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An Angel From Hell
By Kayla Chavi

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Chapter 5

I was surveying the decorations for my party when I felt Darien's presence coming towards it. He seemed very upset about something and was projecting a lot of profanity.

My gaze flickered to where I saw him enter, "Zoicite, be a dear and occupy Darien for a moment."

Zoicite saw the state that Darien was in and raised an eyebrow. The Elf just gave me this look, "What did you do now, Serena?" he asked me and looked down at me from his impressive height.

I sighed, "I'm not exactly sure, but until I do know, I want to stay out of his way."

"You haven't changed a bit," Zoicite said melodramatically and shook his head, "You would think--"

"Shut up. He doesn't remember, so don't push it."

I ducked behind a column to listen.

Damn this felt familiar, how many times had I done this when Zander and Endymion were talking and they didn't know I was there. The next thing that I needed was for An'dre to show up to make this deja vu even stronger.

And because the Gods love irony, Andrew did. He had been following Darien and was trying to convince him of something.

* * *

"Look, all I'm saying Darien is that you are over reacting here."

"And all I'm saying is that I want answers. I'm tired of all of this. I want to talk to her."

Andrew had been trying to convince me to cool down. After hearing that the man in the picture was Endymion, I became very perplexed and frustrated. I wanted to know what the hell Serena was playing at.

Was she with me because she actually cared about me? Or what it because I reminded her of her dead husband? Or because she's just a heartless vampire who enjoys emotional torture more than physical torture?

"Do you think that she's actually going to answer your questions?" Andrew asked me irritably. "How do you know that she's isn't just going to laugh in your face about all of this? Tell you that your thinking too much and then try to change the topic of conversation."

I glared at him and stopped inside the doorway to the outdoor pavilion that Serena was building for her party. The sun had barely set, so vampires were already hard at work.

"You know I'm right."

"Maybe you're wrong," I said and searched the crowd for her. I thought I saw her and started walking in that direction.

"Hundred bucks says I'm right."

I rolled my eyes, "I thought betting was illegal in this part of New York."

"I'm a cop. I make the rules. Hundred bucks." Andrew gave me this look and I sighed.

"You're on."

"Good, there's Zoicite, he's the main organizer of this fiasco." Andrew pointed to a tall, slightly feminine looking man with long brown blond hair that he kept pulled back into a pony-tail. If I didn't already know that this man was a High Elf, I would have thought that he was a wuss.

On the contrary, he could kill just as efficiently and be just as deadly as a human or vampire. You don't want to make him mad. Besides, he's dating Amy, so I have to not offend him or I might lose my book-worm.

"He and I have met," I said dryly, "He'll know where Serena is."

We walked over to him. He saw us and smiled slightly, putting down some of the plans.

"Andrew, Darien. What brings you here?" he said looking up at us and taking off his glasses.

"Dare's looking for Serena," Andrew said before I could open my mouth.

Zoicite raised an eyebrow, "You just missed her," he said, "She left about five minutes ago."

"Great," I muttered.

Damn it! Why did she had to be so elusive. It's like she knew I was coming and that I was mad.

And then I knew.

I knew that she wasn't gone.

I knew exactly where she was.

Andrew was watching me intently, "You okay, Dare? I mean its not like Zoicite here would purposely tell you that she's not here, when she is." He gave the elf a pointed look. Zoicite just smiled innocently.

"Why would I do a thing like that?"

"Because Serena asked you to," I said simply and turned away from the table in frustration. I could feel her presence like an annoying buzz in the back of my head. "Tell her that I want to speak to her. That I think it's important and that I wish she wouldn't hide from me."

I walked away.

I know that Serena came out from her hiding place, I felt her move. How did I suddenly get this knowledge of her? Was it because of the mixing of blood? Or did I always have this ability and just noticed it?

I mean I can feel vampires. But when I'm surrounded, like I was right now at the pavilion, then I can't pick out the ones that I do know and the ones that I don't.

Something changed three days ago, and I want to know why.

I also wanted to know why the name Endymion keeps coming up.

* * *

I watched him go and I cringed. He was very angry about something. Andrew didn't follow him out, he stayed with Zoicite and then gave me this Look when I came back over.

"You just missed Darien," Zoicite said idly. I rolled my eyes and then looked at Andrew.

"And you're still here because?"

"I think that you and I need to talk Serena," Andrew said simply and I rolled my eyes again.

