AN's at bottom


I am getting lazy…what can I say?

BTW I am taking LIBERTY in this chapter…I got tired of researching so I assume the majority of information in this is WRONG, yes you heard me people, WRONG!  So, deal :)  Thanks!


**********


Il Divino
Rayon de Lune
Part 3
Rated PG-13 plus (for graphic and suggested violence, bad words and sexual implications)


**********


The Rented House
Genoa
1491
(Serena's view)


I bent and retrieved my fallen dress.  Clutching it to my breast I stepped closer to my intruder.  I drank in the sight of him, memorizing his beloved form.

"Darien, why, why haven't you come sooner?"

He stared at me and a strangled sound came from his throat.

"Cara,"

He stepped forward and grabbed me, pulling me into his strong arms.

"Sere, oh God, Sere, I love you so," he mumbled into my hair, stroking my back, soothing me while trying to calm his own pain.

I felt wetness on my neck and realized, astonished, that Darien was crying.

I tried pulling back, but his grip would not let me go.

"Darien," I wondered, shocked to the very core of my being.

"I love you, I love you, I love you," he chanted, a prayer, a balm for all the hurt.

I gave up trying to talk and question.

"I love you too, darling," I whispered, leaning into his embrace, "I love you too."



**********


A few hours later


Darien and I had moved to sit before the fire, warming our bodies as our embrace had warmed our souls.

I sat beside him as he held my hand tightly.

"Serena," he said quietly, breaking the hours long silence.  

I looked at him quickly, questioning.

"I got your messages.  And I came.  At least I tried," he amended, "But your Uncle's guards would not allow it.  Cara, I would not have left you; nothing could have kept me away."

He looked at me sheepishly, "Well, at least nothing except those brutes of guards."

I laughed.

He looked at my smiling face and his laughter quickly joined mine.

It felt good, healing to laugh.

He quickly sobered though.

"Sere?" he asked softly.

I looked at him.

"I meant what I said before."

I was confused.

"About painting you," he maintained.

I blushed.  I gathered the forgotten fabric of my dress more firmly around my body.

He noticed my reaction and chuckled.

"Oh darling, you are such an innocent," he commented.

I blushed even redder.

"There is no reason to make it sound like a crime, sir," I responded tartly.

He smiled at me tenderly and how could I remain aggravated.

His hand lifted to lie against my cheek.

"It is one of the things I love most about you," he remarked softly.



"The body is not something to be ashamed of Serena.  It is one of the things painters learn first."

He hit right where it hurt.

I wanted to paint.

An idea popped into my head and I giggled impishly.

Darien looked at me curiously.

"On one condition," I countered," You must let me paint you…naked."

He choked.

I giggled more, even as my love's face got quite red, no purple.  He finally contained himself and stared at me in horror.

"Sere," he began.

I waved a finger in his face and interrupted, "No, no Darien, let us be fair."

"But Sere, you don't even know how to paint, and, and"

"And you cannot think of one logical reason why I shouldn't have my opportunity."
He stared at me silently.

He nodded tersely.

"But me first," he finally challenged.



I wasn't going to push my winning streak.

Oh, but then I remembered what I had just promised.

My face got all red again and I looked at Darien with something akin to terror.

"Darien," I began.

He smiled gently.

"Serena, I love you.  I will never hurt you.  And I already told you how much I love your innocence.  I will not take advantage of your trust.  Believe me Cara, you are beautiful and I only wish to paint that beauty.  For you and me.  No one else."

I nodded, more comfortable but still embarrassed.

Darien got up.  He drew me up beside him and pulled me close.

"Now I must go, my love."

I held on tighter.

"Stay with me Darien.  I do not want to be alone."

He stared at me.

He sighed heavily and acquiesced.


**********


The next morning.
(Darien's view)


The sun shone heavily through the open draperies.  The lighted rays hit the bed directly and I groaned.

I woke up disoriented.  My sight hazy, I gazed around bewildered.

A low sigh came from beside me and I stared at Serena in shock.

A quick glance reassured me that we were both fully dressed.

I eased quietly out of bed.

A soft voice stopped me.

"Darien," came my love's sweet voice.

I looked at her, lying there beside me, disheveled and sleepy eyed.  She had never looked more beautiful.

As I stared at her I allowed my self to dream, pretend.  I imagined us married and waking up together every morning, filled with the knowledge that we had forever.

I leaned down and kissed her waiting lips.

"Good morning, love," I told her.

She smiled sleepily at me.  And then she turned around and fell back asleep.

Her light snores made me smile.

I slipped over to her writing desk and wrote out a quick note.

I walked over to the window and reassuring myself that it was clear, climbed down.


**********


A wharf in Genoa
A few hours later

I stood impatiently at the wharf, shifting from foot to foot.

'Where was she?'

I had left Serena a note asking her to join me for the day.  And here I stood waiting for that *darn* female.  An hour later than the expected time.

A shriek brought me back to Earth and I managed somehow to catch the flying ball of long legs, blond hair and piles of fabric in my arms.

I smiled down at her lowered head.

"Good afternoon my dear."

She looked up and frowned at me.

"Afternoon?" she cried, "Darien, I love you but two is really too early for someone to awaken."

I chuckled at her grimace, followed by a yawn.

