Chapter 12

Twists and Turns

Darien woke up to find that he was wrapped around his beautiful wife yet again. He breathed in her scent from her golden hair. He could hear her soft sore and contentment filled sun was peaking in from behind the blinds shedding a yellow glow around the room. He felt free for the first time in a long while. He had been honest with Serena, his wife, last night and he almost felt like a new man.

What he had failed to bring up was Beryl's confession to him yesterday but this was behind him now.

"Darien, I can't stand it any longer! Have you made a choice if you are coming back to me or not?" Beryl demanded of him, her emerald green eyes were wide in anticipation of his answer. She had pulled him in to Veeral and Nalini's living quarters and shut the door. Here they were and Darien needed to put this behind him.

It pained him to see her so upset. He could tell she was putting her heart on the line but he would not waiver. He would remain stern.

"This is not the right time or place, Beryl." He told her firmly. He needed to be cold. Realization dawned on him that if Beryl was here it meant that Diamond was here and Serena was inside with him.

"It is the right place! My heart is breaking more than I ever thought it could. I could go through with my marriage to Diamond if I knew that you were still mine." Tears came to her eyes. "Please…" She begged. Two months ago she said she would not act like a jealous lover.

Darien knew that in the past he would have went to her. Kissed her. Held her the way he had when he broke things off originally, but he couldn't. He had made up his mind and as strong as Beryl was she was not as strong as Serena. He knew if their roles were reversed Serena would never come to him begging. It almost pained him to know that Serena would not fight for him but he had to stay his course.

"Beryl, you are beautiful and intelligent. Sweet and kind, but I can not lead you down this road and frankly I do not want it. I know I told you before than I didn't want to have anything to do with Serena Kingsley… and I was wrong." He admitted.

"Wrong!" Beryl hissed. Her green eyes flashing angrily at him.

"Yes, wrong." He told her firmly.

"Oh, my…" She brought a clenched fist to her mouth and bit it. "You are falling in love with her…" She wavered a bit in her stance but she gained control.

Darien did not admit it but his eyes stayed firm not giving anything away.

A few tears fell from Beryl's eyes an she wiped them away.

"But you love me…" She said her head hung low. "We love each other." Tears fell to the carpet below.

"She is my wife, Beryl, and you may always hold a special place in my heart, but I plan on only being with her." He had finally said it. He just told the only person he had ever been honest to before the full truth.

"You must understand that what Serena and I have is different than what we had. This is a lifetime…"

"Stop. Don't go on Darien." Beryl told him taking a step away from him.

"This is the end, Beryl. I am sorry but it is time that we both move on." He wanted to add but not with Diamond but he could not. She would take it the wrong way.

"There is no way you love her. She is a tramp. Just look at how other men look at her." Beryl snapped at him. A disbelieving look in her eye. All her tears had vanished and the redness in her face from sorrow had turned to anger.

"You, Miss, are the one in here begging to have an affair with me. Who is the tramp?" He snarled at her.

Beryl slapped him across the face.

"This is the reaction you should have given me when I told you I was getting married." He told her coldly.

She raised her hand to him again but he grabbed her wrist. She let out an anguished cry.

"I have been honest with you Beryl and I do care about you but this is over. Do not come to me again and act your part."

Beryl regained composure.

"There now. Let me go see to my wife and make sure your intended stays away from what is mine." He all but pushed her from the room.

Darien kissed Serena's hair and then her neck. She let out a moan and he breathed her in as he pulled her closer to him.

"You would think that it being so bloody hot here I would hate this." she said in a lazy voice as she snuggled in to him more.

"And you don't?" He asked with a smile.

"You need a verbal confirmation?" she asked him sarcastically.

He laughed and kissed her neck again letting it linger and he heard her intake of breath.

"Would you like have brunch at the Bombay house today with the family?" He asked her moving his hand to take hers. He had to hold on to one part of her because if not he would not be able to stop himself from his hands roaming her body.

