Two days of non stop rain postponed the wedding. Serena had hoped to awake to rain again on the third day; however, she was disappointed to find clear blue skies. Serena was preparing as slow as possible. It was hot, she was hot, everything was just hot. Lt. Darien Shields had also not shown himself in the two days that had delayed the inevitable. Her nerves didn't help either and she stumbled around her room in the wedding dress that felt like a straight jacket to her. She tried looking at herself in the mirror pretending to be a blushing bride but the lies shown though all to well. She was miserable… and sweltering hot.

She looked at herself again and had to agree that the changes Luna had made to the dress were unique and amazing. In England it would have caused quite a stir. Luna has taken off the sleeves of the dress. This wasn't too scandals. The newest rage in England were sleeveless, beaded frocks, but not at a wedding. Also, the high neckline had been removed. The dress cut lower in the front exposing her alabaster neck. Luna had meticulously beaded the bust line, waist, and part of the skirt. The ruffles that once lined the bottom were removed and replaced with lace.

Serena had her hair up in pins and elegantly twisted in the back.

"Serena." Raye's voice was behind her, a touch of pity around the edges of her name. "Darling I can not say that you do not look positively stunning, because you do of course, but I can see your frustration."

Serena's shame came to her face. "I'm just bloody hot." She mumbled.

Raye's laughter bubbled up around them. "It's always bloody hot here, love."

Serena plopped down on the vanity stool and fanned herself.

"You are only going to make yourself hotter, Serena dear. You are just pumping that blood around." Raye scolded.

Serenity was about to pull her hair out. No matter how beautiful she looked in the mirror a haze of anger dwelled around her.

"Sere!" Mina ran in to the room wearing her bridesmaid dress. "You only have an hour left!"

Tears formed in the brides eyes and Mina rushed to her, rubbing her back. "Serena. You can't be like this. You have to be strong."

Serena looked at Mina who nodded in affirmation. Then she looked at Raye who gave her a firm nod too.

She sighed and then picked up her handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes.

"Your right. Of course you are right." Serena sat up straight and forced a smile.

"Good!" Mina pulled Serena up by the arm and then she ran over to the gramophone.

"LETS DANCE!" Mina yelled and pulled Raye up off the bed.

For the next twenty minutes Mina and Serena taught Raye the Charleston. Their faces were flushed red and laughter rang though the halls.

Darien walked in to his house in his finest uniform, helmet held under his arm and sword by his side. Malcolm was at his side. For all of his glory and metals of honor that adorned his shirt you would have thought by the look on his face he was going to face god today. The bustling servants avoided his stoic look as he advanced toward the sound of laughter that floated down the stairs. He looked up the grand staircase with a look of pure irritation.

"Well would you listen to that my friend. Maybe you should take a hint and lighten up." Malcolm nudged Darien in the side only to be awarded with a gaze that could kill.

"She laughs at the funeral. Bloody fantastic." Darien turned on his heels toward the bar. Malcolm laughed and slapped him on the back.

Punjab was handing him a drink before he asked and Darien sunk down in to a chair in the living area. Malcolm joined him but a smile graced the solders lips in which annoyed Darien to no end.

"Tell me. What is it that makes you look so foolish?" Darien hissed at him. Malcolm only smiled larger.

"Lady Wentworth will be here today." He answered.

Darien scowled. "You're a damn fool."

"Who is a damn fool?" James asked an amused look on his face as he greeted his brother in law.

"Darien here declares that I am the fool." Malcolm teased.

Darien gave him another sour look and took a swig of his drink.

"Now, now. If anyone here is a fool it is my dear brother here." James laughed and patted Darien on the shoulder.

A sardonic smile graced Darien's lips. "You are right. I am the ass getting married today."

James gave him a look. "No, you're the fool for avoiding Lady Kingsley for the last two days. I however have very much so enjoyed her presence. Raye likes her a great deal."

Darien huffed loudly.

"You know that Seyia Kou likes her a great deal as well. He has dined with us the last two nights. Serena and him have become…" James stopped when Darien looked at him wide eyed. His face was red with anger.

"What?" He snarled not quite sure he was hearing James correctly. James hid a smile.

"Did you not know? Seyia and Serena have become quite good friends." James took a sip on his drink.

"Brother…" Darien hissed. "Why wouldn't you tell me that a man has been visiting my bride?"

