UNDER THE SUN - Chapter Two : Royal Invitation

This is a Sailormoon fanfiction, so standard disclaimed is applied.

~***~

UNDER THE SUN

Summer was the most awaiting and anticipated season for Golden Kingdom young Ladies. For the King always invite noble maidens to spend the season in the palace in search of bride for the Crown Prince. However, while other Ladies were struggling to win the Prince’s affection, a single maiden stayed obscure. Her eyes set on another, the High Priestess of Golden Kingdom. But how she could convince the Priestess to follow her to her homeland, or - in the worst case - kidnaped her, when the annoying Prince keep his eyes on her and how she keep her façade in front of an overprotective Royal Guard ?

~***~

CHAPTER TWO

ROYAL INVITATION

The cart run slowly through the frontyard of Vardilmiard castle heading to the front gate. The coachman lashed his whip, impatient to leave the ground as soon as posible, but his old horse could not dragged the cart any faster. Serenity was watching from a high balcony with a pout. He was the second who left, the third priest that was called by Lord Vardilmiard. Three were still staying right now, including the new priest who came from Melshire, a land south to Harthford. Serenity bet, the priest must had reliefed to leave the castle. He was angry and complained to Lord Vardilmiard, he felt insulted because another priest was called which he took as an offence that showed the Lord's distrust for his power. He resigned shortly, but Serenity was sure that he was quit to save his face from shame for his incapability to rehabilitate Andrei. The short priest had stayed several weeks but nothing changed with Andrei's condition. The other two priests argued constantly, blamed each other and claimed his own method was the right one to rid of the devil and accused the other's ritual annuled his efforts. That, as well, Serenity thought as a smart excuse to cover up their pathetic failure and preserve their dignity.

The dry wind blew softly, flown her thick golden lock lightly. She turned her eyes into the anteroom, where Molliene was sitting silently. She was more resolve now, cried less but keep prayed to the gods asking their mercy and beg a miracle for her only brother. She shifted her sight to her left, staring the big curved window on the third store in the west wing, Lord Vardilmiard's study room. He was sitting behind his desk where piles of papers laid on its surface. She pitied him, he must have worked so hard now, when the harvest failed again, worsen each year because of the drought. The people were complaining, more and more came to the castle gate, demanded the Lord to have his ear upon their plea and asked for some aids. Now he worked alone, without Andrei who used to help him. Molliene said he rarely had time to rest curently, after breakfast he would leave with his men supervising his land and his people wellfare. He went directly to his study room after lunch with occational interruptions of people at his gate. He would spend his time there until midnight, sometimes missed dinner if Molline or servants did not bring him the meals there.

"Does he left already ?" Molliene was standing by her side, her curly copper hair rustled with the wind.

"Yes, he left for good." Serenity said with resentment. Lord Vardilmiard had mentioned that he could not help but thinking that some of the priests took advantages of Andrei's condition to have free foods and comfortable bed to sleep while trying to dig into his fortune. This short priest, especially, on his leave had been so shameless to ask more than he deserved, using ridiculous excuse that he should be compensated for the humiliation. Serenity would not be so kind if she was in Lord Vardilmiard position, she would not hesitate to threw the greedy man out immidiately with empty hand.

"Let's see your father. He could use some distraction to rest his mind." Serenity smiled and grabbed Molliene's arm.

"You are a good distraction." Molliene laughed.

"I am." Serenity giggled.

"Uncle !" Serenity entered cheerfully. "I am glad you sent the dwarf away." she plopped on a chair in front of his desk and put her elbows on its surface, palms on her cheeks.

Lord Vardilmiard chuckled. "He is short but not a dwarf."

"He hardly exceeds my shoulders. That makes him a dwarf." Serenity insisted.

"Serenity, indeed, father, has a small feature." Molliene added. "A grown man with her height I will call short, less than that is a dwarf. And he is even much older than you."

"He is a dwarf then." Lord Vardilmiard gave up the argument with laugh.

