Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon. As if nothing could be more obvious. ^_^
Author's Note: My profuse apologies for leaving everyone hanging.
"You're beautiful," he breathed out, befuddled at exactly when he had captivated him so. Serenity was still tapping her foot impatiently, but then her eyes widened as his words sunk in. She clutched her skirts more tightly, as if she looked like she was going to swoon from embarrassment.
"Excuse me?" Serenity replied. There was a hiatus of speechlessness, with only the sound of water drops hitting the ground and their own heavy breathing to tickle the air. "He wants something," Serenity thought, warning herself, "I shouldn't trust him just because his vision is working correctly." She cocked her head upwards, trying to show that she wasn't going to become a sycophant because of his flattering words.
"I said, that not until now, with you standing here in pure defiance did I ever notice how beautiful you really are. Of course, I might be wrong. The only women I've ever seen since I can remember are ones on ships, and trust me, lady, most of them aren't that attractive," he answered.
"Don't think that just because you called me pretty that you're going to get let off easily once my father comes here to rescue me," Serenity retorted, freeing the grip on her skirts and crossing her arms, "You'll be sitting on the executioner's block for sure."
"Didn't they ever teach you how to take a compliment at those fancy French schools of yours?" Mamoru rebuked, regretting that he ever did compliment her, "If they did, they sure didn't do a very good job." The conversation wasn't going as he was hoping it to. Here he was, having not laid his eyes on a woman for so long, and all he could do is address her in the same manner that he addressed his men. Refinement, as far as he could remember, was never taught to him; however, for some reason, it seemed to already run in his blood. When he took to the life of a pirate he had to press himself to rid himself of most of these habits he had that seemed to come out of no where. Often times, he would find himself lying in his bed, pondering on where he came from. What land was it that he had known as a child? What were his parents like? Were they even alive?
"I did not attend any fancy French School. I have a private tutor," she stated, holding her head high and closing her eyes, lest she betray something of what she had begun to think of him.
"Well, forgive me," he stated, slightly angry and bewildered. "I suppose I should leave you here now, and hope that I don't stumble upon your bones later."
"Why, you impertinent fool! I am the Princess of France!"
"Which means absolutely nothing in a world where I am the supreme dictator," Mamoru answered. He had already turned to leave.
"What made you say that?" Serenity asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
"Compliment you?" Mamoru shrugged, trying to come up with an answer. "I'm lonely, and I'm not the male pig you perceive me to be. I thought that while you're stuck here, and while I'm stuck with you, we might as well make the best of the situation. After all, you may be my only chance of surviving if your father finds me." He mentioned the last part with a doubtful smirk.
"I never called you a male pig. You're putting words in my mouth," Serenity replied. She had taken a few steps in pursuit of him.
"Aw, but your eyes reflected it as such."
"And who are you, to read eyes?" Serenity retorted. There was a slight look of exhaustion and frustration that marked her delicate features.
"A man who has lived his life watching time pass with complete apathy," Mamoru answered, "Honestly, Princess, I believe that we may have more in common than you yourself suspect." He waited for an explosive answer to be fired from her mouth.
"Such as?" Her golden eyebrows were raised in a very skeptical manner.
"My Lady, does Shakespeare intrigue you as it does the Englishmen?"
Serenity's eyes lit up.
* * *
Saffir slept well that night, his skin relishing the silk covered beds of the palace. In fact, in the morning, he found himself reluctant to leave since the ship's accommodations were not even close the comparison. But he knew that he had a job to accomplish, and accomplish it he would. The King and Queen looked as though they had not slept at all the night before, and all the servants seemed to have a glazed look of worry. Only Saffir seemed content, knowing that once his master's plan was complete, he would receive a generous reward. And so, after a noonday meal, Saffir set out with the French navy at his side.
* * *
They say that time passes swiftly when one is entangled within conversation. And so it was for Mamoru and Serenity, who found themselves entertained by the other's thoughts of Shakespeare. Serenity presented to Mamoru for the first time, the idea of reading Shakespeare's work in the manner of a play instead of just like any other book. Mamoru, who was not able to mingle among the common people much, was overwhelmed by intrigue.
"Get one of the plays, and perhaps we can take turns reading the lines aloud," Serenity suggested.
Mamoru seemed pleased, "Well, that would prove to be entertaining…" He ran off quickly too his room, carefully choosing one he thought fit. He finally returned, caring The Tempest with him.
Serenity cocked her head to the side to read the title of the play, "Aw, good selection, good selection."
"If my men knew…" he stated frantically.
"We just won't tell them…"
Yes, I know it was short…. But… I'll try to update soon. ^^