Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or any of its characters. They are the sole owner of Naoko Takeuchi. I do, however, own all original characters.

Everlasting Vow
miss soo

Chapter Seven

Serenity's mind raced a mile a minute, her heart thumping loudly, as if it was thunder itself. Tearing herself way from his gaze, she desperately looked for her friends, for Mina, but only saw unfamiliar faces.

'Damn' she inwardly curse, angry that she allowed herself to be captured in his eyes.

With steady breaths, she hardened her face as she continued down her path. She moved her gaze to the four general who all stood by him. Serenity face softened, remembering how much Mina would gush over white haired general. Her eyes roamed from general to general. Each man stood tall, watching her attentively. She had to agree with her cousin, they were indeed very good-looking.

'Kunzite has it coming.' She chuckled to herself, a smile escaping her lips.

After what seemed to be eternity, Serenity reached the bottom of the staircase. Awkwardly, she stood there, allowing numerous of eyes take her in. Her eyes peeked over their head, still trying to find where her friends could have gone.

"Honestly..." She whispered.

The murmurs among the crowd were beginning to get to Serenity, feeling uncomfortable having so much attention on her.

"Who is she?"

"That's the heiress to the Moon Kingdom?"

"Good lord, who wouldn't want those silvery curl displayed on their pillow." A whisperer dared.

Serenity blushed, listening in on the hushed conversations, some not meant for her to hear.

"Serenity!" A shrilled voice exclaimed.

Serenity's hopes rose, recognizing the voice right away.

"Auntie Georgina." Serenity sighed in relief, so thankful that she would be free from the spotlight.

Georgina took the young princess into her arms, giving her a tight squeeze. Pulling back slightly, Georgina took the girl in, her eyes sparkling with glee.

"Oh Serenity! You are absolutely breath-taking! I am so pleased you were able to make it. When I got word that your mother could not attend, I was so nervous that you would not show either." The queen gushed.

"Mother does send her apologies…" Serenity added.

Smiling back at the child, Georgina took Serenity's hands into hers.

"Well, all that matters is that you are here." Pausing for a moment, Georgina looked around, searching the crowd, before turning back to Serenity. "Love, I thought you were bringing your cousin with you."

As if on cue, Mina and the rest of the princesses managed their way through the crowd and found themselves back with their princess.

"Finally!" Rei huffed. "The second everyone heard 'Her Supreme Highness' would be making an entrance, a mob of people pushed us out of the way. Hmph…as if they've seen any of the Silver Millennium court before." Rei scoffed in annoyance.

Ami tried to calm her good friend down, her checks glowing red, shocked from her friends harsh words. Georgina's laughter brought the girls' attention back to the hostess of the party.

"Ladies! Please, I want you to all make yourselves at home here. Relax and do have fun!"

The princesses humbly bowed in respect.

"Thank you, Auntie Georgina. I am sure this will be a night for us all to remember." Serenity thanked earnestly.

With a smile plastered on her face, Georgina took both Serenity's and Mina's hands into hers and began to lead them away from the curious guests. Serenity silently thanked Georgina in her mind. She was happy to make a little bit of distance from the silent gossip that floated through the air…at least until she saw where she was being led to.

"Now where are my manners!" Georgina's voice rang. "Ladies, I would like to formally introduce you to my son, Endymion and his close friends." She paused, allowing now present men to step forward to introduce themselves.

"This is General Jadeite, General of the northern countries."

The short haired man bowed his head in respect to the princesses, before he stepped forward and extended his respect to the moon princess.

"Princess…" Jadeite began, his signature smile on his face. "I have heard so much on your exquisite beauty. An honor to finally make your acquaintance."

Georgina moved towards the tall mahogany haired man, his strong stature evident.

"Then, this is General Nephrite, the general of the western countries."

Nephrite strode towards the princess, stopping inches from her before bowing deeply.

"Princess Serenity, know that I am at your service. If you should ever need anything, please do not hesitate at all." Nephrite whispered with a smile.

Serenity smiled, a small blush creepy on her cheeks.

"Thank you. Of course." She replied gratefully.

Serenity looked up to see that another blonde gentleman had stepped forward. He had a very soft and gentle looking face. Upon comparison, he was only slightly shorter than jadeite, although no one would ever notice it.

