The Royal Guard

by little brown sumo

AN: I don't own Sailor Moon.

Chapter 10: Open Secrets

For thirteen days the people of Earth mourned the death of High Queen Amber. For thirteen days Sapphire mourned the death of his mother. Not once did he think of Mamoru and Usagi, he focused on his loss and allowed his grieving process to flow. On the fourteen day the King's thoughts strayed to the matters of the Earth Kingdom, to the matters of his family. In the early morning he came and sat in his study, taking all his meals in the cool room. He wasn't sure what to do, what to feel. "Chibi-Usa's my granddaughter" he whispered, the reality only now sinking in. Sapphire thought on the situation for three days, trying to come to a decision. Part of him just wanted to ignore the whole thing, pretend he didn't know. On the morning of the fourth day he called for Mamoru. The sun was bright, the morning air crisp, Mamoru noticed nothing as he made his way to the King's study, his body stiff with tight apprehension. He wasn't sure what to expect, he wasn't sure if the King knew. Standing right outside the door Mamoru closed his eyes for a moment, an image of Usagi smiling over Chibi-Usa floating through his mind. 'It was worth it' he thought as he entered the study. He would face this, accept his punishment, he was ready.

Sapphire sat at his large desk, his back to the window. "Good Morning Mamoru." The King ushered for Mamoru to take a seat.

"Good Morning."

There was a bit of a stall, Sapphire unsure how to begin. "Mamoru, I find myself a bit confused. I believe you can clear up some questions that I have." Mamoru nodded. "Two weeks ago in the dungeons you killed Draven, it is a bit unclear to me why you did that?"

Mamoru averted his gaze. "He threatened the Royal Family, I couldn't control my anger."

"We have a justice system for a reason. Draven would have been executed, you know as well as I his punishment would have been death. You are not the law Mamoru, you are a Royal Guard. Killing a chained defenseless man doesn't exactly display the high morality and cool judgment I expect…I have known you since birth and you have never been emotional regarding matters of the State. So I'm asking you again why did you kill Draven?"

Mamoru looked up into the King's eyes. He was sure the King had heard Draven's jab about Usagi, he must know. As he looked to his King Mamoru saw a great man, he was lucky to serve him, to learn from him. He deserved to hear the truth. Mamoru felt a cold sweat brake out, his tongue felt swollen, his heart beat rapid. He had known a day would come when he had to confess but he felt so unprepared. Mamoru looked into Sapphire's eyes, his voice direct with a hint of a quiver. "I killed him because he touched Usagi, because he tried to kill my Queen, my princess. I will not allow anyone hurt or threaten my women." Mamoru felt guilt flow heavily through his body, but he had to continue. "I fathered the Princess. Usagi lied to protect me. The Queen has never been with a Lunarian. It was me all along. We started the affair on the Moon Chibi-Usa was conceived a few days before we returned to the Earth Kingdom."

Sapphire's stomach dropped out, he knew the truth but to hear it from Mamoru made it much too real. The old King nodded, one question nagging at his mind. "I don't understand why you did this Mamoru. Why did you sleep with my wife?"

Mamoru was slightly perturbed by the lack of emotion in Sapphire's voice. "Aren't you angry?"

Sapphire leaned back in his chair. "No, I'm confused. I understand Usagi's motivations, I have from the beginning. It is why I allowed her and Chibi-Usa to live. Right or wrong her actions are a direct result of my own decisions and ultimatums. But I do not understand your actions, I want to know why you did this."

Mamoru wished for an answer, something that could justify his actions, but there was nothing. A mixture of guilt and anxiety pumping through him, Mamoru suddenly stood and began pacing back and forth, finally leaning against a bookshelf. "I…the first time I saw her she was so, I don't know there was just something there, something that I wanted." Mamoru was silent for several moments. "There is no reason, no justification. When she asked me I said yes, I wanted her and when I was given the opportunity I took her…I'm sorry I did this to you…I…I know my actions may not show it but I do hold you in the highest respect, I wish it was different…I wish she could truly be mine."

