(Flashback)
The warmth of the sun on her skin, the green grass a velvet carpet under her feet, the sound of a child's laughter. Queen Serenity placed a gentle and loving hand on her stomach. Barely four months into her pregnancy, she had just begun to show and as she watched the King and Queen play happily with the young Prince, she longed for the Princess's arrival so that she too could share this type of joy. The Queen smiled as she regarded the beautiful golden aura that surrounded each member of Earth's Royal Family, the young prince's paler than his parents because of his youth. Noticing Serenity deep in thought Queen Gaia of Earth moved to were she stood, leaving the King and the young Prince to continue their play.
'Come my friend, we will sit in the shade of this tree and watch. I'm afraid the boys play too rough.' The two woman settled, smiling as Endymion squealed with delight as his father threw him up in the air, catching him in his strong embrace.
'I will miss you deeply when you leave, I realise that your time here on Earth has been short but I feel we have become as close as sisters.'
'I'm glad you feel as I do and remember we will soon meet again, when you will join me on the Moon. I look forward to returning the hospitality and showing you my world.'The two woman watched as the Prince was hoisted on his father's shoulders, ready for their return to the palace.
'He will make a fine King someday' Serenity observed 'and perhaps I am carrying his Queen?'The two woman looked down at Serenity's swollen belly and giggled, the perfect plan forming in both their heads.
(End Flashback)
Three long years of intense negotiations delayed the planned meeting. The ruling Council's of each world vying for supremacy, each compromise and concession bitterly fought over. Queen Serenity worked tirelessly with the King and Queen until finally the day arrived and the final preparations were being made for their arrival and the Treaty to be signed. Queen Serenity was relieved when word had come that Prince Diamond would not be accompanying the Royal Party. She had distrusted the man from their first meeting on Earth.
(Flashback)
His aura black and cold and a feeling of danger loomed, 'May I introduce you to my brother Diamond'the King said. As the Queen offered her hand, she stared into the coldest eyes she had ever seen. Raising her hand to his lips, Serenity forced her body to stay composed as a wave of evil flowed through her and threatened to engulf her. 'Delighted to meet you Your Highness'she replied freeing her hand from his grasp.
(End Flashback)
Queen Serenity spent the next few days closely watching Prince Diamond, her suspicions of his treacherous intent deepening. She feared for the safety of her friends and especially that of their young son but knew that without evidence she could not express her worries to the King and Queen. It was then that she had decided that she would send extra protection to guard the young Prince and if her suspicions proved correct, gather proof.
Realising that such a move would be considered spying, Queen Serenity knew that whoever she sent could never reveal their true identity to anyone and would be answerable only to her.
Luna was the obvious choice, she was 5ft 7 with long ebony hair and catlike eyes. The woman who was a shape shifter from the planet Mau, was a valued member of the Royal household and had unquestionable loyalty.
When the situation was explained, Luna accepted without hesitation. Although initially employed as Lady in Waiting, she soon endeared herself to King and Queen and swiftly rose to become personal nanny to the young Prince.
The mornings work had gone exceedingly well but drawing close to lunch time Luna found it increasing difficult to hold her young charge's attention to the task in hand. Although now extremely proficient for one so young in four of Earth's languages, Endymion was impatient to leave his studies and join his father for a promised horse ride and picnic. Endymion jumped from his desk and ran towards the door at the sound of his father's approaching footsteps. As the king entered the room Luna rose to her feet and curtseyed while Endymion gave a short formal bow to his father before resuming his run into his father's arms.
" Good morning Elana " the king smiled, masking his obvious joy, the king continued "has the young Prince worked well today?"
"Indeed he has My Lord" Luna replied
"Then he has indeed earned his horse ride Elana" the King said dropping Endymion to his feet and taking the child's hand "Your mother has prepared a fine lunch for us both " he said leading his son out of the room.
The King and his son sat in the shade of the large oak eating their lunch unaware that they where being watched.
Her black fur glistening in the sun, green eyes sparkling like emeralds, her erect ears separated by a white moon symbol visible on her forehead, the only markings on an otherwise pure black body. Luna became aware of the approaching danger long before there was any audible warning of the three riders approach.
Swiftly and silently she climbed an adjacent tree, positioning herself so as best to protect her young charge and his father.
The King became aware of the riders barely moments later, jumping to his feet at their approach. Taking a protective stance in front of his young son, he drew his sword just as the first of the riders jumped from his horse sword already drawn. With the King locked in mortal combat Endymion rose quickly to his feet readying himself to fight "No Endymion Run" the King shouted, barely missing the near fatal blow aimed at his chest. Luna seized the chance to pounce on the second rider rearing the thirds horse in the process. Aiming her razor like claws across his throat she swiftly ended his attempt to grab the Prince. The Kings superior swordsmanship meant that his opponents fight was soon over and with the second rider dead from the gash in his throat, the third rider fled .
With the danger over, the King and Prince unharmed, Luna retreated back to the palace rather than risk her identity being uncovered and jeopardizing future protection of her mission.
Gathering his son in his arms, the King whispered 'Are you unharmed Endy?'
'Father, let go you are squishing me!' Endymion squeaked. 'If I had a sword though I could have run the bad man through.'
'You will be taught how to fight my son' his father replied. 'Now we must return home and inform your mother.'
Luna had returned to the Palace and immediately began to write a report to the Moon Queen, detailing the attempt on the lives of the King and Prince. She had no proof of who or what was behind this attack, however every fibre of her being believed Diamond was at the heart of it. When the King and Prince returned and after much fussing Endymion was finally put to bed while the adults withdrew for a Private meeting.