Author's Notes:

None for now… except that this is again, a slightly revised version. Better than it was before, but still not up to my expectations. Hehe. Enjoy and don't forget to review!

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A.S.M. - Ante Silver Millennium (Or Before Silver Millennium.)
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My Lady Queen

Chapter Four – The Encounter
Author: Moon Sparkle
Contact: Sparklecutey (AIM)
Rated: Teen-Adult

Revised

- - -

Serenity had little time to gather her thoughts and prepare herself for the High King. Athair had left her and Leoth in the stables, black robes flying behind him as he angrily cursed and threatened "that bitch" under his breath. Serenity had an inkling of who the bitch was, and just the thought of it made her stomach turn in anger and fear.

"My lady, the King awaits your presence," Leoth announced as he gave the reins of his chestnut stallion to Degos. His voice was quiet, and although he delivered his words eloquently, he seemed hesitant.

Having dismounted Eala, Serenity nodded as she distractedly brought trembling hands to the curls that framed her face. She tucked them behind her ears and took a deep breath before raising her gaze to the knight. She was slightly discomfited, for she'd felt the Degos' eyes on her, eyes that bore questions and concern. But she could do little to satisfy his curiosity or put his worries to rest.

She took a small step in Leoth's direction, but forced herself to ignore the warmth in his eyes.

"I know little about him as a person, Leoth," she finally said quietly, beginning to walk the familiar path toward the rear entrance of the castle. "I- I am…" she paused, uncertain of how to voice her anxiety. "What should I expect? Will he be angry? Will he break the troth because of this? I have embarrassed him, I know! It is not a good sign that his betrothed shames him even before meeting him. I know I should not have done it… I should have ignored her words and gone to the feast. Lady Lyann-"

Serenity realized that she was babbling, and she stopped as she suddenly felt Leoth's finger on her lips. The soft grass beneath her feet rustled as she stepped back. What was he thinking? Terran and Lunar guards paced the grounds like wolves in packs, alert for any scraps of gossip-worthy material in their surroundings! Serenity's gaze immediately flew to scan the area. Hopefully the light spilling from the entrance of the castle was not enough to illuminate their intimacy.

Her heart was racing. The blue material that enveloped her body felt warmer than usual, and the jewelry adorning her hair, throat, and arms was suffocating. Leoth's hand moved back to the hilt of his sword again. In the dim light of the stars, Serenity saw the frustration painted on his handsome face. But as soon as it had come, the expression fled, and was suddenly replaced by one stoic and void of feeling. Leoth began walking again, as if nothing had happened, and Serenity followed silently. A pair of guards flanked them as they reached the entrance.

Serenity was barely aware of what was happening. Her mind was flying from the inn, to the stables, and to the now warm halls of the castle. Her heart was beating harder and faster than ever, thumping in her ears like drums on Beltane.

Her cloak still draped over her shoulders, Serenity kept pace with Leoth as he escorted her to the Council Chamber, where Endymion was waiting. Her nervousness was overwhelming. She licked dry lips and took a deep breath, hoping that the man whom everybody spoke of, the celebrated High King of the Ferrals, would be as kind and fair as they said. Shame spilled a deep red blush on her cheeks as Serenity swallowed her unshed tears.

"Do not fear him, my lady Serenity," Leoth finally said, his tone soft. Serenity did not look at him, afraid that her emotions were clearly painted upon her face.

They came to a halt as they reached the Council Chamber. Serenity heard voices within, muffled by the thickness of the large oaken doors. She found herself trembling, but with a determined breath, stopped herself. She nodded to the silent guards on either side of the doors, bidding them to allow her entrance.

Warm light flooded her cool vision as she stepped into the Council Chamber. Serenity lowered her eyes. She knew where Endymion was sitting - doubtlessly in the great cushioned chair, the one her father often dozed off in after tiresome evenings in conference. But she did not dare look up, kept her gaze appropriately downcast.

Serenity swallowed the knot in her throat and stretched her senses to get a feel of her surroundings. The Council Chamber was not filled with guards as she had expected. She heard no sound, and the closest presence she felt was that of Leoth standing behind her. Through the thundering in her ears, she heard him offer the warrior's salute to his King and greet him with a sharp "my lord Endymion."

