Chapter 8

Rei stood before Darien's door. She had made sure that her timing would be perfect to try and butter him up. She took a breath in and knocked about ten minutes before breakfast.

"Come in." His deep voice called.

Rei opened the door and placed a smile on her face. "Oh good morning sunshine." She sang as she saw him finishing being dressed by Punjab. He was in his military uniform, which signified that he did indeed plan on immediately getting back to the base.

"Dearest cousin, why are you greeting me so early." He gave her a stony glare. He was still irritated from the night prior.

"I wanted to make a small suggestion prior to breakfast. Well, more like a request on my behalf." She said as sweetly as possible.

"You do not make requests, Reianna. You either do on your own accord or you demand." Darien gave a look in the mirror and pushed his black hair from his eyes.

"Well, this one is quite selfish I must say." Rei stated.

This caught Darien's attention. Rei never, ever, thought of herself. This much was true. She did everything for others.

"I am listening." Punjab had just placed his sword on and Darien dismissed him.

"Well, you know that I do not have many friends here. I hold events and social affairs but I have no real friends. I was hoping that I wouldn't be intruding to ask that Lady Wentworth stay with me for awhile." She said truthfully the realization making her face somber. Her closest friends were those of her husbands and Darien's. She failed to become friends with Beryl Westbanks even though Darien did try.

He looked at Rei and his face softened. He went to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Of course. It is a great idea. It would also make Malcolm quite happy."

Rei beamed at him. "Thank you so much. I was also hoping it would not be too much to ask for Serena to stay here as well, instead of at the base house. She is new to India and I doubt you will have anytime to show her around. Plus, well… this is her house now and she should have some responsibility when it comes to maintaining the house and business functions. Our buyers would love to see your wife." She babbled quickly.

Rei saw that his gaze had hardened again.

"What are you getting at Rei?" He asked coldly.

"Do you want me to be honest?" Rei asked not taken aback by his glare and dropping the sweet act.

"Do you have any other way?"

"Well if you insist. I do not think that Serena belongs on a base. It is not as if you even want her here. Your superiors have seen that you married the Commanders daughter and that should be enough. She shouldn't have to be paraded around as you see fit. She should live here in your house and I am sure they would not be surprised if she did. She is a Lady after all."

"No." Darien stated and began to walk toward the door.

"Darien!" Rei hissed at his retreating back. She hated to lose.

He turned and looked at her from the door.

"She is to be whatever I want her to be. If I want to parade her around I will. Now, ensure that her things are packed. I will see you at breakfast I have a few things to attend to."

Serena sat dejectedly at the breakfast table. Rei had broken the news that Darien would not allow her to stay in the Bombay house and she would, as planned, move to the house on base.

She sipped her coffee and watched as her brute of husband enter the breakfast dining room dressed in the same uniform he wore when she met him for the first time. She only glanced at him and then continued to sip her coffee picking up her own paper and began to read.

"Good morning, Darien." James said handing him the morning paper. "How did you sleep?"

"Fine." Darien murmured. He glanced at Serena. She ignored him.

"A wife should greet her husband." He stated now staring at her.

She didn't look up from her paper. "Good Morning." She said flipping the newspaper to the next page.

Darien made a grunt sitting down. Coffee was pourd for him and he too now drank his coffee, picking up the paper to read. Or at least pretend to look at it. He was glancing over the paper at her face. He again was trying to find a flaw. Her facial expression was intent on whatever she was reading. It had to be one of those ladies advice columns he thought annoyed.

"Do you plan on a honeymoon?" James asked Darien loudly hiding a smile. James already knowing the answer. Getting under Darien's skin was his favorite pastime.

Serena didn't look up from the paper but answered for him. "No, Lt. Shields was already on leave for two months. I am assuming he has used all of his leave galavanting around India." She said casually. Darien spit his coffee out and began to dab at his uniform where brown spots were mixed in with the tan. He was not aware that Serena knew that he was on leave and didn't take the time to marry her in England. He waited for a reaction from her but there was none. Mina had a smug look on her face as she glared accusatorially at him. He did not want to deal with this side of Serena. She may look demure but she was anything but. Mina just hoped he didn't squash her happiness.

A frown appeared on Serena's face and then a look of disgust. She threw the paper down in haste.

