Title: Bonded By Love
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 1
Rating: G
E-mail: LisaZUMstories@aol.com
Website: http://hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories/myhomepage/index.html
Author's Notes:
Hey minna! I'm back, here with chapter 1! I hope you will enjoy this chapter. Thanks to the few people who e-mailed/IMed me about the prologue, I really appreciated it! ^_^ Enjoy!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
***************
Her hair fluttering in the wind, her eyes sparkling like jewels. She was truly a beauty, a kind any man would want, whether he was just a nobleman, or a prince. Endymion stood transfixed by the charm and magic this girl possessed within her.
The two may not have known it then and there, yet a special bond had formed between them...one that could never be broken by anyone.
"You must be...Prince Endymion," Serenity managed to say, a light blush staining her petite cheeks. Her eyes downcast, she looked down at her hand shyly, it still tingling from the tiny kiss planted there earlier. A small, meek smile formed on her lips, one that
brightened the world around her.
Endymion felt himself being lured into her world, captivated by her every motion. He found himself unable to speak to this angel of a princess, instead gawking at her as an alternative. He knew he resembled an unmannered person, though he could not help it.
Something about Serenity drew him to her.
"Ye..Yes," he managed to sputter out. He had made a fool of himself, he realized. Who cared though? Their parents seemed cheerful that they were getting along so well. "And you are..."
"Princess Serenity, you brother's betrothed," she answered simply. Her hair shone under the sunlight like finely spun gold, and was probably worth more too. "Pleasure to have this acquaintance." The princess then curtsied gracefully. At that point, Endymion was convinced that she was flawless, a true princess. Then her statement caught him
off guard. She was Princess Serenity? Tranquility's betrothed? His world seemed to crash down, landing beneath his feet, ashes becoming its only remains. Here he was, acting all charming when she was about to marry his older brother in a week! Things seemed to not be going well for him after all... He had always thought Tranquility to get the better of women, now, that was proven to be true. Anyone could see that Serenity was clearly a goddess, one that brought wisdom to all who could see.
"I see," was his reply. "Well Princess, I hope your visit will be a pleasurable experience indeed." The prince then began silently scorning himself that his statement was lame. But Serenity did not think it so, and offered him a bright smile.
"Why thank you Prince Endymion, I believe it will be."
"It seems the both of you have started off nicely," Queen Gaia commented, a small
smile forming, content to see them getting along.
"That is nice to see."
"Very," King Endymion added.
"Serenity, perhaps you should run off and unpack your belongings," Queen Serenity suggested, giving her a look that told her to not argue, and just do as she asked. The Queen had other matters to attend to with the Queen and King of Earth. She quickly gestured the senshi standing behind her to follow the princess.
"Yes Mother." And Serenity was off, leaving Endymion to continue to stare at her dazedly, mouth slightly open in amazement. The dark-haired prince was now convinced that he had seen an angel.
"You do not have to follow me everywhere," Serenity said quietly as she walked to the entrance of the palace, her four friends and guardians following close behind.
"It is not like there is any potential danger lurking around here."
She let out a small laugh, and stopping by some bushes growing nearby, put down her two suitcases. The entrance to the palace was now in sight.
"We know that, Serenity, but by orders of the Queen-" Rei, the Princess of Mars, began to say, but was cut off when the princess raised a hand to protest.
"I will be just fine," she replied confidently,
"I am almost sixteen, and soon to be a wife after all."
"Yes, and come to speak of it, the prince not coming to meet his own fiancee
was very discourteous," Minako stated, frowning.
The Moon Princess gave a weak smile. "I suppose he had other important matters to attend to."
"Tending to the horses is hardly what I have in mind for important matters,"
Makoto said with slight annoyance in her voice toward Tranquility. She felt that the prince had insulted her princess by not being there to greet them.
Ami, the blue-haired senshi of Mercury, looked at Serenity with worry evident in her eyes. "Are you sure you are going to be all right without us?" she asked, and received a nod from Serenity.
"Of course, all of you can go back to my mother now. I will be fine getting to my room."
Though they were still somewhat unconvinced that their princess could manage by herself, they did not bother arguing with her, knowing that they would lose anyway. After exchanging a few parting words, the senshi left, leaving Serenity to stand there alone with her luggage.
