Sparta
The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances. -Aristotle
The palace shone with a steady, pulsating light into the late evening sky as it welcomed its weary soldiers from battle. Grateful yet exhausted sighs filled the air as the Spartan soldiers finally found comfort in the mists of their loved ones who quickly embraced them with open arms and victorious cheers.
Endymion exhaled in relief as the familiarity of the palace engulfed his senses. Quickening his step, Endymion's thoughts held only one person as he made his way through the palace court yard. Before he could make his way into the palace halls a swarm of council members surrounded him.
"Prince Endymion! We are delighted to see that you have brought victory to the city of Sparta!" one of the elderly council members said as he stepped in front of Endymion's path.
"I believe that it was the Spartan army as a whole who brought about victory." Endymion corrected impatiently as his eyes scanned the growing crowd for an all too familiar golden head of hair.
"Do not be so humble, dear Prince! The soldiers are already recounting your many acts of bravery as well as your impeccable leadership skills!" another councilman added.
"My soldiers must be exaggerating; their minds are still filled with thoughts of war." Endymion responded as he tried to leave the counsel's company but to no avail.
"Prince of Sparta!" a new voice chimed in cheerfully. "I'm extremely glad to see that you've returned from battle unharmed!"
Endymion's back tensed as he slowly turned to address the voice of the person he despised the most. "And I am glad to see that you have not tarnished your hands with the burden of labor or war, Seiya."
"Yes, well my hands have been busy enforcing the laws of our land," Seiya said with a small smile.
Endymion's eyes darkened suspiciously as he eyed Seiya--noting the sly smirk that curved across his face, as if to reveal his statement held a deeper meaning. Yet before the Endymion could respond to Seiya's suspicious demeanor, he had withdrawn back into the swarm of council members. Seiya's rapid retreat back into the crowd reminded Endymion of a snake—a snake who was always trying to mask himself within his environment. Like the snake, the prince knew Seiya was waiting for a chance to strike and poison his prey.
Quickly after Seiya's disappearance another council member stepped up to address the Prince, "Spartan Prince! We have had two women who have eagerly awaited your return! And I must say the council is impatient to have you ascend the throne with a wife."
"As am I." Endymion trailed off as he tried to sooth his anger.
"Well, then," the same council member continued, "tomorrow the council would be pleased to have an audience with you—concerning the choice of who will become your wife."
"Of course." Endymion obliged as he once again tried to escape into the palace. "Now if you will excuse me." Endymion said as aggravation finally surfaced in his voice. The men surrounding him slowly withdrew under the prince's angery reply, giving him entrance into the palace.
Endymion quickly took advantage of the opportunity and vanished within the palace walls, just as Serenity entered the opposite end of the courtyard. Stopping on the steps, Serenity inhaled sharply as she took in the sight of hundreds of wounded soldiers. Soft groans filled Serenity's ears as her bright eyes frantically scanned the crowd searching for her Prince.
A small chill crept down Serenity's spine when she swept over the crowd for a third time in an attempt to spot Endymion. Slowly, Serenity descended into the crowd of strangers determined to find Endymion. Yet as soon as she entered the crowd of unfamiliar faces, Serenity found herself swept into the depths of the overwhelming aftermath of war. Brushing past the wailing women crouched over their wounded men, the bleeding youth of the Spartan army, and the dead soldiers whose life's ended upon their arrival home—Serenity felt her heart become sick with dread.
Serenity felt her soul sink with the overwhelming sense of despair that engulfed the courtyard. Frantically, Serenity tried to calm her anxious nerves by taking a deep breath. As the air filled her lungs, Serenity felt herself start to suffocate on the misery that saturated the air and trickle into her lungs.
Before she had time to dwell on the raw misery that soured the air, Serenity felt a strong hand clasp around her wrist and yank her backwards. The air quickly left her lungs as a small cry of surprise left her lips.
Her wild blue eyes looked up to find a surprisingly familiar set of cool blue eyes. "Malachite?"
Malachite grimaced down at the shaken girl, "Lady Serenity, you should not be down here witnessing this…"
"Is Endymion alright?" Serenity answered, her face showing no acknowledgement of his statement.
