Hypocritical Lovers

Chapter 9: Unexplained Change

(Endymion)

After a quick tour of the northern corridors and library, Endymion had left Lady Ann in the capable hands of one of the butlers and had shut himself in the study. At first he had had every intention of seducing Lady Ann. Yet, even as she readily offered herself on a silver platter, he had been withdrawn and a bit disgusted. Here she was willing and ready for a good seducing and he could find no pleasure in the matter. He was a man that prided himself on conquering the unconquerable, on never turning down a challenge and here he was ignoring the ultimate challenge for something he had to put no effort into. The moment he had seen his butler he had conceived an excuse and departed from Lady Ann's company without much grace.

Serenity. The woman was driving him mad. He couldn't have her. He'd married the girl and had had nothing but headaches ever since. Endymion knew that releasing her and moving on would be for the best. Yet, he found himself repulsed by the idea. He had to come up with a plan.

Grabbing his favorite decanter, he poured himself a healthy sum and began scheming. A plan needed to be put together in such a way that it would have no loop holes nor any venues for her escape. Endymion needed to make her want him, he needed to evaporate her need for escape. Perhaps even more than just want…perhaps even love, if he dared to ventured that far.

Sometime Later...

There was nothing but a swallow of brandy in the decanter, when Endymion was able to escape his thoughts. He knew that Serenity would not be agreeable to his advances if they continued to feud the way they did. They had to settle the storm between them, if his plans were going to succeed.

He called upon Mrs. Chancey and a soon as she arrived he informed her of her upcoming part in his plans.

"The final guests are arriving, Serenity. Please hurry!" The elderly maid rushed, her billowed skirts swirling about her as she scurried around the room. Removing a soft lavender morning gown from one of the many trunks that lined the dressing room, Mrs. Chancey placed it atop the opposite edge of the bed and proceeded to smooth out any wrinkles within the silk skirts. Not one for tardiness, Mrs. Chancey was acting a bit more flustered than usual about Serenity's slow progress with her morning routine. It made the older lady anxious to be late for anything.

"Now Chancey, I'm moving as fast as I can. Would you please not rush me any further?" Serenity huffed as she continued to struggle with the ties of her hideously tight corset.

"If you want me to move any faster, your assistance with this damn torture device would be much appreciated." Her sarcasm was unnecessary, she knew it. Yet, she couldn't help her annoyance at every little thing that morning. Today would not bode well for her, she just knew it. Serenity was beyond the point of no return, tonight would be the beginning of the biggest charade she had managed to date. A charade she wasn't so sure she could come out of unscathed.

A forceful tug that pushed all the air out of her lungs, brought Serenity back to the present and she turned to scowl at the bothersome maid. Mrs. Chancey just smiled at her as she tied the final laces together.

"Arms up, dearie. I'll just help you into your gown and you can have a seat while I brush out your mane." She directed and Serenity unconsciously did her bidding, too engrossed in thoughts to put up another protest.

"Hey, Mrs. Chancey who's left to arrive?" Serenity questioned offhandedly.

"Just the King's mother, Lady Eleanor."

She tugged the gown over Serenity's arms and shoulders, fastening it at the hips with a large cream colored bow. Slightly applying pressure, Mrs. Chancey maneuvered Serenity to the vanity and seated her.

After what seemed like an eternity, Serenity was finally properly attired and styled. Her lavender gown giving her skin a dewy glow. Most of her golden tresses had been curled and pinned to the nape of her neck, a few strands loosened to frame her face for a softer effect. A light touch of lilac oil upon her pulse points and Mrs. Chancey had deemed her worthy of leaving her chambers for the day.

Serenity reluctantly trotted down the corridor to the main foyer on her way to join the greeting party. Mentally, she was preparing herself for the upcoming events. Physically, her body tingled every time an image phased through her head, images depicting her and Endymion acting out the loving couple. Yet, she feared the unknown consequences of her temporary alliance. As she turned the final corner in her journey, she hit an immovable wall. Sputtering, she looked up and came face to face with the man that frequented her dreams as well as her nightmares.

"Serenity, I was on my way to see you. We need to speak before my mother arrives." His smoke-scented breath wafted down at Serenity and she unconsciously inhaled a large gulp of air. His cobalt blue eyes lingered on her low neckline which provided him with a generous view of her milky mounds. His gaze continued its exploration up her slender neck to her bowed lips. After his thorough perusal of her body, his gaze finally came to rest with hers.

At first she was amazed at his bold exploration of her person, but then again she expected as much from him. So, she inhaled another take of air, telling herself his scent had no effect on her, and forced herself to break their eye contact.

"If you wish to speak with me, do it already. We're late as it is." Serenity was firm with her voice, which surprised her a bit at her ability to do so considering the circumstances.

Endymion blinked a few time before turning and guiding her to his study. Once safely inside, he seated her on one of the large leather ottomans and took the chair directly in front of her. He seemed reluctant to start at first, then a myriad of emotions flickered over his sharp features. He seemed to come to a conclusion of sorts with his inner battle because he took both of her hands within his larger grasp and lightly placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"Serenity, I know I've been a complete brute with you. My mother would be ashamed of me…my words and my actions…" He gave her hands a light squeeze before continuing. "I know that the circumstances behind our marriage weren't the best, per say. And the right thing for me to do would be to willingly give you back your freedom… but I need this one last favor. My… My mother is older in age and her time is undoubtedly cutting in close. She wants to see me happy and I wish to give her that. If anything else, I want her to rest peacefully with the knowledge that I'll be well taken care of…" His voice uneven with his final word.

"I...I...but you…and…and then…." Serenity's sudden stutter made her finally shut her lips tightly, knowing that she was utterly at a loss for words. His sudden change in behavior definitely piqued her curiosity, though he had succeeded in confusing her further. Her confusion must have shown because he squeezed her hands again and slightly smiled at her.