"As I am quite sure you most likely told Rei and James we would be joining I would hate to disappoint." She laughed lightly.

"We do not have to. It is just a formality." He told her kissing her knuckles wishing he could kiss more of her.

"I will go on one condition." She told him.

"What is that, dear?"

"We go for a ride… and race…" He could hear the smile in her voice.

"Hummmm… a race…" He mulled over the idea. "Do you think that Baladeva will win?"

She laughed loudly. "I know Baladeva will win but I think you will give it a fair try nonetheless."

"You are on, dear." He told her turning her toward him because he couldn't resist kissing her any longer.

Mina looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She adored her dark gray muslin dress. It had whips of lace at the sleeves and a dark gray bow at her waist. Her long hair was twisted in to a elegant bun at the nape her neck and white lace gloves adorned her hands.

Malcolm would be coming over for brunch today and she had yet to decide if she should openly court him. This; however, would not stop her from looking her best so he did not change his mind.

He was tall, handsome, and had a senior military title. She did not ask him what his family did or if he came from money. She did not care for these things as it never brought her or her mother happiness. Mina would proudly live in a house like Serena's on a base but she wanted to make sure she was making the right choice and not too soon. She would dictate her own future.

Mina wanted to loved more than anything. Cherished like her uncle Edward cherished her aunt Serenity. She knew that her cousin dreamed of the same thing and she sighed hoping that Serena would find it.

She had just picked out an ivory necklace when there was a knock at her door.

"Come in." Mina said turning to grab her sun hat.

Serena popped her head around the door with a smile.

"Sere!" Mina yelled giddy running to hug her. "I am so glad you came today. I have been meaning to get alone time with you for ages. Do tell me what was going on yesterday? What has been going on in your life?"

"Calm down, Mina." Serena laughed.

She entered in to the room that Mina had been occupying and sat on the chaise by the window.

"You look lovely, Mina." Serena smiled at her and Mina really did. She had color in her face and happiness could be seen in her blue eyes.

Mina blushed and Serena only had to guess that Malcolm was coming to join them at brunch today. Her cousin could deny it all she wanted but Serena did not miss the way Malcolm looked at her when he first met her at the dock. It was the 'love at first sight look.'

"Let's not talk about me. I have nothing really to say. Let's hear about you and Lt. Shields." Mina sat next to her and grabbed her best friends hand.

Serena went in to the tale and told Mina everything that had happened since the wedding to last night. Mina sat and listened, which was very un-Mina like, until Serena finished her story.

"Serena, how do you find yourself in these messes." Mina shook her head in worry.

Serena sighed. "I know. Everything is so complicated and I wouldn't dare tell Darien about Andrew coming or how I long for home."

"I don't trust him." Mina said sternly. "Beryl is at every little thing that Darien is involved with including that scum Davidson Black… I mean Diamond."

"I know. I know. I do not fully trust him either it's just that…" Serena put her head in to her gloved hands.

"OH NO!" Mina cried. "OH YOU LOVE HIM!" She shoved Serena hard.

"I don't know if I do… I just do not know. I am physically attracted to him and the way he has been lately I can't help but to want to love him." Serena was so confused. "I am keeping him at a distance as much as I can. I want to trust him. See if he keeps his promise."

Mina put an arm around Serena. "We do not get to choose with whom we fall in love with, Sere. Just leave your guard up and heavens above if you leave India with out telling me I will be livid."

"I promise. I won't leave without you knowing. This is a secret I am only trusting you with. If you tell anyone I will never speak to you ever again. I will also promise that if Darien Shields cheats on me with that woman… I will be gone. Love be damned." Serena told Mina firmly.

"All of this talk of you leaving and love makes me need a drink. Come on. Let's go down and have some champagne. Then we can see this race you and Lt. Shields are planning." Mina grabbed her hand.

