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You Belong To Me
Chapter 6 – The Deal
The room was silent, both parties staring at each other with mix of different emotions. The air in the room charged with suppressed tension and Darien sat wishing for the floor to open up and swallow him. He was sitting with Lita on a five people soft Blue couch staring at the mass before him. Across from him sat one of the most prominent and important people on the face of the planet; the king of the United Kingdom! Surrounding him were numbers of women and several of Darien's brothers. His brothers were giving him apologetic looks, obviously they had tried to stop his father and the king had not listened. But the women were winking, fidgeting and just doing things meant to be seductive though Darien found them quite amusing.
After receiving the letter from Kunzite saying the king would be appearing in a weeks time, he had hastened the preparations for the battle in which he knew would be coming. First he had contracted his lawyer to get a marriage license for him and Serena, and then he made sure Serena had a closet full of clothes, accessories and a bank account with loads of money. After which he had the house renovated where it needed to be and put security measures everywhere, except private bedrooms for the ladies and his brothers but the room which is to be for the king was wired with hidden camera's and listening devices. They were not going to leave any room for that monster of a king to get his way.
Of course Serena had suggested getting more help around the house for the duration of the king's visit knowing that things will get tough. Lita whom had always refused stylish clothing and the sort was finally convince (thanks largely to Serena) to renovate her wardrobe into that if a lady so that the women the king would be bringing wouldn't look down on her. If Serena was going to win the right to become Darien's bride, she needed Lita's help in all areas. Of course in that week Lita, Darien, Amara and Trista had spent hours educating Serena on all topics though to their surprise Serena was highly educated, she just lacked the skills the ladies of court used in seeking information because she was so honest, so the three women and Darien had taught her. Of course even Rita had offered assistance where she could. After finding out that Serena had saved her job, she became so indebted to her that she was willing to do anything for Serena. Of course Serena without question had soaked up her new lessons like a sponge and her kitchen craftsmanship had greatly improved due to Lita's wise guidance.
The day before the arrival of the king Darien had held her in his arms tightly and eased up the nerves she hadn't been aware that it was bundling up in her. He had assured her of his absolute trust in her and that he would always be there. That night they had slept (and I mean sleep, nothing else :P) together holding each other for strength to endure what would be coming.
The day of the King's arrival dawned brightly and the couple woke up with feelings of dread and excitement. Last minute arrangements were made, showers taken and seating arrangements in the big meeting room was arranged. The plan was that Serena would no be there to greet the arrival of the king and his throng, she would show up later pretending to be sick as the excuse for why she had not been able to be there to greet his 'royal majesty'. Lucky for them Serena was having a migraine so there was no need to pretend sick. The hour had lengthened from morning to lunch time and finally by the hour of 6 when the heat of the afternoon sun had diminished a little leaving behind a refreshing breeze, the royal escort had finally made an appearance.
The guards guarding Darien's mansion had gone into action as was priorly arranged in taking care of the belongings of the throng and Darien, dressed in loss fitting black pants, black wind blown shirt with two buttons at the top open and black custom made track Nike shoes, was looking hotter than the sun. His hair which had grown inside had been straightened by Serena and it now framed his head with ends at the back reaching his shoulders. It moved with the tiniest breeze. Around his neck was a necklace of vibrant blue sapphire stone cut in the shape of a diamond, it had been his mothers.
Lita was breathing taking in black pants and a knee length double breasted trench coat like dress in colors of black and pink with half turtle neck collar and Long sleeves with faux button tabs. Her feet were adorned in a short heeled shoe and around her neck hanged a jewel of pink diamond in the shape of a rouse. Her hair which Serena had taken the liberty of styling was held in a high two piece bun atop her head with the rest of her long chestnut her falling to her behind. Serena had had given her a one sided bang that landed on her left eye and her hair sparkled with the cream Serena had dressed it in. no one could guess this was the servant woman who was always found in the kitchen. She looked like she just stepped out of Miss World fashion magazine.