"Of course, Serenity!" Malachite said with a quizzical look. "And I'm sure he would be quite discontent to see you down here in this…mess."
Serenity's face lit up with renewed hope, as Malachite led her out of the chaotic crowd that filled the courtyard. Ascending back into the palace Malachite finally stopped and turned back to Serenity and asked, "Did Mina deliver the child safely?"
A small smile graced Serenity's as she answered sincerely, "Of course, Malachite! Your wife is strong and did very well with the babe's birth."
Malachite's tense demeanor seemed to melt as relief flooded through his veins. "Could you lead me to her?" He questioned softly, as if finally accepting Serenity as a confidant.
Serenity nodded her head in response as she swept forward, Malachite following closely in her wake. Quickly approaching a pair of large oak doors, Serenity pushed aside one of the doors and motioned for Malachite to enter first.
Malachite hesitated before the open door as he stole an uncertain glance towards Serenity.
Meeting Malachite's wavering gaze, Serenity offered him a small smile of encouragement. "You'll be a wonderful father." Serenity said softly as the baby's small cry filtered through the open door.
Malachite's head snapped toward the direction from which the small cry came—parental instincts commanding his attention. Slowly a small smile crept across Malachite's face as he turned back to Serenity. "Thank you, Serenity. Now, I know I have delayed your meeting with the Prince for far too long. He has been very— " Malachite hesitated with a smirk, "impatient to see you."
Serenity's cheeks turned a light pink as she returned his smile and watched him turn and enter the room. Lingering at the entrance of the door for another minute, Serenity peered into the room after Malachite and watched as he embraced his wife. Envy gripped at Serenity's heart as she watched the scene unfold before her. Trying to pull her eyes from the private family moment, Serenity caught one last blissful glimpse of the happy family—it was of Mina proudly introducing father to his son. The envy that gripped Serenity's heart slowly flooded into her veins and coursed throughout her body. The raw desire to obtain the level of happiness Mina and Malachite had achieved was overwhelming and shook Serenity to her core as she finally turned to leave.
Endymion quickly made his way through the palace hallways as impatience finally betrayed his calm composer. Rounding a sharp corner, Endymion was almost able to see his destination when he was called from behind. Spinning on his heels, his eyes gleaming with a murderous gaze, Endymion turned his attention to the servant that addressed him. "Spartan Prince, I-I-I was told to draw you a bath in order to cleanse you of the filths of war," the servant finished with fright in her young eyes.
Endymion sighed with defeat as he looked down at this tattered and bloodied body. He knew he couldn't face Serenity in this state of uncleanliness. Running a frustrated hand through his messy hair, he attempted to calm his anger. Nodding to the young servant he followed her lead towards the bath houses.
Once inside the bathhouse the young girl took leave from her Prince's presence. Entering the depths of the bathhouse, the steam from the heated waters greeted Endymion and calmed his nerves. His body gave a fatigued shutter and finally relaxed in the dimly lit atmosphere as he undressed and entered the heated waters. As the warm water swirled around his body and massaged his weary muscles, Endymion sank into the welcoming feeling the atmosphere offered. His anxious heart, however, refused to submit to the alluring comfort of the bath water as it vibrated with each beat with the desire to see and touch Serenity. The mere acknowledgement of this desire made his member hard. With a groan Endymion leaned his head back against the stone edge of the bath and stared at the stone wall trying to calm his impatient heart.
The distant sound of the bath house door opening reached Endymion's ears and he quickly shifted his attention to his unwelcomed guest. His weary gaze quickly focused on the feminine figure that approached him, the exaggerated swagger of her hips giving away her identity. "Beryl." Endymion said with a roll of his eyes.
Beryl reached the edge of the bath, her face finally entering the light of the nearby torches. "My Prince," Beryl said with a broad smile. "I am excited to see that you have returned!"
"Beryl," Endymion interjected, "why are you here?"
"I have waited several months for you to return!" Came Beryl's seductive reply. "I had to see if you were well," she finished as she made her way around the edge of the water to the place where Endymion was seated.
