Chapter 9

Open Door

To the outside world, Usagi seemed to be my wife in every aspect. We had our meals together, enjoyed each others company, attended social gatherings together, talked freely and comfortably with one another, and now even shared the same bedroom.

However, once the doors of the bedroom closed, the actions that occurred behind them were on the border of being only platonic. Still, soon we would be married for nearly a whole year, and it was comforting to see that she trusted me enough to sleep with me. Sleep, that's all.

Her former Senshi came to visit her every so often. She always enjoyed their company and it pleased me to have them come to the Earth. Her friendship with Naru grew as well, and Anne tried her best to be civil and friendly with her.

"Endy," Usagi said to me as we finished off breakfast on our balcony, "do you think we could go and visit the Moon sometime soon? I miss it, and I would love to see mother again. It's harder for her to come here than it is for us to go there."

A gentle breeze swept by us as I nodded. "When would you like to go?"

"As soon as possible!" she exclaimed. "I'm sure that my mother wouldn't mind a surprise visit at any time."

I chuckled. "I can see that you have not yet warmed to the earth as your home yet," I teased.

Usagi put on a pout. "You know I like it here. I would just like to see my old home again."

"I know," I replied, giving her a reassuring smile. "Shouldn't we send her a letter first though, or a messenger, to announce our arrival?"

"No, she won't mind if we just come. She never minded when visitors came unexpectedly or if someone came incognito. We can come anytime we want, don't worry."

I pondered this as I took a bite of my bread. "How about we leave tomorrow morning then?" I asked, since I knew mother and father had nothing planned for the next few days. I had actually requested their leave to go with Usagi to the Moon, but I didn't know it would be so soon.

"Tomorrow?" Usagi asked, the excitement in her voice giving away her joy at the prospect.

"Yes, tomorrow. I'm sure we can have our things packed by then, and I'll send word first thing this morning for a small ship to be prepared."

Usagi squealed and jumped from her chair, running behind me to wrap her arms around my shoulders in a hug. I had to quickly set down the glass I was about to drink from to keep the orange juice from spilling onto my lap. "Thank you," she murmured in my ear,

I brought my hand up and gave her arm a light squeeze. She leaned a little harder against me before releasing her grip and sliding her arms away from me. There was a knock on the door to our room as she sat herself back down. "Enter," I called out, and waited as we heard the door open, close, and then the sound of someone approaching the balcony.

"Endymion, Serenity, good morning!" Motoki exclaimed as he walked out onto the balcony.

"Good morning Motoki," Usagi chirped. "Did you sleep well?"

'Yes, I did," he replied, flashing her a smile.

I couldn't help but grin. Motoki had been able to establish a good friendship with Usagi over the past six months, and his insight into her had proven to be very useful to me. I could see that he cared for her deeply, like a sister. He was always watching out for her, and I think he had arranged, in one way or another, for Alan to be around Usagi as little as possible. At times it almost seemed like he was more protective of her than I was.

"What brings you here, Motoki?" I asked, wiping my mouth with my napkin.

"Am I not allowed to come and bid you good morning?" he asked.

"You are, but you usually don't do so until after breakfast time."

"My apologies. If you like I can leave until you are finished."

"No, stay," Usagi ordered, pointing to a chair. "Do you want some tea, Motoki?"

"Please," he replied and watched as Usagi picked up the teapot and slowly poured the steaming liquid into a cup.

"So what has prompted this early morning visit?" I inquired again, knowing there was more to it than he was telling me.

"I can't believe how suspicious you are, Endymion. Thank you," Motoki replied as he took the tea cup from Usagi. "Honestly, one would think that you have no trust in me."

I raised my hands in exasperation. "Fine, I give up. Enjoy your tea."

Motoki took a sip from his cup before nestling it in his hands. "Well you know, since you've mentioned it, there was something I wanted to tell you," he murmured with a cheeky grin. I couldn't help but roll my eyes as my fingers drummed the table impatiently.

"Motoki, don't be such a tease," Usagi ordered with a grin. "Can't you see you're getting Endy angry?"

Motoki chuckled and set his teacup back down. "All right, I'll stop teasing." He turned to look at me. "There's an unexpected group of ships coming towards Earth, and they have sent a small messenger ship ahead to request if they can come here to speak with your father."

I had to admit that my interest was perked. "You have no idea where the ships are from?"