"Princess." He called, placing a hand on his chest and bowing. "I am Zoisite, the general of the southern countries. It is a pleasure meeting you again."

Looking past him, only so slightly, Serenity could see her dear friend Ami, peeking up at the blonde haired man. Ami had always admired his tactical ways on the battlefield, claiming him of coming up with the best strategies. Suppressing a giggle, Serenity turned her attention back to the general.

"Me too, I'm so glad to see you again after so long." Serenity replied.

She really was glad to be able to see these gentlemen again. The last time there was such a gathering of them all, they were all quite younger.

"And of course, Serenity dear, you know Kunzite." Georgina continued.

Serenity could feel her face getting hot. The last time she had seen Kunzite, she was missing a few essentials, such as her clothing. Serenity's gaze shot down immediately, unable to fully look him in the eyes.

"Princess?" His deep voiced echoed.

Finding her courage, Serenity met him face on.

"Ahem." She began, clearing her voice. "General Kunzite, so glad to see you again." Serenity managed out.

She could see him holding in a laughter, causing her to blush even more. Kunzite took Serenity's hand into his, giving it a small kiss. Straightening himself up, he smiled back at the flustered princess.

"Serenity." He chuckled. "I think we can drop the formalities, we are friends after all."

He released her hand and made his way towards his comrades, who were introducing themselves to Serenity's guests. He followed in their paths, and found his target.

"Well hello Mina, I'm so glad you could make it." Kunzite commented, slyly looking her up and down, not bothering to hide his interest.

Mina looked up in into his grey eyes, an impish grin on her face.

"As am I. I do hope this to be a wonderful party." She replied.

Serenity shifted awkwardly, holding her arms together, as she stood away from the group. As she looked on at her friends, she could feel a pair of eyes burning into her. Subtly, she tilted her head, sneakily trying to see if she was right as to who those eyes belonged too. Bringing one hand to her face, she peeked over to where he would be standing. Georgina was standing there next to him, going on and on about something that Serenity could not quite make out. Still attempting not to seem obvious, Serenity kept her gaze down, starting from the floor, where she slowly made her way up. From what she was making out, he was dressed in royal attire. He wore a black suit with his royal emblem pinned at his lapel, along with gold trimmings. The jacket fitted him very nicely, showcasing his broad shoulders. Seeing that Georgina was still talking to her son, Serenity dared to sneak a peek at his face. Slowly, she moved her eyes from his attire to his face. She admired his fine chiseled features, a truly god-like man. He looked as if he was in depth with Georgina's conversation, or so she thought. Just as she thought she had gotten away with it, Endymion's eyes shifted towards her own gaze. Her eyes widen in suprise, as his own stare held onto hers, not allowing her to look away. She could see a smug grin growing on his face, as if he knew what she had been doing this whole time. Serenity watched helplessly as Endymion, too, took his share of looking, his eyes roaming all over her body. Taking in his fill, Endymion captured her eyes with his again, only to release her with a sly wink. Serenity squinted her eyes and turned away with a huff. Her face burned, out of the embarrassment of being caught, and anger of Endymion's boldness. As if to add to the flame, Serenity could hear his deep chuckle.

"Ooooh...that man!" Serenity huffed.

"Ladies!" Georgina called over.

The princesses all turned their attention away from their conversation partners.

"I would like to introduce to you all again, my son, Endymion." She finished.

"Your highness." Ami started, curstying in respect.

Her actions were soon followed in suit by the rest of the princess.

"Welcome to my kingdom ladies. We are honoured to have you all here. Please, while you are here, do not hesistate to ask for anything." Endymion graciously offered.

Serenity happily watched as her friends mingled with the generals. They deserved to have some fun.

'We all do for that matter.' She thought to herself.

Serenity took this moment to fully take in the sight of the grand ballroom. She snuck away, careful not to be noticed by the other guests as well. Grand was indeed the proper way to describe the room. It was exquisite, with its gold and red embellishments. Crystal chandeliers hung throughout the room, illuminating it with their soft glows. If she could describe it in a single word...

"Ravishing." She whispered.

"My thoughts exactly, princess." a voice whispered closely.

Startled, Serenity jumped back, losing her balance in the end. Of all the things Serenity could possibly do in a situation of such, the only thing that came to her mind was...