"I can send you back home, if you want?" I asked her teasingly.

She shook her head quickly.

"I am already up.  It would be a waste for me to go back now."

She giggled at my expression of disappointment and continued, "Besides, I want to spend as much time as possible with you."

I hugged her closer.

She wiggled out of my embrace and looked around eagerly.

"Ohhhh, Darien I wanna see all the boats, and fish, and shops and eat everything!"

I grinned at her excitement.

I twined my arm with hers and was about to walk off when a finger tapped my shoulder.

I turned around and saw a short, red haired woman staring at us.

"Oh Mariella, isn't this exciting?" Serena exclaimed.

The red haired maid looked around nervously, but I could see a smile forming at her lips.

"My lady," she began.

"Mariella stop it.  I promised you already that everything will be fine.  We just keep our mouths shut and Uncle will never know.  Now, please, do this for me."

Mariella nodded her head and followed us as we left.


**********

We walked along the wharf's edge, staring down into the dark ocean's depths.  

Huge ships were docked here and there, their flags alluding to their nationality and purpose.

Serena stared in awe at the billowing red, white and blue flag of England.  Intrigued she walked closer to the ship before Mariella or myself could stop her.

I started running to catch up to her.

The young sailors stared at her young beauty.

One impertinent fool approached her and dared to touch her hair.

"Gold," he laughingly told his shipmates in the King's English.

Serena looked at him confused.

"Que?" she asked.

The young man moved closer.

By this time I had reached my love and was absolutely fuming.

"Get your hands off her!" I yelled.

The man may not have understood Italian, but he knew anger.

He backed off slowly, after eyeing my larger form.

He turned and yelled something, in that crass language, up to this ship.

Snide laughter rippled among the men.

The sea of sailors parted and a huge, burly man walked, well rather pushed, his way through.

He was twice my size, both horizontally and vertically.  Muscles bulged under his brown tunic, threateningly.

He looked down from his towering height.

I could already hear the angels singing for my valiant death.

I think the man said something to me but all I heard was a grunt.

I turned to Serena.

'Run!' I mouthed.

She shook her head impertinently.

"No." she mouthed back.

And the silly girl walked over to the big man.

"Excuse me."

The man barely looked at her before pushing her roughly away.

Precaution was lost.  

I walked calmly forward.

The man stared at me suspiciously.

Standing right in front of him I smiled.

And then pushed him.

In the face.

Hard.

He swaggered a bit but turned back to me, unfazed.

His big giant of a fist pulled back and those angels came floating back.

Just before his fist made contact with my face, my life, an even bigger hand caught it.

"What is going on here?!" a strong, deep voice questioned. 

I looked around and caught sight of a tall and imposing man.  He had a dark blue uniform on, rows and rows of medals adorned his wide shoulders.  He had intelligent eyes under bushy, red eyebrows that matched the curly moustache under his proud nose.

I did not understand a word he said a he rambled off at the sailor.  The burly man actually managed to look reprimanded. He growled a few uncomfortable words and with his head down went up the gangway and disappeared in the ship.

He looked at me with his piercing eyes and then turned to stare at Serena.  Her fine silk dress raised his eyebrows.

"Young man, what is going on here?" he asked again, this time in perfect Italian.

"I am sorry seignior capitain.  A slight misunderstanding."

I looked at the man, shifting uncomfortably under his scrutinizing eyes.

He looked back at Serena.

"And the Signorita?"

I ran a nervous hand through my hair.

Serena stepped forward and I tried to catch her gaze to warn her.

It didn't work.

"Bon girono, Capitain.  I am Serena de'Medici, niece of Lorenzo, Il Magnifico.  You have heard of my uncle, have you not?"

I swear…that girl was one hell of a snob.

The Captain straightened.

He bowed to Serena and she nodded her head in acknowledgement.

He looked her over again and then turned back to me.

Her silks and lace did not match my coarse wool.

"Who are you?  What are you? And what is the niece of a Duke doing in the company of the likes of you?"

I smiled at the man.

Turning again to Serena, I mouthed, 'Run!'

She stood there unmoving, once again not heeding my warning.

Sighing I leaned in close to her ear.

"Run!" I shouted.

She looked at me, confused.

I ran, hoping she would follow.

I guess the pressure of my hand on hers did help.

She followed.

I heard the Captain shouting a warning and ran faster, dodging men, cargo, men, cargo, peasants, men and finally dragged Serena into an alley.

Gasping for breath I leaned against a brick wall.

"What, , where,  thinking?!" I managed to ask her.

Her arms were wrapped around her stomach and she was leaning over.

At my tone she looked up and even in that crazy position her nose was in the air.

"I was introducing myself and saving *you*." She replied tartly and calmly.

I sighed.

"Thank you cara, but you got us in more trouble."

She sniffed.  And turned away from me…

"Serena, please, don't be mad…"

She whipped around her eyes wide.

"Oh no!" she whispered.

"What?" I asked nervously, already sensing another escapade.

"Mariella!!  We left her!"

Darn.  I thought maybe we had lost her for good.

"Oh No!  We have to go and find her Serena!  G-d knows what can happen to a single woman out here amongst all these rough men."

I knew what I hoped had happened.

She grabbed my arm and recklessly ran out from our hiding place.

She was running in circles, dragging me along with her.  

