Destined To Be Together
by Kristin
Author's Notes: Hey everyone! This is my first fic ever posted, so please read it and let me know what you think. I really want to know. If you hate it, tell me, if not, tell me. I just want to get an idea of what you all think about my work. Happy Reading!

*Standard Disclaimer Apply*


"Serenity! Where's my breakfast?!"
"Serenity! Where are you? I need you to get my dress?!"
"SERENITY!!!"

All day that's all she heard, "Serenity this," or "Serenity that." It was really starting to get on her nerves. Serenity never understood why Gisselle made her the personal servant to both of her daughters. Although it wasn't fair, Serenity knew she couldn't complain about it because they would only find some kind of way to work her harder and never give her a chance to herself.
"Serenity, why hasn't Laura had her breakfast and when do you plan on getting Jessica's dress? You know they have to go places and with you taking your sweet time like you have better things to do is only going to get you more chores. I know you don't want more chores do you, because that can be arranged."
"No Ms. Gisselle, I don't want anymore chores. I've been trying to prepare Miss Laura's breakfast, but the cook has not yet finished cooking her food. I am only to arrange her food and take it up to her. I've been cleaning off plates and such so that Miss Laura could have something to eat off of and haven't yet had the chance to get Miss Jessica's dress out from the laundry room."
"Go now to the laundry room and get Jessica's dress then I want you to get Laura's food. It should be finished by then. Don't take longer than 5 minutes or you'll be cleaning the entire house today and it really is a beautiful day outside."
"Yes Ms. Gisselle."
Serenity rushed down to the laundry room praying that one of Jessica's dresses had been cleaned and was ready for her to wear. She couldn't bear having to iron her dress, get her ready, and get her sister's food and help her dress too. It was just too much. She never thought of any reason's why they worked her so hard. The other servants said it was out of jealousy. Serenity didn't believe that because she couldn't understand why they would be jealous. Serenity was the servant, they, however, were the daughters of this wealthy woman who was very high in society. They were always on the party list for the balls held at the palace of the king and queen.
Both daughters had long, beautiful hair, Jessica's being auburn and Laura's strawberry blond. They both had the loveliest green eyes. The only thing they did lack, was a nice personality. They were self indulged and care about nothing if it didn't affect themselves. The only time they showed any type sisterly love was when they were trying to get something from someone else. They were always jealous of the other if one had something the other didn't.
The other servants always told Serenity that they were jealous of the fact that although she was just a servant, people loved her everywhere she went. She had friends in the market place that sometimes snuck her little extras to keep for herself. All the servants in the house loved her and always tried their best to look out for her. They always told her she was prettier than the sisters, but Serenity said they were only saying that to be nice. It was true though, Serenity had extremely long blond hair that she was told by Gisselle to always keep pinned up and tied in a scarf. She had the most beautiful cerulean blue eyes and the softest skin. She always kept a happy smile on her face, but those that really knew her, knew when something was troubling her.
"Serenity! Hurry up with my food!"
"Where the heck is my dress!"
"I'm coming right up with your food now Miss Laura, and your dress is coming too Miss Jessica." Serenity said quickly.
She raced up the stairs with Laura's food in one arm and Jessica's dress on the other. It was something she grew really used to doing this and was up the stairs in no time.
"Good morning Miss Laura, here's your breakfast. Have a nice meal, I have to check on your sister." Serenity said as she raced in and out of Laura's room moving quickly to Jessica's, which was just a little ways down the hall.
"Good morning Miss Jessica, sorry to have kept you waiting, but the cook was taking awhile with your sister's food and I had to get your dress from the laundry room."
"Serenity, I don't want to wear this dress, I may be seeing the prince today, and this dress just is not all that becoming." Jessica whined.
"What do you mean? This dress is beautiful and I'm sure it will look even better on you. Do you have any other dress that you want to wear that's ready to be worn?"
"No, I don't have any other dress to wear Serenity, because you never did the laundry! If you would only keep up with your darn chores, I would be able to chose a different dress anytime I wanted." Jessica whined not even acknowledging Serenity's comment about her look in the dress.
