Disclaimer: I do not own Sailormoon or its characters. I do own the story ideas and any fictional characters of my own design.
Authoress note: I think this might be the longest chapter I have ever written. I just couldn't stop writing, so I give this to you as a special treat. Enjoy!
-I posted this chapter last night and someone pointed out an error. Thank you, Aimzy. I fixed it.
-Selene is the moon goddess in greek mythology and the moon kingdoms patron.
I used the castle's stone walls to guide me through the dimly lit hallways. Reaching the dungeon, I couldn't find Sapphire anywhere and so I decided to go without him. Hopefully, he would be there on my return or else I would have to stash Emerald somewhere safe and I really didn't want to. I wanted to stay out of trouble as much as I possibly could and breaking her out was going to get me into a big heap of trouble.
Unfortunately, the two guards spotted me and started towards my direction. I needed to come up with a plan. I couldn't believe that I rushed into this. What the hell was I thinking? One of the guards grabbed my arm and forced me to look into his eyes. Luckily, he didn't recognize me because I placed a spell around myself to appear as a servant. I hoped that it would work.
"What are you doing down this way," the guard asked me angrily, gripping my arm tighter. "Go back to the way you came or you'll be sorry."
I noticed that the other guard was checking me out and I knew this was my chance. "It must be lonely down here for you boys and I wanted to know if you wanted some company," I spoke, using my free hand to lift up my skirt just enough to show some leg. Now that I had their attention, I kicked the one who held me in the chest, knocking the wind out of him, and watched as he fell unconscious onto the floor.
The last guard looked lost like he didn't know what to do. I kind of felt sorry for him and so I put a sleeping spell on him. He blinked at me a few times trying to fight the sleepiness that suddenly appeared and then he too fell unconscious onto the floor. Before you start asking me questions, I can't use my magic against Diamond. I had already tried and for some reason it doesn't affect him. He must process something that blocks my magic and one day I will find out what it is.
I took the keys from the guard that I kicked and used them to enter the dungeon itself. I shivered as a blast of cold air swept over me. I looked into each cell that I passed, hoping to find Emerald soon. Noticing a cell off the path, I advanced towards it and immediately knew this was where Emerald was being kept. I could smell her scent of lavender perfume. I noticed the scent the last time that we fought. Looking directly in the cell, I gasped.
Emerald was chained against the stone wall and there were gashes all over her body from a whip. Her clothes were torn and her face was bruised probably from the beatings she received. I wanted to vomit and in that moment I knew Emerald was no longer my enemy. Diamond will not get away with treating her like this. No human being deserved this type of punishment. No matter if they were sentenced to death or not.
I sensed evil still radiating from her and used my power to banish it from her body. Using the keys, I unlock her wrists from the chains and caught her falling into my arms. I carried her over to the cot, which was probably infested with fleas and lice, and used the blanket that was there to offer her warmth. The blanket was full of holes and was worn but for now it would have to do.
"Emerald," I whispered, hoping she could hear me. "I am sorry that you went through this. I never thought that Diamond would be so cruel and heartless. I will help you and make sure that nothing else harms you. I give you my word as a moon princess." Realizing that I was spending too much time in the dungeon, I lifted Emerald from the cot and placed one of her arms around my shoulders and walked out of the cell.
I was still cautious of my surroundings while we walked closer to the exit. I didn't know if the guards were awake or if others were waiting for us. Once we emerged, I breathed a sigh of relief and once more used my magic to disguise Emerald, as a drunken man. This way no one would suspect her hanging onto my shoulders. I still saw no sign of Sapphire and became a little worried. I would find out what happened to him after I took care of Emerald.
Emerald was becoming heavier by the second and I hoped to reach my chambers soon. I was becoming exhausted from carrying her and using so much of my magic. It just so happened that on the way, I caught sight of Sapphire walking towards us with a scowl set upon his face. "Serenity, what the hell are you doing with this drunkard? I thought you were supposed to help me with my problem."
I knew my magic was becoming stronger and I wondered if what Diamond said could be true. Could I process the magic of the blood moon? Or was I finally developing into my full powers? I guess the time to figure that out was later. "Sapphire, it's not what it seems. Here help me carry him to my chambers and then I will explain everything." Sapphire complied with my wishes but I knew he wasn't happy. I couldn't tell him right now.