"Rei. Is there a local paper? Other than this nonsense?" Darien raised an eyebrow at the discarded British news.

"Serena. Not now." Mina said quietly to Serena.

Mina was excited when they were on the Rubi when Serena had forgotten all about politics and other things in her life. She was hoping that Serena would change as she was married… however, she could see that Serena was going to stay as stubborn as she always was. At least she was not depressed. Mina was also curious but she wanted to just not care anymore. She was going to be free and today she was writing to her mother that she would not be returning to London. Her uncle had taught her and Serenity enough about protecting themselves. She would miss her father and write him another letter of how much she loves him. How dear he will always be to her. Mina eyed Rei who didn't seem eager to give Serena as she requested.

"I am not…" Rei started to say but Serena motioned over Sunil.

Serena ignored Mina and asked Sunil.

"Please. Do you have a paper? I am afraid that Padma did not supply me with one today?" Sunil nodded slowly and looked over at Darien.

Darien nodded that he could bring her a paper.

"Serena. Is there something local that you are looking for in the paper? I am sure that Rei knows everything." James stated.

"I am looking for a decent response to the Hunter Committee report." She said taking a scone off the platter in the middle of the table. "British bigots." She muttered under her breath.

Now Darien was paying close attention. Did this child actually know what was going on in India?

Sunil came back with a paper that was translated. Serena took it and scanned until she found what she was looking for. Reading intently and eating a scone at the same time all eyes were on her.

It's true over the last few days Serena read the paper with just as much fervor, however, she never let on that she was also reading the local papers as well.

She now had a smug look on her face and then slowly put the paper down.

"Find what you were looking for?" Darien asked her no hint of malice in his eyes. Serena looked at him and saw curiosity. Well she wouldn't let him in on her or her life.

"Yes. I did." Serena stood up. "I am going to go freshen up before we head to the base. Please send someone to fetch me when you are ready Lt. Shields."

She walked from the room leaving everyone stunned.

Now all eyes were on Mina who picked up the local paper beginning to read. A smirk appeared on her face as well and she finished the article. She looked up taken aback her face going red.

"I think I should go speak with Serena." She stood up abruptly and left.

James sat back in his seat blowing out a held breath.

Darien stood up, his paper falling to the floor. A hidden local paper slid out.

Mina's eyes watered as she looked at her twin. They have rarely ever been apart and now Serena was leaving to be with her husband. A husband that they both detested.

"Don't fret, Mina love. You can come and see me anytime. I am sure that Rei and yourself could never stay away from me for too long." Serena consoled.

Mina came in to hug her tightly and wiped a betraying tear with her hand.

"If you need to leave. If you need anything. You must call me. Do you have everything that your father gave you?" She whispered in her ear.

Serena nodded stiffly.

Mina gave her one last squeeze. Serena would be okay. She was tougher than she looked.

"Serena, you are such a delight and I am even more pleased to say that we will become close friends. We should be around on Saturday. It is the first Polo game of the season and my dear cousin is quite good. Please, also remember that this is your house and you can stay whenever you like." She gave Serena a hand squeeze.

"Oh of course, Rei. You are a dream and you have made the transition here bearable. Please, come see me sooner than Saturday." Serena replied.

Rei turned to Darien.

"Take care dear cousin. Take better care of this sweet girl." She patted Serena's hand.

Darien nodded and gave his thanks to James as did Serena. He nodded to Sunil to open the door and Serena tentatively followed behind while fastening a wide brimmed hat on to her head.

Sunil opened the passenger door for her as Darien climbed in to the drivers seat. He cranked the engine and they again turned down the long road toward the gate.

Since Darien's home was outside Bombay they did not have to re-enter the city to get to the base. The terrain was flat but Serena could see the jungle along the horizon. It would be a thrill to see an elephant or a gorilla. A tiger would have to be her dream even if it was unsafe.

"Tell me, wife, what unsettled you so much this morning?" Darien said glancing at her.

She looked back and smiled. "Why, your presence, of course Lt. Shields."

"Now, that is not very becoming of my little bride." He scowled. A permanent feature thought Serena.

"I will try in the future to be more to you liking." She quipped back, sarcasm dripping. She wondered if it would be a good time to tell him that she could also drive an automobile.