Leoth's words sparked her awareness twofold, and Serenity sank to the ground in the deepest curtsy she had ever performed. Then she raised her cerulean eyes to him and her breath came to a dangerous halt in her throat.

The sharp ocean blue eyes that pierced her own were beautiful and cool, and Serenity felt herself at a complete loss for words. She stared at him, instead, coming to the immediate conclusion that he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen. His short hair was coal black, his complexion clear and sun-bronzed, and his firm jaw framed a sensuous full mouth. Serenity's gaze froze upon him like prey upon its hunter at realization of imminent attack. Her throat was so dry that she nearly choked.

"Leave us."

His voice was low and deep, laden with the custom of command. Serenity did not move, and neither did his eyes cease their powerful scrutiny upon her. Serenity had never felt so naked in her life; his eyes did not merely look at her, they read her, read her completely.

Not taking her eyes away from Endymion's proud figure, Serenity barely noticed Leoth, Athair, and a few guards exit the room.

She did not know where to begin. She held his eyes bravely until her blush forced her to look away and into the crackling fire in the hearth's embrace. With a deep breath, she bowed her head and curtsied again.

"My lord King." Her tone and strength of voice surprised her. She heard him stand up, and, as if he were a magnet, her gaze rose to him automatically. Was that the ghost of a smile playing upon his inviting lips? The devilishly striking appearance that his full height and broad shoulders created made Serenity straighten in forced control, for she did not wish to stare at him openly. The muscles under the black leather of his feast tunic were well defined, and as he strode closer to her, she felt her cheeks become warmer. By Selene! What charm was this?

He bore power and responsibility upon his shoulders as if they were his mere garments. He radiated authority magnificently. Yet it was not this natural power that intimidated Serenity. No, what daunted her was knowing that this glorious man had been shamed by her before the entire Lunar court - before the entire Lunar kingdom!

"Do not fear me, Serenity."

He was standing before her, but Serenity did not look up; her fear of seeing accusation in the depths of his stormy blue eyes was too great. Yet she could not look away for long, and her desire to look upon his handsome face conquered. She looked up, noting his great height and broad shoulders. She felt small and fragile next to him, for his entire body could have crushed her, had he willed it.

Serenity could scarcely believe that before her stood High King Endymion Torregon, the most powerful man in all the kingdoms, the beloved hero of the Ferrals and the feared enemy of the Glauders. And, Serenity realized again with a shock, he was her betrothed. How could a man so young and so perfect in appearance be the daring leader who charged upon fatal blades and gore and sorrow? And how could she shame him!

"My lord, I do not know where to begin my deepest and most sincere apologies. Would I be given the chance to amend my foolishness, I would grant you the greatest honor that my home and I could bestow upon a man – to offer myself in your service." Tears formed a shield of glass over her eyes as she recalled the evening's happenings, the fear that she had felt and struggled to overcome at the inn and before this moment. But she was determined not to cry. She licked her lips and silently studied him for a long moment before taking breath to speak again. His eyes had lost their coldness. "Neither my parents, nor the entire Lunar race, are to blame for my folly, Your Grace. Please do not hold them responsible for the terrible embarrassment my actions have caused you."

She felt as though she was prattling, but Selene knew that her entire soul and sincerity had been spilled into her lengthy apology. She dared not look into his eyes, afraid of what to expect.

Surprise drew a gasp from her throat as his warm hand lifted her own to his lips, lips that brushed against her cold, soft skin. She looked at him in stunned silence. His eyes were dancing, and his grip on her hand was gentle and gave promise of protection. He smiled.

"Surprisingly noble words for one with as few summers as you, Serenity. I am impressed," he said softly.

His ocean eyes flashed playfully as he studied her, but the princess knew that he was not merely flattering her. He seemed sincere. Serenity blushed fiercely and opened her mouth to offer thanks, but was stopped by the softest and most wonderful warmth she had ever felt upon her lips.