The bushes nearby rustled in the breeze as a lone figure sat in there, eyes on the princess, following her every move. A smile formed on his face when the senshi left, knowing that he had Serenity all to himself now. 'She is beautiful,' he commented to himself silently, hiding himself even more to avoid making contact with Serenity. However, things did not turn out the way he wanted to. Just as Serenity was passing by, the bushes revealed him sequestering in them, startling the dear life out of the Moon Princess.
"Who are you?" she asked, frightened, instantly grabbing a nearby stick for protection. "I am armed," she warned, entire body shaking with fright.
Seeing that Serenity had found his hiding place, the prince stepped out of the bush. Stormy blue eyes clashed with bright blue.
"My, what an unusual way to greet one's fiancee," Prince Tranquility replied mockingly, eyes sparkling, a glint of amusement in them. "You are quite a beauty," he carried on, eyes gently scrutinizing her. A gentle breeze blew upon them, slightly disorienting the young princess's hair as she took a step back from him.
Serenity felt uncomfortable with Tranquility, moving farther away from him to show that. But Tranquility, being the ignorant prince that he was, did not even notice her gesture. With his eyes searching about her, Serenity found herself feeling helpless, like being trapped into a place with no escape. It was getting crowded here, she realized, even though they were in a wide area by the palace entrance. "Prince..please," she whispered pleadingly, though Tranquility ignored her pleas.
"Why Princess, we need to get to know each other better," he stated simply as an excuse of his inappropriate behavior, "and this is the perfect opportunity."
Serenity shivered, her lips quivering. With futile attempts, she tried escaping from his grasp, though losing. The prince had a surprisingly strong grip on her small wrist.
He came closer still, his lips now in contact with her neck, Serenity feeling his hot breath. "We might as well..." he gently nuzzled the bare skin of her neck, "..use the time wisely...and start..." he gently kissed her cheek, Serenity cringing from his touch. She could tell she was not going to like him...one bit. "..now." Before Serenity had any time to react or to contemplate what he just uttered, his lips were hovering upon hers, immediately muffling her protests.
Serenity felt hot tears stinging in her eyes, and was not able to stop them from rolling down her cheek. She silently wished that the senshi were here, and regretted asking them to leave. The princess felt Tranquility wipe the stray tears off of her cheeks hoarsely. "My Serenity, you are such a recreant," he jeered, making Serenity angry. He did not stop there, going on despite Serenity's dirty look being shot toward him. "I would think a princess like you would...be better than that." Serenity could not take it anymore. With anger and hatred flowing freely in her veins, the palm of her hand had contact with his cheek as she slapped him...hard. The slap made quite a sound, scaring small birds from their quiet perch in a nearby tree.
"What kind of a prince are you?" She suddenly shouted, pulling away from his harsh grasp.
Tranquility's eyes filled with pain...then displeasure. "You..." he whispered huskily, "..how dare you hit me..." He pointed an accusing finger at her with one hand, while the other hand covered his now red cheek, his raspy tone of voice enough to scare any girl out of their wits. But Serenity, as said earlier, was that not type of girl. Not even close, to tell the truth. She believed that people get what they deserved. And in her opinion...Tranquility really deserved the slap she inflicted on his cheek. She was not afraid to show the satisfaction either that radiant smile which began forming on her lips. She was afraid...then, what was there to be afraid of? Tranquility would certainly not hurt his future wife, his betrothed...would he?
"I can do anything I want," Serenity shot back, eyes narrowing. "I warned you many times beforehand," she continued, not the least bit afraid. "You deserved it. How dare you lay your hands on me."
Tranquility backed off a bit, though eyes still glaring, filled with outrage. "We shall see, Serenity," he answered simply. Their gazes were locked on one another, as if the twosome had already become mortal enemies after their brief meeting.
"Everything all right?" The kind voice of Queen Gaia pierced the deadly silence and tension in the air, Serenity exhaling in relief at her presence. "Serenity, I see you have met your betrothed, Prince Tranquility."
Serenity only nodded. "Yes," she answered, then grew silent once more. The Queen immediately saw how ill at ease the princess looked. 'Did something happen to them before I came?' She wondered, though shaking it off, and dismissed the thought.
"And you Tranquility?" Queen Gaia turned toward him. However, once her eyes set upon his now swelling cheek, a gasp escaped her throat. "Good heavens child!" she exclaimed excitedly, emotion strung in her voice. "What, pray tell, happened to you, may I ask?" The Queen raised a hand, and went to touch her son's face.