"Do try, dear." Truth was she was to his liking more and more. He liked how she was not hiding her true self under the pretentious societal rules. He liked her anger. He needed to admit to himself that he was indeed attracted to the creature next to him. It was an understatement. He was entranced with her beauty.

'She would show her true colors, though.' He thought.

She would be the same. The same as all the nitty witty girls that fawned over him. She wasn't even on Beryl's level of education and independence. Serena's looks would fade to him over time as her personality finally gave way to the child in her. Then he would send her to the Bombay house or even back to England.

The car approached the Base main gate and they opened it and saw him through right away. Serena looked at the large base soldiers marching in rows along the road. The men who were in between drills looked on at Lt. Shield's car. He knew that they were not looking at him at all.

Past all of the men in uniform and beyond the higher ranking houses like Malcoms were the larger homes. Nathan and Zack were now living in this area as well. He pulled up to the white house where two Indian's came out on to the large porch.

The man came to Darien's door and opened it then moved around to the other side to let out Serena.

"Mrs. Shields." He bowed. "I am Veeral."

"Call me Serena." She smiled taking his hand as he led her from the car.

"Welcome back, sir." He told to Darien. He then went to the trunk and began to unload her items.

The house was large and white. The large porch on the front had seating and Serena assumed it was how to keep cool considering this house was made of wood rather than the Bombay house with was plaster and tile.

It was quaint and Serena quite liked it.

Darien waited for her to reach his side before walking to the steps to greet the woman.

"Is it necessary to have such a large house? It is just us." Serena said as she strode next to him.

"It is a perk of rank and marriage to have such a nice home while on base." He retorted while keeping his shock in check. "Do you not like the house?"

"It's lovely." She said back as Darien glanced to see a smile.

"Mrs. Shields I am Nalini." She bowed. Serena smiled. Darien felt a small smile twinge in the corner of his lip. He had yet to mess this up and he was pleased that she liked the house.

"Nalini is our cook and housekeeper." He explained.

Serena sighed in relief and smiled even broader at the woman. Serena could not cook. She could clean if needed but that also would be new to her.

"You have yet to meet Aja. He has been away at his own daughter's wedding. His title is that of an English Butler. He looks in on both houses." Darien explained

Bringing up a butler, or head of house, Serena worried about one more thing. A ladies maid. It would make her look so stuck up if she asked for one but even on the ship she had one. Her whole life she had someone to dress her, draw her baths, do her hair, pick out her clothes and everything else. She had to leave her long time maid, Anna in England. Now that she was on a military base how could she expect a ladies maid to live so near? Who would travel at her side? Would Darien let her travel?

They walked in to the quaint home. It was furnished in a true English nature unlike the Bombay house with its teak wood and bamboo furniture.

Serena finally felt at home for the first time in forever.

"Mrs. I will go unpack your things." Nalini said disappearing up the stairs.

It was just Darien and her standing awkwardly in the sitting room.

Darien could feel the electricity between them. He hated this feeling and he was overtaken with it as well. He wished that she wasn't so attractive and intriguing. Why couldn't she be ordinary and boring as he predicted her to be? He would have to wait for this to happen as he knew it would.

Serena cleared her throat and turned to look at him. She reached up and took the pin from her hair, taking off the hat. Darien could freely look at her face. His eyes roamed over her features again and again. She cleared her throat again to get his attention.

"As agreed upon during our romantic dance, I will take up in my own room. I didn't want to make a fuss in front of Nalini, so I will have my things moved once she leaves for the day."

He had not forgotten about her agreement to obedience as long as he stayed away from her bed. He wished now that he hadn't been so angry as to make such an agreement. He wanted her. Badly. His need had him missing Beryl's loving touch.

"Nalini and Veeral are married and live in this house as well. There is a separate kitchen and bedroom for them on the back of the house." Darien stated trying to wash his thoughts of Beryl.

"Nonetheless, I will take up in another room." She stated watching him intently.

Darien nodded. He had intended this from the beginning before meeting Serena. When he vowed to never bed her.

"There will be no need to move them to another room as I have already instructed Nalini prior to place your items in to a room down the hall." He said with a tinge of regret.

Serena kept her face from showing her emotions. So this all was deliberate. Then why the passionate kisses? Why the need to tell her to stay away from other men? Her idea that love could be real had turned to ash. Her dreams as a child and her fantasies aboard the Rubi had been set aflame. She straightened up a bit more.