The two stepped out of the house and walked down the marble path to greet the arrivals. Nephrite whom had been the first to spot them stared in fascination and Jadeite noticing Nephrite's reaction turned to see what the fuss was about and gave out a loud whistle which Directed the others gaze to where host and hostess of the house. With them walking side by side and the wind blowing at Darien's shirt and at Lita's hair, they looked like the perfect couple right out of someone's fantasy. The jealousy began to rise in the females whom had traveled with the king. Of course the king was also feasting his eyes on the beautiful Lita, it took Kunzite clearing his throat to snap the king out of his trance.
"Ah, Darien my boy, how long it has been." The king said loudly as he approached Darien.
Not long enough. Was what Darien wanted to say out loud but he kept the thought to himself. He also nodded with bemusement that the females and guards that came with the king were all bow.
This is going to be a long battle.
"Well met again your majesty." Darien answered formally with no emotions in his voice, on his face or in his eyes. Lita's face mirrored his.
"Your Majesty." Lita respectfully curtsied and Darien gave a small if not mocking bow.
"How many times must I ask you to call me father Darien?" the king said, his tone was light but the dangerous glint in his eyes told of his displeasure with Darien.
"There is no need for such frivolities." Darien answered with not a speck of fear or alarm at the king's displeasure, they both knew the game well and neither was going to surrender!
"But I must INSIST that you do." The king said, putting emphasis on the word insist in other that Darien knew it was a command.
"As you wish your majesty." Darien said instead, infuriating the king more but they were both well practiced in the act of masking their emotions.
"Darien, be careful." Lita whispered to him. She didn't really care but if they were going to win the king's approval with no bloodshed for the marriage of Serena and Darien then they needed Darien to play the good son. Darien sighed and nodded at Lita.
"And whom might you be you pretty little thing." The king flirtatiously directed at Lita.
"It is I your majesty, Lita Donne." Lita reminded.
"Oh, I see. The servant girl who went with my son. Life has been good to you it seems." The king said and inwardly Lita gritted her teeth in anger; that was an outright insult!
"What are you doing here with no warning?" Darien asked his father coldly.
"Must a father make an appointment to see his son?"
"When the father is unwanted then yes." Darien retorted. The women drew in their breaths at the prince they had come to seduces boldness. No one dare insult the king so openly!
"Well your majesty, you must be rather tired from your long journey, please come inside for some cold drinks and relaxation." Lita cut in and shot Darien a warning look. Darien sighed again; it was going to be hard to play a good son to a bad father.
"Why thank you child, at least you have manners." The king praised. Darien rolled his eyes and took the lead and the others followed him. As they walked in the house no one said a word and from the upper window Serena watched the procession. Her stomach tightened in nervousness, all her sisters and her older brother were here. After so long away from them, she was forced to face them again in an ultimate duel that would determine her place in society.
The past really does have a way of catching up to you. Serena thought before withdrawing into her room to finish dressing. Soon she would have to make an appearance, a bit of breathing exercise was in order to restore her confidence and mask.
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When the king and visitors settled in the royal blue meeting room with matching couches and curtains, they began to marvel at the house. They were mostly intrigued with the glass wall; the women couldn't stop touching it or looking at themselves. It was a marvelous mirror which reflected your image at the same time showing you what was on the outside. Darien noted that there were three men outside his brothers and of the six he recognized 5 of them and ten women with great beauty however Lita was an equal if no greater match for them. He recognized five of the women too. And the other women who were not among the ten were the second to tenth wives of the king. They had been staring at Darien with looks of awe, hate and jealousy. He knew they were comparing him to his sons, him who had nothing was now somebody and he became somebody not by inheriting fortunes but by making his own fortune. They had the graying features but they were still beautiful. Though none compared to his Serena, the thought made him smile and since his smile had been in the direction of two women, a blond and a black haired women, the king misinterpreted it as interest in them. His eyes glowed with triumph.
Under Lita's instructions, the maids they had hired to help with the caring of the arrivals began serving drinks from coffee, to iced tea and wine.
