What's Done In The Dark: The King's Concubine

Dear Diary 24

The news of Serena's condition slipped out fast to the general population and headlines like "We don't want a barren queen" and "What use is a woman who can't reproduce" dominated the front covers of books, newspapers, TV stations, billboards…etc. for the first couple of days Serena was spared from viewing all this negative influences but when the end of the week arrived and she was removed from the clinic by her own insistence, the shock of the cold rejection sent her running back to the comfort of the silent clinic room. Lost and alone in her silent misery, not even Darien's embrace and attention could power her up to rise above the pain.

"Serena?"

"Mmmm…what?" she answered lifelessly and Darien's heart sagged. Serena's fear and shame was so tangible that it had crippled her, locking her onto her bed and perpetually face down.

"I have something to show you." Darien said gently. Running soft and gentle fingers over the side of the face that was showing.

"What?" she asked again with no interest.

"You'll see. Can you walk?"

"I don't want to."

"Serena please…please just come with me." he begged, his voice pleading, urging her to hear him. A long silence later, she made the effort to rise and he assisted her by lifting her up into his arms. She was dressed in a white night robe and wasn't properly outfitted for what Darien had in mind but he knew if he asked her to change, she would change her mind.

She said nothing as he walked her out of the clinic room and as they got closer to the sound of voices, she buried her face in his chest. His heart hurt so much to see her so afraid of the people she had loved so much just a few days ago. Darien was by no means in control of his anger, the unquenchable hatred that burned in him for Hotaru. Only Serena's weakness was keeping him out of Hotaru's sight and from doing permanent damage to her.

Wait and see Hotaru, you will regret this.

And so the silent promise burned in him like a candle, growing stronger and hotter with each day that passed that he had to watch his beloved cripple away.

Drawing out of his thoughts, he made a sudden move down the ail that led to his and her bedrooms. This area of the hallway was quiet and the sudden silence brought Serena's head from its hiding place. She looked up and around slowly before resting her head against his chest. Now a days, it was the beating of his heart that kept her going. Regardless of the poison that was destroying her inside, she knew her life would not be as short as they all expected as long as Darien's heart continued to beat strongly in her veins. He may not know it but he was her light in a world of darkness, to take him out is to sentence her to death and as much as she would welcome death to take away all this pain, she knew the devastating cause her death will have on Darien. And yet…sometimes she wondered if that reason alone was going to be enough to anchor her to the ball of light in her darkness.

Placing her full weight on one arm, Darien opened the door to his bedroom and entered. Knowing exactly what he wanted, he walked to the stand alone closet chest that hanged his heavy and warmest jackets, drawing out one particularly fuzzy, white, comfortable jacket, closed the door and proceeded to walk out. On silent feet, he walked out of the palace, covering Serena with the jacket to keep her warm from the cool night air and headed to the stable. Though Serena's eyes were opened, she seemed unaware of anything that was happening around her. It wasn't until she was placed in a different set of arms that she jolted into attention. Panic rushed through her as she sought Darien.

"Shhh, it's ok. I'm right here." He said, holding her cheeks even though other hands held her body.

"Don't leave me." she begged frantically as she clutched onto his hand.

"I'm not leaving you. I'm not going anywhere. I just need to climb up labyrinth and you will be right back in my arms." He said. She still clutched to his hand as if she had heard nothing at all, her eyes watering. Darien looked up worriedly at Andrew who was holding Serena and he shook his head firmly.

"Climb"

"But…"

"Climb the horse Darien." Lifting his hand against Serena's resisting force was the hardest thing he'd done in a while. It felt almost like a betrayal to her. As soon as his hand was free, she recoiled into herself. Her tears suddenly dried to be replaced by eyes completely lacked in emotion. Darien almost returned his hand but Andrew stepped back and so he had no choice but to climb up on the horse. Andrew immediately handed Serena to him but she remained recoiled. Darien's heart sunk.

"I'll be back as soon as is possible." Darien said to Andrew.

"Take your time Your Majesty and safe journey."

"Thank you my friend." Andrew picked up the reins of the horse for him and with Serena safely positioned in front of him, Darien took off with Andrew and Rita who was standing a distance away as their only witnesses.

Sensing the presence of his wife, Andrew turned around and Rita rushed into his arms, her heart heavy with pain for the little girl she had come to love so much.