Sapphire nodded, taking in Mamoru's statements. "Has the affair stopped?"

"No."

"Are you intending on stopping?" Sapphire questioned with a lifted brow.

"No, I love her. I will never stop."

"Hmm…to be honest Mamoru, I'm not really sure what to do with you. Everyone in the Kingdom knows I favor you over all others, but this? I just don't know what to do with this…If you continue seeing Usagi you will eventually have more children. What are you planning on doing with them? You want me to accept all of them as my own?" Sapphire questioned, slightly amazed a Mamoru's ability to be so direct with him.

"Who do you want to rule Earth after you are gone?"

"What?" Sapphire was taken aback by the sudden change of subject.

"You must have some sort of plan. You chose not to have children, you must have a plan for the Kingdom." Mamoru took in Sapphire expressions and realized the King may not have a plan. "If you do not have a plan then I suggest you accept my children. Usagi is right, peaceful transitions of power can only happen with a heir. I know my offspring are not of pure Noble blood but they can continue the peace you have brought to this land."

"I could still have children with Usagi, she has yet to have a son" Sapphire stated calmly.

Mamoru's eyes flashed, body suddenly stiff as a board. "I will not allow that."

Sapphire smirked at the young man. "You will not allow it? Your audacity amazes me Mamoru. You will not allow me, the King of all Earth, to be with my wife? What will you do? Kill me, the way you killed Draven?"

Mamoru faltered, what could he do? Was this Sapphire's way of punishing him? Minutes passed before Mamoru responded. "You told Usagi you loved a woman too much to be with her. I am telling you now I love Usagi too much to share her. But I would never hurt you, my sole purpose in life has always been to protect you and your family. If you have decided to bed her then I will try to steal her and the Princess. It is probably best if you simply to put me out of my misery. "

Sapphire smiled at the honesty, Mamoru was so much like him. Seeing his passions and desires for Usagi reminded the old King of his own youthful love for Setsuna, for a woman he could never truly have. "Well your loyalties are quite obviously with the Queen. But does she love you? Usagi is not a faithful woman, how do you know she won't find someone else? Can you guarantee all her children will be yours?"

Mamoru glared at the King. "Usagi loves me." Breathing in Mamoru hung his head. "She didn't always" he said in low tones. "I loved her from the moment I saw her, but she, she wanted…she wanted to be a good wife to you, a good Queen to Earth. If you hadn't rejected her she never would have come to me and I would have never approached her. Usagi betrayed you but only because she wanted to protect herself and the Earth Kingdom, the night she proposed this affair there was no love or lust in eyes, she didn't seduce me. She held this nervous sort of understanding, a decision set across her face. I knew she didn't love me, but I couldn't control my affections for her. On the Moon I…after the affair started I seduced her. The way I took her was different from the other women I've been with. I held her body so close to my own our souls must have come together…Slowly she came to feel for me…I think it is natural for a woman to love the first man she is physical with…Usagi is very aware of her position in the Kingdom, the responsibilities and behaviors she must uphold. She would never have another affair, her sense or morality and love will keep her ever faithful to me."

Sapphire sat silently for what seemed like hours, his thoughts circling not on Mamoru or Usagi but around Setsuna and the day of Chibi-Usa's birth. He had seen Setsuna in the baby's eyes that day. Sapphire realized that it was through Mamoru, through his children that Setsuna would live, eternal. Any children Usagi gave birth to he could love, he could love them the way he wanted to love Mamoru. These children would be the only part of his family he could be with openly. The King looked to Mamoru, the young man was very much in love with Usagi and isn't that what he wanted for his son? To find love, to find happiness. "Look at me Mamoru." The Royal Guard raised his eyes to find a happy sort of expression on the King's face. "I will allow this affair to continue. When you have a son he will be the next King of Earth. As I'm sure you know, your children can never know you are their real father. I will raise them as my own and once I die you and Usagi must take precautions to prevent future pregnancies."

