Chapter 7
Endymion smiled as he watched his wife slip into the gown she'd chosen for the masque ball.
Diaphanous material that could be seen through made up most of the costume, leaving her still flat mid section bare, and offering a teasing view of her legs as she walked. The plain white top cupped her breasts like the hands of a lover and was connected to a skirt that hugged her hips down to mid-thigh before flaring out into a half see-through, half-opaque powder blue skirt. The hem brushed the tops of her feet, not hiding the soft blue slippers she had slipped on, their tips curled slightly back. Her hair was wrapped around her head in a huge braid, and fell down her back to her waist. Gold and silver bracelets adorned her wrists and ankles, and a necklace with a heart shaped locket completed the outfit.
Serenity looked up at him as she finished fastening the last of two buttons between her breasts. Her cheeks were glimmering with star dust, her eyes slanted slightly with black paint. She smiled, her blue eyes sparkling. "Well?"
She held her arms out for his inspection, her shoulders and arms bare but for the glimmering star dust she's applied and turned in place.
"You, my love, look like you are from another world entirely."
"When it comes to the two of us, Endymion, I really am from another world."
Looking him over from head to toe in turn, she smiled at his choice of costume despite its unimaginativeness. He was dressed in his tuxedo with a cape and white mask, hiding his eyes. It suited him.
"You look absolutely dashing, my Prince."
"And you look absolutely enchanting - do you not have a mask?"
"Oh, I almost forgot." Rummaging around in the top drawer of the bedside table she pulled out two strips of the same see-through material, these adorned with jewels and small bells. She slid one over her hair and anchored it on the outside, underneath her hair but above her ears. The second piece she attached to the same place but pulled it over her face, hiding the lower half as the fabric rested on her nose and fell to just below her chin.
Endymion felt like he'd been punched in the gut when she turned to him and stood silently for his inspection. He tried to speak a couple of times before swallowing hard and finally pushed the sounds from his throat, his voice hoarse. "Maybe this is not such a good idea. In that, I will have to fight to stay by your side."
Serenity giggled, and walked over to him, her bracelets and anklets clinking musically. "No you will not - for I will have to fight to keep the most handsome man in the galaxy at my side."
"Enchanting is too weak a word. I will not leave your side this night, Angel."
She slid her hand around the curve of his elbow as he offered his arm. "And I will not leave yours."
Endymion kissed her forehead gently before opening the door and escorting her from the room. They walked down semi-empty halls in silence, making their way towards the main ballroom, their only company the click of Endymion's shoes and the whisper of Serenity's slippers, the chimes of her costume sounding musically. The servant traffic began to pick up as they neared, and Serenity tensed at his side when they finally stopped at the doors.
"We do not have to do this." Endymion's voice was soft as he made a motion to one of the guards to hold the opening of the doors and their announcement.
"Yes we do, we cannot miss our own party. I am alright, honest. I just do not like the thought of facing strangers I barely know and accepting congratulations for our child when we have barely known for a week."
"I do not either, but it will be good for the kingdom and for the morale of the army."
"Open the doors - let us get this over with."
Endymion signaled the guards to announce them and then watched with pride as Serenity smiled a genuine smile and straightened her shoulders. The doors were opened and they stepped inside, pausing at the top of a large staircase. He watched his wife blush as a cheer went up from the guests and waved, not in the least surprised when Serenity did the same. They walked down the stairs slowly, and Serenity made a conscious decision to ignore the speculation and the murmurs as people saw her still slim figure. She smiled and waved, meeting her mother's proud gaze across the room.
Endymion turned to her as they reached the floor and offered her his arm. "May I have this dance, milady?"
"Of course milord," she replied, her eyes sparkling as she took his proffered hand and was led onto the dance floor.
The first few notes of a waltz floated through the air as Endymion grasped one of her hands in his, holding them clasped together on his left shoulder. His other hand slid around her waist and he could feel her relax as she slid her free hand up his right arm to rest on his bicep. He smiled at her as he began to lead her into the melody of the music.
Serenity returned his smile from behind her mask as Endymion pulled her closer than was proper and then sent her spinning out one way with the music. She couldn't hold in a melodic laugh a few minutes later when he spun her one way and then the other, ending with her locked securely in his arms and leading her through an intricate set of footwork. The waltz finally ended and Endymion twirled her slowly into his arms, tipping her back over one arm and placing a gentle kiss on at the base of her throat where her pulse pounded.