"She will be ok Rita. She just needs a break is all." Andrew said comfortingly and Rita nodded, hoping that her husband's words would be the truth. She had missed Serena's liveliness exceedingly over the past few days and she hoped that Serena would regain it back and fast. They had only five more days until the election and Serena needed to be at the top of her game if she means to overcome all the obstacles and win this war.

As they traveled, Serena fell in and out of sleep. She didn't speak and nothing of their passing surroundings interested. Darien reflected how different this journey is compared to when they were leaving the forest house to the palace. Back then Serena had been full of questions. Questions both intelligent and random that it had him laughing every time. Her eyes sparked with amusement, her face cleared of all but happiness. She had even admitted to loving the exercise of traveling. Now she just sat loosely in front of him, lost in the eternal darkness of her mind. For the umpteenth time, Darien sighed. He hoped with all his might that Serena's return back to the forest house would restore her once strong spirit.

A day ago, he had sat down with all of his and her friends to discuss what could be done to help Serena. They couldn't stop people from writing what they want to write. They couldn't stop the TV station from advertising what they wanted to advertise, neither could they stop the posters, the signs, the billboards nor the gossiping tongues. Though Lita, Jadeite and Kunzite (who had returned from dropping Mina off at his house) voted for sentencing anyone who dared mock Serena to a lifetime of misery. Other options about exposing to the world that Hotaru was responsible for Serena's condition were brought up but Ephraim shot it down. Without any evidence connecting the crime to Hotaru, the whole world will see them as fools. And so on and on ideas of all magnitude were presented but nothing fit for though some of the ideas were good, they solved only part of the problem and not the whole.

"You know, I don't think we are capable of solving this problem." Amy had spoken up. She had been the only one who hadn't spoken since the beginning of the meeting. She had been listening and considering the pros and cons of all ideas presented.

"What do you mean Amy?" Rei asked.

"The people have a problem not with the queen or king but with the person who might become their queen. Serena is the only one capable of solving the problem as a whole." Amy said.

"Yeah but in her condition…." Lita began.

"Her condition is no excuse to sit back and watch her name be so darkly blackened."

"You don't under…."

"On the contrary Darien, I understand very well. And the only way we can help is to get her to step out and step up. She can beat Hotaru." Amy said, her eyes calculating as if the idea she was trying to present to them was still being thought of.

"But how?" Rita asked.

"Vacation." Zoisite said, understanding what Amy was getting at.

"You want her to take a vacation at a time like this? Do you know how that will look to the people?" Nephrite said.

"I understand that this will make people think less of her but that's nothing new. She needs to get away from here for a few days." Amy replied.

"And in all honest truth, no one has to know that she is not here." Zoisite added.

"What do you mean?" Nephrite asked.

"If we continue to act like she is in the clinic room and swear the doctor to secrecy, no one will know she isn't here. Especially since no one has seen her in the past couple of days."

"That's true." Rei said thoughtfully.

"But to where?" Andrew asked.

"Somewhere she feels relaxed. Somewhere she can deal with her sorrow all by HERSELF." Amy emphasized the last word because she wanted Darien to understand that he could not be involve in that healing part of the healing process.

"You want me to leave her somewhere to suffer alone?" Darien asked incredulously.

"I know it sounds harsh but the only way Serena can overcome this is for her to be at a place by herself where she can cry to her hearts' content. The more you are around, the more she will hide in your shadow. Hiding won't change the situation Your Majesty, in fact, it will only make it worse and if you've notice, we don't have much time left for the election. We need Serena to wake up."

"And you think abandoning her in her time of need is the way to go about it!" Darien demanded, furious with Amy for suggesting such a thing.

"I'm not asking you to cut all ties with her Darien!" Amy said, meeting Darien's anger with her own passion. Shocked and surprised, everyone else watched on. Most surprised was Ephraim who had never seen his daughter so passionate about anything. But it was a good kind of surprise and he was proud of her for having the guts to stand up to their king.

"Then what the hell are you asking me to do eh!"

"All I'm saying is that she needs a day or two away from this environment and away from any person she can use as shield." Amy said, back to her normal calm voice.

"I can't do that Amy." Darien said, also calmed down.

"Yes you can."

"No, I really can't."

"Yes you really can and you're going to do it."

