Hey hey people! Here is another chapter for you! I hope you like it review me please!

Chapter 2- Unexpected meetings

Lita and Serena rode there horses out in the largest paddock that graced the kingdom's ground. They reveled in the freedom that it allowed them to have. For a moment they were able to forget who they were and all the responsibilities each had. In all honesty Serena was a fairly good rider, which greatly surprised Lita. In all the times that the other girls had opted for riding in their spare time, Serena never seemed to care much for it. As Lita watched the young princess she noticed for the first time her carefree attitude. She couldn't remember a time where she had seen the princess be so playful.

The laughter that escaped her lips brought joy to Lita's heart. Finally the princess was letting go of her barriers and letting herself have a little bit of fun. Lita began laughing along with her as they began to race each other back towards the stables.

" Thank you so much for convincing me to do this Lita, I had so much fun," Serena gasped as she dismounted her horse, breathing deeply to fill her lungs with air. Lita smiled.

" You are most welcome. I knew you would enjoy it. And I must say you are better rider than I thought you would be." Serena blushed.

" Yes well I do ride every now and then, just not when people are around," Serena explained as she lead her horse back to his stable, taking of his saddle, bridle and bit.

" Well now you will join us instead. Especially now that I know that you can ride and that you have your own horse. I will not take any excuses from you," Lita commanded looking at the young girl. Serena laughed.

" Yes maim!" the girls began laughing as they headed back towards the castle.

&&&&

" Oh come on mina stop cheating!" an exasperated Raye could be heard yelling from the common room. Laughter rang out as the accused girl only scoffed.

" I'm not cheating Raye you just aren't very good at this!"

" Look I think we should just leave it there. We are not getting anywhere in this game," an ever calm Ami reasoned.

" Whatever. Where the hell is Lita and Serena?" Raye asked changing the subject. Mina looked at Ami signaling for her to come up with an explanation.

" Well it's nearly Serena's birthday so we decided to give her a present from all of us. Lita is at the moment giving it and also her own present to her," Ami said quietly. Mina looked at her dumbfounded.

" Why the hell did you tell her? She isn't supposed to know until later!" mina said angrily. Ami only shrugged her shoulders.

" Well we may as well just give Raye hers now." Raye looked between the pair confused.

" What are you two on about?"

" Well, we got Serena a present for her birthday. But we also got one for you that's exactly the same. So here you go Raye. It's a very early birthday present for you," Ami said as she handed over the neatly wrapped box. Raye just looked at it in shock.

" But my birthday isn't for another two months," she said as she looked at the girls and then at the box. The only nodded their heads and watched her as she carefully unwrapped the box.

She moved the paper inside to find a red leather jacket neatly folded. She picked it up and held it in front of her. It was a fitted jacket in a blood red, with her kingdoms traditional symbol, a red rose and gold rose crossing each other over a half moon, embroided on one side. On the other side it had a star, each point a different colour. This symbolized the friendship between the princess and their loyal guards and best friends. The first point was red for Raye, second was white, for Serena, third was orange for mina, fourth was green for Lita and last was blue for Ami.

Raye tried the jacket on and it fit her perfectly.

" Oh wow you guys! This is absolutely gorgeous!" Raye exclaimed as she walked over to mina's mirror and looked at her reflection, turning and twisting to see that jacket from all angles.

As she moved back towards the box she noticed that under the jacket was a pair of black riding pants, and boots. She pulled them out and held them against her hips.

" This is so wonderful! Thank you guys so much!" the pair smiled.

" We hoped you would like it. We gave Serena the same thing only hers is in pink and white. You'll be getting something from each of us on your birthday as is Serena now. Lita is giving her her present now as we speak," mina said smiling as she watched the princess take the jacket off and neatly fold it back into the box.

" And what is it that Lita is giving her?" she asked without looking up.

" A horse." Raye spun around.

" What!" the girls smiled sheepishly.

" Don't worry we have seen the horse and he is very gentle,' Ami tried reassuring the angered girl.

" Oh he better be or Lita will feel more then my anger."

&&&&

Queen serenity sat in front of the communication screen and smiled as she chatted with queen terra.

" Yes we will be arriving in a few days. I take it no one knows the real reason behind our arrival?" terra asked. Serenity shook her head.