"Well then I guess you're just going to have to wear this. There's nothing I can do ok? Besides, you'll look prettier than any other girl in the kingdom."
"Ok you're right Serenity, no other girl can mess with my looks!"
'Yeah sure....' Serenity thought to herself.
"Here, put this dress on and call me when you're ready for your hair to be done. I have to check on your sister and see if she's finished eating. By the way have you eaten anything yet?"
"No, I'm too excited to eat, I'll grab something in town."
"Oh ok, I'll be back." Serenity said leaving to check on Laura.
"Miss Laura, which dress do you want to wear today?"
"I want to wear my white one with the blue and lavender ribbons that hang off the sleeves. Here's my tray, take it down to the kitchen when you're finished getting my dress ready." Laura commanded.
"Yes Miss Laura. So where are you going today?" Serenity asked while getting Laura's dress.
"I've been invited to the palace to see the opening of the gardens. After all this time, they've finally finished working on it. The prince will be there and I want to look my best. It's close to the time when he has to pick a bride. His parents wanted to have an arranged marriage, but he has this silly idea that he should marry for love and not money. I have enough money and I'm sure that at one glance, he'll be head over heels in love with me. Don't worry Serenity, I'll let you continue to be my personal servant when I marry the prince." Laura said in a somewhat teasing way.
"What's so silly about marrying for love. When I get married, I will be with the man I love. Even if we aren't the wealthiest people around, we'll still be happy. I won't be your servant all of my life." Serenity said happily.
"Uh yeah sure, whatever you say Serenity. I can't imagine any man wanting you anyway."
Hurt by Laura's words, Serenity calmly gave Laura her dress, took her tray and left her room. She knew that she shouldn't let the evil words of the sisters hurt her, but when they continuously said them, Serenity was slowly starting to break down. She knew the other servants kept it a secret about how she wound up at the Walker Estate, but it was about time they told her the truth.
After she put the tray in the kitchen, she ran off to the servants quarters to find Ruth. Ruth was her most trusted friend. She could tell her anything, and she knew Ruth knew the truth. Ruth was 24, 7 years older than Serenity. She lived her life at the Estate being born into the Servant family. Ruth heard the bits and pieces of the stories her parents had shared with the others about Serenity. One day when she was 17, she asked her parents about Serenity. They told her the truth, the truth Serenity was going to ask Ruth. The story of why she didn't remember most of her younger years, the story of who she really was.
"Ruth. Ruth, are you in here?" Serenity quietly asked while knocking on the door.
"Ruth!"
"Serenity, is that you? Come on in."
Serenity slowly opened the door and stepped in. The room was small like most of the servant rooms were. Serenity's was slightly larger than the others, something she often wondered about. She walked over to Ruth's bed and sat down.
"You look troubled Serenity, what's wrong?"
"Well, I think it's time you told me the truth. I mean, I'm 17 now and I can handle whatever you tell me." Serenity quickly said.
Ruth let out a sigh, "I knew the time would come Serenity. I just didn't think it would be so soon. Where to start? Well, let's see. I'll start with what I know. When you were just a little baby, your mother and father were king and queen of a kingdom, I forgot the name, but anyways, the kingdom was overthrown and you're family fled here to Winnorrow. Well actually you didn't fled and the overthrowing wasn't harsh or anything that you may be thinking. You're mother was very sick and your father was afraid she would die, so he thought that giving up the kingdom would relieve stress. They were in the middle of settling a treaty or something with a neighboring kingdom, actually the other kingdom's rulers were friends of your parents and was ran the same way as your father's and he knew that would be best."
Serenity cut Ruth off, "What do you mean they were overthrown if my father wanted to give up the kingdom, and was giving it to his friend?"
