The following morning Serenity awoke to a flutter of rose petals. They completely surrounded her. Not one was a matching shade of pink or red. Each held its own sweet scent and smooth texture. Serenity was speechless. She rubbed them between her fingers, the ring glinting in the morning light.
Why did she dream of him last night? It had been so realistic, so….Serenity dared not ponder too much on its meaning. With a heavy sigh she slipped the ring from her finger and placed it next to the star locket. Endymion's gift. Was it so immoral that he brought a smile to her face? Surely a future with him was better than enduring loneliness if she refused to marry him.
At breakfast Serenity intended to consult Prince Endymion on the mystery of the rose petals. When he never arrived she thought she would get an answer at lunch or even dinner. By the end of the day, spent searching the castle and its grounds several times over (although she did not want to be seen as desperately searching for the earth prince), Serenity flopped back onto her bed, feet throbbing.
Where the hell was the earth prince? Since her arrival on earth he had always been there. First he constantly graced he door several times a day, requesting to speak with her. Then they had come to some sort of understanding after that night in the cave. She had even allowed herself to become fond of him. Now he had suddenly vanished, without even a word.
Maybe she should have asked someone, a castle attendant or guard about the prince's whereabouts. After all, they would think nothing of her enquiry surely. That would not come across as wanting would it? 'No', Serenity thought, 'he will be back by tomorrow'.
For several days Serenity had vivid dreams involving Endymion. They became increasingly intense and passionate, almost as if they were physically together. And every morning she awoke to either falling rose petals or a single rose placed on the end of her bed. It meant that every morning a warm feeling, like liquid love, settled in her chest. Was her subconscious trying to tell her something?
All the while there was no trace of the earth prince. Everyday Serenity would try to find the whereabouts of the prince, even relenting finally to ask passing people as to where he was hiding. Every time the answer came that the princess had just missed him. Serenity tried not to huff.
Finally after a week had passed she cornered one of his generals.
'Kunzite, can you inform Prince Endymion that I request his presence urgently!' It was near impossible not to shout at the general. It was not his fault after all.
The white-haired man simply blinked at the princess. 'I am afraid at present he is detained in a meeting. I will pass the message on once it has finished though, my lady princess.' He bowed abruptly, leaving Serenity alone in the hallway, mouth agape so unlike a princess.
From the shadows Endymion restrained a chuckle. As Kunzite passed the prince, he exchanged a swift glare. It was a warning. Many a time that looked had stopped Endymion from actions he would have regretted. With the chuckle frozen on his lips, Endymion absorbed himself fully within the walls of the castle. His plan was working better than he could have hoped for.
How many nights have I spent on a balcony alone as couple's dance the night away inside, Serenity mused. Another ball held in the honour of May Day was well underway behind her, the air thick with the laughter and conversation. To make matters worse it was the night of a full moon on earth. Never had Serenity felt so lonely and isolated from the world.
Endymion had been missing for over a week now. She had hoped, really hoped that he would accompany her to the May Day ball, even dressing herself in the prettiest gown of red silk. As red as a single rose petal, she smiled to herself. A pang of disappointment hit her hard when she realised that all her efforts for the night were in vain.
Just as she decided to resign for the night, knowing that no one would miss her presence, a shadow shifted from the bushes beneath her.
'Fair Lady of the Moon, will you grant me with your smile on this, the first night of summer?' A strange fluttering filled her belly at his voice. It was deeper and huskier than she remembered.
A man dressed in formal evening-wear, complete with a velvet cloak and white mask stood below. His mid-night hair and eyes glimmered in the moonlight, giving him an otherworldly aura. From the folds of his velvet cloak he pulled out a single rose, the same red as her dress. And her blush. He presented the rose to her, even though it was impossible for her to accept it from her position on the balcony.
Within a blink of an eye, the masked man leapt high into the night air and landed silently beside her, only his cloak making a delicate flap. The rose was between them, a silent offering. A smile crept across the princess's lips when she took the rose. In response Serenity leaned towards the masked man, thinking that she could also give something in return. Behind the mask she could clearly see those beautiful blue eyes widen; her heart leapt. Gently she placed the most delicate kiss on his cheek, and then breathed a tender 'thank you' in his ear. Pulling back Serenity felt an old boldness sweep her once more, like it did all those years ago at that masked ball she had mistakenly kissed a complete stranger. She took his mask from him, wanting to see the all his handsome features. Yes, she thought, I have missed him.
Suddenly he swept her up into his arms and with a mischievous grin leapt from the balcony. Again he landed silently on the grass. Serenity felt a rush of excitement at his uncharacteristic behaviour; it was a side of the prince she like to see more of.
Endymion suppressed a chuckle at Serenity's whimper when he jumped from the balcony. Holding her delicate body was stirring multiple reactions from both mind and body. Did she know that she held the tantalizing body of a woman? And now that he had her, he was not letting go. Wrapping her warming within the folds of the cloak he took her into the depts. of the night.
For a short while Endymion carried in silence not wanting to break the spell over them. Nevertheless it was a comfortable silence, both enjoying the warmth and feel of the other. Serenity could not help but enjoy the secure feeling being carried by him provoked. In the distance they could hear the roar of fire, the shouting and laughter mixed with joyous drum beat. The smell was delicious too, wood and meat and the night air. It caused a strange rush in Serenity's stomach, as it she was a child once more attending her first ball.
