And here you go with the second chapter! Thousands thanks to my dear Beta and to all of you who liked / commented my last chapter! (: Those comments inspirit me to keep working on the chapters (:

neoearthqueen30, Cristal mariposa :Thanks a lot! I can't wait either ;)

sabina21: Update here (:

Magic713: Aw thank you sooo much! You see things very well! Big stereo types from both sides and yeah let's see how Serenity will handle the new situation with Endymion.

htr17: Hm you know your comment made me think. Everyone takes it so natural that Serenity's dad is dead. None really asks about it and that just made me thinking... I guess it is time that someone explains the long forgotten father's story? mmmm I just got an idea!

SerentiyMoonGodness, mochahap: Thank you! (:

adoore: Thank you! And I promise I will finish the other one... I just need to find the inspiration again. But I will for sure! It is so close to the end!

midnight blue08: Andrew is going to be back ;)

Chapter 1

"I was about to leave for Earth." The Prince finally said, studying the young woman in front of him with careful eyes. She was… stunning. He had to give her that much, but something was not quite right. Her eyes showed intelligence, but no real feelings; like she was constantly wearing a polite, but emotionless mask, which made the picture of perfection unreal.

"I wish you a safe journey to your Home Planet, Prince Endymion." Serenity said her voice even and polite.

They did not move, just stared at each other in silence for a few more seconds. And the silence was not a nice and calming one, but rather heavy and uncomfortable. Serenity felt the urge to clasp and unclasp her hands in discomfort, but the strict lessons she had learned as a Princess did not give her the liberty to do so. As the Moon Princess, she had to be calm and steady. Showing any kind of nervousness would have been a major mistake in any situations.

"Thank you, Princess." Endymion said, finally making his way towards the main doors of the palace, and the young woman. There were tons of papers waiting for him at home and an audience with one of the high military officer. His father, the King, happily gave over that part of his responsibilities to him. Sooner or later you will need to learn how to handle these kinds of things anyway. I trust your experiences on the battlefields, as well as your sound judgment to handle the smaller military issues. See it as part of your training to be a king and also a little help to your father. That was what his father told him a few months ago. He happily took over the responsibility knowing it would help him to gather more experiences for his future role and he was more than happy to help his father. Being the Prince of Earth was not easy. He used to envy his friends and the other boys of his age. They could act as they wanted and do whatever they chose. Thank God his parents never forbid him to run around the Royal Garden, claim trees, and ride his horse fast and wild. He had a pretty common childhood except he was not allowed to leave the walls of the Palace without his parents and he never had the freedom to decide about his future. The choice was out of his hands. He still remembered how he once heard one of the guards telling the others he would quit the job as a Palace Guard and grab his fiancée and travel around Earth. Endymion envied that freedom. His future was set from the moment he was born. It was predestinated he was going to be the King of Earth and he was not more than ten years old when his parents told him it was decided who he was going to marry. And that person, his future wife, was standing now only a few feet away from him.

Stopping in front of the Princess he bowed one more time.

"It was nice finally meeting you, Princess." He said and taking her hand into his, he placed a quick kiss on the back of her hand. Bright blue eyes stared into his.

"Oh you are already leaving, Prince Endymion?" a feminine voice came from the other end of the hall, where the young man stood only moments ago, breaking the silence between the young couple. They turned to look at the small black cat.

"Lady Luna." Endymion greeted the black cat with a nod. He easily figured out she was the high adviser of the Queen, after all, there weren't too many black cats running around with the moon sign on their forehead. No matter how much he knew about the Moon it still felt odd to talk with a… cat. Of course the young Prince knew if he would ever call her a cat, he would get a painful reminder how proud the Cicarians were of their unique heritage. And he had to admit, Luna looked like a cat but she was anything but what a normal cat was or acted like. It was the Cicarian who brought him from his thoughts.

"I hoped you would stay for lunch. Our chef is preparing the famous Moon-stew." Luna continued as she walked closer.

"I am afraid I can't stay. I have urgent issues waiting for me at home." Endymion answered, politely but firmly.