Mamoru stood in shock, unable to form any words. "You're not going to punish me?" he broke out.

"Mamoru you do not realize yet what you have done to yourself. None of your children will ever know you, love you the way you love them. You can never love Usagi openly, every moment with her will always be stolen. You have condemned yourself to a punishment far greater then I could ever give. This is not the path I would have chosen for you, but your life is yours."

Mamoru nodded, still in shock, in awe of the King. He still didn't fully understand what had just happened, but he decided to count his blessings.

Standing Sapphire stretched his stiff muscles. "Well I've got some more things to attend to." The King passed Mamoru, making motions for the two of them to leave. Before Sapphire reached the door Mamoru grabbed him, pulling him into a fierce embrace.

"Thank you" Mamoru whispered.

Sapphire patted Mamoru's back and pulled away. "From now on I expect you to be more open with me, we are intertwined you and I." Mamoru nodded. "Oh, we should hold a meeting telling the other Royal Guards of my decision. I'm assuming they must know the truth by now as well." Mamoru nodded.

Leaving his study Sapphire made his way to his chambers, asking a servant to call for Usagi and Chibi-Usa. He still needed to speak with Usagi, make sure all of Mamoru's praises of her were true.

Usagi stood outside Sapphire's door in a flowing blue dress, Chibi-Usa making small noises in her arms. The doorman moved to announce the Queen's arrival but she stopped him. "Just give me a minute." Usagi felt apprehension flop around her stomach, coiling at the base of her neck. What did he want with her? She had barely exchanged a word with him in the past 7 months. Taking in a deep breath she nodded to the doorman.

"Your Majesty, the Queen and Princess Usagi to see you."

"Yes, thank you."

When the doorman left Sapphire stood and picked up an ornate box from a table. There was a heavy lock on it. "Please take a seat Usagi." The Queen settled into a large, comfy golden chair. She watched as the King struggled a bit with the lock, it seemed the box hadn't been opened in years. Eventually Sapphire got it open and pulled out several pieces of parchment, he moved to sit across from Usagi. "Usagi I know haven't spoken much, especially since this issue we've had with your affair. But I called you here today because I have discovered the identity of your lover. I know Mamoru is Chibi-Usa's father."

Usagi clutched Chibi-Usa closer to her breast. "What are you going to do?" she whispered out, eyes shining in fear.

"Nothing, I spoke with Mamoru this morning, I just left him a few moments ago. He's been proclaiming his love for you for the past hour or so" Sapphire said with a smile. "He is very confident you will be faithful to him and the Earth Kingdom for all your days."

Usagi was relieved but terribly confused. "You are taking this very lightly" she observed.

"Is it true Usagi? Do you love Mamoru? Are you faithful to the Earth Kingdom?"

Usagi surprised by his questions, by his attitude but she wanted him to understand her, to believe in her virtues. She was tired of this constant sort of questioning. Why did he think only Earthlings could be loyal? "My parents died when I was quite young, I only have a few memories of them…My father once told me loyalty is the simplest virtue to uphold. He said your home is the one place you must always protect, always love. Your home gives you food to eat, shelter to live, air to breathe. He told me to always hold the planet I live on in the highest regard because it is the place that allows me to exist. The Earth has been my home for more than a year. I would do all that I can to uphold the pride and integrity of this land." Usagi paused trying to gather everything she wanted to say to him, explain to him. "I know I have angered you by this affair, but I did this for the Earth people. If it was for personal pleasures I would have aborted any children produced from my interludes. You may find my methods to be unfaithful but you should know that we are Royalty first. I responsibilities as Queen overshadow my responsibilities as a wife. As I have told you before my basic responsibility as Queen is to provide this planet with an heir to its throne."

"And Mamoru? You love him?"