Strong arms encircled her waist as Endymion kissed her. But the kiss was light, for it was interrupted, and Serenity nearly screamed when a sharp knock echoed through the Chamber.

The King ripped his lips away from Serenity's, his dark blue eyes widening slightly, as if in surprise. He threw her a sharp, baffled look, and an awkward silence echoed around them briefly. But Endymion regained his composure in seconds, and he squared his shoulders, looked away. Serenity stared at him. What had flown through his mind? Why the confusion in his eyes? Puzzled, she turned to face the door as Endymion cleared his throat and called assent to the knocker.

Through the tall doors stepped Kunzite, his gray eyes dark, angry, and fixated upon Endymion's face. He stopped and bowed, fist to heart in the soldier's salute. His dark uniform was impeccably clean and perfect in every aspect of its form, and Serenity admired his regal presence with every proud fiber of her being. But he did not look at her. His eyes were fixed on his King with so much control that it scared her.

"For God's sake, man, I am not my father," Endymion said suddenly. "Do not hesitate to embrace your sister. She's had a difficult evening," he understated with a smile. Then, "And although she is a brave woman, I expect she is also in need of comfort."

Kunzite's expression relaxed at Endymion's words, warm gray gaze swiftly turning to Serenity. His arms pulled her into a tight embrace that left the princess nearly breathless.

"Forgive the interruption, my lord," Kunzite said as he released Serenity. "I wanted to reassure myself that my sister was indeed safe within the fortress walls and not in a bizarre inn that houses crystal traffickers and elven lords—" Kunzite's tone hardened, and he began to pace back and forth angrily. But he stopped, realizing in whose presence he was, and looked to the King. Endymion, arms crossed thoughtfully across his chest, was regarding Serenity coolly. She did not squirm under his scrutiny as she had before, for he was not staring at her now as he had at first.

"Serenity is the future High Queen, Kunzite," Endymion said calmly. "You are free to mention matters that would normally not be referred to in the presence of a maid. She was the one to suffer this ordeal, after all. She is entitled to know the danger she actually stepped into."

Serenity's eyes widened in surprise, for she could barely believe her ears. Perhaps he would be a fair husband after all, a husband who'd consider her feelings and concerns. Encouraged, Serenity looked at him and offered a dazzling smile, then giggled as he gazed back in surprise. She had yet to show him her true personality, had yet to be entirely herself, and this one demonstration of her spirit seemed to affect him. He was now staring at her with more than surprise, ocean eyes ablaze with what Serenity realized to be lust. She blushed fiercely.

Kunzite cleared his throat. Serenity looked away, and Endymion blinked out of his fervent stupor.

"We shall discuss it later, then," Kunzite replied after an awkward pause, leaving Serenity uncomfortably confused and well aware of the signal that secrecy was important. "Endymion." Kunzite's tone had swiftly shifted to a much less formal one, one of a comfortable and brotherly nature. "Lyann is ready. Her belongings have been packed and her mood is black. She, er, orders, your presence at once. Athair is with her and has her on a leash, otherwise I do believe she would leap on my sister and rip her apart right before your very eyes."

Anger flashed in Endymion's stormy blue eyes as he clenched his fists. You mustn't take her to Luna, Endymion, Athair had advised repeatedly before the beginning of their voyage to the smaller kingdom. But Endymion, for once, had not listened; he'd known that his people were following his every move, quick to point out failures to stain his so-far perfect record. Aside from watching his military campaigns and dealings with domestic matters, the Ferral nobility checked every aspect of the Christian High King's loyalty, honor, and devotion to his royal family. Had he not taken Lyann to the celebration of his betrothal, it would have been seen as a dishonorable decision. It would have offended her dog of a husband, King Hyrius of Lieret, and would have thus planted seeds of future discord. As for Beryl… Endymion dismissed the thought of his half-sister immediately. Tragoth's kingdom, her home, was much too far for her to have reached Crystal Terra in time for departure. Thank God.

Yet despite his conviction that his decision had been a sensible one, now Endymion regretted bringing his younger sister with him. Now Lyann had brought this dishonor and punishment upon herself. Sending her home and away from Serenity was the logical action; it allowed everyone to breathe easier and it pleased Athair, if not Hyrius. Endymion sighed.