"This is inappropriate. I really must ask you to leave," Endymion finished with a frustrated sigh. He really didn't want to deal with this right now.
"But my Prince," Beryl said as she slipped her toga from her shoulder letting it fall to the floor in a bundled mess. "I only wish to help you relax," she finished as she entered the water without hesitation.
Endymion watched the nude woman enter the water, his eyes widening in shock. Raising his hand to drag across his face in frustration, he felt the water begin to lap at his taunt chest due to its disturbance. "Beryl!" His voice growled in warning as he stood to object, his patience finally disappearing altogether.
Beryl smirked as she walked through the chest high water to reach the Prince. "Just let me take your mind away from the present," Beryl said as her tongue darted out of her mouth to lick her dry lips. Seeing the prince's body glisten in the torchlight did nothing to hide his well-muscled chest that she longed to wrap her body around. Her eyes then made their way down to the translucent water which unsuccessfully hid his hardened manhood.
A cat's grin curled across Beryl's lips at the sight of his arousal. "My Prince, do not deny yourself the pleasure I offer."
Endymion's jaw clenched as he watched her eyes devour his nude appearance. "Beryl, honestly, I don't have the energy to do this right now," the Spartan Prince replied lowly as held back the urge to physically remove her from the bathhouse.
Beryl tilted her head and looked at the weary prince. 'He probably wouldn't be too energetic in bed.' Beryl mused, slightly crestfallen.
"Please, just leave." Endymion said as he sat back down in the water and closed his eyes hoping she would just leave.
"Fine." Beryl said as she saw the Prince retreat back to his original position. "But," she said slowly as she once more began to approached him, "next time I see you I expect you to lavish me with your attention." She finished as she ran her hand down his chest and brushed it against his member.
Endymion tensed under the unexpected contact, but didn't respond because Beryl had already turned to leave. When the sound of the bath house door finally clicked shut, Endymion let out a disgusted breath. Feeling even more unclean then when he entered the bathhouse, he quickly rinsed himself of the elements of war before exiting the bath.
A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he walked over to the outfit laid out for him. His nude body glistened in the torchlight as the droplets of water ran trails across his bare skin, caressing the crevasses his well defined muscles made. Endymion gave a shutter as he grabbed a cloth to dry off with, his previous thoughts of Serenity returning to mind as his member began to harden once more. Quickly, Endymion slipped on the blood red toga that lay in front of him before tying a golden tassel around his waist.
Finally exiting the bath house, Endymion stalked through the palace hallways his toga sticking to his damp skin, and his eyes gleaming with a predatory gaze. His heart beat increased as he rounded the corner a caught a glimpse of Serenity's retreating form. Quickening his step, Endymion silently followed Serenity, watching as her fingers balled into the material of her toga in frustration, her body hastily moving forward with obvious intention of getting somewhere quickly.
Smirking darkly, Endymion felt desire flood his veins as he watched the material of Serenity's outfit shimmer against her skin. Discontent with simply watching, Endymion hastened his step, quickly catching up to Serenity. Before a second thought entered his mind he snaked his arms around Serenity's back and clasped them together across her slender stomach.
Serenity gasped in horror as she felt a strong pair of arms grab her from behind. Yet before she could utter a word, eager lips found hers with a passion that stirred the very depths of her soul. Snapping her eyes open in shock, Serenity was greeted with a familiar set of stormy blue eyes that held a passion that renewed the fervor of her own emotions.
"Endy—" Serenity moaned against his lips as her body relaxed within his strong embrace. 'Oh, how she had missed his presence…'Serenity thought as the contact with the prince's body had her remembering how easy it was to surrender her entire being to him.
Upon hearing her soft endearment, Endymion quickly pinned Serenity against the wall of the dark hallway—her back feeling the pinch of the cool yet rough stone against the skin of her back. Not wasting a moment of time, Endymion's lips broke from Serenity's to trail down her neck and shoulder. It was as if he was a starved man who was finally able to devour food. She was his food; she was what he needed to survive. And now that he had her in his embrace, he finally felt complete, content, and consumed by her very presence. "Oh—Serenity, I have missed you." Endymion whispered against the hollow of her neck as he let his body finally rest against her own. He was so tired—so utterly tired from the months of war and sleepless nights. Yet the feeling hadn't bothered him until he finally came to rest next to the person who set his mind and heart at ease.
