Title: PEACE AND WAR
Disclaimer: I don't own anything about Sailor Moon
Authors Note: Alight Ella, here is a couple chapters really quickly to ease your inpatients! I hope you enjoy them. Chapter nine will follow really soon!
Serenity felt relieved. She felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. For the first time since her arrival here, she did not completely fear the young King. He had been open and frank with her and he hadn't tried to shield her from the truth of the situation. She admired that. She was innocent, that had been proven, but that didn't mean she needed to be sheltered. She felt she had reached another phase of her relationship with the King.
Out of nowhere she thought of his name. Darien. She had never herself used his name as it would not be proper, but she knew it because it was how Raye referred to him. She seemed to be the only one who did use his name. Serenity thought that odd as everyone used her name and she was royalty. She had stopped being referred to as Princess awhile back and yet she still referred to him as the King. It seemed strange to her that he would be comfortable enough to be informal with her while she couldn't even imagine being informal with him.
"What are you thinking about?" Mina asked. She had been watching her princess sit with her face to the sun smiling into the morning for nearly an hour and she was beyond curious. Serenity seemed to be withdrawing into herself until today. What had happened to change her mood so drastically?
"You know Mina, I'm beginning to think that this place has a real soul under the hard exteriors it's created around itself. We just haven't looked deep enough."
Yesterday Serenity had been brooding and wallowing in self pity. She had thrown herself into work to avoid the situation that had presented it self in the form of an over zealous man. And yet her she was, looking on the bright side again and searching for the light within the dark of this world.
"I'm glad to see that the events of the last few days haven't harmed your beliefs at all."
Serenity waved her hand. "Who would I be without my beliefs?"
Mina thought about it. "You would still be you, only without your beliefs."
Serenity looked at her and smiled. "What shall we do today?"
Mina just laughed at her carefree manor, but they both knew very well that they weren't going to do much of anything today. Because of Serenity's attack and the assassination attempt o the Kings life, the castle had been completely shut down. All the guest stayed within the castle walls and nobody came in without an extensive identity search. In a way it had become a prison.
Mina looked over at the Kings personal guard that stood not to far away. It seemed like he was looking over the hill, but Mina knew that he was always keenly observing their movements. When Serenity had requested a chance to see that sun, the King had offered one of his guards as protection.
Of course it had been a surprise. Since almost the day they had come here the King had hardly had anything to do with them at all except when Serenity was getting in his way. And now he seemed willing to allow them the simplest pleasure of basking in the sunshine to brighten their moods. Even more, he had offered one of his men to protect them when she was sure he would be needed to talk about the war.
She looked back at her princess, wondering what might have happened between then. Before they had left their home, the Queen had told her that she was to make sure Serenity's heart stayed in tact. That meant many things, and Mina wondered what she should do if Serenity formed an attachment to someone here. She was destined to marry, that was without a doubt, but it would not be the person she chose. If she gave her heart to another man, she would be broken in the future. She hadn't thought to worry about the King, but now she wondered.
Mina smiled when she saw Amy approach them with Raye and Lita. The three girls sat down on the grass with them. Raye squinted in the bright sunlight.
"I don't know how you can look directly at the sun like that Serenity. Doesn't it hurt your eyes?"
She shook her head in pure bliss.
"Sunlight heals the soul," Amy said after a minute. "When you learn to use its power you'll feel it. Anything seems light and easy when faced with the sun behind your back."
Raye looked a little uncertain about that, but she accepted the answer.
"Thank you," Serenity said to Raye. "For sending my Jedeite yesterday. He was very king to me and an enormous amount of help."
Raye looked surprised.
"How did you know it was me?" She asked.
"Who else would have been able to speak directly with one of the Kings personal guards and allow him time away from talk of this current war."
"Darien has that power," she said.
"The King had no reason to send him at the time."
Raye looked to Lita who just smiled at her.
"Do you often talk with the Kings guards?" Amy asked.
Raye looked uncomfortable. "Not often no. I had the occasion to talk with Jedeite a few months ago regarding my brothers' birthday. He may not admit it, but Darien sees his guards as almost brothers. I thought speaking to one of them would help make it a memorable event."