"Cara,  wait!  You are,  going the  wrong way."

She turned to me…"How do *you* know?"

I sighed.  "Because we have passed that same French ship five times.  Believe me, my love, this is not the right away.  We have to go that way" and I pointed in our opposite direction.

Famous last words…

We eventually did find Mariella.  Eventually being the key word.  One hour, three flasks of cheap wine, and a pot of stew (that Serena finished) later we found her.

In the same spot we had left her…talking, or should I say flirting with some man…some "riff raff" as Sere called him.

We had a wonderful day.

After our few slight mishaps of the morning, we managed to avoid trouble.  We walked around the wharf, admiring those things we had ignored in our little chase.  

We passed a toy maker's shop and Serena stood there with her nose pressed against the window like a child.  She was enchanted by all the wooden statues and music boxes.

We walked on a little ways and we passed a scrawny little girl, maybe four or five, blond pigtails dirty and scarcely covered in rags.  Serena kept turning back to stare at her.  She stopped, hesitated as though she were deciding something, and then ran back to the toy shop.  Emerging a few minutes later with a carved doll she stopped before the child, depositing the toy and silver coins in her tiny hands.  The child looked to Serena and said something…when she had caught up to Mariella and I she had tears in her eyes.

I looked at her.

"She called me angel," Sere whispered, moved beyond belief by the child…I was touched by her.

An angel…yes, definitely…sometimes!

We passed men bringing in their cargo, cloths, spices, fish and exotic fruits.  We passed a tavern where a brawl was in progress…Serena wanted to stay and watch but I managed to pull her away.  

Serena was intrigued by everything.

And she intrigued me.

Mariella kept her distance, at her mistress's insistence I am sure.

After hours of staring at ships and merchandise and food I was exhausted.

Unfortunately, Serena was now a walking ball of energy.

As night reared, she insisted on seeing my residence.  She sent Mariella off and after glaring at me warningly the maid left in the carriage.

Serena and I walked silently to my home.  I had a feeling, a forewarning of something that was going to occur.

It worried me.

I felt Serena grip my hand tighter and the feeling increased.

When we reached my door Serena stopped and stared at me seriously.

"Darien, do you live alone?"
I looked at her confused.

"Do you live with Michelangelo, I mean?"

I shook my head and said, "No Serena, as much as I adore my good friend, I cannot live with the boy.  He talks too much."

She stared at me and then burst out laughing.

Much more reassured she grabbed my hand again and pushed open the door.

Compared to the living conditions she was used to, my quarters looked humble.

She looked around, delighted.

"Oh Darien, I love it," she cried as she twirled around and around.

I looked at her seriously.

"It is small Serena," I told her.

She looked at my expression and laughed again.

"Oh Darien, you are only stating the obvious. I love it because you live here and I feel it."

My heart thudded and my dream from the morning came rushing back.

I grabbed her (AN: he is doing a lot of this ne?  Me Caveman.  You reader) and kissed her fiercely.

All my pent up emotions from the past few weeks, my frustration from this morning, and my inability to do nothing came pouring out.  

I kissed her and kissed her and lost all ability to breath.  Her small body was plastered against mine, our two bodies converging. Her delicate hands slid up my chest to weave in my hair.  She lifted herself up on her toes bringing her more fully into contact with me.

I only pulled back when she gasped for breath.
Breathing heavily I stared at her small form, disgusted with myself and my inability to stay in control.

"Sere," I began, trying to catch my breath, "I am so sorry."

She looked at me and giggled.

"Darien you are so silly."

She looked around the small room and then glanced back at me.

"Now where do you want me?" she asked.

Images popped into my head that are just too inappropriate to tell you.

I looked at her stunned and tried to keep from falling into a faint.

"Where do I want you?" I rasped.

She smiled innocently at me.

Damn innocence.

"The painting Darien," she began, beginning to look uncomfortable, "Uh, if you no longer want to paint me-"

"No!" I shouted.

She looked at me wonderingly.

"I  WANT  TO  PAINT  YOU!" I ground out.

She was beginning to look a little scared.

I was beginning to feel a little insane.

I tried to mentally calm myself down.

Calm seas, apples, lazily floating clouds, Serena naked, puppies, painting Serena naked.

It wasn't working.

I smiled at my love.

"On that settee would be nice," I told her, as though painting the girl of my dreams naked was an everyday experience.

She smiled shyly and sat down gingerly on the brocade seat.

I coughed.

"Uh, Sere, love, uh, not like that."

I thought that was pointed enough.

She looked at me confused.

"Clothes," I rasped.

That was pointed, right?

She still looked confused.

This was going to drive me insane, and then where would my *chance* be?

Trying to be as succinct as possible I slowly enunciated every word, "Take  off  your  clothes."

She looked at me shocked.

A little better than confused.

"Darien!"

Um, maybe a bit too blunt though?

I blushed.

This was not going well.

"Sere, I am sorry, I am probably more nervous than you."

She continued to look at me mutinously.

"Look," I began, trying to appease her anger, "I have never done this before and I am scared and I don't know how to act, and just looking at you makes my palms sweat and, and"
She smiled at me gently, suddenly the adult in the situation.

She walked to me and turned around.

"Unfasten my dress please," she asked.

I went dumb again.

Hands fumbling I messed with her lacings impairing rather than helping.

