Chapter 2

Endymion groaned as a throbbing pain began at the base of his skull.

"Ugh... what happened?"

The pain became sharp and stabbing for a moment as someone shook his shoulders none too gently, causing him to groan again.

"Are you alright, Endymion?" A slightly hissing voice purred the words somewhere by his ear.

His eyes flew open and he tried to roll away from the familiar inflections - they sent shivers of loathing down his spine. The moment he attempted to move, he found that his head couldn't take it and a world of black silk, green leaves and dark earth swam before his eyes. A sound must have escaped him because all of a sudden a cool glass was pressed against his lips and a warm, syrupy liquid was gently poured down his throat.

Swallowing, the dizziness immediately receding and whatever the concoction had been allowed him to open his eyes. A pair of blood red pupils looked at him from a gorgeously frozen and twisted visage surrounded by crimson hair. He blinked, praying it was only a really bad illusion.

The woman remained - it was no illusion.

"Endymion, how do you feel?" The woman's solicitous question was accompanied by her leaning over so he got an ample view of her cleavage. He found himself wondering if it was a planned move on her part - knowing the snake as he did, he would bet his life on it.

"Beryl, move away from me." He expected her to obey as he shifted to get his elbows under himself so he could sit up.

She didn't budge but slid one arm slowly around his shoulder, under his arms, before helping him to his feet. The move left her pressed intimately against his side that was no doubt a calculated intention on her part. Endymion found himself suppressing a shudder of revulsion and he stepped away from her as quickly as he could. He felt dirty, soiled, as if she'd left some kind of disease on him by her embrace.

They hadn't moved him from where he'd fallen, that much was obvious as he looked around the clearing. Off to the side was one of the Lady Beryl's attendants, busy with something in her hands. No one else was around, but Endymion was sure she wasn't just out for a casual walk this deep in the forest. No noble woman ever traveled with just one attendant when traversing a dangerous place such as this.

His gaze traveled back to the lady Beryl who was looking at him with an undisguised look of hunger and he nearly gagged at her twisted face. "What time is it?" His question was more to drag his foggy mind into the present than for any real benefit.

"Just after mid day, Prince Endymion. You did not return this morning and there have been people out looking for you everywhere." He noticed the gleam enter her eye. "It was just my good fortune I found you first."

Eying her critically, his mind still slightly fuzzy from the blow to his head, he lifted one hand to massage the ache that was beginning in his temples. "In what way, Lady Beryl? It is a well known fact in the court that you do nothing without a price."

One perfectly manicured hand slid over his arm and gently squeezed the muscle underneath. "It will prove interesting to have you in my debt, good prince." She purred to him, batting her eyelashes.

Endymion removed his arm from her grasp. "I will not argue that I am in your debt, Lady Beryl, but it is a debt that is by no means critical. Name your price or I will find something I deem suitable and be out of your debt completely." The sooner the better, he added silently to himself.

Beryl looked at him, pursing her lips thoughtfully. I need a way to convince him that this is a life debt - that is the only way to get what I want without a fight. Even then I should probably get rid of that moon brat just the same so that she is no longer a factor. Shrugging her shoulders she caused her overly endowed chest to bounce slightly. "I will think of something. In the mean time we should get you back to the palace to get your head looked at."

The Palace.

Right.

Looking around for his horse, Endymion frowned. Midnight should have been here somewhere...

"Oh, your mount..." Did he imagine it or did she practically purr the word mount? "...ran off. He got back to the castle a few hours ago. He is the reason we were all looking for you." Beryl sounded far too smug about the whole thing. "My carriage is over here."

A shudder skipped down his spine and he did his best to hide it. To be even more indebted to her, even by a ride back to his castle, was something he wasn't looking forward to. It would mean it would be an even larger favor she would ask for. Despite that, he knew he was in no condition to ride or argue or even walk back to the palace by himself; so he gracefully accepted and assisted Lady Beryl and her lady in waiting into the carriage before moving to entering it himself.

He took a bracing breath of fresh air to help stop the spinning in his head before climbing into the heavily perfumed interior.

--

The Lady Beryl was very pleased with herself.

She'd found the prince, brought him home, had her personal physician examine him and put him in her debt amazingly well. Rubbing her hands together, she waited outside the throne room for the Queen to call her in so she could receive her reward for saving the Prince's... er... finding the Prince and bringing him home safely. Last she'd heard he was sleeping in his room.

Beryl was announced and rose to her feet off the velvet chaise, running finger like talons down over a black dress that hugged her too generous figure, making sure it clung in all the right places but hid what was most important. Squaring her shoulders, she strode forward with an almost haughty tilt to her head.

