Title:  An Angel From Hell
Chapter 3
By Kayla Chavi
Rating: PG-13
Email: kaylachavi@yahoo.com

I stood in the middle of my studio apartment, as the
sunÕs first rays trying to peek through the shades.  I
was tempted to throw open the window and see how
Powerful I really was.  I wanted to see if they would
hurt me.  

But then again, a sunburn was not the way to make a
good impression.  I was going to see Darien tonight
and I wanted him to find me attractive, beautiful, not
bright cherry red.  I contemplated bringing him here,
but then he would ask too many questions that I donÕt
want to answer.

He would want to know who the portrait of the man with
long black hair and dark blue eyes was.  Then he would
want to know why he looked like him.  IÕm thousands of
years old and still I canÕt say no to the man, and IÕm
not ready to tell him about reincarnation.  DarienÕs a
Christian and IÕm not prepared to tell my JÕthia that
there is no single God out there, just the Higher
Powers and then THE GODS.

He wouldnÕt be able to handle it.  And IÕm not
prepared for another mental breakdown from him.  The
last time was painful enough.  But thatÕs another
story.

I havenÕt finished the first time.  The story of our
Love, our Life, and our Death has yet to be told. 

So I go to my computer.  Yes, I have one of these
blasted things.  I hate them, even though IÕm an
excellent typist, and know how to use them perfectly,
I still long for the days when all I had to do was
call for a scribe.  Then he would write exactly what I
said down, letting me read it afterwards to make it
correct.   

I would kill for a scribe.

* * *

The Delegation from KÕthie was coming to Atlantis.  I
was a nervous wreck.  Uncle had decided that it was my
duty to see to all the preparations.  I was upset, for
two reasons.  One being that this entire delegation
was a sham.  All it was, was Uncle shoving the fact
that we had their Prince in their faces.  Showing them
that he had a Power that they didnÕt.  The other was
Endy.

He was getting all dreamy eyed about it.  Apparently
his sister and her husband were part of the
delegation.  Along with a woman that was rumored that
he had known.  I by known, I mean it in the Biblical
sense of the word.  I was worried that he would see
this woman (I didnÕt know her name, yet), and he would
look at me and see the child again.  

Then there was the fact of while he now slept in my
bed, he didnÕt sleep with me.  He refused to know me. 
(Again in the same sense as before).  I was beginning
to hate him for it, I loved him so much.  Here in
Atlantis is was not a strange thing for slaves to
sleep with their Masters.  I told him this, once I
came to the point of begging.  In any other situation,
with any other man it would have been pathetic.

His response?  

ÒSenna, I love you more than Life Itself.  And when I
take you, it will be because we are married.  I will
not take your honor from you.Ó  He looked down at me
gently, and lightly held the side of my face, wiping
away the tear that had fallen.

ÒEndy we love each other, thatÕs all that matters.  I
want this, IÕm not deluding myself either.  I want
everything love has to offer.Ó  I looked at him, my
aquamarine eyes filled with a pleading.

ÒSo do I, Senna.  But I will not end up fathering a
child who has a slave for a Father.Ó

ÒDamn you!Ó  I pulled away from him angrily, ÒIs that
all you see yourself as?  A slave?Ó

ÒSenna--Ó

ÒWhen I look at you Endymion I see a King, a man more
fit to rule than Uncle.  I see this man who has so
much honor that its killing me inside.   I have never
treated you as my slave!  Never!  I have never used it
to get you to do anything that you donÕt want to.  I
havenÕt even used it to force you to make love to me! 
So why do you insist on remaining a slave!?Ó

There was a silence and he looked down at the floor. 
I closed my eyes to stop the tears, ÒItÕs her, isnÕt
it.Ó

ÒWhat?Ó he looked up at me, confused.  ÒWho?Ó

ÒThat woman whoÕs coming with the Delegation.Ó

ÒWhat?!  I donÕt understand.  What woman.Ó

ÒThat woman, sheÕs a former lover of yours.  SheÕs
coming with the KÕthie Delegation.  You donÕt want me,
you want her.Ó

ÒWHAT?!Ó  He looked at me as if I was crazy.  But I
didnÕt give him a chance to talk before I turned and
fled from the room.

I was blind at that moment, for I did not see the look
of sadness that followed me.  And I didnÕt hear the
inhuman scream that escaped his throat as he in
frustration threw himself upon our bed.

* * *

Endy and I didnÕt speak to each other for three days,
but he still slept in my bed.  Why?  Because unless he
was there, I was attacked.  It was a cold three
nights, for he didnÕt hold me, and I didnÕt let him.  

The night before the delegation came I was getting
ready for bed, slipping on my simple nightdress, when
a pair of strong arms grabbed my waist from behind and
swung me onto the bed.  I managed to utter a small
shriek before I realized that the man over me was
Endy.   He held me firmly by the waist and looked
deeply into my eyes.

