Levana Ceri (Moon Love)

Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Serena awoke on a pillow of clouds. She very slowly opened her eyes to realize she was lying in what had to be the softest bed she'd ever been in. She rose to her elbows slowly and the silk of the bed sheets rubbed against her legs soothingly. The bedroom was huge. Looking down at herself she realized she was wearing a long grey night gown, also made of silk. She lifted the material gingerly and lowered her feet to the thickly woven carpet. The nightgown brushed her ankles and her bare feet sank into the carpet. The room was opulent...everything about the room screamed comfort and riches. Serena walked to one of the windows and pulled back the curtains. Night and steel bars stared back at her. Serena quickly checked the other window and had the same results. Heart pounding Serena made her way to the door to find it locked firmly.

Where the hell was she?

She was about to explore the room a little more when the door suddenly swung open and in walked a young woman with shoulder length blonde hair. She was wearing a brown sailor scout outfit with gold trimming and the gold bracelets that Galaxia's scouts were notoriously known for. Serena quickly backed away.

Leyla smiled. "It's all right Princess Serenity. If my Queen had wanted you dead, you wouldn't have awoken so comfortably now would you?"

"What do you want?" Serena asked warily.

Leyla shook her head in disbelief. "You must be the luckiest woman in this universe. Not even a day ago, my queen's scouts were given a death order for you. Capture if possible, otherwise execute on sight. And we were only meant to capture you because my queen wished for the pleasure of killing you very slowly herself. She can be quite inventive in that department."

Serena shivered at her words.

"Yet now...everything has changed. My queen is very pleased. A great welcoming celebration is being planned. And you are our honored guest." Leyla said with a grin.

Serena frowned in confusion. "I don't understand."

Leyla smiled at her gently. "You will. My queen herself plans on explaining everything to you shortly."

"Galaxia!" Serena said with fear clutching her heart.

"As I've said Princess Serenity. My queen has chosen to spare your life...for now." Leyla said ominously.

Leyla signaled for a servant girl to walk in with extra pillows and blankets. "It gets very cold here at night so I thought you could use the extra blankets." The red-headed servant girl placed the blankets at the foot of the bed and quickly bowed to Serena before leaving.

Leyla walked forward and smiled. "I don't believe I've officially introduced myself. I'm Leyla. My queen's most trusted scout."

"Most trusted? What does that mean? You've killed the most?" Serena said with disgust.

"I'm not squeamish if that's what you mean." Leyla laughed. "My queen requests your presence in her chambers."

"And if I refuse?"

"Perhaps it was a wrong choice of words. I meant my queen demands your presence in her chambers."

"I need a change of clothes." Serena said trying valiantly to stall.

"Those will do."

"I can't just traipse around in a nightgown!" Serena hissed.

Leyla merely raised an eyebrow. "Your modesty should be the least of your concerns...don't you agree?"

Unfortunately Serena did. She nodded slowly and followed Leyla out of the room. Leyla guided her through long hallways to a main dining hall where, as Leyla had said, a huge celebration was already being organized. All types of foods, decorations and music from the band were already being prepared. Leyla continued walking past all the chaos to the east wing of the opulent palace to a huge set of double set doors. The two doors were opened with a flourish when Leyla did a subtle wave with her hand in their direction. She stepped to the side and urged Serena through.