"Hold on a minute Serenity I was getting there. Now where was I?" Ruth thought for a moment. "Oh yes, so in the middle of the treaty, invaders from another land came and took over both kingdoms. They gave both rulers the choice to either leave the town quietly and go on with their lives, or stay and become servants of this new royal family. They opted to leave thinking it would be better for you. While they were traveling here, your mother fell far ill than ever before. They were lucky enough to have made it to Winnorrow in time for her to see a doctor, the only thing, it was too late. What you're mother had was uncurable, and she ended up dying about two weeks after you all were living here. In fact, you were on this very estate, although it was called Tsukino Estate and not Walker Estate, like you've known it to be."
"So if my mother died, where's my father and why am I a servant if we escaped the old kingdom? This doesn't make any sense!" Serenity cried out in frustration.
"Calm down Serenity. Now, your father remarried after a year or so of your mother's death to Gisselle Walker. Gisselle already had two children from a previous marriage where her husband died. She was only marrying your father for his money, but he didn't see that, he was only trying to uphold his promise to your mother, which was to have you grow up with some female in your life and have you live with the best things. Gisselle was nice to you in the beginning caring for you as though you were truly her child, until the day your father became ill. He was unable to do much and therefore couldn't check on you, not too long after, he died. Gisselle took that as the opportunity to move you out of your room and put Laura in there instead. This was Laura and Jessica wouldn't have to share a room. She moved you down here into the servants quarters and had my parents take care of you. Since you were only six or seven at the time, I don't think you remembered much. Gisselle probably found a way to brainwash the good memories from you with things she may have said to you. I remember that Gisselle and her daughters were always jealous of the way your father paid more attention to you than to them. You had all kinds of great things that Gisselle said a child of your age didn't need. After you were moved down here, she had all your things put into a chest and stored away. I know where they are and I'll show you one day. There is even a few dresses your mother left for you when she died. They are far prettier than any Laura, Jessica, or Gisselle own."
"Oh I guess I understand now. They were always jealous of me and when my father died, they made me into a servant knowing I was the one truly in charge of everything in this house. They were scared I would kick them out or something?" Serenity asked.
"I guess so, they made it so that you wouldn't remember. They didn't want you to have a chance at the prince either. I think Gisselle knew that you would be far more beautiful than her daughters. When do you want to go and see the chest? It will have to be sometime late because we don't want to wake the Walker Trio." Ruth said laughing at her little name for the Walkers.
"I guess we can go sometime tonight. Thank you very much for telling me my story Ruth. I have to go and check on the sisters. I can hear their voices calling for me." Serenity said while leaving the room.

"Oh Serenity, you really should have been at the royal gardens today. I actually met the prince. He is so great! He took me through the gardens on a personal tour! He didn't take any other girl, just me!" Laura exclaimed.
"Oh shut up Laura, you know that's only because you practically pushed your way up front to be right next to him. You probably grabbed his hand and led him away yourself!" Jessica cried evilly.
"I didn't know you were going to the royal gardens as well Jessica." Serenity said.
"And since when do I have to tell you where I'm going Serenity? You aren't anyone, you're just a servant!" Jessica screamed and ran off to her room.
"I never said you had to tell me, I was just thinking out loud."
"Well learn to think in your head. It's not like you ever have anything important to say anyway. Don't you have some kind of chores to be doing?"
"Uh yes sure. I'll be going now."
As Serenity left the room, she could hear the two sisters arguing over who of the two would marry the prince. Serena knew that it couldn't possibly be either of the two Surely the prince was smarter than that to want to marry one of them.
"Serenity, why haven't the kitchen floors been swept and washed?" Gisselle demanded soon as Serenity was visible in the main hall. "Are you trying to show off for someone?"
Serenity wondered why she said that and looked down at her dress. She blushed when she noticed it was without a speck of dirt. She glanced into the mirror across the hall from where she was standing and realized her face was perfectly clean and her hair was still neatly hanging down with a nice scarf tied around it. She hadn't realized that she had talked with Ruth so long that she hadn't begun her daily chores.
"I'm sorry Ms. Gisselle. I had just been so busy talking with your daughters that I had lost track of time. I'll be sure to start right now." Serenity said.
"Don't worry about doing the kitchen now, you need to go to the marketplace to get some bread, eggs, and fruit. Here's the money. The carriage is waiting outside for you, so you better be going now."
