Hypocritical Lovers
Chapter 11: The Cove
Serenity:
It was still early, as the sun wasn't even up over the horizon when Serenity awoke. Her feet ached terribly. Then, as if that wasn't enough, everything else also cried out in pain when she stood up from her bed after all that dancing she'd done the previous night at the ball. But that wouldn't stop her today, too many things yet to get done.
The sky out her window gave slight tones of color that predicted the amazing weather to come and as Serenity had promised, she would head out to see her cousin, Minalett, before the commencement festival began. Ignoring the pulsating ache as she crossed over to her trunks of clothing, she filtered through them until she found what she'd been looking for. A tight, black leather set of breeches that had been made for her back home for fencing practices. But today she had another use for them, riding.
Hurrying through her morning wash and the untangling of her hair, she slipped on the breeches and pulled on a loose fitting white linen shirt, making sure to tuck the edges in as she hurried around the room looking for her riding boots. Locating them under the bed and slipping them on, she reached for her hooded-black cape and shifted it over her shoulders for coverage.
In the locked drawer of her vanity, she quickly located her two-handed dagger set, a gift from Lilith who'd been her battle-arts instructor back home, and sheathed them into her boots. Just a small safety precaution. She didn't know the areas around here the way Endymion did and didn't need him on her case after she got back. Though for courtesy's sake, before exiting her rooms, she wrote a quick note to Ms. Chancey, who would be worried when she came to wake her and found the bed empty.
'Off to see Minalett. No worries, I will return before the day's festivities.'
It was still early enough by the time Serenity finished that no one noticed her stealthy departure nor her entrance into the stables. Once inside, she surveyed the selection and gave a slight nod of approval at her 'husband's' tastes in horse flesh. A grey-spotted mare caught her attention on the far right stall and she made her way towards her, trying to push out thoughts of that infuriating man she called husband. But those thoughts soon returned as she noticed an empty stall beside her chosen mare. The black stallion she had seen Endymion riding, curiously absent from the stables.
'A stable boy must be washing him or something...' The explanation quickly materialized in her head and she saw the reliability of that assumption. Not wanting to think on the possibility that he was out there where he could stop or stall her.
It took her a few minutes to saddle up the mare, as she hadn't done it in quite a while and it took her a few tries to get it right. As soon as she was out the stables, saddled mare and all, she lifted herself up and gracefully straddle the horse, thankful to not be taking the ride in a side-saddle position.
'If mother could see me now. No doubt her eyes would be bulging out of their sockets! The breeches alone would have had her speechless but wearing them while riding astride a horse, well that would have her in fits!'
It was empowering to know that, as imprisoned as she felt here with Endymion, she also had some level of was a queen now and the people here, her new people, looked upon her with a sort of wonder, if not adoration. Not at all in the way she would have been looked at back home. There, she was the queen-in-grooming, expected to be high and mighty, propriety's literal, living, breathing definition.
There was no doubt that Serenity loved her people, they had seen her grow from a runny-nosed toddler into a well spoken young lady. But here, she had no pedestal, the people here didn't expect her to be perfect, they wanted her to be a good ruler but at her own pace and style. At least that's what she'd gathered through all the sessions she'd had with Ms. Chancey. Even her seamstress had commented on her peculiar yet delightful tastes. 'It's very refreshing to have an adventuress queen.' The frumpy old lady had mentioned during their last fitting.
A grunt from the mare under her signaled her return from her thoughts and she lightly tossed her hood over her head and kicked the mare into a quick trot down the valley's dirt road. Lord Andrew, being a very close friend and business associate of Endymion, had a manor on the Palace's grounds. Serenity imagined that it must have been the former dowager's home before having Lord Andrew occupy it. She'd heard Ms. Chancey mention something about the convenience of the arrangement. Now that Minalett also occupied those same walls, Serenity could also see the convenience of the arrangement. She couldn't fathom why she hadn't thought to visit with her cousin more often and she berated herself for her elusive mind as of late.
The path down to the adjoining Manor's land was a quickly traveled one. It curved and turned a few times before opening up to a clearing and a swoop downward towards the main house. The house looked to be very sturdy, elegant with it's large stone walls and regal appearance, it was obviously well take care of.
A group of people were assemble just a few yards from the entrance of the home and Serenity wondered briefly who they were as she rode her horse down to the house. Yet, as she got closer to the group, she spied the bright honey colored hair that she knew belonged to one blonde in particular. The sound of her horse's hooves beating on the ground must have caught Minalett's attention because she turned and looked straight at Serenity's hooded form.
So exhilarated to be back on horseback and of seeing her cousin after so much time, Serenity didn't notice when her hood came off in a snap as the horse under her sped up.
Endymion:
Minalett's squeal of surprise beside them brought Endymion's attention out of the documents Andrew had handed him. Looking up to see what the commotion was about, he saw a flurry of gold, gray and black fly down the hill towards them.
"Serenity!" Minalett hollered in excitement and raced up to meet the lone rider by the gate.