Once they cleared the bushes on the edge of the castle grounds they came across a different gathering; in the clearing people danced and conversed around several scattered bonfires, each different in size. The central fire was huge, the flames towering above everyone. Already Serenity's cheeks felt burnt by its heat yet drawn to it at the same time. To the far corner on a smaller fire pit some people were roasting meats and serving drinks to all who asked. But Serenity wanted to join the people dancing around the fire; they looked so carefree and jovial.
'This is the Beltane, um another name for May Day. Some people like to celebrate this way, outside under the moonlight amongst the fires.' Serenity thought it was far more fitting than a formal ball.
As if reading her thoughts Endymion lowered her to the ground. Serenity felt a pang of loss. It was soon gone when, seizing her hand, pulled her towards the fire. It was not long before the couple lost themselves to the rhythm of the drum beats, swirling around other youths and couples, taking different partners all the while keeping an eye of each other. Sweat started to trickle down Endymion face and Serenity wondered if he could she hers.
'I do not think I have been this hot before?' she shouted across to him. They now sat at a distance under the cool shelter of an ancient oak, sipping cool wine. It had taken a short while for both to regain their senses and breathes. Neither could remember when they felt so alive.
Endymion asked if Serenity was enjoying herself. Her reply was another kiss on the cheek, more playful this time.
'I will take that as a yes then, fair lady of the moon.' He stood, discarded his cloak and jacket. Whilst throwing of his shoes he asked, 'Shall we re-join the dancers?'
Serenity began to protest, muttering something about still feeling hot. The boyish grin plastered his face again. Serenity's protests halted on her lips. With ease Endymion pulled her to her feet. Then he did something that took her breath away; he ripped one sleeve off her gown, then the other. Then, and Serenity had no idea how he did, he ripped the hem of her skirt so that most of her slender legs were revealed. All she could do was yelp as he exposed more and more of her flesh.
'Prince Endymion! My gown…I have never been so…naked before' The look in his eyes made her blush deepen. Memories of them entwined, naked in the cave that night flooded her. Her mouth went dry as he took the bottom of his shirt and lifted it above his head. She wanted to look away, not to witness the beauty of his sculpted shoulders, arms and chest again, but it was impossible. Besides, her inner self giggled, you have seen him this way before.
Before the silence became uncomfortable, the topless prince led his princess back to the fires to frolic some more. Others had already discarded numerous items of clothing as the hour became increasingly late. Although she had lost some of her gown Serenity noticed how she was still the most dressed up woman present. But no one seemed to care. The banging of the drums gradually became faster and deeper; everyone tried to dance and swirl around the fires to their frantic rhythm.
Endymion kept the princess within his arms whilst they danced now. When he ripped her dress, the heave of her chest, the pureness of her flesh had aroused the man within him. She truly was the most elegant and beautiful woman he had ever known. The embodiment of the moon goddess. It took all his will not to kiss her then.
No, he thought, Serenity is growing fonder of me, I am sure. But I do want to rush her. Just because she kissed me does not mean nothing more than friendship. Bringing her here tonight was about offering her some freedom from the constraints and formalities of royal life. He had enjoyed watching the Beltane festivities before, but never dared to join. After all, he would have been recognised and if his father heard he would never be allowed to leave the castle again.
Now he was her with Serenity, it no longer matter. Watching her dance and laugh and rush around the fires filled him with a deep sense of joy and love. At that moment he knew he could be happy just to spend the rest of their lives together, even if she never loved him the same.
Suddenly the drums beat in unison; a single thud echoed across the fires. A new beat began, slower than before. A more seductive pulse held the couples in place. Endymion gulped at the look in Serenity's eyes; they had been dancing hand in hand in a childish manner. Now she gazed up at him, eyes filled with longing. Or was that his imagination? Boldly he turned her towards him possessively. She fell into him, hands flat against his chest.
Serenity giggled. How had she come to be touching his chest again? It was so hot, so temptingly strong under her fingers. Was it the night air, or the wine, or the drum-beat that was making her lose herself? She loved how he radiated the sweet fragrance of roses. All she wanted to do now was melt completely into him. At first she did not realise how she was slowly rocking her hips against his. A moan rumbled through his chest, vibrating her fingers. Licking her lips Serenity tried to focus more on swaying her hips.
Endymion grabbed her waist as she swayed. The drink was affecting her. It was affecting him too. Did she really want this? To become one with him? Their bodies fitted so well together, her smooth curves moulding into his firm muscles. To hold her like this was all he had dreamed of for so long. How would the princess react if he knew the depths of his love, the dreams that he enjoyed of her most nights?
He had to regain control, before it was too late. Before he gave in to his hopes. Before he allowed his passion to burn them both.
But as Serenity tilted her head to gaze up at the prince holding, and he leant down to gaze back, their lips touched lightly, and a spark erupted between them. Both minds went blank for a single second; only their kiss existed.
A long chapter - so what do you think so far. A writer always love to hear thoughts about their work. I will offer a warning for the upcoming chapters - lots of lemons as things begin to heat up...xxx
