A/N: Hello my darling readers! This is my first Sailor Moon fic so please review and let me know what you think.
SUMMARY: Serenity and Endymion are forced to get married for well-being of Earth and Moon. The only thing is that they can't stand each other. She thinks he is a brute Terran, complete goblin compared to perfect Ares she still secretly exchanges letters with. Only one who knows about it is Endymion himself. All masks will fall down, Serenity will go from soft Princess to fiery Queen, but who will be her king? Princes are hungry for her power, all she has to do is find the right one.
Chapter One
Cinderella
My darling white lily,
I miss you with every breath I take. I close my eyes and see ourselves dancing under moonlight, I see your hair shining with lights of thousands suns, I see your eyes and galaxies they hold within. Nothing compares to the feeling I get when I'm with you. My heart grows wings and it tries to break free from my ribcage, it yearns for your sweet touch.
Days grow long and bleak without you. Nights are cold and lonesome. I do my duties with honor and sense of purpose, but it struck me with horror that it's the thing that separates me from you. Serenity, my beautiful iridescent flower. It hurts to see you bloom without me. I send you all my affection.
Knowing that I will soon meet you in my dream (though it is but a bitter shade of heaven when I'm with you in reality) makes everything slightly more bearable.
Love, A.
P.S. Father insist on me touring the Solar's galaxies. He says it will strengthen me and prepare for the future. My darling sister scoffs at the idea, always the pessimist. Wish me luck, it is going to be a long journey.
Serenity read the letter for probably hundredth time that day.
Good luck Ares, she whispered to the light breeze coming from the window in her bedroom, ruffling the silky white curtains.
One of the servants whom Ares declared reliable, brought the letter around dawn and slipped it under her doors as was the usual case. She's been folding it and unfolding it, imagining Ares' lips as he uttered the written words. She blushed, shunning away such intimate thoughts.
Oh, he was so eloquent. He was all young man ought to be; gentleman, polite, affectionate, honorable. His words were the source of purest joy, she thought as she closed her eyes dreamily.
''Princess Serenity'' one of the servants knocked on her doors, his voice muffled on the other side.
She jumped up from her drawing table, scared by the intrusion and even worse; by the thought someone would discover their relationship. By his advice, they kept the affections secret, deeply buried in their hearts. She would never confess it to him, but it bothered her. She wanted to shout at the court, for the whole kingdom to hear; I am in love! It was in her nature to love and love fully. Restraining something that should be let free annoyed her to some slight measure. But she would never say that to him, she would do anything for his sake.
''I am deeply sorry to disturb your privacy, but your presence is required in the Great Chamber'' servant cleared his throat after small silence, keeping his distance and not intruding in the princess' private quarters. The Great Chamber usually served for meetings and when Mother sought the company of her daughter, which was almost daily. Being requested there was therefore nothing strange today. ''The Queen awaits you.''
''Thank you'' she answered without even opening the doors, hastily folding the letter and stuffing it into the wide pink ribbon that served as a belt, curving her waist and giving charm to breezy white dress. She didn't have time to hide it with other letters, deep in the secret compartment under her bed. Having Mother wait for her gave her unpleasant feeling. Mother has been acting fairly odd these days, one would say almost depressed. She looked at her daughter sometimes with purest adoration, other times with deep solemnity. One time, she even caught tears in her eyes. ''I'll be there in a minute!''
''Does Princess Serenity require my assistance?''
''No, no, thanks. Just tell Mother I'll be there shortly.''
As the quick footsteps died out, Serenity opened up a drawer and pulled out small red sateen bag where other ladies usually kept their spare coins. In this one, however, was nothing of the sort. She unraveled the thread binding it closed and peeked inside.
Good, she thought. This should be enough.
After stuffing the bag into the ribbon, Serenity ran out of the bedroom and instead of going straight to Great Chamber, took a detour. Her kitten heels clapped loudly across enormous marble hall. She slowed down as she rounded the corner, took an agile flight down the numerous steps and went through elegant arched gates that led to gardens. She breathed in fresh air, mingled with smell of roses, her favorite flowers. Today's sky was clear and blue, not a cloud in there. Serenity looked up, it was one of the days when Earth was on full display to kingdom of the Moon. She shivered without realizing. Earth. It was like an omen. Mysterious planet with strange people. It was almost despised in the galaxy, completely avoided if it could be helped. She never met a Terran, only took few careful glances at them on great councils held in Moon Court. They walked like a shadow, talked in whispers among each other.