"Fine," I said, "I'm assuming privately?"

Andrew nodded and then mock bowed, "You lead the way, Milady."

I sighed and led him into my makeshift office for the Masquerade. I went in and sat down at my desk, gesturing to a chair for him to sit.

"What do you want to talk about?" I asked and smiled innocently.

Andrew was not fooled, "Darien."

"What about him?"

"How about the fact that you keep messing with his mind?" Andrew said and leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving mine.

"I'm not messing with his mind," I said truthfully.

And it was the truth, I gave up on mind games three days ago. It was hard, but I did give them up. I wanted to be with Darien, I cared for him so much that it's not worth ruining.

If only he could understand that.

"Don't give me that shit Serena," Andrew said angrily, "Right now he is so confused that he doesn't know whether you care about him, playing with his mind, or just sick because he reminds you of your dead husband."

My eyes widened and by voice caught in my throat, "What do you mean?"

I am not sick. Psychotic, yes. But not sick.

"Endymion. He said that Beryl called him that and yesterday he apparently found your wedding portraits. I've seen the pictures, its almost uncanny how they look alike."

I was quiet for a very long moment.

Damn her.

Look at the stupid mess she's made.

Damn Darien for not being able to understand.

Damn it all to hell, to coin Darien's phrase.

"He's worried about nothing," I said finally, "It may be impossible for you to understand, but I am not a sick and deranged girl. I care about Darien for who he is, and not because he is like Endymion."

"So he is like your dead husband," Andrew pressed.

I sighed, "He and Endy are very much alike. At the center they are almost the same person. But they are different, and I care about Darien for being Darien. And...." I stopped, wondering how much to tell Andrew.

True the man had been my brother in another life, but now....now I wasn't so sure on how he would react.

"And?" he prompted after it took me awhile to respond.

"He is Endymion. The reincarnated version of him anyway."

Andrew's eyes widened slightly and I knew that he was replaying everything that he had witnessed in his head, going over every last detail.

Some things never change.

I waited for him to process it all, wondering how he would react.

"Dare would freak if you told him this," he said after a moment.

"Therein lies my dilemma." I smiled slightly and kept his gaze, "Are you going to tell him?"

"What would you do if I said yes?" he raised an eyebrow, challenging me.

"I wouldn't kill you, if that's what you're asking. I would like to tell him in my own time, when its necessary and I know he won't have a mental breakdown. I want him to see that I love him for him, not because he is Endymion." I was trying to get him to understand. "Each life, Endymion has changed, becoming a different person every time. Just like I change through time, so does he."

"I thought that vampires were the same then as they are now," Andrew said raising an eyebrow.

I was tempted to laugh, but I just raised an eyebrow. I needed him to understand.

This was Darien's best friend and best friends always came before girlfriends. Especially when the girlfriend is a vampire.

I think that I might have even prayed at that moment.

"I won't tell Darien," he said after a long moment. He stood and I watched him, "This is something that he needs to hear from you. But Serena you have to tell him. And I think that sooner is better than later."

I smiled, very much relieved. "I will tell him, Andrew."

He sighed and turned to go. He stopped at the door and turned to look at me over his shoulder, "So who was I?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

I just smiled, "When you're ready I'll tell you," I said impishly, "And not a moment before."

He rolled his eyes and then was gone.

I sat back in my chair and closed my eyes, leaning back and trying to relax.

So that's why Darien was angry. He's weirded by the name Endymion. I sighed and started to massage my temples, a headache starting to build.

Hell.

How was I going to talk my way out of this one?

We had come so far and now because of Berylka and that stupid Curse it was all going to be ruined again.

Damn.

I looked blankly at my computer screen and then started to type. I was going to tell Darien everything, but I was going to do it in my own way.

* * *

Two more days.

I was pacing in my large room and making my serving girl nervous.

Two more days and I would be married.

Endy was coming back today. He would be here tonight.

Two more days.

"My Queen, you're going to make me sea sick if you don't stop pacing," Letian said and calmly stopped me from pacing.

Did I forget to mention that I was Queen? It happened shortly after Endy had left. An'dre was crowned King of Atlantis and I was crowned Queen. We spent the last six months going over how my marriage to Endymion was going to work.

After many arguments and letters back and forth. Along with treaties and alliances, a decision was reached.

I would spend three months at Atlantis and then three months at K'thia. Endy would always be at K'thia and And're would always be at Atlantis.