" No Raye would become suspicious. And besides, they think I have invited your court simply because we are old friends," serenity explained smiling.

" That's good then. I am also bringing along jadeite as well as there guards just to make it seem more believable. I mean why would I bring one son and not the other?" terra reasoned. Serenity smiled.

" That's quite alright. I would have suggested you do so anyway. I forgot to mention to you earlier. Raye has decided to relinquish her throne to Serena. It works in both our favours I think. Endymon being your heir, if Raye were to marry him then we would not be loosing ours," serenity said smiling.

" Well that is an upside," terra said laughing slightly.

" Well I must cut this short terra. Party preparations to make and all. I will be seeing you in a few days," serenity said as she smiled at the queen. They said there goodbyes and the line closed.

" So that's what your plan was." A voice said from behind her. Serenity spun around and came face to face with Luna. The advisor looked at her sternly and serenity blushed.

" Whatever are you talking about Luna?" she asked as she got up out of her chair and breezed past the woman.

" You know very well you highness. And I must say, it's about time." Serenity turned and looked at her confused. The small woman was smiling at her.

" I'm sorry Luna, what do you mean?" she asked surprised by her advisors obvious agreement on the issue.

" Well everyone knows that Raye would never look for a husband of her own accord. Although I'm rather surprised that it's not Serena that you are betrothing," she said looking confused. Serenity sighed, as she sat in a chair.

" Yes I know. But the betrothal had been arranged the very day that Raye decided to hand the throne over to Serena. I couldn't very well stop it then could I? But it has worked in both kingdoms favours. If Raye were to marry the heir to the east kingdom then they would be gaining a queen and we loosing a princess. But if Raye were to be heir here also then we would be loosing our future ruler. Either way it's a win win situation," serenity explained calmly. Luna smiled.

" Well anyway. What I came to talk to you about is the party. All the invites have been replied to and most have said they are attending. The preparations are all complete and rooms and quests quarters are being finalized. Anything else you would like to add?" serenity looked over at her friend and smiled.

" No I think that just about covers it all. Just remember that no one is to here of the betrothal please. Raye would only freak out on me," Serenity said smiling. Luna laughed.

" As you wish your highness." Luna said as she exited the room.

&&&&

Serena and Lita made their way to the common room. They were laughing and talking happily. When they had reached the room they heard their friends laughing. Curious they snuck a peak in through the door and found the girls having a pillow fight.

" What on earth are you guys doing?" Serena asked seriously as she walked through the door. The girls stopped what they were doing, and unsuccessfully tried hiding the pillows behind their backs.

" Nothing," They chorused. Serena looked around the room and sighed.

" What a mess! You had better clean this up because I won't be," she said as she turned away from them and began walking back towards the door. Before anyone could even react she grabbed a stray pillow and swung it at minas legs knocking her over. They all laughed as they resumed their fighting with Lita and Serena joining in. as the girls began to tire they stopped and plumped themselves down on a beanbag.

" Wow that was exhausting!" mina sighed as she laid her head back and tried to catch her breath. The girls all murmured in agreement.

" So Serena, did you like your present?" Ami asked quietly, and all the girls turned their attention to the petite princess. She smiled.

" I do, its very beautiful, thank you so much."

" We gave Raye hers Lita, so now we all have one," mina said smiling.

Lita had been wearing hers also as she and Serena had been out riding. It was a dark green jacket same design as the other two with the first point of the star being green and then following onto the other four colours. Her pants were a light brown colour. When she wore the outfit she sometimes looked like part of nature with the green and brown. But that suited her fine, she loved the out doors. Mina and Ami left to go and get their own set to show the girls.

Mina jacket was a deep orange and her pants were a sun yellow. Ami's jacket was a dark blue with her pants being in a lighter shade of blue. Both were the same design as the ones before and each point of the star started with their own colour.

" So how was the horse riding?" Ami asked. Lita bounced around excitedly.

" Oh you guys I never even knew that she could ride a horse! Ok well maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but she is much better than I thought she would be. And guardian took to her straight away!" Lita said excitedly as the girls all laughed at her enthusiasm.

" Yes he is a very beautiful horse. I can tell that it's going to be a long partnership between him and I," Serena said softly as she smiled fondly thinking of the horse. The girls all smiled.

