Dodging the guards, the man with hair like the sun was running down the corridors in the the palace. Although his mind was supposed to be directed towards his mission, he couldn't stop thinking about that girl. He had been trying to enter the palace unnoticed when he heard the horses hooves clicking with force upon the stone cobble road. Turning, he saw her sitting on the sizable white stallion and his eyes couldn't peel away. Something pulled him towards her, but his mind had no idea why. When he touched her hand and escorted her off the horse into his arms, the electricity that flew up into his body was consuming. Suddenly jerking out of his day dreaming, he dodged into a room hiding quietly as guards passed by going through their rounds of patrolling the palace. Popping his head out, he made sure the coast was clear and then continued on his way.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Serenity reached the bottom stair and came face to face with the man with ebony hair. Their eyes were locked, as they studied one another. Finally Darien took a hold of her hand and swept her onto the ballroom floor. Their steps moved harmoniously together with each note of music that played. People stood around and watched in awe and mysteriously wondered who could that young lady be. Yet one woman stood on the side with her blood boiling. Rei couldn't believe that this mystery woman stole her limelight. The prince was hers, and she was determined to have him. Beryl stood next to her daughter and growled in her throat.
“Don't worry my dear daughter...You shall have him soon enough.”
Rei looked up at her mother, and smiled wickedly. Rei suddenly looked confused. The expression on her mother's face went from anger to shock. Following her mother's gaze toward the prince on the ballroom floor she tried to figure it out. Beryl knew it and she couldn't believe it. Beryl looked out at the mystery girl and glared. How did the wretched girl get here, and where did she get her dress. Her lovely step daughter somehow managed to weasel her way to the ball. Beryl would teach that little inferior girl not to disobey her.
Serenity was in a dream, her reality seemed so far away. The dark haired man had led her outside onto a vast balcony covered with flowers, candle light on each corner and fountain in the middle of it all. They sat upon a bench and she looked up into the sky.
“My lady, have we met? My heart tells me yes, but my eyes widely disagree.” questioned Darien.
“I do not believe so sir, but your words do so flatter me.” Serenity answered with hushed tones.
“I am sure I know every young lady in my kingdom, but yet I have never seen you.”
Serenity was silent for a moment. At first her mind didn't wrap around the words that just spit from his perfect lips. No wait, did he say kingdom? His kingdom? Then that must mean....he was the prince! Her heart raced a thousand beats per minute. No of course he would have never seen her before, because she was a lowly maid in a household in the country. What was she going to do? If he found out who she really was, then her step mother would, and then Rei! Her punishment would be dreadful.
“Did I say something wrong my lady?” Darien looked quizzical at her.
“No, of course not your highness.” Serenity replied quickly.
“Please, call me Darien. What name shall I call you?”
There it was, the question she hoped wouldn't come up. No way could she tell him her name. She must leave as soon as possible. Looking into the Princes' eyes her heart melted. She couldn't believe how stupid it was of her to come here in the first place. She never dreamed that her, of all people, would dance with the Prince. She pondered furiously and then the idea hit her. She would tell the Prince her mothers maiden name, even though their first names were the same.
“The only name I can leave you with your highness......Darien... is Serenity de la Fayette.” She lied.
With that she stood up. She ran her fingers lightly across her mask. He still had not seen her face. Darien looked confused and stood up, only to tower over her. Serenity looked up into his longing eyes.
“I must leave. I cannot stay... Im sor-” she started to blurt out but was interrupted by his lips.
Her eyes were wide with shock. Then with ease, her body relaxed and she began to embrace him. His soft lips caressed over hers only to push against them with lust and force. His strong hands cupped her face. She felt the roughness of his palms and the beating in his fingertips. By her surprise, tears swelled into her eyes. She needed to get out of there now. Putting the palms of her hands on her strong chest, she pushed him back.
“Goodbye...Goodbye your highness!” Serenity said as though she was taking her last breathe.
Turning around abruptly she started to run. Reaching the double doors that led into the ballroom, she swung them open. Hearing his voice behind her telling her to wait and to stop was almost unbearable. Suddenly panic hit as the guards ambushed the ballroom and announced thieves in the palace. Serenity peeked behind her and saw the look in the Prince's eyes. Darien was looking from Serenity to his guards and then back to her not sure which to choose. With regret, he turned the other way and headed towards his men to go catch the thieves. Serenity watched him and stood there all the while people around her were scurrying about. Then a voice spoke into Serenity's ear. A voice so evil that every hair on her neck stood straight up and the blood that ran through her body went cold.
“Oh Serenity my dear...what a covetous devious little pretender you are. Did you really think that you could come here and I wouldn't notice you child?” Beryl said.
Serenity didn't turn around, she couldn't move. Beryl touched her fingertip to Serenity's bare back and slowly slid her finger down slightly, stopping suddenly and lifting her finger away, Beryl smirked.
“The scar on your back gave you away. The one that I gave you so long ago for disobeying me.”
Serenity whipped around, “Oh step mother, I'm so sorry.. please! PLE-”
Beryl grabbed her by the hair and dragged Serenity outside where no one could see them. Beryl lunged at Serenity's mask and ripped it off her face with one hand and then came back at her cheek with a slap. Serenity fell to the floor, her hand resting on her red cheek. She choked back tears knowing her consequences were going to be great.
“You miserable creature... you are no longer welcome in my household. I don't care where you go, but if you come near this palace or the chateau again.....” Beryl paused, and grabbed Serenity by the neck forcing her to stand eye to eye, “I...will... kill... you...”
Beryl threw Serenity to the ground with force and stood over her. With one last glance, Beryl turned and walked away as if nothing had happened. Serenity lay curled up on the floor breathing deeply taking in everything that just happened. Suddenly without warning tears erupted from her eyes. She tried to stop the flow of water, but it was no use. What was she to do? Where would she go? The best night of her life turned into the worst. Between sobs, she heard a rustling behind her. Sitting upright and looking beyond her shoulder, there he stood, the man with the golden hair she saw earlier this evening. She stood up quickly and wiped her tears with the back of her hand. He looked at her with apologetic eyes and walked towards her.
“I saw what happened....are you okay?” he said softly.
“Yes, I’m fine.” she lied. “but now I have nowhere to go.”
“Come with me.” he replied.
Serenity furrowed her eyebrows and had to think about it for a second. Should she go with him? Was he a mass murderer? She didn't even know him. 'This is crazy,' she thought to herself. This was an adventure of a lifetime, and she was about to live it. Nodding she choked out her response,
“Yes, yes I will go with you. First, what is your name?” she questioned.
“Andrew.” he replied.
“Andrew...” Serenity repeated his name softly. “I am...Serena.”