Brunch was over the top. The bunch table was set under a large tent on the back lawn where the wedding had taken place. A chandelier hung from the middle of the tent for an 'awe' effect. Rei Matthias did everything one hundred and ten percent. The table was a delight of colors accented with gold. Rei smiled at her creation for this months brunch. She was especially proud of the flowers that were set in small blooms down the table. More so than the pride of her own design and the overwhelming happiness of being sat at a table with people she could call friends was that Darien Shields was adorning his wife in public.

She saw how he looked at Serena and the smile that barely left his face. She had not seen him this happy since before his parents died. She could tell that he was holding her hand under the table with the way that Serena blushed. James was ready to say something smart when Rei stopped him.

"If you say something now you could ruin it. Please, he deserves to be happy." Rei hissed at him.

"Fine. But now that brunch is over we will take a ride and I am sure that the boys will be more than happy to chime in." He smiled back and she had to laugh.

"Gentlemen. Are you ready to go for a ride?" James asked the men. This was a Sunday past time as well. Rei would head back in to the house and the men would ride Darien's vast property. It was always a great way to end a day.

"Rei, did you hear that Serena plans on racing Lt. Shields." Mina told her with a mischievous look.

Rei let out a laugh.

"Well this would be a new past time I dare say." James said with a smile. "Darien is sure to beat her with Baladeva. Don't take offense, Serena"

"If Darien was riding Baladeva that would be true." Serena told her with a gleam in her eyes.

"Why wouldn't Darien ride him?" James asked perplexed. "Sure he is a tad un-tamed but he is fast and Darien should hold on until the end."

Darien scowled and Serena looked at him. She took her index finger to his lip and pushed it up. "We talked about this facial expression." She told him and he looked down at her affectionately.

Malcolm looked stunned as did Mina.

"Darien, why won't you be riding Baladeva? All you used to do was talk about that damn horse." Malcolm asked, composing himself.

"I gave Baladeva to Serena." He mumbled. She beamed a smile reaching from ear to ear unable to suppress her glee.

"WHAT!" James barked out in astonishment followed by he signature laugh.

"Darien, from what Nathan has told me of your horse… he is a prized stead." Lita said. She knew how much Nathan adored his polo pony and his jealously of Darien's Marwari horse.

"The damn horse is in love with Serena." Darien bit out.

"It was love at first sight." Serena said the smile still on her lips.

Everyone at the table broke out in to a fit of laughter.

"Har har." Darien said irritated. "But I honestly had no choice. The damn horse honestly detests me and if I tried to race Serena on him I am sure he would lose on purpose."

"Man, I would love to see that." James laughed again. "Serena you are surly full of surprises if Darien could give you such a gift."

Now she laughed. "I am sure you know it was not a gift. It was a trade."

"Now that doesn't surprise me." Zack said in to his gin. Amy gave him a nudge.

"Whatever your trade agreement was Serena, I am sure that it has worked in your benefit." Amy supplied.

"Of course. I have an adoring horse." Serena laughed.

"And husband it seems…." Rei said quietly.

"Well! I think I should go change for my win." Serena said laughing standing up.

"I will have Deo ready the horses." James said quickly.

Malcolm whispered in to Mina' ear. "This should be interesting." Mina had to nod in agreement.

Serena was fully mounted on Baladeva, who seemed to stand taller, if possible. She looked regal and even though Baladeva with his black colors and Serena with her blinding white light they somehow fit. Darien could see that he fit with her as well.

The proud horse seemed so tame as Serena stroked his mane. Darien now had to laugh at how much the horse truly adored his wife. It had taken him months to break in that horse and only a moment for him to become tame under the care of Serena.

"I see now why you gave her the damn horse." Nathan told him. "That horse detested you and look at how smug he looks."

Darien looked at the horse. Sure enough he looked smug. Darien mounted on to the back of a white and black spotted Marwari horse.

"The rules are to the mango tree there." James told them both as he pointed toward the wide green tree at the edge of the property. "and then back here."

"Don't you dare let me win, Lt. Shields." Serena told him as they brought their horses to a walk toward a line drawn in the ground.