So I would spend three months with my husband and then three months away from him.

I already dreaded it. These past few weeks since his last visit had seemed like eternity. The minutes seemed like hours, the hours move so slowly.

I shook my head to clear it. Pretty soon I'd be bursting into song.

Letian smiled and made me sit down, "My Queen, if you do not calm down, then you will be in no state to see King Endymion."

I winced, "You're right," I said quietly and was almost ready to start pacing again. "Can you find out how long until his ship arrives?" I begged.

Letian gave me a worried look, "Your majesty, I'm not sure if leaving you alone is a very good idea....." her voice trailed off.

"Please?" I pleaded and finally she relented.

"Fine. Just don't pace."

I smiled, "Don't worry about me!"

She gave me this look, like she didn't believe me, and left.

After she was gone for a short while, I felt the need to pace nervously again. Remembering my promise, I instead went out onto my balcony and looked over the waters.

His ship would be arriving on the other side of the palace, but I still stared out over the water.

I almost screeched when I felt two strong arms slip around my waist, and pull me into a strong chest. "Miss me?" a deep voice murmured into my ear and then preceded to kiss me along my neck and shoulder.

I wriggled around to get a better look at him, "ENDY!" I flung my arms around his neck, pulling myself up to kiss him. I nearly knocked him to the ground in my enthusiasm. He laughed softly and kissed me.

To my extreme disappointment, it wasn't a very long or passionate kiss. He slowly tried to pull away, but I didn't let him. My lips tried to chase his and my arms tightened around his neck.

"Senna, please," he murmured into my hair and I made a small sound of distress, but let go.

"You're not happy to see me?" I asked quietly.

He looked at me in surprised and then lightly touched my face, "Of course I'm happy to see you. But we are to be married in two days. And now that we are engaged, one does not passionately kiss their fiancé when they are alone."

I raised an eyebrow and lightly placed my hands on his shoulders, "Why not?"

He gently took my hands and held them in his own, "Because, my beautiful Senna, I would not be able to stop."

Endymion gave me a very pointed look. My eyes widened considerably.

"Oh." I pulled my hands away and let them drop to my sides. However, I was a little naughty, for I drug them down his chest before letting them fall. Let's not forget he spent an entire year in my bed. While I am still a virgin, we did enjoy making out a lot.

He smiled and then lightly kissed my forehead. "I will not do something rash in the heat of a passionate moment, I love you too much for that."

I smiled and then kissed his hand, "I understand," I said and took a small step back. "You're here early!" I hit him on the shoulder. "You weren't supposed to arrive until the banquet."

He grinned, "What can I say? The winds were in our favor and I left early. I missed you too much."

"I thought I was going to go stir crazy," I said and looked over the sea. Endymion came to stand next to me, we were close, but not touching. "I forgot how much time we spent together. How much time we just spent talking."

"How much time I spent holding you," he said quietly and smiled down at me, "That's the one that's bothered me the most."

I rolled my eyes, "You are such a man," I muttered, but he knew I was teasing.

He grinned impishly, "What can I say? I enjoy knowing that you are mine, just like I am yours. And it two days it will be for eternity."

Two days.

I closed my eyes.

My life would be severely different in two days. I would be a wife and a woman.

Two days.

* * *

I was standing very still as Min'ko and Letian dressed me in my wedding dress. It was a deep blue, the color of the ocean. They were wrapping the layers of silk around me and I was trying not to shake. As they placed the actual dress on me, I felt like bolting out the door.

"I can't do this," I whispered and Min'ko looked at me surprised.

"Why not? I thought you loved him."

"I do," I said and looked at myself in the mirror. They were now braiding my hair and placing shells and jewels in it. "But what if he's only doing this for the alliance? What if he really doesn't love me? What if he's just pretending and he thinks that I'm still a girl-child? What if--"

"What if you're worrying for nothing?" Letian asked me and smiled. "I have seen the way he looks at you, when he doesn't think that anyone's watching. His eyes are so full of love for you that he is blind to all the other women around him. And when other men even give the hint that they are thinking about you in what he considers dishonorable terms he looks ready to murder them for their thoughts."