"What are you doing, uncle ? Should I help you to clear your desk from this papers ?" Serenity reached to one of the piles.

"Why not help your father instead ?" Lord Vardilmiard resumed his works.

"There is not much to do now." Serenity answers in a low voice, she did not want to show her sadness.

Lord Vardilmiard glanced at the girl, he understood that everyone had been struggling with the drought, firstly it hit the poor then the others with better fortune and then more landlords' harvest reduced because of water decreased. Kennael seemed affected greatly now.

"Here, take a look at these journals. Tell me if there are numbers that out of place." Lord Vardilmiard pushed a stack of papers to Serenity. "And you, Molliene, read these and see if there are any urgent matters, if so, place them here." He pointed and pushed another pile in front of her daughter who nodded obediently.

"Allright." Serenity reached for a pen and read the journals.

"Serenity ..." Lord Vardilmiard's call made Serenity lifted her head from the papers. "You know that you can ask me anything, right ?"

"I know uncle." Serenity smiled and worked on her papers.

Serenity sat on her horse back on a small hill between Vardilmiard castle and her home. The main road that leading to the castle and crossed the east region, which also brought her to home was on the west side of the foothill. On the west accross the road extended wheat fields that now scarce with the crops. To the east of the hill was the east forest, infamous with its scarry stories. Stories spread among the people for generations through careful whispers. The forest looked so still, lacked of any lifeforms. No animals lives in the forest except insects and rats, people believed that the animals even were too scared to live there. Some elders said that the forest once was lushfull and people used to went for hunting in the forest, but that was so distant in the past. Now the tree branches were bare, its dry twigs sprouted from the trunks like the devil's claws. Her gazed now followed the main road and she saw a large convoy of carriages was coming from northwest through the road. She was galloping her horse to home after watching the convoy for a while, the sun was going to set soon and her father told her to be home before dark.

When Serenity mounted down her steed, she looked up to see his father's study room was lit up. Slowly she pulled the reign and dragged the steed to the stable. She handed over the reign to a stable boy and entered the house through the back door.

"Miss ! Welcome home." A maid spotted her. "Dinner is ready."

Serenity nodded. "Thank you, Sophie."

"Please, miss ... If you please to tell your father ? He has not come out from his study since noon and he did not answer when we knocked his door."

"Oh, all right, I'll lure him out from his fortress." Serenity laughed, the maid smiled at her antics.

After the maid left, Serenity cheerfullness gone, her head dropped. She knew what troubled her father's mind, she was feeling guilty because of it. He had wrote a letter stating a polite rejection and sent a messenger to the north. She knew her father was dissapointed, but nefertheless he said he understood and wanted her happiness above all things in the world. She had been grateful and crying on her father's arms. Her legs felt heavy, she forced her step through the house and climbed the stairs to the second floor. The house felt more empty now, three maids has been sent home within this two weeks. They had begged at his father's feet, asking him to keep them at the house. But he strenghtened his resolve and stated he could not afford to pay their services anymore. Serenity talked to Molliene of her burden, guilt and shame. The maids would have stayed, her father would not have the stress, if only she had married the north Lord. She could even asked him to sent some aids for the people. But Molliene did not allow her to said more, "Serenity, do you really willing to sacrifice your own happiness and marry a man you don't love and spend the rest of your life regreting it ?" She said no, but thinking the poor maids and other poor people, she had not so sure with her answer. A tear broke her little trance and she quickly wiped it. When she came to her father's study room, she quietly turned the door knob and peeked inside, her father sat still behind his desk, his back to the door. He was in a deep tought that he did not realize her coming, not even when she took a seat by his desk. He sat facing the window and his eyes wandered far outside, legs crossed and he reclined to seat back. Few books were piled neatly on the desk right corner. Usually her father was still busy with his papers at this time, but now when no income and nothing to sell, he was spared from the complicated counts. He only counted their domestic expenses and focused on tightening their budget. Sometimes he was let her worked on his papers, when he was too busy and Serenity wanted to spend more time with her father. They would talk and laugh while working, would not remember to eat when it was dinner time so a maid would knocked at the door and told them to go to the dining room. She sighed when her father was still not aware of her presence.