"You don't have alcoholic wine?! What kind of man are you!?" the king demanded.
"The kind that cares about what goes into me. drink the fruit wine and be satisfied!" Darien replied and the two glared at each other.
"Your Majesty I promise that the fruit wine will be to your liking." Lita saved the day again. Taking her word on it, the king drank a glass of it with all watching and went for several more glasses. Darien snorted with disgust, the guy was a pig on top of every dirty thing and word in the world.
"Such fine wine, I must say I have never tasted." The king said as the others began trying the wine too and they enjoyed it as greatly as he had.
"It is made of the sweetest and sourest nectors of fruits, Your Majesty." Lita said.
"Mmm, I must import some of this to the UK." He said.
"I'm afraid these particular brands are not sold anywhere." Lita informed.
"Then where did this come from?"
"It was made by me and a friend." Serena had made it three days ago and liking the taste; Lita had made Serena teach her how to make it. When Darien tasted it, he swore it was the finest wine ever made and ordered for wine bottles to be made. Serena and Lita had spent hours making so many of it for the king and his escorts.
"Then you must come and make some for me."
"She will not be leaving here for the UK!" Darien snapped. The idea was just too infuriating.
"She will do as I say!" The king stood up in anger.
"Please calm down. Your Majesty, I have only begun to learn the art of making this. I am currently still in the process of learning from my friend. That which you have tried is her samples, my own does not have the relaxing smell and taste it has yet."
"Then this friend of yours must come to my palace."
"Oh hell n…"
"I shall ask her of it." Lita cut in before Darien could say something that would really not help their cause.
"What the heck are you doing here anyways!?" He demanded.
"Darien!" Lita's enraged glare shut him up. He couldn't help it; in the presence of the king he became so enraged past reason. He sat down and rubbed his temple. The effect Lita had on him was noted by several of the women and their face twisted in outrage, they were not brought here to loose to a servant girl!
"Is that any way to talk to your prince?" one red haired with dark green eyes who was dressed boldly in a very long revealing V neck dress with the V ending at her belly button and the dress ending at her upper thighs drawled out. Lita knew the dress she was wearing would mark her as a harlot in the UK so why did the king let her get away with wearing something so sluttish. Of course it wasn't hard to figure out that it was away to seduce Darien and the king enjoyed the view, especially the fact that it showed of her big rounded breasts which seemed to mock all.
"Mind your damn business!" Darien snapped at her and her eyes widened in shock. No one had ever talked to her like that! And how could he resist her alluring body and glare at her with such icy eyes? Who the heck did he think he was to talk to her like that?! She screamed in her head but hid it well on her face and voice.
"My apologies, I was raised to give proper respects to our royals so I was slightly surprise by her way of talking to you."
"Is that really the case Countess Beryl? Considering what you are wearing I would not have guessed you had any traditional upbringing in you." Darien drawled out mockingly and several of the women snickered.
"I like being individual." She answered simply.
"And she shows her individuality in a different. Refrain yourself from rudely commenting on anything with me and Lady Lita." Darien warned.
"My apologies your highness, it shan't happen again."
"That goes without saying. And please, refrain from addressing me with any noble titles. Mr. Shields will do." Thinking that he was giving her permission to become more intimate with him on name basis, she smiled triumphantly.
"Of course." She said with a bow.
After which no one knew what to say. The silence that followed was filled with uncertainty but it was finally broken by the guard who entered the room.
"Sir, you have several visitors." He said.
"Who are they?" Lita asked.
"It's the Mrs. Trista, Miss Amara, and Miss Hotaru."
"Let them in and tell them we are here." Lita said again.
"Of course madam." He left and a minute later Amara followed by the other two entered.
"Uncle Darien!" Hotaru cried out as she rushed to Darien who picked her up and spun her around.
"Hey my little lady, how are you?" he asked with a smile.
"I'm doing good! Mama said I could come play with Aunt Serena today!" she said excitedly.
"Oh"
"Hey Dare, what's with the all these people. Is this market day in your house or something?" Amara asked with pretension of not knowing who they are. Darien sat Hotaru on the couch and hugged both Trista and Amara.
