Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.
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Forever Betrothed
Chapter 8- The Greeting
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The day had arrived.
Serena was inside a carriage that was headed back towards the Golden Palace to make her official entrance as Princess Minako. Her hands were twisting and un-twisting a handkerchief as she thought over the many lessons she had had in the past 4 days.
Minako was in the carriage beside her, looking out the window. It felt good to be out the palace, but Minako was troubled. What dangers have I placed on Serena?
Mina opted to go as 'Sere,' Princess Minako's lady in waiting, so she could be with Serena the entire time, hiding in plain sight. Mina looked over at Serena. S he certainly looks the part!
Serena was primped, pampered, and made up to look like Princess Minako, a process that took a couple of hours. Her hair was pulled up in a half up, while the rest of it's length was painstakingly flipped under her own and pinned a thousand times for security. Serena's hair was longer and thinner than the Princess', and her only true give away. The doubling up of Serena's hair gave it fullness and shortened the length without cutting it, which Serena was grateful for.
Serena bathed in scented oils, her favorite part, and her skin was buffed and sprayed down in a shimmering mist that gave her skin a beautiful glow. Her makeup was done, the first time for Serena, and it made her features pop. The chosen dress was a yellow, flowing gown made especially for Minako's arrival. It had a sheer white, overlay that split down the middle, adding ruffles. The neckline of the dress plunged, revealing her cleavage and was held up by thin straps. Serena's waist was made to look smaller through a laced up corset and was tied with a satin ribbon. The final touches were yellow heels and several layers of thin gold necklaces, making Serena look like a Goddess.
Minako and Artemis applauded while Serena stood, stunned, peering into the full length mirror before her. Serena looked like the spitting image of Princess Minako. She raised a tentative hand up, and the golden Goddess mimicked her every movement. Is that really me? She studied herself in the mirror, tears coming to her eyes, she truly felt beautiful.
And now I'm to meet the Prince and make Mina proud. Her thought wandered to the threats on Mina's life, the entire reason she was there. Who would want to hurt a wonderful person like Mina? Darien's image flashed before her eyes. Artemis had stiffly informed the ladies that the man known as Darien had been captured, and wouldn't say anymore about it. Serena wondered if he was okay, though she knew she shouldn't think of him anymore.
Mina grabbed Serena's right hand, stopping it from torturing her favorite handkerchief, and gave it a squeeze. She flashed Serena a smile.
"Relax! You'll do great." As Mina said the words out loud she knew that she needed to hear them too. "You'll meet the Prince, then we'll go right back up to our rooms and switch clothes. Artemis will report that nothing went wrong, you will get to be you again, and I me, and then you'll get to meet my friends!"
Princess Amy, Princess, Lita, and Princess Rei, from Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars respectively. Minako's three best friends would be arriving at the palace the same day. Of course Mina brought them up frequently, and Serena was excited to meet them. Though she loved the pampered life, she was also looking forward to going back to being a maid. Gossiping about the royals, resting after a hard days work, and seeing Molly again. She never thought she'd miss being a maid.
The carriage rounded a corner, and joined a line of other carriages entering the palace gates. The Golden Palace was even more stunning from the outside. The main building was a massive bracket shape, opening up to impressive gardens and fountains throughout the front of the building. An oval path allowed the carriages to drive up to the front steps, where dozens of servants were standing by, helping the guests to arrive.
Five carriages were in front of hers. Serena's heart rate was rising at every start and stop of the horses.
"Now remember, you must get out last. Take the footman's hand and let him help you out of the carriage. Then, you go first and I'll be right behind you."
"Yes. Then a small curtsy at the foot of the steps to acknowledge the palace itself, then I don't curtsy again until I greet the Prince."
"You got it!" Mina flashed another smile and gave Serena a quick hug. The carriage lurched forward once more and the footman opened the door on Mina's side. She quickly whispered "Good luck!" before covering her head with a traditional Venusion head wrap, to mark her as a lady in waiting. The silk material left only her eyes visible and was only worn for grand occasions such as this.
Serena had just a moment alone in the carriage. The footman was coming around to her door and would open it any second.
She inhaled, pulling herself up tall.
She exhaled, and put her shoulders back.
The door swung open, and she caught the hand of the outstretched footman, She stepped into the light, and out of the carriage.
Just breathe!
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"Announcing her Royal Highness, Princess Lita of Jupiter!" *knock knock*
The Royal Herald banged his staff on the ground twice after every announcement. How many guests had arrived so far? Endymion lost count. Greeting the guests was his least favorite part of any royal function, and usually he just had to stand there and bow. With Queen Gaia still away at the Moon Kingdom, Endymion was expected to greet every guest with enthusiasm.
At least I'm not entirely alone… Endymion looked behind him to see three out of his four generals all standing in a line. Zoisite, Nephrite, and Jadeite were in attendance for the greeting, while Kunzite was just outside the doors keeping an eye on the guests as they came in. Zoisite held a clipboard and was speaking with the Royal Herald. After the current guest would leave, Zoisite would inform Endymion of the next guest and remind him of certain aspects to bring up in their quick conversation. Nephrite and Jadeite were there to ensure the Prince's safety.
Princess Lita was a true Jovian, being very tall and with a slightly muscular build. Her brown hair was worn in a pony-tail, and she wore an emerald green dress with a rose pattern. She came alone, no ladies in waiting, no servants to dote on her. A strong independent woman indeed. Lita smiled at Endymion and sunk into a lower curtsy when she arrived at the throne, and Endymion stood up to perform the customary bow of welcome.