James shrugged. "At least someone has been visiting her. Come now. The guests have begun to arrive. You will be getting married in the next half hour."

"Damn right I will." Darien said low as he stormed off to greet his higher ups and soldiers.

Raye had really outdone herself. There was a harpist who played in the back of the large congregation. White chairs were lain out over the vast lawn all facing toward a center arbor that was wrapped in pink and white roses. The guests were in their seats awaiting the bride. Darien stood at the front, Malcolm next to him. Across from them Mina stood awaiting her cousins entry. Darien had seen that the Colonel Westbanks and General Crawley had seats near the front. Darien could also see all of his close friends and Beryl. She has come with Davidson Diamond, a man that Darien could not stand to be in the presence of. So, this was the man that Beryl's father planned on her marrying. Her red hair was done up like an English Aristocrat and a yellow dress made her standout like a gem. Beryl caught his eye and gave him a smile. Darien would have been completely drawn in by her beauty but the harpist began the wedding march. Darien looked up from his past flame to have his breath taken away by an angel walking down the aisle. He was sure that he was gawking at her and shifted his weight to a more casual stance to play nonchalance. But the closer she came down the aisle the more his heart pounded. As if time has sped up she was next to him now. Her small hands in his and he was mesmerized by her innocent blue eyes. He was boring down on her and she met his eyes not looking away. I do's quickly slipped out and he watched as her little tongue came out and licked her lips as the minister said 'you may now kiss the bride. He didn't know what took over him in that moment but from the moment he pressed his lips against hers an electric shock took over. His arms went around her small body and he pulled her closer to him deepening the kiss.

Her hand went to his face in shock and the touch for her hand was about to drive him crazy.

It was when Malcolm let out a cough that Darien remembered where he was that he abruptly stopped and pulled away. Serena's face was flushed in embarrassment and Darien actually smiled. Causing shock to color her face. He pulled her down the aisle as the guests clapped.

By the time that Darien reached the end of the aisle out of sight of everyone he dropped Serena's hand like it was fire and he walked away toward the house leaving his bride alone in the yard.

Serena stood dumbfounded watching the man who just assaulted her walk away. She felt the spark. No, she told herself. She had seen true love before and Darien and her could be no such thing. No love in each other's eyes. No heartache being apart. Now dumbfounded and embarrassed she wasn't alone with her thoughts for long as the guests emptied their seats and began hugging her giving their congratulations.

The groom had vanished leaving her alone. Anger rose in her and she turned her hate in to a smile.

She thanked them for coming and put on her most ladylike charm. She didn't have any more time to think about what just happened.

"Serena!" Lita called coming close dragging Nathan along behind her.

"Congratulations dovey!" She smiled and kissed her cheek.

"Thank you." Serena gushed. "Luna! Artimus! You came!" She yelled when she saw them.

"Of course we did." Luna smiled giving the girl a hug.

"Good! Now I can tell everyone who designed my dress." Luna just beamed.

"You look beautiful, Serena." Nathan smiled and kissed the girl on the cheek as well.

Serena was now surrounded by her new friends and chatting lively. No one mentioned the kiss but Mina kept giving her a look. Between Amy and Zachary she saw her groom had returned and was now chatting with a few other soldiers. He had that smile on his face. The one that he gave her after the wedding. The same smile that made her speechless. He looked over at her and she looked away in embarrassment to have been caught staring at him.

The moment she looked down she felt someone next to her.

A voice whispered in her ear.

"You look beautiful when you blush." Seyia breathed.

Serena looked up a huge smile on her face to see her friend.

"Seyia!" She beamed.

Darien didn't know what had overcome him to kiss her so in front of everyone nor did he understand the urge he fought with to take her upstairs right after the ceremony and ravage her. He had to leave her or he would regret it. After a few minutes of calming down he walked back out where the reception was starting. He was going to walk back to his bride but she was being showered with congratulations from the guests. He didn't make it far before his squadron was surrounding him commenting on how beautiful his bride was.

General Crawley went on about how Commander Kingsley's daughter was stunning just as her mother ways.

He could feel eyes on him and he was delighted to find Serena's eyes on him. She looked away embarrassed but the Darien didn't miss Seyia whisper in his wife's ear and the blush that colored her cheeks made him angry beyond belief. The smile that Seyia brought to her face made him lethal and Darien found himself excusing himself and then striding across the lawn to Serena's side.