Passing through the large ornate double doors into the exquisite throne room, her eyes went around the newly refinished pieces. The thrones were gleaming with polish, their base wood reflecting the light easily and catching the eye with their regal simplicity. Carpet that was plush and deep covered the floor from the throne to the doors, allowing the nobility to walk easily without strain to and from the hall. New tapestries decorated the walls, depicting scenes from Earth's glorious history and now some of those from the moon also hung beside them.

Barely suppressing a sneer, she and twisted her lips into a grimace of a smile as she approached the throne. The Queen stood and descended to the ground as Beryl approached and then smiled.

Beryl tried to smile back at the Queen but only managed to twist her lips slightly. She wasn't used to smiling at people. "Your majesty," she said, curtseying respectfully. Never had she been more aware of the Queen's watchful gaze caught her every movement and strove to keep her movements as fluid as possible.

"Lady Beryl." Was all the acknowledgment she was given. The Queen wasted no time on pleasantries, obviously wanting to have Beryl out of her presence - which was fine with Beryl. "My dear, my son informs me that you were the one, you and your maid, to find him today after he was discovered to be missing. My thanks to you."

"T'was my duty, majesty." Lots of practice kept her tone demure and self-effacing, but she had trouble keeping her eyes lowered as if in respect. In her homeland she bowed to no one - except her father.

The Queen's tight smile on the edge of her vision was the only indication that the Queen was not fooled by her polite words. "As reward, your family is increasing your holdings by one quarter its size. Once again our royal thanks to you."

Beryl fought the urge to ground her teeth together. "Your majesty is too kind," she said, forcing a smile as she backed away and then quickly left the throne room before the Queen could see how furious she was about the newly acquired land. More to her dowry, for certain, but she wanted the Prince's hand!

Exiting by the huge double doors, she began cursing softly as she walked back through the halls to her assigned quarters. Her stiletto heels clicked on the cobble stone hallways and she nearly tripped as she halted mid-step, an idea forming in her mind. Yes, oh yes. That would do nicely. A genuine smile crept over her lips as she slipped into her chambers. You will be mine, my dear Prince Endymion, if it's the last thing I do.

--

A light breeze tousled the Prince's hair further as Endymion stood on his balcony, staring up at the moon. It tugged the fabric of his black shirt and slacks, gentle caresses that reminded him of her. He was mused from sleeping, his mind unclouded for the first time since the accident, as he leaned forward on the balcony rail and stared at the moon. Anyone watching would have noted the dejected, almost hopeless line to his posture.

A posture he changed as he straightened upon hearing the door to his chambers open, and suppressed a sigh. He was not in the mood for company. His gaze never left the sphere above him, and he barely caught himself reaching towards it. Serenity... he thought sadly, dismissing the closing door without further thought, I miss you. Things are not going as they should, I wish... I wish I was never to be separated from you.

"Endymion? Hey, big guy, you alright?"

The voice brought him out of his musings and he turned to face it. Standing a few feet behind him was a man, about his height, with blonde hair the color of wheat. He acknowledged his friend with a nod. "Jed."

Jadeite, one of Endymion's four personal guards, smiled slightly. "You know, for someone who is about to get hitched to the girl of his dreams you sure are gloomy."

Turning, Endymion re-entered his chambers, closing the doors to the balcony behind him. "It is not the wedding that weighs on my mind."

"The bride then?" It was a familiar tease and one his guards enjoyed taunting him with.

Endymion sat on the edge of his bed, running his fingers though his hair only to look up as Jadeite pulled a chair over and sat across from him. "I am thrilled, do not get me wrong, but nothing is going as it should."

"Define nothing."

Waving one hand towards the window, Endymion grimaced. "She is there; I am here. We are separated for months on end and I cannot stop thinking about her no matter the moment or the function. I am... contented to let others deal with the details of our marriage unless she is with me."

Jadeite looked at him critically. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

"I do not think so." His heart just wasn't in anything except his all too infrequent visits with his betrothed. "Unless you could sneak me up to see her - or find some way to bring her here. I am bedridden for the next week - doctor's orders." An idea blossomed in his mind and his eyes widened. Why hadn't he thought of it before? "Jed, is there any way you could send a note to Serenity about my condition? When she hears that I have been injured, perhaps she will arrange to come down and help care for me."

Jadeite laughed at the ploy as much as Endymion's eagerness. "Sure, I can do that. Let us see if it works."

"Even if she knows it is not mortal, perhaps I will still be able to see her."

The General stood up, noticing Endymion's pallor beneath his tan. "I will send the message, but you need to get back to sleep. Your head is not faring any better for all the thoughts you've been putting through it. And Endymion?"