" Well Serena only a week to your birthday. Are you excited?" mina asked. Serena nodded slightly.

" Yes of course but I have a feeling that mother is up to something."

" Well she has planned a ball, so yes I would class that as something. I mean she has invited just about everyone in the galaxy," Raye said nonchalantly as she tried making herself comfortable.

" Raye!" three girls shouted out.

" What?" she asked looking at them confused. Then it dawned on her. Serena didn't know about it yet.

" Opps," she said smiling sheepishly. Serena just stared at her friends.

" A ball? And everyone is coming? Oh this cannot end well," she said sighing heavily.

" Why not? I mean the palace grounds are going to be swarming with handsome young princes from all over the area," mina sighed dreamily. It was all the girls could do to not gag.

" Hello! Mina come back from la la land!" Raye shouted waving her hand in the girls face.

" Oh wouldn't it be so romantic if we found the loves of our lives that night?" she laughed happily as she looked at the girls before her. Her expression dropped slightly as she saw the looks on their faces.

" Oh come on girls, where's your sense of adventure?"

" Obviously not at the same place as yours," Raye said sarcastically.

" Now the only thing to do is figure out what to where," Lita said trying to break up the little fight. Mina's face brightened. Dressing up was her specialty.

" That reminds me! Serena I think I should give you my present now. It will come in very handy for your birthday ball!" mina said excitedly as she jumped up from her spot and ran out of the room. Lita and Ami watched after her smiling as Raye and Serena looked surprised.

" What on earth is she doing?" Raye asked as she turned back to wards the other girls. They just smiled.

" You'll see," Ami replied. Mina rushed back into the room holding a garment bag.

" Here it is! I hope it brings you happiness! I knew you would love it the moment I saw it," mina said smiling as she handed the bag over to a surprised Serena.

Serena stood and took the bag gingerly from mina's hands. She unzipped the bag and pulled out the hanger. She gasped as she saw the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. Mina clapped as she stood smiling at her friend.

" Go and try it on!" she said excitedly. Serena looked up and nodded dumbfounded. The young princess walked into the room self consciously. The girls all clapped as they looked at the shy girl.

" Oh wow Serena that dress looks absolutely gorgeous on you!" Lita gushed.

" And just imagine how more beautiful she will look when her hair and make up are done," Ami replied smiling.

It was a pale pink silk dress that hung over one shoulder. The bodice of the dress was embroided. They were of roses with small diamonds sewn to every one. It fit snugly around her torso before loosely dropping to her feet. Up the left side of the dress was a split in the material which showed a few more layers of white silk underneath. The edge of the material where the split separated were incrusted with more tiny diamonds. Serena blushed as she received comments from her friends.

" Its so beautiful mina, thank you so much," she said happily as she hugged her friends. She left the room once again to remove the dress.

" So Ami are you going to give her your present?" mina asked. Ami looked up and shrugged.

" I don't know whether I should wait until that night or not. Just something to keep her surprised." The girls all nodded.

" So Raye what did you get for her?" Lita asked as she turned her attention to the oldest princess. Raye just smiled.

" You'll have to wait and see."

&&&&

Terra sat in her study going over the last minor details for her kingdom before she left on her way to the north kingdom. She hadn't told anyone of her kingdom that she had betrothed Endymon to Rayena. So in some ways she was just like the queen serenity of the north. As she stood up from the chair her advisors walked through the door.

" Your highness, your traveling arrangements have been made and are on there way. Your sons however, are another matter," Gaia said as she curtsied to the queen. A frowned marred the rulers face.

" And what pray tell is the problem this time?" she sighed exasperated.

" They haven't even begun to pack any luggage for their stay nor have they decided on a gift for the princess," Helios replied as he bowed to the queen as well. The queen sighed as she rubbed her tired eyes.

" Those boys are hopeless." The two smiled at her as she walked passed them.

" Leave it to me Gaia, Helios, just make sure everything else is in order before we leave please."

" As you wish your highness," they replied as she retreated from the room.

Terra made her way towards the princes' chambers. She smiled fondly as she walked pass hallways of happy family photos. The pain had since died of loosing her husband, Endymon. She was now able to look upon these photos and be happy with the love of the family she had. She stopped in front of a portrait of them all together. Just before the war had broken out.