"You're majesty, you have nothing to worry about." Min'ko added and smiled, placing the last piece of jewelry on me. It was a silver trident on a thin chain of silver; Endy had given it to me as a birthday present when I turned sixteen. He had left only a few days after my birthday. A part of me hoped he would make love to me, for I would no longer be a child by his kingdom's terms. It frustrated me that he didn't, but I understand why. It would have hurt to lose him so soon after being so intimate. "And besides of all the women in the world he could have, he wants you. Trust me, My Queen, Endymion wants you and has been exerting a lot of control these last few months."

I looked at her blankly.

Min'ko sighed, "He slept in your bed for over a year without giving in to desire. You have no idea how hard it is for them. It is very clear that you are the only woman he wants in his bed. He could have anyone, but he wants you."

I blushed. I had forgotten that Min'ko knew more about a man's passion than I did.

A servant poked their head in the dressing room. "My Queen, its time."

The two girls led me to the doors of the Temple. They kissed me on my cheeks and then left me alone.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Then I slowly opened the doors.

A priestess was waiting for me. She smiled and then led me down the long hall to another set of doors. They opened and I found myself looking down a long aisle that had the guests seated on either side. I bit my lower lip and then slowly made my way down the aisle.

Endymion was smiling at me as I came towards him. He looked very regal in the black and silver he was wearing. A long and large sword hung at his side as he held out his hand to me.

Standing at an alter were Reishe and Jedeite. They were smiling as well and told us to kneel in front of them. He helped me kneel and then knelt next to me.

Reishe began spouting off something about endless love and the sanctity of marriage. Not that I didn't agree with her, its just that Endy held my gaze completely.

"You look amazing," he whispered in my ear, and I felt a wave of pleasure go through me.

I don't care what anyone says. Having the man you love tell you how beautiful you are to him is one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. It's arousing too.

"Thank you," I whispered back. "You look wonderful. Almost like a King."

He raised an eyebrow, "Almost?"

I grinned impishly and turned my attention to Reishe and Jedeite. "You'll look it when the ceremony's over."

"Serena, High Queen of Atlantis, Daughter of Ikulo and Kenjul, Sister to High King An'dre, Son of...." she went on for about five minutes with my title. "Do you accept this man, King Endymion of K'thia, Son of..." another five minutes went by as she gave Endymion's title before she continued.

"As your Husband. To be with during times of Peace and times of War. To Rule with Equally in both of your countries. And to love with all of your heart, to cleave only unto him, and to support until the Gods decide to take you from this earth?"

This was obviously a K'thie marriage ceremony. The Atlantis one is different. K'thia and Atlantis are very different countries when it comes to stuff like this.

I looked up at Endy and he held my hand a little tighter, "I do." He smiled and lightly kissed my hand, lightly brushing away the stray tear that had fallen during Reishe's speech.

Reishe smiled and then nodded to Jedeite who continued the ceremony, "Endymion, King of K'thia, Son of Terra and Mykal, Brother to Princess Amilyn, Daughter of...." he went on for about three minutes, apparently my family line was longer than his. "Do you accept this woman, High Queen Serena of Atlantis..." I sighed, this was taking forever. I almost wished that this was a simple ceremony without titles.

"As your Wife. To be with during times of Peace and times of War. To Rule with Equally in both of your countries. And to love with all of your heart, to cleave only unto her, and to support until the Gods, decide to take you from this earth?"

I held my breath for a long moment as he smiled down at me again, our eyes meeting.

"I do."

Jedeite grinned and Reishe rolled her eyes at the mushiness of it all. "Then by the Power of the Gods," both intoned together, "We declare that no man or woman will destroy this union," they took a blue ribbon and entwined it with a black ribbon, "It is blest by Us and will suffer through all trials. Love will triumph and they will be Husband and Wife." The ribbon was tied around our wrists, joining us together, physically and with the Power of the Gods.

And I could feel our souls join at that very moment.

Simple silver rings were slipped onto our fingers by Reishe and Jedeite to solidify the marriage. Then the ribbon was cut and I could feel the Power of the Gods again.

Endy and I looked at Reishe and Jedeite, who exchanged a secret smile. Jedeite nodded and Endymion grinned. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close, my arms linked around his neck.

He had to lift me off the floor slightly, he was so tall, but I held onto him, looking up at him. He smiled and then leaned down and kissed me softly. It was our first kiss as husband and wife and there was a Power in that kiss.

I could feel his soul in that kiss, and I he must have felt mine because the kiss became very passionate very quickly. It was more passionate that any other kiss that he had ever given me before.