Serenity held in a giggle as Tranquility grimaced when the Queen's hand had contact on his red cheek, slightly embarrassed. "Mother, please!"
Queen Gaia ignored him. "What happened?" she inquired.
"Nothing," was his reply through clenched teeth. "I just scraped my cheek, that is all," he lied, and a very bad one at that. Once again, Serenity felt the urge to laugh..to burst out laughing to be exact, only remembering her manners, smiled innocently instead. "Prince Tranquility, you might need to be more careful next time."
"Not a bad suggestion," the Queen replied thoughtfully, giving Serenity a slight wink. "I have to go and meet with your mother now Serenity," she informed the princess, "so I'll leave you two be."
Serenity nodded, a triumphant expression marring her features for handling herself so well with Tranquility. As soon as Queen Gaia was out of sight, she left herself, leaving Tranquility standing there alone, One problem though; the kiss she received from him just a few short moments ago still lingered on her lips, forever branded in her memory. His hasty touches, his rough caresses...Serenity felt disgusted by his presence. What is this fervor she felt for his younger brother, Prince Endymion? His kiss had felt magical, even though it was only on the hand. An unconscious smiled formed at the thought of seeing Endymion again. Serenity then snapped out of it, shaking her head. 'I cannot love him nor feel any such emotions for him. I am to marry his awful brother..nothing can change that.' Her thoughts carried on, her feet walking while her mind was floating off into her own world of dreams. 'Endymion is nice and handsome...' She giggled at the thought. What if Endymion were the one who is going to be at the alter..instead of Tranquility? Serenity did not really know him at all, but she was sure she would prefer Endymion to Tranquility anytime, any day.
Serenity stopped at her room, and opening the door, peered inside, her expression unreadable. What she saw was a beautiful room, complete with wondrous furniture, an astonishing slide glass door balcony, and a dazzling view of the moon. Her room was on the upmost floor, therefore giving her an indescribable view of the kingdom below. The Moon Princess's golden hair gently lapped as the breeze flowed through the open window, the almost disappearing sun illuminating the entire room. She sat down on the soft, cushion-lined chair with arms, fingering the rose design hand-woven on the cushion.'I love this place...' She contemplated, getting up to explore more of this place. After all, she would be living here for a couple of weeks...then she would live here permanently...forever.
She found the glass door was easy to open as she gave it a slight push. The door opened with a click; Serenity finding herself indulging on the fresh, crisp air outside. She stepped over to the railing, looking down upon the active kingdom below her feet. People and servants of every kind were running about, their arms carrying goods to the palace. They seemed to full of life..and busy. Unlike her, who seemingly never had enough to do. As Queen Serenity would always comment, "Serenity, you have too much time on your hands." And that was true for a couple reasons. Serenity was the only person in the entire Moon Kingdom to devour all those books in the palace library, nearly half of the books there. The magic and mystery of books seemed to captivate the adventurous, yet curious princess, giving her something the look forward to even when she was down. They kept her company...especially fairy tales...the ones that talk of the princess...the lonely girl finding her Prince Charming...and wedding bells would always ring at the end.
It just seemed to good to be true, really. Serenity was a princess of many dreams, one of them was to find the right person for her.
"Who is the right one for me?" she asked aloud. Whoever he was, she was sure it was not Tranquility. "He cannot be my one true love."
"Are you sure about that?" a familiar voice came to her ears.
Serenity turned around abruptly, her hair flipping with her in a sudden movement. Her eyes softened with seeing whom the person was. "Mother," she whispered.
Queen Serenity smiled, stepping inside the room. Her eyes searched the room.
"It is certainly a beautiful room."
"Yes," Serenity answered in a sad tone of voice. She hated to let her mother down. If the princess were to be disapproving this marriage...she would be shaming her mother..greatly. Being royalty...it was all of reputation...one wrong move, and that reputation would be forever shattered.
The Moon Queen frowned, seeing her daughter unhappy. "Why the long face, my daughter?" she inquired kindly, a hand tracing Serenity's smooth, slightly pale cheek. "You are not happy here?"
Serenity shook her head, hating that she was not living up to her mother's expectations. "No, it is not that Mother. I am happy here," she replied, eyes downcast.
"Oh, do not lie daughter. Serenity..look at me." She gently lifted up her daughter's trembling cheek, Serenity's blue eyes quivering, tears swimming about in them. "Prince Tranquility, is that who is bothering you?"