Endymion looked up at his friend as he paused in the doorway. "Yes?"

"Re-wrap your head - the back of your neck has a blood trail running down it."

Lifting one hand to his neck and rubbing, Endymion made a face as his hand came away covered in red. He retrieved the bandage he'd removed when he'd gotten up and quickly wrapped it around his wound again. A shift and roll had him settling in to sleep and he hoped - when he woke up - that perhaps, just perhaps, an Angel would be there to greet him.

--

"Are you certain?"

"Yes, Princess. The Prince has gone missing."

Crystal eyes closed briefly. "Kunzite, what happened to him?"

White-blonde hair brushed uniformed shoulders as the general shrugged uncomfortably. "He was taken from his room last night. He has been on strong medication because of his head wound and probably did not even realize he was being moved. I have failed in my duty to protect him."

Delicate fingers grasped his hand and squeezed. "It is not your fault, Kunzite, I am certain you did everything in your power to keep him safe. Were there any clues left by his abductors?"

Kunzite shook his head. "None, princess. I am sorry; I have failed both you and him."

Serenity felt her eyes well with tears as she thought of all she'd gone through to get here to see him...

Flashback- The night before

"Serenity! Where are you, darling? There is a messenger here to see you!"

The clear voice of her mother carried well across the private garden to where the Moon Princess was seated next to the fountain. Serenity looked down into the mirror-like surface of the pool and smiled - perhaps it was from her beloved, sending her word of when he would see her next. Rising to her feet, she ran towards the entrance of the garden.

"Coming, Mother," she called, lifting up her skirt with her left hand as she ran so not to trip on the fabric. She slowed to a more sedate pace before she came into view and then walked calmly up to her mother and smiled. "You called for me?"

Queen Serenity nodded and motioned for her daughter to follow her. They closed the garden doors behind them and walked through the halls towards the main throne room. Passing through the gleaming halls quickly, they took next to no notice of the bright stone and only paused at the doors to the throne room as one of the palace guards opened them. The Queen stepped in first, followed closely by her curious daughter. The Queen moved to the base of the dais, noting how her daughter froze at the sight of who the messenger was.

"Jadeite!" One slender hand rose to cover her heart, hoping he was only the bearer of some good news. Her heart fluttered in her chest as he seemed to hesitate and she felt faint. She would know if Endymion had been hurt, wouldn't she? She would know if he wasn't... if he... she couldn't finish the thought as she waited for the message, managing to choke out her question. "Is something wrong?"

"My Prince has been injured, Princess." Jadeite told her, bowing. He saw the look of relief and worry cross her features as he continued. "He sent me to you with the request that you come to him. He is gravely ill - I would not be here if I thought otherwise - but it is hoped your presence will speed his recovery."

Serenity looked at her mother, her gaze turning pleading. "Mother?"

Queen Serenity looked at her daughter and then smiled softly. She was so much in love with her young man; it showed by the worry and fear in her eyes. "You may leave after the banquet tonight. I will manage somehow without for a few days."

Serenity ran to her mother and hugged her tightly. "Thank you." Tearing herself away, she ran from the throne room towards her chambers, her mind whirling at the thought of Endymion being injured and alone - which was ridiculous considering he was almost never alone. Her heart cried out to his, praying that he would forgive her for not being there to take care of him right away.

Suddenly rough hands grabbed her, dragging her to a halt abruptly.

"Are you in a hurry, young Princess?" The inquiry was made by a deep, cultured voice - one that was too close for comfort.

She fought the urge to recoil from the man that had grabbed her but his touch was far too intimate as his thumbs caressed the soft skin of her upper arm. "I am, Prince Diamond. Release me."

The strong hands released their grip and the tall young man in front of her bowed. "As you wish, Princess. Can I be of service?"

The urge to scream at being detained was great, but she suppressed it. She would not lose her temper - though she would be curt. "No, my lord, you may not. Do not let this trouble you, now, I am sorry, but I must be going." Turning on her heel, she started away but he fell into step beside her and she was forced to keep her pace steady and proper. His fingers, the gentle, yet firm, grip he had on her elbow, ensure she couldn't flee.

"Are you certain?"

"My lord, I would really feel much better if you would be inclined to leave me to my own devices. This does not involve you."

"But it does, Princess. Anything that troubles you so is my concern. Surely you can see that I would rather see a smile on your face than such distress."

"Thank you for your concern, Prince Diamond. Truly, I am not in need of your services." She attempted to pull her arm out of his grasp but nearly screamed as his fingers dug into the pressure point and caused her arm to go numb.