"Lucky is the man without sisters," he mumbled. Serenity cleared her throat and Kunzite managed a grin.

"That is why the man who has them marries them off!" Kunzite replied, acquiring a glare from Serenity and a chuckle from the King.

"Watch your tongue, Kunz, you've yet to experience the wrath of a sister." Endymion's words were light, yet his jaw clenched as he noticed Serenity glance at him briefly, a sudden fear coloring the clear blue of her eyes. Endymion swallowed, annoyed to find that his hands were suddenly cold and clammy.

"Right then," he said at last. "Please attend to Lyann and tell her that I shall join you shortly, Kunz. I will have a few words with your lovely sister, first. God knows I am not at all eager about going to talk to that witch."

Kunzite sobered slightly, nodding.

"I shall take Leoth with me, Endymion," Kunzite said after a moment. "I shall need him there, for I'm afraid that I cannot trust my temper."

At mention of her rescuer's name, Serenity's sharp gaze flew to her brother. Her heart's pace quickened, and Serenity felt her cheeks redden. She berated herself for being so blatant about her uneasiness, blamed her body for betraying her. Nervously, she watched Endymion. He was frowning, but he nodded his consent, and Kunzite exited the Council Chamber.

Serenity forced herself to smile as Endymion turned to her.

"I apologize for my sister's behavior, Serenity," he said at last. "I shall command her to make a public apology. Perhaps not in full detail, for there are certain aspects of tonight's events that I would not have the entire court, and entire Ferral realm for that matter, know. But for the sake of putting a thorn into her insufferable pride, I shall gladly do it." He smiled. "And of course to alleviate the shock that your absence gave your poor parents and everyone else."

"My lord is generous," Serenity breathed. She had not expected Endymion to command Lyann to give an open apology, for her high rank was generally a shield against such public humiliation.

Endymion gestured for Serenity to sit down, and she obeyed as he filled a goblet with wine and handed it to her. She accepted it gratefully.

"My lord," she said, having taken a sip of the sweet wine. "May I ask what my brother was speaking of when he mentioned 'crystal traffickers and elven lords'?" She was treading on dangerous ground, she knew, according to the standards of her society. These were not matters that should concern her.

Endymion lifted an eyebrow, his mouth twisting slightly as he suppressed a smile.

"Indeed, you may, Serenity," he replied. "In fact, I am more than pleased that you would ask." He sat in a chair that faced her and she lifted her eyes to him, her shyness beginning to melt as he spoke. His power was unimaginable; his strength flowed from him and into her as if she had never undergone the unpleasant experience of this evening. He was, Serenity mused as she watched Endymion stand up again and begin to pace… he was a force of life, of energy, of power.

"Elves are dangerous creatures, as I am sure you know," Endymion began. "That is why I have tried to take careful steps in making them all our allies, and not only those on the Isle of Ilathier. But they have been corrupted." He sighed, turning to face Serenity. "Ruxur is the strongest lord not connected to the elves of Ilathier. He is wealthy, God knows, beyond all measures. In fact, his success in trafficking Elf Crystal has made him a king in all but name." Endymion crossed himself, and Serenity watched him intently. Here was a Christian King, the High King no less, who was worried about the unnatural power of an unruly elf? Serenity found this a surprise, for Christian Kings often thought themselves rulers over all non-Christians, thought themselves as saviors of infidels, as men entitled to convert pagans to the "true religion". Yet Endymion was not like the others, for he'd chosen her, a worshiper of Selene, to be his wife.

Then suddenly, Serenity understood, and realization cleared her confusion. Endymion had been raised by Athair, a renowned and powerful pagan, a wielder of unnatural powers. Endymion also needed the full support of the pagan priestesses on the Isle of Ilathier, for it was the elves of Ilathier who maintained the bridges that crossed the deadly Red River. And Serenity knew, as well, that Endymion understood how mutual respect of beliefs usually created strong bonds of allegiance.