"You're looking good Darien. No doubt Serena has taken good care of you." Trista said.
"Hey, I thought I did that!" Lita joked and they laughed.
"Well you too."
"Where is the little bunny?" Amara asked.
"Yeah, where is Aunt Rena?" Lita and Darien sighed a little, letting a small sad smile grace their lips and setting their face in a worried expression. They were good actors. Amara thought with amusement.
"She came down with a bit of a headache this morning but she refused to take medication or see the doctor. She said a little rest was all she needed." Darien answered.
"That might actually work. Did she drink lots of fluid?" Trista asked. She knew this was all pretend but still she would act the part of a worried friend over her sick friend.
"Yes, I made sure she drank at least one full cup of water every hour." Lita said.
"Good, then she will be back on her feet in no time at all. Don't worry much."
"So then I can't play with her today?" Hotaru asked sadly. She hadn't been told of the pretence so she was acting as was expected in such situations genuinely.
"If she recovers quickly enough then you can play with her." Darien answered as her ruffled the little girl's hair.
"Ok."
The sat down, Darien, Hotaru and Lita occupied the five people couch and the other two women took sat on individual chairs. Trista was looking good in a light purple suit with her lips slick with gloss. Her feet were encased in black stingy heels and she had a black purse to match. Her hair was in its natural style, a bun at the middle of the head with the rest of her hair falling strength to her inner knees. She looked as sophisticated and beautiful as ever. Amara had her hair combed out and it danced in the breeze coming from the open window. She was wearing loss fitting white pants, a creamy strapless dressy shirt which started from her upper breasts and ended just below her belly button and a long white blazer ending at her ankles. She wore white Tennis shoes. She looked super hot.
"Amara, Trista and Hotaru, May I introduce you to the country of UK. Their king, princess and subjects." Darien said.
"For real? Are they really royals?" Hotaru asked staring at he silver haired man who was the oldest among all those present and had the presence of a king.
"Yes child, I am the king of the United Kingdom. Son, are these close friends of yours?" he directed the question at Darien.
"Son!??! Does this means that uncle you are a prince?"
"Of course he is!" the king said proudly.
"No, sweet pea. He only thinks I am his son." Darien said calmly.
"Deny it all you want but it doesn't change the fact that it is my blood which runeths through your veins."
"Then thank good for mothers dominant blood covering yours!" they started glaring again and Lita sighed, she gave up.
"Pleased to meet you Your Majesty. Yes, we are indeed close friends of Darien. I am Trista Meiou, the little girl is my daughter Hotaru and the other one is Amara Ten'nuo." Trista stood ad bowed a little since her skirt made it impossible to curtsy. Amara just raised her brow and Hotaru followed her mother's example.
"So what brings the court of the UK to our humble home?" Amara asked.
"To kill me with suffocation." Darien groaned.
"As we were getting to it. I am here to offer you some choices."
"Regarding what exactly?" Darien asked the already known answer.
"Darien you are getting older. You are two decades and a half. Don't you think it's time to settle down?" the king started and Amara narrowed her eyes. She had already known that this was the reason the king was present but hearing it from his lips made her want to smack him.
"While you talk about settling down shouldn't you be talking to Diamond, Chad, and Sapphire about that? They are older than me and Diamond is your HEIR." Darien said with a small look of apology to the people in question and emphasizing the heir to make sure the king knew that he wasn't changing his mind about ruling the UK.
"As a matter of fact I have talk to them about it but they fancy waiting for the 'right' one." The king said with disgust.
"Well you don't have to worry about me." Darien said with smirk.
"Nope, you don't have to worry about Darien!" Amara agreed with a smirk of her own.
"What do you mean?" the king asked.
"Well as we speak the last paper works of Darien's marriage is being finished." Trista said happily.
"Marriage!?" The king spoke in shock outrage.
"Yes, I have already selected for myself a woman of my choice." Darien said and his brothers' jaws dropped!