"And it was Jedeite you talked to?" Lita asked.
Serenity looked at Lita when Raye nodded.
"Since then he and I have found ourselves in each others paths often. Darien always chooses him to accompany me to town or protect me if there is any danger. I have come to trust him."
She smiled affectionately at her friend. But then she looked at Lita. The tall brown haired girl looked both happy and tired in that moment. Her eyes were shadowed as if she hadn't slept, but her posture said that she was not always sad.
"How is today?" She asked Lita directly.
Lita hesitated, then looked up at the sun. She had to shut her eyes and let the light filter through her eyelids. The warmth spread from her face into the rest of her body.
"Today is not as bad as yesterday," Lita answered, and it was the truth.
"I am glad to here it."
"Which of the Kings guards is that?" Mina asked looking at the tall guard standing a short distance away.
"His name is Kunzite. In a way I believe he is the leader of the guards. They all hold a position of honor, but when Darien is not there to take charge Kunzite will stand up for him," Raye answered.
Serenity studied the man for a moment before turning back to her friends and smiling. For the first time since she got here, today seemed perfect.
The five girls sat together simply enjoying one anothers' company. For Serenity, Mina and Amy, this occurrence was perfectly normal and completely comfortable. For Lita and Raye it was completely new. They weren't exactly sure how they should act, but Serenity made sure that everyone felt at ease. It didn't take long for the two girls to learn to simply enjoy this short time they had together.
Darien listened to another long report about the latest war. They were still planning on marching out within a few days, but the enemy was moving and it was uncertain where they would land.
"Your majesty, we have to consider sending our armies to different towns to protect them. If this army should hit them, it would be the end for the people there."
"No," Darien said forcefully. "If we split our army now, we will not get them back together again to form our strongest attack. Our plan will only work if we hit this enemy with everything we have."
"But if we allow the people of this country to suffer without going to their aid, then they will no longer trust in us."
Darien sighed.
"Where is it likely this army will land?" He asked.
The man pulled out a map and Darien quickly glanced over the diagram showing the probable attack pattern. He sat back into his chair.
"They will reach this area within a few days," he said. "If we allow them to settle and compose themselves, there will be no chance for us to protect everyone."
"What shall we do to prevent this?"
Darien looked at his three remaining guards who had not yet said anything. They were watching him carefully, trying to deduce what he would say before he said it so they could support the decision. He could see in their eyes that they were behind him.
"Will we move up our attack. Send out messenger immediately to all our armies. We will converge at this location. By the time the reach their destination, we will be prepared to attack."
"Yes your majesty," the man bowed and quickly pulled his papers towards them.
Darien watched his guards come and sit at the table around him.
"This final battle will linger for days," Nephrite said.
"Yes, but after only a few days it will be over, one way or another," Darien said.
"This is the boldest move our army has made in many years. They have been spread out for a long time. Leaving their posts will leave us open for another attack," Zoicite said.
"Have we heard anything on the countries around us indicating another attack?" Darien asked.
"No," Jedeite said. "As awful as it sounds, Serenity's country has taken up the sights of everyone around. This is the perfect time to make this attack while the distraction is in place."
Darien nodded.
"What else?"
Zoicite hesitated before holding out a thick letter.
"This came early this morning. It is not addressed to Serenity, but it is from her mother."
Darien took the envelope and watched his guards watching him.
"I suppose it's good to know that she is still alive," Jedeite said.
"It means that her country is probably still holding on," Nephrite said.
Darien just nodded.
"Are you going to show Serenity?" Zoicite asked.
"Do you think I should?"
The three men tried not to look too surprised. Darien had been making the decisions for so long that they hadn't really expected him to ask them that. Their opinion about the war was one thing, but this border lined on personal.
"It is her home. She has a right to know," Nephrite answered after a moment.
The other guards nodded.
"And if it's bad news, it will only hurt her."
The three guards looked at one another in confusion.
"Haven't you been convinced all this time that it is time for her to move into the world of reality?" Jedeite asked. "Wasn't it you who told her that thinking that everything has a bright side made her foolish?"
Darien lightly touched his hand to his head, contemplating those words.
"What's changed?" Nephrite asked.