"Father ..." She called softly.

"Oh ... Serenity ..." Her father smiled, "You are home already ?"

"Yes. It's dinner time, father."

He stood and offered his hand, "Shall we ?"

Serenity nodded and placed her hand on his arm.

The next day, Molliene surprised her with a visit after she finished breakfast with her father. They went to the parlor to chat. Molliene looked so happy, Serenity thought that Andrei was back to himself and disappointed when Molliene shook her head sadly, she said a great sum of aid had arrived last evening. It was sent with a kind message from the young Lord of north, he wished his small donation could lifted their burden a little. Serenity was impressed but she felt a little uncomfortable as she recalled her refusal. She told herself that the Lord's kindness was wholy unconnected with her or his proposal. Molliene had another good news, the emissary had told her father to submit a request to the High Priestess in the capital regarding of Andrei's situation. The High Priestess was said possesed a legendary power, her power was rarely demonstrated but acknowledged among the holy priests in the capital. She was even mentioned more powerful than Helios, the greatest and the last High Priest of Golden Kingdom. No priests or priestess held enough power to take the title of High Priest since Helios death over four centuries ago. The kingdom was rejoiced and celebrated when the High Priestess was introduced. The news was a new hope for Molliene and Lord Vardilmiard who almost desponded since Andrei has not shown any progression after months.

They had another visitor that afternoon, an enormous carriage arrived at their frontyard. Molliene announced in surprise that it was the north Lord's emissary. Kennael and Serenity exchanged a glance in uneasiness. The emissary gratefully accepted the lunch invitation and in return invited them to dinner in Vardilmiard castle, which he said he had Lord Vardilmiard's permission already to bring other guests. They spent time after lunch in the parlor, the emissary praised Serenity's beauty. She blushed despite the uneasy feeling that resurfaced. She met her father's assuring eyes, silently told her that he will stand by her side and support her when the emissary said, "Now I understand why my Lord is so fond of you, my Lady, your beauty is enchanting, your attitude is sweet and your bright mind is impressive. He understood your doubt to accept him and appreciate your decision, however he wished he still has your good judgement and he sent me here to express his sincerity and good intention." He flicked his finger and his attendants appeared at the door with a small chest and another bigger one which immidiately put near their feet. Molliene gasped when the emissary took the small chest and opened it. Serenity knew then that her uneasiness was a premonition of this. Gold was pilled in the chest, among the glittering jewels of diamond and pearls. Kennael squeezed his daughter's hand thus bowed politely and saying they was honored with the kind gesture but it was impossible for them to accept it. He politely said that he would keep the same decision, Serenity would not marry the Lord. The emissary smiled and waved at Kennael's words nonchalantly, the small gifts meaned as a token of gratitude for the kindness Serenity had shown to the Lord during his stay in Harthford. They was forced to accept with his insistance and words that the Lord had no other means regarding the gifts.

"Miss, you look so lovely." Her maid exclaimed. "That dress suits you so well, you look like a real noble Lady ." She continued her admiration while put other dresses into Serenity's wardrobe. After pulled out various gown from the chest the emissary left, they decided on a pastel pink  gown with a short sleeves, the silk dress flowed down to her ankle and the light frilly fabric let her move freely. Serenity was looking at the gown with a sour face. She wore it for the dinner in Vardilmiard castle for politeness sake only. Indeed, the dresses were exquisite, fitted for a princess. The dress fitted her perfectly, Serenity did not even want to think how the north Lord knew her precise measurements. The meals was delicious and they had a pleasant dinner but when desserts were served Serenity wished so much they could left immidiately. She could not bear the conversation, the emissary spoke highly of his master, all the while directed his gaze to the golden haired girl. Oh, Serenity understood very well of his not too subtle meaning, he wished to plant a certain idea into her mind, obviously he expected her to grow some admiration toward his liege. So she keep her head low, pretended to focus on her desserts. Molliene looked at her simpaticaly. Only a week later Serenity was dare to visit the Vardilmiard castle again, when the north Lord's emissary left already, on his way returned to his master's land. Molliene teased her so much, "Serenity, the fearless girl of Harthford was actually hiding from a harmless loyal servant, it ruins the reputation, hm ?" She giggled when Serenity threatened not to come again and shook her head, "You will always come back here, because you love me  and Andrei sooo ... much."

