Author's Notes:

Not too much to say other than that this is the slightly revised version. If it were up to me and if I weren't lazy… I'd have rewritten the whole thing. Haha.. But I just made slight corrections, that's all. Aaaaaanyway, though the characters seem a little too proper right now, they'll loosen up once you get to know them. Bear with me and you'll enjoy. Review please. :D Muah!

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My Lady Queen

Chapter Two – The Secret

Author: Moon Sparkle

Contact: Sparklecutey (AIM)

Rated: Teen-Adult

Revised (Slightly)

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The morning sun stretched its bright light into the world of the Lunar kingdom early. The air was humid and smelled of sweet late spring, and the trees danced with the wind, their budding flowers turning young heads toward the sunrays. Birds sang delightfully, their colorful feathers ruffling in the breeze and their small beady eyes scanning the brightening sky.

A gentle streak of wind made its way through the large window of Serenity's bedchamber. The princess' canary chirped loudly in its golden cage, and Serenity awoke slowly, the bird's wild song ringing in her ears.

Her cerulean eyes opened and she smiled as she stretched and rose from her bed. Aside from the canary's chirping, the castle was quiet. The palace inhabitants, save the sentries and probably the cooks, were still asleep. Serenity grinned.

She felt awake and content, but most of all, she felt nervous. Her brother, Prince Kunzite, was on his way back to Luna. He was visiting his home after six years of being away at Crystal Terra, the High court. And he would be arriving today.

Three weeks had passed since the night of the feast in Endymion's honor, and news and rumors about the High King flew throughout the kingdoms at the speed of light. Serenity's disgruntlement toward Endymion had somewhat faded, but she was not "dazzled by the sun," as her nurse put it, like the ladies of the palace.

Instead, the respect that soldiers felt for Endymion had become present in her heart. She had been wrong to disprove of his ability to rule, for he had pushed the Glauders back behind their own borders, and the Ferral realm had been at peace for almost a month. Endymion led his troops to triumph consistently, with great losses on the Glauders' side, and few on his own. He was a young King, not far past his twentieth birthday, but his military prowess earned him the respect of older, more seasoned soldiers. His late father's captains deferred to his opinions, for there was no charm luckier than victory, and Endymion Torregon did not seem able to lose. Everywhere they engaged in combat, Endymion's Ferrals fought bravely, from king to foot soldier, from the very brave to the very hesitant. They overcame all unfavorable odds, knowing the High King would come to their aid with his invincible sword and his companion force of trained warriors. Praises for the High King's Companions, Kunzite included, were bountiful. Accounts of the Companions' courage, dexterity, and honor, their fierce destriers and deadly swords, spilled from every man's lips, spread like wildfire through the Ferral realm.

As soon as the young High King had taken the throne, he demanded that every matter be brought to his attention, from peasant disputes to reforming the major cities of the Ferral realm. His fairness and directness were so well known, that 'Endymion's justice' had become a by-word through the kingdoms. Glauders feared him, Ferrals loved him; he was the ideal High King, the quintessence of perfect kingship.

And thus, every qualified lady of the realm wished to be his wife. The news of the imperative 'wife hunt' spread rapidly throughout the Ferral kingdoms, and every lord carried instructions from his wife to present the most eligible lady of his house. Performers were hired to highlight the splendor of proposed maids; family ancestries were hunted down, studied painstakingly, as lesser lords strove to boost their daughters' social status. Negotiations were made, and old family friendships were ruined by rivalry.

The only two people in the Kingdom who stood aloof from this agitation were, ironically, Endymion and Serenity herself.

With a frown, Serenity remembered Guston's anger when the Queen informed him that his own daughter was not going to be among the contestants. As her mother had predicted, Guston almost forced Serenity into the terrible frenzy. But after hours of talk and passionate arguments, the Queen at last convinced Guston that there would be other opportunities. Angry about his own defeat, Guston had sworn that the next decent nobleman, prince, or king who would ask for Serenity's hand would be granted his wish.

Serenity decided to push the unpleasant thoughts out of her mind and concentrate on the beauty of the day instead. It was a splendid morning.

"Laista!" she called softly.

A moment later, Serenity's middle-aged nurse arrived, grumbling moodily about the time. She was a sweet, lazy soul whom Serenity had grown to love deeply, and now she grinned at the old woman mischievously.

"My lady, it is extremely early," Laista complained gently. "Why, the sun has just begun to shine!"