Then he was kissing me more forcefully then he had
ever done before.  His mouth traveled along my jaw and
neck and shoulders and then along the neckline of my
nightdress.  I wrapped my arms around his neck and
kissed him back before he slowly pulled away, moving
to lay next to me.

ÒDonÕt ever not speak to me for that long ever again,Ó
he said firmly, lightly stroking my back, ÒI think
that we need to talk.Ó

I sighed and closed my eyes and pulled closer to him,
ÒDo we have to?Ó

He looked down at me and lightly touched my hair,
ÒSenna, listen to me.  The only person who means
anything to me is you.  It will always be like that. 
The other women, they mean nothing.Ó

ÒBut....but youÕve....youÕve made love to them and not
to me.Ó

ÒSerena, what IÕve done with them isnÕt making love,
its sex, or getting screwed, or getting fucked.  It
was never love.Ó  He took my chin in his hand and made
me look at him. 

ÒOh.Ó

Endymion smiled and kissed my forehead, ÒPlease, let
me love you in my way.  I respect you for the amazing
woman you are, Senna.  And when we are married I will
do anything you wish me to.Ó

He said when, not if, and for some reason that gave me
hope.  Maybe this delegation would change something. 

ÒPromise?Ó

ÒWith all of my soul.Ó he kissed me again gently and I
smiled up at him.  He pulled me closer, an arm snaking
around my shoulders.  I rested my head on his chest. 
ÒNow, donÕt move, these last few nights have been
freezing.  I forgot how nice it is to have you here.Ó

I giggled and snuggled even closer.  There was a long
period of silence and I thought that he had fallen
asleep, ÒZalliva xi, JÕthia.Ó I whispered, ÒI love
you, beloved.Ó

He held me tightly, ÒLÕtie qui, Senna.Ó 

* * *

I sat on my low stool, my dark burgundy silk dress,
billowed at my feet.  The purpose of it was to make me
look like a goddess.  Endy told me it worked.  My
brother teased him saying that he thought that I would
look like a goddess in breeches and a manÕs shirt. 
Uncle just nodded his head, approving of it.  My hair
was artfully braided, with small feathers and beads in
it.  

Endymion sat at my feet.  I had insisted on this. 
Uncle had frowned, saying that even a Princely slave
did not deserve a place at my feet.  I said that he
had forced the man into my rooms and into my life.  I
choose what place he had and therefore he had a seat
of honor at my feet.

The main Throne Room doors opened and the procession
of the Delegation came through.  They put on a nice
show of their wealth.  The last three people were who
were important, they contained the real power in this
whole mess.

A woman with dark black hair led them.  Her hair was
so black that it looked blue in places when the
sunlight glanced upon it.  Her robes were also blue
and very modest.  She was beautiful and I noticed the
look in EndyÕs eyes when he saw her.  It was joy.

The man walking a step behind her had wavy dark brown
hair that brushed past his shoulders.  He had a
peacefulness around him, though to me he looked
slightly feminine.  It didnÕt help that he kept his
hair pulled into a loose horses tail.  Though it was
clear that there was nothing girly about him, while he
was thin, he certainly was strong.  

There was also something about him that bothered me. 
He didnÕt look like a KÕthie, his hair was too light
and his eyes were a gray.

These two were introduced as the Princess Amilyn of
KÕthie and her husband Zander.  These two were EndyÕs
sister and brother-in-law.  I looked down at Endy and
then nodded, smiling.  He lightly kissed my hand and
then stepped off of the dais to meet them.

He and his sister hugged tightly, tears of relief
streaming from her eyes.  Eyes that were almost as
blue as EndyÕs, if I recall correctly.  He and Zander
gripped arms firmly and from this I learned much. 
This was EndymionÕs family and they loved him.  They
wanted him home. 

Pleasantries were exchanged and then I saw Endymion
pale considerably.  I followed his gaze, it was the
third woman that had followed behind them.  She was a
tall woman with hair a darker red then mine.  Her eyes
were a red violet and cold.  She sent a chill running
down my spine when she and I looked at each other,
meeting each otherÕs eyes.  She was wearing the robes
of a Priestess, though unlike ReisheÕs Fire Red, hers
were a Royal purple edged with a blood-red.  I began
to wonder who she was.

Then she was announced and I knew the reason for
Endymion fear.

ÒHigh Priestess Berylka of the KÕthie High Temple of
Garlekesh.Ó

I nearly screamed.  Garlekesh was the God of Blood and
War in KÕthie, if what Endy had told me was true.  The
fact that he had a High Temple did not sit well with
me.  