Indeed, Serenity would come again and again to meet Molliene and saw Andrei, who was still  not get better.

"Serenity !!" Molliene rushed to her and suffocated her with a tight embrace when Serenity was walking through the hall. "Andrei ... Andrei is back !!" Molliene face lit up with happines, her smile wide and her eyes were shining.

"Really ?!" Serenity beamed. "Is it true ?!"

"Yes ! Come ... Come, he is in his chamber right now." Molline took Serenity's hand and ushered her to Andrei's chamber.

Lord Vardilmiard was inside with the priests, they were sitting arround a round table by the window on the left. On the bed, Andrei was laying on his back. His eyes was closed but he opened them and turned his head to the door when a voice called him.

"Andrei !"

He smiled weakly at the girl who was now knelt by his bed and took his hand, tears on her eyes. His sister stood by Serenity's side.

"I miss you ..." Serenity was staring with teary eyes but she was happy.

"I miss you too, little sunshine." Andrei squeezed her hand gently, he smiled and his eyes stared with warmth that Serenity missed so much, the warm smile and kind eyes that belonged to Andrei. Their Andrei was really back.

"He must rest." Lord Vardilmiard placed his hand on Serenity's shoulder.

Serenity nodded, she wiped her tears and stood up. "I'll see you again later, all right ?"

"You must." Andrei's smile was wider and his eyes were twinkling. He was thin and his hair grew longer, but he looked fresher.

"If you insist." Serenity teased. "Nothing had held me back to see you despite your filth and smell, now you has took a bath I don't see why not."

Andrei chuckled and Molliene was giggling happily.

Molliene spoke happily, the smile was not leave her lips while she was telling Serenity what happened. Thus Serenity forgot about another gift that arrived from the north Lord yesterday, which really has disturbed her mind, awared of his intention. A reply came to Vardilmiard castle last evening, the High Priestess answered their plea and sent them a letter with a charm. The priests followed the instruction in the letter and performed an exorcism using the charm. The devil resisted but then it gone, Andrei come to himself, confused and disoriented, stood dumbly in front of three very exhausted priests. He was brought to his chamber after he was cleaned. Lord Vardilmiard did not care however, he hugged the filthy young man, too happy to mind the dirt and smell, the only matter to him was that his only son has finally returned. Molliene excitedly planned what they would do soon Andrei was well enough, she would shown him a new born horse in their stable, knowing how Andrei loved horses. And she would tell him about Serenity's engagement.

"I am not engaged!" Serenity cried.

"No, but soon you will be." Molliene giggled.

Serenity sighed but then smiled, better let Molliene basked in happines right now and spared her the argument. Serenity left in the evening after saw Andrei in his chamber, she felt relief seeing the man slept peacefully.

That night she went to bed with a happy thought. Andrei was back, Molliene and Lord Vardilmiard were now at peace. A thought crossed her mind, disturbed her happiness. The gift, it definitely was not meant as a mere kindness the north Lord shown to his father, after his emissary knew their hardship due to the draught. Serenity praised the emissary observation, he must have noticed the lack of servant that were serving during his brief visit to their house. She quickly dismissed the unpleasant thought, now Andrei was back, she could ask his advice to refused the unwanted attention. She slept with a smile, but after midnight she was awoken with a nightmare. She was trying back to sleep and ignored her uneasiness that brewing in her heart, yet sleep did not come although she closed her eyes and rested her mind. So she got up and walked to the window, hoping staring at the starry sky would bring a sleepiness to her. Her stare soon directed to Vardilmiard castle after she stood by her window. Once again, the castle was lit up in the midnight. "Andrei ..." Serenity whispered worrily.

