"Did you sleep well dear?" Serenity asked. She and Luna were wandering
around the castle enjoying the heat and the light. It was very different
from the Moon, which always seemed to have a silvery light, while Mau had a
golden light from it's three suns which circled the sky.
"Yes." Luna lied. It was the first time she had ever lied to Serenity. In truth, she hadn't slept at all. But what was she supposed to say? She couldn't say that Artimis had kissed her.
Serenity could detect the lie. However, she could tell that Luna did not want to talk about it. She left the subject alone, and turned to what she thought to be a safe topic. "Are you glad to see Artimis again?"
Luna stopped in her tracks. "Why would I be glad to see him again?" She asked in a queer sort of voice, like she was afraid of the question almost.
"Luna! He is your prince. Shouldn't you be glad to see him?" Serenity's eyebrows knitted together. They always did that when she was concerned or confused.
"Oh, yes, of course I am. As his loyal subject I could not be happier." Luna began to walk again, very tense.
"But as a person, you are not so happy to see him." Serenity finished for her.
"Why would you say that you majesty?" Luna asked.
"It is what you said? Now, Artimis is such a dear, why do you despise him so?" Serenity asked. She had always thought that Artimis and Luna would be close friends, not enemies.
"An old childhood rivalry I am afraid." Artimis answered, coming into step next to Serenity.
Luna rolled her eyes at the sight of him and her eyes began to flicker towards him without her willing them to.
"Oh, dear, what happened to you lip?" Serenity asked, inspecting Artimis' lip where Luna had hit him the night before.
"Luna, actually. You see, last night we had a bit of a coming together." Was what Artimis started to say. All he actually got out was, "Luna, actually. You see, last night."
"I was walking late at night and it was dark out." Luna quickly interrupted, knowing that Artimis would say what had happened. How was he not ashamed of it? 'He is a stuck-up prince, that is how.' Luna thought to herself as she spoke. "Artimis saw me and came up. I mistook him for someone else and panicked. I am afraid I slapped him rather hard."
Serenity frowned. "Luna, you should not be so quick to think that everyone would want to harm you. Artimis, are you alright?"
"I shall live." Artimis responded.
"Please forgive me, your highness, I ment not you hurt you." Luna forced the words out with a fake smile. "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Perhaps in way of making it up, you would allow me to accompany you to the ball this night?" Artimis put on a devilish grin that made him simply irresistible.
'Why does he have to be so damn good looking?' Luna asked herself. "It would be my honor, m'lord." Luna responded coolly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have something I must attend to." Luna walked away without waiting for an answer.
Serenity frowned after Luna. She had just told Serenity that she had nothing she had to do today until the ball. Serenity sighed and turned back to Artimis.
"You must not judge her to quickly, Artimis. Please do not take offence. Get to know her first, please."
"Do not worry, I intend to." Artimis smiled. "I would not think of judging her before I got to know her."
"You are a good prince." Serenity smiled. "I do not know why she always disappears in your presence."
"When we were children we did not get along. There was rivalry between us, and we played quiet a few practical jokes on each other. It may have made some hard feelings toward me. In time I think she will forgive me as I have forgiven her." Artimis walked along with the kindly Queen.
"You are very wise." Serenity smiled as she saw Galaxia approaching.
"Excuse me a moment, won't you?" Serenity asked, and Artimis nodded. She rushed up to the Sailor Senshi and embraced her.
"Serenity! It has been to long." Galaxia returned the embrace. "How have you been sister?"
"As well as a queen can be." Serenity replied.
"Then the years have been kind to you." Galaxia said, fingering the silver hair upon her sister, so different from her own gold hair.
"And you? How have you held up keeping Chaos at bay?" Serenity was constantly worried about her sister, being so close to such evil.
"It has been a struggle, but I am glad that I have not had to leave to report attacks." Galaxia responded.
"Then the years have been kind to you as well." Serenity laughed. Both were older than an outwardly appearance would tell. Galaxia especially. She still looked as young as she had when she had first gone to hold Chaos at bay.
"Tell me, sister, how is it that you retain youth?" Serenity asked.