Endymion turned to greet her, moving to take her hand.
 I saw her shake her head and give him a cold smile. 
In the silence of the Throne Room I heard, ÒOh no
Endymion, we are much to close to be so formal.Ó  Then
she kissed him.

And it wasnÕt a friendly kiss, it was a deep throated
passionate kiss that lasted far too long, even though
Endy nearly threw her away from him.  The Princess
Amilyn glared hatefully at Berylka and said something
harshly to her as Endymion coldly took his place back
at my feet.  I was afraid for him and wanted to gently
place my hand on his shoulder, telling him that it
would be all right.

But Princesses werenÕt supposed to show concern for
their slaves.  Endy knew this and so did I, the public
had to be satisfied.

Screw the public, I decided and gently touched his
shoulder.  He let me lay it there before gently
shrugging it off.

And I was afraid.  I was afraid of Berylka.  I was
afraid of Uncle (who sat in his Throne smirking).  And
I was afraid even of Endymion, for the look in his
eyes was so terrible that I dared not touch him again.
 

I didnÕt hear much of the negotiations and the
speeches that day.  Berylka held my gaze, the fear
running through my body.  It was the gentle touch on
my hand that broke that concentration.  I looked down
surprised.

Endy gently took my hand in his and lightly squeezed
it, ÒDonÕt meet her eyes,Ó he whispered, ÒI donÕt want
you to loose your soul.Ó  I nearly smiled, so he
wasnÕt angry at me.

I nodded and kept my eyes on my hands in my lap, not
listening to anything.  I donÕt even think I was
capable of thinking, totally in shock from what had
just happened.

* * *

Afterwards I wandered aimlessly through the Palace
before I came back to my rooms.  Inside I could hear
laughter and I almost didnÕt open the door.  I knew I
would find Endymion and his sister in there and I
didnÕt think that I wanted to meet them.  They were
trying to take him away from me, and I didnÕt like
that.

Gods, I was such a child at times.

I turned to go when the door opened and Endymion stood
there.  He grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me into
the room.  He smiled, looking happier that I had ever
seen him before.  ÒI thought I felt you there.Ó

I looked at him confused, what did he mean he could
feel me?  Did he always know when I was around?  I
didnÕt get a chance to ask these questions, for he
pulled me over to meet his sister and her husband.

Amilyn stood and bowed solemnly, as did Zander. 
ÒYouÕre majesty it is an honor to meet you finally.Ó

ÒFinally?Ó

Zander laughed, ÒWeÕve just spent the last two hours
listening to my Lord talk about you.Ó  Endy turned a
bright red and I laughed.

ÒTwo hours?Ó I asked him trying to contain my
laughter.

Endymion shot me a dangerous look, ÒActually it was
closer to three,Ó he said indignantly, crossing his
arms.

I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him, not
wanting to embarrass myself in front of his sister.  I
gestured to the large couches in my outer chamber,
inviting them to sit.  They took the seats and I sat
across from them.  

Endymion placed himself at my feet.

Amilyn saw this and was very confused, ÒEndymion, why
are you on the floor?Ó

Endymion sighed, ÒAmi, IÕm a slave.  I canÕt sit on
the same couch as Sen-Serena.  ItÕs not proper.Ó

I closed my eyes, knowing from having my own siblings
and dealing with AnÕdre that there was going to be an
argument about this.  Zander met my eyes and grinned
impishly, he knew this as much as I did.

ÒYouÕre not a slave, Endymion,Ó she said in a
patronizing tone and gave me a glare.  

ÒHere, I am,Ó he said simply.  I was about to say
something, to tell him to stop being ridiculous and
sit next to me.  I didnÕt mind.  

But he stopped me.  He gently took my hand and kissed
it, silencing me.  AmilynÕs eyes narrowed when she saw
this, and a cold look came into her eyes.  Zander
tried to do the same thing that Endymion had, he took
her hand and held it gently.

ÒWhy havenÕt you come home?Ó she said abruptly and I
looked at her confused.  Endymion was a slave here; he
couldnÕt just leave.  ÒWe were expecting you back
months ago.  The slavery was a shock, yes, but we
thought that you would have escaped by now.Ó

ÒYou thought wrong, Lyn.Ó

ÒI donÕt understand.  You could just leave,Ó she stood
up, ÒWhy havenÕt you?Ó  She yanked her hand away from
Zander.  He sighed and just leaned back into the
couch.

ÒSenna please,Ó he said to her.  If it had been any
other situation, the use of ÔbelovedÕ would have been
humorous.  I was so used to Endy saying it to me that
it seemed odd to here another man call his wife it. 
ÒJust calm down, IÕm sure that Endymion had a reason.Ó

ÒI donÕt expect you to understand Lyn,Ó Endymion said
standing up to face her.