They were all sitting on the grass beside the lake at the end of the palace grounds. The king was smiling happily as the two young princes were on his back giving peace signs to the camera man. Terra sat beside them and was laughing at there antics. Her eldest son, Endymon, or Darien as he preferred to be called, was the spitting image of his father, he had dark ebony hair and piercing midnight blue eyes. Jadeite didn't appear to look like either of them. He had a head full of blonde hair and almost green eyes. But he was a joker. Always making fun out of any situation. Darien however was quiet and quite serious. He took after his father in everyway. The king had been a quiet man and only with his family did he ever let his guard down. She smiled and continued on her way.

As she reached the boys quarters she could hear them laughing. She stopped and stood at the door and listened for a while. It was well known within the kingdom that the death of the king had impacted Darien greatly. He withdrew into his shell and no one could get the boy to smile. No one except his brother. Jadeite was the only person the queen knew of that could make her eldest smile and laugh. She was hoping that the betrothal between him and the princess Raye would bring him out of his shell.

" You are aware that it is rude to eavesdrop my queen," a voice said from behind her. She spun around and came face to face with the princes guards.

" I was not eavesdropping, just merely listening. It is rare to hear Darien laugh you know," she said defending her self. The three men smiled.

" Yes your highness it is, now shall we?" the leader asked as he held out his arm for the queen to take. She smiled.

" We shall," she said slipping her arm into his and walking into the boys' room.

" Will you two please stop mucking around and get ready to leave please. Our rides are almost ready," she said as she looked at her two sons. They smiled.

" We are ready mother, we just let Gaia and Helios believe that we weren't," Jadeite said as he stood up. She looked at them accusingly.

" Is that so? Well then dear do tell me what it is that you plan to give to the princess for her birthday?" she asked skeptically. Darien moved to his bag and pulled out a large jewelry box. He handed it to his mother. As she opened it she gasped in surprise and smiled. It was a white gold diamond encrusted headband. Almost like a tiara but not quite. It wasn't a solid band save for the two edges. The middle held outlines of roses with gaps in the middle and between the flowers.

" Did you think of this by yourselves or did someone else get it for you?" she asked as she pulled the delicate piece from the box. Jadeite laughed.

" We found it in an antique market in the town. We knew the princess liked antique pieces and the fact that it had roses on it seemed even better," jadeite explained.

" Well its very beautiful," the queen said happily.

" Well we're glad you approve mother. I have a question for you though. Why are we leaving for the north kingdom now? I thought we weren't leaving for a couple of days?" Darien asked his mother. Terra smiled.

" Simple, I just wished to see the queen before anyone else arrived. We have lots to catch up on you know," she explained as she turned to leave the room.

" So hurry up you pair I wish you to leave immediately," she said over her shoulder as she exited the room. The princes stared after her and sighed. They hurriedly went around to finish there packing before then calling the servants to come collect there luggage.

&&&&

As a few days passed the palace was busy in finalizing the ballroom for the coming party. Serenity and her two daughters had spent all day in the ballroom instructing there staff on where to put things.

" Serena you know you don't have to be here to help, after all it is your party," serenity said as she spotted her daughter helping a maid rearrange some flowers.

" Yeah Serena, it wont be much of a surprise for you if you see everything we plan to do," Raye agreed. She looked up and smiled.

" Sounds like you want to get rid of me." The pair laughed.

" Well I'm glad you finally noticed Serena, now how bout you pair go and have a break," the queen said smiling. The pair nodded and left the room chatting happily with each other. As they were walking down the hall Luna hurried passed them

She entered the ballroom and scurried around looking for the queen. Spotting the woman at the far end of the room she hurried over to her.

" My queen I have just been informed by one of the tower guards that a royal carriage is headed this way," she said quickly. Serenity looked at her.

" Could they see a royal crest?" she asked.

" He didn't say. But it is only two carriages." Serenity smiled and hurried from the room. Luna quickly walked after her.

" Your highness?" she asked.

" Its ok Luna I think it is Queen Terra and her sons."

Serenity hurried to the court yard and waited to greet the new arrivals. She was smiling as she saw the old familiar carriage coming towards the castle gates.

