Once in a Dream Part 5 --- Astonishment By: Neo-Queen Serenity E-Mail: serenausako@hotmail.com webpage: http://crystaltokyo.cjb.net Still dazed, Serena sat alone in front of the mirror of her dressing table. The shock and astonishment of the revelation clouded her dizzying mind. She brushed her golden hair with care, her mind storming. Darien wasn’t at all what was said him to be. One statement in particular kept on ringing in her head. Serena was amazed that she and Darien actually got along quite nicely in a way. She had never imagined their first meeting would be like this even in her wildest dreams. 'I just can’t understand this, but those blue eyes, and those curved lips...' Flashbacks flooded her mind, Serena smiled unconsciously. She enjoyed his company, very much, even though she hated to admit it right now. Serena felt as if she was dancing in a prince’s arms, her prince to be specific. That feeling was heavenly, indescribable. 'Why did it have to end up this way?' Serena wondered. She didn’t mind his company during the dance, it was too interesting and exciting. She enjoyed it to the bottom of her heart. However, she just couldn’t name the feeling. She felt like she was treasured, held with great care and tenderness. He was so tender and gentle. She smiled again. 'Life is confusing, I wish I could forget all about this after a good night sleep...' Serena once again picked up a silver comb and brushed her blonde hair gently. Enjoying the smooth and soft texture sliding across her finger tips. Combing her hair at night was a hobby of hers from early childhood. Her own mother used to comb her hair while singing a little starry song or narrating a great fairy tale to the young Serena. It was a moment of tenderness, Serena could forget all of her problems, sadness, and hurt at this moment of family pleasure, which was very rare in her life. She yawned a little and put down the silver comb, her mind slowly focusing on reality. She reached her bed and slipped under the silver velvet cover; lifting her head up a little, she blew out the candle on the night table. Only a low glow from the hearth reflected the dark atmosphere of her bedroom. 'Tomorrow will be a better day.' She tried to convince herself desperately. Serena tossed from side to side throughout the whole night, those ocean blue eyes and sensual curved lips haunted her mind... ********* Bright rays of sunlight tickled his eyes. After blinking them several times, Darien sat up from his own bed. He rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand, and yawned tiredly, his mind still cloudy and sleepy. He stuck his feet into a pair of slippers and walked to the huge bay window to the right of his bedside. Withdrawing the pale green curtain, he looked out. Those bright sky blue eyes and beautiful, charming smile of hers had tormented his night. Darien drew a deep breath of cold and fresh morning air trying desperately to save his troubled night from her magic spells last night. Serena was the #1 ice beauty Ken had mentioned earlier. Beauty and ice. I agree with both. He wondered if she was touched by that kiss. The moment his lips touched hers, electricity sparked. It was something unnamable and sweet. He decided to ignore her then, those feelings she gave him was almost frightful. She was unlike any other woman he’d met in the past. Serena was special, and there was something radiating through her beauty which caught his heart. But Darien wasn’t going to break his principles and surrender his heart to her. He was going to fight. At least, she got lots of spirit and energy. ********* Meanwhile, upstairs right above Darien’s bedroom, a blonde sat beside her own window, a white robe engulfed her shoulder, her eyes stared into space absentmindedly. Serena counted pieces of falling snow and admired the great beauty of winter. Snowflakes danced in the freezing air, waving and falling contentedly to its destination. Outside her window, exquisite whiteness covered the once green field outside Mina’s castle. The scenery from far away was hard to see, a blurry curtain of white falling snow acted as a shield and screen. Nature’s work represented the beauty and elegance of its great taste, and the falling snow announced the arrival of winter. Winter was Serena’s favorite season of the year. Her favor towards snow had never changed. Making snowballs and ice swords were always endearing to Serena in her childhood, she loved the feeling of cold and harsh wind brushing against her reddened cheeks and that steaming white air coming out of her lips whenever she withdrew a cold breath. She felt strong in the cold, powerful, and tough. And now she’d missed them all... Serena was extremely tired right now, she had