"Dariiien," she whined.

I blushed brighter.

This was no at all what I had expected.

Where was my charming, debonair self?

Lying on the floor with her now unfastened dress.



She looked over her shoulder at me and blushed.

I numbly pointed to the settee and she bobbed her head quickly.

I closed my eyes as her naked form walked over to the chair.

"I am ready," her voice squeaked.

I opened my eyes and looked tentatively towards her.

The lighting was all wrong, her position unflattering and the overall ambience (AN: One of my favorite of all time words!) was not working.

I was an artist again.

Sorta.

I blundered a couple of times…so would you if you were painting a NUDE portrait of the girl of your dreams.

Serena was actually really mature about the whole situation.

She only screamed five times when I walked over to reposition her.

And she didn't mean to hit me in the face with the vase when I leaned over her to add more pillows.

Overall a relatively painless ordeal.

I had sketched the beginnings of the painting when I saw her start to wilt.  

I suppose I had been slightly demanding.

Walking over to the settee, I sat down beside her.

Running a hand through her soft hair I smiled down at her exhausted face.

"I am sorry, love.  I didn't mean to wear you out."

She smiled tiredly at me.

"No, it wasn't all that bad.  I mean, the, uh, nude part."  

She flushed.

And then flushed a ton more when she realized she was, uh, still nude.

I grinned wolfishly at her.
She opened her mouth and: "AIIIIIIIII!"

I scrambled off the settee as her voice rose a few decibels.

"Ack!  Serena, I am sorry!  Sorry!"

She covered her nude body with the various things surrounding her.

I had to stifle a laugh at the image she created:  strategically placed pillows and vase.

I studied her as she quieted down and grew even redder.

"You know, Sere, that vase kind of looks like a-"

::smack::

She threw one her strategically placed pillows at me.

Good aim.

Except now she was missing a pillow and I was once again afforded a view of her…her…darn.  Her knee.

Sighing I gathered her fallen dress and covering my eyes with one hand walked over and handed it to her.

"Don't watch me dress, Darien," she told me tartly.

Where had his sudden inhibition come from?

It was pretty darn annoying.

So I sat there, a grown man, with my eyes closed and face turned away.

It wasn't like I had *never* seen a naked woman before.

::sigh::

Okay, that wasn't fair.

She was after all a lady.

And my lady, at that.

She deserved more respect than I had shown her.

I had basically acted like a silly boy who had never seen breasts before.

They sure were nice.

Mentally beating myself, I repented, promising the Lord and myself to act like a true gentleman.

Easier said than done.

"Done."

I looked up startled.

Serena was standing there…with her dress on backwards, the buttons mismatched and her bow crooked.

Yup.  Easier said than done.


**********

After a true struggle…, which included me helping her redress appropriately with my eyes, closed…I finally managed to take her home.  

The guards were conspicuously missing.

Thank goodness!

At the door she stood there smiling at me shyly.

All pretenses of hoyden gone, she was acting the coy maiden.

When she actually batted her eyelashes at me I knew it was time to leave.

"Serena, that's enough.  Now, be a good girl and kiss me goodnight."

I just had to be a man about it.

Her little act disappeared in a second to be replaced with a frown.

"Excuse me.  But I am a lady and as such deserve the respect and dignity-Oh!"

I interrupted her the best way I knew how.

And yes, I did want to kiss her.

I pulled back and stared into her bemused face.

"Goodnight, my love."

And I walked off, leaving her silhouetted in light as I rejoined the shadows.


**********

A few days later…
(Serena's view)

Mariella would not let me out of her sight.

Every day I would come up with another excuse to see Darien.

Everyday she would come up with a pretext of why I could not see him that day.
How many dress fittings does a girl really need to go through?

So the days passed idly.

My heart ached for him.

And I could not understand this overwhelming desire.

I felt disgusted within my own body when he was away; I wanted to tear my skin apart, free my soul to join his.

Mariella said I was listening too much to the Platonic Thinkers and was ruining myself for any man.  What she meant was any man who was not Darien.

On the tenth day after our arrival in Genoa I received a note from the de'Lanza estate informing me of the family's return.

I sighed and handed the letter over to Drey, my uncle's estate manager.  Preparations were being made.

I received a more personal note from Liza later that same day…she was "beyond thrilled to see me," she could "hardly wait to resume our friendship," and "could barely contain her desire to dance and meet all the handsome Genoa men at the ball given in my honor."

Ball?

What ball?

********

"My Lady, the de'Lanza family is throwing a ball in your honor…they wish to introduce you to Genoa society in the grandest of fashions….."

Drey was going on and on…

And I was paying not one whit of attention.

A ball?

Whyyyyy?

********
I stood impatiently as the dressmaker trussed and fussed over me.

Pinch, tighten, squeeze…did the lady think I was her own personal pincushion?

It had been three days since the arrival of the de'Lanza family.  I was not to see them until the eve of the ball (AN: cause I say so…).

It had been even longer since I had seen Darien.

Even though he was commissioned to paint my portrait, he was barred every which way from seeing me.

I think it had something to do with my interfering maid.

I had solicited an invitation to the ball for Darien from the Prince.

Unfortunately, Michelangelo had been invited as well.

********

The Eve of the Ball

I stood in front of the full-length looking glass.