"Yes Ms. Gisselle." Serenity said as she went to get the money.
"Also," Gisselle started before handing over the money. "if you have any change, I want it all back. I don't want to learn that you bought yourself something extra while you were in the marketplace."
"Yes Ms. Gisselle." Serenity finally said as she headed out of the house and into the carriage.


"Good Afternoon Serenity. How are you today?"
"Hi Kathy. I'm doing fine, you?"
"I'm doing pretty well. So what can I do for you today?"
"I would like two dozen eggs and one loaf of bread please."
"Is that all?"
"Yes that is."
"Ok here you are and here's you're change. Have a nice day."
"Thank you very much and you do the same."
As Serenity walked over to the fruit and wine stand, she bumped into a handsome young man of about 21. His blue-black hair swept slightly over his midnight blue eyes. He bent down to help Serenity pick up her fallen items.
"Oh no! Excuse me sir, I didn't mean to bump into you, I wasn't really paying attention because I have to hurry and get back to-" Serenity was interrupted as the man touched her chin, "Madame, it's ok. Don't worry about it. Here's your bread, luckily your eggs didn't break." He then looked into her eyes, 'I've seen those eyes before, those silvery-blue eyes, but from where?' "You have the prettiest blue eyes, I have ever seen. Are you from around here?"
Serenity blushed deeply only to make him chuckle. "T-thank you s-sir. Yes I am from around here. I live at the Walker Estate."
"Oh with the Walker daughters, Jessica and Laura. I've met them before, but I've never seen you before. Surely I would remember such a beautiful young lady. Is their a name to this pretty face?"
"Yes there is, my name is..." Serenity faltered for a moment. 'Do I really want to tell him my real name?' "My name is Melissa. May I ask what your name is sir?" Serenity replied.
"Melissa, what a nice name. My name? You don't know who I am?" Serenity shook her head. "Oh, well I'm Prince Darien of Winnorrow." Prince Darien said with a smile on his face.
"You're Prince Darien?!" Serenity quickly stood up to courtsie, "Good afternoon your highness."
"Oh Melissa, stop you don't have to do that. And please don't call me Prince Darien, just Darien. How come you didn't recognize me? Not to sound conceited or anything, but I thought everyone knew me. Also if you live with the Walker's, how come I've never seen you before? They are always invited to any social event at the palace. I personally think my mother wants me to look for a wife, since I don't agree with her and my father's arranged marriage idea, but anyway I haven't found anyone even remotely interesting until today."
Serenity didn't hear Darien's last comment and continued on to answer him, "Ok Darien, but I don't just live with the Walker's. Can't you tell? Look at me, do I look like someone who would be invited to your palace?" Serenity said.
"Melissa, I was so enchanted by your beauty that I never looked at what your appearance. True, your clothing doesn't make you look as though you are someone who would be at the palace, but we're in the marketplace, it doesn't really matter what you wear here."
"I know that, but anyway, this is one of my favorite dresses, even though it's very simple."
Darien nodded his head, "Yeah I know what you mean, I had to sneak away from the palace just to come out and enjoy the marketplace. This is my only time where I can enjoy the simpler life and not have to worry about impressing people. Are you here often?"
"I'm only here when I want to get away from life at home and mostly when I have to buy some food."
"Oh ok. But wait, your family doesn't have servants to take care of the food and everything?"
"Yeah we do, but I like to help out. I must be getting back now I still have to get some fruit. Hope I'll see you." Serenity quickly walked away from Darien and over to the fruit and wine stand. She purchased two bundles of mixed fruit and ran to the carriage.

Serenity hadn't seen, spoken of, or heard from the prince in over 4 months. She also hadn't been at the marketplace since her run in with the prince. However, she did hear much about him from the sisters. Laura happened to be seeing him quite often, making visits to the palace as much as 4 days a week. It was rumored throughout the marketplace that the prince had finally found someone that he was considering marrying. It was a surprise to Serenity that the someone was Laura. She never would thought it would be one of the two. Of course Laura was putting on a front when around the prince because the girl was as rude and obnoxious as they came. Certainly there was a reason why Darien was so interesting in Laura, but Serenity had no idea what that reason was.