Usagi looked down at Chibi-Usa and began rocking her softly. "Yes" she whispered out, small tears slipped out of her, she looked up into Sapphire's eyes. "I'm sorry I couldn't control it… Mamoru he loves me so much…you don't know how he protects me, from everything, from my own thoughts…how can I not love him, he's just so perfect." Usagi looked away from her husband unable to meet his eyes.

"Why did you choose Mamoru Usagi?"

The Queen smiled at the question. "Mamoru use to train me, other than my brother, he was the only man I had any friendly relationship with…and he…he looks like you so I thought it would be better since the children would look like they could be yours. I wanted to minimize any doubts or rumors surrounding their lineage."

Sapphire laughed, slightly amazed at Usagi's logic, surprised she was the only one to notice, or at least mention, the similarities between father and son. Mamoru was right, she had thought this whole thing through quite a bit. Sapphire saw Usagi in a new light that day, for the first time he saw her for what she truly was: the Queen of Earth. Sapphire got up and asked to hold Chibi-Usa while setting the parchment on a table next to Usagi. Usagi hesitated but handed the baby over. "Usagi I want your affair with Mamoru to continue. When you bare a son, I would like him to be the next ruler of Earth."

Usagi nodded lightly, but she didn't understand this. Why was he allowing this?

"You look confused, I was expecting at least a smile out of you." Sapphire said.

"I don't understand your decision. You were so angry when I was pregnant, you threatened to kill any son I bore and now, now its okay?"

Sapphire smirked, this girl, this woman, she was quite the little politician. Obviously Usagi did not take without understanding the bearer's motivations. "Usagi I must apologize, I never gave you the respect you deserve. I never saw you as you are: the Queen of my Kingdom. It is who you are and I will make every effort to ensure you are able to exercise the rights and power that comes with your position. As you know Royal families often have secrets and ours will be no different. You have this secret and I have one myself. You may not be my partner in the bed but we are and will always be partners in this Kingdom and so it is important you understand me and my decisions, for I never do anything without purpose. I am only allowing this affair to continue because Mamoru is your lover. If it had been another man I would have killed him without hesitation. I will share my reasons with you but you must promise never to breathe a word of this to anyone, including and most especially Mamoru. Do I have your word?"

Usagi thought a moment, did she really want to keep a secret from Mamoru? But as she looked at Sapphire she realized she had done very little for him, she certainly never loved him, the least she could do was keep his secret. "Yes, I will keep your secret, from everyone, even Mamoru."

"Read through that parchment there."

Usagi picked up the old papers. It looked as if this document had been written years ago. She began reading, it was Sapphire's will and it was addressed to Mamoru. There were pages upon pages detailing out a political and military plan to take over the Earth Kingdom. Usagi looked up at Sapphire in confusion. "You want Mamoru to conquer Earth?"

"Skip to the end" he said.

Usagi went to the very last page and there it was Sapphire's secret. Mamoru was Sapphire's son. She barely finished reading the words and the parchment fell from her fingertips. "Wha?"

Sapphire ushered for Usagi to come join him on the couch, with stiff movements she joined him. "I told you of the women I loved, her name was Setsuna. She died giving birth to Mamoru. Unfortunately I never married her, so I could not give Mamoru the title of Prince. Only my father knew about him. After Setsuna died I gave my son to Kunzite's parents, Kunzite's father was my closest friend. Before Mamoru there were only four Royal Guards of Earth but I wanted him close to me so I created the fifth position. I eventually gave the Guards political power along with their military responsibilities. I wanted to teach Mamoru how to be King I wanted him to conquer Earth after I died. But to be honest your plan is much better than my own. It would be difficult for Mamoru to maintain his power once he conquered, there would be much bloodshed. There is no real sense in Earth men fighting each other since in the end Mamoru's son would be the next King of Earth. It is much easier to achieve that goal through you."

Usagi sat in shock…Mamoru was Sapphire's son? A million questions were running through her mind but only one made it out in a squeaky voice. "Why haven't you told him?"