I began to feel better as we continued to my chambers. Once inside, we placed Emerald on my bed and I let the spell wear off. Sapphire stood shocked and turned to really look at me. "I'm sorry that I couldn't tell you earlier, Sapphire. But I didn't know who would be listening and I didn't want to put her or myself in further danger. She will stay here with me until her wounds heal," I finished, taking the blanket off so Sapphire could see her wounds.
He hissed through his teeth. "I will take care of Diamond," I said, looking at him. "You might want to leave my chambers. I have a feeling that Diamond is on his way here and it won't look good for you. I don't want you to be accused of something that you didn't do." I opened up a magic portal and shoved him through. And once I had closed the portal, Diamond walked in.
He immediately looked upon my bed. "What the hell did you do, Serenity? Why is she here in your room?"
I placed my hands upon my hips and stood my ground. "I should be the one yelling at you, asshole. How dare you treat another human in this manner! What the hell were you thinking? How could you be so cruel and heartless? I never agreed to marry such a monster and right now I can't stand the sight of you," I yelled angrily, with tears flowing from my eyes. I was pissed and I didn't care if my words hurt him.
Diamond stared at me like I had grown horns and I hoped that I scared the hell out of him. "What are you talking about?" He asked, and I pointed to the wounds on Emerald's body. "Oh my god," he whispered. "Who could do such a thing? I only ordered her arrest and imprisonment. I didn't order her to suffer."
I knew he told the truth. "What do we do now? We can't let her go back there, Diamond. I gave her my word as a moon princess."
"I have no choice, Serenity. She harmed a member of the royal family and the punishment is death. My hands are tied."
My anger once again began to build. "Are you or are you not the ruler of this kingdom?"
Diamond shook his head. "I know what you're going to say and the answer is no. Emerald will still face her sentence once she is better and that is the end of it, Serenity. I will hear no more arguments from you."
"Please," I begged him. "Let her be my servant and to serve me. That will be her punishment. I ask you this as a wedding present."
Diamond's face turned red. "Do you know what you ask of me, Serenity? You question my authority in my own kingdom. I will not do what you ask of me."
I knew what I had to do and I didn't mind giving up my freedom for another. "Do this for me and from now on, I will obey you in everything. I will be the perfect wife to you and a perfect queen for your people. Please, I beg of you once more."
"Why, Serenity? You don't even know her."
I looked down at the figure on my bed. "Don't you think she has suffered enough? Don't you think Sapphire has suffered enough as well?"
Diamond was confused. "What does Sapphire have to do with this? Is there something you're not telling me?"
I walked over to him and took his hand into mine. "Sapphire loves her, Diamond. And she loves him," I spoke, reaching up on my tiptoes and giving him a small kiss.
Diamond sighed and looked down at me. "Alright, Emerald will be your servant. But if she harms you or anyone else, her previous charges will be put in full force. I want you to be happy Serenity and you don't have to change yourself for anyone, including me," he spoke, using his fingers to tilt up my chin.
I pulled out of his arms and went to pull the rope to summon Molly into my chambers. In seconds, Molly was knocking at my door and I quickly ushered her in. "Molly, you're the only one that I trust to help me. We need to clean Emerald and dress her wounds. No one is to know where she is. Is that understood?" I spoke, and Molly nodded in agreement. "I need to finish talking to Prince Diamond and once I return, I will help you with your task."
Diamond and I went into his chamber adjacent from mine that connected us with a door. I went to sit on the bed and he soon joined me. "Emerald's secret must be hidden. It is too soon for the people to know of her new punishment. I say this only because I don't want her hurt while she is recovering. Once she has recovered, Emerald will be able to handle herself."
"I understand, Serenity. But I don't understand how you could be nice to her after she attacked you. There must be a reason behind this and it hurts that you don't trust me enough to tell me," Diamond spoke, with sadness in his eyes. "I don't want us to keep secrets from one another. I learned early in life people grow apart from lack of trust."
I sighed and once again held his warm hand in mine. "Sapphire came to me this morning and asked me to free Emerald because he loves her. I wasn't about to agree but the tears brimming in his eyes convinced me otherwise. I don't want you to blame Sapphire and I don't want you to let him know what I have told you. This stays between us. Let's just say that this will be the first secret we keep together."
