Chapter 15

Homeward Bound

Three Months Later.

"Andrew, you truly can be quite devilish at times!" Serena laughed. Andrew looked over at her and smiled and then looked back at the road. The season was growing cold. It was early October and the leaves had changed, falling to the ground and winter would be coming soon. She had been gone for quite some time now. When Serena finally told Andrew what happened, not the whole story of course, he pulled her off the boat in Italy. She spent the last two and a half months traveling through Europe. The traveling finally brought life back in to her. Before they reached Italy she was practically lifeless. She secluded herself in her room or on the lower decks staring out in to the ocean. The ocean. The color of his eyes.

Andrew was her savor. As always.

She always sent letters to Mina, Rei, Luna, Amy and Lita. She sent them gifts as she traveled and now she was finally back home. She was a woman. No longer a girl. She became a woman when her heart had been broken. She had spent a week in London having clothing tailored for her as winter would be coming fast and the seasonal clothing from last year was much different this year. The Victorian age was gone. She had purchased many new items in Paris as well.

Paris sold many things that made her feel like a woman. At first she blushed at such items. English versions of undergarments were large with long cotton nightgowns. After purchasing Parisian lingerie she would never go back to the english fashion.

Even though childhood was far behind her, she still joked and had fun especially with Andrew. She was no longer wearing her hair in a victorian fashion but a new modern style. It was called the Elton style which she could easily do with her long hair. No matter how depressed she was she could never cut her hair in to a bob.

Luna's designs also brought her to womanhood, as if she had known all along. She constantly thanked Luna in her letters in addition to sending her new and expensive fabrics and beads from her many travels.

Andrew and Serena were almost home. The train ride from London to the small town had been short. Oh course he manor was a bit of a drive, it was a wonderful drive indeed. So beautiful.

"Serena. Truly you are a changed woman. I have to commend dear sister. I am so very proud of your morals. Even though you had no reason, you stayed true to Darien Shields. There were many fine men who tried in vain to catch your attention."

"Andrew. I considered my position the moment he was cold to me. Unless Darien wants a divorce and place me in to societal disgrace, I will not make waves. Nor, will I ever stoop to his level." She tried not to think about how many women he had bedded since she left.

"Have you written him?" Andrew asked her.

"I will once I am settled at home. I will inquire as to what he wants and expects from me as his legal wife. With the exception of ever returning to India. That I will not do."

She did not tell Andrew about Darien being named the Duke of Queensfort. No. She would not want anyone to give her any reason to take up residence at Rose Park alone… if he even did lay claim to the inheritance.

"English and Indian ties are getting more and more strained. It is better that you are here. You never know when all hell will break out." Andrew told her in his own way, making it clear that he would never send her back.

Serena smiled. "I will have to add that to my letter."

"Do that, dear sister." He smiled back at her.

Serena's heart fluttered in a million happy butterflies to see her home come in to view. The lush landscaping and the beautiful stone entry had her entranced as the Kingsley Estate always did.

"We are here. We are home." Serena let out a breath of relief.

Andrew pulled the automobile around the drive and parked it right in front of the many rows of steps that led to her childhood home. It was exactly how she remembered it. Tall and grand, the Kingsley estate stood almost four stories high with a towering roof. In the middle of the home was a pediment with the family crest. The knight's helm paid tribute and it was grand and true.

A wide stone staircase elegantly led up to the homes main level/ second floor. But Serena's favorite part of the house, positioned on the roof was a small dome surrounded by windows.

The family butler, Mr. Felton was already halfway down the stairs, gracefully as any man his age could, to greet them. Mr. Felton always looked serious. He was a serious, an old fashioned man with slicked back gray hair. His suit was always pressed, shoes always shined and he kept the household in order. Serena did almost scrunch her nose in distaste. The dinner's from now on would be lengthy, coursed meals with wines paired by Mr. Felton himself. Every night an ordeal unlike the dinners that had just been Darien and herself at the base house.

"Welcome home!" He greeted. His usually stern and professional face could not hide his joy to see the Kingsley children safe at home.