Endymion's body gave a small shutter of fatigue, as he craned his head to once again look into Serenity's eyes.
Serenity greeted his tired eyes with a small understanding smile. Slowly, Serenity ran the tips of her fingers against the sharp angles of Endymion's jaw as she softly replied, "My Prince, I have missed you more that you can imagine," she paused for a moment to appreciate their close proximity and to lightly brush her lips against his before pulling away and continuing. "It seems war has taken its toll on you--"
Endymion quickly cut her off with a searing kiss, trying stubbornly to prove to her that war had not gotten the best of him. He abruptly stopped the kiss before desire overwhelmed him and gazed down at the breathless goddess beneath him.
"War has done no such thing Serenity." Endymion said in a low husky voice. "I am, however, trying to abide by your wishes and not drag you to my chamber this instant."
Serenity smiled at the thought, "You have only to speak to the council." Serenity taunted and feeling bold she arched her back slightly, teasing Endymion as she pressed her petit figure against his own.
Endymion groaned softly as he felt Serenity's body curve against his own, his desire for her only mounting. "By the Gods, how you test me." Endymion hissed out through clenched teeth as he dared not move. Inhaling sharply he continued with a satisfied smirk, "I have already arranged a meeting tomorrow with the council." Endymion said as he ran a steady hand down Serenity's side to rest on the curve of her behind. He then pulled her hips to his own letting her feel the effects of his restless thoughts and her relentless taunting.
Satisfied with the small gasp that greeted his hears he continued, "Tomorrow, I will have you withering beneath me and moaning my name." Endymion promised in a deep husky voice that dipped down and caressed Serenity's ear, producing a shutter of raw desire to creep down her spine.
"Tomorrow, then." Serenity said in a small whisper as her bright blue eyes tried to conceal the passion that raged throughout her body.
"Tomorrow." Endymion repeated as if making a solemn vow to be entirely hers. Slowly Endymion pulled away from Serenity, his heart finally content and at peace with knowing that tomorrow he would claim her as his wife.
Pulling her away from the wall, Endymion began to lead her back to her chamber. "I believe that tomorrow night the council has set up a banquet in honor of Sparta's victory." Endymion said, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I believe I am also to announce my future wife as well."
Serenity's face flushed at the thought. "I had heard about the banquet…for the council requested that Beryl and I do a small performance for the party."
Endymion's eyebrow rose in suspicion, "A performance—together?"
"No." Serenity replied flatly.
Endymion chuckled as he watched Serenity's face become solemn with her answer. "And what will your performance consist of?" Endymion inquired in amusement.
"Oh, you will just have to wait and see," Serenity said just as they reached the doors to her chambers. "…Tomorrow." She said with a twinkle in her eyes that held an assuring promise.
"Tomorrow." Endymion repeated with a smirk as he bent forward and captured her lips before his departure.
Breaking away from the small yet breath taking kiss, the two stared at each other for a long moment—For tomorrow seemed so far away.
Backing away slowly, Endymion smiled. "Goodnight Serenity—See you tomorrow."
"Goodnight Endymion," Serenity replied with a small laugh as she disappeared behind the doors of her chamber.
Dawn had come and gone with a speed that made Endymion believe that the gods were as anxious as he was to announce to the world his future wife. And before he knew it the sun had mounted to the highest point in the sky, signifying the beginning of his meeting with the council. Quickly hastening his step past the servants who busied themselves with the burden of tonight's festivities, Endymion smiled to himself. First he would announce to the council that Serenity was to be his wife, and by tonight all of Sparta would know of their engagement. Endymion laughed to himself as he pasted by the hall in which the banquet would be held. He felt his heart beat increase with anticipation at the thought of tonight; at the thought of Serenity being his and the thought that Seiya would never be able to look twice at her again.