Sapphire sighed. "I can not tell him. It will breed a sort of resentment in him. He will hate the laws of Earth…I did, my father did not allow me to marry Setsuna and at the time I hated him, I hated Earth. I thought the rules of our society were ridiculous but they are made for a reason. Setsuna could not have raised Mamoru as my mother raised me, as you will raise your children. It is not because Noble blood is better but simply because she has not grown up in a political environment, it would have been difficult for her to adjust to the court, to this lifestyle. I wrote this will when I was sure Mamoru could handle the throne. He has grown to be everything I could have wanted from a son, he would have been a great ruler for Earth."

"You will never tell him?"

"No, identity is a powerful thing. There is no sense in upsetting Mamoru's sense of self. When Chibi-Usa is grown, is there any real sense in telling her the truth of her lineage? It will only upset her balance, it will make her question her ability to rule, weather she is worthy of the throne she will sit on…Mamoru and I have been condemned to the same fate, our children will never know us, never love us the way we love them. I am fortunate enough to love my grandchildren." Sapphire gave Chibi-Usa's forehead a light kiss and passed the baby back to Usagi. Picking up the parchment he threw the stack into the fireplace and lit it. "Would you like to see a portrait of Setsuna?" Usagi nodded. Sapphire moved to the large mirror in his room pushing it aside he showed Usagi to his 'secret room' he lit a few candles spreading a orange glow through the tiny room.

"Her eyes, their like Chibi-Usa's."

Sapphire nodded he turned to Usagi and held a hand to her face. "You know if I could have made Mamoru Prince you two would probably have been married. Fate was determined to see you together. Both of you will always have my blessing." The King kissed her forehead lightly. In that dark little room with Setsuna's portrait looking over them the King and Queen of Earth came to an understanding, for the first time since the day of their marriage a sense of love and respect began to blossom in their hearts.

In the coming days Sapphire had two men build a 'secret passage' to Usagi's room. Claiming it was necessary for her to have a way out in case of another attack, but truly it was just so Mamoru could get in and out without being seen. Life on Earth passed like the summer days, quick, warm and beautiful. Mamoru's love for Usagi consumed them night after night and a year later Usagi gave birth to a son. She named him Sapphire the Second. Usagi could see Mamoru in almost every feature of her son's face. The young prince grew into a strong nose and sharp jaw. His hair an inky black but his eyes held the dark mischief of the late High Queen Amber. The little boy could always be found running around the Castle wooden weapons in hand playing 'war' with King Sapphire. The Prince spent his days pulling Chibi-Usa's pink pigtails and trying to steal Mamoru's sword. His antics usually resulted in a sharp scolding from his mother and merciless tickling from Mamoru. When little Sapphire turned six Usagi gave birth to her third child, a girl named Chiyo, the baby took completely after Setsuna. Thick, dark green hair and magenta eyes, and the King couldn't help but love her most out of all his grandchildren.

The secrets of the Royal family were held tight. None of the Royal Guards ever revealed the relationship between Usagi and Mamoru, not even to their wives. Usagi kept her promise and never told Mamoru the truth of his linage. She spent her days running after her three young children and her nights against Mamoru's warm body. Mamoru's children grew a hairsbreadth away from his arms, in the open embrace of the King. Sapphire loved the children, it was evident in his every action, but Mamoru couldn't help but feel he spoiled them a bit. He tried to ignore their sweet voices calling the King 'Daddy'. He was thankful the King showed the children so much love, that Sapphire had even allowed their existence, how could he ask for more? But we always want for things we can not have and at times jealously ate away at him. Mamoru would take deep breaths and remember is place in life, remember what he could do for his children. He taught them of their Kingdom, taught his son of the strength of war and the difficulties of peace, he protected them almost obsessively. In time Mamoru accepted his own reality. He may have fathered of the Princesses and Crown Prince of Earth, but he would be known and remembered only as a Royal Guard.

AN: For anyone that's wondering Chiyo means eternal in Japanese, at least that's what a Japanese baby name website told me. I wrote small sort or Epilogue, it's more like a snapshot that follows.