By this time I was getting very confused.  I looked up
at Endy to see something I didnÕt understand it in his
eyes.  He was angry at his sister for something and I
didnÕt understand why.

ÒThen tell me!Ó she implored, ÒEndy we are brother and
sister.  We always have strived to understand each
other.  Tell me.Ó

There was a silence and I stood, ÒMaybe I should go,Ó
I whispered going to my terrace.  

ÒMy GODS!Ó AmilynÕs eyes widened and her voice rose,
ÒYouÕre here because of her!Ó

I cringed  And then went completely outside.  I hated
when people talked about me when I wasnÕt there. 
Sometimes AnÕdre and Darien did that and it infuriated
me.  So I went to the ledge and closed my eyes, trying
not to cry, trying to realize what all of this meant.

I kept coming up blank and the argument continued
inside.

ÒI canÕt believe you Endymion!  CanÕt you see that she
is one of them?!  SheÕs a Atlantian!  TheyÕre Empire
was built on the backs of others.  They keep slaves! 
She could never understand what itÕs like to be free. 
SheÕs a barbarian!Ó

Endymion shouted something in KÕthie and then there
was a silence.  It was a very, very, long silence.

ÒHe just told her to remember that he was the Prince
and that she was Princess.  He told her not to
question him.Ó  I looked up to see Zander standing
next to me.  He looked troubled at the whole
situation.  He sighed, ÒI love my wife dearly, but
sometimes she is extremely close minded.Ó

My eyes widened.  His last sentence was spoken in the
High Language of Atlantis.  Only the royalty and
nobility spoke this language.  It was a hard language
to speak, taking those who were not native to it
almost a lifetime to learn.

This could only mean one thing, Zander was an
Altantian.  And nobility at that.  

No wonder he didnÕt look like a KÕthie.  

He saw the realization in his eyes and nodded, ÒShe
doesnÕt know, for obvious reasons.  I plan on telling
her in about ten years.  Hopefully by then sheÕll
loose the prejudice that she has.  And by then sheÕll
get used to the fact that youÕre married to her
brother.Ó

I nodded and looked down at the sea below me, ÒEndy
and I arenÕt married yet,Ó I said quietly, ÒAnd I
donÕt think weÕll ever be.Ó  I started to cry.  I was
appalled at myself, Endy was the only man who had ever
seen me cry.

Zander lifted my chin and made me look at him.  He had
a kind smile on his face and there was a gentle hope
in his eyes, ÒYour Majesty, I can promise you that you
and Prince Endymion will be married.  And it will be
sooner rather than later.Ó

ÒH-How?Ó I stuttered, looking up at him amaze.

ÒWeÕre working on it.Ó

Then Endymion came outside, obviously walking away
from Amylin.  He was angry and upset, glaring slightly
at the sea and the horizon.  Zander bowed politely to
me before going inside to Amylin.  I heard them leave
a moment later.

Tentatively I went up to Endy and placed my hand
gently on his shoulder.  His hands were clenched into
tight fists, so hard that his knuckles were white. 
ÒJÕthia?Ó  He was quiet for a very long time before
turning to me.

ÒIÕm sorry,Ó he whispered looking deeply into my eyes.

I smiled slightly, ÒFor what?Ó

ÒFor my sister,Ó he said quietly, moving to turn away
from me.  I stopped him by grabbing his wrist and
holding it tightly.

ÒYou have nothing to be sorry for,Ó I said and for
once made him look at me instead of the other way
around, ÒYou canÕt control her Endy.  SheÕs her own
woman.Ó

ÒI donÕt want her to hurt you,Ó he whispered, ÒYou
mean too much to me.Ó

I smiled and kissed his hand, ÒI know.  I didnÕt know
how much until just a few moments ago.Ó  He looked at
me confused and I laughed.  ÒYou stayed here when you
didnÕt have to.  If she and Zander are to be believed
you could have left Atlantis a long time ago, but you
didnÕt.  You stayed, and I know its because of me, and
not because of AnÕdre,Ó  I paused and then smiled
slightly, ÒAt least it better be because of me and not
because of AnÕdre, or else I would have to kill him.Ó

Endymion laughed and kissed my forehead, drawing me to
him in a fierce embrace.  ÒI would never leave you if
I could possibly help it,Ó he promised, ÒI would have
to be forced away.  I wouldnÕt leave you even if you
told me too.Ó

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck, hugging
him tightly.  He lifted me off the ground and twirled
me around on the terrace.  I laughed and held on as he
twirled me back into the room.

He stopped suddenly, frozen for a moment.  I looked
over my shoulder to see why he stopped, expecting to
see someone like Uncle or AnÕdre.

Berylka.

The High Priestess of Garlekesh.

The God of Blood and War.