"I do have a request that is embarrassing to admit to, but considering that you have already pre-judged me prior to my arrival I am already over your unfair ruling on my character. I…" She sighed and looked away. Drat this would be hard to admit to. Not knowing how to take care of her self.

"What is it you need, Serena?" Darien said gently as she was correct in his pre-judgement and Serena was surprised by his tone.

She looked back at him, embarrassment clear on her face.

"I have never been without a ladies maid… and… well… There are many things I do not know how to do by myself." She wanted to look down ashamed but she held her head up. It was her status that had never allowed her to learn.

As much as Darien wanted to gloat on how he saw this coming, he actually felt bad for her predicament. She was a Lady. She was also the only daughter and he was sure since infancy she had never gone a day with out aid.

"I will have to admit that this may be an issue." Darien said more to himself than her. Her face fell slightly.

"Truth is, most lieutenants do not have a sizable income such as myself or yourself. Beryl, I mean Miss. Westbanks, does and always has employed a ladies maid but she is the colonels daughter. I am not sure that it will look favorable on us to have such luxuries here."

The mention of Beryl Westbanks had Serena fuming. She felt as cold as she did when her husband left her side to prance next to his mistress at their wedding.

"Ah, I see. Well alluding to our agreement once again, do you think that Beryl would be willing to trade her ladies maid for you permanently, even if the trade is in my favor? I am sure if you married her it would be okay to have such a luxury." She said not hiding venom in her tone.

Darien shot back. "I am sure I can arrange something." He roughly placed his hat on his head. "I need to be going."

Darien left out of the front door slamming it as he left.

Serena now felt the most alone she had ever been in her whole life.

Luna was not having the luck she hoped to have in Bombay. She was so happy to be back but finding an inexpensive place to live and work out of was not going well. It also didn't help that she was indeed a single woman. Most of the landlords did even give her the time of day after they found out she was unwed.

She had promised to meet Artimus to paroose the markets for he was also on the hunt for an affordable place to live and write out of.

The weather was warm, as predicted, but the breeze from the water made the humidity much more bearable.

She saw him at once, her heart fluttering. He was standing by a fruit stand under a low hanging canopy. He was British through and through but the heat of Bombay had changed his appearance. He was no longer wearing a jacket and hat. Instead, he had on a white button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He pulled a handkerchief from his front pocket and wiped the sweat from his brow.

Luna approached him just as he turned around. When he saw her standing there he gave her a heart stopping smile.

"Apple?" He offered placing one in her hand and then taking a bite from his own.

"Thank you." She smiled back.

Artimus loved Luna's carefree look and feel. She wore a green dress and her black hair was flowing freely down her back. She was unlike any woman he had ever encountered.

"Any luck?" She asked as they made their way to the market.

"A few but the nicer ones are out of my price range." He said ducking out of the way of a few playing children.

She sighed. "Me as well. I need something more in the center of town so I can sell my clothing."

"That is the same issue I am having. All of the riots, demonstrations, fights all breakout in the center of town. If I am to document this part of history I need to be near the history." He stated with passion.

They walked on down the rows and rows of good being sold. She was having a hard time containing her joy while looking at the bolts and bolts of fabrics. Every color of the rainbow were within her grasp.

Luna felt her joy being overtaken with stress. The stress of finding a place to live made the heat feel like hot breath on her neck. If only she were married… then an idea struck her.

"Say, Artimus… this maybe the most in-decent proposal I have ever made… but between your budget and my own I am sure that we could rent a place that fits both of our needs." Luna said hesitantly.

"Oh my, Luna. Where are your manners? What type of women did you mother raise?" Artimus mocked. She playfully smacked him on the arm.

"Actually." He went on, "That is quite a good idea."

"You think so!" She exclaimed.

"Well, there is a catch." He stated.

"And that is…" Luna asked him her face all scrunched up.

"I am not sure how well the Indians take to letting an apartment to an un-married couple."

Luna's face fell. "I assure you, not well. My spinster status has almost made people chase me out with a broom."

"How well are you acting skills?" Artimus smiled at her.

Serena sat on the front porch in a very comfortable canopied chair. She was reading a novel that she had found on a shelf and it was quite intriguing to say the least. It was taking her away from her worries and this novel had not a drop of romance in it.