"In the place where Chaos is there is no such thing as time. I do not age." Galaxia smiled. "But how you have! Sister, you look even more beautiful with age!"
"You flatter me to much!" Serenity laughed.
"My Prince." Nyanko slid up next to Artimis, bowing low.
"Nyanko. Welcome home." Artimis said solemnly. "You have been missed by many of us."
"Are you included in that, m'lord?" Nyanko asked, rising up. She wore the same thing as she had when she arrived.
Artimis turned his face from her to Serenity and Galaxia, who were still chattering away very happily. "It is good to see family reunited, isn't it?"
Nyanko continued to stare at Artimis. "It is, m'lord."
"It is a shame that they must be kept so far apart for so long a time. Galaxia must grow lonely without a person to talk to, and I am sure Serenity is lonely without her sister." Artimis mused.
"I am sure." Nyanko agreed.
"It must be worrisome, having someone you love to dearly in constant danger." Artimis nodded to himself more than to anyone else.
"Yes, I am sure it is very worrisome for Queen Serenity." Nyanko purred.
"And what of you?" Artimis asked, turning to Nyanko. "It seems that you have flourished in Orion. Have you been happy?"
"As happy as I can be when I am away from you, m'lord." Nyanko curtsied quickly.
"And Tenus, has he been treating you well?" Artimis asked.
"Very well." Nyanko smiled Artimis' own grin.
"I am glad." Artimis looked once again at Serenity and Galaxia. He stayed quiet for a few moments. "Would you like to accompany me to the training green? I have been meaning to practice for some time now."
"I would be glad to, m'lord." Nyanko made it a point to put "m'lord" into every sentence she spoke to Artimis.
Artimis held out his arm to her and led her there. Once in the center of the lawn, he dropped his arm and picked up a sword. Signaling to a guard, he told him to pick up a sword as well. The two began to battle it out for the fair Nyanko to watch.
~*~
From her balcony Luna watched as Artimis led that horrible wretch called Nyanko into the center of the training lawn. Her eyes narrowed at Artimis began to battle with a guard. 'He is such a show-off!' She thought. 'Nyanko. I wish she weren't here. The thought of her makes me sick to my stomach.'
Luna turned around and walked to the door, throwing it open with so much force that she almost ripped it off it's hinges. She marched through the palace corridors and out onto the training lawn. Without being seen she picked up a sword and walked right in to the battle. The guard quickly moved aside to allow the Governess to fight, though he was a little startled that she could lift one of the heavy swords.
As it was, Luna found the swords were much heavier than the ones on the Moon, and she *was* having trouble lifting it. She did however, and matched right in to battle.
~*~
Artimis had to grin when he saw who it was that had challenged him. He started out slowly, watching her attacks to figure out her style. 'She isn't bad.' Artimis admitted to himself. Just another thing to add to the list of things that astounded him about Luna. Though there was much room for improvement, she was able to hold her own. Rather shakily and in a real battle there would be no question of the winner, but at least the tried.
Artimis struck, spinning the sword out of her hands and disarming her. He backed her up a few steps before she lost her footing and fell. She propped herself up on her shoulders, but was not able to get any further. Artimis' blade point was an inch away from her neck. She glared at him from where she lay on the ground and watched as he kneeled, the blade moving just slightly closer.
~*~
Nyanko gasped as Luna began to battle with Artimis. Her eyes narrowed when Artimis did not disarm her immediately. She grinned happily when Luna was disarmed, and a real smile could be seen on her face when Luna lost her footing and her dignity for a moment as well. She chuckled to herself when Artimis' blade point came so close to Luna's neck. But she caught her breath and frowned when he kneeled closer to Luna. His lips moved, obviously saying something, but from where Nyanko stood she could not hear it.
~*~
Artimis cracked a grin when Luna's glare hit is face. He kneeled, bringing the blade point just slightly closer to her neck to ensure no movement on her part.
"I win again, m'love."
Luna would have slapped him had his blade not been there.
He stood and removed the blade. Artimis held out a hand to Luna, but she pushed it aside.