"Yes," Serenity answered modestly. "I..." she took a deep, hesitant breath, "..do not think he is the one for me."
Queen Serenity nodded knowingly. "Serenity...sometimes love cannot be given...unless one opens their heart to accept that. Do you understand?"
"I do, Mother. I just...he seems too rough..."
The Queen patted her leg affectionately. "Conceptualize it for a moment...you might be shocked of your conclusions."
She left then, leaving Serenity in a state of frenzy. So many thoughts, doubts flowing through her head...she felt heavy, exhausted.
"How can I?" She touched her lips again, the kiss he had given her still having its affect. "I cannot."
Sighing in a depressed fashion, Serenity took one of her bags, taking out a handful of clothes to put in her empty drawer. "Tranquility...I do not know if I can ever love you."
"Princess?"
Serenity covered her mouth quickly for having said that out loud, and exhaled a breath of relief when it revealed to be only a guard. "Prince Tranquility would like for me to escort you to his room. He says it is urgent."
***
Queen Serenity sat down on a chair besides the Earth Queen, a smile plastered on her features. "Gaia, your palace is even more beautiful than the last time I visited," she commented, bringing a smile to the other woman's face.
"Thank you, Serenity. And I must say that your daughter is growing into such a beautiful young woman."
"She sure is." The Moon Queen held a faraway look in her eyes before she turned away, sighing. "There is only one problem."
"Oh?"
Queen Serenity stood up before facing her again. "Yes. Serenity...she does not think Tranquility is...right for her."
"She could change her mind after getting to know my son better," Gaia stated simply, though she was doubtful of her words, remembering how uneasy the princess was earlier.
"Yes, that is possible. But what really concerns me is how she reacted when she met your other son, Endymion. Serenity seemed perfectly content being with him..."
"You are not saying that they could..."
Queen Serenity exhaled another breath of air. "I do not know...either way, this marriage has to continue."
**************
*sighs* Not much of a plot yet, I know. But hey, love blossoms with time, right? ^_^ Please feel free to send me an e-mail at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. I *love* feedback. Thanks! ^^
This story written April 2001, revised February-March 2002.
Author: Lisa
Chapter: 1
Rating: G
E-mail: LisaZUMstories@aol.com
Website: http://hometown.aol.com/lisazumstories/myhomepage/index.html
Author's Notes:
Hey minna! I'm back, here with chapter 1! I hope you will enjoy this chapter. Thanks to the few people who e-mailed/IMed me about the prologue, I really appreciated it! ^_^ Enjoy!
Disclaimers: Sailor Moon and the others don't belong to me, but this story does.
***************
Her hair fluttering in the wind, her eyes sparkling like jewels. She was truly a beauty, a kind any man would want, whether he was just a nobleman, or a prince. Endymion stood transfixed by the charm and magic this girl possessed within her.
The two may not have known it then and there, yet a special bond had formed between them...one that could never be broken by anyone.
"You must be...Prince Endymion," Serenity managed to say, a light blush staining her petite cheeks. Her eyes downcast, she looked down at her hand shyly, it still tingling from the tiny kiss planted there earlier. A small, meek smile formed on her lips, one that
brightened the world around her.
Endymion felt himself being lured into her world, captivated by her every motion. He found himself unable to speak to this angel of a princess, instead gawking at her as an alternative. He knew he resembled an unmannered person, though he could not help it.
Something about Serenity drew him to her.
"Ye..Yes," he managed to sputter out. He had made a fool of himself, he realized. Who cared though? Their parents seemed cheerful that they were getting along so well. "And you are..."
"Princess Serenity, you brother's betrothed," she answered simply. Her hair shone under the sunlight like finely spun gold, and was probably worth more too. "Pleasure to have this acquaintance." The princess then curtsied gracefully. At that point, Endymion was convinced that she was flawless, a true princess. Then her statement caught him
off guard. She was Princess Serenity? Tranquility's betrothed? His world seemed to crash down, landing beneath his feet, ashes becoming its only remains. Here he was, acting all charming when she was about to marry his older brother in a week! Things seemed to not be going well for him after all... He had always thought Tranquility to get the better of women, now, that was proven to be true. Anyone could see that Serenity was clearly a goddess, one that brought wisdom to all who could see.
"I see," was his reply. "Well Princess, I hope your visit will be a pleasurable experience indeed." The prince then began silently scorning himself that his statement was lame. But Serenity did not think it so, and offered him a bright smile.