"Felton!" Serena greeted more than happy to see the man she considered part of her family. He had been the butler since she was a child. He had as much influence on her life as her own family.

"Lady Serenity, you have grown so much since you left us here." Felton told her, a twinkle in his eye. The staff still called her Serenity even though she tried on many occasions for them to call her Serena. It was too ingrained in those who served the Kingsley family to ever change it.

The valets came around from the side of the house to grab the trunks that had followed in their driver, Mr. Burns, automobile.

"Lord Kingsley, thank you for bringing home the family jewel." Felton told Andrew with a wink.

"Felton, you are always making me feel as I am of no more importance than last nights dinner scraps." Andrew told him feigning hurt.

Andrew offered Serena his arm and she happily accepted. Walking up the two sets of stone steps that led to the door Serena could not fight her smile.

With the door open, Serena could already smell the house, the smell of home and security. Felton held the door and Andrew walked Serena in to the house.

"Serena. My sweet, Serenity." Her mother said a tear in her eye when she saw her.

"Oh, mother." Serena said going to her. Her mother grabbed her hands and squeezed both so tight.

"My dear. Here you are. Safe and more beautiful than ever." Lady Kingsley gushed.

Serena could only nod.

"Where is father?" She asked concerned, her eyes darting around the marble room.

"Little Rini, I am a tad slower than I was before but there is no need to think I died." Her father joked coming in to the room from one of the saloons. He was just as she remembered but healthier than when she had left. He looked like an older version of Andrew. He was tall even with him slightly crouched as he now walked with a cane. His green eyes glimmer with happiness. The healthy glow that was about him could have brought her to tears and they did flood her eyes.

"Oh you silly old man. You may out live us all now." She joked. "I am very impressed with your acting skills making people think you are elderly walking with that stick." She beamed at him and his smile only grew.

"Come here, my dear." And Serena went to her fathers warm and protective arms. She smelled his cologne and the fine fabric that his suit was made of and something else.

She pulled out of his arms. "Father! Do not tell me that you have been riding!" Serena chastised him and shock crossed her face. The shock was more of amazement but her mother took it as something else.

"Edward!" Lady Kingsley snapped. "Are you trying to kill yourself. You have just recovered off of a deathbed no less."

"How do you always know? And to tell in front of your mother. Two minutes back in this house and you are already causing trouble." Edward Kingsley shook his head in mock disbelief.

"I can smell it on you. Father really, do you think you can hide anything from me." Serena gave him an eyebrow raise.

His eyes twinkled. "I think I can."

"Well, I am glad everyone cares that I am home." Andrew said with a huff.

"When you are as pretty as your sister you shall receive the same greeting." His father joked.

There was laughter in the hallway.

"Come darling. Let's have tea and then you can go upstairs and rest." Her mother said softly taking her arm. Chattering echoed as they walked down the hall.

The black and white checkered marble in the foyer gleamed. The glass windows that flanked the door and brought in a brilliant sunlight and the whole room was illuminated. And the man that looked down from the landing at the top of the stairs felt like he had seen the sun for the first time in forever.

Serena's room was exactly how she remembered it. A beautiful pale blue-green tinted flowered wallpaper made the room always seem brighter. Her bed was a quite elaborate center piece that anchored the room in elegance. The canopy was attached to the ceiling and it had a very detailed and intricate was accented with gold. A tapestry of gold and pale blue-green lined the canopy. The back was draped to the large bed and side panels of fabric gave it was regal look. Yes, it was a bed fit for a princess. A chaise was at the end of the bed and Serena was reminded of Mina who used to sit and chat with her in that very spot. She missed Mina.

Serena fingered the vanity and mantle ash she walked through the room, examining every trinket, every piece of decor still in the same place. She made her way to the floor to ceiling windows which were also lined with the same elegant cornice and fabric. For all of the finery in the room her favorite part was that her room over looked the garden. It was not as vibrant in October than other months but spring would come and she would get lost in them all over again. Lavender would bloom and the roses would line the walkways. She could already smell it. The separate glass conservatory would most likely hold the gardeners creations for spring and she had made it a point to visit tomorrow.