When we parted, I was breathless and I think he was too. Endy smiled and kiss my forehead.

"L'tie qui, Senna," he whispered, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Xalliva zi, J'thia."

* * *

The party that followed was long and boring. An'dre insisted that there had to be a feast that lasted long into the evening.

He also insisted that I meet Endy's family.

His mother and sister were both there, along with Zander. Amilyn had finally gotten used to the idea that Endymion was in love with me, and grudgingly had to admit that I was not a barbarian. She still didn't like me, but I could understand that.

I didn't like An'dre's First wife very much either, I despised his second one. I think its a sibling thing.

Endymion's mother, however, hated me.

Which I was a little upset at. It was not going to be very easy living in K'thia when she believed that I had forced her son into a hateful marriage. I was an Alantian and she thought that I was even more than a barbarian than Amilyn did.

And I think she thought that I was a tramp.

Even then that stupid stereotype existed, at least in K'thia. A man could bed whomever he chose, but a woman was a slut if she bedded any man who wasn't her husband. We were different, however, in Atlantis we didn't think that. Maybe we were ahead of our time, or maybe we were just crazy.

But she thought I was a slut and had seduced her precious little boy.

Someone needed to tell her that he had plenty of experience long before he met me.

Anyway, here I was at the banquet, sitting next to my new husband and having him whisper wonderful things in my ear.

Things that made me blush at times.

And Dowager-Queen Terra came over and effectively pulled me away from Endy. I saw a dark look cross his face, but with a stern gaze she kept him from interfering with what she wanted.

Apparently she wanted to talk to me.

Alone.

I sighed and stood, letting her pull me into a private corner to talk.

"My dear Serena," she drawled, "let me congratulate you on effectively managing to marry the most Powerful man in the world."

Great, she was going to try to insult me under the mask of complementing me.

Good thing that I had Prisma for a cousin and knew how to handle a power-hungry woman.

Gods, Prisma was viscous.

So, I faked a look of innocence, "Thank you, but I married your son, not my brother." I ignored the glare that she gave me, "But I do thank you for the congratulations on marrying Endy, since that was what you intended."

She raised an eyebrow, "Too bad that you will have to spend three months away from him. You won't be able to control your catch."

My eyes widened, I hadn't expected an attack like this.

Dowager-Queen Terra smiled with a look of triumph, "What? You expected that a man with the appetite that Endymion has to remain celibate while he is away from you."

So she wasn't under the misconception that her little boy was innocent.

She thought I was.

Wonderful.

"Endymion and I were just married," I said quietly, "That means something to both of us. He wouldn't go back on his wedding vows."

Terra laughed, "Oh you poor, naive child. Marriage vows don't mean much when your wife is across the sea and gone for three months."

"Just because your husband had problems with his attention span doesn't mean that Endymion will," I said angrily, but I was, for the first time in all of this, beginning to doubt Endy.

Terra sighed, "Just don't be surprised. And don't make a fuss about it. It would be un-Queenly."

Then she left me alone, a triumphant smile on her face.

I stood there for a moment, a little lost. Then I turned and went outside.

I wasn't alone for more than five minutes until I was joined by Endy.

He quietly came up behind me and stood there for a long moment. "What did she say to you?" he asked gently. I slowly turned around, suddenly aware that there were tears streaming down my face.

"It's not important."

Endymion smiled slightly and then reached down to wipe away my tears. A moment later his hand was replaced with his mouth as he kissed them away. "What did she say?" he demanded gently.

"That you...when...you..." I sighed and regained my composure, "When I leave in three months, not to expect you to...to...be faithful to me." My voice was barely a whisper and my eyes were locked on the floor.

Endymion tilted my chin up towards made me look at him. He leaned down and gently kissed me. "She's wrong."

"That's what I thought...but...."

"Do you trust me that little then?" he asked. "Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

"No! It's just that...that..."

"My mother is wrong," he said simply and kissed me again, this time more passionately, drawing me close to him. "I love you and would never do that to you." He wiped my eyes again before kissing my forehead and pulling away. "Now, I'm going to go talk to her and then we can leave. That is if you want to."

I looked up at him and the faintly alien feeling of desire went through me for a brief instant. He smiled and kissed me again.

"I'll take that as a yes," he murmured before walking back inside with me by his side.