Luna pushed herself up and stood very close to Artimis. She could feel his breath. Both disgusting her and exciting her at once, Artimis brushed his lips across hers before announcing,
"You have been beaten."
Luna's eyes widened slightly at the tingling feeling sent down her spine from the light kiss. She raised her hand to slap him again, but this time her wrist was caught by Artimis, who threw it back at her. She stumbled backward just as Nyanko approached.
"You would strike your Prince?" Nyanko asked as she approached, her hips swaying seductively.
"I would strike my opponent for taking unfair advantage of his triumph." Luna said regally. "I would never strike my Prince." She drew herself up to her full height.
"It would seem there is little difference." Nyanko replied. "M'lord, what would you say on this matter?"
Artimis stared at Nyanko and then Luna. "Nyanko, I do not think you are in your place to reprimand the Governess.
"Forgive me, m'lord, Governess." Nyanko hissed.
Luna smiled almost smugly at Nyanko. "Hello Nyanko. I see you have not changed since we saw each other last."
Nyanko frowned. The last time she had seen Luna she had worn the same thing, and had been in the process of seducing Luna's long-term boyfriend. After that he had broken up with Luna and refused to speak to Nyanko. Since then, the two had not been very fond of each other. Before that they had never gotten along very well either. As children they despised each other just because Nyanko and Luna were both dominant people with hot tempers. They had always been competing for control.
"I see you have." Nyanko observed. Luna had been a bit pudgy and very modest about her clothing. Now she was very slender and not so modest, as the low cut neckline and short flower-pedal skirt showed.
Luna glared at Nyanko.
"Would you ladies excuse me, I have some business to attend to." Artimis bowed slightly to them both, and began to stride across the lawn.
After shooting one last glare at Luna, Nyanko ran to catch up with Artimis.
Luna watched her scamper of, then ran after her when she saw that Nyanko was headed for Artimis. Luna appeared on Artimis' other side, refusing to let Nyanko and he be alone.
"Nyanko, did you not hear the Prince?" Luna repeated the question Tenus had asked Nyanko the night before. "He has business to attend to. You should let him be."
"I don't see you letting him alone, Governess." Nyanko spat back.
"I am simply trying to rid him of you." Luna said nastily.
"Of anyone I should think he would want to be rid of you!" Nyanko hissed.
"I am not the one he has been avoiding for years!" Luna's voice was close to a yell.
"Is that what you think, Luna?" Nyanko asked, stepping above her station by calling Luna by her name and not her title. Artmis stopped walking. So did Nyanko and Luna, but they did not stop fighting.
"You've got it all wrong, it is *you* who he has been avoiding!" Nyanko yelled in a voice that was more characteristic to someone evil.
"If he's been avoiding me, why did he,"
"Stop!" Artimis bellowed. He turned hard eyes on Nyanko. "You have forgotten your place. You will not speak to the Governess in such a manner or use her name without permission!"
"M'lord, I was simply," Nyanko started, but Artimis was not listening.
"Governess, follow me." Artimis said it in such a voice there it was clear he was a prince at this moment and nothing less. He began to walk very quickly, Luna following with her head bowed to avoid his angry glare.
~*~
Artimis walked into a room and slammed the door behind Luna. The room was lit up by an unseen force as Artimis whirled on the Governess.
"Governess, what are you doing?"
"I, I was just trying to,"
"Trying to lose all the respect you have?" Artimis' voice was very close to being a yell. He was thankful for the room he had chose, it had sound proof doors. "Despite what you think, she does respect you! If you keep falling to her bait it will show her you are nothing more than a child who is losing her temper!" Artimis slammed his fist down on the wood table. Luna realized he had chosen a room that only the Prince himself was allowed to enter without permission.
"I cannot have my highest standing Governess shooting off her mouth like that to a jealous nobody!" As much as Artimis hated to say it, it was true. Nyanko, granted she was an Ambassador, was a nobody. She had no real status, and was only hear because Tenus had insisted upon bringing her.