The now brown grass went on for ever and the thick forest behind the house would need to be hunted in soon. She frowned at the thought of wearing a riding habit and being side saddle. The top hat and vail was the worst. Her chest tightened at the thought of Baladeva Oh her sweet Baladeva. She wished she could have taken him with her. If she had more time she was sure that some elaborate plan could have been set in place. When she left she technically gave him back to Darien.

Darien… she thought. She missed him. She hated him. She would have to pen him a letter soon and she was not looking forward to doing such a thing. She felt sick thinking about what she would write.

She heard her door open and she just knew it had to be Anna. She turned with a grin only to see someone she had hoped never to lay eyes on again. Her heart stopped and her breath caught in her throat.

His jet black hair was in his eyes. But Serena could see how dark they were. The brilliant blue had been become black, haunted eyes. She barely recognized him in a black suit and vest. She could not tear eyes eyes from his as she was transfixed on this unbelievable situation. She wished she was hallucinating but the desire for this man pooled in her stomach. She knew this could be no mirage.

He closed the door with his foot with an echoing slam. Serena jumped at the sound and she brought her hand to her heart. It has started again and she had to tell herself to breathe.

"Hello Serena." His voice was velvet and smooth. Her heartbeat quickened when he spoke and for once she was speechless in his presence.

He could not take his eyes from hers. She looked so startled and yet she held herself well. She had changed but not in a bad way. No, never in a bad way. She was more womanly, more beautiful if possible. In the tender light of England her features were more pronounced. In India's hot sun she seemed to always glow like an angel but here she was a priceless artwork painted by a master artist. She changed her hair style but it only accentuated her face. Her blue eyes larger and her pink lips even more pronounced.

"What.. what are you doing here?" She finally managed to say. Her voice was breathy and it did not even sound like her own. The last time she was with Darien was the most passionate time of her life only to be ruined by him. Like their wedding. Like his promotion and now he was ruining moving on with their lives.

"I thought that should be obvious." He stated seriously. There was no amusement in his face or tone.

This Darien reminded her of the first time she encountered the arrogant man. The cold bastard.

"There is nothing obvious about this situation." She spat now angered that she had been so railroaded.

He cocked his head and gave her a grin. "No dear, to you it is not obvious because you do not ever listen to me." His tone was sarcastic and yet serious. The grin made him look almost sinister.

"Just tell me why you are here so you can leave." She snapped at him, her blue eyes furious.

"Since we are married I will be staying." He told her coldly. "Here. With you. In this bedroom."

"Wife." He tacked on.

"You wouldn't." She gasped at him. Her face paling at the thought.

"You left me for months now I am going to have to watch you like a hawk until you learn to listen." It was a threat.

"How long have you been at this house?" She asked tentatively. She did not want to know the answer.

"Weeks." He took a step toward her.

She flinched. Weeks. She could not wrap her head around what was happening right now.

"You have no where to run to while we are here. Your father quite likes me. Likes me enough to keep it from you that I was here." Ah, now the amusement colored his tone.

She glared at him. She needed a plan… but she had no plan. This was her plan but she did not account for him in her equation.

"Well since my father loves you so much why don't you leave so I can relax until dinner. You have given me a headache." She told him turning from him to look out the windows. She had to regain some sort of control as panic swept through her.

"Dinner is in three hours and from what I have learned from being in England it really means that everyone gathers together in two hours. And I am sure it will take you an hour to dress." He explained.

"I know how it works. What is your point?" she snapped.

"It means I will be watching your door for the next hour so you do not leave and if you try to escape in the servants hallways you will be stopped by guards that are on this property under your brother and my control. And if you try to leave this house at all you will be stopped by guards who will confirm with your brother or myself if you had been granted permission to leave."

She turned on him stunned by his words.

"Have you gone mad?" She asked him outraged by this news.

"Yes. From the moment you walked out of my life I have gone mad." He stated seriously.

"My brother despises you." She snapped at him.

"Your brother does not hate me. He and I have become very good friends." The sarcastic grin was back.

"Your lying." She hissed. She was seeing him through slits in her eyes. She wanted to scream at him.