"When?!?!" they demanded. But before Darien could answer, the soft rapping on the door whipped all their heads around and the ALL gasped in shock. Serena stood at the door wearing a silky halter dress in two floral prints with an empire waist ad a contrasting center panel that was tied at the back of her neck. Her feet were in a matching criss-crossing Patent wedge heels. There was a blush on her cheeks and her lips slightly parted as if out of air, giving her a soft innocent look. As if she was a delicate glass that can shutter easily if not properly handled. Her soft, beautiful, sparkling long golden hair was let down in think curly waves with just half of an inch separating it from touching the ground. He lips were moist, begging to be kissed and her brilliant, vibrant eyes sparkled like diamonds.
"Oh, we have visitors." She said in a musical tone that touched deep in their hearts, none will ever forget the sight and her sound.
"Serena." Darien said softly.
"Aunt Serena!" Hotaru yelled and run past Darien into Serena's arms. She bent and picked the little girl up.
"Hey sweetie, how are you."
"I'm good but Uncle Darien said you are sick."
"Oh don't mind your uncle. It was just a migraine; see I'm all better now." She assured the little girl. Darien placed his hand on her forehead to check her temperature, they might have been pretending of the seriousness of Serena's illness but the truth was she had a headache and he was genuinely worried about her.
"Your temperature has gone down."
"I told you all I needed was rest." Serena said with a smile and he returned it before leaning down and kissing her check.
"All better?" Lita, Trista and Amara all came behind Darien and all felt for a temperature.
"I'm fine really, though I would like a glass of water."
"I will get you some." Lita left.
"We were worried you know." Amara said.
"I told Darien not to make a big deal about it." Serena sighed.
"You know Darien worries about you no matter how small or none existence the situation is." They giggled.
"Well sorry for worrying about my bride." He said as he wound his arm around her waist and directed her to the couch.
"Are you sure you're better?" Amara asked as she sat back in her chair. Sitting down, Serena leaned her back slightly against Darien and placed Hotaru on her lap.
"I am as fit as a fiddle." She answered.
"Maybe we should just call a doctor, just for a professional view." Darien teased and Serena pouted adorably, making the men gulp.
"Then I will lock myself in my room and never come out."
"Aww but then he will miss seeing your pretty face." Trista teased too.
"Then he will have us sit down and draw on our faces to try to make us look like you." Amara said with horror.
"Oh dear." Trista intoned.
"Is today picking on Serena day? Did I read the memo wrong or something?" she asked and they laughed.
"It seems today is not your day, Sere." Lita entered with the glass of water and handed it to Serena.
"Thanks Lits." She took a sip before handing it to Darien who set it on the small table at the side of the couch.
"Your welcome." Lita answered.
Serena turned her attention to the royal escorts that were having a hard time recovering form a sudden adrenaline of hormones.
"Oh your majesty. My apologies, it took me a while to recognize you. Please, welcome to our home." She said as she curtsied gracefully.
"Ah, what a pretty curtsy. But my dear I fear I have no recollection of your name. Please refresh my memory." He said, trailing his eyes over her body unashamed. Darien noticed and gritted his teeth; he wanted to punch the daylights out of that perverted king! Instead he helped Serena sit down and placed a possessive arm around Serena, soothing her from the nervousness that had taken hold from the king's sweeping glances. She hated people staring at her but she was most uncomfortable when men looked at her in such a way that plainly spoke of their hunger for her.
"My name is that which you will not recognize for it was adopted years later after my second encounter with you at the Marsh Ball 15 years ago. My name is Serena Evalyne Calypso."
"Such a pretty name for a beautiful princess. My son tells me that you are his chosen bride. What luck brought you to him?" the king tested, ideas were starting to form in his head and none of them good.
