Chapter 7

Princess Serenity walked back to her chambers in a daze. She changed into a normal Princess' garb, went down to the dining room and sat next to her Mother. Her four guardians and Luna were there as well. Queen Serenity smiled at her daughter.

"Hello darling, what've you been doing this day?" the Queen asked cheerfully.

"Not learning your history," muttered Luna. The Queen chuckled.

"Nothing important Mother," Serenity answered softly.

"So you mean nothing I would approve of then?"

Serenity nodded. The four girls giggled.

"Serenity," the Queen's demeanor swiftly changed to that of an authoritative Mother. "You can't act as if you're a child any longer. Luna has told me of how often you abandon your lessons; it isn't right. I don't want to have to appoint guards to follow you just to make sure your doing as your told."

"Alright Mother," the Princess replied. Queen Serenity's eyebrows rose.

"What? No protests? Are you ill dearest?"

"Not at all Mother. I'm just not that hungry."

"That's even more of a reason to believe your ill darling. Go on then, Luna will take you upstairs and tend to you."

"I'll be up shortly as well," Rei chimed in.

"Very well," Serenity sighed. "See you later then."

Luna stood from her seat, her dark hair swishing against her back. The Princess followed suit and they both walked up to her chambers.

The Queen turned her gaze to the four remaining girls.

"Has she been acting strangely around you?" she asked in a whisper.

Makoto shook her head.

"I was just with her this morning and she wasn't acting odd. We did split up though, so perhaps something happened in that short amount of time we were apart."

"She might of heard a rumor about the alliance with Earth, or one which has to do with Prince Endymion," Ami interjected. "Serenity always takes things so seriously."

"Even the word of gossiping hens," Rei finished. She brushed a strand of raven hair from her forehead.

"I see. What do you think Mina?"

The Queen turned her gaze on Mina, the Princess of Venus who looked quite disinterested in the whole conversation. She flicked her golden hair over her shoulder and picked at some food with her fork. Her crystal eyes stared back at the Queen with boredom.

"I don't know what that girl does with her spare time m'lady, so I wouldn't know," she replied flatly.

The Queen nodded her head knowingly. Mina sighed.

"May I be excused my Queen? I've some things to attend to."

"Of course Princess; you can take your leave."

The Venusian goddess swiftly left the room.

"The nerve of some people," Rei huffed. The Queen sighed.

"Don't think harshly of her, she didn't really want to be brought here. You know Venusians, there so free spirited, and being here is tough for her."

The three girls stayed silent.

"Well I wish to check on the Princess," the Martian girl said. "May I be excused as well?"

"Yes."

Rei stood and curtsied to Queen Serenity before leaving the room.

---

"Tell me what's troubling you child."

"I already told you Luna, it's nothing. Quit fretting over me so, it's quite tiresome you know."

"I know you far better than this; when your not smiling there's something seriously wrong."

Serenity and Luna sat on the sofa in the Princess' chambers. Luna forcefully lay the Princess' head in her lap and was stroking her golden hair soothingly. Her midnight tresses spilled over her shoulders and lightly tickled Serenity's forehead.

"Did you hear a rumor in the castle that has troubled you?"

"N-no," she answered hurriedly. Luna's eyes brightened.

"I knew it; you heard something didn't you. Tell me what it is and it'll make you feel better."

"You just want to pick up a piece of juicy gossip to spread," Serenity replied hottily. Luna scoffed.

"I am not a gossiping hen," she replied indignantly.

The moon maiden closed her eyes. It might make me feel better if I tell her, she thought. Luna won't tell another soul if I tell her not to, and hearing her tell me its not true will make my mind be at ease…

"Alright, but you can't tell anyone," Serenity said. "It's silly, but I overheard a maid speaking of a rumor about Endymion. She said that he was just using me to cover up a tryst he's having on Earth with another woman. The woman also said that he's using me so his Father won't be suspicious of his affairs, but I know Endymion isn't like that," she added hurriedly. She sat up and locked eyes with the tan maiden. Serenity's eyes were filled with all the innocence in the world.

"You don't think he's like that Luna, do you?"

Luna's breath caught in her throat. Should she tell Serenity the truth? It would surely crush her Princess, but perhaps it would be for the best. She ran a hand through her hair.

"No, I don't think he's like that Princess. It had to be a stupid rumor passed on by a foolish girl. Worry not about such betrayals; think about more happy things. There's going to be another ball tonight, what do you want to wear?"

Serenity's eyes instantly lit up.

"Well I thought I would wear-"

The young girl began to prattle on about the many different gowns and jewelry she could wear at the upcoming ball. They were both so absorbed in their conversation, that they didn't notice a pair of violet eyes focused on them. Rei stood in the doorframe; she had overheard their conversation. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the older woman.

Your hiding something you know, she thought. What could be so horrible that you would lie to the Princess Luna, could it have something to do with the vision I had? I'll have to keep a close eye on you from now on until everything comes to pass.

She ducked from view before anyone even noticed she was there.

---

"There's going to be another ball tonight celebrating the treaty, are you coming?"

"If the time stream allows."

"Must you always talk in riddles?"

"I wish to."

"Setsuna, I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

Endymion walked through a large forest with Setsuna. The time guardian had this forest made for his visits, so he could feel at home whilst he was with her. The couple stopped at a large flat boulder. Setsuna sat on the stone; she lay her time staff on the grassy floor. Endymion remained standing. He ran a hand through his dark hair.

"Does this mean that the peace treaties are done then," Setsuna mused. Her garnet eyes flickered with wisdom.

"Yes, but you already knew that, didn't you? You are the keeper of time after all."

"I don't peer into such a dull future," she responded as her mouth slightly curved. "I knew of these events from common sense. You were on the Moon negotiating a treaty, thus the ball could only celebrate the agreement the two nations have reached."

"A scholar I see. Your mind goes to waste here."

Setsuna's shoulders instantly drooped after this statement. Her fists clenched, as did her jaw. Her eyes became stoic.

The Prince gasped; he had forgotten how such statements upseted the woman. He kneeled and took one of her gloved hands.

"Suna I…I didn't—"

"You don't belong here," she said sternly. "You should leave."

"I won't leave, forgive me for offending you."

"Go," she said harshly. "I needn't your company. I'm not that pathetic."

Endymion said nothing; he kissed her hand abruptly. The time guardian was shocked, and didn't hide it. She stood taking her staff in her available hand.

"Setsuna," Endymion cooed as he stood. "I won't leave until I get my answer. Are you coming to the ball."

"Fine," she answered flatly. "You'll know how to find me."

"Perfect."

Endymion smiled his dashing smile. He leaned over and kissed Setsuna on the cheek before turning to leave. The guardian watched him emotionlessly.

"This is what will decide your fate, and hers. It might even encompass mine as well, so I might as well attend."

Endymion arrived at the Moon Kingdom. Little did he know that that ball would be life altering.