They stayed frozen for a couple of moments as the musicians set up their next piece and then left the floor as the strains of the next song began to fill the room. The other guests filled the floor and began to dance to the music as Endymion and Serenity made their way through the crowd.
Endymion found himself watching the surroundings, one eye on Serenity, the other on the people around them, for some sign of Beryl's awful promise. He couldn't help but smile a half smile as his wife played the crowd expertly, answering their questions and deflecting those she didn't feel the need to answer. A surge of pride swept through him as none of her earlier fears were visible and she laughed easily with their guests.
Finally able to lead her to a remote corner, he put his back against the wall and drew her into the safety of his arms. He put his mouth next to her ear so he could be heard clearly over the din of the ball. "How are you holding up?"
"I cannot get Beryl's threat out of my mind," she admitted, her mouth near his ear so that he could hear her without being overheard.
"Me neither. I do not like this setting; someone could get really close to you without too much effort and I feel like we are being watched."
"As do I. I feel it everywhere - except our private chambers,"
"The Lady Beryl not wanting to see what is not for her eyes, how intriguing." Endymion's tone was dry. "Still, I do not like this setting."
"We are here though and we cannot very well leave in the middle of our own party - it would be rude."
"Even if it means saving your life?"
"I will not let her kill me, Endy; do not worry so. This is good for the soldiers and the public. We are safe, they can see us enjoying ourselves and having a good time."
"And putting you and our child at risk. Angel, please, humor me - be careful."
She pulled back to meet his gaze, raising one eyebrow before moving back close to his ear to speak. "I am being careful; you will not leave my side this night and no harm will come to me beside you."
"Nor any night that follows. Do you think Beryl may choose to attack tonight?"
"It is possible. Mother said their forces were massing for one large attack. I do not know if our forces will be strong enough to hold them back - but we should be safe this evening. I do not think Beryl has the sense to attack tonight; she will more likely find some way to get into our ball and see if she cannot strike some kind of blow to us here."
"I agree; that is more her style and she has never been one for frontal assaults. At least my mother is safe back on Earth - though the rest of our family is here for the moment."
"Listen to us." Serenity chided suddenly, laughing softly. "We are here to enjoy a party and we are talking about matters of state! Should we not be circulating, no matter the dangers? I get a positive feeling from our guests; this has helped boost their spirits and remind them what we are fighting to protect. If putting myself in danger this evening is one way of lifting their confidence in our cause, is that itself not worth the risk?"
Endymion laughed softly, echoing her, before pulling away. "You are right." He mouthed his response offering her his arm again.
Serenity took it and smiled, gently caressing his sleeve as he led her back towards the dance floor and all of the glittering gems and jewels of their guests.
--
Queen Serenity looked at her daughter as she approached on the arm of her husband and smiled. Her daughter's costume was inventive and daring, just the thing to show the whole kingdom that her latest ordeal had not dulled her sense of fashion or adventure. She held out her hand and grasped her daughter's in her own. "You look lovely, darling," she said loudly, certain that even if Serenity couldn't hear her she would pick up the general sentiment.
The Princess blushed and bowed her head in acknowledgement. Embracing her mother, who had voted not to dress up for the masque, she leaned in close so not to be overheard. "I have a question. Is it improper to ask for a few moments of your time and steal away from our party?"
"Can it not wait until later?"
"I suppose it could - but I would prefer to know now if it is possible."
Queen Serenity nodded her agreement and moved towards the doors that led onto the balcony. She looked over her shoulder to make sure that Endymion and her daughter were following before climbing the slight flight of stairs and walking outside. Endymion escorted his wife up and closed the doors behind them, blocking out most of the noise from the party.
"Now, dear, what was so important that I cannot wait until after the masque?"
The Princess cast a glance at Endymion before meeting her mother's gaze again, her eyes somber. "Why do the royal family of the Moon not fight? I do not think it fair that my friends and my husband risk their lives for me when I cannot do anything to help them."
Queen Serenity smiled sadly. "I expected this question. You have a good heart, my dear, and you cannot help but feel as if this arrangement is unbalanced; I asked my mother the same question. Her response to me was that we cannot put ourselves into harm's way because only the bloodline of the Moon has the ability to wield the power of the Ginzuishou. Even Endymion cannot wield it - only you and I. If we die without an heir, the power will fracture, becoming unstable, and everything in the Silver Millennium will fall apart. I do not think you yet understand that the power of the Ginzuishou is in your blood. It is a part of us, and using its power will more than likely kill us if it comes to that."