"I vowed to never lie to you again. Andrew may have punched me in my face in Italy but since then we have become very close. He is the one that has been monitoring the guards that have been tailing you everywhere you have been the last two and half months. We kept in correspondence while I sorted my affairs. I last met with him in Paris and I have been here ever since then." He spoke as a military officer. Telling her the facts and noting but the facts.

Her jaw dropped.

"Did you really think I would allow the woman I love to just walk away from me? After the brilliant stunt you pulled in Bombay I learned not to under estimate you. You are one of a kind Serenity Anne Kingsley." Darien's tone was finally soft. Almost appreciative of her cleverness.

"I do not know why you think I pulled such a stunt. I told you many times I could take care of myself and what did you expect me to do. Stay with you." Anger was rising in voice. She was shaking.

"It is my job to take care of you and I am. Rest and I will back to escort you for drinks in two hours." He commanded dismissing himself.

He walked out of the room and Serena did not have words… no she did not have words for Darien. She was going to talk to Andrew.

She stormed out of her room and Darien was standing there leaning against the wall. His face was amused and dark.

"I am quite impressed with how well you did at our house on base considering how privileged you are here. Your own wing of the house. Your own sitting room. A large dressing room and bath. Quite the Princess, Serenity." She could not tell if he was praising her or mocking her.

"I am glad you finally have some evidence to prove your prior pre-judgement. There are plenty of guests rooms. Go lock yourself in one." She spat at him. She was on a mission.

The familiar hallways that she longed for now felt like a cage. She found herself pounding on Andrews door.

He opened the door and he had a sheepish look on his face. He let her in and kept quite a distance between them.

"Andrew Edward Kingsley how dare you? How dare you lie to me for months?" She shrieked.

"I never lied to you. I just never told you the whole truth." He smirked. Serena knew he was thinking himself quite clever.

"You think loopholes are going to make me not feel betrayed?" She asked incredulously.

Andrew was calm and collected.

"I think that any man who finds a way to meet us in Italy with a private guard for my little sister and is willing to shell out an ungodly amount of money for her to take a two and a half month vacation in Europe so she can sort her feelings out is worth a loophole or two." He told her. It was not condescending. Just fact.

Serena seemed dumbstruck.

"It doesn't make up for anything." She said stubbornly.

"He loves you, Serenity Anne and you love him." Andrew told her point blank.

"Don't call me that." She said offended.

"You need to take back what Davidson Black has taken from you. He should not be allowed to taint your name any longer. It is time to come to grips with it and stop hiding." His voice was firm. This was over protective Andrew.

"You do not get to lecture me about what I should and should not do." She spat at him. "You have no clue of what a roller coaster of lost trust I was in daily with Darien."

He let out a breath and walked over to her putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Spending the last few months with you was beyond wonderful. I felt that you were taken from me so fast and I could not be there for you as you traveled around the world to India. To get married and start a new life without me. The worry I felt for you in India alone could have given me a heart attack. I have been protecting you for so long, and I will do so forever, but Darien has proven himself to me. You are safe with him and if you let yourself, you will be happy as well." Andrew was so sweet and sincere but he didn't know how she couldn't trust Darien. He was good at manipulating everyone around him to get what he wants.

"And locking me in my room is part of that proof?" Her arms crossed over her chest and she raised her eyebrows at her brother.

He rolled his eyes. "Truthfully, I do not know why that man thought he needed you to gain rank in the military. He is quite the genius when it comes to certain tactics and espionage." Serena frowned at the mention of Darien's ulterior motives.

"He completely under estimated you. You were always such a hellion. Father and I learned long ago to teach you everything because if not you would do things on your own with the possibility of learning wrong." He grinned at her.

She smiled. He was right about that much.

"Andrew I will not say that you are right or wrong. This is a lot to sort out… but dearest Andrew, believe me I will get you back." She smiled.

His eyes went wide in alarm. "We are too old for your tricks, Sere."

"Dear brother, that is where you are very. Very wrong." She gave him mischievous look.