"I don't know," Darien said softly. "I just don't want her to be hurt anymore."
There was a long silence, almost to long.
"Do you have affection for her?"
Darien looked at Jedeite when he said that, his eyes confused.
"She has opened my eyes slightly so that I can see something of what she believes. I am not saying I think her way of life is correct, but I think I am starting to understand why she sees things the way she does."
Jedeite nodded. "That doesn't exactly answer my question."
"I can hardly answer a question I myself don't know the answer to."
"So you're not sure how you feel about her?" Nephrite asked.
"I'm not sure how I feel about anything anymore," he said in a tired voice. He rubbed a hand over his eyes then through his hair. "But even if I discovered that I did have affection for her, it would be another part of my life that is in vain."
"Why?" Zoicite asked.
"Because she comes from the light, and I lead the dark."
"You think you might hurt her?" Nephrite asked.
"This discussion has become repetitive," Darien said when he couldn't come up with an answer. "Whether or not I have feelings for that girl in no way relates to what is going on in this war. Jedeite, she asked that if anything else came from her country I might spare you to explain the documents to her. Take these and explain them to her."
"Of course your majesty," he said hearing the change in his tone. The conversation had gone from speaking from the heart to an order to forget it. The three guards all got up and started walking away.
"Jedeite," Darien said before he left. The dark haired guard turned to look at him. "Inform her of our plans to move up the attack."
Jedeite desperately wanted to ask why, but he didn't dare.
Darien heard the door click behind them, and he felt the emptiness of the room echo around. He thought he might finally get a moment alone, but then a servant came into the room with a letter.
Darien leaned on the table in front of him while he opened the letter. His trained eyes skimmed over the contents. Then he sighed to himself. Another royal from a neighboring country was choosing this moment to visit. He could not think of worse time to accept guests. He had met his prince before. He was arrogant and rude, and he would immediately look to Serenity as another conquest. The thought made him feel sick.
He walked to the window and looked out at the girls sitting in the sunlight with Kunzite standing nearby. He saw Raye smile lightly and he couldn't help but a let a smile linger on his lips at seeing her so happy. Even if it were just for a moment, she was happy.
He sighed lightly.
Serenity's laughed floated up to him in the breeze and he felt his heart react to her. He knew that his heart wanted her, but his mind couldn't understand how that might work. He would forever be standing her in the dark, watching her live her life in the sunlight. Their worlds would never mix. But part of him didn't want to believe that. Part of him wanted to give in to the emotions building with him and allow himself to care for her.
Raye watched with the other girls while Jedeite went over the war documents with Serenity. They could see her eyes shift from happy to concerned, but then back to happy. It must be good news.
"I don't think anyone would be disappointed if Serenity's country was to win," Lita said after a moment.
"No, I can't imagine there would be," Amy said laughing.
Raye just watched Jedeite. He sat close to the princess, and Raye could feel something boil within her. She tried to stop it but she simply couldn't help him. She was jealous of how close they were right now.
Of course she didn't believe that Serenity would intentionally make her jealous, but that didn't help the emotion stir within her.
"Raye?"
Raye and the other girls turned around to see the King walking slowly up to them.
"I'm afraid I have some bad news," he said looking only at her. "Prince Diamond is coming to visit. I received a letter from him just now informing me of his decision to spend some time with us."
Raye sighed unhappily.
"Do you think he will be as obnoxious as he was the last time he was here?" She asked.
"I have no doubt," he said.
His eyes drifted over to where Serenity sat with Jedeite and he seemed to hesitate. Then he did look at Amy and Lita and his eyes were serious. They felt like taking a step back, but they dared not.
"I would suggest that you warn your lady of him saying that he is man of no gentle character and delights in making himself stand out. She would do well to stay away from him."
"Of course your majesty, I will tell her at once," Mina said quickly.
Darien looked passed them again to linger on Serenity. Then he turned and walked away.
"I should go with him," Raye said quickly. "I'll find you in a little while."
She hurried off, leaving the three girls standing wondering what it all meant.
"What's going on?" Serenity asked, startling them. She and Jedeite had come up behind them as they were finishing.
"The King says a Prince Diamond has decided to visit and we are to inform you to try and stay away from him. Apparently he's not very nice," Amy said.