"HA! You know I wouldn't. I am too prideful." He remarked.

She grinned. "Good. We wouldn't want to change that."

"Come on Sere!" Mina yelled from the side.

"You got this!" Lita chimed in.

"You even have your own cheering section." He told her shaking his head.

"These are things that happen when you are kind to people." She remarked.

"Ready you two?" James asked with a smirk.

"Yes!" Serena chipped, giving Baladeva and affectionate pat. "We are not losers." She told the horse in his ear.

He gave a loud nehh and a shake of his head.

Darien rolled his eyes. "Good luck, wife."

"I won't need it." She told him back. "But use that pride to try and win, okay."

He could not wipe the grin from his face if he tried.

"ALL RIGHT! ON THE COUNT OF THREE… ONE….TWO….THREE!" James yelled.

And they were off. Serena was laughing the whole while as Baladeva was let loose. Darien was behind her and she knew he could not catch up to this spirited steed. She love this feeling of freedom. She had just rounded the mango tree when something caused Baladeva to rear up ward.

"WHOA!" She told him as she hung on trying to control him. He reared again and Serena fell to the ground with a thud.

"SERENA!" She heard Darien yell and the earth rumbled with the pounding of his horses hooves.

Slightly stunned Serena slowly opened her eyes. She was face down on the soft earth. She looked up and gasped in fright.

A viper was what had spooked the horse and it was only a few yards from her. She had never seen a snake before and was un-sure what to do. Her heart beat wildly in terror.

"Serena! Don't move." She heard Darien say from behind her. She did not dare to see if he was stolen his horse or if he dismounted. She wanted to sprint from this very spot. Run as fast as she could but she had to trust Darien. If he told her to be still then she would follow his instructions even if they were against her very instincts.

The green snake was curling up tightly in to itself, hissing. It's muscles tensing as its head rose slightly toward it's victim. Its yellow eyes showed it's intentions. She knew it was going to strike her. It flung it's head forward.

She wanted to look away from the impending bite but she couldn't.

A 'BANG' broke filled the air and the snake flew back a few feet. It's fangs never coming in contact with her. A hand grabbed her upper arm firmly and pulled her up. She stumbled but her adrenaline helped her steady herself. She was under Darien's protective arm in no time.

She watched in horror as the snake approached again. Blood oozing from a large hole in its backside. She knew nothing of snakes but this one was intent on a kill.

Darien raised the gun again but Baladeva came toward the green serpent and reared up letting the power of his hooves smash the snake. Again and again, Baladeva reared himself upward and on to the green viper until the hissing ceased and red discolored the green.

The horse finally let out a snort and walked toward Serena and Darien.

When Darien was sure there was no longer a threat he gently turned Serena toward him.

"Are you okay? Nothing is broken is it?" Darien was looking her over and running his hands up and down her arms, shoulders, necking then when he was satisfied she was okay he caressed her face.

"I…I am fine." She finally let out her heart finally coming to a normal beat. She could not look Darien in the eye. Her eyes were roaming the ground looking for another predator.

Baladeva nuzzled her face. Her hand was shaky as she reached up to pet his muzzle.

"STAY WHERE YOU ALL ARE!" Darien yelled to the group of people who were moving toward them from the edge of the lawn.

"What… what the hell…" She said in disbelief. She began to wipe dirt off her face and then dusting herself off.

"An Indian Pit Viper." He told her. "Bloody nasty things. I can not believe that damn horse bucked you off." He stated, looking at the horse. He was not angry he was confused that his reaction to seeing the snake would have him in such a state.

He was perplexed as well. An Indian Green Pit Viper on his property?

Serena was going to defend Baladeva when she saw it. Right above his right hoof, blood trickled downward.

"Oh no! He was bit!" Serena knelt down next to him examining the wound. Tears came to her eyes.

"He will be okay." Darien said soothing her. "He is a big horse and a snake like that isn't going to kill him. We just need a vet to come and insure the bite doesn't get infected."