"But that does not explain why my friends must defend me. I could learn to use the power inside me in pieces, making it safe and then help my friends fight."
"And taint your pure soul forever." Queen Serenity's eyes were sad. "I do not wish for you to learn to use the powers, Serenity, because they will taint you forever if you need to use them - even in defense of those you love most. I have tried to train you with everything you will need to avoid conflict and keep the peace. If that should fail your guardians and Endymion have enough experience and training to protect you."
"But mother, who will protect them if they are not strong enough to fight this evil? Is it not proper for a Princess to take her place by her guards and lend her strength to their defense?"
The Queen leaned against the balcony railing, shaking her head. "Serenity, you do not understand. How could you? If things go badly, I will wield the power of the Ginzuishou alone. At this stage in your life I do not want you to have to give up your life when there is so much ahead of you."
"Is that not my decision, mother? If Beryl does somehow find the strength to defeat us and amasses an army that destroys everything I know, everything I love, should I not use the power to rid the world of such an evil?"
Gathering her daughter into her arms, the Queen hugged her tightly. "If things go badly, I promise they will not end here. I have enough power and control to save you and your court. It has never been needed before, but if something happens I can save you, my darling; you and your husband and your friends." She placed a gentle kiss on the top of Serenity's head before pulling away. "Do not worry about the defense of the Moon, darling. It is well protected and we will have ample warning should the Lady Beryl attack. Go, enjoy your ball. There will be fighting soon enough and moments like these will soon be a memory."
Endymion gently grasped his wife's arm and escorted her back into the ballroom, leaving the Queen on the balcony, her gaze locked on the Earth. "If I have any power at all," she whispered softly. "I pray they are not taken from each other as you were taken from me, my love." she bowed her head and did not return to the ball for many long, lonely hours.
--
Serenity pulled her mask off with a sigh and tossed the two pieces of fabric on the side table. "I still do not understand. If I have power inside me, how is it that mother will not let me fight? Surely using a fraction of that power is not bad."
Endymion placed his mask next to hers before unhooking his cape and tossing it on the chair by the dressing table as Serenity began removing her jewelry. "Angel, your mother does not want to subject you to the powers she has control of yet. She wants you to enjoy our time together and not worry about protection."
"At the cost of you and my friends? Endymion, you are my life - without you I could not continue!"
He enfolded her in his arms. "I would die for you willingly, Angel - and you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You would continue to live, if not for yourself than for our child. Your friends and I understand that without you, without your pure heart and unconditional love, we would not have a reason to continue. You give us purpose, a reason to fight. I love you more than life, Serenity and would do anything for you."
"Than do not fight," she begged softly. "Do not put my life above your own. I cannot bear the thought of your death."
"If I can avoid it, I will - but I may not be able too. I promise to do everything in my power to come back to you."
Serenity closed her eyes as his hands began to gently rub her back and she pressed close to him, inhaling his masculine scent; the muskiness of dried roses, a hint of power and dark chololate as she burrowed into his chest. "Hold me," her voice cracked. "Hold me and make love to me tonight, like you never have before."
"Anything for you Angel. Anything at all."
She raised her head, her eyes still closed, tears shimmering on her lashes, and he kissed her gently, treasuring her mouth with his, sending the familiar fires spreading through her veins. She tasted of sunshine and rain, of pure unconditional love and he almost went to his knees. He swept her up in his arms and walked with her towards the bed, laying her down gently on the covers, never breaking their kiss. Never breaking the contact, she helped him remove his jacket and then his shirt, her hands sliding urgently over his skin.
Endymion grasped her wrists and forced them above her head, pinning them firmly - but gently - above her head with one hand.
Serenity's eyes fluttered open as he broke the kiss and trailed soft kisses down the side of her neck, causing her back to arch. She gasped as he sucked gently on the junction of her shoulder and neck. "Endymion!"
The exposed wealth of her skin called to him, and he traced whisper soft finger tips over the still-flat plane of her stomach as she writhed under his touch, dipping his fingers under the band of her top.
"Please..."
"We have all night, Angel." His promise feathered across her collarbone as he traced it across and back, nipping her tenderly. "And I intend to make this last."
"Endy-mi-on!"
He smiled against her skin before he reached up and slammed the shutters closed with his free hand, blocking out any and all intrusions - or prying eyes. Tonight was just for the two of them.