"Darien and I have known each other since we were little. I was but five when I met him and Lady Gaia, but hours into our first encounter we were separated with the unjust murder of Lady Gaia. It pained me for years; it was just over a month ago that I was reunited with Darien again. And I must say that I am the lucky one not him. For as long as I can remember since our first encounter, I've always loved him. I prayed to God everyday that we would meet again and God have answered my prayer and more. It was most shock when he asked me to be his wife." Serena answered calmly. Darien wondered if it was the truth that she had liked him from so long ago but the twist in who asked who to marry who did not get lost on those who knew the real story.
"Well my dear, that is a rather touching story. My son said not a word of it until I came here myself. Would you have married my child without informing me?"
"Oh, my apologies. The other of things was a bit reversed."
"How so?"
"You see, I was the one to ask Darien to marry me." Serena admitted boldly and Darien and the rest of their friends drew in their breath. Though they had a rehearsed role, Serena had to improvise as they went along. This was her battle and what information she chose to share was up to her but they wish she would have left THAT particular information out. The king's reaction was a blink of the eyes and a confused expression that mirrored all the others faces.
"But you just said he asked you to marry him."
"He did."
"Please explain."
"I have lived most of my life with the purpose of marrying Darien and none else. So when I felt ready I came to him and asked him to marry me. Of course he thought I had lost my marbles." She chuckled and they smiled. Her laughter was contagious. "But when he was certain of my feelings and the seriousness in which I requested his hand in marriage, he considered me if I would be a good partner to have and came to the conclusion that I was worth marrying so he asked me to marry him." Serena explained.
"Ahh, I see."
"So when do you two get married?" Diamond cut in. He saw the calculating look in his father's eyes and knew that he would try to stop it at any means possible. The king with one glance had decided that Serena would be his and he would take her away from Darien at all cost! But of course with Serena's mannerism, beauty, charm which was affecting even him, he was sure she was from a high class family and that would be her ticket to marrying Darien.
"Well we want it as soon as possible so it will be anytime within these up coming three months." Darien answered.
"And when were you going to tell us?" Fiore asked, hurting bubbling in his chest.
"Well Serena suggested that we come to you in UK this weekend to inform you personally but you beat us to it by coming here." Darien said.
"Oh."
"Tell me Serena, which family are you from?" Lady Elizabeth, second wife of the king asked. She had seen the look of lust in her husbands face and knew he would try to take this girl. If he did with someone as pretty as her he would pay no attention to any of his other wives. So if Serena was from a high ranking family, the king would be asking for trouble by denying their married. However, unknown to them, that question was the one Serena and her party wanted to avoid. But now that it had been asked openly, there was no choice but to answer truthfully because the king would dig through the information to find the truth of it.
"I am afraid that currently I am without a legitimate Family." She answered.
"Excuse me?" This Nephrite asked. Dread began to fill their hearts.
"I was born with a different name than the one I carry now." She explained.
"And what was that name?" the king pressed and Serena sighed. Darien tightened his hold on her.
"Serenity Lavender Nightingale, your majesty." Serena answered and all their brains began to work around the name.
"Serenity as in MY SISTER!?" The sandy blond haired man who had been sitting as quiet as the other men stood up in shock.
"It has been a while Andrew." She answered softly.
"You are Serenity?!" the blond whom the king thought had enticed Darien asked with wide unbelieving eyes.
"As in our sister!? The one that was exiled?!" the black haired woman also asked in disbelief.
"Greetings Minako, Ray and Nehelaniah. It has been a long time since we last saw each other." Serena greeted her siblings.
"You are the ugly exiled daughter of the Nightingale family?" the king asked.
"No your majesty. I WAS that girl but I am her no more. The woman before you is Serena Evalyne Calypso and will always remain as such." Serena said, her face a mask of seriousness.
"Serena, you do understand that royalty can marry only those of the highest rank right?" The king asked.
"Yes, I am aware." She answered with no hesitation.
"Then it is with great regret that I tell you that you cannot marry my son."
"Then it is with great respect that I tell you that we are in a different country and under different laws. You have no saying in whom Darien can and cannot marry since you exiled him as I was exiled by my family." Serena said sweetly and her friends hid a smile. The king's eyes narrowed.
"Do you wish to go against me Serena?" he asked her.