"Why thank you Prince Endymion, I believe it will be."
"It seems the both of you have started off nicely," Queen Gaia commented, a small
smile forming, content to see them getting along.
"That is nice to see."
"Very," King Endymion added.
"Serenity, perhaps you should run off and unpack your belongings," Queen Serenity suggested, giving her a look that told her to not argue, and just do as she asked. The Queen had other matters to attend to with the Queen and King of Earth. She quickly gestured the senshi standing behind her to follow the princess.
"Yes Mother." And Serenity was off, leaving Endymion to continue to stare at her dazedly, mouth slightly open in amazement. The dark-haired prince was now convinced that he had seen an angel.
"You do not have to follow me everywhere," Serenity said quietly as she walked to the entrance of the palace, her four friends and guardians following close behind.
"It is not like there is any potential danger lurking around here."
She let out a small laugh, and stopping by some bushes growing nearby, put down her two suitcases. The entrance to the palace was now in sight.
"We know that, Serenity, but by orders of the Queen-" Rei, the Princess of Mars, began to say, but was cut off when the princess raised a hand to protest.
"I will be just fine," she replied confidently,
"I am almost sixteen, and soon to be a wife after all."
"Yes, and come to speak of it, the prince not coming to meet his own fiancee
was very discourteous," Minako stated, frowning.
The Moon Princess gave a weak smile. "I suppose he had other important matters to attend to."
"Tending to the horses is hardly what I have in mind for important matters,"
Makoto said with slight annoyance in her voice toward Tranquility. She felt that the prince had insulted her princess by not being there to greet them.
Ami, the blue-haired senshi of Mercury, looked at Serenity with worry evident in her eyes. "Are you sure you are going to be all right without us?" she asked, and received a nod from Serenity.
"Of course, all of you can go back to my mother now. I will be fine getting to my room."
Though they were still somewhat unconvinced that their princess could manage by herself, they did not bother arguing with her, knowing that they would lose anyway. After exchanging a few parting words, the senshi left, leaving Serenity to stand there alone with her luggage.
The bushes nearby rustled in the breeze as a lone figure sat in there, eyes on the princess, following her every move. A smile formed on his face when the senshi left, knowing that he had Serenity all to himself now. 'She is beautiful,' he commented to himself silently, hiding himself even more to avoid making contact with Serenity. However, things did not turn out the way he wanted to. Just as Serenity was passing by, the bushes revealed him sequestering in them, startling the dear life out of the Moon Princess.
"Who are you?" she asked, frightened, instantly grabbing a nearby stick for protection. "I am armed," she warned, entire body shaking with fright.
Seeing that Serenity had found his hiding place, the prince stepped out of the bush. Stormy blue eyes clashed with bright blue.
"My, what an unusual way to greet one's fiancee," Prince Tranquility replied mockingly, eyes sparkling, a glint of amusement in them. "You are quite a beauty," he carried on, eyes gently scrutinizing her. A gentle breeze blew upon them, slightly disorienting the young princess's hair as she took a step back from him.
Serenity felt uncomfortable with Tranquility, moving farther away from him to show that. But Tranquility, being the ignorant prince that he was, did not even notice her gesture. With his eyes searching about her, Serenity found herself feeling helpless, like being trapped into a place with no escape. It was getting crowded here, she realized, even though they were in a wide area by the palace entrance. "Prince..please," she whispered pleadingly, though Tranquility ignored her pleas.
"Why Princess, we need to get to know each other better," he stated simply as an excuse of his inappropriate behavior, "and this is the perfect opportunity."
Serenity shivered, her lips quivering. With futile attempts, she tried escaping from his grasp, though losing. The prince had a surprisingly strong grip on her small wrist.
He came closer still, his lips now in contact with her neck, Serenity feeling his hot breath. "We might as well..." he gently nuzzled the bare skin of her neck, "..use the time wisely...and start..." he gently kissed her cheek, Serenity cringing from his touch. She could tell she was not going to like him...one bit. "..now." Before Serenity had any time to react or to contemplate what he just uttered, his lips were hovering upon hers, immediately muffling her protests.