"Princess, I do not think you understand. Are you in need of my services?" His tone was cold, hard, as he spoke through clenched teeth, his eyes boring into hers with a furious intensity.

Tears sprang to her eyes but she blinked them back. She didn't know what he was capable of, only that she'd never been long enough in his company to make any kind of judgment. Though she gathered that the way he looked at her was because he found her attractive - because he desired her. "Prince Diamond, please. You are hurting me."

"Then do not try and pull away from me, Princess."

He swung her into a small alcove in the hallway and pressed her up against the wall. She squeaked as all the breath left her body, squirming as he came down on her and pressed his lips to hers in the mockery of a kiss. Turning her head to escape and trying to regain her breath she found his mouth followed. Swallowing the bile in the back of her throat, she realized she was trapped.

Terror froze her limbs, making it impossible for her to move, to breathe. A swift, stabbing pain blossomed in her heart at the thought of her beloved and betraying him, even unwillingly. Diamond's hands clenched, one in one of her ponytails and the other in the loose fabric of her skirt, bringing her flush against him. He kissed her unwilling lips, this tongue tracing the cold contours briefly before pushing against the seam.

Flattening her lips in response, she was determined that he would not kiss her so!

Diamond pulled away, breathing heavily. "You will be mine, Princess Serenity, no matter if you are betrothed to another. Mark my word, you will be mine."

His heels clicked on the floor as he spun away from her and vanished into the darkness. Serenity slumped against the wall, her whole body trembling like a leaf in the wind. She'd never felt so helpless! Drawing her palm across her lips, she wiped his kiss away and hurried on to her chambers. Once there she quickly packed a bag with a few of her other gowns and then placed it on the end of her bed and settled onto the mattress, her body shaking again.

"Oh, how can I face him tonight at the banquet? What a horrible, horrible man!" She shuddered, wrapping her arms about herself to still the shaking. "Endymion... my dear Endy, I am so sorry..." Curing up on her sheets, she buried her face in her hands and gave into the tears.

--

Later that night Serenity walked into the banquet as was befit a lady of her station - with much fanfare and trumpet blasting. There were honoring the delegates that were leaving tonight, which - thankfully - included Diamond and Serenity knew she could not avoid this even should she find just cause.

Diamond's mistreatment of her would only make her mother furious, if she ever found out, and Serenity knew that she would never tell anyone what had happened in the hall, unless it was only to Endymion. She longed to be far from this place, at his side, but her station didn't yet allow for it. Not yet - soon though. Soon she would be free to be by his side.

Walking to the head of the table, where her mother was seated, Serenity barely withheld a wince as she saw that she was seated across the table from Diamond. As Prince of his planet, and ruler, he was graced with a chair beside the queen. Serenity took her seat gracefully; doing her best to ignore the leer that Diamond sent her way.

She said nothing to her mother and for the next three hours she made small talk with the lady at her side, and, when she could not ignore the man across from her, with him as well. Her skin crawled, making her feel dirty as Diamond refused to take his eyes off her for most of the meal. Shifting uncomfortably in her chair, resisting the urge to take her dinner knife, leap across the table and gouge his eyes out when he winked at her. The nerve of the man!

Finally the proceedings were finished and the servants cleared away the remainder of dinner. The Queen rose from her seat, a warm smile on her face. "I want to thank all of the delegates from the planets for gracing our Moon Kingdom with your company and presence. I hope that these proceedings will help ensure the future of the Silver Millennium and to keep our worlds at peace."

There was a smattering of applause as she smiled at her daughter, a silent queue.

Serenity rose and looked around the room, the applause dying down. "I too, am pleased with the outcome of these proceedings. We have forged many alliances, made new friends and ensured the strength of our forces. The coming darkness could not possibly stand against the friendships and commitment that this universe shares. I humbly thank you all for attending," she refused to look at Diamond, making sure he knew that he had not been included in her words, "and I pray that your time here has done you all good. Thank you."

The delegates applauded her as she returned to her seat and she smiled as they started moving away from the table towards the inter-planetary teleporters. Waiting until almost everyone was gone before leaving her seat, Serenity crossed to stand before the hearth of the grand fireplace. She started into the magically created flames that shone with a silver and golden light and sighed; she missed the fires from earth that gave off heat.

A loud click of someone's shoes on the floor behind her made her spin, dropping into a guarded stance. Her eyes widened in surprise and horror as she saw that she was alone in the great hall except for Diamond - he'd been the first to leave the table, and she'd thought him already on his way home.

The magical flames shone off his blue-white hair, making it sparkle and dance between colors. His mauve uniform was shadowed, the buttons reflecting the light and his polished black boots. While his stance was non-threatening, she still felt a flicker of fear run up her spine as her eyes darted left and right for an escape route.