'WHY!?' Her mind screamed. 'I've gone through years...YEARS of not having a clumsy moment. Now I come to Earth and it happens twice in one night?!'

It was as if time slowed down just for the sake of her fall. Serenity could only accept that the final outcome would be inevitable. Her bottom and the floor would meet and all she could simply do is wait for it happen. She squeezed her eyes tightly as she braced for a rough landing. The air whooshed past her ears as she fell into a strong pair of arms.

"You know...we really need to stop meeting like thing." A familiar voice joked.

Serenity's eyes shot open at the sound of his voice, meeting his brown stare straight on.

"Marcus..." She gasped.

Serenity's breath caught in her throat, as smiled spread on his face, showing off his perfect white teeth. He truly was a handsome man, his tousled curls falling over his eyes. Pulling her out of his embrace, Marcus helped her stand up.

"I'm so happy you remembered me, Princess." He replied happily.

Serenity bit her lip in embarrassment. This was twice that this man had witness her fall, and now twice that he's saved her from it. She turned away from him, her face bright red. She shut her eyes and shook her head.

"Oh Sere, you dummy!" She whispered to herself.

"Princess?..." Marcus hesistantly asked.

Taking a deep breath, Serenity turned back around.

"Serenity." She answered back. "Please...call me Serenity."

Marcus smiled again. Serenity was starting to love it when he smiled. It really was one of his many good qualities.

"I don't know if I could call the Supreme Princess of the Moon Kingdom by her first name." Marcus half jested.

Serenity slightly flinched at the sound of her title, completely forgetting that she never fully introduced herself when they first met.

"Oh...please. After all you've saved me twice...I think that puts us at first name basis." She joked back.

"Well then, Serenity it is. I must apologize, since I do believe it was my own doing that startled you, thus causing you fall. My sincerest apologies." He bowed deeply.

"Oh..no..no.. please don't. I shouldn't be so jumpy. And like I said at least someone was there to save me." She quickly replied.

Marcus looked back at the princess, his boyish grin back on his face.

"It is a pleasure to see you again." he began, closing the space between them.

Replaying the scene from before, Marcus brought Serenity's hand up, placing a gentle kiss upon.

"P-p-pleasure is mine...thank you." She breathed out.

"So, Serenity, what brings you to our wonderful planet? I hear the moon is quite the lavish place." Marcus asked.

Slowly rubbing her hand where his lips once were, Serenity looked up at the Duke.

"My mother is good friends with Queen Georgina, and..." Serenity paused. "I guess you could say the Prince and I are childhood friends" She managed the end bit, her face scrunching up a bit.

Marcus laughed at her slight discomfort for the prince. Finding the situation funny as well, Serenity found herself giggling along with him.

"And you, Marcus?"

"Well...we were here on invite, but everything is politics. I do hope to have a meeting with His Majesty." He replied.

"Oh boo, business during a party?" Serenity turned her nose up at the idea.

"Unfortunately, there is always business to be had." Marcus chuckled out.

The sounds of music interrupted the two, a waltz had begun in the other room.

"Well, we are at a ball." Marcus began.

Bowing slightly, he held out his hand to her.

"Serenity, may I have the honor of having this dance?"

A blushed crept onto her face, as Serenity looked back up into Marcus's brown eyes. Her shy smile answered before she could.

"Of course." She replied, placing her hand into his.

The music grew louder as the two made their way to the main hall. The orchestra was just as grand as the room, with fashionably dressed couples already dancing away on the floor. The guests parted, allowing Serenity and Marcus passage to the dance floor. As they passed through, whispers began to spread as people's curiousity began to grow. Serenity turned her head back, her own wondering betraying her. Marcus gave her a gentle squeeze, silently letting her know everything was fine. She smiled, amazed that someone she just met could make her feel so safe. He had finally guided her to the center of the dance floor and the center of attention. The song had just finished, only for a newer and slightly more upbeat song to begin. Marcus faced Serenity, following tradition and bowing, while Serenity too, curtsied in response. With the formalities behind them, Marcus brought her into his arms. Serenity placed her one hand on his shoulder and the other into his own hand. Marcus smiled down at her, as he carefully placed his other hand gentle on her waist, causing the young princess to blush. With a light chuckled, Marcus led her around on the dance floor. The couple moved along the whole floor, hundreds of eyes watching each move they made.