He placed a possessive arm around her waist and he couldn't help but to relish in how small her waist was.

Seyia looked at Darien in surprise. "Lt. Shields. Congratulations. I do say I am surprised you showed up to your own wedding." He taunted.

"I am quite surprised as well." Darien smiled looking down at Serena who met his gaze with a frown. "If you would excuse us."

And he pulled Serena by the waist toward the house. The moment they were inside and away from the servants he let go of her.

"How dare you!" She said in her soprano tone. "That was beyond rude."

"How dare me!" Darien yelled back enraged now noticing that her eyes held so much anger in them. "You are Mrs. Shields now. You can't go about gallivanting around with every man here."

"Excuse me!" She hissed. "I do not gallivant around with other men! They are my friends. They are your friends as well!"

"I didn't know I married a seductress." He continued to berate her.

She slapped him across the face. Tears brimming in her eyes, he had now officially ruined their wedding. "How dare you refer to me as such? Do you know how long I have had to wait for you? Do you know that I was not even allowed to be in any mans presence at anytime alone? I have been nothing but loyal including my thoughts up until this very moment! I am sure the same is NOT for you." She chastised tears now brimming in her eyes. She went to turn and he grabbed her by the hand. She tried to shake free but it was pointless. He reeled her in and pulled her against him. They fit together like two puzzle pieces. She struggled against him but he held her close lifting her chin so he could see her face.

The anger he found in her face made him drawn to her more and he couldn't help but to kiss her again greedily. At first she writhed against him but then lust took over and she found her hands tangled in his hair. His hands caressed her back, her sides. She pressed herself closer to him and she moaned against him mouth. He had to stop this or he would be taking her right here in the sitting room.

"Ah, so this is where you ran to Darien dear." A high pitch voice broke the moment the couple was entranced in. To hear that voice was like throwing cold water on him and he pushed Serena out of his arms. So much so that she stumbled back a step.

"Beryl." He breathed.

Serena was gasping for air and she felt herself self-conscious yet again. She knew she looked disheveled and she tried effortlessly to pat the lose hairs back in to place.

"I was coming to give my condolences." The red head walked toward them. "Please let Raye know that she did an amazing job on the party."

"You are not staying?" Darien asked in a haste.

"I wish I could but I can not. Diamond has business and wishes to go." She faked a sad look. But sad was nothing compared to the jealously that was filling her.

"Beryl Westbanks please let me introduce you to" he paused . "To my wife. Serena Kingsley."

Beryl shot a dark look at Darien when he said the word wife but it was quick and a smile replaced it before Serena could be sure that such a face was even made.

"Pleasure." Beryl smiled but Serena could see something dark in her emerald green eyes.

"Thank you for your condolences as I feel the same sentiment. " Serena said as politely as possible. She was noticing the fact that Beryl Westbanks was quite beautiful, exotic even.

Beryl paused for a moment never having anyone, aside from Raye, challenge her back.

"Like I said. It was an amazing party." Beryl gave the fake smile again and turned to Darien. This time Serena saw the look of lust in the red heads eyes. "Darien, be a dear and walk me out."

Darien nodded and placed his arm though Beryl's, escorting her out of the sitting room with not so much as a look at his wife.

Serena gaped at their retreating backs. It took her a moment to cool her anger but she quickly found a mirror located on the wall in a hallway and fixed the fly-a-way hair that resulted from her lust filled moments with Darien. She didn't know what had come over her earlier. Her anger should have pushed him away but somehow she only came closer. When she again felt his lips upon hers she tried to ignore the calling. She tried to get free but his arms were locked around her and his smell had her entranced. She caved as she felt his tongue invade her mouth. The moment she tasted him she couldn't resist. Now that he was gone she couldn't believe what a fool she was. She wouldn't do it again. She couldn't. The heartbreak would be too much to bare.

She exited the house; a false smile on her lips and grabbed at a glass of champagne that was being passed out by the servants.

She quickly downed the glass and proceeded to enjoy another.

Mina felt free as she danced with the fifth solider this evening. Even though the air was hot, a soft breeze consistently blew making the night almost magical.

The champagne was flowing and the light hearted atmosphere was much needed after the stress that exuded off Serena over the last two days. Mina had watched as the devil him self pulled Serena into the house and that kiss he gave her was something. But when she saw Lt. Shields walk out of the house with the beautiful redhead her thoughts about him being the devil was clearer than ever.