My reflection wavered in front of me, ripples of girl, silk, woman, satin and lace.  Ripples of uncertainty.

Mariella cooed and ah'ed over my dress.

"An angel, an angel," she repeated.

My goodness, she was becoming a tedious companion.

I picked at the dress nervously.

"Oh My Lady!  You will be the most beautiful woman at the ball…"

Blah blah blah

"His highness, Lanza de Genoa's nephews will be swept away by your charming beauty…"

A double blah blah blah

Like I needed that?

I was bustled outside and into the carriage.

A few minutes later I was ensconced in the solitude and loneliness of my thoughts.


***

The clicking of hooves stopped and the carriage swayed to a halt.  A footman scurried to open the door; I placed one foot delicately on the stepping stool and using the footman's arm for support I stepped out.

I glanced up at the grand palazzo in front of me.  Candles and lanterns adorned every window and post, lighting the imposing stone mansion into a fairy's dream.

I walked slowly up the stairs, daunted by the whole situation.

At the entrance more servants cowed and bowed.

The butler took my cloak and then asked for my name and title.

"Serena de'Medici."

His eyes widened with respect.  He bowed low before walking to the head of the stairwell.

"Serena de'Medici!" his deep voice boomed out.

The chattering whittled down to silence with a few murmurs here and there.

I clutched the sides of my billowing skirt and started hesitantly down the stairs…

Hundreds of nameless eyes stared up at me, questions, desire, envy flashed at me from all sides.

I swallowed deeply, bile rising in my throat, choking me.
Look at the hordes of people, people staring at me as an acquisition, a curiosity.  I felt a tremendous desire to turn around and run home.

I paused.

I gazed over at the throng when I saw them…

His eyes…

*****
(Both views)

She was incredible.

Dressed in white silk that cascaded down her body, ripples of grass blowing under midnight breezes.  A study in art and beauty all on its own.  Her arms were left bare and only a slight difference in color differentiated between skin and dress.  Her thick blonde hair was swept up, held together with diamonds and pearls; but even these bold jewels tarnished when compared to the beauty of her face.
Madonna-like she stared serenely into the crowd.  Only someone who truly knew her could see the slight whispers of unease.  Her cheeks were flushed and her blue eyes deeper and stronger than the most beautiful of sapphires.

She was a jewel unto herself…

***

He was incredible.

In a sea of good-looking people his beauty was raw, wild…

His black hair shined in the candle light, glowing like witchly fires.  His wicked grin sent shivers through me…I knew the feel and taste of those red tinged lips…and he was the first and only one to know mine.  His blue-eyed gaze held mine, comforting me, caressing me, seeking my soul and finding it…

I was lost in his possession.

***

I stared into her loving eyes, knowing they mirrored my own emotions, passions.

I walked foreword, uninhibited by bodies or words…

***

I saw him walking towards me, intent driving him, love carrying him.

I resumed my walk down the stairs; I had reason now…

***
 
I had reached the foot of the stairs.  Her eyes reaching for me, I held out my hand…

***

I was almost at the bottom when he held out his hand to me.

I reached out to grab it…

***

There was silence.

Almost there our fingers were about to touch…

"Serena!"

A running ball of energy pushed forward and the hands fell away.

*****
(Serena's view)

Darien was caught up in the now moving crowd.

I turned to glare at the intrusion.

Bubbly violet eyes stared at me from under white blonde bangs.  Her pink bow lips curved into a genuinely happy smile.  And then thin arms were wrapping themselves around me.

"Oh Serena!  I have missed you so!"

My arms lifted of their own accord to encompass the tiny body attached to my own.

"Child, let the lady breath.  Remember your breeding," a rusty voice sounded besides us.

I was suddenly reminded of my uncle…a most unhappy rejoinder.

Liza's arms quickly unwound from around my neck.  She turned to her father and bobbed a quick curtsey.  In just seconds she seemed to shrink in both demeanor and size.

I turned to look at this father.

A rather short and insignificant man stood before me.  His gaze swept over me and an odd, sly gleam came into his beady, glass eyes.

Uncomfortable, I curtseyed low.

"Good evening, your highness," I murmured.

I started to stand when a dry, cold hand grabbed hold of my own.  He raised it to his lips as I stood in a half-curtsy. Eager lips brushed my palm.  I cringed and had to control the urge to yank my hand away.  

"A pleasure Serena de'Medici, a true pleasure."

He had yet to let go of my hand.

I tugged it slightly but the Prince ignored me and instead tucked it under his arm and began to walk off.

I looked back at Liza desperately, but my friend only smiled sadly.

"You know Serena, my title is not just for show…the people of Genoa have come to depend on my family…Why in his day, my great-great-great-great grandfather…"

The prince talked on and on about his esteemed family.

In my mind all their greatness could have been summed up in one word: dull.
But I nodded my head politely, murmured little exclamations and waited for my escape.

It came in the most unusual form.

A tall, distinguished woman, with steel gray hair pulled back in a tight bun, a dark gray, wool dress, and a tight lipped expression stalked over to the prince and I.

She nodded curtly at the prince and I looked at him, worried about his response to such blatant disrespect.

I was confused at the weary and disheartened expression in his eyes.  He smiled sadly at me (it was not returned), regret wafting from him along with a mixture of garlic and body odor.