Serenity had some knowledge of the priestesses on the Isle of Ilathier. They worshipped the Great Goddess Isult, despite their location on the Christian Terran kingdom. Their goddess was much like Serenity's own goddess, Selene, but darker and more vengeful. It was said that Isult smiled upon Endymion, for legend held that through the High Priestess Giluyenne, the goddess had given the High King the unconquerable sword Excalibur, made to defend the Ferral Realm in all battles waged against it. Serenity also understood that it was of great importance for Endymion to remain on good terms with the elves on Ilathier. They were the guardians and builders of the immense bridges that crossed the Red River, the only means by which one could cross the lethally hot waters, for no boat or ship could withstand such dangerous, steaming currents. Serenity had never crossed the River herself, but she would do so soon, on her way to Crystal Terra.

The princess shivered, pulling herself out of her thoughts as Endymion continued to enlighten her.

Elf Crystal, he explained, was a popular drug. It was also very dangerous, especially to women. If leaked into the bloodstream, it could cause blindness, hemorrhaging, and even death. It was used for hallucination purposes as well, and coupled with the powers of elven priestesses and druids, could be used for indestructible construction – such as the bridges of the Red River.

Serenity frowned. Could Ruxur have shown her the future that Lyann had so courteously emphasized?

"I underestimated Lyann, Serenity. I did not think she would stoop as low as to attempt killing you." Endymion's voice was soft and far away, and Serenity looked at him quietly.

"My lord, if that was her intent, then I am glad she failed. But…" She considered her next words carefully. Should she tell him what the real purpose of her trip to Ruxur's Inn had been? As she spoke, his focus had turned to her sharply, and Serenity nearly cowered under the stormy blue of his eyes. "But Lady Lyann spoke of a different reason for my going to the inn," she continued bravely. "My lord, I would not have gone if I'd known that I was merely putting myself in physical danger." She lowered her eyes. "Your sister told me that if I were to marry you, my lord King, I would bring you and the Ferral Realm certain death and devastation. I – I did not wish to believe her, but she spoke of Athair having this vision. And we all know that my lord Athair never mistakes in his Sight." Her voice trembled, and she felt his steady gaze upon her.

"I had suspected this," Endymion said quietly, coming closer and lifting her chin gently with his finger. "It is true that Athair had such a vision, Serenity… But he does not object to our betrothal. Doing so tells me that there is much more to this… prophetic disaster. Perhaps," he tenderly brushed away the tears that had slowly begun to trickle from the corners of her eyes. "Perhaps if we make the right decisions, the result will be something much greater than Lyann wishes to let you know."

Serenity was angry with herself. She had not meant to show him her tears, her proof of womanly weakness. She blinked them away and offered Endymion a smile in thanks for his kind words.

"You are a brave woman, Serenity," Endymion said after a long pause. "It is not a miracle that Leoth is utterly besotted with you."

Serenity's eyes widened, and she felt herself flush fiercely. He knew! How could he know? She looked away, hoping that he did not see the shameful blush that colored her cheeks. She had no reason to feel this way. Nothing had happened! She had not betrayed the King. But, Selene knew, in her dreams she had come so close…

Endymion's beautiful eyes suddenly lost their warmth and he stepped away, moving to the door. Looking at him, Serenity registered the lack of expression on his face, the stoic mask that had replaced his smile. And when he spoke again, his voice was low.

"Lady, art thou mine?"

He uttered the words in the formal Latin tongue of the ancient Roman Terrans, and Serenity understood them well, for she'd studied the language since she could read. Yet she remained silent. Knives of shame slashed at her heart and her vision blurred with more tears as the King exited the chamber, closing the doors firmly behind him.

- - -

It was very late. A watch past midnight found Serenity in her chambers, sitting on her silk-clothed bed. Laista had swiftly prepared her for bed, braiding her long golden hair and embracing her nearly as tightly as her parents had, glad to have her back safe and sound. But Serenity could not bring herself to feel at peace. Her inner turmoil clawed at her thoughts unmercifully, making it difficult for her to find sleep. She sighed as she moved to the window, cast her gaze over the Lunar city distractedly. The night watch was changing, the tower bells that kept vigil over Lake Nailen hummed distantly, and a lively violin was playing a dancing tune down in the city. Yet Serenity took little notice of these regular happenings.