Luna braved a look at Artimis as he ranted on. Had it really been that bad? Had Nyanko been baiting her? Yes! And she had fallen for it. Despite Artimis' being right, Luna was indignant of being called a temperamental child. She scowled and crossed her arms. When Artimis was finished she had a few things to tell him.
"Listen." She sated coldly. "I may have been 'shooting off my mouth' like you say, but what I chose to say is my business. Therefore I will say what I want to who I want, and I'll thank you not to tell me what I can and cannot say!"
Artimis sighed. He had thought she would have something to say about his reprimand. "Look." He said calmly. "On the Moon you have the freedom to say what you want to who you want, being an Ambassador. But here you are Governess, my heir if I have no children. So you cannot start yelling at *anyone*, much less a nobody."
Luna sighed. He was right. As much as she didn't want to, she had to admit to being wrong. "You are right, m'lord. I was out of place. If you hadn't stopped me, who knows what I would have said." She frowned again. "But you have been out of place many times as well!"
Now it was Artimis' turn to sigh. "I am sure I have. Would you care to tell me which time you are speaking of."
Luna looked rather embarrassed. Her cheeks became rose colored and she refused to meet Artimis' level stare, and played with her skirt. "Well, there have been times… The times I speak of now is, well, it is, well actually, it's,"
"Last night?" Artimis asked.
Luna nodded, daring to look at him for a fleeting second before returning her gaze to the ground.
"Luna, I admit, I was out of place. I didn't mean for that to happen, really I didn't." Artimis held out his arms to her. She stared at them, unsure.
"Luna, I swear to you I didn't mean to. I just couldn't help myself." Artimis made his first mistake here.
"Couldn't help yourself? You helped yourself to enough!" Luna shouted at him, suddenly angry. She wasn't sure what angered her more. The fact that she had enjoyed it, or the fact that she wanted to kiss him again.
"That's not what I ment." Artimis told her in a dark voice. "I ment that I couldn't help kissing you."
"I know what you ment." Luna said gently.
Artimis gave her a questioning look. "Will you hold it against me forever then?"
Luna considered his question for a moment. "No. I don't think it would be right. I did kiss you, after all."
Artimis nodded. Then his curiosity got the better of him. "Why *did* you kiss me?"
"Yes." Luna lied. It was the first time she had ever lied to Serenity. In truth, she hadn't slept at all. But what was she supposed to say? She couldn't say that Artimis had kissed her.
Serenity could detect the lie. However, she could tell that Luna did not want to talk about it. She left the subject alone, and turned to what she thought to be a safe topic. "Are you glad to see Artimis again?"
Luna stopped in her tracks. "Why would I be glad to see him again?" She asked in a queer sort of voice, like she was afraid of the question almost.
"Luna! He is your prince. Shouldn't you be glad to see him?" Serenity's eyebrows knitted together. They always did that when she was concerned or confused.
"Oh, yes, of course I am. As his loyal subject I could not be happier." Luna began to walk again, very tense.
"But as a person, you are not so happy to see him." Serenity finished for her.
"Why would you say that you majesty?" Luna asked.
"It is what you said? Now, Artimis is such a dear, why do you despise him so?" Serenity asked. She had always thought that Artimis and Luna would be close friends, not enemies.
"An old childhood rivalry I am afraid." Artimis answered, coming into step next to Serenity.
Luna rolled her eyes at the sight of him and her eyes began to flicker towards him without her willing them to.
"Oh, dear, what happened to you lip?" Serenity asked, inspecting Artimis' lip where Luna had hit him the night before.
"Luna, actually. You see, last night we had a bit of a coming together." Was what Artimis started to say. All he actually got out was, "Luna, actually. You see, last night."
"I was walking late at night and it was dark out." Luna quickly interrupted, knowing that Artimis would say what had happened. How was he not ashamed of it? 'He is a stuck-up prince, that is how.' Luna thought to herself as she spoke. "Artimis saw me and came up. I mistook him for someone else and panicked. I am afraid I slapped him rather hard."
Serenity frowned. "Luna, you should not be so quick to think that everyone would want to harm you. Artimis, are you alright?"
"I shall live." Artimis responded.