I nearly screamed.  

Endymion held me tightly by the waist before slowly
setting me to the floor.  His arm was still
protectively around me when I was put upon my feet,
crushing me to his side.  My auburn hair was a tumble
of curls and I didnÕt much look like the Princess, but
I acted the part.

ÒWhat are you doing here without my permission?Ó  I
asked coldly and her cruel red eyes (and they were a
red now, not the red/violet of before) flickered at
me, as if noticing my presence for the first time.  ÒI
did not give you leave to enter my room.Ó

ÒIÕm here to see his majesty,Ó she said calmly, ÒI
need to talk to him.Ó  Her eyes traveled his body in a
very suggestive way, ÒAlone.Ó 

I opened my mouth to speak but Endy stopped me.  He
shook his head, ÒIÕll be alright.Ó

ÒVery well,Ó I said quietly, an irrational fear of
losing him came into my mind.  If I left them alone,
they might........I looked over at my bed and prayed
to the gods that they wouldnÕt profane it.

I pulled away and gave the impression of leaving them
alone.  I didnÕt, I hid behind one of the pillars and
drapes.

What can I say, IÕm a jealous girl.  I always have
been and I always will be.  Besides if I was going to
get my heart broken, I wanted to be the first to know.

ÒWhy are you here Berylka?Ó

She smiled a cruel and cold smile, ÒI wanted to see
you *Endy*Ó  They had sat down on the couches and she
lightly placed a hand on his leg.  He immediately
grabbed it and held her hand tightly by the wrist.

ÒNot good enough Berylka.Ó he said looking at her
coldly, ÒWhy are you really here?Ó

She narrowed her eyes and then sighed, snatching her
hand away from him, ÒIÕm here to scare the King of
Atlantis into giving you back to your people.  Even
RubÕris fears the Gods.  Especially the God that I
represent.Ó

ÒNice tactic,Ó he said dryly, ÒWhoÕs idea, motherÕs or
father's?Ó  

She laughed, ÒYouÕre sisterÕs.Ó  She lightly touched
EndymionÕs face, ÒSheÕs missed you and wants you back.
 You missed her wedding, now youÕre going to miss the
birth of her first child if you arenÕt careful.Ó

ÒLynÕs pregnant?!Ó Endy exclaimed and I felt a rush of
joy for the sister who really didnÕt like me.  She was
going to have a child!  That was wonderful, something
that I wanted but Endy at this point wouldnÕt give me.

ÒYou didnÕt know?Ó Berylka asked innocently, running
her fingertips over his lips.  Again he grabbed her
wrist.  Berylka jerked her hand away as if she had
been stung, ÒWhat is it about that child that has you
so insistent on staying here?Ó she asked angrily.

ÒShe isnÕt a child anymore than you are a good woman
Berylka.  SheÕs beautiful, intelligent, and a good
person.Ó  He paused angrily, ÒSomething you will never
be.Ó

Her eyes were now blood red as she narrowed her eyes
at him, ÒHow dare you!Ó she hissed standing, there was
a fire in her eyes that scared me.  ÒHow dare you
judge me?  I gave up everything for you Endymion!  I
gave up my life and hope as your wife, just to see you
returned home.  And I come to find that you are
lusting after the Crown Princess of our enemy and want
to stay.  You are a betrayal to your people.Ó

ÒI dare because I am the Prince of our people Berylka.
 I am trying to forge an alliance that will bring
peace to our country and to most of the civilized
world.  Serena is a good woman and will be the perfect
Queen someday.  She is a better person than you are. 
Now leave.  Leave me before I have you removed.Ó

ÒYouÕre a slave!Ó Berylka hissed and slapped him, ÒYou
are a slave to her and to RubÕris.  I curse you!Ó

I paled almost giving myself away by wanting to help
Endy.  Curses scared me, for they were very real.

ÒI curse you that you will never be truly happy with
Serena.  She will become something that you despise
for eternity and you will hate her and yourself
everyday for the rest of your lives.  And each life
after that!  I curse any children that you might have
that theyÕre lives will become a destructive force in
the world.  They will destroy their loved ones, just
as you will try to destroy Serena.  You will never
know happiness!Ó  She shrieked.

There was a silence.

ÒAnd I bless them that Good will overcome Evil!  That
Love and Justice will triumph and they will taste
happiness before death!Ó  Reishe stood in the doorway
of my rooms, the Power of Flame surrounding her.  ÒGet
out Berylka!  You donÕt belong here in Atlantis.  You
do not belong here among the living.Ó

Berylka narrowed her eyes and hissed, her eyes glowing
red.  She roared, her scream inhuman and I saw that
her two eyeteeth were elongated, like a serpents
fangs.  Her fingernails were claw like and she leapt
to attack Reishe.  Fire leapt from the raven haired
Priestess to the *thing* that used to be Berylka.