She could hear Molliene's sob even before she entered her chamber. She went directly to Andrei's chamber when she arrived, but it was empty. A maid shook her head sadly, she brought out a broom, bucket and rug from the room. She run to Molliene's chamber with a fright building in her heart. "Molliene, what happened ? Where is Andrei ?"

"In the dungeon." Molliene answered between her sob, not even lifted her face to look up at Serenity.

"What ?! Why ?"

"The devil has not gone yet !" Molliene stood from her bed. "It returned and took Andrei away. It took him again." Her tears flowed through her cheek. "We thought he will be with us again, we thought everything will be back to normal again. But no ... the devil must returned and ruined our happiness. That cursed devil !" Molliene eyes were shone with anger. "Thankfully the priests have not left yet, they held the devil back. Father must let Andrei was brought back to the dungeon."

"No ... How could it happen ?" Serenity asked in disbelieve.

A priest and a servant stay by Andrei's side that night as a precaution in case Andrei needed something in the middle of the night. The priest was awaken by grunts that came from Andrei's bed. He found the young man were strugling against something inside his body. He looked in pain and held back his scream. The priest ordered the servant to call the other priests and wake up the Lord. When they arrived to Andrei's door, the priest was trying to get up from the broken table, his lips were bleeding. Andrei was laughing and he yanked the charm from his neck. "Do you think this punny thing can defeat me ?! Never !!" And threw it to the Lord and two priests who were standing in horror.

They would come down to see Andrei everytime they could. Andrei sometimes won the battle with the devil and back to himself although just for a brief moment. This made Lord Vardilmiard and Molliene have not lost hope yet. Andrei still endured and struggled his life, so they knew they had to be there for him to support him, to encourage him to stay strong and resist the devil. Lord Vardilmiard sent another letter to the capital, asking the the High Priestess to kindly sent them another stronger charm. Weeks passed by but the expected reply  still has not come. He sent another messenger that requested an audience with the High Priestess but he could only go as far as the temple door. Lord Vardilmiard would come to the capital and ask the High Priestess himself if possible, but their situation forbid him to do so, he could not leave his people when they need him the most at this time, he could not neglected his responsibility. Serenity heart's broke everytime she witnessed Andrei's sufferings, he was strong at first but the fight gradually spent his strength.

"Please, Serenity ... Help me ..."

"She is too strong. I am losing, Molliene ..."

So, they knew the devil was a female, a terrible female demon.

"She must not be freed." Andrei warned.

"Kill me if you must, she is dangerous ... She will destroy everything ..."

"Help me ... I can not held her back anymore ... Help me ... father, Molliene ... Serenity, help me ..."

Kennael sighed heavily, staring at her daughter who was standing in front of his desk dejectedly. The north Lord sent more gifts for Serenity with a letter stating his unchanged affection for her. The Lord said he would visit them in the upcoming summer, before he went to a neighbour kingdom. He wished to convince Serenity that he would make her happy and hoped to gain her trust and love. When he returned from his duty, he would once again visit her and take her to his land to marry. Kennael returned the gift with an appologize, but the Lord sent his messenger back, the gift in the small wooden chest now sat on his desk. Kennael was staring at the chest uncomfortably, he was insulted, no man would buy her daughter, even if he intended to make her his wife. "He won't have you if you do not wish it, Serenity. You will marry the man you love, and he will love you more than you love him. Your husband will be good man, honorable and kind, loyal and caring. He won't control you, instead he will respect and honor your wishes. I promise, I will not marry you to a man less than that." At first he was convinced that the north Lord was a respectable man, but the Lord's insistent proved that he was a man who would never accept no as an answer.