"He's not," Lita said before Serenity could answer. "He spends all his time looking for the next woman to conquer. More then once he's caused a woman's reputation to fall almost to nothing. He will surely see you Serenity as a challenge."
Serenity looked disgusted by the idea, but she pulled herself together quickly.
"I should go," Jedeite said softly.
"Thank you so much for your help," Serenity said smiling at him.
He bowed briefly and said goodbye to all the girls before hurrying after his King.
"If Prince Diamond is coming, that means the castle will empty in a matter of hours. Combine his presence with the resent attack on the King and we'll be the only ones left by tomorrow."
"Are people really that afraid of him?" Amy asked.
"No, nobody is afraid of him, but nobody really likes him. He has angered most of the nobles in the country and is practically despised in his own. Luckily he has an older brother so he might not have to be King. But he is a prince and it would be rude of the King not to accept his company. Especially if he doesn't want another war."
"When will he arrive?" Serenity asked.
"If the King has just heard from him today, then he will be here today. He does not wait for a response when he makes his plans."
"That's awfully rude," Mina said.
Serenity felt dread wash over her for some reason. But she didn't know why. She had always been disposed to think well of a person, but the description of this prince made her mind hesitate. Surely no person could be that cruel and self involved. But the King had gone out of his way to warn her, and that meant he was concerned.
But another thing plagued her. Why was the prince choosing this moment to visit. Surely he knew that the King was at war and she herself was escaping one. It seemed an awfully inconvenient time to choose to make an appearance. He must have another motive, and she hoped with all her heart that it wouldn't harm the King.
The day ticked by slowly, and Lita's premonition of all the visiting nobles proved to be true. One by one they all left. The four girls stood on the balcony where they had watched all the guest arrive. Now they watched all the guest depart slowly. It was starting to get late and the unwelcome prince still hadn't show himself.
Raye looked up at them from her spot beside the King. She smile and tried not to laugh when Serenity waved emphatically at her.
"You really shouldn't bother her like that," Amy said smiling.
"She has to do a tedious job and I have to make it better for her," Serenity answered casually. It seemed her spark was back.
"I think he's coming," Lita said standing up tall.
All four girls looked towards the large doors that served as the entrance to the castle. A few leaving visitors had stepped out of the way to let in a large load of baggage. They piled it just inside the door.
"I guess he's planning to stay awhile," Mina said nervously.
It took another few minutes for the prince himself to appear. When he did, it was like the little air in the room had gone cold. He was as tall as the King, and he had smooth hair that was as light as the snow. His jeweled eyes pierced through the blackness like a hawk and he moved with the arrogance of a peacock.
He smiled at the King and sauntered up to him.
"I say it is a long way from my castle to yours," he said loudly so everyone in the room could hear. "But from what I hear this trip will be well worth it."
"I won't pretend to know what you mean," Darien said calmly.
"Why, it had reached my country only a few days ago that you are holding under your protection a very beautiful creature of the purest innocence there is," he said.
The girls all looked at Serenity who had suddenly paled.
"I believe you are talking about the Princess Serenity. She is indeed under my protection," Darien said accenting the last few words.
Prince Diamond smiled at him, a chilling smile.
Serenity watched Darien with all her focus. He seemed calm and unwavering, but she couldn't tell what he might be thinking. She was scared that this prince had made this whole journey to see her. Especially after she had learned of his adventures with women. But she was strong, and she was sure the King wouldn't let this man harm her.
"I am afraid you come at an extremely bad time," Darien said after a moment. "We are to depart tomorrow for battle and there is no way I can hold off our attack."
Diamond shrugged. "I am sure I can keep myself entertained until you return."
Raye couldn't help it, she looked up at her brother. They all saw the worry in her eyes. She was afraid of something and it chilled them all.
"Then I suggest you make your welcome," Darien said without emotion. "Our servants will show you to your room. We will have dinner ready in an hour in the dinning hall. We will see you then."
"I'm looking forward to it," Diamond said walking away without so much as a hand shake. He was arrogant, and it was obvious.
"What should we do?" Kunzite asked watching his King pace up and down the room like a caged animal.