"You don't unders…."

"No you don't understand!" Amy snapped, rising to her feet and shivering with cold anger. Jaws dropped. "Do you think I would have healed from my mom's death if I had been sheltered the way you're sheltering Serena! She needs to be alone because she is the only one who knows the extent of the pain she is going through! She doesn't need a man who wants her around just for his own peace of mind!" Amy screamed, her words cutting a deep gash in Darien's heart. Was it true? Was he only refusing to let Serena be by herself only because it would bother him? It wasn't because it was for Serena's own sake?

Amy flopped down and sighed, burying her head in her hands. Frustration making tears fall down her face. Ephraim who sat next to her gentle pulled his daughter closer to him and breathing a sigh of relief. For the first time, he had an in-depth idea of his daughter's feelings. After the initial reaction of his wife's death, Amy never showed any emotion of sadness but he knew she was hurting. He just didn't know how to make her talk about it so they can heal together.

Darien said nothing after her outburst.

"Didn't you bury the seedling of the miscarriage child?" Ephraim suddenly asked. All turned to him.

"Yes?" Darien answered.

"Where did you bury it?"

"My house in the forest." Darien answered. After Serena woke up and they had spoken, Darien had taken the frozen remains of the unborn child and ridden furiously to the forest where he buried that child.

Ephraim nodded with a little smile.

"You mean for Serena to go there to see it?" Andrew asked.

"Yes."

"That's a bad idea." Jadeite said, thinking of the emotional burden this would place on Serena.

"That's a good idea!" Rita answered. "Any mother would want to have the chance to say a final goodbye to their dead or dying child, even if it is an unborn one. Only then will she be able to accept the reality of his death, truly mourn and rise above it."

No one said anything after that.

"So we are in agreement then?" Kunzite asked. Reluctantly everyone nodded and all eyes turned to Darien.

"I'll take her to the house tomorrow night and I'll leave her there and return. Meeting adjourns."

Everyone one got up and left with the exception of Darien and Amy.

"I am sorry for my words My King." Amy said, truly meaning her apology. She knew how painful it was going to be for Darien to be separated away from Serena. She knew, because she was already suffering from the emotion detachment that had come between her and Serena ever since she was discovered in the pool of her own blood.

But Darien did not respond to her. Not because he meant to be mean but he did not know what to say. He was angry with her and at the same time thankful but didn't know how best to express it. After a couple of minutes, Amy rose and left the room. Outside Darien's office door, her father waited for her and the long overdue hug and tears that should have been exchanged at her mother's funeral was finally expressed, Lady Annabelle's death finally put to rest.

Sighing as he rode through the night on his Majestic horse, Darien wondered if things would ever return to normal, whatever normal was.

Normally, the journey to and from the forest was a three days journey but only because it was traveled by over loaded carriages and slow paced horse. Taking the shortest routs possible and riding at a blinding speed, Darien arrived at the house at the time of the rising of the sun. Right after the discussion the previous day, Lita and Malcolm had been sent to go ahead to the forest house to prepare for Serena's coming. Riding at a punishing rate and taking similar short cuts, they had arrived and done as they were told. When Darien came upon the house, they were there waiting for him. Quickly, Lita took Serena to the room she shared with Darien and washed her in hot bath. Even in the water, Serena flipped in and out of consciousness. Her body weak and battered. The poison was truly doing its job.

After bathing her, Lita dressed her in a light, feathery, black night dress and tucked her under the covers. She then opened the window to let in fresh air and departed as Darien entered in to shower. After showering, he knelt in front of the sleeping Serena and just watched her. They've been through so much together. Because of him, she had had to go through unimaginable pain. What would have happened if he had been able to control himself and had not dragged her into his life?

"You would have lived a happy and free life if I hadn't become part of your destiny. I almost want you to go back as you were; not knowing me at all. Please get well soon my love. Come what may, I'll be with you forever." He said and kissed her. Her eyes fluttered open for a second and closed right back up. He knew he had to leave but his legs seemed glued to her side and so he remained…for a minute longer.

"My King." Lita said from behind him, a definite 'get going' in her tone. Sighing, he kissed Serena one more time and abruptly turned around and left, not looking back. His long strides led him past curious and concerned servants, through the halls of the mansion and to the stable where Malcolm and Reino waited for him. Seeing his distressed friend, the lion immediately went to him and Darien buried his head in its main. For a minute they stood in silence.