Both Molliene and Serenity now rarely met since their father were more and more occupied with their works. They both now had to take care their house and servants. Summer was almost come and Serenity took time to visit Vardilmiard castle despite her duties. She missed Molliene and Andrei, also she was curious with a rumor which she heard whispered among the maids in her house, that a messenger had arrived from the capital to Vardilmiard castle. She hoped that the messenger brought a good news from the High Priestess. Molliene was excited with her visit and took Serenity to her chamber. She was about to ask about the rumor when a striking object on Molliene's vanity caught her eyes.

"Molliene, what is this ?" Serenity asked, holding a golden scroll tied with a red ribbon.

"Oh, it's an invitation from the palace for the upcoming Summer Stay." Molliene answered after looked at the scroll.

"The Summer Stay !" Serenity exclaimed. "That is wonderful."

"I will not go, Serenity. I don't want to."

Serenity frowned, "But why ?"

"I can not leave Andrei, Serenity ... I can not leave my father alone with all the troubles." Molliene was starring sadly. "Besides, I don't see any reason that I should come anyway."

"But of course you should !" Serenity pressed the scroll to Molliene's hand. "Don't you see ? When you are marry, or engaged to the Prince, you can order the High Priestess. You can tell her to save Andrei."

Molliene smiled and shook her head. "Now, you dreamy girl ... listen to me. Do you know that will be the seventh Summer Stay for the Prince ?"

"Seventh !" Serenity surprised.

"See ? Already too many girls presented to him, yet no one he choosed." Molliene put the scroll back on the vanity.

"It's because he has not met you yet." Serenity teased.

"I am flattered, Serenity, I really am." Molliene laughed.

"Still, you must go." Serenity shoved the scroll to Molliene's chest. "At least you can meet the High Priestess and ask her help. You must go, for Andrei."

Molliene took the scroll and held it on her chest. "Do you think I can do it ? Do you think I can convince her to help ?"

"You can, because you love Andrei, and because you love your father. Therefore, you can do it." Serenity convinced.

Molliene smiled and nodded. "Then I will go."

Serenity spent her day in the backyard, found a solitude between dried trees, occupied herself finding a ladybug on the bushes. Her book was forgotten on the bench near the wall. She was sad, Andrei was still in the dungeon, Molliene would be gone in two weeks, there was no maid who would not bussy with the chores and make her company. Her father now has travelled more than ever, he tried to open a business in another city now they could not depend on their land and harvest. She would be lonely and worry about a certain Lord arrival alone. No one to talk to and no one would comfort her. Kennael, just arrived from his trip  was watching his daughter. In truth, he has noticed her daughter distress. She was more quiet now, smiled less and her laugh barely heard in the house. He understood that Andrei's condition saddened her, their situation was stressing and last but not least, the north Lord who was so persistant to marry her.

"Serenity ..."

Serenity turned arround and saw her father was aproaching.

"Father, you are back !" Serenity run to him and hugged him with a big smile.

Kennael chuckled. "Do you miss me, little angel ?"

"I do, I do !" She draped on her father's arm while they were walking to the house. "My book !" She turned, picked the book and run back to her father.

Kennael was glad that he already had a plan for his daughter so she would not be lonely when Molliene went to the capital for Summer Stay. Furthermore, his plan also would save Serenity from the coercive Lord.

"Serenity, do you want to go to Luneria ? I remember, Hermina, your cousin will have her birthday in three weeks. She will be very happy if you visit and celebrate with her. You may stay there for several weeks if you want. Don't worry about anything here, I can manage without you."

"I may ?" Serenity asked hopefully. She could avoid the north Lord if she stayed long enough. "Do you really meant it, father ? But how about ..."

"I told you not to worry anything." Kennael assured, he did really aware of the north Lord's fury if Serenity was not in Harthford when he visit, but he would take the risk for his only daughter.

"Thank you ... I love you, father." Serenity kissed her father's cheek and embraced him lovingly.