They fought, Reishe looking glorious as she found the
thing who was leaping for her neck.  She managed to
bite her, and I saw blood began to run down her neck. 


In a swift motion, a blond haired man came into view,
attacking Berylka from behind with a large polished
piece of wood.  I saw him try to shove it deep into
her back, aiming for her heart.  

He failed, but she released her grip on Reishe. 
Reishe used this distraction to throw Fire at the
*thing* again.  The fire caught on BerylkaÕs robes.

Berylka screamed in pain and then gathered Darkness
around her before disappearing.

I began to cry, for it seemed that with her words my
whole life had ended.  I had no reason to live, even
with or without Endy.  I was tired of being attacked
by men, women, and *things*  I wanted to be able to
live my life without the worry of waking up dead.   I
think that this is when I stumbled out from behind the
curtain.

And then suddenly I was in EndyÕs arms.  He was
calling me a beautiful idiot and asking me why I
didnÕt leave like a smart girl.  He kept calling me
beautiful and telling me how much he loved me.  I just
cried and cried, wishing that none of this had
happened.  I was beginning to regret everything that
had happened.

Reishe knelt next to me as Endymion tried to calm me. 
Behind her was a blond haired man also wearing a
PriestÕs robes.  ÒWhat are you two doing here?Ó
Endymion asked quietly as he rocked me as I sobbed.

ÒJedeite felt an Evil presence,Ó Reishe said gently,
ÒWe came as soon as we could.  IÕm sorry,Ó she
whispered.  Jedeite began to gently clean Reishe wound
before quietly and quickly cleaning up my room 

During this, Endymion lifted me, laying me onto my
bed.  

ÒWill she be alright?Ó he asked Reishe nervously.  She
and Jedeite exchanged a smile.

ÒShe just needs sleep and she needs you with her. 
DonÕt let go of her,Ó Jedeite said and he and Reishe
left.

That night Endymion held me, not letting go.  We
didnÕt sleep, I donÕt think that we could have even if
we had tried.  That night was the last night I ever
cried from fear.  I let ice freeze part of my heart. 

**I will never cry over her and this again** I
promised myself, **Never again will I be so scared
that I cry**

* * *

ÒIÕm going back to KÕthia.Ó

My heart stopped.  It was two weeks since Berylka and
his sister had left, and now he was kneeling in front
of me begging me not to kill him.

ÒWhat?Ó I whispered, not believing that I had heard
him correctly the first time.

ÒIÕm going back to my country,Ó he said quietly and
then looked down at the ground.

ÒNo.Ó  My voice was a strangled whispered, ÒYou
promised never to leave me.  I wonÕt let you go.Ó

ÒSenna--Ó he started, trying to beg, taking my hands
gently in his.

ÒNO!Ó I tore away from him, leaving him kneeling on
the floor, ÒYou canÕt!  You......Ó and then I did the
thing I thought I would never do, ÒYou canÕt!  YouÕre
my slave.  I demand that you stay here!Ó

ÒSenna....you're Uncle is giving me my freedom, saying
that its his deathbed wish.  IÕm going back to KÕthiaÓ
 He stood and walked over to me.

ÒWhy?Ó I whispered giving up.  I didnÕt look at him. 
ÒYou promised.Ó

ÒI know.......the alliance is going to be made
finally.  My parents want me home.  My people and
family need me.Ó  He was trying to make me understand
why.  

And I did understand that he had to go, but that
didnÕt mean that I had to like it.

ÒWhat about me?Ó  I whispered, tears starting to fall
down my face (I promised not to cry over Berylka.  I
knew I could never promise to not cry over Endy, it
would be impossible.)  ÒI need you.Ó

He made me look at him, gently wiping away my tears. 
ÒI know Senna, and there is something that I want to
ask you.Ó

ÒWhat?Ó I finally looked into his eyes.

ÒCome to the ball tonight.  Dance with me once before
I leave.  Let us be equals for one night.  Let me show
you how much I love you.  And then IÕll ask you.Ó

I closed me eyes and nodded, not able to say yes.  My
heart was breaking.  We would never be together, just
like Berylka said.

He smiled and kissed me softly, ÒI love you, Senna,
with all of my heart and soulÓ he whispered.  He was
about to say more when my door burst open.

ÒDonÕt you ever knock?Ó I asked AnÕdre irritably.  He
just grinned and I could have hurt him for being so
cheerful.

ÒNeverÓ he said and then turned to the two of us,
ÒYouÕll never guess the miracle that just happened!Ó
he said somewhat excited.  I rolled my eyes, he was
acting like a young child again.  He looked too happy
and it was annoying me.  I was loosing the only man I
had ever loved (not counting my brother of course),
and he was being cheerful.