Terra was now talking to An'dre and I unconsciously shivered. Endy must have felt it, because his arm went completely around my waist. He pulled me possessively to his side. Under the folds of my dress he was lightly stroking my stomach as we walked. It was almost humorous how he was seducing me even as we were going to talk to family.

We walked up to them and the talking got quiet. Its seems that An'dre was angry at her.

But it was nothing compared to the anger that Endymion had for her.

If I hadn't been so angry with her, I would have pitied her. Endy is frightening when he's angry.

"Mother, I need to talk to you. Now." His voice was clipped and short. She looked up at him surprised, she clearly hadn't expected him to take that tone of voice with her. Slowly she stood and went a ways away from An'dre and me.

I watched them for a moment and then looked at An'dre. He ran a hand through his short blond hair and sighed. "I'm sorry, Serena. She had no right to say that to you."

I looked at him questioningly. "How do you know what she said to me?"

He grinned impishly, "I read lips," I raised an eyebrow and looked over at Endymion and Dowager-Queen Terra.

"Then tell me what he's saying to her."

An'dre sighed, "Fine," and then he narrowed his eyes, concentrating on what was being said.

"Endymion is something wrong?"

"I don't appreciate you speaking to Serena like that," he said looking down and glaring at her. "She is my wife and I expect you to treat her with respect."

"Whatever do you mean, my son?" she gave him an innocent look.

"Bitch," I muttered.

An'dre almost looked away from the conversation and I could tell he was surprised. Normally I didn't talk like that.

"She told me what you said to her. And frankly Mother, you're wrong. I wouldn't do that to her."

"My poor child. Do you not realize that the spell she has you under will fade soon? Possibly before we arrive at Kelkatha. I know your tastes and you will tire of her within the month." She reached up to gently touch his face, but he grabbed her tightly by the wrist.

"That ended the night that I met her, Mother. I don't expect you to understand the depth of feeling that I have for Serena. But she is my wife and I love her. If I hear from her that you are making her doubt that, then I will exile you to your summer home."

Her jaw dropped, "You would do that to your own mother?"

"Yes. I am a Husband now and my Wife comes first. Then my Kingdom. Then my Family. Then my Friends. Father may not have done that for you, but I will do it for Serena. And just because she will be gone three months at a time doesn't mean that I'm going to jump into bed with another woman."

She stared at him blankly and then her eyes narrowed. "I cannot believe that you would put an insignificant girl in front of your own mother!"

Endymion sighed, "She is not insignificant. She is the Queen of the most powerful Kingdom on earth and I love her. Your manipulation techniques may work with Lyn, but they will not work with me. Now I am King. Don't force me to order you to be nice to your Queen." Endymion has a very commanding presence about him. Normally I don't see the dominate side of him, but when I do, I'm glad that he loves me. The man can be violent if the need arises.

Terra glared at him for a moment and then curtsied deeply, her moves sarcastic, "Yes, My King." Then she walked away.

Endymion stood there for a long moment before walking back to us. An'dre sighed, "What a great thing to happen at a wedding celebration," he muttered and sat down.

I just stared at Endy in surprise as he came back to me. He looked at An'dre and sighed, "You followed the conversation didn't you," he said calmly and looked down at me.

I blushed, "I asked him to," then I held my head up and looked him in the eyes, "I thought it only fair."

He laughed and kissed me softly, "Understood," he said and looked at An'dre who grinned and suddenly Endy and I were very much alone.

He lightly touched the side of my face and kissed me again. "I think we can leave without attracting too much notice," he said quietly and I flushed, "That is if you want to."

I laughed and looked up at him, "I think that you're asking the wrong question," I said quietly and hugged him, wrapping my arms around his waist, "You know how long I've wanted this."

He smiled and then picked me up and held me close to his chest. I giggled and wrapped my arms around his neck. We quietly left the banquet and made our way to our new chambers.

I began to trail kisses down along his jaw and neck and he carried me. "You little minx," he murmured into my hair as I got to his throat he laughed, "That tickles," he teased and opened the door to our room.

He stepped into it and quietly kicked the door closed behind him before setting me down. His hands trailed down my shoulders and arms before settling on my waist and pulling me close. His mouth met mine in what became a soul-searing kiss.

I slowly slid my hands up his chest, resting them lightly on his shoulders as the kiss deepened. I was vaguely aware that his hands had moved to my back and he was slowly pulling away parts of my wedding dress. His mouth moved down along my neck and shoulder, then down along the neckline of my dress.