She heard the phone ring inside and ignored it. She assumed that Nalini or Veeral would answer the phone and if it had anything to do with herself they could bring her a message.

She occasionally looked up to see soldiers walk by the house in which she assumed they were off to work or heading home. Sometimes she thought they were looking at her, but that was silly. The heat was not so bad on the poach but it was making her tad sleepy. She would just rest her head for a moment she thought.

Hours passed and Serena lay sleeping still in the comfortable chair. Her worries gone as she slept.

"Did you see her?" A recruit whispered to his fellow comrade as he walked through the mess hall, lunch in his hand.

"Not yet. I have been in drills all day." His friend whispered back.

Darien and his fellow sub-Lieutenants sat in the mess hall for lunch. Darien, feeling quite uneasy, had felt there had been whispers going around all day. Every meeting, every drill, even in the bathroom, people had stopped talking when he entered a room. He felt a tad on edge. Maybe it was the fight he had with Serena this morning. For someone who looked so delicate she really was a spitfire. He had pegged her all wrong. Thinking she would be smitten with him and dote on him until the point of madness. A child, chaining him. He had said those very words. He would be denying her everything. And now, tables turned, she was denying him.

"How are Lita and Amy settling in?" Malcolm asked Zack and Nathan.

"Lita is just fine. She makes the best of any situation. She already has our caretakers wife teaching her how to prepare Indian cuisine." Nathan said taking a bite of his food.

"Amy is still a tad timid. She wants to go and explore Bombay but I really do not want her to go without me. There was another protest last night and the burning of all things of the king." Zack stated. "How did Serena find the house?"

At that moment a group came in to the mess hall and they motioned toward Lieutenant Shields, a smile on their faces.

He eyed them perplexed. His paranoia stressing him.

"She said she cared for the house but in typical fashion she requested a ladies maid." He stated, making Serena out to be the snooty English princess he had told them she would be.

"Bloody." Said Zack. "Amy comes from a nice home but she was not that well off. I am assuming this has been a hard change."

"A full ladies maid?" Nathan questioned in disbelief. He did not realize he was so ignorant of Serena's status. Lita had never mentioned anything. Darien pretended he was above the moon to be wed to her, but Nathan knew his true feelings. He was now thinking that Darien had left out a few details.

"Yes, a full ladies maid. She can't do anything alone. Her hair, pick out her clothes, get dressed or undressed. Hell, I doubt she has ever had to lift a finger." He said irritated. "She should be happy to have a cook and housekeeper."

"Lady Westbanks has a full time ladies maid. She has her own staff as well at her apartment in Bombay. As does Lady Rei." Malcolm pointed out trying to prove that Beryl Westbanks was not as independent as she let on and a woman of Rei's stature also provided her with a ladies maid as well.

Darien scowled. "I mentioned that to her."

The men broke out in a fit of laughter. "I bet that went over well." Nathan said wiping a tear from his eye.

"Yes, but Lady Westbanks father is the Colonel. Rei Mattais is the richest woman in Bombay. Well now I guess Serena Shields is…Darien, please excuse my ignorance, but does Serena carry a title?" Nathan asked trying to re-live their time on the Rubi. Of course she had been betrothed to Darien, who was more than wealthy but the request of a ladies maid seemed utterly pretentious while living on base.

Darien frowned. Aside from his higher up's knowing of Serena's birthright he had kept Serena's social status as far in the dark as he could. He more than used her father's Military title to his full advantage. The militia here knew more of Commander Kingsley as a military figurehead, more than they were aware of his British birthright.

Darien let out a small sigh. "She is a true Lady. Her Father, the Commander, is Earl Edward Kingsley."

"Serena Kingsley? A true Lady Title?" Nathan questioned and Malcolm looked at Darien as if he did not know his best man. How had he covered this up for so long?

"It may look worse if you do not provide her a ladies maid, then." Zack said thinking aloud.

All three men looked at him in confusion.

"Aside from her father being an Earl, she is COMMANDER Kingsley's only daughter. It would look far worse on you if you do not provide her with some of the same lifestyle. She will not need your money. It may be better for you, as her husband, to provide her a maid before she hires her own. I am not sure that Colonel Westbanks nor General Crawley would be too happy to see that you had not take better care of the Commanders daughter. Plus, you said it yourself. Beryl Westbanks has a ladies maid. I can guarantee you that Kathleen Crawley and her eldest daughter have a ladies maid as well. All of these women are with out a title and undoubtedly a rank in the line to the throne."