'What in the...' His feet lead him towards the figure jumping off a gray mare he recognized, surprise registering as well as anger when he caught sight of the unhooded figure embracing Minalett. 'Serenity...' He growled as he reached the embracing pair's side. Patiently waiting for the two to come apart, he noticed that she paid no mind to him and chatted happily with her cousin, giving him time to scan her clothing more carefully when her cape gaped open. Tight glove-like breeches encased her womanly thighs and surely her buttocks, he grimaced. The white linen shirt was of the thin kind and he noticed she must have been in a rush to dress because she forgot the shift that would have hid the pert nipples he could clearly see through the fabric.
"I'm sorry to interrupt ladies, but I would like to have a word with my wife." As icy as his statement had been, it gave him the slight satisfaction of seeing her stiffen.
She didn't turn immediately in his direction but instead spoke to her cousin. "Sorry Minalett, give me just one moment… We can finish this talk ….with some…tea. Yes, tea! Please be a dear and fetch us some." Minalett, to his eternal surprise winked at Serenity and gave him a knowing smirk before departing in the direction of the kitchens.
"What do you want now?!" She huffed, stomping her way over to him.
"What I would like to know is: Why my wife is outside the palace walls….dressed like that! Bloody hell! What are you trying to do woman?!" He wanted to grab her by her shoulders and shake her into sanity, but he wouldn't. You can attract more flies with honey, or so he kept telling himself every time Serenity irked his temper.
"Isn't it obvious?! I'm here to see…Minalett, my cousin and life-long friend. Is there something wrong with that?" With a little more enthusiasm in pronouncing a few choice words, Serenity turned to leave but then stopped mid-stride to turned around and face him again. "And for what I'm wearing, it's called SUITABLE attire for riding. Would you have preferred my skirts flying about, giving anyone behind me an ample view of my derriere as I rode here? Hmm? Would that have appeased you?"
For what felt like the millionth time since Serenity's arrival at his home, he dragged a hand through his hair. A clear sign of his exasperation. "I don't want to fight… I…it's just that…"
"I'm back! And I bring good news!" Minalett said joyously coming to stand next to Serenity. She turned to her pouting cousin and smiled. "I've had lunch packed for us. It's such a wonderful day and it would be a waste to spoil it in-doors. I've decided that a ride and maybe a small picnic is just what we need."
"Where are you heading out to this morning, my beam of sunshine?" Andrew said as he came up beside her, his hand coming up to tilt up Minalett's chin, her beaming smile making him smile in return. "I just ran into cook on the way back here and she told me she was preparing a lunch basket for you."
"I've decided that it's been too long since Serenity and I's last ride and packing lunch sounded like a wonderful idea. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Mina… You know you shouldn't be riding… Your ankle is not completely healed yet." Andrew pleaded, then he seemed to come up with an idea of his own because his smile widened. "How about you ask cook to prepare extra morsels for that basket of yours. If it's not a bother to you ladies, I would like to join you on your ride. I can look after your ankle if anything were to occur." Then Andrew turned towards Endymion's still brooding form. "You should come, Darien. You might actually enjoy yourself for once."
Serenity for her part had a murderess glare aimed at her cousin, for which she received a wink in return from the shorter blonde. Endymion was tempted to politely decline the invitation but thought better of it. Surely, opportunities like that didn't present themselves every day.
"I would love to join for a ride. If it's not too bothersome for my wife, that is?" He directed the question to her and everyone turned to wait for her response. To his eternal joy, he didn't wait long to see her reaction to their proposition. Her foot tapping wildly on the ground, arms crossed in a defensive position across her chest.
"He may do as he pleases…"
"Wonderful! I'll go tell cook. Andrew, dear, can you have my horse saddled while I fetch our basket?" Her blonde hair just a flash of red-gold as she quickly made her way back inside the house after receiving Andrew's nod of agreement.
Serenity purposely strode in the opposite direction to her horse and with one swoop of a long lean leg, she straddled the mare she'd brought. Endymion said nothing further, deciding against making her angrier for the time being.
Sticking his pinky and pointer finger in his mouth, he let out a high pitched whistle. Only having to wait a few seconds before the steady beating of his black stallion's hooves could be heard pounding their way towards him. The horse arrived by his side, it's coat gleaming with sweat and it's hooves lightly tapping on the ground impatiently. Nostrils flaring a bit as he caught scent of the mare Serenity was mounted on. It seemed Endymion's old friend was feeling a bit playful... or anxious by his fidgety movements. Romeo, as his mother had aptly named his stallion, was his favorite horse. A purebred Shire horse that'd been brought over as a mere calf and he'd raised it to be a stubborn yet charismatic stead.
"Can you please tame that beast? He is freighting my poor girl." Serenity commented hotly.
"Woh… Ro…" He whispered gently to the horse, knowing that his stallion's eager attention would surely startle Serenity's mare further. "He's just… overtly friendly. A prude such as yourse… your horse wouldn't understand." A smirk slyly spreading across his lips.