Why did she feel so guilty? How could Endymion know of her feelings for his silver-haired Companion? She had not lain with Leoth! She had not even kissed him… Yet Serenity strove to be a realist, and now she could not deny to herself that she'd yearned for Leoth since that day she'd found him on the beach. She could not help it; her body had a will of its own, despite her knowledge that wanting Leoth was wrong, very wrong.

"It's late, Ren." The voice came from the door, and Serenity turned to see Minako enter her bedchamber, followed by a solemn-faced Rei. Serenity said nothing as her golden-haired friend pulled her into a sisterly embrace. But she forced herself to smile at her friends as they sat upon her bed.

"You should be sleeping," she said to them.

"So should you," Minako returned with a smile. "You have not had the best of days, Serenity," Minako said lightly, but frowned as she saw Serenity's expression. "What is amiss, Ren? Kunzite said that you were all right physically and emotionally. To me it seems as though he was but half correct."

Serenity gave Minako a surprised look, then glanced at Rei, expecting a typically snide comment from the Martian lady. But Rei was silent. She'd spoken little to Serenity since the latter's betrothal to Endymion. She had remained respectful and courteous, but her once lively and eager personality had disappeared.

"You would make life much easier if my mind was not an open book to you, Mina," Serenity said with an affectionate smile. She and Minako had been raised together, and Serenity loved her as dearly as a sister. And sisters they would soon be, for Minako was betrothed to Kunzite, had been so from a very young age, even before he'd left for Crystal Terra.

Minako giggled, but the expression that Serenity saw on her face was one of concern, not amusement.

"Come, Serenity. You have recently met the King. He is magnificent, is he not? What ever could be amiss? Kunzite tells me Endymion is beyond pleased with your beauty."

"Yes, but I fear that 'tis only my beauty is he pleased with, Mina," Serenity replied quietly. "I do not think he believes I want to marry him," she confessed. "And what maiden in her right mind would not want to!" Serenity cried, her hands covering her face in exasperation.

"It's the Terran knight," Rei put in coolly. Serenity flushed. "Of course it is the Terran knight, Minako," she repeated. Was that satisfaction in Rei's voice? "Have you not noticed the way they look at one another in the Great Hall? Why, you have only to glance at Leoth to understand that he will never love another."

Serenity began to shake her head. Minako gasped at Rei's bold words, for they were close to treason, and her eyes darted to the dark corners of the chamber, afraid that someone might hear them. Serenity said nothing as Rei and Minako stood up.

"My dear Ren," Mina whispered as she kissed Serenity's cheek. "You will come to love Endymion as the entire Ferral Realm has. Leoth is merely a brief temptation because of how you two met. It will fade, sister, and the King shall see it."

"Of course the King sees it," Rei said bitterly, lifting her chin. "He is no fool. He knows of Serenity's affection for Leoth, and I am not wrong to say that he does not like it."

"Rei!"

"No, Minako. I care not about Serenity's feelings when the High King is in danger of dishonor!"

"I will not shame him!" Serenity exclaimed, suddenly angry that Rei would make such an assumption. She was not so weak! She barely knew Leoth, she argued to herself. Yet she would have the remainder of her life to come to know him at court. Serenity groaned. Rei was right. Even if she did not betray the King in body, her mere thoughts would border on betrayal, seemingly forever.

"Do not be ridiculous, Rei," Minako said coldly. "It is not as serious as that. What young man in this court does not lust after Serenity? This is not news." Mina slipped a protective arm around Serenity. But Rei smiled a silent smile, dark gaze focused on Serenity.

"And which of them has ever had this feeling of lust returned?" Rei questioned softly, and Serenity gasped at her words. "Think about it, Ren." Rei lowered her voice to an almost conspiratorial tone. "It is not too late to turn back, you know. You have an excuse now to refuse entering the Torregon family: Lyann. Remember, Ren, a woman is not entirely a man's until she has given him both her word and her body."