Serenity was lying down on her bed writing in her journal the thoughts that she had recently been having concerning the prince and Laura. She was hoping to understand why she even cared as deeply as she did, but after 3 pages of writing, she still didn't know why.
Gisselle barged into Serenity's room suddenly. "Serenity, what in the world are you doing in here just lying around? Everyone else is busy running around to prepare the house for our dinner guests. Get up, get up this minute and get yourself ready. You will be helping out to serve dinner tonight. First I want you to get downstairs to set up the dinner table. Then I want you to help prepare the plates. After that, prepare some coffee to be served before dinner. Finally you are to sweep the front hall and check on Laura and Jessica to make sure they are ready for tonight. I want everyone to look their best, even yourself. Now get up and get started!" Gisselle screamed at Serenity close enough to smack her, though she was able to restrain herself, but she would be sure to punish her after tonight's dinner.
"Yes Ms. Gisselle. I'm sorry, but no one came to tell me that their were dinner guests for tonight." Serenity said trying to stay calm knowing that she had better hurry and begin the things she was told for she knew Gisselle would find a way t punish her and it was better not to get her even more upset than she already was.
"I don't care! Just go, now!" Gisselle screamed.

All thoughts about Darien fled Serenity's mind as she quickly set up the dinner table and raced through the kitchen to prepare the coffee. She thought about the dinner guests and who they could possibly be causing so much preparation to go into tonight's dinner. After the table was set and the coffee was made, she moved over to set the plates for the dinner. She was told to make up six plates. She racked her brain as to who the three guests were, but no one came up. She dismissed her thoughts about the dinner guests and focused on completing her assigned chores. She swept the floors in record time and went to check on Laura and Jessica.
"Serenity aren't you just excited about our dinner guests this evening?" Laura asked.
"I don't know who the guests are, but I feel the excitement from everyone else."
"You don't know who the guests are? Are dinner guests are the K-"
"Serenity come here quick, I can't find my blue velvet shoes that match my blue velvet dress." Jessica cried interrupting Laura.
"Miss Jessica, you're shoes are underneath your green dress on your bed." Serenity said quickly. "Do you know who the inner guests are?"
"Oh thanks Serenity, what would I do without you?" Jessica said with no sincerity. "The guests are the p-"
"Serenity, have you gotten yourself ready for tonight?" Gisselle screamed interrupting Jessica.
"Oh no I haven't Ms. Gisselle, I've been up here helping Miss Laura and Miss Jessica." Serenity explained.
"You should quickly get yourself ready for tonight, now go, our guests will be here in no time. I'll help the girls with whatever they need. Now go, I want everyone to look great tonight even the servants." Gisselle shouted.
Serenity ran through the house to the servants quarters. She quickly searched through her closet for something to wear. Too bad she hadn't gone through the chest with Ruth yet, she would have something absolutely stunning to wear. She found a dress that was nice enough to wear. It was nothing elaborate, but it was very pretty. It was a simple lavender dress with a ballgown skirt. It had a low neckline, but didn't show off anything except her long neck. She looked beautiful in it and was lucky that Gisselle decided on not having the servants wear their servant outfits. They weren't ugly, but in them, you automatically knew the wearer was a servant and nothing more. Serenity hated them especially after she found out about her being the true heiress of anything Gisselle had since it was all her father's. Serenity was sad that she didn't have any jewelry to wear with the dress, but grateful that she had some matching lavender shoes. Serenity heard Gisselle call her name and walked quickly to find out what she wanted.
"Serenity, get into the kitchen to prepare a tray for the coffee. Our guests are about to come in, they are exciting their carriage." Gisselle exclaimed as Laura and Jessica came downstairs and went into the sitting room to wait for the guests to come in and have predinner conversations.
Serenity went into the kitchen and got the tray. She heard the dinner guests came in and brought the tray into the sitting room. Serenity almost dropped the tray as she saw the guests.
'Darien?!'

To be continued....