"If you wish to tear away from me what I have worked hard to earn then yes, I will become your enemy."
"Child, you don't want to make me angry."
"Neither do you." Serena shot back and the two battled with their wills. "However I have a proposal." Serena said.
"Oh? Then let's here it."
"The laws have clauses that can be used in certain situations. Article 10 page 7 under royal marriageable laws is one such clause I propose, if you are willing to comply to this we can have a fair battle as to who ends up with Darien" Serena said.
"And if I don't agree?"
"Then we are in a stalemate."
"I don't agree and you will not marry Darien." He said. Darien knew it was only a matter of time before Serena lost to the king.
"I have one condition." He said.
"Speak your mind Darien." Seiya who had been most affected by Serena and even more so by her courage finally found his voice to ask. He knew that all his brothers were impressed by Serena's courage and boldness. No woman or man for that matter other than Darien had showed such stubbornness and defiance to the king. They only hope that the girl doesn't cross the line.
"If that clause is put into action, I will do as you want me to do Your Majesty IF you win. I will be come King of the UK, marry whom you choose and call you father."
"Are you serious?"
"With my life." The king thought about Darien's offer. It was good and the fact that if he wins, he could have with Serena was even more tempting.
"Read the article." He ordered. Zoicite who always carried with him a book of the laws of the UK opened to the said page and begun read.
Should it come about that a prince of the crown wishes to choose a bride below the status of nobility, he must have the approval of the ruling power. However if no agreement can be reach then the prince have the right to marry whom pleases him if his choice of partner can defeat in FAIR combat the choice or choices of the ruling power. The combat involves all areas of womanhood and intelligence, must demonstrate the ability to care for the kingdom if she were to become queen and must win the heart of the people. The ruling power has the choice of choosing as many participants against the Prince's choice as possible. A limit of time is placed on the combat, by a full cycle of the moon the combat comes to an end. The winner will be decided by votes of the people of the kingdom. To win, a score of ¾ of the highest class is need, and 50% of the population. Should the ruling power win, the prince has no choice but to marry the choice of the ruling power but should the prince win, he has the over all power of marrying the girl of his choice and choosing the life of his choice.
1000 AD
Signed and sealed by Chronus De'Von
HIGH KING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM!
After Zoicite finished reading, they all thought of the challenge ahead. To win Serena will need 75 % of the nobles vote and half of the remaining classes. Serena had confidence when it came to the lower classes but the pompous of the higher classes was going to prove near impossible considering she is an exiled woman of society.
"I hear by accept your challenge Serena, if you win against my choices you have the right to marry Darien and I will no longer bother Darien about being my heir however if you loose you will become my concubine and Darien will take the throne married to a woman of my choice. Deal?" the king offered. Serena hesitated just a slight minute, the mention of becoming his concubine made her realize the gravity of the situation.
"I will not lose." She said with all the confidence she could muster but her insides were melting mass of nerves.
"Neither will I. The challenge will commence at the beginning of next month, if you are not in my castle by then, you will forfeit."
"Deal!" Darien sealed it and the atmosphere suddenly relaxed.
"Well then we must be going." The king said and Serena's group blinked.
"Right this minute?" she asked.
"There is much to do."
"But you just got here, wouldn't it be safer to rest now and leave in the morning?" Serena advised wisely.
"Yes, father. Let's have some rest before going back. Besides we have to get our revenge on Darien for going to marry without so much as word to us!" Jadeite spoke up.
"But we would have come to tell you!" Darien said though he knew that story was a lie. Of course he would have written his brothers but going there had never occurred to any of them.
"Too late." Chad said.
"We shall rest then, but tomorrow we leave by the sunrise." The king agreed, he wanted more time to feast his eyes on the lovely sight that would soon become his bed toy anyway.
"Lita, how about we prepare Dinner?" Serena said softly to Lita and with Trista and Hotaru by their side they left Darien with his right hand woman to face the lions.
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Special thank you to Artistia for Proof reading for me!
READ AND REVIEW!^^