Serenity felt hot tears stinging in her eyes, and was not able to stop them from rolling down her cheek. She silently wished that the senshi were here, and regretted asking them to leave. The princess felt Tranquility wipe the stray tears off of her cheeks hoarsely. "My Serenity, you are such a recreant," he jeered, making Serenity angry. He did not stop there, going on despite Serenity's dirty look being shot toward him. "I would think a princess like you would...be better than that." Serenity could not take it anymore. With anger and hatred flowing freely in her veins, the palm of her hand had contact with his cheek as she slapped him...hard. The slap made quite a sound, scaring small birds from their quiet perch in a nearby tree.
"What kind of a prince are you?" She suddenly shouted, pulling away from his harsh grasp.
Tranquility's eyes filled with pain...then displeasure. "You..." he whispered huskily, "..how dare you hit me..." He pointed an accusing finger at her with one hand, while the other hand covered his now red cheek, his raspy tone of voice enough to scare any girl out of their wits. But Serenity, as said earlier, was that not type of girl. Not even close, to tell the truth. She believed that people get what they deserved. And in her opinion...Tranquility really deserved the slap she inflicted on his cheek. She was not afraid to show the satisfaction either that radiant smile which began forming on her lips. She was afraid...then, what was there to be afraid of? Tranquility would certainly not hurt his future wife, his betrothed...would he?
"I can do anything I want," Serenity shot back, eyes narrowing. "I warned you many times beforehand," she continued, not the least bit afraid. "You deserved it. How dare you lay your hands on me."
Tranquility backed off a bit, though eyes still glaring, filled with outrage. "We shall see, Serenity," he answered simply. Their gazes were locked on one another, as if the twosome had already become mortal enemies after their brief meeting.
"Everything all right?" The kind voice of Queen Gaia pierced the deadly silence and tension in the air, Serenity exhaling in relief at her presence. "Serenity, I see you have met your betrothed, Prince Tranquility."
Serenity only nodded. "Yes," she answered, then grew silent once more. The Queen immediately saw how ill at ease the princess looked. 'Did something happen to them before I came?' She wondered, though shaking it off, and dismissed the thought.
"And you Tranquility?" Queen Gaia turned toward him. However, once her eyes set upon his now swelling cheek, a gasp escaped her throat. "Good heavens child!" she exclaimed excitedly, emotion strung in her voice. "What, pray tell, happened to you, may I ask?" The Queen raised a hand, and went to touch her son's face.
Serenity held in a giggle as Tranquility grimaced when the Queen's hand had contact on his red cheek, slightly embarrassed. "Mother, please!"
Queen Gaia ignored him. "What happened?" she inquired.
"Nothing," was his reply through clenched teeth. "I just scraped my cheek, that is all," he lied, and a very bad one at that. Once again, Serenity felt the urge to laugh..to burst out laughing to be exact, only remembering her manners, smiled innocently instead. "Prince Tranquility, you might need to be more careful next time."
"Not a bad suggestion," the Queen replied thoughtfully, giving Serenity a slight wink. "I have to go and meet with your mother now Serenity," she informed the princess, "so I'll leave you two be."
Serenity nodded, a triumphant expression marring her features for handling herself so well with Tranquility. As soon as Queen Gaia was out of sight, she left herself, leaving Tranquility standing there alone, One problem though; the kiss she received from him just a few short moments ago still lingered on her lips, forever branded in her memory. His hasty touches, his rough caresses...Serenity felt disgusted by his presence. What is this fervor she felt for his younger brother, Prince Endymion? His kiss had felt magical, even though it was only on the hand. An unconscious smiled formed at the thought of seeing Endymion again. Serenity then snapped out of it, shaking her head. 'I cannot love him nor feel any such emotions for him. I am to marry his awful brother..nothing can change that.' Her thoughts carried on, her feet walking while her mind was floating off into her own world of dreams. 'Endymion is nice and handsome...' She giggled at the thought. What if Endymion were the one who is going to be at the alter..instead of Tranquility? Serenity did not really know him at all, but she was sure she would prefer Endymion to Tranquility anytime, any day.
Serenity stopped at her room, and opening the door, peered inside, her expression unreadable. What she saw was a beautiful room, complete with wondrous furniture, an astonishing slide glass door balcony, and a dazzling view of the moon. Her room was on the upmost floor, therefore giving her an indescribable view of the kingdom below. The Moon Princess's golden hair gently lapped as the breeze flowed through the open window, the almost disappearing sun illuminating the entire room. She sat down on the soft, cushion-lined chair with arms, fingering the rose design hand-woven on the cushion.'I love this place...' She contemplated, getting up to explore more of this place. After all, she would be living here for a couple of weeks...then she would live here permanently...forever.
