her briefly for I cannot fail to see she is a bit taller then I am and quite a beauty with her green, almond shaped eyes and long, light-brown hair. Does prince Demando prefer such young and handsome women as servants? I sure hope not… Ahh! How can I be jealous? I just promise myself I won't give in! No! I could care less! He could have Aphrodite herself serving him wine and I could care less! This is when a voice in my head starts telling me : Ha! Who are you kidding missy? You would gladly leave her hairless if she did try to serve him something! I beg to differ! Never I should refer to such aggressive methods!... I could throw her out a window, but that may seem as an accident… Great! Now I'm talking to myself! Maybe I should say something to Anne… maybe she has answers…
Me : "Tell me, Anne, is the Dark Moon also in war?"
Anne : "Our warriors are. And of course his majesty, prince Demando. But the people are not affected by it, nor will we ever be as his royal highness promised. Don't worry, princess – she smiles kindly at me – you are safe here."
Safe? I guess I am safe even though it is against my will and I cannot help but feel overprotected. But I should be thankful… Yes! I should be! I mean the man took me at my parents request and he had no obligation or interest... Did he?
Me : "Do you know who we're fighting against?" – I decide to ask her
Anne : "I am not sure. All I know is that this war concerns more then four worlds." – she deeply considers her answer and I could see her eyebrows narrowing – Besides the two already known to you, your majesty, I only know of another for sure and that is planet Venus."
Venus? Now this sounds interesting… Why would Venus be concern by the war? It must be most peaceful in the entire Universe there! Or not… I remember traveling there once for princess Mina's 15th birthday party. As I recall she is one year younger then I am; but… who's protecting her then? I do hope she is out of danger. We met just once but we were getting along like sisters. At her birthday we were the best of friends; we even dressed alike and intentionally stolen all the attention of young prince Jadeite – one of the princes of Earth – who was quite a looker as I remember; cute indeed with his big brown eyes and golden hair. Princess Reye of Mars was particularly jealous of us. I find myself laughing silently as I remember her desperate methods to win his attention. And now I'm blushing thinking of how she took prince Jadeite to the gardens and showed him her barely grown breasts. Very shameful behavior for a princess, I must say, but she did succeeded with her plan.
Anne : "Here we are, your highness." – she says opening the door to what seems to be my future chamber
Or chambers… for there are more then one. First we enter a huge room with small water fountains, red roses and a beautiful terrace that leads to the palace gardens. I see a white tea table on a corner with elegant white chairs.
Anne : "The door on the left leads to the bathing room, as the second door on the right leads to your bedroom. Prince Demando requested your presence at dinner. If there I nothing more you need me for, I shall retire." – she silently awaits my reply
Me : "You may retire. I shall like to be alone for a moment."
She takes a bow before leaving me to my thoughts. I do need some time alone in order o put together all notions I added up so far. So, what do I know:
1) There is a war
2) I am the main target so I must be protected
3) More then 4 worlds are involved in this war
4) Planet Venus its one of them and of course the Dark Moon and my own home
5)…
"Hello."
A timid voice interrupts my examination of facts. I look around but all I manage to see is a white dove on the terrace. Could it be? As far as magic goes I believe it could.
Me : "Hello." – I answer to the bird
"I remember you." – she says
Me – I raise an eyebrow – "You do?" – I take a step closer to the terrace – "Then might I ask who are you?"
I hear a giggle and see an instant light as the creature before me transforms into a beautiful young princess with long gold hair, slim figure and beautiful green eyes. It is her! It must be!
Me : "Mina…" – I hug my dear friend
Mina : "You do remember me, Rena." – she says after we break the hug – "How are you?"
Pff… I sigh. How am I? Well in a constant revolt with my thoughts would be one way to look at it. Honestly I never felt so useless and weak in my entire life. Back on the Moon no one would listen to me; not to mention prince Demando's attitude… Ahhh! But she must be in the same situation… Yes! She must understand what am I going trough!
Me : "You were kidnapped to, I see…" – I smile to myself very satisfied
Mina – looks at me with wonder – "No…I came here with prince Demando."
Me : "So have I. I think… But I am sure you did not want to come!" – I cried
Mina : "Oh but I did. Nobody forced me. It was my parents decision and I agreed with them."
Me – a bit disappointed – "Well… I did not agree with my parents." – I walk to the edge of the terrace to admire the rose garden – "And he is impossible!"
Mina : "Who is impossible?"
Me : "Like you don't know!" – I raise my hands in protest – "Prince Demando, His Royal Darkness! He is… he is just… he… Ah!"
Mina – clearly amused by my behavior – "So you like him…"
Me – facing her – "I must certainly do not! He infuriates me!"
Mina : "That wasn't a question." – she smiles –"You must like him, otherwise he would not get to you so much."
Damn she was right. I have fallen so deeply for a pair of indigo eyes. I cannot deny it no matter how much I try. It is true, he infuriates me and always manage to make me boil in anger but strangely enough this is why I love him even more. And its just… Wait! Did I just think about love? I love him? Wow… This is news even to me, but… yes, I believe I do love him. I am in love with the darkest prince in the Universe.
Mina : "Well… I guess its all for the best."
Me : "What do you mean?"
Mina : "I know a secret!" – she states happily while taking my hands
Me : "What is it?"
Mina – she bites her lower lip in excitement – "I herd that you are very soon to become mistress of this place."
I take some time to analyze the information. Does he actually want to…? I shake my head, trying to deny any hope that might turn up in my heart.
Me : "How would you know this?"
Mina : "Servants talk, my dear. I've been a while longer then you here and besides prince Safire confirms it."
Oh may, his brother confirms it? Then I must jump for joy considering the fact I just admitted my love for prince Demando. I am lucky to be chosen by the man I love… my prince… But… Since when have I become so shallow into think of my happiness while my parents are fighting in a war? I have no time for this! I push Mina aside.
Me : "This is stupid! There matters more important then servants gossip, Mina! Our families fight for their lives and the lives of our people! We must do something!"
Mina : "What can we do?"
Me : "What information do you have about this war?"
Mina : "The Earth is involved to… And…"
Me : "Yes?" – I ask impatiently
Mina : "I am not sure, to be honest. I heard my parents talking, the night before they died. A higher force its involved in the war. I believe they call it the Wiseman… I heard something about a destructive power that can overcome most magic and that it comes from the black holes of the Universe. You know, it is really powerful. I saw my parents die and I could do nothing about it!" – tears are forming in her eyes as she speaks – "It came like a dark shadow and the last thing I remember was crying over their breathless bodies." – I fell so hurt for her, such tragedy… – "After a short while prince Demando came for me."
Me : "Mina, I am so sorry about what happened!" – I hug my dear friend while she cries on my shoulder – "I'm so sorry…" – I push her back a little and put my hands on her shoulders so I can look her in the eyes – "I promise to find out what this force is and a way to defeat it!"
Mina – she sobs – "How?"
Me : "I will find a way."
I told her. I am not sure actually how. Clearly it is a very strong force. But why isn't Demando afraid of it? How come his planet is the safest one for everyone? Why are not all planets in grave danger? And why am I the main target of such horrible nightmare? One thing is for sure: I need more answers. But I won't give up. Somehow I will get to the bottom of this and fight against what ever is threatening my life.