A chirping of the birds was heard and it was like they knew she was around. With a beaming smile on her face, she got to the almond tree where chirping was the loudest. Just to be sure, she nervously glanced around. Nobody would approve of this recklessness. It was nothing fitting for a princess. The gardens were quiet, the hedge maze too high to see if anyone was there. Whatever, she would be quick. It would only take her a minute. Taking off her shoes, Serenity climbed the the almond tree with ease and familiarity. Light as a feather, she reached the top. She didn't climb in to sit, but rather left her naked feet to skillfully rest on either side of the smooth bark, shifting her weight so she doesn't fall on backside. The maneuver left her hands free, they easily pulled the bag and opened it. On a fat root of the branch was a nest with one big lark, the parent, and few smaller ones. Serenity took the crumbs out of the bag and scattered it around the nest. She whistled a song her nanny taught her when she was a child. Mother lark nibbled on the bread and sang along in gratitude. They didn't flinch or fly away, having gotten used to her company long before.
''Cinderella'' deep gentle voice interrupted the perfect harmony. Serenity stiffened and turned around, her eyes clashing with two pair of penetrating ice blue eyes. She lost her grip in surprise and with it - the balance. Wind ripped through her back, and she closed her eyes, waiting for the painful land.
Instead of falling down on ground and surely breaking few of her bones, Serenity landed roughly into something safe.
''I don't think the royal family would appreciate you stealing the almonds'' that same voice said.
She gingerly opened her eyes. She was looking at the face of a stranger, clad in even stranger dark armor. It was nothing from her planet so she couldn't tell what his rank or position was. Serenity instantly remembered words of Mars senshi; You are a princess with desirable reputation and beauty. My Lady, watch out. There are a lot of bad people out there. Many eyes are set upon you and your kingdom. Some will be hiding their true intentions, other would try to come into the dead of night to kidnap you.
She awkwardly tried to push him away, his exotic masculine smell was invading her senses and hazing her mind. ''Let me go, this instant.''
His face was half-amused and half-surprised as she tried to dislodge herself from his arms. ''As you request'' he let her go, but she was unprepared and fell hard on her backside.
What did he mean she was trying to steal the almonds? Those were her almonds! Who did he think she was? And Cinderella? What on the Moon is that supposed to be?
As Serenity scrambled to her feet in most undignified manner, she appallingly noticed how the stranger didn't even offer her his arm. What a brute! How impolite to not offer a girl his services! She got up and picked up her shoes, dusting herself off and angrily straightening the ribbon of her dress. With alarm and fear, she gripped her waist, not finding the hard cover of the paper underneath the ribbon. Serenity looked at the stranger with horror. He was too busy bending down, picking something up off the floor with curiosity.
''That is mine!'' she warned, her voice higher for few octaves. Serenity blushed heavily at a letter in his hands. After he didn't offer it back, but merely stared at her in some twisted amusement, she ripped the paper out of his hands. She crumpled it in her sweaty palm, completely mortified and wondering if he managed to read any of it. ''It's – it's personal.''
''Oh, I'm sorry'' he said smiling crookedly. ''I see it's very personal, you blooming flower.''
The stranger was enjoying himself. He obviously took immense pleasure at her shame and discomfort. Serenity glared at him, completely put off. She never came across at someone with this rough attitude! Larks chirped in the background with all music they could muster in their throats. She couldn't utter a word, lest she said something inappropriate and insulting. Her hands were shaking with anger and embarrassment, clutching the love letter with all might, praying for strength to endure this as gracefully as possible.
''How disagreeable way to start lovely morning, coming across man who likes to stick his nose in other people's sensitive matters! Who were you raised by? Wolves?!''
Dark haired stranger cocked his head, shadow falling across his narrowed eyes. ''Papers on the floor are everyone's matter. How awkward to come across lady who doesn't care about the environment.''