"Please forgive me, your highness, I ment not you hurt you." Luna forced the words out with a fake smile. "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"Perhaps in way of making it up, you would allow me to accompany you to the ball this night?" Artimis put on a devilish grin that made him simply irresistible.
'Why does he have to be so damn good looking?' Luna asked herself. "It would be my honor, m'lord." Luna responded coolly. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have something I must attend to." Luna walked away without waiting for an answer.
Serenity frowned after Luna. She had just told Serenity that she had nothing she had to do today until the ball. Serenity sighed and turned back to Artimis.
"You must not judge her to quickly, Artimis. Please do not take offence. Get to know her first, please."
"Do not worry, I intend to." Artimis smiled. "I would not think of judging her before I got to know her."
"You are a good prince." Serenity smiled. "I do not know why she always disappears in your presence."
"When we were children we did not get along. There was rivalry between us, and we played quiet a few practical jokes on each other. It may have made some hard feelings toward me. In time I think she will forgive me as I have forgiven her." Artimis walked along with the kindly Queen.
"You are very wise." Serenity smiled as she saw Galaxia approaching.
"Excuse me a moment, won't you?" Serenity asked, and Artimis nodded. She rushed up to the Sailor Senshi and embraced her.
"Serenity! It has been to long." Galaxia returned the embrace. "How have you been sister?"
"As well as a queen can be." Serenity replied.
"Then the years have been kind to you." Galaxia said, fingering the silver hair upon her sister, so different from her own gold hair.
"And you? How have you held up keeping Chaos at bay?" Serenity was constantly worried about her sister, being so close to such evil.
"It has been a struggle, but I am glad that I have not had to leave to report attacks." Galaxia responded.
"Then the years have been kind to you as well." Serenity laughed. Both were older than an outwardly appearance would tell. Galaxia especially. She still looked as young as she had when she had first gone to hold Chaos at bay.
"Tell me, sister, how is it that you retain youth?" Serenity asked.
"In the place where Chaos is there is no such thing as time. I do not age." Galaxia smiled. "But how you have! Sister, you look even more beautiful with age!"
"You flatter me to much!" Serenity laughed.
"My Prince." Nyanko slid up next to Artimis, bowing low.
"Nyanko. Welcome home." Artimis said solemnly. "You have been missed by many of us."
"Are you included in that, m'lord?" Nyanko asked, rising up. She wore the same thing as she had when she arrived.
Artimis turned his face from her to Serenity and Galaxia, who were still chattering away very happily. "It is good to see family reunited, isn't it?"
Nyanko continued to stare at Artimis. "It is, m'lord."
"It is a shame that they must be kept so far apart for so long a time. Galaxia must grow lonely without a person to talk to, and I am sure Serenity is lonely without her sister." Artimis mused.
"I am sure." Nyanko agreed.
"It must be worrisome, having someone you love to dearly in constant danger." Artimis nodded to himself more than to anyone else.
"Yes, I am sure it is very worrisome for Queen Serenity." Nyanko purred.
"And what of you?" Artimis asked, turning to Nyanko. "It seems that you have flourished in Orion. Have you been happy?"
"As happy as I can be when I am away from you, m'lord." Nyanko curtsied quickly.
"And Tenus, has he been treating you well?" Artimis asked.
"Very well." Nyanko smiled Artimis' own grin.
"I am glad." Artimis looked once again at Serenity and Galaxia. He stayed quiet for a few moments. "Would you like to accompany me to the training green? I have been meaning to practice for some time now."
"I would be glad to, m'lord." Nyanko made it a point to put "m'lord" into every sentence she spoke to Artimis.
Artimis held out his arm to her and led her there. Once in the center of the lawn, he dropped his arm and picked up a sword. Signaling to a guard, he told him to pick up a sword as well. The two began to battle it out for the fair Nyanko to watch.
~*~
From her balcony Luna watched as Artimis led that horrible wretch called Nyanko into the center of the training lawn. Her eyes narrowed at Artimis began to battle with a guard. 'He is such a show-off!' She thought. 'Nyanko. I wish she weren't here. The thought of her makes me sick to my stomach.'