Finally entering the council's hall with confident and strong strides, Endymion quickly found himself in the center of the room looking at the group of council members who were seated before him. Taking a deep breath, Endymion gaze never wavered as he stared up into the leering gaze of the council. "My follow Spartans—Council men! You have demanded my presence and my decision of the next Queen of Sparta! I am here and I am ready with my choice." Endymion said, his deep voice echoing back to him after every word.
After Endymion finished he stood there waiting for one of the council men to reply. Endymion waited as silence engulfed the air and set an uneasy feeling in the pit on the Prince's stomach. It was during this gulf of silence that Endymion knew something was wrong. Something or someone had conspired against him. He could see it! He could see it in the blank faces and sorely hid sneers of the councilmen. Endymion could literally feel his heart drop into his gut as he watched Seiya finally stand from the center of the group of men.
"Strong Spartan Prince, we have waited along time to have your presence within our court," Seiya began, his eyes gleaming with victory, "but we did not expect you to make a decision without our counsel."
Endymion's eyes darkened with a sense of betrayal as his nose flared slightly in anger. "And what is there for you to counsel!" Endymion all but shouted as he took a menacing step forward.
"Dear Prince—you need our counsel because you are simply thinking of your own selfish purposes in choosing a wife," Seiya began but didn't stop to allow Endymion time to rebut. "The council, however, has Sparta's best interests in mind! We have taken this opportunity to see which woman would better provide for the city of Sparta."
Endymion's fists clenched as his arms pulsated with his tense posture. "I always have Sparta's best interests in mind—in every decision I make!" Endymion hissed as he restrained himself from murdering the lot of men before him. "And I know that the woman I chose would do the same."
"We shall see— " Seiya said softly before continuing unfazed by Endymion's anger. "Which woman did you choose—Lady Serenity of Sparta or Princess Beryl of Athens?"
"Lady Serenity of Sparta!" Endymion said confidently as he straightened his back proudly.
To his utter shock and dismay, Endymion was greeted with a few chuckles and sneering replies.
"We thought you would choose Serenity," Seiya replied with a smirk. "Which clearly shows that your judgment has been blinded by the girl's beauty! She has nothing to offer Sparta—in fact, it is widely believed that she is trying to cause destruction within the city/state of Sparta."
Endymion's jaw dropped upon hearing the absurd accusations against Serenity. "Have you all gone mad?" Came Endymion's baffled reply. "Serenity would do anything to prevent the destruction of her own city-state! Princess Beryl is from Athens—we have not been in good graces with Athens in over a century! What makes you think she has any loyalty to the city of Sparta?"
"So quick to judge falsely, Prince of Sparta. Princess Beryl wishes to have peace between the city-state of Athens and Sparta. She hopes to accomplish this through marriage!" Seiya replied in a matter-of-fact tone.
"What if Athens has a secret agenda to overthrow the city-state of Sparta? What if they wish to marry only to obtain power over Sparta? To use Sparta?" Endymion roared in outrage.
"Please, Spartan Prince! You are being paranoid. This is only an opportunity for peace," Seiya seemingly reasoned.
"I think you are too quick to pass inaccurate judgment over these women. I do not trust Athens! I do not trust Beryl." Endymion countered. "I trust Serenity!"
"Serenity was the one who brought about the severance of the alliance with the oracle readers!" Seiya responded haughtily. "Their alliance was of the utmost importance! Fortunately for Sparta, Athens is in their good graces. A marriage uniting Athens and Sparta could also mend our relationship with the oracle readers!"
"Serenity did not sever the alliance with the oracle readers—I did!" Endymion said, his eyes growing dark with hatred. "And I never wish to mend our association with them."
"Unwise words, Prince," Seiya tisked as he turned to the other council members who were seated around him. "Do I not make a point, my fellow Spartans?"
The councilmen cheer in reply as Seiya continued, "Would it not be wise for the Prince to make the decision which favors Sparta's growth and happiness?" The councilmen once again cheered and turned to face the Prince.