She found the glass door was easy to open as she gave it a slight push. The door opened with a click; Serenity finding herself indulging on the fresh, crisp air outside. She stepped over to the railing, looking down upon the active kingdom below her feet. People and servants of every kind were running about, their arms carrying goods to the palace. They seemed to full of life..and busy. Unlike her, who seemingly never had enough to do. As Queen Serenity would always comment, "Serenity, you have too much time on your hands." And that was true for a couple reasons. Serenity was the only person in the entire Moon Kingdom to devour all those books in the palace library, nearly half of the books there. The magic and mystery of books seemed to captivate the adventurous, yet curious princess, giving her something the look forward to even when she was down. They kept her company...especially fairy tales...the ones that talk of the princess...the lonely girl finding her Prince Charming...and wedding bells would always ring at the end.
It just seemed to good to be true, really. Serenity was a princess of many dreams, one of them was to find the right person for her.
"Who is the right one for me?" she asked aloud. Whoever he was, she was sure it was not Tranquility. "He cannot be my one true love."
"Are you sure about that?" a familiar voice came to her ears.
Serenity turned around abruptly, her hair flipping with her in a sudden movement. Her eyes softened with seeing whom the person was. "Mother," she whispered.
Queen Serenity smiled, stepping inside the room. Her eyes searched the room.
"It is certainly a beautiful room."
"Yes," Serenity answered in a sad tone of voice. She hated to let her mother down. If the princess were to be disapproving this marriage...she would be shaming her mother..greatly. Being royalty...it was all of reputation...one wrong move, and that reputation would be forever shattered.
The Moon Queen frowned, seeing her daughter unhappy. "Why the long face, my daughter?" she inquired kindly, a hand tracing Serenity's smooth, slightly pale cheek. "You are not happy here?"
Serenity shook her head, hating that she was not living up to her mother's expectations. "No, it is not that Mother. I am happy here," she replied, eyes downcast.
"Oh, do not lie daughter. Serenity..look at me." She gently lifted up her daughter's trembling cheek, Serenity's blue eyes quivering, tears swimming about in them. "Prince Tranquility, is that who is bothering you?"
"Yes," Serenity answered modestly. "I..." she took a deep, hesitant breath, "..do not think he is the one for me."
Queen Serenity nodded knowingly. "Serenity...sometimes love cannot be given...unless one opens their heart to accept that. Do you understand?"
"I do, Mother. I just...he seems too rough..."
The Queen patted her leg affectionately. "Conceptualize it for a moment...you might be shocked of your conclusions."
She left then, leaving Serenity in a state of frenzy. So many thoughts, doubts flowing through her head...she felt heavy, exhausted.
"How can I?" She touched her lips again, the kiss he had given her still having its affect. "I cannot."
Sighing in a depressed fashion, Serenity took one of her bags, taking out a handful of clothes to put in her empty drawer. "Tranquility...I do not know if I can ever love you."
"Princess?"
Serenity covered her mouth quickly for having said that out loud, and exhaled a breath of relief when it revealed to be only a guard. "Prince Tranquility would like for me to escort you to his room. He says it is urgent."
***
Queen Serenity sat down on a chair besides the Earth Queen, a smile plastered on her features. "Gaia, your palace is even more beautiful than the last time I visited," she commented, bringing a smile to the other woman's face.
"Thank you, Serenity. And I must say that your daughter is growing into such a beautiful young woman."
"She sure is." The Moon Queen held a faraway look in her eyes before she turned away, sighing. "There is only one problem."
"Oh?"
Queen Serenity stood up before facing her again. "Yes. Serenity...she does not think Tranquility is...right for her."
"She could change her mind after getting to know my son better," Gaia stated simply, though she was doubtful of her words, remembering how uneasy the princess was earlier.
"Yes, that is possible. But what really concerns me is how she reacted when she met your other son, Endymion. Serenity seemed perfectly content being with him..."
"You are not saying that they could..."
Queen Serenity exhaled another breath of air. "I do not know...either way, this marriage has to continue."
**************
*sighs* Not much of a plot yet, I know. But hey, love blossoms with time, right? ^_^ Please feel free to send me an e-mail at LisaZUMstories@aol.com or Lisafics@sailormoon.com. I *love* feedback. Thanks! ^^
This story written April 2001, revised February-March 2002.