Luna turned around and walked to the door, throwing it open with so much force that she almost ripped it off it's hinges. She marched through the palace corridors and out onto the training lawn. Without being seen she picked up a sword and walked right in to the battle. The guard quickly moved aside to allow the Governess to fight, though he was a little startled that she could lift one of the heavy swords.
As it was, Luna found the swords were much heavier than the ones on the Moon, and she *was* having trouble lifting it. She did however, and matched right in to battle.
~*~
Artimis had to grin when he saw who it was that had challenged him. He started out slowly, watching her attacks to figure out her style. 'She isn't bad.' Artimis admitted to himself. Just another thing to add to the list of things that astounded him about Luna. Though there was much room for improvement, she was able to hold her own. Rather shakily and in a real battle there would be no question of the winner, but at least the tried.
Artimis struck, spinning the sword out of her hands and disarming her. He backed her up a few steps before she lost her footing and fell. She propped herself up on her shoulders, but was not able to get any further. Artimis' blade point was an inch away from her neck. She glared at him from where she lay on the ground and watched as he kneeled, the blade moving just slightly closer.
~*~
Nyanko gasped as Luna began to battle with Artimis. Her eyes narrowed when Artimis did not disarm her immediately. She grinned happily when Luna was disarmed, and a real smile could be seen on her face when Luna lost her footing and her dignity for a moment as well. She chuckled to herself when Artimis' blade point came so close to Luna's neck. But she caught her breath and frowned when he kneeled closer to Luna. His lips moved, obviously saying something, but from where Nyanko stood she could not hear it.
~*~
Artimis cracked a grin when Luna's glare hit is face. He kneeled, bringing the blade point just slightly closer to her neck to ensure no movement on her part.
"I win again, m'love."
Luna would have slapped him had his blade not been there.
He stood and removed the blade. Artimis held out a hand to Luna, but she pushed it aside.
Luna pushed herself up and stood very close to Artimis. She could feel his breath. Both disgusting her and exciting her at once, Artimis brushed his lips across hers before announcing,
"You have been beaten."
Luna's eyes widened slightly at the tingling feeling sent down her spine from the light kiss. She raised her hand to slap him again, but this time her wrist was caught by Artimis, who threw it back at her. She stumbled backward just as Nyanko approached.
"You would strike your Prince?" Nyanko asked as she approached, her hips swaying seductively.
"I would strike my opponent for taking unfair advantage of his triumph." Luna said regally. "I would never strike my Prince." She drew herself up to her full height.
"It would seem there is little difference." Nyanko replied. "M'lord, what would you say on this matter?"
Artimis stared at Nyanko and then Luna. "Nyanko, I do not think you are in your place to reprimand the Governess.
"Forgive me, m'lord, Governess." Nyanko hissed.
Luna smiled almost smugly at Nyanko. "Hello Nyanko. I see you have not changed since we saw each other last."
Nyanko frowned. The last time she had seen Luna she had worn the same thing, and had been in the process of seducing Luna's long-term boyfriend. After that he had broken up with Luna and refused to speak to Nyanko. Since then, the two had not been very fond of each other. Before that they had never gotten along very well either. As children they despised each other just because Nyanko and Luna were both dominant people with hot tempers. They had always been competing for control.
"I see you have." Nyanko observed. Luna had been a bit pudgy and very modest about her clothing. Now she was very slender and not so modest, as the low cut neckline and short flower-pedal skirt showed.
Luna glared at Nyanko.
"Would you ladies excuse me, I have some business to attend to." Artimis bowed slightly to them both, and began to stride across the lawn.
After shooting one last glare at Luna, Nyanko ran to catch up with Artimis.
Luna watched her scamper of, then ran after her when she saw that Nyanko was headed for Artimis. Luna appeared on Artimis' other side, refusing to let Nyanko and he be alone.
"Nyanko, did you not hear the Prince?" Luna repeated the question Tenus had asked Nyanko the night before. "He has business to attend to. You should let him be."
"I don't see you letting him alone, Governess." Nyanko spat back.