He shook his head. "None at all. No one seems to know, not even his Majesty. The messenger said very little, only that they wanted to land here safely and that they posed no threat to the Earth."

"Has my father allowed it already?" I asked.

"Yes, they are approaching the Earth as we speak, but they probably won't land here until late in the afternoon or possibly the early evening. He sent out a small vessel to asses how many ships are approaching and whether or not they are in any way threatening."

I glanced at Usagi who was paying attention to every word. "It looks like we might not get to go for that ride tonight," I told her and she nodded.

"That's fine. Your father will want you probably to be with him tonight."

I smiled at her. I hated breaking plans with her, but I was glad she was understanding. My mind was already on the evening though. Who was coming? What could these mysterious visitors want? I would have to wait and see.

Motoki was right, it was dusk when the ships finally arrived on the Earth. The vessel my father had sent arrived an hour before them, reporting that there were only about half a dozen ships with no visible ability to do any damage or pose any threat.

Motoki went to greet the newcomers, as well as conduct a thorough search of their few ships, while father and I waited for them in the study. They had not wanted a formal hearing but rather something informal. My father was more than happy to comply with the request, since it meant we didn't have to arrange the whole court for the evening for a last minute hearing. Still, feeling a little warry of the unannounced, unknown people, the room was lined with guards, enough to show caution, not so many as to show morbid fear and suspicion.

"So you and Serenity wish to go to the Moon tomorrow morning, correct?" my father asked. He was sitting on the sofa opposite the chair I was sitting in.

I nodded. "She's anxious to visit her mother again. I don't blame her, it's about time that we went there for a visit."

"Send our greetings to Selenity as well, and don't forget to take those letters with you. Invite her here at her convenience too. She has not visited us in some time and it would be nice to see her again," he said cheerfully.

I smiled. "I'll be sure to arrange for a time for her to visit."

"When do you think you'll be-" he started to ask but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Two weeks probably," I replied quickly as we stood from our seats and faced the doors. I saw father smile before he straitened his face and called for whoever was knocking to enter.

The doors swung open and Motoki walked in with a man and woman, followd by another half a dozen guards. "Your Majesties, allow me to present our visitors, Lord Rubeus and Lady Esmeraude." Obviously, nothing had been found on them or on their ships to pose any sort of threat.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

He walked through the hallways, wary of servants and courtiers milling about. There were few, and most of them simply bowed or curtsied and then left him be. He was glad for that; he didn't wish to stop to speak with anyone.

The hallway led him to a corner, one which he rounded and was greeted with a panoramic view of a garden, with the glittering sky of stars above it. Normally he would have stopped to admire the beauty presented to him, but not tonight.

The doorway at the end of the hall beckoned to him. She was there, waiting. A smile touched his lips as his long legs carried him to the door, his black hair shinning in the moonlight.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

The man bowed and the woman curtsied as we bowed. "It is a pleasure to have visitors here," father began. "It is rare to have such a pleasant surprise."

"Your Majesty is too kind," Lord Rubeus said gallantly as he inclined his head deeply. "We hope we are not imposing or causing you any kind of inconvenience."

I stared at the two as they exchanged pleasantries with father. Something about their names was ringing a bell in my mind, as was their appearance, but I was sure I had never met either of them. Rubeus had strikingly red hair and his eyes glittered with what seemed almost like mischievousness. The woman was calm and regal though, with long hair and a large feathered fan she gently swayed with her hand.

"Shall we sit?" father finally asked, motioning towards the seats around the fire. The two nodded and we all went to sit. Motoki bowed and said he would go and order the refreshments to be brought in.

"We hope that you are not encountering any problems in your traveling that has forced you to land here," I said as we settled ourselves down ."If your ships are in need of any repairs or supplied we would be more than happy to comply with your needs."

The woman smiled a dazzling smile at me. "Thank you for your kind offer, Prince Endymion. Our ships are fine though. We only wished to stop here for a small visit and discuss a few things with your Majesties." She paused and glanced around the room. "Will your lady wives not be joining us?" she asked.

Father shook his head. "To be honest, we didn't think there would be any other ladies present. As far as we knew this was simply a very informal meeting. The Queen was feeling a little under the weather after dinner as well and asked for you to excuse her absence. Princess Serenity is busy organizing the packing for a trip she and my son are taking."