"See you at dinner." She walked out of the door an evil grin on her face. She jumped noticing that Darien was again leaned up against the wall staring at her.

"It is rude to lurk in corridors, Lt. Shields." She told him as she passed him.

"I am not lurking." He told her simply. She was already amusing him. She was already bringing light back in to his life. She could feel him as he walked behind her. Following her. It was going to make her insane.

She walked back in to her room closing the door.

She beamed when she saw Anna.

Darien had been waiting at Serena's door for over fifteen minutes. It was not yet five but he did not know if she would try and leave early. She was going to arrive on his arm when they greeted her family. He surprising did not feel uncomfortable in a dinner jacket as this was the required dress. He had also been given a nice valet named Johnson The whole pace of living in Europe was the same and yet so different. It was so much more formal than he anticipated but he easily acclimated.

The Kingsley family had company almost every night since he arrived. He knew that they were doing it for his benefit. The Kingsley's' were everything his parents had been before their tragic deaths. Kind, understanding, forgiving, and loving. The lack of those attributes had turned him in a cold and ruthless man. He could see how he was easily taken with Beryl. He wanted someone to bring light to his life and yet she only ever fed the darkness.

If Serena had never left him then he would never have been able to forge these bonds with her family. Of course he missed his family and friends in IndiaHe could easily see Andrew as a best friend. The only person he held contempt for was Lady Wentworth. Darien now understood why Mina fled to India. Mina's father on the other hand was a kind man but he let his wife push him around.

Serena stepped out of her room looking stunning in a cerulean blue dress. The dress was beaded in white and sleeveless. The back was open showing too much skin for Darien's approval. Her necklace fell perfectly down her back and front. She wore long champagne colored gloves and a stunning hair piece. She always looked stunning in India but in this atmosphere with the grandiose manor, littered with timeless decor and priceless pieces she looked as if she was a princess.

She was his.

"You clean up well." She told him begrudging taking his offered arm. Serena never fathomed Darien Shields here, in a dinner jacket, about to enjoy dinner with her family. She never believed he could look so good either. His tanned skin and dark hair mixed in with the tailored suit gave him a seductive look that aroused her. Surprisingly being attracted to Darien did not bother her in the least bit. Caring for him was entirely a different story.

"I will take it as a compliment." He did not smile but Serena could hear the amused tone.

She paused on the landing letting out an exasperated breath.

"I know I should not care but I can not help but wonder how well are you acclimating to this nonsense?" She had to know. She had two hours to analyze this situation and she wanted to smack herself for caring for the man who cheated on her.

"Worried I will make a fool of you?" He asked darkly. She did not miss the sarcasm.

"Of course not. It would provide me wonderful entertainment to watch you flounder for once in front of others; however, I do understand how overbearing the rules can be. My parents are quite different from most; however, their guests can be quite brutal sometimes." She stated honestly looking straight ahead as she said the words. She would not meet his eyes.

He took her hand. "Well, I am sorry to say that you not have much entertainment." she looked up at him.

"Such a pity." She smirked. He winked at her. Her stomach fluttered.

They took off walking again. "You know, Lt. Shields, I was thinking about rules while I was resting and then getting ready." She started, yes she had other thoughts as well.

"Were you?" He asked as they slowly paced toward the main staircase.

"Yes, indeed I was." She pursed her lips. "And it occurred to me that we are not truly married because we have not consummated our marriage… and it could easily be annulled." She said off hand.

He stopped walking. Had he just heard her correctly threatening to annual their marriage.

"You would threaten me this way?" He whispered horsely.

"I didn't plan on it until you locked me in my own house. In addition to other things." She told him coldly.

He pushed her up against the wall gently but firmly. His strong hands on her shoulders. Looking in to her eye he said three words that scared her. "Diamond's been writing."

Her breath caught in her throat. He released her but she did not move from the wall. She paled as she had when she first realized who the light haired man was.

"I am not trying to scare you but make you see sense as to why I am doing all of this. In addition to being in love with you." He told her.

"You owe me nothing." she told him quietly. "You do not have to be here or do any of this. Andrew is here… my father is here…" She tried not to tremble but she only replayed Diamonds crazed look and words when she last saw him. You will be mine.