She nodded. This sweet horse protected them both.

"If that snake would have bit you in the face… I am sure you would not still be breathing…" He stated in a shaky voice.

She slowly stood up taking a step back she winced. She had fallen on her side and left hip protested as she tried to walk. Her leg gave out and she was about to fall over.

Darien quickly grabbed her before she fell then steadied her on her feet.

"Serena, are you alright?!" He gasped at her. She was not the girl to faint at such a time. Had he missed something when he was looking her over?

"Bloody hell." She let out the un-ladylike curse. Her hands went to feel her hip and she pressed lightly.

"It's just bruised." She told him. "It's where I fell. It's happened before. Don't worry." She said more to herself than Darien. He grabbed both horses reigns and then he quickly lifted her in to his arms and started to make his way back to where eight people stood looking at them in fear.

"I can walk." She told him. It was a lie. She was not walking outside of the yard again ever.

"Just hush." He told her gently.

"Thank you…" She told him taking her hand and touching his face.

He snorted. "I almost died when you fell off that horse. Baladeva bucks me off all the time… but you? I was ready to put him down the moment you hit the ground."

"He would never do it on purpose!" She told him in Baladeva's defense.

"Yeah, I realized that after he pounded that snake in to the ground." Darien said in disbelief.

She shivered at the thought of the viper. Another reason to hate India.

"Scared you pretty good" He stated, concern marring his handsome face.

"Scared me pretty good too.." He murmured. His brow was furrowed.

"You seem… worried about something." She told him, reading his facial features.

He would not meet her eyes even though she was staring right at him.

"Just you." He told her squeezing her tighter to him.

"Your lying." She said firmly.

"It's nothing." He said in a clipped tone. But Serena was going to ignore the finality of his tone.

"Didn't you ask me last night to trust you?" She glared at him and he sighed loudly.

"Indian pit vipers live in southern India… not here. This is not a climate that suits them." He gave her a look.

"You think someone put that snake on your property?" She said. Her eyes wide.

"I am not sure if it was just one snake. I am going to send Punjab in to Bombay to bring back a pack of men to search the grounds."

She gulped. "I don't think I am very fond of snakes"

"We have mongoose on the property to keep snakes out. I just want to be sure that we don't have anymore." His brow furrowed in frustration.

Serena didn't say anymore. Someone knew that the men went riding on Sunday's. Someone put that snake on the property. She wanted to know she swallowed hard thinking that there could be other deadly snakes on the property.

The grounds were searched over the next two days and three more Indian pit vipers were found. That did not include how many the mongoose may have gotten to. Thankfully none were in the house as it was turned upside down.

The common trait that all of the vipers had was a distinguishable black and yellow diamond shaped pattern down each and everyone of their backs.

The warning could not have been more clear.

Serena insisted that they keep on the regular routine and go back to their house. Darien had become ever more paranoid and doting… and brutish.

Serena visited Baladeva every day while Darien worked. He was okay as Darien said he would be. He was a strong horse and it made Serena love him even more. Serena changed the bandages daily so he would not get an infection but now the only thing that made her unconditionally happy here was injured… because of her.

There was an air of foreboding on the horizon and Serena wanted to break the monotony and Darien's mood to be happier and not so stern.

She had Mina and Malcolm over for dinner on Wednesday. She joked about being their chaperone but she was happy to see that Mina was falling for Darien's best friend.

"That was nice." Serena said slipping in to bed after Nalini braided her long hair.

"Malcolm is ready to chain her to him so she can not get away." Darien said sarcastically.

"I think Mina is ready. I can tell by the way she looks at him. I do hope she has her wedding in England." Serena said with a smile.

"Why?" Darien looked at her confused. Their wedding had been beautiful even if it was a mess.

"Well for one it's the gentleman thing to do." She gave him a warning glare and she could see him go tight lipped. It was a low blow but she would not have Darien challenge Malcolm on the situation if and when it arose.

