***Disclaimer:: I do no own Sailor Moon, nor accept any profit for this piece. All rights go to the rightful owner, Naolo Takeuchi.***

Chapter 2: Princess

It was the sound of an incessant ticking that seemed to bring her out of her deep slumber. What… What had happened? She could remember being in the Crystal Sanctuary and then - nothing. Tilting her head slightly her eyes fluttered open slowly, trying to take in her surroundings. Her body felt heavy and weak, everything disoriented or obscured by the haze she found herself in. Laying quietly the faint aroma of peppermint suddenly filled her senses and she instantly knew her current location. Her father was notorious for drinking peppermint tea in his study while he had some time to himself.

"Small Lady? Are you awake now?" Glancing up she caught sight of her mother sitting to her right, a look of concern gracing her soft, elegant features. "I'm relieved to see you up," the Queen sighed in relief, taking her daughter's hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Confused," the Princess said trying to lift herself off the bench.

"Small Lady, please don't force yourself," her mother urged placing her arm around her daughter gently. "You should rest; you've exhausted a lot of energy today."

"It's alright Mama, I'm fine," the Princess said forcing herself into a seated position. Her Father was nowhere in sight which meant that he was probably preparing himself for court. "Mama, how did I get here?"

"You collapsed in the sanctuary today," her mother spoke slowly. "Helios found you and brought you to us himself."

The mention of his name made her heart skip a beat; the white priest with bright golden eyes… "Helios did?" she asked softly, eyes darting to the double doors where he would have made his exit. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried to calm her racing heart. Helios had brought her here… He had carried her here in his arms…. "H-How very odd he didn't call the guard in his place."

"I think Helios acted quite appropriately in this situation Small Lady ," the Queen smiled. She had noted the pitch change in her daughter's voice at the mention of the white priest and it surprised her little. She knew her daughter had, had an infatuation with him when she was younger. On occasion, when she would return from her training in the past, she would always talk about the gallant knight who rode a white Pegasus through the sky. The knight who silently protected the Elysion fields and the Prince of the Earth. The Queen had listened to her daughter's stories and adventures, and could see in her daughter's eyes the beginnings of something she knew all too well; love. However, since the Princess had been so young then, and she knew any affection for the Priest would be inappropriate as he was so much older than her at that point in time, she kept Small Lady from him while she trained. Of course she knew Helios would have never done anything to go against the family, but she was also a mother; plain and simple. Lady Princess Serenity was well over 900 years old, but she was still very much a child. So regretfully, the Queen had kept the two apart to give her daughter focus and clarity in all her training; soldier and princess alike. It had broken her heart to do so, and she had felt guilty for keeping them from one another. She could see the longing glances between the two, the soft smiles, and restrained tension through the years. However, as the Princess grew, so did her understanding about many things, including her duties to her family, her people, and her kingdom. The once hidden smiles and longing glances seemed to fade over time, and now they went about their lives as though they had never met. However, deep down, the Queen knew that flame had not gone out; the way they spoke about one another was evidence enough of this. The softening of one another's names, the gentle touch of affection rolling off their tongues; the Queen could see it plain as day. Yet, with her training done, both Priest and Princess were still distant and silent and this troubled her.

"Perhaps," Small Lady sighed, breaking the queen from her thoughts. She eyed the floor for a while, allowing her heart to calm. Knowing he had held her in his arms, his embrace – What could have been going through his mind? What must he think of her? Letting out a breath she didn't realize she was holding she turned to her mother and smiled softly. "Perhaps I did overdue it in the sanctuary. I apologize for worrying you and Papa today."

"My darling, we are just glad you are okay," the Queen assured her daughter, before a look of concern crossed her delicate features. "Small Lady, is everything okay with you? Is there anything you would like to talk about? You know you can always come to us if you need anything."

She smiled hearing that sweet loving tone of her mother's. "I'm well Mama. I've just had a lot on my mind, that's all," she assured her mother. "Perhaps I've exhausted myself more than I thought." She didn't like to think she was making her parents worry over her. They had the kingdom to worry after, they didn't need to add her to the mix. Taking her mother's hand in her own, she squeezed it lightly trying to convince her mother who still seemed concerned. "I promise, Mama; I'm okay. You and Papa needeth worry over me. It won't happen again; please trust me."

Queen Serenity sat silently observing her daughter. She wanted to press Small Lady farther, but she knew it would do no good. If there was anything she had learned over the last 900 years, it was that her daughter was like her through and through; stubbornness and all. If there was something going on, she would work it out on her own. And as much as she wanted to do something, she knew Small Lady would do everything in her power to keep her parents from worrying. Her husband's words rang in her head… "Small Lady does not do anything without a purpose behind it; we have learned this from her previous actions." He trusted their daughter so she knew she should too. Sighing she, squeezed her daughters hand back, easing the Princess's mind. "I trust you, darling."

Leaning up, she gently kissed her mother on the cheek, before slowly rising from her seat. It took her a moment to steady herself, her full strength having not yet returned. "If it's okay Mama, would it be okay if I retire to my bedchambers?"