"That is one of the reasons why I fell in love with you, Serenity. You find and see the good in people. I am the complete opposite. But enough about that, the reason why I am here was to give you my original wedding present. Now, close your eyes and no peeking," he spoke softly, and I closed my eyes.
I felt him place a box in my hand. "You may open your eyes now." My cornflower blue eyes stared at his amethyst ones and he smiled at me. I knew instantly that I was falling totally in love with Diamond. Endymion was good as dead to me because he was evil and he used me for his own gain. And for that I will never forgive Endymion for his treachery.
I opened the box and gasped at the contents. Inside was a diamond encrusted tiara, diamond drop earrings, two diamond bracelets, and a huge diamond necklace. "These were my mother's and her mother before her and so on. Every queen receives these items on the day of her wedding so she may show her new status. I hope you will honor me today by wearing them."
"But I thought I would still be a princess after marrying you," I whispered, still staring at the amazing jewelry collection in front of me.
Diamond stood and kneeled before me. I looked at him with confusion set upon my face and I waited patiently for his answer. "When my father died I assumed the throne and all the responsibility with it. But I cannot be crowned king until I marry a princess. I could have married long ago and had already claimed my title, but I fell in love with you and I knew that no other princess would fill my heart."
I leaned down and gave him another kiss. He took the box from me and placed it on the bed beside me. "I also have another gift for you," he said, and took out a medium sized box from his pocket. Boy was he spoiling me and to tell the truth, I kind of liked it. He opened this one himself and once more I gasped at what was inside. I was staring at the legendary hope diamond with its white diamond rope chain and the blue diamond itself surrounded by a circlet of tiny white diamonds.
"This is also apart of my family's treasury. I knew the blue diamond would match perfectly with your cornflower blue eyes," he spoke, also placing the necklace on the bed. He then reached into his pocket once more and took out a small box. "Serenity, I love you and you have control of my heart and soul. Never have I wanted a woman more than I have you and I want to know if you would marry me."
My eyes blinked a few times as I tried to focus. I thought we were already engaged. After all, our wedding was in about three hours. "But I thought…"
Diamond smiled and placed a huge diamond heart engagement ring onto my left ring finger. "I know, but I wanted to do it properly. I forced you into this mess and it will probably take me a lifetime to make it up to you. So, what do you say? Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I said, and threw myself into his arms. I felt him close his arms around me and we stayed like that for a while. It just felt good to be in his arms. I can't explain it more than that. "I have better get going unless you have more gifts for me. I need to help Molly tend to Emerald and I need to get ready for the ceremony. I'll see you later," I said, standing up and giving him a light kiss upon his lips. I couldn't help it. I was beginning to like the way his lips felt against mine. I took the gifts into my arms and left.
After returning to my own chambers, I noticed that my presence wasn't needed. Molly was taking care of Emerald by herself. She had already washed her and was now dressing her wounds with medicine and bandages. "Thank you for your help, Molly. I didn't mean for you to do all of the work."
Molly placed on another bandage and shook her head. "It wouldn't be right with you being princess and all. Besides, I live to serve your wishes, not the other way around. You treat servants with too much kindness. On of these days, your kindness might backfire on you. Some servants will use you to their advantage." Molly finished her task and covered Emerald's body with the silk covers. "Now, it is your turn, my lady."
I disrobed and stepped into the tub to wash away all the dirt and sweat from my body, because after the dungeon episode, I really needed it. Once I was finished with my bath, Molly placed a silk robe around my naked form. Next, I sat in front of the vanity table, applying very little make-up, while Molly brushed my long blonde hair. I decided to wear my ankle length hair down today. I wanted to show it off with the tiara and with the silver sparkles that Molly added within the blonde strands.
Molly then secured the diamond tiara into my hair with pins and I checked out her handy work in the mirror. "Is that me?" I asked her, touching the tiara on top of my head. "I look like one of Selene's moon maidens. I never thought I was truly this beautiful."
"You are always beautiful, my lady. Not noticing is what makes you humble," Molly spoke, as she brought over my dress, which was an ivory sleeveless ball gown with a band of diamonds circling around the waist. I lowered my robe and placed on yet another wedding dress. I remembered Endymion's betrayal and shook slightly with anger. "Is there anything wrong, my lady?" Molly asked me, as I stepped into the last ivory high heeled shoe.