Serenity sat upon the long stool positioned next to her bed, allowing Laista to brush her silver-gold hair easily.

"The sun shines constantly Laista, it never stops," Serenity teased. "What a glorious day! I want my riding clothes, and a cloak."

The nurse gasped.

"But, my lady! Sir Kunzite is coming home today! You must be present when he arrives," Laista pointed out, her eyes wide and her grip on the princess' hair tight.

"Laista! You are hurting me." Serenity grinned. "Worry not. I shall return before he arrives. Oh! I cannot wait to see him! Six years have passed…" her sentence trailed off and Laista scoffed under her breath.

"If he had not left, Serenity, you would surely never have learned manners and protocol. You were worse than any boy when you rode with your brother. Such a wild girl I have never seen! And the most appalling thought is that you still possess most of those qualities." Serenity giggled at her nurse's words and she squirmed impatiently on the stool, eager to leave.

"Don't be so slow, Laista. Hurry, Eala is waiting!"

---

The morning was chilly but pleasant. It was slightly past dawn, and the dew had already begun to evaporate from the rich grass. Ignoring Laista's constant scolding and worried glances, Serenity, dressed in leather leggings, a tunic, and a cloak, was now making her way to the stables. As she passed the Rear Gates, she saw Captain Gerron drilling the new group of young soldiers. She quickened her step, not wanting to be seen.

The stables were large, half of which were newly built. Having become one of King Endymion's most dear and loyal companions, Kunzite had sent his father thirty-five new horses, all of the finest breed. Their speed was neck-breaking and their agility incredible. But Kunzite did not forget about his younger sister, the little fey creature whose greatest passion was to ride and hawk; two years before, he had sent Serenity a beautiful snow-white mare, which Serenity named Eala.

The smell of hay and clean horse floated to the princess' nostrils as she reached the stables. She accelerated her step and entered the wooden structure quietly, surreptitiously. Her eyes scanned her surroundings quickly and she frowned when she did not see Degos, the stable boy and childhood friend whose patience and skill with horses almost equaled her own.

Serenity decided that he was not there and soon gave up looking for him. She started walking past the horse stalls, toward the back of the stables, for she could hear Eala's nicker of recognition.

"Good morning, my beauty," Serenity whispered.

Eala neighed a soft welcome as Serenity entered her stall. Serenity grinned and kissed the wet muzzle lightly, light blue eyes immediately doing a quick inspection of the mare's condition. Satisfied to see that the white hide was glistening and that the belly was full, Serenity began the habitual brushing of the day and giggled as Eala leaned lightly against her in grateful pleasure.

Suddenly, movement and low voices caught her notice. Serenity almost moved to make her presence known, but froze as she heard her name being mentioned. She lowered herself and sat on the hay-covered floor by Eala's legs, still clutching the handle of the brush tightly, knuckles going white.

"You know, my lad, the princess has refused to be presented to the High King," said a rough voice. Serenity did not recognize it, but she knew immediately that it was that of a soldier, for the man's tone had been careless and slightly arrogant.

"Aye, she has told me so herself." The reply came from none other than Degos himself. Serenity recognized his young voice immediately, for he was a dear and cherished friend.

The soldier laughed.

"Perhaps she is saving her pretty little hand for you, Degos? King Guston would never approve, my lad. The witch's prophecy promised more for her than a stable boy. I, myself, would not mind her company. But I dare not ask. Bring the old boy in here…" Their voices became indistinct as the men went together into a horse's stall.

Serenity blushed furiously and decided to slip out as soon as possible, but she caught the High King's name again. Quickly, she crouched in the corner of the box and kept as still as she could. The soldier came out and lounged nearby in the aisle, speaking with the voice of one who enjoys delivering sour news.

"There is no reason for the High King to conduct this wild hunt, you know," the soldier said slowly. "The King has already begotten a son – some six years ago at Tur Gaer, Lord Tragoth's fortress."

Serenity shook her head slowly. That was no mystery; Endymion could have had ten sons, and nobody would have dared question him about them, nor care.

Degos seemed to have been thinking the same thing

"But Luptes," the stable boy said, "he is a King, and the High King no less. He can afford to have four hundred sons! All the kingdoms know of his eagerness with the ladies. But he needs a legitimate son, one of a woman with rank. This bastard was conceived after a battle victory, is naught but a fruit of young passion." Serenity thought Degos was right, would have gladly backed him up in his argument. The soldier chuckled.