"Watch over her for me please." He told the lion who responded with a light roar. He stood up from his bent position and approached Malcolm who was holding the reins of a newly groomed black horse. He was leaving labyrinth behind just in case Serena wanted to return to the city.

After climbing on the dark beautiful horse, Darien turned to Malcolm and all his feelings showed.

"Please Malcolm…"

"Your Majesty on my life I promise your lady will be unharmed." Malcolm vowed; his hand on his heart in the traditional way of respect and loyalty.

"Let's be off Dark Beauty." With the command given, the horse took off and Darien wrestled with himself to not turn back.

In all his service to the previous king and current king, Prime never once concerned himself in their personal affairs. In his mind, all the members of the royal family were fools and did not deserve the throne. He's only thought on Darien's father was that politically and economically, he had been a good king. But haven left of the brutal treatment he dished on his wife in secrete, he had lost all respect for the dead king. And then there was Diamond, the foolish king who had selfishly lavished himself with the riches of the country and cared nothing about his people, rendering the kingdom into mounts of debts. Prime had served his duty of being his counselor but there was not a single counsel of his that Diamond had listened. A true fool in every sense, prime had hated him. If Diamond hadn't died when he did, Prime would have assassinated him.

The assignation was a joke between Prime and Andrew but they both knew that if push came to shove, they would have done it. But luckily for them, Hotaru was ahead of the game, having received some of Darien's mother's brutality at Diamond's hands. She murdered him. With Diamond out of the way, all the paper works fell onto his and Andrew's shoulder. Nights on nights they budgeted, calculated and planned ways to get the country out of the debt it had fallen to. Fear of bankruptcy had made Hotaru cooperate with them for the period she ruled without a king. Then Darien ascended the throne and Prime was about ready to leave the office. He didn't think he could tolerate another foolish king. But Darien turned out to be slightly different. He was silent and barely spent any money on himself. He was attentive to his counsel and put into use what he was advice. For prime, that was good. But Prime knew Darien had no interest in the throne. He didn't really care about the kingdom, just did what he was counsel to do. Prime couldn't decide if this was a blessing or a curse.

In the end he decided that he would never put his 100% of loyalty into any royal family though Andrew did manage to talk him out of evacuating his office. Since Darien has been on the throne, most of the financial issues caused by Diamond had been resolved. Some give him the credit but they all knew that the person solving the financial situation was not Darien but Prime and Andrew. Even so, Andrew saw potential in Darien that prime could not see.

"I'm trusting your judgment friend." Prime recalls telling Andrew. And so regardless of Darien's disinterest, they continued to serve him.

From one puppet master king to a puppet of a king for that was how Darien was. A puppet.

Was.

Then the sleeping around started, shocking everyone. Prime wondered then if all the males of the royal family secretly had two penises and needed constant attention or if they had a secret sick hunger for different girls for everyday of the week. When Prime and Andrew advised Darien in anything regarding to the kingdom, he did it without question. However, their advice and counsel on the matter of his unfaithfulness fell on death ears. No one could understand what was happening. His sudden interests in all the girls baffled everyone and in the end even Andrew had to admit that there was something chronically wrong with the male of the royals.

He began to notice Darien's interest in Serena later that he had hoped. Darien's sleeping around started after a visit to Sir Adam's resident in the small town of Titan. At first Darien slept with any girl who wasn't bigger than him. On the second trip back from Sir Adams, he started sleeping with all blondes. It wasn't the number of girls he was sleeping with that bothered Prime, it was his right a king to have as many mistresses as he wanted. No. What bothered Prime was the pattern. Skinny, blonde, and their third trip added another physical characteristics….blue eyes. It was almost mesmerizing to watch each new addition of physical traits. It was on their fourth journey that Tipped Prime off. That beautiful little girl that Mr. Adams brag about…she was blonde, skinny and had blue eyes. Haven noticed that, he began to watch Darien and suddenly it clicked. In the presence of the story teller name Serena, Darien's eyes were focused and his face calm and child like. Worst of all, the girl was just as appealing to Prime as she was to Darien.

Prime wondered if Darien's interest in this girl was the same as his interest in all the blonde, skinny, blue eyed girls. If that was the case the he was not going to let Darien have his way with her. But he was too late.