tossed back and forth the whole time in her sleep. Her creamy eyelids heavily covered her tired blue eyes. Serena supported herself with a hand on her face and leaned her weight against her elbow. Her mind flickered quickly: Christmas was only about a week away... ********** "Good morning, Ken." Lita greeted her fiancée cheerfully. "Morning, Lita." Ken walked up to her and gave her a light hug. "I’ve done my duty. He actually kissed her last night." Lita sighed dreamily, trying to replay the romantic moment that Serena and Darien shared. Ken chuckled and offered her his arm. "Yes, they did, sweetheart. But Serena stomped off after she found out he’s actually Darien..." Lita turned to look at him, "Come on, Ken, they’re not really far away from it right now. We got to help them. You know what? If Serena and Darien are going to be married, I’d like to be her bridesmaid and you can be-" "And I can be the best man. Whatever you say, darling." Lita and Ken reached the dinning room only to find everyone, except Darien and Serena, were already sitting by the table. Ken crossed his arm, an amused smile on his face. "It appears Serena and Darien actually have something in common, I suppose matrimony would be no problem." Everyone in the room laughed at his dry humor. Rei tried to calm everyone down while holding a hand to her stomach to supress a burst of laughter. "Quit talking, Ken. Why don’t you take a seat with Lita while we wait for Serena and Darien?" ********* Serena stepped out of her room and shut the door tightly. She was unusually late for breakfast, god knows what Mina and her husband might tease her about. She picked up her skirt carefully and rushed downstairs. When she darted for a left turn on the second floor, she ran into someone who was turning to the right. Just as she was about to loose her balance, a strong arm caught her falling body and helped her up. Without looking up, Serena apologized while cursed herself for being so clumsy. She finally looked up to see those irritating blue eyes again. Darien eyed her coolly, "I hope you’re alright, Serena." Serena, some how surprised by his cold tone, said in an equal icy pitch, "I am quite fine, sir. Thank you for helping me up." She finished her sentence coldly and turned to leave. Darien stood behind, her icy tone struck his mind. Icy cold tone. He wondered with a shudder. He struggled off that thought and followed her downstairs. Serena enter the dinning room hurriedly. Mina’s mocking laughter greeted her good morning, "So, Serena, we demand an explanation about why you are so late today? Still savoring your romantic moment with Darien last night?" Serena was annoyed, she spat out coldly, "If you don’t mind, Mina, I don’t think it’s romantic at all. And excuse me for a wanting a little more sleep over you interfering with my personal affairs." Serena found a seat for herself next to Lita and Ami, anger and embarrassment making her face red. Mina stuck out her tongue and winked at Darien who had just came in. Darien took a seat beside Charles which was exactly across from where Serena sat. They ate their breakfast in silence, no one said anything. Darien observed Serena closely from across the table, avoiding direct eye contact with her. Her face was cold with no expression; her back straight and firm on her chair; her think rosy lips which was so inviting and irresistible last was straightened; her beautiful white teeth flashed occasionally in the morning sunlight; her delicate hands handled her silverware gracefully; her blonde curls pooled lovely around her velvet covered shoulder. Stunning, cold and perfect, and VERY proud. Darien tried not to smile. Serena didn’t feel like eating at all, her mind full of thoughts screaming through her head. She sat herself perfectly and nobly on the chair with grace and pride. She’d look up at Darien sometimes, if she caught his gaze, she would quickly lower her blue eyes or avert her gaze. 'What does that jerk think he’s doing, looking at me like that!' She tried to curse him in her mind, but couldn’t when she noticed how handsome he looked in his white shirt and black pants. Her heart fluttered when she felt his gaze landing on her. ********* The following week had passed by quickly. Balls and dances became a daily occurrence at Mina's and Charles’ castle. Darien and Serena never stayed around each other since that night. Darien, as usual, was followed by long lines of young ladies; he’d pick a few of them to dance for the night, but they were all too dull and boring. Serena was admired and praised by tons of young and fine gentlemen; however, her nights and dancing were rather boring and depressing. Darien and Serena secretly observed each other at different parts of