Chapter 7: Burning Heat

Title: The Noble Slave

Author: LightningRose

A/N: Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or the characters.

Yay new chapter finally! I know you all have been waiting for this one so here you go! Just a forewarning, I will be switching POVs and going between first person to third person, sticking mostly with first person on Serenity and third person on the other characters. Sorry if it seems confusing.

I could feel their eyes on me as I walked, my body was so exposed it was no wonder they would stare. A small group of noble women walked by, heads close together whispering as they shot me looks, even the guards, their eyes following me as I passed by. I tried to ignore them, tried to take in as much as I could of the palace that would now be my home. It was more beautiful than anything I could have ever imagined; there was a perfect tone of dark to earthy with the mixture of stone and wood. I was slightly distracted by my wondering eyes that I failed to notice the group of men standing by the large windows we were passing. I was not used to this much attention, my body had never been looked upon before as it was now.

I felt naked, and I might as well have been from all the lustful glances I received.

We suddenly stopped; the maid did not speak to me, merely kept her head down as I followed her through the Palace. I did not speak to her either; the pounding in my chest was much too loud to hear her even if she had spoken. In front of us was a large door, intricately designed with gold handles and beautiful carvings etched into the wood surface. I would have liked to stay longer to follow the story it was telling but the maid was ushering me into the room now.

The moment I stepped in I felt a chill run through me, the hair on my arms rising, and as embarrassing as it was I could feel my nipples harden against the thin fabric of the cloth I was dressed in. I wrapped my arms around my chest, concealing myself as best as I could.

It was dark save for the fire lit in the far corner of the room, I inched my way towards it when I noticed him. He sat there staring at me; something about the way he looked at me caused my heart to pound harder than before. The hair on the back of my neck prickled, he was so animalistic it frightened me.

"Are you cold?" His voice was rough and deep; all my instincts told me to flee at once.

I could only nod, my voice was nowhere to be found, my throat felt dry. I could not tell if this pleased him or not, the darkness shrouded his face hiding his eyes from me. For that I was grateful.

"Then come closer, the fire will warm you." It sounded almost mocking, and I was beginning to wonder if this was all planned. It was too perfect the dress, the cold room, and the fire the only warmth in the room which was right beside him.

I took a nervous step forward only to free when he held up a hand for me stop, afraid I did something wrong I clutched my arms tighter to my chest.

"You will crawl to me, on your hands and knees. Anytime we are in my private chambers you will be in this position." The command was sharp, as if it was customary to do so and I was a fool for not knowing.

I could not look at him any longer at this point; I felt the muscles tighten in my jaw as I forced myself to keep quiet. Lowering myself to the cold stone floor; I slowly made my way towards him and the fire, thankful for the rug lying out in front.

I don't know how long we sat there, me on the floor in front of the fire, he in his chair behind me. I could feel his eyes on me, searing my warming skin. I felt hot and fidgety, so unlike myself I wasn't sure if his presence was the cause or the fire.

"There is a pitcher of wine on the table next to you, pour me a glass." Startled out of my thoughts by his sudden request, I ended up looking at him in confusion. I could see his face clearly now, he was smirking devilishly, it was evident on his face how much he knew this whole act was humiliating me.

Clenching my teeth tighter I got up on my knees and shuffled as best as I could to the small table off to the side. I grabbed the pitcher noticing the sweet smell of wine filling my nose as I slowly poured it into the cup. Making my way over to the King was harder than I thought, trying not to spill the wine on the rug or myself. It was a deep red wine that I knew it would stain easily, and the rug looked expensive.

I was inches away from him now, but he did not reach for the cup like I expected him to. He just stared at me, his stormy blue eyes piercing mine. I couldn't help but to look away as I held the cup of higher to him. It felt like an eternity that I kneeled there by him holding the cup up in the air before I felt his larger hand enclose around mine. The shock from his touch shooting through me, ended just as quickly as it began. I could not hide the gasp of breath that came from my mouth just then, I was expecting his touch to be cold like the rest of him appeared to be, but there was nothing but heat, like the fire burning in front of us.