"I love you first, my little angel." Kennael kissed Serenity's head in return."I will miss you, but I think if you write me, I'll be allright."

"I'll write you every day, I promise !"

"Once a week will be enough, child." He laughed. "What you will write me anyway if you spend all your time in front of pile of paper and ink ? Have fun and enjoy your stay, allright ?"

Serenity smiled and nodded.

Two days after the planned day of Molliene's departure, Serenity was pacing back and forth in her room, she was so deeply in though. Molliene was not going to the capital. A day before her departure, a servant from Vardilmiard castle came and asked Serenity to come with him, he said a serious matter had occured. Serenity was so shocked seeing Molliene's condition. Her eyes and cheek were swollen, her lips torn, she had many bruises and there was a strangle mark on her neck. Andrei had attacked her when she visited him to say goodbye. The devil tricked Molliene, pretended that she was leaving Andrei and convinced Molliene to enter the cell and begging to release him. Serenity knew how she could help Molliene, how to save Andrei. But she was afraid, she was scared if she failed. She could be sentenced for a crime to royal and her father would suffer the same consequency. If she was caughed. She spent the day considering again and again, thinking another solution but none came to her mind. A night passed without sleep and in the morning Serenity came to Molliene.

"I'll go to Luneria, Molliene. But from Freinin I will not continue to east, I'll heading noth, to the capital. I'll go in your place."

Molliene raised from her bed, too surprised with her friend's words. "Serenity, do you know what you are saying ?! Are you crazy ?"

"Do you have another way ?"

"No. But I won't let you do it, Serenity ! No, don't you dare to do it !" Mooliene was horrified.

"No one will know, you never go to the capital, no one can tell that I am not you. This is our only chance, Molliene."

"Serenity, no !"

"Andei is weaker and weaker each day, Molliene ! I don't want him to die." Serenity cried. "I know I take a great risk. But I'll be careful, I won't drawing attention."

"Serenity ..."

"As long as you tell no one, when my father know that I do not arrive in Luneria, I"ll be already in the capital. Then you must convince him, Molliene. Tell him not to try to take me back or he will reveal my disguise. I promise I will be back safely, I'll bring the High Priestess with me. Molliene, promise me you will do it."

Again, it was proven that no one yet could change Serenity's stubborness. Molliene nodded with tears, asking Serenity to definitely return safely and made her promise to leave the palace immidiately when something went wrong.

Sophie, Serenity's maid who supposed accompany her to Luneria went hysteric when Serenity told their destination and her plan after they turned north in Freinin. She almost jumped from the carriage, demanded to return to Harthford at once. Serenity threatened her back and after loud and earpiercing arguments Sophie was beaten. She wept and whinning but agree to follow nevertheless. She could never left the girl anyway, she raised Serenity since she was a baby, she loved the girl and who would protect and cover Serenity if the girl had troubles during the Summer Stay when she was not by her side ? "No wonder you insisted to bring those dresses that the emissary gave you, you need them for the Summer Stay," she said.

They arrived on the afternoon, the very day when the first event of the Summer Stay began. That night a ball would be hold, the King and the Queen would greet and welcome all the Ladies to the palace and the Prince would dance with them all night.

From a balcony of many towers of the Golden Kingdom palace two men were standing, watching a carriage stopped at the palace front door and two women greeted by servants before they climbed the grand stairs, entering the palace.

"How unusual, no girl arrives late for the Summer Stay." The older man with long platinum blonde hair said.

"True, Your Majesty. Perhaps it's because she comes far from the east border." A young man with green eyes and long curly brown hair that tied neatly on his nape answered.

"How do you know ?"

"The only girl who has not arrived yet was the Lady from Harthford."

"I see. So, I am counting on you, Zoisite. Watch my son and report every detail. I hope this is the last Summer Stay for Endymion. I begin to feel tired to have those Ladies every year in this palace, sometimes the women competition was too harsh." the King turned and walked inside.

"Understand, Your Majesty." The young man bowed.

~***~