He had hoped to return to Mr. Adams home after returning with Darien to the capital. But Darien immediately departed from the castle to the mansion in the forest, leaving a whole host of work to be done on Andrew and him. Prime was frustrated.

It wasn't long after that that he heard that Darien was at the mansion with some blonde girl. Visibly, something had shook in him and he immediately departed for Titan to make sure it was not Serena. Instead he was met with the confirmation that Serena was indeed the girl in the mansion. Pure hatred and anger filled him for the first time in his life and he so badly wanted to follow his impulse to march into the mansion and demand Serena's release.

It was his pride, yes, his pride that had held him back.

For a while he had been so unfairly angry with Serena. How could she had so easily fallen into Darien's scheme like that? She was like every other damn girl! He worked obsessively then to try and take his mind off of his worries.

Darien's return back to the palace from the mansion added to his anger and he stayed as clear away from Darien as he could. During the entire time before Serena's appearance at Hotaru's ball, he had deliberately kept out of her sight. He didn't know what he would do if he saw her. He didn't know if he would snap at her or….or kiss the day lights out of her.

And there she was, a glowing vision right out of the heavens. Like a Goddess, her very presence at Hotaru's ball shifted the mood and dominated his consciousness. Even when he tried to tear his eyes away he could not. He watched as she sat next to Hotaru which he found extremely odd since he knew Hotaru hated her. He had no doubt Serena knew of Hotaru's hatred as well. If so then, what was she doing sitting next to her?

And so the ball went on undisturbed until the King and Queen dance. For the first part of the dance, the king and queen were required to dance alone before others joined in. Prime had made up his mind to go ask Serena to dance then but then a commotion in the center of the room caught his eyes and he turned in time to see Darien and Hotaru kissing. He hadn't been angry at Darien because he knew the kissing was most definitely Hotaru's kissing. However he felt an immense pity for Serena. To share your man with another woman was unbearable for any female.

'Serves you right.' He could help thinking towards Serena before turning to see her reaction. But when he looked, she was not there. Had she run out? And how fast was she to have managed to leave the room in such few seconds? Prime immediately left out the door to seek her. He found her nowhere. The following few days were hell for everyone as Darien turned the kingdom upside down seeking his missing lover.

It was then that Prime realized that Darien truly loved Serena. She wasn't just another blonde haired, blue eyed girl. She was special. He was addicted to her, she was a drug to him. A drug that could be use for the benefit of the kingdom if properly directed. Though he still had feelings for her, he knew against Darien it would never come to be so he intended to use her to make him do his outmost best for the kingdom. With such firm determination, it wasn't long before he located Serena. Something about Serena sitting besides Hotaru and getting comfortable with her arch rival seemed off to Prime and saw he thought Serena's disappearance could only be possible with Hotaru's involvement.

As he searched aimlessly, he one day bumped into the lady called Trista who indirectly tipped him off as to where Serena could be. As soon as he told Darien about it, he was off in a hurry to recapture his prisoner. Prime did not go with them and when they returned he saw nothing of her as she often kept indoors. He heard she was sick and was weakening. Back then, Darien had been so worried that he had opened about his feelings to both Prime and Andrew. Andrew had advised him to give up on Serena because the relationship was too destructive. Prime felt that was a bad idea, especially since he had made up his mind to use Darien through Serena.

And so he hinted it to Darien to release Serena for a little while for her to see how life without him was meaningless. And also because of her fragile condition, she was best released so she could be where she wanted to be and regain her strength. Through a little manipulations of words, he made Darien listen and so Serena was released for a day which she used by going to the commoners community. It was something prime could not understand. She had one day to go wherever she wanted to, to escape even and she chooses to be among commoners?

Prime shook his head. He would never understand women. That's why he had been single all this time.

And then when she was completely left to go wherever she wanted to go, she went and stayed with the commoners! She even cleaned their filth and educated their children! Prime was very confused. What kind of woman was this that did things contrary to common sense? She could have gone anywhere, had anything she wanted if she only asked. Why did she choose to be with commoners?

And as expected, Darien rushed back to her in the passing of a fortnight. There was this force that drove them together that prime could not understand. Why were they so drawn together? What force was so powerfully that it would physically bind them in such a tight gripping hold?