I would not let this man see just how much he affected me, I kept my eyes down, my breathing in check and forgot he even existed save for when he commanded me to act.

Endymion stared at the sprite of a woman in front of him, he had found it most entertaining to witness her kneel in front of him, serving him wine in the slip of a dress he had made specifically for her. She looked enchanting and radiant with her silver hair flowing around her, the flames of the fire dancing off it. He had never seen such a sight before, it would take all his willpower to not throw her down right then and there and make her his.

He let his eyes trace the markings on her skin; he could see nearly all of her minus the most important parts, the material of the dress hiding them from his view, teasing his mind. He would allow it for now, he was merely testing her at this point, he knew she was an innocent and would not force himself on her.

Soon she would beg him for his touch.

He noticed she had similar markings to those of Trista, only more so. They nearly covered all of her, but still left plenty of the milky white skin to be enjoyed. They swirled and twisted as if alive down her arms, sides and thighs. He imagined they wrapped around her small belly, over her hips and up her back, they were exquisite and he wanted so badly to trace his fingers over them.

"When did your markings appear?" he could still remember the day Trista's had appeared, wondering if the same happened to Serenity.

She would not look at him, but he could see her silver eyebrows draw together in confusion. He noticed she could not conceal her emotions; he only had to look at her face to know what she was feeling or thinking. He could tell she was humiliated by his requirements of her today, but she was playing hard to make it appear as if they did not bother her. She was strong willed.

"They did not appear My King, I was born with them." Her voice was soft and sweet, but he heard her clearly. Her answer surprised him, but then again it shouldn't if she was who she claimed to be, it would be fitting that she be born with them.

"Why did your mother leave you with Lord Orion? It does not make sense that a Goddess of immense power as she would leave her only child in the hands of two mortals, noble blood or not." He couldn't help bust ask the question that plagued them all.

She looked up at him, and he wasn't sure if it was the fire that did it or just who she was but he swore they sparkled as if the stars themselves were looking back at him. It took everything he had to keep himself from reaching out to her. He wondered to himself if she was bewitching him, was that a power she had? It aggravated him; he wasn't used to feeling this way.

"I am a gift that is my purpose."

It was a simple answer and yet it answered nothing, only adding to the mystery that she was. Endymion decided he did not feel like being alone with her any longer, this experiment of his was at a standstill. She was smart enough not to defy his absurd orders in his private chambers where only he could witness her humiliation. He wondered what else she would allow him to do to her before she put a stop to this game. If she was even able to stop him that is, he would mull over that thought another time.

His thoughts were interrupted when a knock sounded through the room; he rose out of the chair and walked towards the door, leaving Serenity kneeling on the floor staring after him.

I was relieved when he went to answer the door, I felt myself relax hoping it was important enough to need his immediate attention and I would be left alone for some time. I noticed a guard enter the room behind Endymion followed by a different maid than the one that lead me here, I could not help but wonder if I would ever recognize all of them, it appeared there were so many. She kept her head bowed low, never once raising her eyes as she lit the lanterns and candles in the room. For the first time since I entered I was able to clearly see just how massive the room was, trying not to look too long at the king size bed across the room. Black sheets….how unusual and yet fitting.

The guard and Endymion spoke quietly for a moment, I sensed something was wrong, his body seemed tense and the maid ran out just as quickly as she could. It didn't seem they would be leaving me alone any time soon.

"Bring me the generals; I must discuss this matter with them immediately." His voice held such power all of a sudden, filling the room with up, I felt the air vibrate around me. I could not help but look at him now that the room was lit; it was hard not too really, for he was probably the most beautiful man she had ever seen. Tall, broad shoulders and back that tapered down into slip waist, he did not wear any armor, the light material of his shirt not hiding his muscular physique. He was powerful and so masculine, I suddenly felt hot all over again, but the fire was not close enough to cause such a reaction to my body.