Endymion looked around helplessly as accusing glares greeted him from every direction. "Prince of Sparta, tonight the council and Sparta will be awaiting your announcement of the union between Sparta and Athens. We expect you to announce Princess Beryl as the next Queen of Sparta," another councilman said as he stood to join Seiya.
"We all expect you to do what's right, what's in the best interest of Sparta!" Another said as he too stood, followed by many other council members.
Endymion's jaw slackened as he watched every single council member stand in agreement with Seiya.
As the last man stood to join the crowd, Endymion sneered at the group and yelled with all the anger and anguish that had built up during this meeting, "Then WHY, in the name of the Gods, did you even allow me to believe that I had the choice over who my own wife would be?"
And with that the Spartan Prince turned and left the presence of the council, shaking with rage. 'Was he never to be happy? Was he to lead his life always under the council's rulings?'
The palace was teaming with joyous people and almost every hallway was congested with swarming people trying to get somewhere. Serenity had finally made it to the banquet hall with Rei by her side. "This is utterly ridicules!" Serenity said to Rei over the noise of the crowd. "I've never seen this many people in one place at one time!"
Rei laughed as she grabbed Serenity's hand and led her over to a table that was perched on a higher level then the rest. "This is how Spartans celebrate!" Rei said cheerily as she took a seat and waved for Serenity to do the same.
Sitting down, Serenity quickly scanned the crowd. "I haven't seen Endymion all day." Serenity said soft as she finally voiced her concerns.
"Serenity, I'm sure he has much to do today." Rei replied reassuringly as she turned to look at the crowd. "However, he should be here soon."
The women's conversation was quickly interrupted as Beryl approached the table and took a seat. Serenity glanced over in Beryl's direction—and to her surprise Beryl seemed quite satisfied…happy even. Seeing Beryl's unfazed features had Serenity's gut beginning to coil with unsettled nerves and suspicion. Yet before Serenity had time to further question Beryl's odd behavior the room had begun to hush as the generals entered the room followed by their Prince. Serenity studied the Prince for a moment—noticing at once that something was different. Watching him as his white toga contrasted with his tan skin and black hair, while his blood red cape bellowed behind him. He was a pleasant sight for sore eyes but yet something was different. Serenity could see lines forming along his jaw from his tense expression. Working her way up to his eyes, she could easily see the gleam of hatred that radiated from them.
Serenity would have tried to gain the Prince's attention to ask the questions that had quickly surged at the sight of his distraught features, had an elderly council member not come to her table to speak to her. "Lady Serenity, Lady Beryl—In a moment you will be called to perform. Please follow me."
Serenity stood quickly as she joined the councilman's side with Beryl. Rei followed in suit and stood with them, dropping Serenity's lyre into her waiting hands. "You will do fine." Rei whispered as she winked with a small smile.
Serenity smiled softly and left to follow in the councilman's wake, daring not to glance behind towards the gaze she knew she might face.
Endymion entered the banquet hall with a grave look on his face as he followed his generals through the crowd. Looking up to try and find Serenity's reassuring gaze, Endymion grew disappointed when he spotted Serenity's retreating figure disappearing towards the back of the room.
Sighing as he ran a hand through his unruly hair, he finally came to the table were Rei was seated. As he took a seat next to Rei, he was followed by his generals and their significant others. Watching out of the corner of his eye, he observed the sickingly sweet affections his friends bestowed on their lovers. Envy pulsated through his veins and anger once again threatened to rein over his heart. He could have what his friends had. Happiness was right outside his grasp! And he would never be able to reside in that happiness due to the council.
"Endymion," came a soft yet puzzled call.
Pushing aside his thoughts of hatred, Endymion glanced down to see Rei's confused gazed. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, little sister." Endymion said flatly, unable to hide the anger that resided behind the words.
"Endymion, you should rejoice! You will be able to claim someone that you love as a wife…someone that will make you happy!" Rei said, her voice sounding hopeful.
"The council wishes for me to never find happiness," Endymion said stiffly as he turned his deep soulful eyes to hers.
Suddenly the force of Endymion's burden hit Rei full force and her mouth dropped open with a gasp. "No," Rei murmured almost inaudibly as her face fell with inner turmoil.