"Of course my dear," her mother smiled. There was no point in asking any more of her daughter. If more needed to be said, it could be said after she had rested. "You must be exhausted. I will have the kitchen deliver you your dinner this evening. Please rest yourself for the day, and if there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to call on us."

Nodding in agreement, the Princess bowed lightly to her mother and then turned to the double doors, exiting her father's, and past the guards. Her whole body felt heavy and exhausted, but she kept her steady pace as she walked down the corridor in the direction of her suite. Her mind was racing…. She had tried to keep a calm and cool disposition before her mother, but she knew her emotions had given her away. Now her mind was full and jumbled and all she wanted to do, was to sit alone and sort through everything in peace. Brows knitting together she took a unexpected turn down another long narrow corridor, heels clicking lightly on the polished marble floors. Before long she came to a stop as she entered into the crystal courtyards; her father's pride and joy. Many hours had been spent here with her father, watching him tend and nurture the life before her. She loved to come here, knowing the same tender care he shared with her, was all about her in this very place. Moving off the path she made her way through the rose bushes carefully as to avoid any thorns or thistles. She could feel herself relaxing slightly as the aroma filled her senses and calmed her spirit. Passing the roses, the Princess came to small bench situated right underneath a large cherry tree. Her father had placed this bench here for her since she loved to sit and watch as he worked. It was her favorite place in the courtyard, and her favorite place in the entire palace. It allowed her some time away, to think, and to escape her duties when she felt overwhelmed. Taking a seat, she leaned her back against the tree, sighing peacefully.

" Helios…" she whispered his name softly loving the way it rolled off her lips. Just saying his name sent her heart into a frenzy and made her stomach flutter. The beautiful white Priest who silently prayed over the earth. It had been years since she had spoken with him, laughed with him, touched him; and yet the last time stood out so clearly in her mind. He had held her tightly as she silently cried for him. He had informed her that he had to go back to Elysion, and that his time on the surface had come to an end. Their battle with Nehellienia was over, and now he had to return to his post once more. It had broken her heart knowing he would have to wait a thousand years before he would see her again. Yet, his time was in the here and in the now, while she belonged in a far distant future. It had been hard to say goodbye and to let him go, but she knew his duties came first, just as eventually hers would. He had held her hand until the very end as he vanished before her eyes, leaving her alone and empty. That day, she knew right then and there; she loved him. He had left a lasting impression on her heart and she knew one day she would belong to him. Just as her mother belonged body and soul to her father, thus she would to Helios. It had been hard to pass the time without calling on him. It was sorely tempting to want to grasp the small crystal bell he had given her, and summon him from deep within the earth. However, she knew that would be selfish, and she didn't want him to think differently of her. Instead, when she missed him, she would pray for him, asking God to keep him safe till she returned to the future.

Crossing her arms, she let her fingers run up and down the length of her shoulders. She imagined his strong and steady hands holding her to him, and it sent a shiver through her being. How she missed him… If she could only just see him… Closing her eyes, she let out a deep breath, wishing for nothing more than to be once again within his arms.

"Serenity…"

It was soft, like a whisper, and she almost missed it. However, she knew she had heard her name on the wind. Eyes opening slowly, she turned her head, scanning the area about her. Standing, she moved to her tiptoes, glancing about the garden trying to catch a glimpse of anyone walking about the gardens. Grasping the bottom of her dress, to keep it from dragging behind her, she slowly walked through the garden. It hadn't been her name that had moved her from her perch, but rather the sound of it that carried to her ears. It was soft, subtle, and filled with something she knew very well; wanting. Passing the rose bushes, she made sure to steer clear of the thorns. Slowly, she walked down the path, watching for any signs of someone within the premises. Passing the willow trees, she began to wonder if maybe, just maybe she had let her imagination run wild for a brief moment. Perhaps her longing to see her white priest had made her hear things? Coming to a large grassy area, she stopped short, her breath hitched within her chest. There, below a large cherry tree, sleeping soundly, was her priest. She didn't move, fearful that even one movement would spoil this very moment. He looked so peaceful and carefree; like a sleeping child. Chancing it, she felt her heart and her feet pull her forward, moving past the lilac bushes that filled the area with a sweet intoxicating scent. Quietly, Small Lady moved to his side, her heart racing in her chest. She was almost certain that he would wake up from the loud and erratic thumping it was making. Lowering herself down to the earth, she sat quietly beside him, never once taking her eyes from his beautiful face.

"Helios…" His name came softly, spilling from her lips without her permission. Helios had been the one to say her name. Was he dreaming? She didn't know. He laid unmoving however, and she was thankful. Right now, all she wanted was to sit her in his presence. It had been a long time since she was this close to him. He had changed much since the first time she had met him in the past. He was much taller now, lean and built. Without his jacket, you could see the sculpted muscles hidden from sight most of the time. He had grown much since her parents had brought Elysion to the surface. His once short, fluffy white hair, now cascaded down his lower back giving him a serene and angelic appearance. His face once boyish had now filled out, giving him the distinguished look her father had. He wasn't that young boy anymore, but a young man, and he was absolutely perfect in every way. Raising a hand, she gently moved it to his face, letting her fingertips dance over the contours of his lips, nose, eyes and forehead. She missed him… Being this close and yet so far away was absolute agony. She had wanted to go to him many of times, but she wasn't sure he still felt the same way about her. After spending so much time apart due to all her training, she wasn't sure she had any right to keep that claim on his heart. She had hoped he would come to her, would make a move, but when he never came, she began to believe that maybe he had put their childish feelings to rest.