Darien threw his fork down on the plate. Zack was right. Zack was almost always right. Bastard. "So now I have to give in to her pompous behavior?" He snarled.

Zack and Nathan looked at each other. "Lady Serena has become close to both of our families. We were with her for three full weeks aboard the Rubi. Pompus is not a word that describes her in the least. I was very unaware of her status up until this point, my friend." Nathan defended.

"Not to mention that you are more than able to see that your wife is well taken care of. What would your buyers think if you not give her the same luxuries? They may think that the mines are failing." Malcolm, a business man as well, gave his thoughts.

They could see that Darien was seething.

"Why do you want to deny her this?" Malcolm asked shrugging.

Darien looked at him. "Lets pretend that things go your way. Lets envision you marrying Mina Wentworth and her coming to the base. Sure, your Sub- Lieutenant position would grant you a larger house. Your means could more than afford a housekeeper; which is natural around here due to labor being so cheap. But Lady Wentworth has always had a ladies maid. How would it look if after marrying her you provided her with a full time servant?"

Malcolm said nothing at first. It would look poorly on him to his troops. Malcolm had come from a gentlemen's family. His family was well off but Malcolm, like Darien, never flaunted their money. Most ranks in the Military came from well establish families. Nathan and Zack included.

"If my wife require it and I can provide it I will give her the moon." He said firmly looking at Darien in the eyes.

"Why not have us over this evening? We will bring our wives, of course, and they can try and teach Serena some of the things she should learn to do on her own before you make a decision." Zack said trying to defuse the situation.

"Fine." Darien stood up, placed his hat on his head. He left the mess hall avoiding all snickers as he went to phone the house.

It had been a long day. People he did not even know congratulated him on his marriage, a hint of a smile on their face. He was feeling like the butt of a running joke. His usual jovial feeling, while at work, has transpired in to pure irritation. It did not help that today was the first day ever, in his life, that the women who worked on base were being curt and short with him.

He took his frustrations out on his men. The drills on the first day back were hell to his squadrons. He barked orders at his sub Lieutenants. He was tired and hungry. The short drive to his house had frustrated him even more with drill runs being made down the private path.

"New recruits." He said to himself shaking his head. They must have also been on the receiving line of another bad tempered Lt and they must have been ordered to add miles on to their normal run.

He stopped at the four ways cross and in the small moment of a pause he heard some of the chatter from the men running in formation.

"She is beyond, beyond, beyond, beautiful." One went on catching his breath between words.

"Lt. Shields is a lucky man indeed." The other said digging his heels in to the earth to catch up. A few nods of agreement were made among the large group as they passed.

What the hell was going on! He drove faster to his house. He pulled up and Veeral came from the house to greet him.

"Sir. How was your day?" Veeral greeted, opening the door for him.

"Where is my wife?" Darien snapped standing up out of the car; a plume of dust settling around him where he stopped the car in a rush.

Veeral looked at him confused. "There, sir." He bowed and lifted his finger.

Darien looked to the porch where Serena was curled up in a chair sleeping. Her blond hair coming out of her bun, framing her face. Her perfect pink lips were set in a small smile. A forgotten book in lie her lap. She looked ethereal.

"Why didn't you wake her?" Darien shot back at him now realizing that most of the militia must have been by to gawk at his wife. The paranoia. The whispers. The smiles all were because of her.

"Sir, it is not my place," Veeral said, having never been put in such a position before.

Darien fumed. What did she think this was? A large estate where she could lounge around as she pleased? The Bombay house? This was military base housing. Other people lived here. Like a freaking village. He sincerely doubted that Serena would ever fall asleep on a stoop in London. Why wasn't this any different?

"DO NOT ALLOW HER TO DO THAT AGAIN!" He yelled at Veeral, stomping off toward the house.

Veeral bowed and took his jacket and hat. Karma works in mysterious ways, he thought.

Serena was enjoying the best sleep she had in weeks. She was dreaming of the days when she was a child. Running free in the garden, falling asleep under a tree, petting her beautiful ponies and horses. When someone yelling caused her to stir. One eye opened and she saw Darien scowling as he stomped up the stairs toward her.