"That's too bad, but it can't be helped, I guess. The issues of the Kingdom must go before everything else." Luna sighed. "I hope to see you soon again, Prince Endymion. It would be for your benefit to spend more time here on the Moon. The people here will become your people as well." She added, staring deeply into his eyes, trying to catch any kind of emotion or reaction. Endymion stayed emotionless and only nodded in acknowledge.

"Serenity, why don't you escort the Prince to the teleport-room? You could maybe show him the garden and explain a bit about our planet and our manners?" Luna turned, finally towards the young woman.

"I can assure you, Lady Luna, that my parents made sure I was well educated about the Lunarian ways, its manners and the planet." Endymion answered, with narrowed eyes and just a bit sharply.

"I meant no offence, Prince." Luna answered immediately. "I thought you could use the few minutes until you got to the teleport-room to spend together. It would help you two to get to know each other better."

The small trio went into silence. Endymion studied the feline carefully. At first he thought the Cicarian wanted to criticize him and his parents, thinking nothing more about them than that they were barbaric and clueless Earthlings, but he had to change his mind about Luna. She seemed smarter than he thought. She offered him and Serenity some minutes they could spend together, to get to know each other better, but of course saying that so bluntly would have been improper on the Moon. She was a smart… cat. Glancing at the young Princess from the corner of his eye, he found the hint of nervousness in her eyes. She was smart enough to get the hint as well, and it was surprisingly pleasant to know she was not just a nice looking empty headed woman. Considering the offer for a minute, he finally turned to the Princess and offered her his arm.

"It would be my pleasure if you would escort me to the teleport-room, Princess." He said.

"With pleasure." Serenity answered, linking her arms with his, her face showing no feelings – no joy, surprise, or annoyance.

Luna stared after the couple as they turned the corner of the hall and disappeared from her sight. She allowed herself a small smile only when she was sure no one could see her.

"You seem happy." A masculine voice suddenly said from next to her, causing the young Cicarian to smile. She should have known, he was always nearby.

"I am. They are going to be a beautiful couple. They look great together." Luna answered, her eyes never leaving the corner where her Princess and the Prince disappeared.

"Appearance is not everything, dear Luna. What I wish for our Princess is happiness." The white Cicarian said thoughtfully, sitting down next to his partner and watching her with careful eyes.

"I am sure Prince Endymion is going to take good care of her and will protect her. He seems to be a gentleman." Luna answered glancing at him, her eyes shining with content.

"But will love grow between those two? The world is not black and white, dearest Luna. What our Princess needs is not just a pair of strong arms to protect her from dangerous situations. I am pretty sure you know it better than anyone else that she is a very sensitive young Lady." The white Cicarian raised an eyebrow at her. Luna kept smiling, but did not answer his concerns.

"Come Artemis, the Queen wishes to see us." That was all she said, throwing one last glance at the corner where the young couple disappeared, before she jumped on her feet, and walked away towards the other end of the hall. Artemis frowned in confusion, but followed her nonetheless.

-0-0-0-0-0-0-

The teleport-room was in a separated small house at the other side of the Moon garden. It was because of the security. If someone would have tried to use the teleport unannounced, he wouldn't be able to teleport into the Palace immediately. There was also a non-stop guarding of the teleport from inside and outside the house as well. It was similar to how they used and settled the teleport on Earth; the only difference was that the scholars on Earth were working on a protection shield they could put on or around the teleport itself so in case someone would activate it, it could be blocked immediately. Endymion briefly wondered if the scholars on Moon were working on a similar system also. If not, then he should probably mention it to the Queen. After all, Luna was right, the people on Moon were going to be his responsibility, just as much as the people on Earth were. It didn't matter how strange or odd the Lunarian people seemed to be for him, he would need to take care of them because they were his wife's people. Endymion glanced at the calm woman walking next to him and matched his steps to hers so they could walk in a comfortable speed.

They were walking in silence for a while. The garden around them was beautiful, but Endymion couldn't help but notice the lack of color. And everything was perfect… At first it was calming and relaxing like being in paradise, but after a while it was just simple annoying and boring. It seemed like nothing bad could happen there, no flower could grow un-regularly or be imperfect. Shortly he wondered if the Princess would survive it on Earth at all. Could someone growing up in complete peace and perfection survive on a Planet that was full with life and surprises? Looking at her again, he doubt it. One stronger breeze could break her on Earth. Why their parents ever thought it would be a good match between them was a mystery.