Serenity stared at the dark-haired woman.

"No! Ren! Do not even consider it!" Minako cried suddenly. "Think of the pain you would cause the King! Think of the prophecy! The witch promised greatness for you, greatness above all other. Being High Queen is your destiny, Ren. Do not toy with fate."

"Ah, speaking of prophecies," Rei murmured calmly, cutting off whatever Serenity planned on saying in response. "Think of the hurt you will spare the King if you follow your heart instead of your mind, my dear Serenity," Rei said. "Think of the prophecy Lyann spoke of."

Serenity began to tremble, glaring at Rei with blue eyes ablaze with anger. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

"Get out," she said flatly, in a tone that was not hers, one devoid of any emotion other than rage. Minako stared, confused and beginning to realize that indeed something was amiss. She glanced at Serenity as she began to make her way to the door, before slipping out quietly. "Get out!" Serenity repeated as Rei offered her a smile full of insufferable smugness.

Then the room was suddenly empty, and Serenity collapsed upon the bed, Rei's words ringing painfully in her mind.

- - -

Her gown was of a brilliant white and weighed so little that Serenity barely felt it touch her skin. She smiled shakily as she slipped into it, realizing that it was more a robe than a gown, a robe that invited the closest of intimacies. It was also quite transparent.

Serenity swallowed hard, blue eyes glimmering in the candlelight as she quietly studied her reflection in the polished bronze. Her hair spilled over her shoulders and breasts in a wave of golden fragrance. Her neck and arms, habitually bedecked in sparkling jewelry, now lacked all decoration but a thin sapphire necklace, which matched her eyes. Looking at her brilliant reflection, Serenity felt herself tremble head to foot and the ghost in the mirror attempted a smile.

"Goddess! Please let this be a worthy decision!" she whispered to herself, wrapping a black cloak about her shoulders and lifting the hood onto her fair head.

The halls were quiet. Sentries stood guard against the walls, their vigilant eyes following the princess as she swiftly, soundlessly, traveled past them and toward the western wing of the castle. Fire glowed upon torches wedged into the cold walls, causing Serenity's shadow to move about her in an agitated dance. But Serenity paid no mind to her eerie silhouette, nor did she allow her eyes to linger upon the sentries' expressionless faces. Her stride confident and direct, she focused assertively on the dim way toward her destination. Yet despite her assured facade, Serenity felt a cold uncertainty sweep over her, and her hands clenched into white fists. She cursed under her breath and did everything within her willpower to not run back into the safety of her chambers.

Two deadly spears crossed before her sharply as Serenity reached tall, heavy doors. She gasped, and her sharp intake of breath caused the guards to lean in slightly, unabashedly looking at closely.

"My lady Serenity?" The speaker was the guard on her right, and the tone in his young voice indicated obvious shock. The other guard fidgeted.

She lifted her face from the concealing darkness of her hood, looked at the guards steadily.

"Sirs, you are doing the High King little service in refusing entrance to his betrothed," she said and offered them a playful, charming smile. They laughed and bowed, removing the spears from her path.

"But, my lady," the same guard said hesitantly. "The High King made a public oath to your father that he –"

"Yes, indeed, that he would not come to my bed before our wedding," Serenity finished for him and smiled again. Her heart was thundering within her breast, pounding so fast that she was afraid they could hear it in the stillness of the night. "But as you well see, my good sirs, he has kept his word and has not come to my bed." Serenity grinned. "I have come to his."

The guards laughed again, and Serenity walked past them. Then she opened the great doors and entered the High King's chamber.

The room was completely dark, save for a dancing light situated on the table at which the High King was sitting. He was not asleep, as Serenity had expected him to be, but awake and working, his head bowed over rolls of parchment. He promptly turned around at the sound of Serenity's entrance, and she saw his eyes squint, for she was in the shadows and he was not able to see her well.

"Show yourself," he commanded. Standing, his hand automatically reached for the dagger that sat dangerously on the wooden surface of the table.

Serenity trembled. It was too late now; there was to be no cowardice, no turning back. She was determined to show the King that she was his - in word and body.