"Ah, my lad, but you do not know! Do you remember that great victory Gladius won over the Martians at Tur Gaer, that barren territory in the eastern part of Terra? It was Endymion's first battle, and his father had trusted him so much that he gave him the vanguard to command!" A short silence followed as the soldier allowed Degos to understand the full meaning of his words. Serenity found herself reluctantly impressed, knowing that the vanguard was often the most important part of an army. Despite being a lady, Serenity had always been interested in her brother's early battle training, and she'd often joined him during his warfare lessons instead of going to her own stitching ones. Now she remembered that the vanguard was the forefront of the army's movements and was the first to engage in battle. Gladius Torregon must have been slightly mad, for it was unimaginable for a green lad of fourteen to lead the van into battle!

"As you know," the soldier continued, "the Ferrals scored a glorious victory that night, and it was in no small part due to the young prince's sturdy command. What a man!" the soldier exclaimed, and Serenity recognized the respect in Luptes' voice, knew it to be the same she had heard in Roson's. "But there was more to that night than the battle, lad. I shall tell you, but you must never repeat it to anyone."

Degos muttered a hasty agreement and Serenity inhaled deeply, foreboding beginning gather in her belly.

"You've never heard the gossip, for you are not a soldier and do not live in the barracks. But, men talked about them after the battle. In fact, the whole camp was infected by hearsay that night."

"About whom, Luptes?"

"Beryl and Prince Endymion. They say that before she was married to that whoreson Lord Tragoth, she seduced our young prince, took him to her bed, though it was the first time she'd met him. She was his first woman! Weeks after, she was already with Endymion's child, but she married Tragoth nonetheless."

"Does King Endymion know?" Degos voice was barely above a whisper.

"Yes, lad, he does. He ordered Beryl to protect his son as long as she lives. But you know, Degos, that is no easy task!" Luptes was enjoying himself. "When Tragoth returned home eight months later, his wife was slim and healthy, but there was no baby. He was told a thin tale of an early birthing. Soon after, a few hundred soldiers invaded the city and killed every newborn baby boy in Gaer. Every corner of the city was searched – every house, every manor. Infants were pulled from their mother's breasts, from their cradles. They were all thrown into a boat and released to the unmerciful Great Lake." Luptes paused again, and Serenity shuddered violently, unable to believe her ears. "It's said that the cries of those babies echoed on the beaches for hours after, until, eventually, they died out. None survived. The little bodies all came in on the tide several days after."

Serenity gasped and swallowed hard, her heart beating painfully against her breast.

"Luptes, are you implying," Degos' voice was shaking. "Are you implying they were Endymion's troops?"

"Who knows?" Luptes drawled. "They did not have a banner, nor did they wear badges. But it makes sense why the High King, then a prince, would want to slay the child, Degos. How dangerous to his future that could be - a bastard son raised by the Witch of Tur Gaer!"

"No, not our Endymion," Degos whispered. "He was just a boy! There was and still is no evil in him." The stable boy was vehement, and a bitter smile touched Serenity's lips. Now she was glad that Endymion had subjects so devoted to him, subjects to defend him. "I remember about her," Degos said suddenly. "Beryl is a witch! I blame the bitch herself for the massacre!"

"Aye," Luptes replied. "And a powerful witch too, my lad. But sorceress or no, she is a woman above all else, Degos. She could not have murdered those infants."

"No? She could have, in order to protect Endymion's son. Bastards have taken crowns in the past, and from the sounds of it, Beryl is for all the world a power-hungry wench. If she'd hidden the baby, as you said, she could have ordered the slaying of Gaer's male babies and kept her own son safe. That would have abated Tragoth's anger and stopped the gossip."

"Hmmm. Perhaps, if you think a woman able of such a slaughter. I don't know, lad," Luptes said quietly. "But, it was an atrocious act, indeed, and somebody must take the blame for it sooner or later!"

"I pray to Selene the blame does not settle on our King Endymion!"

A short silence followed as the heavy-footed soldier began making his way to the doors of the stable.

"Yes," Serenity heard him say finally. "But even if Endymion does not take the blame, he will certainly pay for it somehow. How would you like a sly fox like Lord Tragoth slaughtering all of his own city's male babies just to kill your son? Leave you with a bitter feeling, wouldn't it? Leave you feeling a little tainted?"