Prime Considered himself a man of reason but this was beyond his understanding.

Then came that afternoon when she was to be presented to the council. She had been late, typical of a woman, but it had been worth it. She had walked in with a confidence and grace he had thought impossible for her. She had spoken with passion and precision, broken down all their defenses and showed an inner strength that truly befitted a queen. After she left, Prime was in awe for many days. There was no question on who he wanted to be queen. For the first time, a person worthy of the throne had showed up. He need not use her to make Darien more involve in the care of the kingdom. He knew that Serena was truly capable of ruling the kingdom into a glorious future of harmony and financial stability.

More than ever he was convince she was the one to restore the kingdom. Darien hadn't needed to ask if he supported Serena. He had become a big fan of that young woman. He continued to see her strength through the organization of her luncheon. Even against all odds, she did not give up. Through pain and fatigue she fought on. This was a queen worth supporting.

For the first time, Prime wanted to be involved in the lives of royals. In her life. He secretly hoped that when she became queen, she would consider making him her counselor. Yes he still loved her, but he respected her more and knew she was better off with Darien. He was going to support the both of them even if it meant his life.

And so it did.

Ever since he started his trip to go find the antidote, his life has been in danger of ending. Random errors came out of nowhere. Men hooded in black chased him with the purpose of killing. His travels were made longer because he had to avoid traps set by those trying to kill him. Several times he was directed a completely different direction and he had to find his was back on track.

Two days later, he arrived at Hotaru's family house where he was greeted warmly and safely by Lady Heather, Hotaru's mother.

After shower and relaxation, he sat in the living room to speak with the mother of their soon to be ex-queen.

"Is it true what I've been hearing about Serena?" Lady Heather asked straight out, not having the energy to ask questions in the coyish way women were trained to ask. Appreciating her straight to the point approach, he replied.

"Depends on what you've heard. If you've heard about her fainting at her luncheon then yes it is true. If you've heard about the loss of her baby that is also true and if you've heard that she is barren, that is true as well."

Lady heather began crying. Tears poured down her face in waves as she tried to process what Serena was going through. The original intention with which Hotaru had sent her to them the first time was to hate her, but after getting to know Serena, Lady Heather had come to love her dearly. The girl was an angel, someone capable of being a better queen than her daughter ever could. Such an innocent soul had no business with this much suffering.

As she cried, Prime marveled at the extent of Serena's effect. The mother of her rival was crying for her? Lady Heather of all people, the duchess who had maintained a strong hold over the property left to her by her late husband even against the former king….Lady Heather…the ice queen of the realm was openly shedding tears for a girl she should hate. More than ever, Prime was curious as to what had transpired between Serena and Hotaru's family during her stay at their house.

"What….what happened?" She asked, trying to control herself.

"She was poisoned."

"Poisoned?" Lady Heather cried out in surprise.

"Yes. By a medicinal herb that only grows, to our knowledge, at the Harthorne Mountains of Lilaien." Prime hid all his facial expressions as he uttered these words.

Lady Heather paled considerably.

"Brizon ilaer." She murmured seconds before she laxed into a dead faint.

It had been a late hour when Lady Heather had fainted so left undisturbed, she slept through the night. Waking up in the morning, she had no choice but to face the cold reality that her daughter most likely was the cause of Serena being poisoned. She remembered then that when Hotaru had returned from the mansion in the forest, she had come home to seek Brizon ilaer because she was complaining of chest problems. Unknowingly, Lady heather had helped her obtained the herb that was now the cause of so much pain for the young lady she had come to adore.

"Oh dear husband. Why did you leave me to suffer alone like this?" Lady Heather cried into her hands. For many a minute she sat on her bed, unable to draw herself out of the hurt she was feeling. How could Hotaru turn out so different from the rest of the family?

"Was my love for her too strong?" Lady Heather asked the silent room. It was true that as her children were growing up she had favored Hotaru. She was the only one who looked like her. She had allowed Hotaru too much freedom, little direction and punishment. Little discipline. When Hotaru began playing the court game to win over the affections of Prince Diamond, knowing full well that they would hurt Darien in the end, she had still supported her daughter whole heartedly. She had believed in her daughter's ability to be the next queen, the better than the current queen who was barely seen.