Serenity stepped forward into the dim light, eyes swiftly registering the large bed, blanketed in soft furs. The floor was hard and uncarpeted, but also warm, for the internal-heating system of the Terran Romans had been employed even on Luna. Slowly, Serenity pushed the hood off her head, bowed her head, and dipped a graceful curtsy. When she looked up, Endymion's eyes had widened in surprise, but they were also dancing.

"My lord King," Serenity breathed as he gently raised her from her obeisance.

"Serenity."

His voice was warm and deep, and Serenity suddenly found herself feeling less nervous than before. Indeed, he looked decidedly breathtaking in the soft candlelight, clad in naught but a robe, midnight hair wet and dripping water onto his broad shoulders.

"Serenity," he repeated softly. But Serenity stood her ground, suddenly unable to move, her thoughts clouded by embarrassment and realization of her foolishness. Oh, how could she have been so stupid, so recklessly bold! "Why are you here?" There was amusement in his voice. "Have you come to discuss issues of state and kingdom?" His eyes were laughing, and Serenity gasped as his hand reached to unclasp her cold fingers from their deadly grip on her cloak.

Struggling to regain her courage, Serenity smiled and shook her head in reply to his question.

"No, my lord, I have come to," she paused, then breathed in sharply. "I have come to your bed."

Thank Selene the lighting was dim enough to hide the hot blush that burned upon her cheeks! Endymion frowned, taking a step back, having expected her answer but remembering his vow.

"My lord, I do not want you to have doubts concerning my loyalty and –" Serenity broke off as she struggled to find the right words quickly. "And my heart. It is true that I did not want to partake in your pursuit for a wife, but now that I have been chosen as your bride, I could not feel more honored." She spoke quickly, almost afraid that he would interrupt her, although she knew well that he would not. He laughed then, a warm, deep laugh that was filled with life.

"My name is Endymion, Serenity," he said gently, as if disregarding her words. But the princess knew that he had not, for his eyes were now filled with warmth and desire.

"Endymion," she whispered, lifting her face to him completely, allowing the cloak to fall off her shoulders. The transparent white gown thus revealed, it seemed to flow about her, so light it was. Endymion breathed in sharply, and Serenity smiled at his silent reaction, satisfied to see that her beauty affected him so. Her trembling was slowly subsiding now, and her eyes darkened with desire as she stepped forward into his embrace. Her arms wrapped around his strong torso and she rested her head upon his chest, hearing the beating heart within it. An odd feeling was sweeping over her, and she felt her skin tingle pleasantly as Endymion's fingers began to slowly undo the laces of her gown.

"I had hoped for the gift of beauty," he whispered against her ear, "and I thanked God when I saw you, saw that he had granted it. But this…" he dropped a light kiss on the nape of her neck. "…you are an angel, a jewel. My little queen…" His voice was a low growl now, and Serenity prepared to thank him for the compliment, but his finger came to her lips to silence her. Unwillingly, Serenity recalled that Leoth had quieted her with a similar gesture but hours before, when he'd escorted her to the castle. Hastily, she brushed the thought of Leoth away, and focused her attention back on Endymion. This was no time to think of the Terran knight.

Endymion's smile was devilish as he pulled her towards the bed. With intuitive satisfaction, Serenity noted how the mere sight of her had made Endymion's famed self-control melt into hunger for her. He tossed his robe, and Serenity felt him shiver as her trembling fingers touched his muscled chest. His beauty was divine, unmatchable, and Serenity suddenly felt very small and awfully naive as he began to take control.

His hand lightly brushed her thigh as he lowered her gently onto the soft furs of the bed. Unexpectedly, a flame took life within Serenity's belly, and her hands traveled to his shoulders as she began to crave for the attention of his skill, so widely known. Her nails dug into his hard flesh as she felt his lips begin to trail soft, hungry kisses down her throat. Her breath was coming faster. She closed her eyes in delight, the dangerous thoughts of betrayal, prophecy, death and foreboding slipping from her mind for this sweet moment.

"King," she whispered the Latin tongue into his ear as the gown slipped off her skin, "I am thine."

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End Part 4

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