"Welcome Princess. It is an honor to have you here." He walked down two short steps and kissed Lita's hand. "I hope Castle Io is faring well. I hear the great cyclones have picked up as of late."
"Nothing we couldn't handle, your Majesty." She gave a wink.
"Good to hear." Endymion gave a soft chuckle. He admired her wit. "Please make yourself at home while you're here." The Princess curtsied again, and excused herself. Endymion let out a big sigh and returned to the throne, hating the repetition of it all. Zoisite came over and prepped him on the next guest, a Martian Duke, and then waited for Endymion to give the go ahead to let him in.
Endymion would rather be doing anything else. The past few days had been less than perfect to say the least. With Queen Gaia gone, he had to meet with his council, coordinate with the Portal Guard on the arrival of the guests, and preform all of his other duties all while keeping Serena out of his head.
His guilt weighed him down considerably, knowing that he cost the innocent girl her job because of his foolishness. Why couldn't I leave her alone?
"Your Majesty?" Nephrite was in front of him, giving a short bow.
"Nephrite, you know you don't have to address me so formally. What is it?"
"I've just been informed that I am needed in the kitchens. I must excuse myself." Jadeite and Zoisite looked at each other. No one had come over to the generals to inform them of anything. Nephrite gave a cold stare towards the two, a look that said to keep quiet.
"Of course, you're excused. Check in with me later though." Nephrite nodded and headed off towards the kitchens.
Jadeite leaned in close to Zoisite. "Wish I had thought of that. The bastard doesn't have to stay here anymore."
"Really? I find the greeting of the guests fascinating. It is a great chance for Endymion to interact personally with the people staying at the castle and full of tradition."
"Zoi, you would get off on this." Jadeite stretched his arms and gave an audible yawn just as the herald announced the entrance of the Martian Duke.
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The sunlight hit her face and Serena was filled with confidence. After four days of wearing high heels, she was surefooted as she stepped out of the carriage. Mina fell in line behind her and they made their approach. Serena dipped into her curtsy and started her way up the palace steps. Mina closed the gap behind her, and started whispering encouragements.
"You're doing great M'lady" She giggled at that. "Just remember to smile!" Serena gave a nod and started inside the palace. She passed Artemis who gave a bow and a quick wink, and whispered to a servant who ran the announcement paper through the doors to the herald. As she waited to be announced Serena looked around the flawless grand room. Having always kept to the outskirts, Serena was enjoying the view from the middle of the room. The domed ceiling was painted to look like the summer sky, and was lined with elegantly carved white marble with gold inlaid in the details. This breathtaking sight took her away for a moment, and she didn't hear the man introducing himself politely next to her.
"Princess Minako?" Mina suddenly pinched the back of Serena's arm very hard.
"Ouchoooh-Oh! Yes! That's me. I'm so sorry, I was admiring the beautiful ceiling and forgot myself for a moment." Serena flushed and smiled up at the man in front of her. He had long, silver grey hair, and had an unreadable face. Yet he was staring at her.
"They are ready for you, Your Highness." He bowed and took her hand leaving a small kiss on her knuckles. Serena was stunned. She had practiced her greeting for the Prince, but didn't know who this man was.
"Thank you, sir…"
"Kunzite" He looked up at her, seeming to peer into her very soul. Does he know?
"Thank you Sir Kunzite." She smiled taking her hand back slowly just as the door opened and the announcer could be heard from inside the throne room.
"Announcing her Royal Highness, Princess Minako of Venus!" *knock knock*
A quick look back at Mina she stepped into the room.
Here we go!
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"Announcing her Royal Highness, Princess Minako of Venus!" *knock knock*
Endymion was hardly paying attention to Zoisite explaining that Venus was ruled by King Atlas, the Princess' brother. He sighed and waved Zoisite away. Another princess. Endymion knew the only Princess attending that wouldn't be announced was Michiru. Having arrived a few days before she did not need to be apart of the official greeting.
For Endymion, catching up with Michiru was not what he expected at all. Their friendship was not as easy as it had once been, but he certainly enjoyed her company. Neither one brought up his betrothal or marriage goals, preferring to keep things light.
It wasn't until the day before the greeting that Michiru revealed to him that she was secretly engaged.
"For how long?" Endymion and Michiru were again down by the ocean. Endymion wasn't surprised at this notion. He had always wondered if she had found a another, found happiness. When Michiru accepted the invitation he had hoped… well it didn't matter now. Of course Michiru had found love. She was easy to love.
"Almost a year now. You are the first to know." Michiru reached discreetly into her gown and pulled out the end of her necklace. She smiled down at the small stone at the end of it. It was a brilliant aquamarine that she held in her hands lovingly.
"I hope you find love Endymion, as I have." She brought the stone up to her lips and kissed it. "There is nothing more powerful, or world shaking than love."
Endymion knew in that moment that he had never experienced a love like that.
A flash of yellow and gold interrupted his thoughts as the maiden in front of him tripped rather unceremoniously down the last two steps into the throne room. The herald stifled a laughed, coughing loudly, and the lady in waiting behind the princess was helping her to her feet. Endymion ran over and helped as well.
I'm such a clumsy idiot! Serena was scolding herself. And right in front of the Prince!
She hadn't even looked up at him. Too embarrassed to see what his reaction was going to be.
"Are you alright Your Highness?"
That voice! It couldn't be. Could it? Serena looked up through her long eye lashes.
Darien?!
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A/N: Yes I know! I couldn't resist ending this chapter here, it was just such a delicious cliffhanger.
Hope your holidays are going well. :D
A big shout out to my latest reviewers: marigouldtheflower, GraphicsChyk, EllaRizzz, Serenity312, and The-Rogue-Girl !