Serenity gaped, shocked at his words. If anyone in whole galaxy cared, it was her! ''I do care-''
''Light of thousand suns'' he continued singing, chuckling at her face.
''You'' she stammered after small pause, outraged. ''You great goblin!''
With that, she turned around and stormed towards the Great Chamber, her dress swishing wildly behind her. What an idiot! She had no time for him, her Mother was waiting and he held her back long enough.
Serenity entered the lobby before the Great Chamber. She slowed down her step, straightened shoulders and tried to even her breathing. Her head was still full of that strange man, wondering how much of a letter did he read. And what is worse, he dared to shove it all in her face while laughing at her. How insolent! Two servants stood in front of the golden chamber doors and they bowed, letting her in.
Great Chamber was spacious, with long set of windows on walls. Sunshine was pouring in, lightning the room with delicate candor. It was one of rare rooms that had carpet. Moon nation wasn't particularly fond of them. They liked the cold feeling of marble under feet, or even better, soft touch of grass. Nevertheless, the carpet on the floor was most beautiful one Serenity ever beheld. She has been to many courts, many castles, many kingdoms - but never did she find anything so astounding. It was the color of twilight sky, pink and velvety blue spilling over each other. Over their canvas nest of stars was scattered, glittering in their glory. There was a fireplace on two opposite walls of the room, big desk far in the back and many different couches and sofas scattered in perfect angles over the room. Queen was leaning on one of the windows, deeply engrossed in something. When Princess came in, she imagined she saw a tear glistening in Mother's eye.
''Mother'' she greeted, bowing down deeply.
Queen turned around, wiping something from her cheekbone. ''My darling'' she said gently, slowly and gracefully spreading her arms, inviting Serenity in for a hug.
Her daughter looked up, a smile lighting her whole face. This was her favorite part of the day. She ran and hugged her mother strongly, enjoying her silken skin and smell of her long silver hair. Mother was tall and Serenity wished she was as tall as her.
''Your cheeks are flushed'' Queen noticed, taking her chin in her hands to examine it closely. ''Your hair is a slight mess and your dress has grass stains. Have you been running around the gardens again?''
Serenity looked down in shame, not being able to lie. Mother just smiled, picked up a light pink peony from the nearby vase and tucked it in Princess' hair. ''There.''
They didn't have time to talk anymore, there was a loud sound coming from the lobby. A marching of the feet, a swish of the cloaks, choir of something mystical and powerful. ''Are we having a company?''
Queen tensed up at the sound, lowering her arms away from Serenity .
Few murmurs and almost soundless grating of the doors being opened. There was a group of young people, their strange outfits now almost familiar to Princess. She eyed the three men and one long haired girl. They also had that dark armor as the man in the garden wore, only more simple. They carried their weapons on belts, which was not the custom in galaxy to carry weapons while making official visitation. Dark haired girl looked at Serenity with certain viciousness, her upper lip slightly curling. The rest of the men looked around the room cautiously before moving aside in synchronization.
Queen stepped to the center of the room, raising her head high, but not smiling. Moon on her forehead flashed dangerously. Her daughter noticed there has been something odd going on with her mother and now realized the source of it.
A man, far taller than his companions, approached them through the gap made by them. Serenity looked at his strong hands and tensed at the fact that they were minutes ago on her own waist. Companions bowed to him, showing utmost respect. They showed it, even though he was barely or not at all superior in age. They showed it, even though she knew him to be insolent arrogant goblin!
''Queen Serenity'' he said bowing, resting both of his hands on a hilt of a sword. His dark hair shone like feathers of a raven, deeply in contrast with his eyes.
''Prince Endymion'' responded her mother, flashing him a small smile. ''Welcome to the Moon kingdom. How was your journey? Pleasant, I hope?''
Prince opened his mouth to respond, but words got stuck in his throat. His ocean eyes clashed with Princess' once more, a surprise visible on both of their faces.
''Princess Serenity'' Mother introduced, catching the object of his sight. She beckoned a hand to her to come and Serenity obliged, even though it was the last thing she wanted to do. ''My beloved daughter.''