Lady Esmeraude smiled. "It is no problem, your Majesty. I was merely curious." Her eyes glittered for a moment but then she switched her gaze to her companion. "I can handle being the only woman here."

"If you like I'm sure that I could find some fine ladies to oblige and come sit with us for a while," I offered, but Lady Esmeraude shook her head and looked back at me.

"Thank you, Prince, but I'm all right. Please don't trouble your self for me."

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

The room was finally quiet. Usagi breathed a sigh of relief as the door finally closed behind the last of the maids. For the past few hours she had been instructing a few of the girls on what to pack, and packed a few things herself, but now she was alone. Giving a small sigh she walked around the room and blew out all the candles. It was dark outside, but the full moon shone so that there was still enough light in the room to be able to move around without the need for candles. The dying embers of the fire didn't do much to help, but they did give the room a warmth.

Usagi quickly changed into a nightgown. She was tired and the next day would be a long one probably. Her heart skipped a beat with excitement. Tomorrow she would be going back to the Moon, to her mother, to Luna and Artemis.

Luna had left a month before to go back to the Moon to be with Artemis. Five months was a long time to be separated from him, and Usagi felt enough at ease on the Earth now, that she didn't need her guardian with her all the time. Also, she had befriended Naru and Anne, and they helped fill her time nicely.

Usagi walked over to the balcony doors and peered outside, wrapping her arms around herself. She loved Naru dearly, the girl was always ready to talk, go for strolls in the gardens, go riding, and a million other things. Usagi felt a strong attachment to her and was very grateful she had met her. Anne, on the other hand, despite being friendly and helpful, always seemed drawn back and cold. Usagi could never really pin point the hostility nor could she explain it, but it was always there, and it irked her a bit. She tried to be warm and friendly to her, always open and obliging, but even so, Anne always seemed distant.

Alan had been away for a couple of months on some business, something which Usagi thanked the stars for. He seemed to be the opposite of Anne, so much so that Usagi felt uncomfortable in his presence. He was very kind and warm and open, but almost too much so. His attentions were often on the verge of flirtation or seduction, and Usagi didn't like that.

The door creaked open and Usagi heard someone entering. She glanced over her shoulder. Endy was back.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

"Thank you," Lord Rubeus said as one of the maids handed him a goblet of wine. She gave a curtsey and stepped away from us. The other two girls with her gave curtsies as well before gathering their trays and leaving the room.

Father took a drink before setting his goblet on the table next to him. "So tell me, my Lord, what has prompted this unexpected visit? Where are you two from?"

"We have come here on behalf of our Prince, your Excellency, to establish some sort of foundation for a possible peace treaty between our two nations," Rubeus replied, causing both my father's ane my eyebrows to rise.

"Well, that is worth a visit, isn't it?" father asked, straitening in his seat. "But would it not be best for us to have a more formal discussion for that with a group of councillors and generals?"

"By all means, we do not wish to put anything in stone today. We merely wish to extend a friendly hand tonight, for the possibility of such a meeting and treaty occuring," Esmeraude replied smoothly.

Father nodded. "We are always more than happy to meet and acquire new friends and alliances. You mentioned you were here on behalf of your Prince. What of your King and Queen? Do they not wish the alliance?"

"We have no King and Queen. Our Prince is our king, only he cannot be called that until he has a Queen. Only then can he have the title and powers of a King," Rubeus explained.

"I see," father said. "Pray tell, who is your Prince, and where do you come from? You have guarded that information as a great secret since the deployment of your messenger."

"My apologies for that, your Majesty. We were not sure how welcome our arrival would be if we gave that information right away," Rubeus said. "We are from a Moon kingdom about two weeks travel from here. Our Prince is acquainted with you, Prince Endymion. You have met before."

I tilted my head. "I have?" I asked, searching my memory for who they could be referring to. There was only one Prince form a distant Moon kingdom I could remember being acquainted with but there was no way these two ambassadors could be from him-

"Yes, though I don't think that you and Prince Diamond left of on good terms last time you met."

Yup, it was him. I could feel my blood beginning to boil even though I hd not seen the bastard in nearly a year. I could see father tense visibly as well. This meeting had suddenly taken a sour turn.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

Usagi watched as her tall, dark haired husband closed the door behind him. The moonlight made his hair shine in the darkness. "How was the meeting?" Usagi asked as he started to walk towards her. All he did was shrug his shoulders. He looked rigid, tense, something Usagi didn't like. She looked back out the glass panned door at the stars, trying to think of something to cheer him up.