I swear that I could have hit him.

ÒWhat?Ó I mumbled.

ÒUncle just died.Ó  He waited for my reaction.  

It came very slowly, I was still trying to get through
the fact that my jÕthia was leaving me.  

ÒWhat?Ó I asked, ÒSay that again.Ó

ÒUncle just died.  No more war Serena!  No more hate! 
We can be allies with the KÕthie!  We can be at
peace.Ó

But Endymion canÕt marry me, I added silently.  He was
to be King of KÕthia.  I was to be Queen of Atlantis. 
We couldnÕt meld the countries like that, no one could
and there not be a war.

I slowly smiled, ÒI donÕt have to marry some bastard!Ó
I added, just to make AnÕdre happy, he was so happy
about this, and I didnÔt want to ruin it for him.  He
would finally be King.  ÒIÕm free of having to be
attacked!Ó

ÒAnd DÕmion wonÕt have to sleep in your bed!Ó  AnÕdre
added.

My stomach sank, a dark, deep pit forming in it.  I
would never be able to sleep without him there.

ÒYeah,Ó I said softly and Endymion just held me in his
arms.

ÒIÕm having some slaves move his belongings into
another room,Ó AnÕdre continued oblivious to me and
him, ÒHeÕs a Prince again, it wouldnÕt be proper for
him to sleep in here.Ó

ÒThat wonÕt be necessary,Ó Endymion and I said at the
same time.  I looked up at him surprised, so did
AnÕdre.

ÒWhat do you mean?!Ó

ÒI would never be able to sleep without Senna next to
me,Ó he said, ÒIÕm barely going to survive the months
that IÕm away from her before I come to visit.Ó

ÒYouÕre coming to visit?!Ó that seemed much brighter
then never seeing him again.  Maybe I did have a
reason to hope for something brighter.

ÒWhat did you think that I would just leave you
forever?Ó  He grinned down at me and I smiled, he knew
thatÕs exactly what I had thought.  ÒNever in a
thousand years!Ó

He kissed me and I turned it passionate, knowing it
would be one of the last few times.  After about ten
minutes of us kissing, AnÕdre began to make gagging
noises.

ÒOkay you two, youÕre worse than MinÕko and Kunzite.Ó

I laughed within the kiss, but we continued anyway,
stopping only after AnÕdre had been gone a very long
time.

* * *

That night at the ball I got to see Endymion as a
Prince.  He was so beautiful and noble.  He was
wearing the dark and somber colors of his house, black
and silver.  I wore the deep crimson and silver of my
house and together we looked amazing.  

We danced all the night.  I loved it.  I always knew
he was a wonderful dancer, but because he was my slave
I never could have danced with him in front of the
Court.  I was laughing and smiling the entire night. 

As was he as he drew me outside.  I couldnÕt help but
feel some apprehension as we walked out onto the
balcony.  

ÒSerena, thereÕs something I want to ask you.Ó he said
quietly and I looked up at him, my aqua marine eyes
looking deeply into his blue.

ÒWhat is it Endy?Ó I asked quietly.  My stomach had
begun to flutter and hope flared in my heart before I
quickly doused it.

It flared again when he knelt in front of me.  He
pulled something out of his pocket.

ÒSerena, my beautiful Senna.....would you let me keep
you?Ó

ÒWhat?Ó I asked blinking at him.  I was slightly
confused, and a little disbelieving.  It couldnÕt be
that he had just asked me to marry him.  It couldnÕt
be.

ÒI want you to become mine, I want to be yours,Ó he
said and brought forth the most beautiful ring I had
ever seen.  It was a small delicate silver dragon that
had sapphires for eyes, ÒI want us to come before the
gods and show them our love.  I want to marry you.Ó 
His voice was quiet and warm.  ÒI love you.Ó

I was speechless.  Then I realized that I would have
to answer him.  ÒYes.Ó I whispered and threw my arms
around his neck after he gently placed the ring on my
finger, ÒOh Gods YES!Ó

He laughed and twirled me around, kissing me
everywhere as he held me tightly by the waist.

ÒYES!Ó

* * *

I close my eyes and remember that day.  Bloody tears
run down my face as I write this.  IÕm writing this
for Darien, for his story that he wants to tell.  I
canÕt believe what a sucker I am for doing this, but
here I am.

I was so happy, so naive.  I would write more but I
havenÕt been able to control the memory, even  now I
cry as I write this, the blood splashing on the
keyboard.  

IÕm falling too fast, IÕm feeling too much.

Not again, oh Gods, not again.

So IÕll write of my wedding another time, later. 
Besides, IÕm seeing Darien tonight and I donÕt want to
have him see me like this.  Serena the Vampire doesnÕt
cry, only when sheÕs locked in horrible dreams and
canÕt control it.