Yet, she couldn't make herself forget the way he made her feel. The touch of his hand, the taste of his lips… Even if he no longer wanted her, she knew she would always be his. She could travel to the beginning of time and the farthest reaches of the future, and yet she knew there was no one else that could stir her heart as he did. It was this very thought that had started her frequent visits to the crystal sanctuary. Each and every day she came to pray and hopefully catch a glimpse of the handsome priest who dwelled within its sacred walls. And each day, her prayer was always the same; that God would find a way to bring them together again.

For two years she had prayed this silent prayer, and for two years she held her resolve and faith that God would bring him back to her. However, as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks to months, and the months to years…. She felt her resolve begin to slip. She knew with every fiber in her being that she wanted none other than him. Her heart burned to be with him, but nothing seemed to change. Why were God's plans so difficult? Was this a cruel test to test the strength of her heart? After two years, she just didn't know anymore. She had preserved through many hardships, and great battles, but nothing could match what she was facing now. Slowly, she began to accept that perhaps his heart was no longer hers. That no matter how much she loved and wanted him he would never feel the same way as she did. And as the days passed, she felt her prayers become more urgent, and desperate; her hope beginning to dwindle. Until today, she had finally decided that today would be her last day visiting the sanctuary. She didn't want to, but after two years, she knew it was time to say good-bye. She had always imagined a future with Helios, but it seemed that God's plans were different than the ones she had. She couldn't force what wasn't meant to be. So as she said her final prayer she poured her heart, soul, and entire being into it, hoping that her feelings just might reach him one last time.

Breaking from her thoughts, she felt tears begin to fall down her cheeks. Using the back of her hand, she whipped them away, but still they continued to fall. He had still said her name… Even if it was dream, he had said it. Just the thought of her name spilling from his lips made her heart swell and feel as though it was going to burst! In all her life she had never wanted anything more than she wanted him. Even if she couldn't have him, she knew that in this one moment, she wouldn't be able to look back and regret anything and everything she felt. Even if this one moment was all she had left with him, she would have lived it with all her feelings strong and true. Leaning down till her face was just above his, she pressed her lips softly to his temple, allowing herself just a brief moment of bliss. The moment her lips touched his temple, she felt her heart overflow with emotion and she couldn't stop the fresh tears that began to fall. In this one moment, even if short, he would always be hers. Pulling away slowly, she took in a deep breath trying to will the tears to stop.

"Helios, I…." She stopped short as his breathing sped up and he began to move. Gasping softly, she tried to move to her feet, tripping ungracefully over his jacket that laid to his side. Glancing down at her dress and the front of his jacket, she realized they were both now covered in dirt. Frantic not to be seen in such a manner, she grabbed his now dirty coat, and moved quickly behind the cherry tree so not to be caught. Glancing down at the coat in her hands, she realized her would be missing it. She would be in so much trouble! Taking in a deep breath she tried to remain as quiet as possible. Turning to watch but remaining out of sight, she saw him wake and slowly sit up, his hand moving to his temple. He didn't say anything, but she noted to confused look on his face. She watched him put his shoes back on, and turn for his jacket which was now clutched firmly in her hands. He stood, glancing about his surroundings for the missing article. She knew he was puzzled, but she couldn't reveal herself now in such a state. What would he think of her? After a few moments he seemed to give up on the jacket but made his way towards the cherry tree she hid behind. She held her breath convinced he knew she was there, waiting for him to scold her for not acting like a lady. However, he never came. She listened, hearing him thank the earth for allowing him some quiet time to think and rest. She felt that all too familiar tug at her heart listening to his small endearments; He truly was such a kind and pure soul. After Helios finished he took one more glance about the area for his jacket and proceeded back down the path in the direction of the sanctuary.

When he was out of view, she moved from behind the cherry tree to the spot he had been laying. She knew she probably was a spectacle to be seen, but she didn't care. Holding his jacket close to her chest she smiled sadly. Even after everything, he would still always be the one for her. She could never stamp out what her heart felt was right and perfect. In that one moment with him, she knew no matter what, she had been born to adore and love him for the rest of her life; this life and the next. Even if she couldn't have his heart, he would always have hers. Even if it meant loving him from far away, she knew her heart had already chosen. Turning down the path, jacket still clutched in her hands, she made her way back to her suite looking for refuge and solitude.

Author Note: I do apologize for the extreme delay in Chapter 2 of Silent Prayers. I will be completely honest and say I actually DID fry my computer at home. So these chapters are coming from my computer at work very, VERY slowly. Hahaha. Please let me know what you think of Chapter 2, and as always, thanks for reading!