Yet before Endymion could reply an elderly councilman stood in the center of an open platform and bade for the attention of the crowd. "My fellow countrymen—I humbly wish to present two fine young women to the platform to perform for your enjoyment! The first is an honorable woman who has been vying for the Prince's heart. May I present to you Princess Beryl of Athens!"
The crowd applauded wildly as Beryl came swaggering on stage, followed by a group of beautiful young women. A small group of musicians that had gathered to the side began playing an exotic beat that had the women on stage flowing to the hypnotizing music.
Endymion sank back into his chair and watched Beryl's body move to the strange music. His face quickly tightened in disgust as Beryl's eyes locked with his, her eyes shining with an unspoken knowledge.
Beryl slowly rolled her body sexually to the music as the girls around her surged around her like a wave before coming to a climax and crashing onto the ground at her feet as the music came to a stop.
The crowd of spectators roared in applause as Beryl bowed lowly to them, showing them ample cleavage. Endymion sat still and shook his head with disgust as she left the stage.
The same elderly councilman came back to the center of the platform and tried desperately to calm the crowd. After a few minutes the audience came to a hush and the councilman raised his voice once more. "What a wonderfully unique performance! And now for your second performer—a beautiful and charming girl who has also fought for the heart of our beloved Prince! Lady Serenity of Sparta!"
The crowd applauded eagerly as a stunningly beautiful golden haired girl walked across the stage holding a handcrafted lyre. The audience leaned forward eagerly as the group of musicians left the stage and the enchanting girl took a seat in one of their chairs alone.
Serenity nestled the familiar object between her thighs securely as she finally gazed her glistening blue eyes towards the crowd. The audience seemed to gasp in unison towards the beauty this girl held. Never had they seen such uniquely enchanting features in a Spartan woman.
Endymion smiled at the reaction his people had towards Serenity. How could anyone not become mesmerized by the charm and beauty she exuded? How could anyone think she would try to cause the destruction of Sparta? How?
Serenity's eyes quickly found the Prince's strong gaze and she smiled at him. Endymion's breath caught in his throat—all these people were here watching her and she was smiling at him. His heart tightened at the gesture as her eyes broke contact with his to gaze down at her instrument.
As she turned her head down to face the lyre her hair spilt forth and cascaded around her like a blanket of gold. Reaching up with her hands, she gently stroked her fingers against the strings of her instrument which set a stream of music to come surging forth. The music began as a soft whisper that taunted its audience to listen closely. When it seemed the audience strained too hard to listen to the soft wind chimed music, Serenity's fingers began to stroke the strings harder—causing the music to increase in volume.
Now that the music seemed to strengthen, it appeared to race through the room like a whirlwind—consuming the thoughts and minds of its spectators. The music finally came to a heightened peek that pushed its audience off the cliff of complete satisfaction and bliss before coming to a soft murmur once more.
The atmosphere of the large room seemed to be saturated with the lull of the enchanting music that slowly died down into nothingness under Serenity's fingers.
Looking up finally after the beautiful song had come to an end, Serenity set her gaze to the awe struck crowd. It wasn't until Serenity finally stood to leave that the crowd seemed to break from the music's spell and cheer. Giving the audience a grateful smile, Serenity slowly bowed before leaving the stage.
Endymion couldn't help but smile as the audience continued to cheer for several long minutes after Serenity's departure from the stage. Slowly as the crowd slowly started to quiet down and the volume of sound returned to a soft hum of happy voices, did Beryl and Serenity return and seat themselves at Endymion's table.
It wasn't long until the people in the banquet hall began to become restless and hungry. With the long tables full of food, not one person had dared touch a morsel until the toast was made. Seeing the people become restless, a council member stood and spoke above the crowd. "Spartans let us turn our attention to our beloved Prince—So that he may toast to our victory and also tell us who our future Queen may be!"
The crowd once again bellowed cheers in reply as all eyes shift to the uncomfortable and perturbed looking Prince.