Serenity shrieked, but her cry went unheard, for she covered her mouth and the two men had already left the stables. She stood up from her spot and found herself trembling uncontrollably. She felt bile gather in her throat, and she coiled her arms about Eala's neck tightly. She buried her face in the horse's mane to hide her tears.

She knew, even as she listened to Luptes tell the story, that there'd been more to it than he let on, or perhaps than he knew. And as he'd said the word "tainted," Serenity suddenly knew.

Shuddering, she allowed herself to remember. Beryl was Gladius Torregon's daughter by his first wife, Metallia. When Metallia had been caught dishonoring Gladius by committing adultery, Gladius had sent her, along with their four-year-old daughter Beryl, to a small fortress in the Terran Realm. Metallia died soon after teaching Beryl the dark arts.

So Beryl was Gladius' daughter, and thus Endymion's half sister.

Serenity found herself shaking horribly. There did not seem to be a smooth way out of the dilemma. Even if Endymion had sinned in innocence, he was guilty of incest, or perhaps of murder, and perhaps of both. The Ferrals' new King, the taintless, honorable new King, would forever carry the blight of Beryl's seduction, the bastard it produced, and the immediate consequences that followed.

The princess knew all too well, due to her strict religious seminars, that incest was one of the most dreadful and unpardonable sins of all in both, Selenisism and Christianity. The Terrans and Mercurians of the Ferral Realm respected Christianity, and were therefore faithful to God, the almighty creator, Giver of life and death. Lunarians, Venusians, and Jupitarians followed Selenisism; they were thus faithful to the Goddess Selene, Giver of life and prosperity, nature and love.

This son of incest was not only a stain upon Endymion's honor. He could also, once a full-grown man, pose a real threat to Endymion's crown. He was, after all, Torregon twice over.

Serenity straightened her shoulders and shakily wiped the tears off her soft cheeks. Could this mean Endymion's potential downfall? The boy was now five, if the soldier's information had been correct, and if persuaded by the witch Beryl, he could easily cause the High King to yield his power, for the sin would never be pardoned by the Christian Church. The princess decided, resolutely, that the horrible things she had just overheard would never escape her lips. She was not going to help drown the King in this dark and ghastly flood of transgression.

She felt the need to ride. Desperately. It was the only way that her mind would clear of the appalling thoughts.

"My lady?"

The princess jumped as she heard the deep voice, and she turned around, finding herself suddenly face to face with Degos.

"Oh, good morning Degos!" she greeted, finding her voice at last and offering him a dazzling smile.

Degos grinned back, and Serenity gazed at him with unconscious appraisal. He was tall, but not extremely so, and somewhat slender. His complexion was light, contrasting with his dark chocolate eyes and jet-black hair, and he was attired in doeskin leggings and a dark blue tunic. His characteristically cheerful face was damp with fresh water, as was his midnight hair, and Serenity guessed that he had just treated himself to a chilly, morning wash.

Although slightly startled by the uneasy look in Serenity's eyes, Degos' features were warm and comforting. Fleetingly, the princess wondered if the stable boy knew who Beryl actually was, and she decided, with some relief, that he did not. She pushed the thought away. But Degos knew her well, had immediately recognized the shadow of concern in her great blue eyes.

"My lady," he began softly, "what is amiss…?" His brown eyes were glowing warmly in the mild light of dawn, and Serenity suddenly felt a surge of affection towards him. She giggled.

"Why, Degos, naught is amiss. Perhaps you find it strange to see me here at first light?" She grinned at his blank expression. Then, her light blue eyes twinkling, she reached out and ruffled his wet hair playfully. "I thought not. Now, I plan on riding until noon. Please, help me prepare Eala."

Degos stared at her. Like her nurse Laista, he was well aware that Serenity should have been in the castle, preparing for Prince Kunzite's long-awaited arrival like the rest of the courtiers. The stable boy was thus hesitant at first, and Serenity did not doubt that he was still curious about her former uneasy countenance. But he had no choice; he was obliged to obey, for she was King Guston's daughter.

Serenity and Degos led Eala out of the stall, and they exchanged friendly conversation as they finished brushing the animal's glossy hide together. It did not take long for the conversation to turn into a heated argument, however, for Serenity was soon angry and in protest. She wanted to ride Eala bareback, for she knew that the mare hated the saddle as much as she did. But Degos adamantly refused. He was sorry, he said apologetically, but he could not allow her to ride bareback on such an important day; if the King were to find out, Degos pointed out gently, he'd lose his privileged post as royal stable boy at once.