"My wife," he explained.

ESCAPE!

I smiled gratefully at the woman and her stern expression gave way to smiles and twinkles.

She turned to her husband.  "Lanza, I do believe you have taken enough of this dear girl's time.  Now, I am off to introduce her to our nephews."

de'Lanza balked at this, "But-"

"No buts, dear, it doesn't befit your station."

And away we go…freedom?

The Signora de'Lanza loved to talk…about the most inane things:  "Had I been to Paris?  They have the most wonderful fashions.  Did I know this person or that person?"

Only one, no two things ever crossed my mind; my departure from this awful ball and finding Darien.

Life just never ends up the way you want it.

I was dragged behind my "once-upon-a-time-savior" from one end of the room to the other…she was looking for her nephews.

I kept an eye out for Darien.

"Ahh, here they are!"

::sigh::

Target located.

Too bad it was the wrong target.

We zoomed past more bodies, towards two young men surrounded by people.  Oh, surrounded by women.

The Signora de'Lanza let go of my arm and rushed ahead.  I took this opportunity to regain my breath.

"Serena," she called out to me.

Darn.  I thought I was going to make my escape.

I walked over to her like one would walk towards their death…or Renaissance husband.

The dark haired man smirked at my expression.

Maybe I would actually find an ally.

I stopped before the three of them and waited.

"Serena de'Medici, my nephews Diamond and Sapphire de'Lanza."

I stifled a giggle…'Who names their kids after rocks?'

I curtseyed to the two men and they returned the honor.

Sapphire was the one who had smirked at my expression.  His dark hair glimmered blue under the flickering candlelight.  At first glance, his blue eyes seemed cynical, cold…but lonely and introverted when one looked deeper.  Quiet intelligence wrapped around him in a protective sheath.  I liked him immediately; I felt a bond with this man who was as out of place as myself.

I could barely stand to look at Diamond de'Lanza; it was not because he was unbelievably atrocious, but rather, quite the opposite.  His beauty was inhuman, alien, disturbing.  I raised my head and stared into his violet eyes.  Flower-petal soft, dewy, and smoldering all at once, I felt consumed, seared by this unknown man.

Signora de'Lanza smiled giddily.  "Now, I want you boys to make Serena feel welcome, part of the family."

We continued to stand silently, three people intricately connected in some strange, unwanted way.

"Boys!" barked the Signora, "Diamond ask her to dance."

My body shook at the thought of his touch…and I don't mean the good way.

Diamond held out his hand and I reluctantly took it.  He led me out where couples were dancing and waiting for the next song.  The music started and his arms encircled me.

He remained silent and his eerie presence frightened me.  His gaze was too intense, too deep; he was probing my very being, wanting to take possession…

But I was already taken.

The music swirled around us; I started to feel dizzy, overpowered.  My eyes watered, my throat constricted, and my legs could no longer support me…"he" was practically holding me up.

I tried to pull away but he held fast…the music was starting to sound erratic, monstrous.

I looked up at Diamond and gasped.

His pale face was tinged red, his eyes were depthless and soulless, and his soft, vulnerable-looking lips were pulled back in a feral, evil grin.

Around and around and around we went…

I heard wild laughter, screams, someone calling my name, pain, blood, loss…

We stopped.

Someone had interrupted us.

I stumbled but a strong arm caught me.

I looked up resignedly but froze when I saw Darien.

He pulled me away from Diamond and we got lost in the throng of dancers.  I held his hand tightly, conveying my distress through actions…I could not speak.  He looked down worried.

"Sere?" he whispered.

"I wanna go home, please.  Please!"

He stared at me intently…but I could not meet his gaze.  He nodded abruptly.

"All right.  Convey your condolences to the Signora…I cannot be seen leaving with you, so I will sneak out and meet you at the villa."

"But…How?" I asked distressed.

He smiled gently at me.  "Because I love you cara," he whispered.

The dance ended, he bowed and then was gone.

I stiffened my spine, and searched for my hostess.  I spotted Liza a little bit away and decided that she would be easier to fool then her mother.

I walked over and smiled wanly.

"Dearest Liza," I began, taking hold of her hands, "I am afraid I must leave. I feel wretchedly sick and though it saddens me that I must miss the festivities I must go."

I was pretty pleased with my little *speech*.

Liza watched me carefully, her eyes more intelligent than I had originally given her credit for.

"Who was your handsome gentleman friend?" she asked quietly.

My body lurched. 'How?'

I smiled slightly and tried to speak without trembling, "A painter commissioned by my uncle."

"Oh."

She smiled at me.

"Well, I do hope you feel better Serena.  Call on me tomorrow."

She gave me a hug, reverting back to her other self.

I kissed her cheeks and bid adieu.

I hurried up the stairs, worried that I would somehow be delayed.

But I made it safely upstairs, grabbed my cloak, and was inside the comfort of my carriage without any interference.

I was home a few minutes later and I don't know how I made it upstairs without alerting any of the servants.

I shooed Mariella out as soon as possible, promising to regale her with gossip the next morning if she would let me sleep alone.

I stood impatiently, waiting.

It didn't take long.

"Is she gone?" a low voice whispered from the shadows.

I jumped.

I turned and saw Darien emerge from the darkness.