"The Moon is very beautiful." He said after a while, finally breaking the awkward silence between them.

"Thank you, Prince Endymion. However the Earth must be much more beautiful." Serenity answered with perfect politeness, her eyes never leaving the garden in front of them.

"It is different in many ways." Endymion nodded, as they continued their silent walk.

Serenity, who was usually used to the silence, was now actually nervous, but she hid it well under an emotionless mask. Silence that usually was part of her everyday life felt now unbearable. Here was her chance to finally get to know more about this man who was going to be her husband, and she was being the perfect Princess, talking only when she was asked, and being polite and calm. But she couldn't help her nature. She wanted to get to know him, and the chance was here in front of her. She just had to grab it.

"I know the Earth has difference manners than Moon does. The throne can only be inherited by the son of the King, which caused some trouble some centuries ago when King Darius only had 5 daughters and no sons. Fortunately the King lived a long life and his fourth wife was able to give birth to a son, King Theodor." She said. Maybe it was not the perfect way to get to know him, but it was some kind of conversation, right? It was already way more than what she was allowed to say, after all, he did not ask her to speak.

Endymion stared at her in wonder, and for a moment he remembered his old teacher, Sir Paul... How proud he would have been if he could have remembered all these boring history details. Names and dates, Kings and Princes. He always had trouble learning about it, not talking about the fact he also had to know everything about the Queens and Princess of the Moon… as their future King.

"Unfortunately King Theodor lived a short live, he died at age 22, and had never married. However his..." Serenity paused for a brief moment. Her cheeks turned light pink and Endymion couldn't help but notice how appealing she looked at that moment. She was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, even when she was an emotionless perfection, but whenever her eyes and body came alive with real emotions, she was simply breath-taking. Too bad those moments were rare.

"However his… sexual life was active enough to manage to produce a son. The mother was a servant girl from the palace and had never been accepted as a Queen." Serenity finished, her eyes still fixed on their destination, too afraid to look at the young man next to her.

"Your knowledge about the Earth's Royal Family is remarkable." Endymion said, honestly impressed. "And what do you think about King Darius?" He asked suddenly. Maybe she knew the facts perfectly, but he just realized he never heard her opinion about it, and surprising as it was, he wished to know what she thought.

"Excuse me?" Serenity suddenly stopped walking and looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise.

Endymion had to admit, he cheered every minute he saw real emotion in her. She was really a stunning beauty, no doubt about that, with perfect manners, but she seemed not alive. An emotionless mask was always on her face. But it seemed her true personality was slowly coming to surface. The farther away they got from the Palace, the more alive she seemed. Maybe, after all, she was not the faint creature he thought she was. Of course, physically, she needed protection, but her personality seemed more and more interesting with every step they took.

"What do you think about him? He married four women, only because he wanted a son." He probed, waiting for her answer.

Serenity stayed quiet for a few minutes while she gathered her thoughts. Her opinion had never really mattered, she had to say what everyone excepted her to say, but maybe now that none saw or heard them, and he asked for her opinion right? Was it worth it to take the risk? "He needed a son. It is fortunate he managed to produce one." She chose to answer politely, instead of being completely honest about her thoughts.

"Yeah, that is what the history books say, but what is your opinion?" Endymion asked again.

Serenity stayed quiet again, obviously deep in thought. When Endymion was sure she was not going to answer, suddenly she turned around and looked into his eyes. "I feel sorry for him. I am sure he never was in love, if he could leave his wives only because they couldn't give him a son. It was rude, mean, and says he had no real feelings."

The outburst surprised Endymion for a second. It was a nice surprise, through, and he had to fight hard against the urge to smile. He could already feel his lips twisting up into a smile.

"Excuse my bad behavior." Serenity said suddenly curtsying deeply, her cheeks turning red again as she turned away from him.