"Everything is packed for tomorrow," she announced. "We can leave first thing in the morning.

She felt Endy stop just behind her and he placed his hands on her shoulders, his grip tighter than usual. A frown formed on Usagi's face. The meeting must have been unpleasant for him to be so tense. She felt him pull her back a little so that she was leaning against his chest, a move that was new. She tensed ever so slightly, but pushed the feeling aside. For goodness sake, they were sleeping together, it didn't matter if he hugged her. Sure enough, his arms snaked around her shoulders and he held her closer.

Usagi let herself relax. Her lips turned up into a small grin and she gave a playful tug on their heartstring and felt her heart leap in her chest.

But other than that, nothing happened.

There was no sharp intake of breath from Endy, no tightening of the arms, no chuckle, nothing.

Usagi gave another tug.

Still nothing.

"Endy," she whispered, "are you all right?"

He leaned his head against hers and nodded. Usagi felt a little skeptical about his response but before she had any time to dwell on the thought, she felt a puff of warm air on her neck and the sensation of two lips kissing her neck rather sensuously.

Usagi's breath caught in her throat.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

I clenched my hands and I knew that father noticed my change in mood right away. He gave me a sharp look before looking back at Rubeus and Esmeraude. "I know, as well as I'm sure you do, why your Prince and my son are not on good terms. I hope that you have some more information than this to relay to us and some explanations as to what you expect of us. "

"Was Diamond too afraid to show his face here?" I asked, feeling the venom dripping from my own words. "Was he afraid that I would kill him the moment he came within sight of the planet?

"Endymion," I heard my father mutter. "Leave this to me. Your anger shows too much."

"I believe that for once my anger is justified," I retorted, but did shut my mouth nevertheless and allowed him to handle the situation.

"I must agree with my son that it is rather...unexpected, your coming her so casually. However, I will hear you out. What exactly is it that you wish to tell us?"

I stared at the two visitors, my irritation and annoyance with their presence growing steadily.

Suddenly, I felt a tug on my heart and drew in my breath sharply. Usagi was calling to me, her urgency playful and light. I almost cracked a smile, but managed to remain emotionless. As nice as it was to have her calling to me so, it was odd that she was doing so when she knew I was in a meeting. Then I felt it again, another playful tug, this one more earnest. I put my hand to where my heart was to stop it's eager palpitations, to soothe its desire to have me run to Usagi at that very moment. My mind wasn't even on what Rubeus was saying so I tried to quickly re-focus my attention.

"-and yes, there were many things that transpired on the Moon that should never have happened, and in that regard-Prince Endymion!" Rubeus gave a startled gasp as I shot to my feet, my heart beating furiously in my chest. Usagi had pulled the string taught. She was in trouble.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

This was not like Endymion and Usagi felt a wave of panic pass through her. That was when she realized what felt off: the heart string she and Endy shared, was not going to the man behind her. She pulled the string taught. "Endy?" she whispered.

"Hmm?" he murmured.

This was not Endymion. Usagi felt her panic reach a maximum as she tensed up completely and opened her mouth to scream. Every nerve, every fibre of her being was on the edge and she felt like she was being pulled in all directions at the same time. As her voice was about to pierce the air, a hand clamped over her mouth as the arm around her shoulder tightened into a death grip. Usagi felt like she was about to die.

~~~~~oOo~~~~~

"Where are you going?" I heard my father call after me as I ran to the door.

"Serenity's in trouble," I called over my shoulder as I burst through the doors with Motoki right behind. We sprinted through the castle, with me following Usagi's thread. She was in our room, that much I could tell, so I poured all my energy into my legs and willed them to move faster. Servants looked at me curiously as I ran.

I rounded the corner of the hall and made a final sprint towards the door. In one fluid motion I wrenched it open and burst into the room.

The room was empty.

The door to the balcony was wide open, allowing a gentle breeze to blow through the room. It was empty though, and I could see the sparkle of a golden thread going out the window, into the night sky.

-Disclaimer-

I do not own the rights to Sailormoon or any of the characters. That honor belongs to Naoko Takeuchi, and I am simply a lowly author who can use her characters for my plots.