"Serenity, as much as I want you, I'm not going to force you into anything. I can see that you want nothing to do with me and if you want to go then, I won't stop you. I would actually like us to be friends someday, if not that at least we won't be enemies. Can you at least do this one last thing for me?"

She looked up at him then and the sincerity of his words painted his features in the most beautiful lights. His disheveled hair gave him a rather rugged appeal, as well as the light scruff already decorating his chiseled chin and jaw. The jugular vein that ran down his throat pulsed as he awaited her response, yet she couldn't help but just watch him in utter fascination.

"As I have said once, Endymion. I have already agreed to our compromise and gave you my word. That is not something that I take lightly and I will honor it." As the words rang in her own ears, she realized that she had just forsaken any chance of getting out of her current predicament. Somewhere deep within her she wanted to know what a happy marriage to him would be, even if it was just a farce for the time being. And as her words rung in his ears, a smile began to make it's presence known upon his face. A simple yet leg shaking smile that warmed her body from the inside out.

He kissed the insides of her palms, which still sat within his grasp. A tender touch of his lips on her skin that sparked every nerve ending in her body like the sparks of lit firecrackers.

"Thank you, Serenity. You will not regret it." His warm breath whispered against her skin before placing his lips on her knuckles once again and bringing his eyes up to meet hers.

"And now, if you'll allow me, my queen. I wish to escort you down to meet our newest arrivals."

Endymion held out his arm for her and she stalled a bit before reaching out to wind her arm with his.

As they walked down the long corridor that lead to the foyer, Serenity's mind raced. She hadn't forgotten about 'Lady' Ann, but after this new development with Endymion she wanted to tread carefully. These upcoming days and what would happen during them would be decisive when it came to matters of her pending future. As much as she wanted to trust Endymion, she just knew that his sudden change was too sudden to be realistic. Yet, before she had any real time to assimilate all the current events in her head, they had already arrived at the foyer.

Inside the marble stoned room, Andrew stood with a stocky man. When they noticed the couple's entrance they turned and bowed. Andrew came to them first, politely smiling at her before turning to Endymion. Though she caught how his eyes lingered between her and Endymion's intertwined arms.

"Your Majesty." He said with a flourish, making Endymion cringe at her side. "You mother has arrived. As always she requested that you meet her for supper, she wanted to rest before then. Says, she's getting too old to travel such distances."

At his words, Serenity visibly relaxed. She hadn't realize how nervous she was until that point. Breathing easier, she turned to peak at the man that Andrew had been speaking to before their arrival. He still stood where she had first spotted him, his back was ramrod straight at he looked at their little group.

Endymion must have noticed her curiosity because he also turned from his conversation with Andrew to look at the man. His smile widened and he released Serenity's hand, quickly making his way to the man. When he reached the man, they shared a quick embrace and the older man patted Endymion on the back. She couldn't hear what they were saying but the way they acted towards each other told her that they were well acquainted.

"That's Sir Geoffrey, Lady Eleanor's Guard Captain. He's been with the family for years." Andrew said, still standing next to her and also watching the interaction of the two other men.

"Will I be meeting Lady Eleanor?" Serenity questioned without looking at the pair in front of her. The question must have shocked Andrew because he brought his attention towards her.

"Of course you will. Your Endymion's wife and queen. If anything she'll be wanting to meet you and if I know her as well as I do, she'll be ready to interrogate you at her first opportunity." With that he smiled at her and bowed before excusing himself.

After Andrew had left she wondered briefly if she could also excuse herself, but just at that moment the two men turned and walked her way.

".. And this here is my wife, Geoffrey." Endymion said as he reached for Serenity, wrapping his arms around her waist. He shifted her backwards and his chest and thighs curved to the shape of her backside. Heat rushed to her face as tingles spread through her limbs. Her face must have gone a shade pinker because Sir Geoffrey, smiled down at her. His intimidating front receding into one of friendliness. He extending his arm in front of him and executed an elegant bow, which she tried to return. Though that had only gotten her to rub her back more into Endymion, causing his arms to tighten around her waist.

"It's a pleasure, your majesty. Though I must be retiring now, it's a long trip back after all." He smiled at her once again and turned to go.

"No, you mustn't leave. We're about to have a grand festival and you must stay it's duration. I must insist you stay as a guest and not as an employee." She spoke with no further thought, and the receiving tightening of Endymion's arms she took as his approval. Sir Geoffrey turned and smiled, nodding his head in acceptance .

"As you wish, my queen." His voice sounded resigned but a hint of a smile still lingered on his lips. "I guess you're stuck with me now, Darien." He said to Endymion and Serenity smiled at her new found name for 'beau'.

That evening after Sir Geoffrey had retired to his room and Endymion walked her to her room to prepare for supper, she pondered the events of the day. Endymion's words before receiving the older gentleman done in the foyer. Then Andrew's words and finally the new nickname that she had discovered for Endymion. The last part had been a bit more of irrelevant information but it too piqued her curiosity about him. It hadn't passed by her the way he'd stiffen behind her when he'd been called that in front of her.

They reached her door and she turned to dismiss herself when he reached for her hand. Delicately he placed a kiss on her knuckles and turned his gaze towards hers.

"Thank you, Serenity. You won't regret it." He placed another kiss but this time one her inner wrist. "I'll come by for supper to escort you down stairs."

Up until the moment she had gone along with his show. But they were alone in the corridor and she had no clue as to why he was still acting in this manner. She decided to allow it for the time being. Mostly because it benefited her plans but also because a small part of her was thrilled at his unusual attention.

Serenity placed a hand on her door knob and opened her door but not before turning back to him.

"Then I'll see you later tonight, Darien."