Darien was all in distress about this situation. There was no arguing it, they were leaving the very next morning for battle. He was happy that Serenity had been smart enough not to join them for dinner. She had stayed with her ladies in her room and he had been relieved when she hadn't shown. It showed that she was grasping the situation. But he could not protect her if he was miles away fighting.
"Your majesty, there has to be a way of asking him to leave," Zoicite said.
"And risk another war?" Jedeite said. "That's not going to happen. We're trying to prevent the next war not start one. Denying him visitation would be like slapping him in the face. He would not rest until we were all fighting for our lives."
"But he can't stay here," Nephrite said.
"No," Darien said silencing them all. "But we can."
They looked at him confused.
"What do you mean, I thought us not going to battle was not an option."
"It is not an option that I cannot go, but one of you could stay."
They looked at him in horror.
"That is simply out of the question," Kunzite said harshly. "We are here to protect and serve you and that's it. We will not see you go off an fight without us beside you."
"Three of you will still be beside me," Darien said. "Jedeite won't."
"Why me?" Jedeite said offended.
"Because Serenity has already formed a friendship with you. She will feel safe with you around."
"But…." Jedeite started.
"This is not open for discussion," Darien said startling him. "You will do as I say and protect the Princess."
The four guards just looked at him. He wasn't joking.
"As you wish," Jedeite said with a stubborn look in his eyes.
Darien nodded and his shoulders seemed to lose a little tension. He felt better that Jedeite would stay.
He picked up one of the glasses that had been put on the table and filled it with water. He brought it to his mouth, but then stopped when Kunzite grabbed hold of the glass when it was inches from his lips. The water sloshed down on his hand.
They looked at one another. Kunzite looked almost scared.
Darien looked at the glass, just seeing the dissolving powder swirl around.
"I think the situation is getting worse," Nephrite said hesitantly.
"They're getting in through the servants," Kunzite said taking the glass away.
Darien sighed. Another attempt on his life. It would have worked if not for his guards.
"Dismiss them," he said evenly. "Keep only the ones necessary to run the house. Everyone else is not allowed in the castle."
"Yes your majesty," Nephrite said getting up.
"You can all go now," Darien tiredly waved his hand.
"Your majesty, I…."
"Just go," he said harshly to Zoicite.
The four guards filed out of the room slowly, looking back at the defeated looking King. If something didn't change soon, he was going to break and they could all see it. It was only a matter of time before one of these attempts actually worked.
Darien stood alone in his study late that night. His mind swirled around behind his closed eyelids and the fire glowed against the front of his long thin form. He inhaled, trying to drive the thoughts from his mind, but he couldn't. So instead, he thought of Serenity.
She was the only thing it seemed that could drive out even the idea of war in his mind. If he thought of her, it was like she was the only thing that existed. That was probably because she simply didn't blend in with his other thoughts. She was so different from the darkness he was accustomed to.
He sighed as his mind shifted to the worry he felt about leaving her here with prince Diamond. She would have Jedeite, but the prince had before maneuvered his way around a guard to get to a woman.
He looked into the fire. The flames licked at one another, trying to out burn everything around them.
Then he realized something.
When Serenity had arrived he had hated the very thought of her. He had hated her simply existing. And now here he stood, worried that another man would taint her pureness and hurt her innocent soul.
He looked around his room, but there was nobody there to help.
Why was he suddenly feeling compassion towards her? Why did he no longer get angry at the very thought of her?
He already knew the answer.
Darien quickly walked across his study and out into the hallway. He strode quickly through the darkness of the castle until he reached his bedroom. He opened the door concealed by the large painting and stepped into the passagway. He quickly climbed the steep stairs to the next floor and another hidden door to walk into her bedroom.
Raye looked up at him from her sitting position by the window and smiled.
"Raye, I need to……"
Darien come to an abrupt stop when he saw Serenity sitting across from her. Her hair drifted in waves around her, only held up with a loose pin. She was wearing a white silk bedroom coat over her night dress and her blue eyes looked up at him with surprise, but without fear. He was almost paralyzed looking at her.
"Is something wrong Darien?" Raye asked standing up.
Darien tried to shake himself out of his trance, but he couldn't.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had a visitor," he said with a stutter.