She opened her eyes and sat up. Long lashes fluttering reveling blue orbs. How long had she been sleeping? A few minutes? Hours? She wiped the sleep from her eyes and went to fix what she could of her hair.

"Hello wife." He growled. He looked predatory.

She looked at him a confused look on her face. "Is that a permanent fixture?" She questioned trying to see if she was dreaming of if this was a nightmare. She stood up and yawed covering her mouth with her hand.

"Is what a permanent fixture?" He asked in a low tone.

"That god awful scowl on your face." Now knowing she was wake, she tried to un-wrinkle her dress.

"It seems to be that way." He growled at her.

"Humph. Defiantly not your best feature." She said flitting around him toward the door.

"Stop right there, Serena." He said menacingly, now wondering what she thought his best feature was.

"Oh, I am sorry. Welcome home, Lt. Shields." She said sarcastically and walked in to the house toward the stairs. She needed to freshen up before dinner.

Darien followed her in, the screen slamming behind him.

"Just what do you think you were doing sleeping on the porch like that?" She turned to look at him. He sounded like her brother when he felt she had done something dangerous.

Her brow furrowed. "Were you educated?" She questioned a tone she regularly used with Andrew.

"What?! Yes… answer the damn question." He retorted.

"Sleeping…" She said. "I was sleeping… you know when people are not awake they are asleep." She said slowly. "Or dead." She added on with a smirk.

His face went red. "That is NOT what I meant. The whole damn base has most likely seen you, out there, in public, sleeping!"

"Darien, that doesn't even make sense. Why would anyone come all the way out here? We are at least a half-mile from the base and barracks. I think maybe Veeral should get you a drink." She patted him on the shoulder dismissing him. He was taken a back.

She flitted around the seating room and toward the stairs reaching them quickly as to ignore Darien.

"Do you really not know?" He questioned her, his voice different from before. True curiosity in his voice. She stopped on the stairs and turned to him.

"Know what?" She asked somewhat intrigued.

'She didn't know.' He thought. She didn't know that she had the beauty and sex appeal of a goddess and she didn't realize any of it. He came to the realization she had never once flaunted herself in anyway to bring attention to herself. This was so unlike any woman he had ever met aside from Rei.

"Know what?" She said again, hands on her hips.

He looked at her. "Do you not notice men?" He asked the scowl leaving his face.

"Notice men how?" She asked confused.

"Notice men the way men notice women?" He said quickly, explaining as little as possible.

Her face scrunched. "I thought we had this conversation already. I, unlike yourself, have been loyal in every way possible to you. Even with many advances at me due to my fathers status."

She did mention something to this effect after their wedding. He thought she was just saying that out of anger. Was she so ignorant that she thought that men made advances on her because of her fathers money? His eyes widened at the reality. She had confessed this to him and right afterward he pushed her away and left with another woman.

"But, that loyalty diminished yesterday after our wedding. I guess I will have to open my eyes a bit more, Darien Shields." She turned to leave.

He grabbed her hand harshly and pulled her up the stairs away from the servants ears.

"I thought." He growled, "That I made myself clear that you belonged to me and that I own you."

"You sir, own me in name only." She spat back. "You do not own my thoughts, my feelings, my love, or my body. So when you feel like pretending that you have full ownership just refer to me as Mrs. Shields and I will act my part. Or do me one better, Lady Shields."

She snatched her hand from his hold and stormed off to her room slamming the door.

Darien hit the wall in anger and stormed off to his room to change. She had won this round but two could play at this game.

Thank you for the reviews for this story. Many have mentioned that it is their favorite and I have to admit it is also mine even though it is not as popular. KEEP REVIEWING its the only thing in my inbox that I like to read.

If you haven't noticed Serena Kingsley is nothing as we thought she would be in the beginning. She is strong and weak at the same time. She has played dumb for too long in front of others and her loss of a fairy tale marriage becomes a trigger for her to act less childish and more like a woman. Mina Wentworth is refusing to do this even though she can. She wants to give in to a more childish behavior due to her verbal abuse at home even though she is quite Serena's equal. Both girls need to find a balance as their lives progress in india.

Darien is a walking hypocrite and is finally starting to get called on his lies. He also needs to grow and become less arrogant. I am afraid to say he may become more of an ass though as the story progresses. Sorry not sorry

ZS