DISENCHANTED
Serenity and Endymion weren't the only forbidden lovers on the Moon Kingdom...
Disclaimer; I do not own Sailor Moon or anything SM related. The story however, is mind, and I implore you not to steal it. I would also like to acknowledge Dejana Talis as I have used her idea of the planet Mau from her story 'Against All Odds'.
Enjoy!
CHAPTER ONE
"Dear child, you must stop fussing!"
The small girl let her hands fall to her sides. It was useless, her unruly hair had won. Dark waves encased her head, thick and tangled well. She stared into the mirror, hoping that some rogue magic would come her way and grow her hair, but she knew it was useless. The older woman stood behind her, placing her hands on the child's thin shoulders. "It will grow." she promised in a soft voice, giving the girl and encouraging smile in the mirror. The girl sighed. "I know, Mrs Dwyer."
A knock came at the door and a red-headed woman poked her head through. "Luna, the matron would like to see you now." The girl sighed before taking one last glance in the mirror. The older woman laughed heartily. "You look beautiful as always. Now go, you don't want to keep the matron waiting."
Luna headed towards the hallway, wringing her hands together. The matron, Miss Jovicia, was a fair lady, but could be very strict at times. Luna tried to think of any faults she may have had, but came up empty. She was a good girl, friendly and helpful, and never disobeyed.
Since losing her parents only a year before, Luna had been sent to the Royal Palace to be trained as a maid. At first she had been frightened and alone, but over time she had developed friendships with her fellow workers, and even the royal family had taken a shine to the young girl.
She passed a mirror in the hallway, and glanced briefly at it. At the tender age of ten, she was already a beautiful child, with light olive skin, dark black hair and shining red eyes. But her hair only framed her face, and she desperately wished for it to grow longer. But longer hair came with age, and she would just have to wait.
She finally reached the matron's chambers, and knocked on the door. "Come in." called Miss Jovicia's familiar voice and Luna entered inside, trying to stay positive and calm. She knew that she had done no wrong, so why was she so nervous about seeing Miss Jovicia?
The matron stood up from her chair, her face expressionless. Luna watched her anxiously as she approached the small girl. "Luna." she started, before her smile broke out into a smile. "You have been doing incredibly well. So well in fact, that you have now become my own personal assistant." Luna's mouth opened, but no words came out. She had only been at the palace for a year since losing her parents, and already she had been promoted.
She bowed her head. "Thank you so much, Miss Jovicia." she replied, smiling. The woman approached her and gave her a soft pat on the back. "You are a good worker Luna, and over time I believe that you may one day even hold my position." Luna looked up at her, her eyes wide. "Later I will show you to your new room, close to my own. I shall call for some help to move in your belongings."
As Luna left the room, she couldn't help but giggle with excitement. Being given such a position at such a young age surely meant that there were great things ahead in life for the young Mauan.
She was suddenly approached a royal guard. "Miss, the Queen requests to see you." he told Luna, who looked up at him in confusion. Had her highness heard about her promotion? Luna followed the guard down into the throne room, which was entirely made of crystal, with soft flooring as the people of Mau had sensitive feet. She looked up to see a cat with fur of moss green sitting upon the throne, and curtsied. "Your Highness." she announced, and the cat bowed it's head in return.
Luna proceeded to turn around, as the cat behind her seemed to explode into arms and legs. A few moments later she turned back around to see the Queen, setting her crystal crown upon her thick green hair before she turned her auburn eyes to the girl. "Luna." the Queen began in a soft voice. "I have heard of your promotion, and wanted to let you know how pleased I am." Despite herself, Luna couldn't help but break out into a wide grin.
The Queen continued. "At your age, such a feat is extraordinary. So to congratulate you, I give you this." she nodded to her maid, who approached Luna with a box. Luna opened the thick velvety box to reveal a golden bracelet, causing her to gasp in surprise. She turned back to the Queen and curtsied again. "Thank you, your highness. I shall treasure it forever." She placed the bracelet on her right wrist, where it fit perfectly.
The guard let her out again, and Luna walked down the hallway to her new chambers, looking at the bracelet in awe. She had never heard of any other workers receiving such gifts from the royal family, and marveled at how lucky she was to receive such an item.
The King and Queen had no children of their own, despite their best efforts. The Queen had taken on Luna as a daughter figure, doting on her as much as was allowed.