Endymion slowly stood, the weight of the situation…the weight of what he was about to announce finally unnerved every inch of him. Hesitantly, Endymion opened his suddenly dry mouth to begin. "Spartans we have prevented the Persians from landing on the shores of Kalamal! We sent them home bleeding and famished, while we returned home victorious!" Endymion hesitated for a moment before he continued. "We must thank the gods for such a glorious victory!" Endymion said strongly as he raised his goblet of wine.
The Spartans below him raised their glasses in return and cheered in agreement.
"And we also need to acknowledge those who gave their lives for the good of Sparta!" Endymion said as he once again raised his glass. Again the crowd below him, in return, raised their glasses and cheered.
"To Sparta and to those gods who keep us safe!" Endymion roared as he finally took a sip of his wine.
"TO SPARTA!" The crowd cried as they too drank their fill of wine.
As the crowd fell silent during their drink, Seiya rose and spoke. "And who is to be your future Queen—Prince of Sparta?"
Endymion's jaw tightened as he gazed down at the large group of councilmen who watched on.
The crowd cheered joyously, wanting to know who would ascend to the throne with their beloved Prince.
Endymion glanced over in Serenity's direction, his eyes shining with defeat and anguish. It wasn't until their eyes met that Serenity understood; it wasn't meant to be. He wasn't going to choose her. He couldn't choose her. Serenity's eyes widened, as reality seemed to punch the wind out of her lungs. Endymion watched as Serenity searched frantically across his face, not believing the truth that shone from his eyes. Finally she broke their gaze and looked helplessly towards Rei who had her face buried in her hands in disappointment. Slowly, as if reality had slapped her in the face, Serenity slumped, defeated in her chair. Her blue eyes shining on the brink of tears.
Tearing his gaze away from the horrifying image of Serenity broken hearted, Endymion's gaze once again found the hounding, blood thirsty gaze of the councilmen. One gaze, however, stuck out of the group of men—it was the steady, victorious gaze of Seiya. Those eyes full of hatred for his Prince, full of victory over Endymion's defeat, and amusement over watching the great Prince of Sparta embarrass himself.
Endymion's eyes filled with hatred as they fell on Seiya's knowing smile. He had won.
"My fellow Spartans—You're next Queen will be…." Endymion stopped and his head dropped in defeat before his citizens and the council. The strong Spartan Prince would ascend the throne defeated man.
Author's Notes!!
Ok, OK! I know that it's been a longgg time since I've updated this chapter but school has been a huge writing obstacle! I did HOWEVER try and make this chapter worth the wait (I truly hope I succeeded!)…15 pages worth the wait!
AND I know I'm an extremely mean person for ending the chapter the way I did…but I had to! I have to give you guys some reason to wait in anticipation for the next chapter (lol)!! I must also add that this story is close to coming to an end…That's right! I would estimate that there will be maybe two chapters left until the end.
AGAIN! I am extremely grateful to all of you who have read my story (and even more so to those who took the time to post a review). Thank you all for being so patient with me in between posting times. I must also warn you that there may be another delay in my next posting—college is about to start once more and consume most of my time. BUT I am going to finish this story—don't worry—you may have to continue being patient with me! I promise that I will try to make it worth your while! Thanks again for everything!
I'd like to give a special thanks to—Artstarcarolaina, Alucardou, Daisy31, Silver Moon Goddess1, Angelockheart, Lady Tsubasa, Danni, blvd, Lina, BonitaChickia, Stina Lynn, Allye, chibiangel413, Kita09, Amlister, Lily Topaz, Jully, Chikai Tenshi, animefan12601, cindy5601, Whyte Roses, Jingy5, roswellachick, inuyashaswifeforlifeonly, raye 85, Miss DNG, xBRITTANYNICOLE, Amnicity, and EVERYONE else who took the time to review!
I'd also like to thank my talented editor—Happy5 for ALL of her patience and hard work! Thank you soooo much!
Please Review and tell me what you think of the story so far…I don't believe in a bad review so please feel free to tell me what you think! Thanks!
Oh and I am also looking for another editor...sooo if any of you are interested please leave me a post! Thanks!