"I was just on my way to bed," Serenity said standing softly. The pure white of her clothes seemed to glow in the light. She was so beautiful.
Darien shook his head. "No, I actually want to speak with you. I was going to wait until morning, but seeings as you're up I would prefer doing it now.
She looked at him surprised.
"What did you wish to speak with me about?" She asked.
Darien couldn't help but notice that she no longer looked at him with fear in her eyes. She looked curious, perhaps startled and calm. He felt like she had come to see something inside of him and she trusted it enough to stop being afraid of him.
"Prince Diamond," he started after a moment.
"Yes, my ladies told me you asked me to stay away from him. I assure you I will."
Darien nodded. "Jedeite will be staying here with you to make sure he behaves in a polite and respectful way."
Raye looked up at him sharply.
"Darien, you're not leaving one of your guards. Their purpose is to protect you."
Darien held up his hand to her. "I have already made up my mind. He is staying and that is final."
"But there are plenty of servants to…."
"They have all been dismissed," Darien said startling them.
"Why?" Raye asked.
"There was another attempt on my life and again it was someone disguised as a servant. We have dismissed all but those that are necessary to run the castle. I'm afraid there will be none to spare for your protection."
Serenity just looked up at him. Her eyes were full of emotion, but she wasn't sure what any of it meant. He couldn't bring himself to look away from her, not even to look at Raye. He wanted to touch her. His hands nearly tingled at the idea of caressing her delicate skin. His heart beat loudly in his chest.
"I appreciate your concern after my safety, but if it will endanger your own life I could not accept your kind offer."
Darien couldn't help it, he smiled.
"I assure you, I know what I'm doing. Goodnight ladies. I hope that you find tonight peaceful enough to procure a good rest." And with that he walked out of the room leaving the two girls standing in his wake, stunned.
Darien walked back down to his room in the dark. Of course she had thought of someone other then herself. He was sure she would choose to die before harming another human being. He realized then that he really did have affection for her. At first he had mistaken his alarming feelings towards her as hate and jealousy, but he was now slowly finding out that he might in fact come to see her as a woman he could love.
The thought scared him. Two uncommon emotions from the same girl. Affection and fear. He had not been afraid since he was a child, and here the emotion had started to trace its steps back into his mind. But he simply couldn't help it. He was afraid of hurting her and he was afraid of what she might think of him. He was afraid of how she might look at him if she knew the darkness that had taken hold of him. He stayed in the darkness of his room, lying in the comforts of his bed. Would he ever be allowed to love her? And if so, would that be right? If he found that he loved her, and she loved him as well, what possible good could come of allowing himself to be with her? He might feel all the happiness his life could hold, but she would only be afflicted with his darkness. Could he ever do that to her?
Raye held Serenity's hand firmly as they made their way together down the long hall. They could see Mina and Amy waiting for them just at the end. They watched their princess evenly, not breaking eye contact with her.
"What are you going to tell him?" Raye asked.
Serenity looked at her startled. "What do you mean?"
"You like him don't you?" She asked.
"I'm not sure," she answered quietly.
"But you said last night that you nearly fainted when he smiled at you. That kind of reaction doesn't usually come from a simple smile."
"But he's different. I've never seen him smile before."
Raye just watched her. The idea of Serenity perhaps being the one person in the whole world that could bring happiness to her brother excited her. She wanted desperately to believe that Serenity was pure and good enough to see the lighter side of the King. Maybe she could save him.
"I've seen him smile before, when we were young. I don't think he's smiled really since our father died."
"I thought your father was a bad king," Serenity said.
"Yes, but when he died he left a country created on war for Darien to lead."
Serenity just nodded.
"So you're saying he's tense."
"That's the understatement of the year," Raye said sarcastically.
Serenity tried to smile, but it was obvious by how tightly she was holding Raye's hand that she was nervous.
"Do you think he'll appreciate me coming to see him leave?" She asked.
"Yes, I think he'll love it," Raye said as they came up to Mina and Amy.
"Serenity, you look almost sick," Amy said softly. "Are you alright?"
"She's just nervous," Raye answered for her.
"Why?" Mina asked.
