Disclaimer: I do not own sailor moon or any other of the characters in this story, they all belong to Naoko Takeuchi and others.

This is a Rei/Usagi fic...so if you don't like them I don't suggest you read this. If you can be bothered, I would like to know wat ppl think, thanks, hope you like and cya!

Prologue (Part 1)

The refusal

Princess Serenity was on her way to Mar's Temple on the far side of the palace. Serenity wasn't exactly sure, but she had a slight idea, but it seemed as though ever since she had told Mars that she would be accepting Prince Endymions proposal, Mars had been locked up in her temple more, spending most of her time in front of the sacred fire. Serenity had a feeling she knew what was wrong with the Mars, which made things slightly worse. Indeed Serenity would be agreeing to marry Prince Endymion...but she did not love him, as much as she tries to persuade her heart to, she just could not love him. Whenever she spent time with Endymion, her mind would always start to wonder to the fiery princess...but she would still accept the proposal because, as Luna had reminded her many times, "Your marriage will bond earth to the moon kingdom". So she would marry...but if she was right, it would be so much harder to go through with it. So she was torn in two, torn between her heart and her mind. Her heart told her that she loved Mars, and if Mars returned her feelings, her happiness would be with her, but then her mind reminded her that this bond between the earth and moon was most important, everyone expected it, as well as her mother...and the last thing Serenity wished to do was to go against her mothers wishes. So if she was right...and Mars did return her feelings, should she tell her, or keep in locked up?

So deep in thought she was, Serenity didn't even notice her mother walking beside her.

"Your heart."

Startled by the sudden noise, Serenity stopped and took at step back, then realizing it was her mother, continued walking along side her. "Sorry mother, I hadn't noticed you were beside me"

"I know, you seemed to be in deep thought. But such deep thoughts for something that should be so simple. Listen to heart and you can never go wrong. Two things you need to remember darling, first, your heart is never wrong, and second, I love you for who you are, and that will never change no matter what you decide". And with that, the Queen walked away without a backwards glance at her daughter.

Still slightly shocked by her mother's words, Serenity continued her walk to the temple. 'Could she really know about my feelings for Mars? Or does she think I love Endymion? Follow my heart'. With her mothers words still in mind, Serenity made her decision. "Yes mother, I will follow my heart".

Now standing in front of the temple doors, her heart began to race 'Calm down, your following your heart, everything will be ok'. Stepping closer to the doors, she noticed that they were slightly open...she could hear voices, but couldn't hear what they were saying, Serenity knew it wasn't very princess like to eavesdrop, but she had never grown out of her curiosity. Opening the door a bit more, she could tell the voices were coming from the room at the end of the hall where the sacred fire was, entering and tip toeing closer, she had just got to the first door of the corridor when the door at the end of the corridor began to open, being as quick and silent as possible, she slipped through the door beside her and left the door open a crack so she could still hear. Now she could hear them perfectly well, it was Mars and...Endymion. 'What is the prince doing here?'

Mars was making her way to the temple doors "I've heard enough, I believe it's time you left".

"No Mars, maybe you should be the one to leave, YOU are the only person who could possibly get in the way of me marrying the Princess".

Serenity could now see Mars through the crack, and the hatred in her eyes scared her more than anything she had ever seen before.

"For your information PRINCE" Mars anger was really beginning to show, her aura was starting to glow red like the few times when Serenity had seen Mars go into a quite difficult battle. "The princess has already made her decision" then turning so Endymion couldn't see or hear her, she said in a whisper that even Serenity was not sure she heard "My love for her does not matter"

With a slightly smug look on his face, Endymion stepped closer to Mars "I still think you should leave, staying here will only cause you pain"

Mars hand flew up and pointed straight at Endymion heart, on her palm formed a ball of fire. Endymion stepped back quickly. Mars took a deep breathe and let the ball of fire slowly return into her. "Don't pretend for even a second that you give a damn whether I'm in pain or not, you just want me gone so you can be absolutely sure that if Serenity needs anyone, she'll come to you and not me."

With that smug grin back on his face, he looked Mars straight in the eyes "If she has already made her decision, she wouldn't go to you anyway" He was getting to her, and they both knew it.

Having heard quite enough, Serenity opened the door and stepped out. "I believe that that is more than enough Endymion"

"Princess, ah, we were just talking about you, Mars was telling me that you have reached a decision" Trying not to look to nervous, Endymion slowly approached Serenity.

"Yes, I heard exactly what Mars said". Turning to Mars, she said "I need to have a word with you Mars, but I would like to speak with Endymion first"

"Will I be receiving a response to my proposal Serenity?"

"She is not yet your wife so address her by the proper manner prince!" The look on Mar's face made Endymion take another step back, but Serenity stepped forward and put her hand on Mars Shoulder.

"I'll try not to take too long"

Turning to Serenity, Mars nodded "I'll be waiting by the sacred fire your highness" stepping back to bow, Mars then turned and walked into the room in which she and the prince had come from.

Making her way to the temple doors with Endymion in close step behind "Perhaps it would be best if we went outside" Opening the door, both Endymion and Serenity stepped outside and Serenity closed the door behind them.

"You've reached a decision?"

"Indeed I have...it was not easy, even though the answer was staring me straight in the face" Turning she smiled to the prince, "But it seems as always, a few words from my mother helped to make things clear"

'The queen talked to her, that must mean she's going to say yes' At this thought a huge grin crossed Endymions face.

Serenity's smile slowly faded as she turned to face Endymion. "I will not marry you"

"Wh...what? But...I thought..."

"Marriage is a very serious matter, and for us, even more so as it would bind our homes... but marriage revolves around love, at least I believe it should... and I'm willing to extend my friendship to you, but I do not love you. I'm sorry Prince, I have made my decision and I will not marry you." Suddenly Serenity felt something from the temple, as if it was radiating with energy, and that could only mean one thing 'Mars!' "Now if you would excuse me, I need to speak with Mars urgently." Not waiting for a response, Serenity turned and walked back into the temple.