"You have to stop doing that Darien!" I told him sharply.

He chuckled.

He came forward and wrapped his arms around me.

Looking down at my shadowed face he tightened his arms.  "Cara, what happened?"
I shivered.  Memories of that dark face, those awful sounds came rushing back and I could not control myself…tears began running down my face as I shook my head, silently telling him that I could not speak…it was too much.

He held me close and his very presence comforted me.

I did not, couldn't not stop crying till dawn broke, and still he held me.


**********

The next few days passed routinely.

My mornings were spent…in bed resting from the entertainments of the night before.

My afternoons were spent with Darien as he painted me, or at least that is what he was doing according to Mariella.  Truthfully, we snuck out and walked around the gardens, talking and sneaking kisses…

My evenings were spent with Liza.  I tried to stay away from her cousins, but sometimes the unavoidable occurred and we were placed in contact with one another…on those rare and unwelcome occasions I ignored them…

All was quiet…


**********

(Darien's view)

On a rare day when Michelangelo was free of commitments I was able to convince him to spend the day with me doing nothing…Serena was at a fair with the de'Lanza children.

I had found a quiet brook hidden in a forestry area many of the locals were frightened of.  I had as of yet, not had the opportunity to show it to Serena…but we had time.

Michelangelo and I were sitting by the brook, resting and painting in quiet companionship.

The air was quite, disturbed by not even the slightest of breezes…still, waiting…

[I will fill in more details here, um, later :)]

I turned to Michelangelo who was studiously sketching a beaver.

"Michelangelo?"

"Hmm?"

"Have you ever been in love?"

He turned to me.  A semi-smile lit his face and his eyes became distant.

"Yes."

"Really?  Did she know?"

Michelangelo looked down at the grass, a frown wrinkling his forehead.

"I am in love with Serena."

Michelangelo looked up surprised.

"But…how?"

"I know, my friend, I know.  But I couldn't help it.  She is the dearest thing to me, my purpose really.  I love her Michelangelo!"

In the depths of my own excitement and happiness I failed to notice the frown that overcame him…the thoughtful expression…


**********

(Serena's view)

I had never been to a fair before…

Despite my antagonism at spending the day with Diamond de'Lanza I was truly excited.
It was a family tradition for them…and they had kindly invited me to attend, a friend…

I danced down the stairs, humming…Mariella looked at me thrilled.  Silly woman probably thought I was excited to see the de'Lanza heirs.

The butler opened the door for me and I skipped to their waiting carriage.

Liza was chattering to Sapphire on one bench and I looked despairingly at the only empty seat…next to Diamond.

Sighing I stepped up the bench and plopped down besides him, my back stiff, arms folded across my chest and a really MEAN frown on my face.

Diamond chuckled.

He leaned over and stuck his face right in front of mine.

"I don't bite," he told me, still chuckling and licking his tongue over his lips.

I looked away, repulsed.

He moved closer to me on the seat.

"Sssserena, why don't you like me?"

I turned around to tell him off but stopped…

That same feeling came over me, that strange, outwardly feeling; I was getting dizzy, Diamond's face was contorting into weird shapes, something was buzzing in my ears, and I felt fury rise in my throat.  I felt myself start to tingle and my insides jiggle.  It felt like I was *changing*.

My body started shaking, clammy sweat dripping down my forehead…I felt so, so cold.

I curled down trying to make it go away, trying to make it leave me…

The carriage stopped.

Diamond snarled softly.

The door was opened and I hurled out.

Outside in the cool air I felt myself return to normal.
I gulped in fresh air and savored the cool chills that ran down my body.

Liza and Sapphire stepped out after me.

"Are you all right Serena?" Liza asked me concerned.

I coughed and smiled at her.  "Yes, thank you Liza.  It was just the motion of the carriage."

Diamond snorted.

His long, lanky body folded out of the carriage.

He stepped besides me.

"All better, Serena?" he asked me, sardonically.

I refused to look at him.

I nodded.  And moved up to Liza.  

"What do you want to do first?" she asked, jumping from foot to foot in her enthusiasm.

I looked at her, embarrassed.  "I have never been to a fair before."

Liza looked appalled.  "Never?  But…"

Sapphire pinched her head.  "Don't be rude Liza.  Now, Serena, we can eat, look at vendors, which Liza undoubtedly wants to do, watch  the performers.  Anything sound good?"

I smiled  at him.  "Food!" I responded.

He laughed with me.

We went up to a wrinkly old man who was selling kidney pies (AN: Yum Yum..YUCK!) and Sapphire paid for three.  Diamond wasn't eating.

We walked around, laughing at the painted clowns, pet the imported horses from Spain, ate a TON more.  It was quite enjoyable, especially so because Diamond kept his distance.

But I couldn't help but feel that he was waiting…

We had been wandering the fair grounds for quite a while and Liza was becoming cranky.  "I want to buy some fabrics!" she whined to Sapphire. 

He sighed.  "All right, all right, I will go with you.  Diamond you take Serena to see the man juggling torches.  Serena you cannot leave this fair without seeing that!"

I smiled weakly.  Oh, but did Diamond have a smile on his face.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me towards a huge tent located nearer the forest and farther from the other festivities.  Less and less people were around this area and I started to get really frightened.  

"Where is the juggler?" I asked quietly.