"We'll tell you later, but it has something to do with Darien."
"The King?" Mina said surprised.
Raye shushed her as they came around the corner to look down the large staircase leading to the main hall. She felt Serenity's fingers dig into her hand as she saw him.
Serenity couldn't help how her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't help how she felt her hands begin to sweat or how light headed she suddenly felt at seeing him. This was strange to her. She had never felt quite so nervous about meeting someone in her whole life.
Slowly the descended the stairs. She had not tripped since she was a girl, but suddenly she felt as if her feet were not cooperating with her. She breathed deeply to try and steady herself.
There was a group of men in the hall all wearing armor and preparing to go, but the King stood with his four guards.
"You should go say goodbye," Raye whispered to her.
Serenity was about to protest, but then Raye pushed her slightly into the crowd and at once she was standing only a few feet away from him.
His eyes met hers and Serenity felt fear grip her. She tried to look calm, but she had never been good at hiding her emotions. So instead she looked away from him as she took the last few steps to stand in front of him. She had to focus all her attention on summoning up every last bit of her courage.
"I'm not sure what is customary to say," she said in a soft voice. "But I wish you luck and I'll pray for you safe return."
She could feel the eyes of everyone around them on her. The room had gone silent when she had approached him. She realized that she hadn't curtsied and feared for a moment that she had in some way offended him. She still couldn't look at him.
"Thank you."
Serenity finally looked up when he spoke those soft two words. She met his deep blue eyes and for the first time saw something in there that she had not seen before. He looked, almost content.
She was frozen in her spot, just staring at him.
The room seemed so still in that moment, like time didn't move at all and Serenity realized why she felt the way she did. She was afraid of him, she had affection for him and it send her insides into nervous spasms.
And he looked at her like maybe he might feel it to. He held so much emotion in his eyes.
He heart pounded when he reached out slowly to take her hand. His warm hand seemed so tanned against her pale skin. The shock of the contact nearly consumed her. But the feeling only got worse when he brought her hand delicately to his lips and kiss it.
Serenity could only look at him wide eyed.
The room looked on in complete silence as there King showed the first signs of emotion since any of them could remember.
This moment seemed stop as they looked at each other.
And then the moment seemed completely shattered by the alarmingly loud voice grasping everyone's unwilling attention.
"Well, I see everyone is off to fight another war."
Serenity looked towards Prince Diamond in shock. He seemed almost glad that they were leaving. But his jewel like eyes were focused on her, and she stepped back.
Prince Diamond walked towards her.
"I wonder what we might do while everyone is away," he said in the same loud voice.
Serenity might have turned to run, but at the moment the King stood in front of her, blocking her from the prince walking directly towards her. And moments after that, Mina and Amy were at her sides and she heard Jedeite move into the situation. Her heart fluttered.
"Prince Diamond, this time is reserved for people involved in the war to say goodbye to their friends and family. Please allow this to happen in peace."
Prince Diamond raised his hands like he was surrendering.
Darien did no look amused. His eyes were strong and stormy as he stared at the prince.
"You're right, I am in the wrong," prince Diamond said sounding like he wasn't sorry in the slightest. "I suppose I might wait to say what I intend to say until after you have departed."
Darien didn't respond.
"I am sure what I have to say will be heard with the ears of an avid listener."
Serenity could tell that he was challenging Darien and it seemed everyone else in the room knew it to. She felt that she had just become part of a wager between these two men, and the thought was not a pleasant feeling.
But prince Diamond was not a complete fool. He just grinned a cocky grin and walked slowly back out of the room.
Darien turned around and looked at her, and she was startled to see the urgent look in his eyes.
"Serenity, you must stay in your rooms as much as possible with your ladies while I'm gone. The more time you can spend with people around you the less likely you are to be hurt. Promise me you'll try and avoid him."
Serenity just nodded, aware that everyone was looking at her.
"Say it," he said.
"I promise," she said in a whisper.
And then, so suddenly she almost felt the wind of him leaving, the whole room emptied into the courtyard to mount their horses and he was gone. She was left breathless and uncertain with her friends around her and Jedeite protecting her. It was if the moment had hardly happened at all.
End of chapter Eight!