Seeing the sense in his reasoning, Serenity grudgingly agreed to saddle Eala. She was about to climb into the saddle when she glanced at Degos. He seemed uncomfortable as he gazed back at her, and he opened his mouth to speak, but was clearly having difficulty in telling the princess what he meant to. She smiled at him, blue eyes ablaze with the heat of the recent argument.

"Serenity." The princess was at once alert, for her friend never used her full name, except when he wished to be formal, or had some grave news to tell her. She waited edgily, her pretty chin lifting as she braced herself. "Serenity, when my lord Sir Kunzite will return to Crystal Terra in a fortnight, I shall be going with him - for good." Although the words were spoken slowly and lucidly, it took a few seconds for Serenity's usually quick mind to register them. Degos? Leave? No, she would forbid it!

Her balmy lips parted to protest, but Serenity immediately stopped herself. She would never forgive herself for ruining such an excellent opportunity that had been laid, so suddenly, before Degos. Imagine! To train and love horses that would serve as deadly weapons when ridden by the King's Companions; to join in victory feasts and look back upon what he had done to help win the most gruesome of battles; this ability to make a difference, to put forth effort into shaping Endymion's Realm – this ability was power, power that was beyond anything Degos had ever hoped, ever dreamed!

Serenity gazed at him with concealed envy. How she longed to make a difference, like Degos would! Instead, she will be forced to lounge absentmindedly in the women's quarters, to bear sons and stitch to eternity!

The old resentment against the sexist injustices of her world began to build up inside of her again and burn her eyes with fresh hot tears. But Serenity refused to cry. She swallowed hard and bit her lip lightly, bit the tears away.

"This is wonderful news indeed, Degos," she said quietly, making a great effort to keep her voice steady, and surprised herself with her success. "Your skill will help win battles and win you respect. You have my blessings."

Degos flushed brightly and gazed at her with such pride in his eyes, that Serenity was sure she had said the right thing. He kneeled before her and bowed his head, taking her hand and placing a soft kiss on her fingers, too tenderly to be judged as etiquette. The princess started to raise him impatiently, but he remained unmoved, bringing her hand to his cheek softly.

"Your blessings are all I need, my lady," he breathed as Serenity watched him intently, astounded at his temerity and affection toward her. She swiftly and nervously scanned her surroundings for any person with speech or hearing, for anyone who would later delight in exaggerating a "truth" about the stable boy and the Princess Serenity. Relieved, she found that they were alone.

"Degos, please rise," she said quietly, shivering slightly as a cool morning breeze breathed up her spine. But Degos did not. Instead, he kissed her fingers again and lifted his eyes to her quietly.

"I am well aware of my position in society, Serenity," he said gravely. "But I cannot help but love something I shall never have. From the bottom of my heart I envy the man whose wife you will become, whose bed you will share, and whose heart you will make forever happy. I shall marry, and my wife will bear my children, and they will have my love, as will she. But you, my dearest lady, will be forever in my heart, and on my mind. You will always have me."

Serenity felt heat rise to her cheeks, and knew that the morning sun brightened her blush even more. She took in a deep breath.

"You have my thanks and my friendship," she replied carefully. "Your absence will be felt greatly by the court and the horses alike, Degos. Rise."

Degos came to his feet and smiled, straightening his shoulders.

"Unless it is the King or Queen who asks of my whereabouts, tell no one," Serenity instructed. "The recent preparations and agitation for my brother's homecoming have exhausted me, and I wish to be alone."

Serenity caught the young man's worried glance and she shook her head, offered him another warm smile. She swiftly and with grace mounted the saddled mare.

"Worry not, dear Degos, I shall return safely and in time."

---

The only sound that resounded in the waking forest was the gleeful chirping of blue jays and the dancing rustle of spring plants. Serenity smiled, leaning her head back, allowing the sunrays to caress her face as Eala pawed the ground beneath her and nickered gently, eager for her promised gallop in the valley. The spring day was young, and the sky was completely clear, an infinite sea of various shades of blue. Tall, ancient trees of the forest marked a floating horizon, and it occurred to Serenity, not for the first time, that this panoramic view of Luna was much like a painting, so perfect it was.

She began to sing, happy to be away from court and its smothering activities.