Hotaru's ascend to the throne escalated the family's already top notch status, bringing them second in line for the throne. It was a joyous occasion indeed. Victory over all the single ladies and families of the kingdom. Their family showed off their new status through their behavior, way of speaking and everything they did. They were so full of self righteous confidence that it was impossible to think that they'd be reduced to hiding their heads when mentioned in association with Hotaru now. They were still high on in position on the chart, they were still being invited to the top notch parties and affairs, their family was still adored and worshiped but none of them save Hotaru could enjoy the promotion. Their family was still the second most important family in the kingdom because of their position, they were still adored because Hotaru had cut taxes for the high class families but of the middle and lower classes, they were hated. When someone stops paying taxes, someone else have to pay higher taxes in order to meet the realms financial budget. That high budget fell mostly to the middle class families and because of that, those families have no love or loyalty to the royal family or to Hotaru's family.

At first Lady Heather had not noticed but as time pass, she became very aware of how limited high class families were compared to the middle class families. Limited in numbers. So even with their new position and status, their family was limited to only high class events because no middle or lower class families would invite them to their affairs. After meeting Serena, all of these things sank home and she realized they had lost more with Hotaru on the throne than gained. Before it would not have mattered at all because her ambitions had also been power and position, but now, having realized how stupid it is to live for such materialist nonsense, she found little if any joy in their family power.

Lady Heather sat in her bed and thought about a lot of things for a long time. The morning passed away by the time she rose from her bed.

"Time to change things. Time to undo my mistakes."

Calling her servants, she showered and dressed in breeches and headed for the dining room.

Entering the room, she found Mina sitting and sipping soup.

"Good afternoon Mina." She greeted.

"Good afternoon. How are you?" Mina replied. Lady Heather stood in shock. This was the first time Mina had spoken since she had been in her house. After she had learned all that Mina did to Serena from Kunzite, she wanted to hate this blond girl. But she looked so much like Serena that she just didn't have the heart to do so. And she looked so pitiful and defeated. She'd pretty much sat in the room given to her, only seen in the nights wondering around like a ghost, hallow and empty. Hair messed up and hanging loose, such a pitiful creature she seemed. But this morning her hair was made with an orange ribbon holding her hair up. The circles under her eyes were gone and she looked much rested.

"I'm alright. How are you?"

"Better."

A male servant pulled out a chair and Lady Heather sat across from Mina. Servants bustled around to serve her food.

"Seems Serena has got it hard." Mina commented nonchalantly.

Lady Heather sighed and looked out the window. She wanted to go see Serena so badly. To see if there was any way she could help her overcome the pain she knew Serena was going through. Withdrawing her gaze from the window, she saw she was served and picked up her spoon. Prime entered the room as she began to eat, directing all attention towards her and ignoring Mina as if she didn't exist.

"Good afternoon My Lady. How are you?"

"I am well Prime. There is a lot on our plate this afternoon. We need to head to the mountains to collect some Brizon ilaer and have our herbalist turn into the antidote."

"Wait what?"

"The only antidote for Brizon ilaer poison is Brizon ilaer itself. Depending on how it is prepared, it can either be a poison or medication to many illnesses and even an antidote to other poisons."

"Wow. That is an amazing herb."

"However we need the sun to ferment it. And I'm guessing you need to return with it as soon as possible. If we can go get it now we might be able to have several hours of sun to ferment it so that we can be on our way tomorrow. If not we might have to sacrifice a second day."

"Wait, what do you mean by we?" Prime answered.

"I am going to the capital with you." Even before she finished speaking, Prime was shaking his head.

"No."

"And why not?"

"Someone is trying to prevent me from returning with the antidote. I was attacked several times on my way here. I know the attacks will increase in order to stop me. I'm not taking any chances with you along."

"I see." The room was quiet a little as servants came and went.

"Why don't you give me the antidote and I will deliver it." Mina spoke and they both turned to her.

"What?" Lady Heather asked.

"I don't think they will attack me since I'll just be a poor servant girl going on my merry way." She said as she sipped her tea.

"You want me to give YOU the antidote meant to save the life of YOUR rival?" Prime asked incredulously.

"Yes."

"You're insane."

"I agree." She said. Finished her soup and walked out.

"We'll talk about this later. Eat and let's move."

After their lunch, they left for the mountains of Harthorne.

Enjoy~