Darien moved closer to her putting a hand to her face. His dark eyes turned soft and kind. "I am here."

Darien had been shocked by her words. He never thought that she would consider annulling their marriage. If he had not been so blind to the possibility of what he may of had he never would have made an agreement with her. She would already be his and he knew with the way he was attracted to her he would never want another, ever again. Consummation could easily be fixed.

"Am I to be playing the role of Lady Shields tonight?" She asked once she gathered herself together. The mask of perfection back in place.

"There is no role to fill, Serena. You are my wife and I am your husband. I am solely and whole heartedly only yours." He said seriously.

She drew a breath in and let it out. "You do not care if I am cold toward you in front of everyone?" She asked as they started down the stairs.

"No." He stated simply.

"And you do not care if I snub you, show distaste for you, and possibly criticize you publicly?" She inquired further.

"No. It would be understandable." He said as they reached the first stair landing.

"And how shall you act toward me?" She asked irritated.

"I will act how I feel. And as I am desperately in love with you. I assume it I would be nothing short of loving, devoted and overbearingly possessive."

She quickly pulled him in to the corner of the 1st landing where no one could see unless they were looking. She turned to him.

"You would allow me to look as if I am kicking a small puppy?" She said outraged. How dare he not fight back like he had before.

"If you feel the need to be so cruel, then yes. I will remain devoted." His eyes were still dark and serious. But there was something else there.

"You do not listen, to me. So I will show you." He finished.

"Maybe next time you can start with an apology!" She hissed clearly furious.

"Why would I do such things when you do not LISTEN." He snapped back.

They glared at each other.

"I need a drink." She told him turning toward the stairs to finish their decent.

He grabbed her arm before she could walk away. "I may have said that I am willing to be condemned by you in front of others but over the last few months I have become even more so possessive of what is mine. You are mine. You either stay on my arm or stay by me. Do not even think of leaving my sight." He told her with ferocity.

"Sir, it has never been me that left in the past. I see now that Lady Westbanks is out of the picture you are willing to stay by my side. Bastard." Her voice was condescending.

He yanked her by the arm he was holding and pulled her in to an embrace. Then he kissed her so harshly that Serena did not comprehend what was going on. The fire started in her body as he assaulted her mouth and she could not stop it. She could feel his anger and aggression. Tears were welling in her eyes as she kissed him back her hands sneaking up to touch his face. She missed him. She missed the passion she had with him and the spark of rightness. With her touch the kiss became gentle and he replaced the anger with devotion. She threaded her hands in his hair as he caressed the skin on her bare back. He pulled away and she took a much needed breath.

He stared down at her, his eyes still dark. "We should go before I take you back upstairs."

She wanted to slap him so hard across the face but she held back as she heard her mother's voice wondering where they were.

She wanted to hate herself… for still wanting him.

He placed her arm through his and they descended the stairs to join the others. She did not know which role to play anymore.

Thank you all so much for the reviews. I am so humbled by your kind words and thoughts. Sorry for the short chapter but the next one of course will be longer. I just had to cut this one so it was not like 31 pages:)

Thoughts from last chapter… Everyone was like (No Darien! Don't go in the dark room!) and he does… BAKA

Don't think of this as Oedipus complex but it's the only way to describe it.

The last people he was in love with was his parents. He closed himself off from himself after their deaths. Beryl does not hold a candle to the love her felt for them specifically his mother which is why in chapter 2/3 he easily let her go.

Serena on the other hand is motherly with her love. She does not have to show love to Darien with sex. She tells him in other ways. With her touch, her eyes and her actions. So when she closes herself off to Darien… well it was like having his parents die all over again.

He needs to be mothered in which is alludes to in this chapter regarding the Kingsley Family. (He loves his own family FYI but he has abandonment issues.)

The fear of never feeling a simple caress of love is killing him.

He easily goes back to Beryl because he needs to feel something but no one can replace the feeling of love. He had to learn this hard lesson.

Send me Reviews and questions! I love them. They make my wheels tick!

ZS