the room. They would catch each other’s eyes sometimes, but both quickly looked away. They both missed each others fine dancing and energetic spirit, but none of them would admit it. For the whole week, the master and mistress of the house along with their friends tried in vain to pull the two together; but stubbornness existed in both of their nature and was not easily led by others. Serena treated Darien with cold and mere civility, she avoided any chance of staying alone with him, excusing herself whenever her friends attempted to leave her alone with him. While Darien pretended Serena never existed. Christmas was drawing closer, all of them were invited to Darien’s castle for Christmas at Leeds. Everyone, except Serena, was anticipating this invitation because it was commonly known that Darien’s castle was much grander than that of Charles and Mina’s. ********** On December 24th, four carriages and four horses sailed hurriedly onto the castle pavement of Leeds. A servant dressed in black and white came forward to greet his master. Darien merely nodded in acknowledgment at his politeness. Mina and Charles stayed behind to pick up Mary and Jane from their finishing school. The family would be there by late evening, if everything goes as planned before. All of the guests were shown to their guestroom by Darien’s housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax. ********* Serena observed her room closely. It was decorated with furniture and clothed in white with certain trimmings of gold. The color of the curtain was of pale blue. Everything in the room was cleaned and arranged properly. Pictures of countryside and portraits of ladies graced the walls; hundreds of lights contained in crystal orbs shone from the ceiling above Serena’s blonde head. The whole room was simple, clean, yet elegantly decorated, it gave a welcomed and accepted sense which Serena could not easily describe. Molly had came in earlier and reported that Mina and Charles had arrived with their two daughters 20 minutes ago. Her lady dismissed her so she could have a little rest. Serena walked up to the huge bay windows and gazed outside, only to find a rose garden! A garden filled with rose bushes down from her high leveled window. Only now it was covered with snow, Serena smiled to herself, trying to picture how it would look like when spring came. Red must be the majority of the roses, so red, perfect, and delicate. Redness mixed with smooth rays of sunshine... 'It’s Christmas Eve again, I’d be sitting with mother on the throne at the palace ball room, if I was at home right now.' Serena thought of her mother, remembering their usual Christmas celebrating. 'But I had never had a happier Christmas than this one ever since father’s death... ' Serena looked away from the garden, her eyes averted back to the interior of her room. Her father’s death still left a great hollowness in her memory and heart. He died early, too early to even allow Serena to even have a clear image of him. Serena loved his deep voice, teasing smile, and most of all, he loves her more than anybody or anything in the world... Now he was gone, erased from the world, taken away from his widowed wife and little daughter, from the world and kingdom he loved and ruled... Serena felt tears start to swell in her eyes as she tried to clear away her dry throat. Ever since the death of the King of England, Queen Serenity, his wife shouldered his ruling since his daughter and only heir was too young to step up. Serena lost one of the most important people in her life, besides her mother. She honestly believed that fate was not in favor of her, everyone hated her and despised her. She grew cold and unemotional, a thick wall of ice and steel building around her vulnerable heart. Serena rejected everyone because she believed everyone rejected her, she rarely had any friends. Of those who truly showed her friendship and caring, she treasured them like gold pieces. The only cheerful laughter she had were when she was with her dear friends and loving mother. 