Shaking my head I excused any thoughts of the King from my mind, I would not allow myself to see him in such a way. Remembering what he told the guard, I realized if the generals were coming then that would mean the girls would be arriving too. I could not help but get excited at the thought of seeing them again; I could not tell just how much time had passed since the morning when we last saw each other but I missed them terribly. I hoped the generals were treating them kindly.

Sometime later the generals and my girls started to arrive, the first were Lord Zoisite and Amy. I was relieved to see they were on equal footing, from the looks of it they got along quite well; I only assume this from watching them together. Lord Zoisite did not make Amy walk behind him or keep her head down, he spoke openly with her and she seemed at ease. I was still kneeling by the chair when she finally looked at me; I wanted to tell her I was fine and not to be upset with my position. But I was unsure about my place just yet in Endymion's presence so I decided to keep quiet, I merely smiled gently, it seemed to work.

I heard them before they arrived. Endymion was seated back in his chair next to me, though he paid me no attention just conversed lightly with Zoisite and Amy which made me happy. Lord Nephrite entered first, and then Lita came bounding after. They were sweating and out of breath, probably racing each other through the palace to see who would make it here first.

"I beat you, which would make it two out of three." Lita glared at Nephrite, stomped over to the spot next to Amy and fell into silence. I was worried and shocked by her behavior. She completely ignored the King sitting across from her; I glanced up at him quickly trying to gage his reaction to her display.

He looked amused, but it was Nephrite who was upset.

"Forgive me My King, she is a stubborn one. Lady Lita, it is impolite to ignore his Majesty." Lita glared again at Nephrite but quickly apologized to Endymion for her behavior, smiling and seeming at ease herself. Lita had always been good with commanding men, they didn't scare her easily.

I had to shake my head at her when she tried to address me, as of the moment I was apparently just an ornament, a statue by his side not to be seen or heard. Endymion did not acknowledge me in their presence; I wanted to wait until everyone arrived before I tested this relationship of master and slave. I knew my girls would not stand for long to see me treated like this.

Jadeite and Raye quietly entered next, I was surprised to not see them fighting. Jadeite appeared upset and slightly embarrassed where as Raye looked aloof and proud. I could only imagine what their day had been like, knowing Raye it would not have been a pleasant one. Raye was used to having her way, not because she was spoiled or given everything. She was raised to be a strong woman who demanded authority; it would take a lot more than some flirty charm on Jadeite's part to win her over. He would need to prove himself first.

"My King, it is a pleasure to see you again." Raye smiled brightly as she curtsied in front of Endymion, she seemed overly cheery in my opinion, probably her way of adding salt to Jadeite's wounded ego. I had to stifle a giggle. It of course did not go unnoticed; all eyes were on me now. Raye shot me a confused look, but before she could say anything Mina waltzed in.

Waltzing is what I would call Mina's walk; it was elegant and flirty, drawing everyone's attention on her. Unlike myself, Mina loved it, she craved men's attention. She walked in as if she owned the place; head held high, smile as bright as the sun. She instantly calmed my nerves. Lord Kunzite walked right passed her and headed straight for the last chair in the room. I got the feeling they were not on good terms, trying to best the other in something. He looked smug as he sat down and conversed with the others, completely ignoring Mina who had to stand next to his chair while all the others were seated.

"Lady Mina, please take my seat." Lord Zoisite surprised us all when he stood to give Mina his spot next to Amy.

Kunzite held up his hand, putting a stop to that quickly. It appeared he was torturing Mina for something, she looked positively livid now.

"No Zoisite, she will stay where she is. In fact Lady Mina, why don't you serve the Generals and our King some wine?" It wasn't really a question, and I knew it angered her, I could tell from the tightening around her lips as she smiled.