Luna reached Miss Jovicia's room and looked up to see the matron, surprised when her red orbs instead met bright blue ones. Letting out a small gasp of surprise, Luna stepped backwards and observed the being before her. It was a young boy, not much older than herself. He had alabaster skin and hair the color of pure snow. Luna had to admit that he was quite a handsome boy, except for the look that crossed his face.
"Who are you?" the boy demanded to know, taking Luna aback. No-one had ever spoken to her in such a way before. "My name is Luna, and I am Miss Jovicia's assistant. Can I help you?" she asked politely, trying her best to maintain a smile. The boy sighed and rolled his eyes, wiping the smile off Luna's face. "Where is Miss Jovicia?" he asked, looking around the room. "I could go and look for-"
"I guess I shall just wait here for her." the boy cut her off, and Luna felt her skin grow hot. What nerve this boy had, talking to her so rudely. She only hoped that when the matron came into her room, she would set the boy straight in his ways.
She turned to head out of the room, but stopped as Miss Jovicia finally appeared. Luna opened her mouth to explain the situation, but Miss Jovicia instead broke into a wide smile and gathered the pale boy up in her arms, leaving Luna to stare at the two with an open mouth.
Miss Jovicia let the boy go and then turned to Luna, one hand remaining on the boy's shoulder. "Luna, this is my nephew, Artemis." The boy smirked at Luna, who tried to give her nicest smile. "Nice to meet you, Artemis." she exclaimed, amazed at how well she covered up her anger.
"He shall be working here at the palace now." Miss Jovicia added, now moving to sit down at her glass desk. "Starting tomorrow, you are to teach him everything about working for the royal family." Luna was startled to see Artemis' eyes cloud over with sadness, before he caught her gaze and looked away.
"Yes ma'am." Luna replied, bowing slightly. "And as for your new room, it is the third door on the left." the matron added, giving Luna an encouraging smile. "Keep up the good work, child." With that, Luna left Miss Jovicia with her nephew, and found the door which was now hers.
Opening it up, she gasped in amazement. The room was much larger then her old one, and much more open, with a large window showing the royal gardens. Her suitcase with her belongings laid on the plush bed, and Luna opened the wardrobe to see her clothing there as well. A knock came at the door, and Luna opened it to reveal Mrs Dwyer, who looked around the room in amazement. "Good heavens child, what a room you have!"
Luna stood awkwardly as the woman gazed around the room. Mrs Dwyer had no such room, and probably never would. The girl felt sad for her, and slightly guilty. Mrs Dwyer saw the look on Luna's face and gave her a warm smile. "Do not feel bad, child. You are every bit deserving." she told her, and Luna's smile returned. "Thank you, Mrs Dwyer. I would not have done so well if it had not been for you." she said truthfully, knowing that Mrs Dwyer's kind words of encouragement and hope were what kept her going when things got tough.
The old woman smiled. "That is my pleasure. Now I must leave you and return to my duties." Giving Luna a kiss on the top of her head, Mrs Dwyer left the room, leaving Luna to herself. She unpacked her small suitcase, arranging her personal belongings around the room.
Another knock came to the door, and Luna opened it, this time revealing a face that she had no desire to see again so soon. "Hello Artemis." she exclaimed coolly as the boy's eyebrows furrowed together in annoyance. "My aunt told me that you would show me to my room." he replied, looking around her own room.
Luna closed the door behind her. "Right this way." she indicated for the boy to follow her, and they continued down the hallway before stopping at a large wooden door. "Here we are." Luna announced, opening up the door to reveal the room to it's new occupant.
Stepping inside, Artemis scowled. "This cannot be my room, surely." he turned to Luna, who wore a smile. "Sorry, but this room is all yours." she replied, before turning to leave the room. Artemis grabbed her arm and forced her to turn around. "This room is horrible, whereas yours is ideal. Why must I have this room and not yours?"
Luna gasped in horror. How dare this boy say such a thing? She felt like slapping him, but luckily had enough restrain to stop herself. "I have worked hard and earned my room. And if you desire a room such as mine, then I suggest that you bite your tongue and learn some manners." she told him angrily, before yanking her arm out of his grip and making her way back to her own room.
Once inside, she sat down on her bed and held her head in her hands, surprised when hot tears began to flow down her face. What was it about Artemis that got to her so badly? She wiped the tears away angrily, unsure of why she was even crying. Luna was stronger than that. All she could do was hope that Artemis would not be so difficult the next day.