"May I cut in?" A voice asked pulling Mina from her thoughts as she was spun on the dance floor.

Her partner bowed and walked away and the devil's minion grabbed her up.

"I wasn't quite done." Mina gave him a look, but the moment she looked in to his eyes her stomach knotted.

Malcolm just smiled down at the angry blond.

"You were quite done my dear. Your fifth boe this evening will cause quite the scandal." His ice blue eyes twinkled at her.

"You seem to be mistaken. You are now my sixth I am sure the gossip has begun." She bantered back as she controlled the butterflies.

"It is you that is mistaken. You will dance with no one but me from now on."

Mina threw back he head and laughed.

"Why is that funny?" Malcolm asked amused. One eyebrow raised.

"Sir, it is the first time in years that I am free. I will not be tamed so quickly and I will dance with as many suitors as I wish. I would hate to give anyone the impression that you and I…" She cut off.

Malcolm grabbed her tighter and whispered in her ear. "Well not if I can do anything about it."

Mina gasped and Malcolm began to move her to the music that filled the night air.

Darien walked Beryl though the yard, her arm in his, toward the waiting car.

"So… Diamond." Darien said to break the silence.

She gave a smile. "Yes. My father thinks it's a good match."

Darien snorted.

"Well it would have been you he chose had you not married that floosy."

For a reason unbeknownst to Darien he stopped short and turned Beryl to look up at him. Had he really just left his bride, alone, with out so much as a thought. Now, who was the seductress?

"Floosy?" He asked an edge in his tone.

"Well darling, seriously what else would you call her? She was all over you when I walked in." The answer she was looking for never came and Beryl was taken back by the glint in his eyes. She looked away, hurt.

"Beryl, do not refer to my wife as a floosey." He said calmly.

"Darien?" Beryl asked confused. Where was his declaration? Where was his apology that she was the one and he was wrong to marry that girl out of duty?

"I am serious." He stated.

"Oh, now she is your wife? Not the child who was taking your life over? Darien, please, I know that you love me and I love you." She placed her hand on his cheek.

Darien paused and looked down in to her emerald eyes. He shook his head and then sighed.

"Beryl, I am not so sure anymore. Please, I was serious when I left weeks ago. It wasn't a joke. I take my duty seriously." He said candidly. He still felt something for her but maybe it was not as deep as he had originally thought. He was not pained to be away from her but yet, when he saw her he wanted her.

"Have you still given no thought to the idea of us continuing where we left off? It has been weeks and I have been needing you." She purred quietly.

It had been weeks. Darien knew that he had indeed been denying himself such a pleasure for so long was getting more difficult.

As tempting as she was he fought back. If anyone found out that he had betrayed Commander Kingsly's daughter so soon it would be a disaster.

"Beryl, I am standing by what I said." Darien said firmly.

Beryl stood up straight. "Well, Lt. Sheilds. I am assuming that I should leave on that note. But just remember, at least you have said your goodnights to me." She said coldly.

He turned back toward the party leaving Beryl alone.

Darien regretted leaving Beryl in the dust when he saw Serena and Seyia dancing. Her face was flushed and she was smiling as they spun. Amy and Zack, Nathan and Lita, Raye and James were all dancing together as the full orchestra played on.

Darien decided right then and there he would make Serena pay for these feelings he was having. The loss of Beryl, she would have to pay.

"Excuse me." Darien butt in rather rudely. A fake smile on his lips. He motioned to Seyia to move away.

Seyia hide his frustration and moved aside. Serena's face held irritation and she winced when Darien grabbed her rather roughly.

"Ow." She mumbled.

"Listen to me, Serena." He whispered dangerously in her ear as he spun her away from the couples on the floor to a more secured area.

"Is this how our first dance is to be, Lt. Shields?" Serena cut him off. She didn't want to give in to any more notions of love. She also had to get him away from being so close to her. His scent was arousing.

He was taken a back for a moment slowly spinning her away and back to him. She took in a breath of fresh air and cleared her head.

"Our first dance?" He rose an eyebrow pulling her back in.

"Yes. The traditional first dance." She looked away. "Well, it may as well be ruined like everything else." She said so quietly Darien almost didn't hear her.

Realizing that Seyia had danced with Serena first, before himself his anger was fueled again.

"You are my wife and you will not be talking to other men. Do you understand me? I own you, Serena." Darien hissed in to her ear. She held her breath.