I realized as I watched Mina walk over to another pitcher of wine with multiple of glasses that I was the only one on the floor, and none of the girls were made to crawl. I felt embarrassed all of a sudden; I felt my stomach drop, wondering if this was how it would always be. Would the girls never be allowed to speak to me in public? Would I be made to wear such revealing clothing and being stared at, almost as if I was a kept pet all the time? Such humiliation, I had hoped Endymion was a better King than that, he was proving to be nothing but a cold beast of a man.

"Endymion, why did you call us here so suddenly?" Endymion watched as the lovely but oh so angry Lady Mina poured drinks for the generals; he stopped her before she poured his. He would only allow Serenity to pour his wine from now on.

He was quite amused with the way the women were interacting with his generals, they each held such entertaining personalities and he felt they fit perfectly with the general they were suited with. He wondered how long his men would last before demanding more of them.

"I have received a letter from the Kingdom of Metalia, it would appear that Princess Beryl will be arriving sometime this week." The room felt tense at his announcement, the girls began to fidget wondering what it meant and why the men looked ill at ease.

"I thought we told them the betrothal was still in negotiations. You have not accepted yet." Endymion did not want to speak of Beryl or betrothals in front of Serenity but Jadeite started a conversation that would not be ended quickly.

"She must have somehow heard about Lady Serenity and that is why she has come." Nephrite and Zoisite looked at Serenity, it was not surprising that a princess from a foreign land would travel far to see the mythical daughter of the Goddess. It did not hurt that she was obsessed with Endymion as well.

"Trista will want to know about this as well Endymion. You know how Beryl will react when she sees Serenity, especially if you plan to continue this treatment of her." Kunzite spared a look in Serenity's direction, concerned now for the young woman's fate in the castle. Endymion looked down at his beautiful silver sprite, watched the worry and confusion etch across her face.

He was surprised she sat there so quietly, he half expected her to jump up the moment the others walked in. Afraid to be seen in such a pose by her closest friends, he almost regretted dressing her in such taste as he did not want anyone else to look upon her skin. He finally understood why Lord Orion hid her under a cloak and behind closed doors for so long. She was far too enchanting, Endymion looked up sharply. He did not want to fall prey to her bewitching charms once again.

"I will worry about Beryl; if her desire to see Serenity is the reason for her coming so far then we will have Trista dress her in the priestess' garbs. We will make her believe that Serenity is part of the Temple and not for my personal use." Endymion could feel her tension now, is what becoming obvious to him she did not like to be ignored in this fashion. To be talked about as if not even in the room. He couldn't help but wonder if his little sprite would ever show her true voice, perhaps she needed more of a push.

"I believe that will be fine for the time being My King, but what if this betrothal goes through? She will not allow you to keep Serenity as is. Beryl is ruthless in her demands." Looking concerned, Zoisite patted Amy's clenched hands in reassurance.

"Zoi is right Endymion, if you are to marry Princess Beryl, then Serenity will have to be removed from your presence. Otherwise I too fear for her safety." Lita sat up taller as Nephrite walked near the lit fire, trying now to look Endymion in the eye as he blatantly told his King he could not have both women. That it would be one or the other.

"Sere…."

It was the first time someone spoke directly to Serenity; of course it would be the Lady Mina, who while ignoring the sharp look from Kunzite, knelt down beside her dearest friend. The other girls watched with unease, as they too looked as if they wanted to join her on the floor.

Endymion had not specifically told anyone to not acknowledge her presence, had not told her to keep quiet. In fact he had not given any instruction, just watched and observed how she would handle the situation. He saw the looks she gave her friends, the shakes of her head to tell them no when they wanted to speak to her. She was trying to protect them from any possible danger, in case he was some demon of a King that would not allow any interaction between them in his presence. It would appear as though Lady Mina was the boldest of the small group.

They did not speak, just held each other. When the others realized Mina was not being punished for speaking out they followed her actions and flew into Serenity's arms. It was the first time he had seen her smile, it took his breath away. He realized that he wanted Serenity more than anything he had ever wanted in his life, and if it meant breaking ties with Beryl and her Kingdom then so be it.

"I will not marry Princess Beryl then. I will not give up Serenity."