"Oh there you are my Prince! yelled Kun while joining them.

- Prince you should meet these ladies, said Neph.

- And why should I?"

Serena felt like the prince's mood change suddenly: he was mad at something.

"Well someone isn't enjoying his night! Your highness, I'm Lady Minako and these are my friends: Lady Makoto, Lady Amy and Lady Raye. We are from the Silverya Kingdom.

- Silverya? You mean it exists?

- Exactly Darien, that's what we were saying, replied Jade with excitement.

- I know something had happened to your kingdom in the past but I didn't know there were survivors.

- We are aware of it, your highness and it is the reason we are here. Our council sent us here on a mission. With the few survivors that escaped the tragedy, we were able to rebuild our kingdom but we need friends. So we came to have an alliance with yours, explained Lady Amy.

- And why should the prince do that tonight?, asked Kun while eyeing Lady Minako.

- We aren't safe yet. Our enemy is still trying to find us and for now, we were able to protect us but we never know what the future awaits for us, said Lady Raye.

- I understand. Kun, take them to my father. This is an urgent matter. Just tell him I send them to him and I'll join you really soon. I need to at least apologize to this lady who you interrupted not long ago.

- Oh your highness, no need to waste your time. It is an emergency after all and it was my pleasure to have met you, replied Serena.

- You do realize that the night isn't over and that I'll find you again so we can finish this conversation —

- Oh but I'll leave soon, I don't see how we will meet—

- Then follow me!"

He grabbed her hand and pulled her by his side. He walked faster to join his friends and the Sylverian guests. He was dragging her to the end of the room. She bumped into Naru but couldn't stop to explain, though she realized she didn't even know what to say. What is going on? What is he doing, she kept asking herself.

"Father, may I have your attention?

- Well my son, how come you are here? Then who is down there—

- Long story short, I was out with this lady right beside me the whole time.

- Then are you telling me you…?

- Yes father, I do. And I don't want to waste any more time so if you don't mind would you..? oh and I have sent you some guests to discuss about a partnership so they should be here soon so make it fast if you please.

- Well then son, if you are sure. Young lady what is your name dearie?

- Sere..Serenity your highness but not to me impudent or anything but what is—

- PEOPLE OF ELYSION, YOUR PRINCE HAS CHOSEN HIS BRIDE: I PRESENT TO YOU LADY SERENITY, THE FUTURE QUEEN OF ELYSION."

The crowd went berserk. Everything went so fast. The Queen put the locket around her neck and said "Welcome to the family my dear Serenity". The King hugged her tight. And then, Darien dragged her back on the dance floor and the waltz started. She was trying to get her mind back together but all she could here was "Congratulations! ", " You are so beautiful", " We love you Princess"….

"Princess, she muttered.

- I told you, you wouldn't be able to say no.

- How? It went so fast... What did you do?

- I proposed to you and you said yes.

- No… we need to talk. I need to get out of here. I need air.

- Okay okay. I'll get you out, just follow me".

She grabbed his hand and walked through. When she saw Naru, opened her fan to her face, fanned twice and closed it back. She knew they had to leave now and flee while she still had the locket on her. Naru nodded and slowly grabbed hold of Melvin. Serena kept walking. Yes she had the locket but she got a prize with it: she was engaged to the prince and she didn't know how to get out of it.

" We are here Serenity."

She looked up and realized Darien had brought her to the backyard. The water was glistening due to the moonlight. The fountain was surrounded by little candles. He walked her to the bridge so she could see the fishes. She is beautiful, he thought. Indeed she was. Her long white dress was very simple. It had only a few gold embroidery here and there. To match her hair maybe. Her hair was long enough for her to be able to wrap it twice around her hair as a scarf. Compared to the Elysion's girls, Serenity didn't have a bow or hat: she had a flower crown instead. It was breathtaking how beautiful she looked in the night sky. Her mask covered enough for him to see how honest her eyes were. That's what made him act on impulse. She came here to enjoy herself, and not for him. She was honest about it compared to the other ladies he had met at the beginning of the night. They kept trying to force themselves to please him but he needed someone who would be honest to him at anytime just like his parents. He knew he did right but she needed some convincing.

" Serenity?

- Yes your highness?

- You can call me Darien now you know.

- I'd prefer not.

- Why? We will be married soon —

- Why?

- I beg your pardon?

- Why did you choose me? Is it because I was your escape plan? Or maybe I am stupid enough to fall for—

- NO! I acted on impulse. You intrigued me a lot. I couldn't figure you out but I felt like you were right.

- About what?

- You said clearly I couldn't marry just anyone. I had to know her and picture me with her for the rest of my life.

- And, you saw that with me?

- Yes, when you said you were leaving, I realized I might never find you after tonight. I didn't even know your name and now I—

- Darien, I get it. It's okay. I'm just a bit shocked but honestly speaking, I must confess that it was the same for me. I saw our life together in a blink when you dragged me back to the dance floor and I realized that if something were to happen to you, I wouldn't be able to survive anymore…

- Serenity…

- Would you do me favour?

- Anything for you, love.

- Close your eyes".

He did. She saw how innocent he looked then. She heard the clock rang midnight. Naru was waiting. She had to leave soon. He needed to be fooled just like they had planned. So she tiptoed and kissed him. She felt him give him. Pulling her closer to fit his body. Her arms went to his neck. His were resting on her hips. She didn't remember how that happened and how long it lasted but she knew she felt something that wasn't part of the plan. He opened his eyes and smiled at her. She smiled back. Someone called him from afar. Maybe Kunzite. Darien turned to her with a disappointed face; he needed to leave her for a little while. Her ears were still buzzing so she just nodded to whatever else he said. He bent again and brushed his lips to hers and whispered: I chose right. She blushed and promised she'd wait for his return.