"Do not apologize. I asked for your opinion and I am grateful you gave me an honest one. Please don't curtsy before me. It is only the two of us here, no need for formalities." He said, taking hold of her arm gently and turning her back. Emotions ran through her clear blue eyes rapidly. Surprise, disbelief, and embarrassment. Her eyes finally fixed on his hand, that was still holding her arm gently. She trembled ever so slightly, her face turning a deeper red.

Endymion let her arm go quickly, cleaning his throat awkwardly. "Do you know anything else about the Earth?" he asked as he started to walk again. Serenity followed his lead, the emotional storm still very much alive in her.

"The breakfast is always at 8am. The King is busy with the Kingdom's issues until lunch. The Queen is meeting the guests meanwhile." Serenity answered. Talking about facts made her emotions calm down and she could put the emotionless mask back in place again. "After that…"

"No." Endymion interrupted suddenly. "I mean besides these rules and history. Do you know anything else about the life on Earth?"

"I'm sorry, I was only taught these things. Would you like me to learn something else?" Serenity asked dutifully.

"It would be better to experience it." Endymion answered, clearly surprising the young woman. Hope and excitement quickly run through her face before she hid behind her mask.

They walked in silence for some time, both deep in thoughts. The more time they spent together and the more Endymion learned about the Princess, the more confused things were. She was a mystery. Glancing up at the sky, his eyes found the Earth looming on the sky. His thoughts returned to his duties and daily issues, focusing on them completely and dismissing the young woman for the moment from his mind. He had no time to solve the riddle she was.

Serenity was 100% sure today was one of her most exciting and emotional day since her friends left the Moon. She was so used to be the perfect Princess, she almost forgot how to talk and speak freely. Endymion definitely turned her world upside down in only a few minutes. She envied him. He was so free, so different.

Endymion was going through the meeting he was going to have with the military officer in his mind, when suddenly Serenity stopped walking and frowned at him.

"You weren't kneeling before my Mother." She said all of a sudden.

"No."

"You aren't calling her MY Queen as you should and did not kiss her hand, but you did mine." She continued.

"You are going to be my wife, aren't you?" Endymion said matter of factly. He had no clue what all these fuss was about.

Serenity studied him for a moment in silence. "You are so different." She said, finally looking deeply into his eyes.

"Is that a bad thing?" He asked, his tone serious as well.

"No… I guess it is not." Serenity answered, tilting her head to the side and studying him for a few moments. "Shall we go?" She asked, finally nodding towards the small teleport-room and she would've continued to walk, but Endymion did not move.

"You aren't going to kneel down before anyone either." Endymion suddenly said determinedly.

"I am not kneeling before anyone, just before those with higher rank. My mother and your parents." Serenity answered, clearly confused.

"No." That was all Endymion said.

"No?" Serenity blinked in surprise.

"I am saying you are not going to kneel before ANYONE. I am not doing it and you won't either. You have to understand Serenity" Endymion didn't miss her small gasp when he called her by her name and without her title. "You are going to be Queen of Earth. Your rank is just as high as your Mother's. And I won't see my wife kneeling before anyone, especially not before her own mother."

-0-0-0-0-0-

Those words kept replaying in her mind ,even hours after the Prince left the Moon, and she returned to her rooms. Their goodbye was fast and polite. He bowed, kissed her hand, and without a second glance, he stepped into the teleport and disappeared. He was polite and a real gentleman with her. He did not say no when Luna advised them to walk together through the garden. He asked her questions and showed a hint of interest for her opinion. There was nothing more she could have hoped for. It was only natural he left so abruptly. They were not lovers, they barely knew each other. Why would he have lingered, or cast a second glance at her when he left. It was normal, right? As she stared out of her window, her eyes found the blue planet in the sky. For a moment, she remembered a similar blue pair of eyes and midnight black hair. It was alright as it was; but why then, had she felt oddly disappointed?

And that was it for the first chapter! I hope you guys enjoyed it! I certainly enjoyed writing it (: In the next chapter we will get to know Earth a bit better. And hopefully we will all see the difference between the life of the Royal Family on the Moon and on the Earth. I am wondering if Endymion was right? Can Serenity survive on Earth?