"Don't you wish we could stay out here forever, Eala?" Serenity asked quietly, more to herself than to the mare, but hearing a soft neigh in reply nonetheless. She felt the horse tremble with excitement under her and paw the ground again.

"Very well," Serenity said with a grin, and with ease, gave the mare her head.

Feeling Eala take off immediately, Serenity's fingers dug into the thick mane and she lowered herself down to the animal's muscular neck. Laughing, Serenity delighted in the feeling of the wind stinging her eyes, of her long hair dancing behind her as the horse flew through the valley, as if on wings.

When they reached the shores of the Tryst River, they slowed to a comfortable trot on the cold sand. Shivering, Serenity felt the chilly wind bite her skin, despite the sun's brightness. She breathed in deeply, allowing the sweet air to enter her lungs and cleanse them. She held Eala's reins loosely as her thoughts traveled to her brother Kunzite.

What a childhood they had shared! They had been inseparable, always on horseback, and constantly disobeying their parents' wishes. They'd always escaped their nurses and their guards, galloping through fields and mingling with lowborn Lunarians. They often returned to the castle long after sunset, covered in mud and stained by grass, their hair a disheveled mass of silver and gold.

The princess had been very young then, and had wept bitterly when her brother was taken to Crystal Terra to be trained to become one of the High King's Companions. Soon after his departure, Serenity found herself trapped within the fortress walls, sitting with her mother's ladies and stitching until she was half dead with boredom. But today, he would be coming home, and this was a great comfort if Kunzite had not changed into a completely different person.

Eala's sudden panicked shriek jerked Serenity out of her distant thoughts and her fingers immediately tightened their grip on the reins as the horse reared. The princess remained mounted, but tense, and the pounding of her heart in her ears almost deafened her to everything else. With great effort, she managed to calm herself, concealing her own surprise from the mare so that the animal would not feel it and become even more distressed. As Serenity spoke to her gently, Eala relaxed slightly, though her hide was covered in cold sweat.

Narrowing her eyes, Serenity looked around carefully, and not seeing anything, deduced that whatever had frightened Eala had done so by its scent. She dismounted swiftly, reaching into the pouch at her hip and pulling out a soft, silky scarf, which she carefully placed over the mare's flaring nostrils. The animal relaxed and nickered quietly, easing Serenity's concern.

"Good girl," the princess murmured. She began to take slow, careful steps in the direction of the wood that edged the shore, her eyes warily examining her surroundings. What had scared Eala so? She had been trained not to fear vermin, and she had become comfortable with humans due to her gentle and good treatment. A wolf, perhaps? A bear?

Then suddenly, from behind the green shrubs that served as entrance gates to the forest, came a quiet rustling and a low groan. Eala immediately stepped back nervously, but Serenity pulled her reins gently and stepped forward cautiously. An animal, she thought, an animal near death, shot down by her father's hunting party and irretrievable, left in agony until death's sweet arrival.

Serenity leaned forward, delicate hands reaching out to push aside the growth of rich spring green that concealed the source of movement. The stench of blood filled her nostrils and Serenity nearly gagged. Her eyes widened at the sight before her.

"Good Goddess!" she exclaimed as she kneeled next to the man lying in the sand and grass. He was certainly unconscious, his neck and arm covered in blood, and his bottom lip torn. He was tall, Serenity could tell, and his hair was almost as light in color as her own, and, unlike her snow-white complexion, his skin was bronzed by the sun.

Her heart pounding, Serenity pressed her ear to his chest, listening for sign of life, and she sighed in relief when she heard a slow heartbeat. He was a warrior, she realized, for he was attired in a light armor, although he carried no weapon. His tunic was of fine cloth, but drenched in blood, concealing his badge. With trembling fingers, Serenity reached for his hand and gasped. He had no warmth in him; his hands were cold as ice.

Swiftly, she pulled the thick, warm cloak off her back and wrapped it around him, tucking it gently underneath his broad heavy shoulders. This done, she began to stand, but froze. His eyes had opened, and she found herself staring into an endless sea of mesmerizing gray.

"…Dear God," his bloody lips moved to whisper. But his little strength left him as suddenly as it had come, and he was plunged back into unconsciousness. Serenity mounted Eala and hesitated a moment, shivering as she felt the chilly breeze bite her skin. Then, her heart pounding, she looked down at the wounded man, put leg to her horse, and thundered back into a gallop to the castle.

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End Part 2.

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