I just closed my eyes and tried to breath, something that had suddenly become very difficult. I unclasped his cape and letting it fall to the ground. His cape was followed by his shirt, my dress and then his pants before he picked me up.

This time he laid me down on the bed. He looked deep into my eyes, seeming to stare into forever and again I felt his soul touch mine.

Then, he kissed me.

We didn't get much sleep.

* * *

The sun was high in the sky by the time I managed to open my eyes. There was a very comforting warmth at my back and I smiled when I thought about who it was. I rolled over and looked up at my Husband.

Husband.

The title ran through my thoughts and I shivered with a kind of happiness.

And then I remembered last night and drew closer to him.

His arm snaked around me, forcing me to rest my head on his chest. I smiled when I felt his hand run through my hair and his other hand ran lightly down my back causing goose bumps to form.

"Morning Wife," he murmured, his voice a deep rumble in his chest.

"Morning Husband," I whispered and looked up at him, smiling as he dark blue eyes peered into my aqua-marine. His long black hair was all around us mingling with my auburn curls. I sighed and snuggled into him.

We were quiet for a long time before I kissed him softly.

"You were right," I said quietly and he looked down at me confused.

"About what?" he asked thumbing my cheek.

"It was worth the wait," I said quietly and smiled again, "It was making love."

Endymion looked down at me and kissed my forehead, "I agree," he murmured, "My beautiful Senna."

I giggled and closed my eyes and lightly stroked his chest. "We should probably get up sometime," I said quietly and then giggled again, "You never know when An'dre will come bouncing through the door with his annoying cheerfulness."

Endy laughed and then kissed me softly, "Let him," he said rolling me onto my back.

* * *

Nearly six months later, I was trying to wipe my mouth of the retch when Letian came bouncing into my chambers. I was sick for the fourth time this week and I was getting more and more irritable. Why did I have to be sick now? Our ship was going to land on K'thia soil in less than a day, possibly even tonight and I was sick.

I grumbled something and desperately tried to ignore the brunette who insisted on being happy. Her look of perkiness disappeared however when she saw me. "Are you sea sick?" she asked.

I shook my head. I don't get sea sick, I'm from Atlantis. It's bad form if you get sea sick.

No, I was just sick.

I paled.

And I had to retch again. I rolled out of the bed and made for the privy. I came out again a few minutes later and Letian gave me a glass of water. I drank it slowly and then laid back down.

"You'll never guess what happened!" she began, sitting down next to me on the bed.

I sighed, "Probably not, tell me."

Letian rolled her eyes, "You would think that by now you would be able to tell when he's going to show up."

"ENDY'S HERE?!" I sat up quickly and my stomach turned. Wincing I laid back down and tried not to move.

She giggled, "Yes. His ship rendezvoused with ours an hour ago. He's coming to see you. You would think that this wouldn't be a surprise."

I groaned. I was always surprised by what he did. A month ago he showed up at the ambassador meeting that I was supervising. The meeting was suddenly drawn out another two days because of it.

Apparently proceedings slow down when you're late in the morning.

"I thought you would be happy to see me," his voice said from the doorway. I slowly opened my eyes and sighed. He was standing there, managing to take my breath away and I was sick.

"I am," I pouted and stuck my tongue out at him childishly. "I'm also sick and look like death."

He smiled and Letian and he exchanged a look before she curtsied and left us. He came and sat on the edge of the bed, lightly holding the side of my face.

"You look beautiful Senna," he said and kissed my forehead.

I pulled away slightly, "Careful. You might get what I've got."

He laughed slightly and kissed me again, "Somehow I don't think so."

I gave him a very blank look and he grinned impishly. "Letian told me that your cycle is off," he said and I flushed.

"You know, you're not supposed to comment about the cycle," I muttered and he rolled his eyes. "So? I'm only a month late...." my eyes widened and my voice trailed off. "No way."

Endy grinned and lightly touched my stomach, "I had a feeling that last night at the Summit Meeting, so I asked her to watch you. You've also been craving kisthos," he said, naming a rare fruit that only grew in Northern K'thia. I flushed, the fruit was odd tasting and I hated it the moment that I first had it, now all I wanted was kisthos at times. "And I believe that you are morning sick. She says that by noon you're usually your normal cheerful self."

I groaned and curled up into a little ball. "I'm only sixteen," I muttered, "We've only been married six months and I'm pregnant. Wonderful."