Diamond smiled.  "Oh, you don't want to see something as boring as that Serena.  Trust me."

Yeah right!

As we neared the tent I could hear shouts and jeers, raucous laughter.

I pulled at my arm but he was too strong, too determined.

I looked back towards the fair grounds…people milling around, brightly colored flags and tents, the smell of yummy food wafting in the air.  I looked towards the tent Diamond was leading me towards…dark and foreboding it seemed sickly natural against the wild backdrop of the forest.

The laughter grew louder and more violent as we neared the tent.  Diamond smiled at me and pulled me towards the back.
A large group of men stood huddled together around something…something I could not see.  They were dirty, smelly and dim-witted group of people.  Diamond dragged me closer, though I tried to dig my feet into the ground.  The men called out to him and then caught sight of me.  Some leered, some cried out obscenities and some came too close for comfort, but Diamond pushed those away.

He pulled me closer to the object all the men were encircling, and I scraped and pushed, knowing that whatever it was I did not want to see it.

With one final shove I was in the middle of the circle…

Staring at, at, at…

A young woman lay there.  She was a peasant by the appearance of her clothes…what was visible beneath the mud and dirt and blood.

I gagged, disgust and hatred rising to my throat.

Her beautiful face was marred beyond recognition…bruised and battered, as though someone had taken delight in her ruin, had looked to her destruction as art. 

She was twisted, body and face.  She had been pushed to the ground, trampled by some heavy object, maybe a man, maybe a cart.  Her face was distorted in pain, agony.  Her mouth was open as though she had tried to cry our for help…someone had shoved grass and dirt in there to silence her…forever. 

Her long dark hair was tangled, falling in clumps around her face, almost shielding her from view…almost.

But I saw.

And I wanted to kill.

I turned to Diamond.

He was staring at her deformed body, a mixture of disgust and vibrancy…as though her demise both saddened and revived him.  It disturbed me.

I opened my mouth.

And screamed.

Diamond stared at me with shock and then rushed to cover my mouth.

I struggles against him, scared that the young girl's demise would be my own.

He pulled my face towards him roughly and whispered, "Be quiet Serena!  I wont hurt you.  But these men wont feel so kindly towards you if you cause them trouble."

I shut my mouth, chest heaving with pain.  

Glaring at Diamond I rasped, "Get me out of here now!"

He smirked…"Already?"

I struggled and he pulled me close again.

"All right…but say nothing of this to my brother or cousin.  Your silence would benefit all of us."

I nodded mutely, wanting nothing but the comfort of my own home.

Liza and Sapphire looked at us curiously when we returned…I was white and shaken.

Diamond blamed my appearance on raw meat…ironically.

I was taken home, no questions asked.
In my hurry I did not even say farewell to Liza or Sapphire…I could barely stand.


**********

I stayed in bed for two days.  My stomach continued to feel queasy and my heart ached at such cruelty.

Mariella refused anyone entrance, though I doubted that even Darien could comfort me.

But on the third day my maid rushed into the room, face flushed and nervous.

"My Lady, you must get dressed.  Your Uncle is here, he has surprised us all.  He has news and wishes your presence in the library immediately."

I groaned.

"What on earth is important enough to make me get out of bed?" I asked my maid grumpily.

She shrugged and began pulling out my underclothes.

I stood comatose as she dressed me, preoccupied still with the obscene vision I had seen that man was capable of.

She yanked on a few strings and laces and pushed me towards the door.

"My Lady, your uncle, your uncle!"

I walked slowly downstairs and to the library.

I was surprised that my uncle was here in Genoa…we hadn't been in contact.

I pulled open the heavy wooden door.  My uncle stood facing the fireplace, glee and satisfaction lighting his usually sour disposition.

"Uncle," I said nodding my head.

"Ahhh, Serena, my dear girl, my dear dear niece," he said coming over to envelop me in his embrace.

I was a bit shocked to say the least…Uncle had never shown such affection.

"Your arrival in Genoa suprises me Uncle…had I know I could have seen to the preparations myself."

"My dear Serena, a surprise indeed.  You have been busy my girl, have you not."

"Busy Uncle?"

He waved a pack of letters in front of me.

"These come from the Prince himself!  Yes, you have been busy."

My stomach dropped.

"What, what do you mean uncle?"

"Why your relations with de'Lanza's heir, Diamond.  You sneaky girl…I am proud of you, yes I am.  This will bring even more honor to our family."

I shook my head.

"I do not understand Uncle."

He finally turned to me, irritation written across his pugnacious features.

"Why you silly female.  I am talking about your engagement."

******************************


Thanks:

To my pre-readers: Sake-chan, April, Meredith, MG, and QS (when she gets the chance)!!

Kell-For your wonderful wharf ideas!!!! Without them…there would be a blank scene.
 
Thanks Thanks Thanks Loralei, Mandy, Anon, Usako, Rinoa, Laz, Megs, Annie, MK, Antigone, Patch, Ali-chan, Lelu, Lady S, Miri, Eclipse, Aurora (I should have been thanking you all from the start…gomen. And if I forgot someone…send me hate mail!  Send me flying objects!  

Your support means SO much.

Only ONE chapter left to go!!!!  At least for this section!  Woo-Hoo!!  Anyone else sick of this period yet?

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