'At least they still love me, even nobody in the world was in favor of me.' Serena cast aside all of her thoughts and quickly got dressed. The housekeeper had told them dinner would start in about an hour. Suddenly, someone knocked gently on her door. "Come in." Serena ordered. Lita and Ami walked in with their evening dress on, both looked stunning and lovely. Lita was dressed in a forest green velvet gown; a pair of arm length, pale green gloves of covered her long and slim fingers; and few bright white pearls formed little patterns decorating the borders of her dress. Serena knew it was a dress Ken had bought Lita on the day of their engagement. Ami adorned a ocean blue silky gown; it was a gown of beauty and elegance, this flattering blue reflected Ami’s same colored hair, and suited her nicely. A golden band tipped with a diamond shone brightly on her gloved finger, indicating another married friend of Serena's. Lita pulled out a wrapped box from behind her and held it out. "Guess what? Your mother sent you a Christmas present! It arrived at Perth yesterday just after we left. So, Mina brought it with her on her way here. Open it, let’s see what the Queen got her precious daughter?" Lita spoke with open honesty and great excitement. Serena took the box from Lita carefully and fingered the gold bow that tied it. The box was wrapped with pink paper printed with red roses, her favorite color and design. "Mother?" Serena asked blankly, her mind still didn’t register what Lita had told her just a minute ago. "Let’s see what is inside. I bet it must be the most beautiful thing in the world that Queen Serenity could find for you." Lita tilted her head enviously. Ever since Serena could remember, her mother and father always had a surprise for her at Christmas: a diamond tiara, a stunning dress, her favorite book, her beloved toys... There were too many, Serena could no longer count them. Queen Serenity had always given Serena a surprise, a surprise every year for 17 years total. After her tenth birthday, Serena could only receive Christmas and birthday presents from her mother, her father had died. She sighed, but smiled at the same time, unwilling to fall into a fit of depression in a cheerful day like this. She carefully ripped off the wrapped paper and discovered a pink silk gown in the box. All three girls gasped. It was more beautiful than most dresses Serena had ever owned. A dress of pink and silk, Serena’s favorite color and style. The gown was hand stitched with diamonds and pearls trimming the beautiful white lace that graced the elegant gown. As Serena unfolded the dress, a long, gray velvet box attached to a white card fell at her feet. she picked it up and opened the card. A familiar curly writing jumped up: Dearest Serena, I am here to wish you a happy Christmas. The gown was made just for you for the Christmas ball at Mina’s place, I thought that you’d look stunningly beautiful in it. I wish I could see you wear it. You know that your father won’t be here with us, but I am certain that he could feel our happiness from heaven, a place he now belongs to... As your mother and guardian, I wish you the best. Love you always, Mother Serena’s eyes quivered as tears formed at the back of her eyes 'Mother, she’s always there for me no matter what. When I was lonely and helpless, I could always count on her to be there to help and comfort me. She always loved me.' Lita and Ami sat beside Serena, hugging her. "Don’t cry, Serena. You should be happy, Queen Serenity, loves you so much." Serena forced a weak smile, "Don’t worry about me, this is very touching. The dress is absolutely amazing." Serena slid open the black velvet box. She gasped again along with Amy and Lita. In the velvet box, an exquisite diamond chain and two earrings rested upon it. A glass colored and water-droplet shaped diamond was attached to the thin and beautiful chain. Serena closed the box and held it close to her heart. As a royalty and princess, she shouldn’t act as if she had never seen diamonds and pearls before, but only...only... it only made her felt loved and cared when she was feeling most vulnerable and lonely. Lita smiled and broke the silence, "Serena, why don’t you go and try on the dress? We will wait for you downstairs." ********** Serena entered the grand ballroom of Darien’s castle and was amused at its elegance and beauty. The whole room was decorated with red rosebuds and petals. Silver and gold lace graced the walls. Portraits, paintings, rich tapestries, and crystal dishes glittered here and there. In fact, Serena thought it looked almost like a palace, perhaps more elegant and stunning. Serena knew the beauty of palaces, she had lived in one since birth. Yet those elegant and exquisite decorations in the room reflected their master’s great taste and judgment. Serena nodded her head as she felt touched by her surroundings. She loved everything that existed in the ballroom, you couldn’t take anything out of this setting nor add anything else to it to make it look nicer. It was complete and perfect. Serena let her eyes wander around the room. Lita, Ken, Greg, Ami, Mina, Charles, Chad, and Rei were all present. At the corner of her eye, Serena caught a couple dancing in the center of the ballroom. She knew immediately who that man was...Darien. An auburn haired woman danced in his arms contentedly. His jet black head leaned on her shoulder in