"I'm fine. It's just a little cold in here. Could you close the window?" I didn't want Molly to know why I was shaking. There are some things that you must keep from the servants, even though Molly is like a sister to me. We grew up together as children since her parents work for my mother and we have been inseparable ever since. I was glad that my mother sent her over to me. I would be so lost without Molly.
Molly closed the window and came back to help me place on the rest of the jewelry. She held the box open as I placed on the diamond necklace, the earrings, and the two bracelets. I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my finished look. "My lady," Molly whispered in awe, "you are truly beautiful. Diamond will have to guard you from the other men." She giggled.
"I need you to stay with Emerald the rest of the night and the entire time that she is in my chambers. While she is here in my room, I will be sharing Diamond's room with him. I don't want you to worry about my needs. I can have someone else perform them for the time being," I spoke, and picked up my bouquet of white roses entwined with diamonds and baby's breath. "Here I go. Wish me luck."
Sapphire waited for me in the hallway to escort me to the chapel. "Serenity, you look amazing. If I didn't already love Emerald, I swear I would be in love with you. Diamond is a very lucky man," he said, placing my arm in the crook of his elbow leading me towards our destination.
(The Wedding)
I stood outside of the chapel doors, waiting to make my grand entrance. Sapphire had left me to join his brother as his best man. My song started to play and I took a deep breath and exhaled, just as the chapel doors opened for me. I smiled as I began to walk down the red carpeted aisle. I focused my eyes on Diamond and barely heard the sighs coming from the crowd. I knew my mother was here and my sailor scouts, but I didn't care at that moment. The only thing I cared about was becoming Diamond's wife.
Diamond's had a look of awe plastered on his face and I took pride in that I was the one who caused that look. I finally reached my destination and turned to face my husband to be. "We are gathered here today to honor the union of Prince Diamond of the Negaverse and Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom," the priest spoke, addressing the guests.
"If there is anyone here who objects to this marriage better speak now or forever hold their peace." I looked about the guests hoping that Endymion wouldn't show up. Technically, he was dead and I processed the official documents saying that this was so. No one spoke and so the priest continued.
"Then let us begin. Do you, Diamond, take Serenity to be your loving wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until you are parted by death?"
"This is my solemn vow," he spoke loudly for everyone to hear and placed a diamond wedding band on top of my engagement ring.
The priest now spoke to me. "Do you, Serenity, take Diamond to be your loving husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until you are parted by death?"
"This is my solemn vow," I spoke loudly enough also for everyone to hear and placed a gold wedding band on his left hand.
The priest nodded pleased with our words and said the final last words that would seal our souls together. "I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your lovely bride." Diamond leaned down towards me and gently kissed my lips. The crowd cheered and we broke apart as the priest finished the ceremony. "I announce to you the new King and Queen of the Negaverse."
My mother was one of the first ones to reach us. "I am so proud of you, my daughter. I hope that you and Diamond find happiness together, she said, kissing my forehead just like she always has. "If you need anything, know that I will always be there for you."
"Would you care to join us for the reception," I asked politely, knowing that she would decline.
My mother shook her head. "I would love to but I can't. I have been away from the moon kingdom for far to long as it is. You never know who might attack the kingdom in my absence."
I hugged her as tears rolled down each of our cheeks. "I love you, mother."
"And I you, my daughter," she said, trying to wipe the tears from her face. "I wish you all the best. Goodbye." And like that my mother and Sailor Scouts were gone, disappearing in a cloud of light.
Diamond wrapped his arm around my waist and lifted me up into his arms. He carried me up the stairs and to his bed chamber. "Diamond, were supposed to be at the reception right now. What will they think of our absence?" He removed the jewelry and placed them back into the box, along with my beautiful tiara. He slipped off my shoes and unfastened my dress, letting it fall to the floor. He once more picked me up into his arms and lowered me onto the bed.
Diamond quickly shed his clothes and joined me in the bed. "I think that they will understand, love," he whispered to me, and began to offically make me his wife by making love to me. It was then that I realized that I was finally where I belonged with Diamond. I was truly in love with him and I was content.
To be continued…
End of part one
Part two to begin soon
Part two will begin with Serenity's pregnancy, finally.