"Plus, her whole family is there. Mina even told me that when his commission is up Mr. Abott plans on returning to England."

This took Darien off guard. "HE WHAT?" Darien yelled.

"Surely I didn't stutter." She said annoyed at his tone.

"Why would he do such a thing?" Darien probed, the disapproval strong in his voice.

"Why would you assume he would not go back to England?" She raised brow at him, dismissing his behavior.

"Because India is amazing and wonderful." He said like it was common knowledge.

Serena snorted and opened up her book.

"What? You do not agree?" Darien grabbed her book forcing her to look at him. Yes, he wanted her full attention. He wanted to know the answer to this question that plagued him daily.

"We are each entitled to our opinions." Serena told him not meeting his eye. "Now, my book please."

"No. Tell me the truth. You told me that it had good and bad characteristics now tell me what they are." He lifted her chin and she stared in to the depths of his scrutinizing eyes.

"It would be in poor taste for me to give my honest opinion after almost being bitten this week by a deadly viper." She said tartly.

"You hate it here don't you?" He accused dismissing her retort. He knew her feeling on India was more than the serpent.

She gave him a glare. "Hate is a strong word."

"But it's fitting isn't it." He hissed at her.

"Why are you picking a fight with me right now?" She let out a breath and shook her head exasperated.

"I knew you would hate it here. It just figures." He said rudely.

She was ready to stoop to his level. She was ready to bite back at his words but she stopped herself. Serena knew that Darien was being pushed to the brink. With an uprising on the brink of happening in India and running his business in addition to Diamond and vipers… it was too much even for his ego.

Serena's eyes softened and scooted close to him, pulling up his arm, and wrapped herself up around his side. She could feel how tense he was. Frustration was rolling off him in waves.

"I know you are stressed out." She said quietly. She took his hand and gave it a squeeze.

He blew out a breath but he had not calmed down. She knew he needed to ease his mind.

"Darien, you are what is tethering me to India." She told him. This was as truthful an answer he would get. "And Baladeva…"

He let out a laugh and she felt him relax. She smiled.

"I could easily handle all of this issues before I met you. But the thought of something happening to you… it's pushing me to a breaking point." He admitted not careing any more if she was honest or not. She was here, safe with him.

"You do not have to worry about Diamond. I can take care of myself and you take care of you. I am aware that those snakes were most likely meant for you…" She trailed off as she burrowed her head in to his chest.

"Yes. I am aware of this as well. With me gone and you in a strange country it would not be the best predicament. And asking me not to worry is a poor request." He growled in to her ear.

"Everything will be alright." She said solemnly.

He kissed her forehead hoping that she was right. He feared he would lose her when he was only getting to know her. He was still insisting that he was not in love with her but the thought of losing her was… agonizing.

Serena bit her lip as she waited for Darien to come home the next day. In her hand she held two letters but Darien would never know that there had originally been three. She wondered who could be writing Darien from England but this is not what perplexed her.

Her father's letter had come. Inclosed was a sealed letter for the Colonel. Her father had written to her and Darien that it would be an injustice to have Lady Westbanks engaged to a scoundrel like David Black. He asked that the letters Black/Diamond penned to himself not be shown to the Colonel unless necessary. He noted that his health was getting better which made Serena feel light and happy. Her father was doing better and the ulcer that had been paining him the most had been operated on. She felt so blessed to know that she maybe able to see him again.

The other letter to her was from Andrew who was currently in New Delhi and he would be arriving on the Friday of next week via the train. He told her where he would be staying in Bombay that night. He noted that he had purchased two ticket's aboard a luxury liner as a precaution and he would meet her at the dock on Saturday in Bombay at 7am. She knew by his words that it was her choice to stay or go. He was the most loving of men and would respect her decision whatever it maybe.