"Everyone watching..." Serenity whispered uneasily.

Marcus responded by pulling her closer, before spinning her outwards, and pulling her back into his arms. Serenity's face exploded with amusement, her laughter flowed melodiously.

"Everyone is watching you." He whispered into her ear, his hot breath tickling it slightly. "And who cares? Let them watch." He winked.

Serenity nodded with a smile, allowing him to lead her around the floor. She soon forgot the many pairs of eyes on them, and allowed herself to be careree. The whispers had finally made their way to Serenity's guardians, as they hurried to the main ballroom, only to see their princess being swayed on dance floor. Everyone stood agasped at the scene, all but Mina, who remembered the gentleman from earlier. Marcus continued to twirl and spin the princess, her laughter like music to his ears. Serenity could not remember the last time she had this much fun. Having a bit too much fun, she allowed herself to be completely taken away by a spin, accidently losing grip of Marcus's hand. Not wanting to be awkward, Serenity continued twirling, her dress swirling underneathe her. Serenity's fun and amusement was cut short as she crashed into something hard. Just as abruptly as the princess, the music stopped. Before Serenity could regain her balance, a pair of arms encircled her, to keep her from stumbling backwards. Serenity blinked a few times, attempting to make the room stop spinning before looking up into a pair of familiar blue eyes. The hard eyes gazed into her with some unwritten emotion hidden behind them, something Serenity could not make out.

"Your Highness." Marcus's voice called out.

Serenity looked back to see Marcus hurrying towards them. She looked back at Endymion, realizing the scene they made, her one arm drapped around his neck, with his wrapped around her tiny frame. She quickly straightened herself out, turning to face Marcus. Serenity, believing once she moved, Endymion, too would change his position. But she had thought wrong. While she may have moved, Endymion made no notion to move, his arms still held her in place.

"Prince Endymion." Marcus bowed when he finally reached them.

Endymion watched the Duke pay his respects.

"Duke Birmingham." Endymion responded, his voice hard and voided of emotion. "I am glad you could find her Supreme Princess. Her friends were quite worried on her whereabouts. Who knew she was merely out here dancing around."

Marcus raised a brow at the prince, clearly aware of his tone.

"Yes well, Serenity is a big girl after all. I am sure she is quite capable of handling herself." Marcus retorted, crossing his arms against his chest.

Endymion's jaw tightened as Marcus's familiarity with Serenity.

"Yes, well please do excuse us. I must take her back to her party." Endymion finished with slight bow of his head.

Serenity glared up at Endymion, daggers evident in her eyes.

'How dare he!' She fumed.

"Of course." Marcus responded. "Serenity..."

The sound of his voice caused Serenity's head to shoot back towards him.

"I do hope I have the pleasure of seeing you again." He smiled.

"Yes, we must certainly se..."

She was abruptly interrupted as Endymion hurried her away, leaving Marcus standing on his own on the dance floor.

"All it takes is a dance to make you forget about your friends, Little Princess?"

Serenity could only see red.

"How dare you!" She seethed. "Who the hell do you think you are!?"

Completely indifferent to Serenity's anger, Endymion laughed.

"Why, I do believe I am the prince of Earth."

Serenity couldn't even put words together to yell back at him. Her blood was boiling to the point that she could not think.

"Unhand me at once! You have already embarrassed me quite enough for the evening!" She ordered.

When Endymion did not respond to her orders, Serenity quickly jabbed him in the stomach, caushing him to release his grip on her. She turned and faced him, animousity clearly written all over her face. With a huff she turned on her heels and continued on her own towards her friends.

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WN: Omgoodness! Everyone I am sooooo sorry for the delay! This past month has really be hectic! I've been planning for a wedding, and then on top of that I've been given a promotion. Just a lot going on in life! But I've manage to get some of my free time back, and I am going to be putting it back into writing! I really do hope you guys like this chapter. I know it's not as long as the last one, but I really wanted to get this bit out. ;D ooooh troubles a brewing! I have so much planned for this next chapter! I promise to make up for the wait! I do hope to hear back from everyone how they're enjoying it so far. Reading your words really gives me more and more motivation!

-miss soo