a lover’s fashion, whispering something into her ears, causing her to smile and giggle. His lips curved into a satisfied smile, his deep blues eyes filled with tenderness that belonged to the woman in his arms only. Serena stared at the couple, a sharp pain tore at her heart, causing it to bleed silently. It shouldn’t have hurt, she didn’t even like him, nor did he found her pleasant to be around...But somehow it did. Her mind told her to calm down, but the pain was unbearable. Serena asked herself the hundredth time: 'Why do I feel this stupid pain in my heart whenever I see him dancing with someone else? Is it love I am feeling right now? Or even jealousy?' Serena found a seat and sat down beside an old woman. A warm, welcoming voice interrupted Serena’s thoughts. "Miss Serenity?" Serena looked up, confused that someone actually knew her name. The old woman sitting beside herself was Darien’s housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax, an old, but kind woman. She tried hard to force a smile of her own, "Oh, hello, Mrs. Fairfax. You can all me Serena." "Miss Serena, if you insist. You look very beautiful tonight. I have never seen any young lady as half as beautiful and stylish as you in my whole life." "Thank you." Serena smiled, feeling slightly flattered by the old woman’s praise. "Where is your master, Mrs. Fairfax?" Serena suddenly questioned Mrs. Fairfax, even though she didn’t know why. "Lord Darien? Why? He’s dancing with Lady Beryl." She looked around toward the dance floor and pointed, "See, they are over there." "Lady Beryl?" Serena was curiously. "She’s master Darien’s most recent and favorite mistress. He seemed to be deeply in love with her. At least, most rumors said so." Mrs. Fairfax replied with great civility. But her words hurt Serena even more. Her heart ached as something sharp twisted in her chest, consciously aware what she was feeling was indeed jealousy. Realization suddenly hit her hard. She loved him. From first sight; perhaps, the moment she stared into his eyes. She had treated him with cold civility in the past one and half weeks, but she was only confused by her own feelings and emotions. When she said she despised him, she only did it to hide her own feelings towards him, unwilling to be tormented and laughed at. Looking at the possessive way Darien held Beryl, Serena immediately knew she didn’t stand a chance. 'He loves HER, not me.' She concluded sadly, but determined not to think about him anymore. Unexpectedly, a pair of thin hands covered her eyes. Startled, Serena jerked around to see two childish faces pressed against her own. "Aunty Serena! Jane and I missed you. We were so desperate to see you again but mommy and daddy sent us to finishing school." Jane and Mary put their arms around Serena’s neck and planted a few soft kisses on her cheek. Serena kissed them both on the forehead, "I missed you too, Jane and Mary. Did you receive my Christmas present from last year?" The two girls climbed on Serena’s silk covered lap and both smiled fondly. "Of course. That was the neatest and best of all Christmas presents we received last year! Mommy told us that you stitched those dolls yourself. We only wished you were there with us." They looked at her in awe. Serena gave Mary a little poke on the nose, "I stitched them myself, I am glad you like them. I wanted my gift to you to be special, remember that we are best friends, Mary?" "Thanks, Aunty Serena. Jane and I got so excited when Daddy told us that you were going to visit us during Christmas. But they later decided to send us to finishing school. We didn’t want to at first, but mommy said we could see you as soon as Christmas comes, and she told us if we attend finishing school, we could end up like a graceful lady just like you." "Oh, Mary, Jane, you girls had grown quite a bit. Still so young, mischievous, and cute. How was school?" Serena pushed away a lock of gold curls away from Jane’s face, smiling at her with admiration. Jane pressed her delicate forehead against Serena’s. "Mary and I tied first in the whole class. Mommy and daddy were very proud of us! We wanted to be just like you." "Really? When you become as old as me, you would be far more beautiful and happier than I am right now. I can’t imagine 10 years from now, I have to gaze at two tall, beautiful young ladies standing in front of me, and telling me they are Mary and Jane." "I can’t wait to be like you, Auntie Serena. I wish I can be as elegant and graceful as you are. Will you care to dance with us?" "Sure, come now." The two girls slid off from Serena’s lap and jumped to the dance floor in front of her. Serena smiled at Mrs. Fairfax apologetically and followed the two girls. To be continued...