" Luna I want you to make sure that neither of the princess's come out here until I have the queen and her court inside, I don't want them to know that they are here so early," serenity told her advisor. The woman curtsied and hurried back inside to keep an eye on the girls.

&&&&

Queen terra smiled as she saw the castle grounds come into view. They had left their palace two days ago and were itching to properly stretch their legs.

" Wow! I guess that is the garden we have heard so much about," jadeite stated as the view of the garden passed before him. The queen smiled.

" Yes I guess it is. The young princess Serena planted all the flowers on her own. Or so I have been told."

" And she was supposedly only eight at the time," Darien finally spoke. Jadeite looked at him confused.

" How'd you find that out?" Darien smiled a rare smile.

" I over heard one of the travelers telling a village woman just after it happened. They had seen her plant them herself and she would let no one help her. Apparently the townspeople had a statue erected of their king and it now sits in the centre of the garden," he explained as he stared out the window. Terra smiled.

" That is true. It was Serena's way of grieving and I have heard it was also a present for the queen from the king. I'm not sure how but he had visited her after he had been killed and had asked her to plant it for him." The pair looked at there mother and both saw the sadness there. She turned and smiled at them as the carriage pulled to a stop.

The first carriage held the princes' guards. The three men exited the carriage and stood to the side. They bowed at the queen. She smiled at them before her attention turned towards the second carriage.

The footman opened the door and helped the queen out followed by the two princes. They stood behind there mother as she greeted the queen.

" Queen Terra it is so nice to see you again," queen serenity said as she hugged the woman.

" As it is to see you Serenity," terra said as she pulled out of the embrace. They smiled at each other before Serenity turned her attention to the two princes behind her.

" Well it has been a long time since I have seen the pair of you. Endymon, you look just like your father. And jadeite you look as cheeky as ever!" Serenity laughed as she looked at the pair. They bowed to her before Darien spoke up.

" Your highness, please call me Darien. I do not wish to be addressed as Endymon unless it is strictly formality," he said as he looked at the queen. She looked at terra in surprise and then smiled.

" Of course. Follow me and I will show you to your rooms. You can do anything you wish after that, but dinner is always served promptly at 7," serenity informed the group as she lead them through the castle all the while chatting with terra.

" He is exactly like my Serena," serenity said as she walked with terra.

" Who is?" serenity laughed.

" Darien. She does not wish to be addressed as serenity unless for formality. Raye gave her the nickname when she was a baby and it has stuck ever since."

" Yes there are alike in that regards aren't they," the pair laughed. Finally they reached their destination and serenity stopped before the large double doors.

" There are separate quarters in here for each of you, each has its own bathroom. I hope you feel comfortable. If you need anything just ask any of the maids. I'm going to freshen up and I guess you all would like a rest before dinner so I will see you at seven," serenity said as she left the group.

The group pushed through the large doors and gasped at the size of the room. It was almost the size of a house.

" Well I think we should be comfortable here," kunzite spoke up. The others looked at him and smiled.

" Well I don't know about you but I'm exhausted. Who would have thought sitting in a coach would be so tiring," Zoicite said as he headed to one of the rooms. They all murmured in agreement.

" I'm not really tired at all. I think I'm just going to look around the grounds for a bit," jadeite said as he headed for the door.

" Don't forget that dinner is at seven dear," the queen called after him as the rest of the group moved to a room and fell asleep.

&&&&

Serena and Raye had gone to grab themselves a snack form the kitchen and then ventured out to the garden. They sat themselves down on the bench and looked at the statue.

" Raye, is mother planning something?" Serena asked nervously. The raven haired beauty looked up and smiled.

" Not that I am aware of. But then why would she tell me if she is. She knows I wouldn't be able to keep it from you," Raye replied as she wiped a stray strand of hair from Serena's face. The pair sat in silence before Serena shivered and stood up from her seat.

" I'm going to head back its getting a bit to cold for me out here," she said as she began to walk away.

" You coming?" she asked as she turned back towards Raye. She shook her head no.

" I think I'll just sit out here for a bit longer."

" Ok I'll see you at dinner then." Raye smiled as she watched her walk away. She got up from her seat and headed towards the fountain and sat on the edge dangling her feet in the cool water.