Endy looked at me surprised, "I thought you wanted a child."

"I do," I said, "I don't want to go through having one. I saw Amilyn have her twins and that was enough for me. And I'm going to look like a melon."

He laughed softly and kissed my forehead, "You'll look beautiful," he said and then laid down next to me, drawing me into his arms. "And I'm sure I can get some doctor to tell me that having you travel back to Atlantis would be dangerous to the baby's health."

I looked up at him, "You demon."

Endy kissed me and grinned impishly, "Don't you know it."

* * *

"I am going to kill you when this is all over," I said to Endy. Well it was more a scream and I had a death grip on his hand.

As it seems, easy labors don't run in my family. It had been most of the day and I was sweaty and in an considerable amount of pain. I hated everything in that moment, especially men.

Endy had tried to get out of being there in the beginning, but I had insisted.

Actually I begged, telling him that I needed his strength to get me through this. If he loved me, he would stay.

And he did, despite the death threats and bodily harm I promised him.

"Just keep pushing," he said gently, holding me and kissing my temple.

"That's easy for you to say," I muttered and continued to push.

Luckily for both Endymion and me I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy shortly thereafter.

I collapsed against the bed, exhausted and just let the servants clean up the room. I closed my eyes trying to breath calmly. A few moments later the beautiful bundle of joy was laid across my chest and placed in my arms. I looked down at him and smiled. Then I looked up at Endymion and smiled at him, oddly feeling euphoric.

He kissed my forehead, stroking my matted hair. "You're beautiful," he murmured. "He's perfect."

I just smiled and closed my eyes. The baby was lifted out of my arms by my now wonderful and amazing husband, and soon I was asleep.

Three days later he was introduced to the K'thie Court as Antony Marcau and named heir of K'thia. I was happily holding my baby when I felt a weird presence and felt someone's eyes on me.

Standing in a dark corner were two figures. One was a tall man with very pale skin and golden eyes. His hair was even blacker than Endymion's and fell loosely to his shoulders.

Our eyes met and I felt a tremor of fear run through my entire body quickly followed by a feeling of peace and gentleness. **Don't be afraid, child.**

I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and my mind furiously searched for an identity to this man. He smiled slightly and bowed mockingly to me. I narrowed my eyes and then looked at his companion.

Berylka.

I blinked and held Antony closer to me. I shiver ran down my back and then I looked at them again. The man smiled and then they were gone.

Then I remembered.

*I curse any children that you might have that they're lives will become a destructive force in the world. They will destroy their loved ones.*

* * *

I still love my children. Even after eight thousand years, I love my children. Endymion and I had three. Antony, and then twins, Serenity or Reni as we called her, and Nathan.

Antony ruled K'thia, and Reni and Nathan ruled Atlantis. It was because of them that Atlantis is only a legend, and K'thia is not even remembered by anyone. Even now it kills me inside to remember them.

I'll tell Darien about them at the end, they aren't important to our story.

Well to the story of whatever it is I'm trying to tell. See, I didn't get to be their mother, they were raised mostly by Terra and Amilyn, not Endy and I.

I closed my eyes and saved the file, again it was written in a language Darien would never be able to translate.

And again it is not finished.

Sometimes I wonder if I will ever finish it for him.

If I'll ever give it to him to understand, and not have a mental breakdown.

But right now I have to go see him and try to get him to forgive me.

This is not going to be easy.

* * *

I'm not going to let this be easy.

I was pacing in my office, angry at Serena for being there but not confronting me or talking to me. I was wrong, she didn't care about me and I shouldn't care about her.

I should cut my losses. This isn't going to be anything but a sick relationship that's based on a weird attraction and lust on her end and love on mine. I can't live my life like that.

Can I?

Damn her.

I pounded my desk in frustration. It was supposed to make me feel better, but it didn't. One of these days I'm sure to break it.

Why me?

"Darien?"

I looked up sharply and there she was. The bane of my existence.

Or the reason for it.

I guess it depends on how you look at it.

"Zoicite told me that you came by while I was away," she said quietly slowly walking into the office. "He said you wanted to talk to me."

I nodded, not really capable of much else, and gestured for her to sit down. She quietly closed the door and sat down in the chair across from my desk.

"We need to talk," I said quietly.

She was silent for a very long moment before meeting my eyes.

"Yes. We do."