Despite his pleasant smile she could read something else in his deceptively dark eyes and found herself frozen in place by fear once again. Run! Her inner voice shouted. Get out of here, he means to harm you! Her heart raced as he stepped closer and she took an instinctive step back, towards the hearth. She swallowed hard, fighting to find her voice.

"My lord, should you not be going?"

"I'm going to bring you back with me, Serenity."

Terror made her tremble with his calmly spoken words, her eyes widening to sparkle vividly as she shivered. Before he could utter another word, or a coherent thought could form in her head, she ran. Lifting up her skirts, she darted around his tall frame, avoiding his grasping hands as she flew by with a speed born of terror. Not pausing to question what had sent her to flight, she dashed out of the banquet chamber and towards the gardens.

If she could hide, he would never find her!

Serenity ran, her lungs aching with the need for air as she heard his boots pounding on the stones after her. This couldn't be happening - not in her own home! Where were the guards, her guards? Hallways flashed by as she darted down corridors and up staircases, an eerie feeling of emptiness sweeping through her as no one appeared in her sights. Pounding soles behind her spurred her onwards as her legs took on a cumbersome feel from her mad sprint through the halls. Rounding a corner, she slammed into a body and careened to a halt.

"Princess?!"

Jadeite's exclamation was shocked, but his reactions were instantaneous as he caught her before she could fall. His handsome features with the blonde bangs were a reassuring sight to her terrified gaze.

"Jadeite! Help me, please!" she begged, clinging to him. "He is after me and plans to take me back with him!"

"Who does?"

"Get your hands off her!" exclaimed a furious male voice.

Serenity froze at the sound of his voice and cowered, holding onto Jadeite so hard her fingers turned a bloodless white and his own felt numb. Jadeite didn't ask questions as he thrust the Princess behind him and faced off against the tall man. "Your name sir?" he inquired, his manner brisk.

"I am Prince Diamond of the Dark Moon. Princess Serenity has agreed to come with me to my world - she is just frightened at being separated from her mother."

Jadeite laughed coldly. "You have your story mixed up, Diamond. Serenity is terrified of you. Leave her be."

Diamond paused, his gaze raking the General from head to toe, taking in his appearance. "You're just a guard!" Contempt echoed in Diamond's words, and he arrogantly extended his hand. "Hand her over before I take this matter to the Queen."

"Serenity." Jadeite glanced back over his shoulder but never took his eyes off Diamond. "Do you wish to go with this man?"

"No, I do not!" Her vehement reply was soft and shook, but there was no doubting her sincerity in her words

"The Lady has spoken - she has no wish to go with you. I suggest you leave before I call the palace guards."

Diamond looked at Serenity, who was protectively shielded by the Terran General and glowered at her menacingly. Completely ignoring Jadeite, he spoke softly and with malicious intent. "This is not finished, Princess! Remember what I said!" Whirling on one heel, Diamond stormed off.

Serenity trembled with relief as he disappeared from sight and shakily stepped backwards to the wall where she leaned against it for support.

Jadeite turned to look at her when he was sure Diamond was gone in time to see her slide to the ground as her legs gave out. He stepped to her side and crouched. "Serenity? Are you alright, Princess?"

She nodded, unable to speak, her hands shaking where they were bunched in her skirts. Jadeite offered her his arm and smiled as she took it only to be thrown off balance as she lunged at him and wrapped him in a grateful hug, her whole body trembling violently.

"Thank you, Jadeite. I do not know what I would have done had I not run into you."

Wrapping his arms around her to steady her, he was at a loss to do as she started to cry. He held her silently, stroking her back awkwardly, acutely aware that his liege should be doing so. Serenity cried into his shoulder for a few minutes before finally pulling away, sniffling and smiling thankfully at him when he offered her a handkerchief.

A short while later he helped her to her chambers, gathered her things, and then they were on their way back to earth...

End flashback

Serenity shook off the black thoughts with difficulty, returning to the task at hand. "I will find him, Kunzite; he is part of me." Her smile was soft but confident. "And if anyone tries to harm him I will let you deal with them."

Kunzite bowed. "Thank you, Princess. Because the prince is not present we will have you put in his chambers until he is brought safely home. I must depart." He bowed again and took his leave. "Your majesty." Turning sharply on his heel, he walked away.

Serenity closed the doors to Endymion's room behind her and looked around, wrapping her arms around herself - she felt cold all of a sudden. To warm herself, she whispered softly to his room - a vow she spoke from the heart.

"Endymion, my love... Wherever you are, I will find you and I will bring you home."