&&&&

Jadeite ventured out of the castle towards the garden her had saw earlier as they had pulled in to the castle grounds. He wanted to see this beautiful garden that was classed as the best in all the kingdoms. As he neared the gardens edge he saw a group of flowers in five different colours. He noticed that they were red gerberas, orange tiger-lilies, green ivy and blue irises. In amongst all the different colours was a mixture of white carnations. And on closer inspection he noticed that they were outlined in a soft pink.

As he continued on further he realized that he had unwittingly entered a maze. As he tried to find his way back he found that he had no idea which way he had come from and so had continued to search for an exit. He finally found an opening but upon walking through realized it was the center of the garden. And on the edge of the fountain sat a young woman.

Raye sat in the garden dangling her feet in the fountain. She was lost in deep thought and never heard the intrusion behind her.

" Excuse me miss but I seem to be lost. Could you please tell me how I might be able to find my way out?" the stranger asked.

" Do I look like a servant? Find it yourself," she answered without looking at the young man. He was taken aback by her abrupt attitude.

" Sorry miss, I didn't mean to offend you," he apologized.

Raye turned around to face the intruder. Before her stood a very handsome young man. He was fairly tall with short blonde hair and mesmerizing blue eyes, his face held a boyish charm. He smiled sheepishly at her as she stood in front of him.

" I am prince Jadeite of the east kingdom" he introduced himself as he bowed low.

" I am princess Rayena of the north kingdom, but please just call me Raye" she said as she curtsied.

" I really am sorry if I offended you before princess, it wasn't my intention at all."

" Are you here for the ball?" she asked. He nodded.

" But why are you here so early? It isn't for another week."

" Well my mother wished to see the queen before all the other guests arrived," he replied smiling. She smiled.

" Oh ok. May I ask how you became lost?" she asked as she began placing her shoes on her feet.

" Well you see I was looking around the castle grounds as they are so very different from our own. I didn't realize that this garden was a maze and before I knew it I was lost," he answered her as he offered his hand to help her up. She took it and smiled.

" These gardens are my younger sister's. She loves these flowers and she comes here almost everyday. If ever you can't find her you need only come here and this is where she'll be," Raye said smiling as she thought of her sibling.

" Anyway follow me and I'll lead you out."

The two walked on in silence as Raye lead Jadeite out of the maze. Jadeite watched Raye as he followed her. She had long black her that sat around thigh length. Her eyes were dark also and they appeared to be purple but he couldn't quite remember. He noted how different she was from her mother.

" Well here we are," Raye said as she interrupted his thoughts. Jadeite bowed before he took Raye's hand and placed a kiss upon it.

" Thank you princess. It was a pleasure to meet you, I hope our paths may cross again soon," he said smiling at her. She blushed as she withdrew her hand.

" I hope so to," she replied smiling as he began walking away.

" The pleasure's all mine," she whispered to herself as she began walking in the opposite direction.

She went in search of Serena. She was dying to share the news of her meeting with this handsome young prince. Raye needn't have looked far as Serena was in the library, as she always was.

" Oh Sere guess what? I just met the most handsome prince in the garden just now, she said excitedly as she hurried towards her sister and sat across from her. Serena smiled.

" What was he like?" she asked softly, looking up from her book.

" He was tall, had short blonde hair, gorgeous blue eyes and he was so charming," Raye gushed dreamily. Serena smiled.

" Why I think my dear sister may be falling in love," Serena joked as she watched her sisters face.

" But I don't even know him," Raye stated seriously.

" That may be true, but remember what Mina always says about finding true love. You may not know him in your mind but he is always in your heart," Serena said as she looked out the window but carried on.

" Just because you do not know him does not mean you cannot love him Raye."

Raye looked over at her sister. Serena had always had a heart of gold, always willing to see the good in everyone and everything. Raye on the other hand had always questioned everything and everyone. Serena seemed to have knowledge beyond her 16 years.

" But how will I know if he feels the same way?" Raye asked. Serena turned and looked at her shrugging her shoulders.

" I'm sorry Raye, but I cannot help you as I have never been in that position before."

&&&&

Well that's chapter 2 done! I hope you guys liked it! I know I haven't done much with the generals but I promise I will get to them in the next chapter…

Anywayz please review and let me know what you think… even criticisms are welcome as they are helpful…

Cheers angel.