"I am simply trying to rid him of you." Luna said nastily.
"Of anyone I should think he would want to be rid of you!" Nyanko hissed.
"I am not the one he has been avoiding for years!" Luna's voice was close to a yell.
"Is that what you think, Luna?" Nyanko asked, stepping above her station by calling Luna by her name and not her title. Artmis stopped walking. So did Nyanko and Luna, but they did not stop fighting.
"You've got it all wrong, it is *you* who he has been avoiding!" Nyanko yelled in a voice that was more characteristic to someone evil.
"If he's been avoiding me, why did he,"
"Stop!" Artimis bellowed. He turned hard eyes on Nyanko. "You have forgotten your place. You will not speak to the Governess in such a manner or use her name without permission!"
"M'lord, I was simply," Nyanko started, but Artimis was not listening.
"Governess, follow me." Artimis said it in such a voice there it was clear he was a prince at this moment and nothing less. He began to walk very quickly, Luna following with her head bowed to avoid his angry glare.
~*~
Artimis walked into a room and slammed the door behind Luna. The room was lit up by an unseen force as Artimis whirled on the Governess.
"Governess, what are you doing?"
"I, I was just trying to,"
"Trying to lose all the respect you have?" Artimis' voice was very close to being a yell. He was thankful for the room he had chose, it had sound proof doors. "Despite what you think, she does respect you! If you keep falling to her bait it will show her you are nothing more than a child who is losing her temper!" Artimis slammed his fist down on the wood table. Luna realized he had chosen a room that only the Prince himself was allowed to enter without permission.
"I cannot have my highest standing Governess shooting off her mouth like that to a jealous nobody!" As much as Artimis hated to say it, it was true. Nyanko, granted she was an Ambassador, was a nobody. She had no real status, and was only hear because Tenus had insisted upon bringing her.
Luna braved a look at Artimis as he ranted on. Had it really been that bad? Had Nyanko been baiting her? Yes! And she had fallen for it. Despite Artimis' being right, Luna was indignant of being called a temperamental child. She scowled and crossed her arms. When Artimis was finished she had a few things to tell him.
"Listen." She sated coldly. "I may have been 'shooting off my mouth' like you say, but what I chose to say is my business. Therefore I will say what I want to who I want, and I'll thank you not to tell me what I can and cannot say!"
Artimis sighed. He had thought she would have something to say about his reprimand. "Look." He said calmly. "On the Moon you have the freedom to say what you want to who you want, being an Ambassador. But here you are Governess, my heir if I have no children. So you cannot start yelling at *anyone*, much less a nobody."
Luna sighed. He was right. As much as she didn't want to, she had to admit to being wrong. "You are right, m'lord. I was out of place. If you hadn't stopped me, who knows what I would have said." She frowned again. "But you have been out of place many times as well!"
Now it was Artimis' turn to sigh. "I am sure I have. Would you care to tell me which time you are speaking of."
Luna looked rather embarrassed. Her cheeks became rose colored and she refused to meet Artimis' level stare, and played with her skirt. "Well, there have been times… The times I speak of now is, well, it is, well actually, it's,"
"Last night?" Artimis asked.
Luna nodded, daring to look at him for a fleeting second before returning her gaze to the ground.
"Luna, I admit, I was out of place. I didn't mean for that to happen, really I didn't." Artimis held out his arms to her. She stared at them, unsure.
"Luna, I swear to you I didn't mean to. I just couldn't help myself." Artimis made his first mistake here.
"Couldn't help yourself? You helped yourself to enough!" Luna shouted at him, suddenly angry. She wasn't sure what angered her more. The fact that she had enjoyed it, or the fact that she wanted to kiss him again.
"That's not what I ment." Artimis told her in a dark voice. "I ment that I couldn't help kissing you."
"I know what you ment." Luna said gently.
Artimis gave her a questioning look. "Will you hold it against me forever then?"
Luna considered his question for a moment. "No. I don't think it would be right. I did kiss you, after all."
Artimis nodded. Then his curiosity got the better of him. "Why *did* you kiss me?"