She gave no answer. Her lips pressed in to a thin line.

"Nod your head, wife." He demanded.

Serena looked up and caught his deadly stare. "You listen to me. I have dealt with arrogant bastards like you my whole life. Now, as for you, you may be the worst of them all. So, fine. I will do as you say. You sleep with your whore just don't you dare plan on coming to my bed." She glared back at him.

"I didn't plan on it." But he pulled her closer taking in her secret of vanilla and lavender. Hid mind may not have wanted Serena, but his body did. His body was betraying him as he held her close. Visions of her under him, her golden hair spread around her as he…. He had to stop this insanity.

After a few moments of silence Serena pulled out of his arms, she couldn't stand being with him for another moment and walked toward the man with the champagne. He watched as she downed the glass and put it down on the tray grabbing another. She turned around and looked at Darien. "Thank you for the dance, Lt. Shields." Then she sauntered away.

"Serena…" Mina tried to comfort her cousin. Serena was sitting on the lounge in her room sobbing.

This marriage was so much worse than she could have ever imagined. She was attracted to him. Very much so. His midnight blue eyes and chiseled jaw line, his smell; however, it was all a facade. He was cruel and crude. His rudeness and his act of superiority disgusted Serena. And even with all of these horrid attributes she was magnetically drawn to him. When he touched her she felt him everywhere. Sparks of a feeling she never thought she would ever feel.

She sniffled and then took another sip of champagne.

A small knock at the door reveled Raye.

Raye looked downcast at the situation in front of her. Her and James wedding day was the happiest day she had ever known and it broke her heart that this beautiful girl lie here crying.

"Darling, please do not cry." Raye took up a spot on the floor by Serena's head. She slowly took away the glass of bubbles and hid it behind her.

"I know he can be a bit of a brute…"

"A BIT!" Serena sat up. "More like a tyrant. He told me that he owns me. Like a piece of property. Like a cow."

"Well, at least cows here are sacred…" Mina said. Raye and Serena both glared at her.

Raye grabbed Serena's hand. "I will talk to him about you staying here and not at the military base."

Serena wiped her eyes. "Really?"

"He is being a total ass. The way he has been acting I doubt he even wants you there anyway." Serena bristled at this but nodded her head in agreement.

"Serena…" Mina said quietly… "Are you not moving in to his…. His room?"

Serena glared at her. "Lt. Shields and I have come to agreement already regarding that."

Mina waited for more but Serena didn't say any more.

"I will send in Padma to dress you." Raye said as she stood. Serena and Mina stood with her.

"Serena, you and Mina are now my dearest friends. I will do everything in my power to help you while you are in India. It just so happens that we are family now." She gave Serena hand a squeeze and exited the room.

"My dearest cousin, I will be here with you. Please, get some rest." Mina hugged her and departed the room.

Padma entered and dressed Serena in her night dress. Serena wrapped the robe around her and sat at the vanity and Padma undid her hair and brushed it out.

Maybe Raye could get her out of moving to the base. After all, Serena knew that Darien would not want her around. He had other means of women to entertain him.

Darien walked in to his room at the Bombay house and proceeded to undress walking toward the bathroom. Punjab had already left out clothing to wear and drawn him a bath. Thoughts flitted through his mind of Beryl and him laying in a bath scented with lavender, incense burning around them. Slowly the past images of Beryl turned in to his new bride. The child that he was so against marrying. Images of him holding her and smelling her hair, kissing her neck, feeling that spark of intensity he had never felt before… He was now aching to be with someone… not just anyone… her. The blond seductress. His wife.

"Punjab!" He called loudly. "Punjab!"

Only a moment later Punjab knocked and entered, bowing slightly.

"Bring me my wife." He said quickly in Hindi.

Punjab did not move as he normally did… he knew that the young Mrs. Shields was passed out as he had helped Padma place her in to bed.

"What are you waiting for!" Darien growled.

"Sir… Mrs. Shields is asleep." Punjab stated.

Darien just stared at him.

"She… she had quite a lot to drink at the reception and I aided Padma getting her to bed."

Now Darien glared at Punjab.

"Sirrrr. It's not like that. The young girl fell asleep at the vanity and Padma could not move her alone. She didn't want to inform Mr. and Mrs. Matthias."

"Fine. You are dismissed." Darien watched as Punjab bowed and exited the room.

Well at least for tonight he had kept his word by not going to her bed.