IÕm never weak, not even in front of Darien, not
anymore.

I sighed and closed my eyes, saving the file for
Darien to read another time.  Again IÕve written it in
a language he canÕt read.  

When heÕs ready IÕll show it too him, IÕll let him
understand it.

* * *

ÒYouÕre seeing her again tonight arenÕt you, Dare,Ó
Andrew remarked quietly to me as we sat in the quiet
club, drinking our sodas.  Yes, we were two grown men
drinking Coke and Sprite.  Both of us couldnÕt afford
to get drunk on the job.

I sighed, ÒYes, Drew I am.Ó  

ÒHave you read the books that Rei got you yet?Ó he
asked me, sipping his drink.  He had leaned back into
the booth, looking relaxed and carefree.

ÒRead them?  I went through them so thoroughly that I
should know everything there is to know on Serena.Ó  I
sighed and took a long drink.

ÒBut?Ó

I swore and shook my head, ÒItÕs written in an ancient
script.  ReiÕs trying to get Ami to translate for me,
but even Ami canÕt work miracles all of the time. 
Though I think I know how old she is.Ó

Andrew lifted an eyebrow, ÒDo tell,Ó he said
intrigued.

ÒEver heard of Atlantis?Ó I asked calmly, setting my
drinking down.

ÒNo way!  ThatÕs just a myth.  Besides, the Legend of
Atlantis is claimed to be over eight thousand years
old!  I thought VampireÕs originated five thousand
years ago.Ó  Andrew clearly didnÕt believe me.  I just
smiled.

ÒWell these books claim that Serena came from
Atlantis, eight thousand years ago.Ó

ÒAnd here I was hoping that you would believe that IÕm
only seventeen,Ó  Serena was standing behind me. 
Again she had managed to do it without my hearing.  I
just smiled and grabbed her wrist from behind, pulling
her over to me and into my lap.

She giggled like a teenage girl.  I looked her over. 
Again she had gone for young and innocent, wearing
jeans and a halter top.  Okay, maybe not *that*
innocent.

She looked over at Andrew and smiled, ÒYou must be
AnÕd--Andrew,Ó she said stumbling over his name a
little.  ÒDarien talks about you often.Ó  She laughed
again as she rested her head on my shoulder, lightly
placing her hand on my chest, ÒSometimes I get jealous
that he talks about you so much.Ó

Andrew smiled slightly, looking her over, ÒI know the
feeling,Ó he commented warily.

Serena just smiled at him and something flashed in
both of their eyes.  This made me jealous for an
instant, what if she wanted Andrew more than me?! 
Inside I was starting to panic.

She must have known, or felt it.  She always knew what
I was thinking and feeling.  Serena broke eye contact
with Andrew and looked up at me.  She lightly kissed
the side of my face and then my neck, ÒIÕll always be
yours,Ó she murmured into my ear, ÒAlways and forever,
just like youÕll always be mine.Ó

That chilled me and warmed me at the same time.  Just
as it delighted me and scared me senseless.  What the
Hell was that supposed to mean!?

Andrew smiled and stood, ÒI have to be going.  Besides
I wonÕt stand in the way of true love,Ó he remarked
dryly.

ÒYou always knew how to read people so well,Ó Serena
said after him.  He stopped for a minute, pausing
slightly, not turning around, and then continued to
leave.

ÒWhat was that supposed to mean?Ó I asked and she just
smiled, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissed me
gently.

ÒIÕm just trying to unnerve him,Ó she said simply and
I just shook my head and sighed.  But I pulled her
closer, my arms around her waist and on her back,
ÒMuch like I do you,Ó she grinned.

I laughed and kissed her.  

This started something much alike to a make-out fest. 
Something I hadnÕt done since my last girlfriend.  It
was a little odd, being in a public place, I always
thought that couples that did stuff like this were
gross (for lack of a better word).  It was too open,
too public.  It let them in on your love life.  I
thought that I was above it and I thought she herself
was above it.

I had thought that just kissing Serena would seem too
juvenile for someone like her.  Besides she was a
vampire, something I was always reminding myself of.

But right now, I understood why those gross couples
made out in public.  And it wasnÕt gross.
*********************************

I want to thank all of you who have given me so much
support on this fan fic and I love feedback!  Please
tell me what you thought and what you like and what
you didn't ~Kayla

=====
"You're not friends. You'll never be friends. You'll be in love till it kills
you both. You'll fight, and you'll shag, and you'll hate each other until it
makes you quiver, but you'll never be friends. Love isn't brains, children,
it's blood -- blood screaming inside you to work its will.  I may be love's
Bitch, but at least I'm man enough to admit it." --Spike