Serena felt heartbroken to meet and tell Andrew that she would not be leaving with him. She also felt sick knowing that she wanted to be on that boat home. It would cause her great suffering to stay but she hoped that she could reap the rewards of a blessed marriage in return. If Darien was going to try she would as well. Serena burned the letter from Andrew nonetheless.

Serena was brought out of her revery when the screen door slammed shut. Darien looked like he was in a wonderful mood and his grin was infectious. He walked toward her grabbing her in his arms and kissing her.

"Would you like to share your sudden giddiness, Lt. Shields. This is a new look for you." She laughed when he broke the kiss.

"Everything is going quite right today, love. There is talk of a placing a new Lieutenant Colonel with all of the aggression going on here in India. This is the very promotion that I have been waiting for." He said enthusiastically as he gave her another hug.

She smiled happily for him.

You are such a blessing." He kissed her hair. Darien meant it to. She was becoming a light in his once dark heart. He could feel himself becoming a better man because of her. A man that his parents would be happy to call their son. There was so much darkness for so long after his parents passed but she was making him feel things he had not felt since he was a child. He was blessed that he had married her because along with a possible promotion he had her.

She pulled away from him with a huge smile. "Well, dear, I hope you get this promotion. I love seeing you happy like this."

He only smiled like a little boy and then gave her another kiss. This one was deeper and Serena felt like her body was on fire. She never knew that anyone could stir such emotions in herself. She broke the kiss and looked in to his eyes. They were dancing in delight.

"Well, I guess you will be also happy to know that my father's letter came today and another letter for yourself." She told him.

"Did it now." He huskily in her ear.

"Well." She kissed his neck boldly still entranced by his last kiss. "Maybe if you get the promotion, you know because I did not marry a loser, we may take a promotion as well." And she stepped away making him groan audibly. She was a minx who was always keeping him on his toes.

She went to retrieve the letters from where she left them on the table. She held out her hand to give them to him. Her eyes were challenging him and his were lustful. He grabbed her wrist pulling her to him yet again.

She giggled.

"I am quite positive that the promotion is mine. We could celebrate early." His voice was deep and smooth. He ran his hands up and down her back. Serena wanted to give in at this very moment but this was her heart on the line.

"Lt. Shields, I hold the cards in this game and I am not one to count my eggs before they are hatched." And even though he did not get the double meaning of her words he only held her closer.

He slowly let her go and smiling she handed him the letters. Serena headed in to the dining room to let Veeral know that he could start dinner and to make a drink. She needed a drink as well for boldness of her statement to her husband.

Darien headed to his study to read the recent letters over. He sat down at his desk with a smile he could not erase and he replayed the possible promise from his wife. He briefly wondered if any other man would have made a promise to stay away from his wife as he had to Serena. He had to atone and his personal suffering was included.

He read the one from Commander Kingsley and he planned on giving Colonel Westbanks the letter first thing in the morning.

He smiled knowing that the news of Serena's fathers health improvement must have brought her some relief.

He looked at the postage on the second envelope and he frowned. He grabbed the letter opener and sliced open the envelope.

Slowly he opened the parchment and started to read the contents. The more he read the more he sank back in the chair.

Serena walked in to the room with his drink and she was immediately concerned. Darien was slouched over and looking quite pale.

"Darien!" She went to him quickly kneeling in front of him. "What happened? What's wrong."

He looked at her with an unreadable expression on his face.

He handed her the letter. She took it with a shaky hand.

She gasped at what she read. It could not be true.

Darien Shields had been named the Duke of Queensfort.

As usual I love the reviews! They make my day and make me smile.

This is a shorter chapter and I am sorry. I told you it was going to be hard for me to bridge together this story. The next chapter will not be so difficult.

As a side note I had to look up Indian Green Pit Vipers and so some research and I swear I was looking in corners of my own house worried a snake would come out at me. I hate snakes. Look up the snake if you want to be grossed out too. Shiver...

Anyway! Drop me a line. I love where everyone thinks this story is going... and you are SO right and SO wrong at the same time.

ZS