Grabbing the reins tightly in his palm, he steered the horse to face in the other direction. Not missing the aggravated huff she exhaled. Running his fingers through the black-haired crest on the stallion he mounted it, slipping his boots securely into the stirrups. As he positioned himself properly on the saddle, he took notice of the two arriving riders. Andrew came to a halt about a yard away, his horse, a chestnut spotted Quarter horse. Minalett, on a small but sturdy black mare, beside him.
Looking from Serenity to Endymion and then back, Minalett spoke up, "Ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." Serenity commented, bringing her horse to face the newcomers.
"Oh, don't be silly, Sere.. We'll have a good time. Now…." Minalett continued as if her cousin's statements had flown right over her. "Set pace with your husband. Stop these foolish antics and behave like the lady your mother brought you up to be."
Endymion fought with everything in him not to explode with laughter at Serenity's mortified expression and beet red complexion. 'Oh! But if he could have that expression captured on paper, he would surely die a happy man. '
"I suggest we get going, if we wish to be back in time for the evenings festivities." Andrew, thankfully cut in. "We're would you ladies like to go?"
"Uhh! I know, the coast! You must see the ocean, Serenity! It's everything you ever talked about and more! And we can make the trip with plenty of time to spare." Minalett spoke up again, setting her horse into a slow canter down the path. Andrew following closely behind.
"The actual sea?" Serenity asked, genuine surprise on her face. Her curious gaze finding Endymion's. "Can we go see it?"
Endymion wondered briefly if she had spoken to him directly, yet as her gaze stood firmly with his, all questions seemed to dissipate. "Stop stalling then, I'm waiting on you..."
Her curious look was sparked by something resembling shock and her blue eyes widened. He could only hope she caught on to his true meaning.
By this time, Andrew and Minalett were well down the road and getting farther. Endymion, was catching on to what seemed to be Andrew and his wife's helping hand. Giving him time with Serenity. Time alone and space to work things out.
Bringing his horse right up to hers, he leaned in. Speaking slowly as if not to frighten her. "Come along my little queen, you won't have time to explore the cove if we don't hurry."
The trip down the path that lead to the cove, was a quiet one. Their horses trotting at a slow pace and now, Minalett and Andrew were so far ahead that they couldn't be seen. To his side, Serenity gazed at the sights and creatures with wonder. As if she'd been caged all of her life and recently set free.
Up ahead the tree line opened up into a sandy stretch of beach and foamy dark blue water. As the view into the cove expanded with their slow pace down the trail, he noted the figures atop the cliff to the side.
"It seems our traveling companions decided upon the high route. If you want, we can retrace our steps and go up there."
She glanced up and located the figures on the cliff. "No, it's fine. They should have time alone. And I would like to explore a bit, if you don't mind." She then looked up to him expectantly, all signs of their earlier discussion forgotten.
"Of course. We can leave the horses here and set out on foot." He suggested.
Serenity nodded in agreement, already steering her horse over to an out cropping of grass. Firmly on the ground again, Endymion took note of his wife's outfit for the day. This time taking a more covert glance over her well outlined curves and swells. The breeches did fit well enough, tight on her ample assets as well as practical. He couldn't deny that, they were practical… and skin tight. Her shirt was another matter altogether. He tried to look past the barely covered erectness of her pert breast, but his eyes were drawn to them. They sang to him, called to him.
He took a step, then another and another, until he was but a breath away. His lips ached to press against hers, hands twitched to feel her, touch her. Her blue eyes, shining with a myriad of emotions flashing too fast for him to pinpoint any specific one.
Grabbing her hand in his, he turned to stride down to the shore, Serenity forced to trail closely behind.
"Let's explore, then."
Serenity:
It was beautiful! Amazing.. No, words could not describe the beauty she held before her. More than she could ever have imagine. Facing it now, after so many years just watching from afar…. It was beyond expression, beyond words.
Feeling an urgent need to feel the icy water between her toes, she let go of Endymion's hand and practically ran the remaining distance to the shoreline. There she bent to unbuckle both of her riding boots, before tugging them off completely. Placing each foot, one at a time, in to the cool water, she trembled. Half in pleasure, half from the icy temperature. Stepping deeper into the cool waves, she gave a throaty laugh. Completely amazed with the wonder that was the sea, grazing her uncovered skin. Dipping her cupped palms into the water, she brought them up to her lips for a sip…. And then she spluttered and sputtered until she could hear Endymion's roar of laughter.
When she felt that she had her breathing under control, she turned to him. "You! Why didn't you tell me? You knew that would happen and you let me do it" Going up to his chest and poking him with her fore finger. "And another thing I'm coming to realize… How is it that we're here together, alone… When I came to spend the day with my cousin? You arranged all of this, didn't you! I should have know! I can't believe that Minalett would scheme against me!" Then she turned and committed her first mistake, by turning her back on him. He pounced, arms encircling her, trapping her firmly to him. With the flick of his wrists, she was spun on her axis and turned completely to face him. Lips crashing down on hers, caressingly but still demanding in their intensity.
It could have been the moment, the place or even her unmet needs all culminating in her downfall. But something was shutting out the part in her head that told her to keep away. Hands tracing the curve of her back down to her hips and up again making her body respond and beyond any logical thought. No longer timid in her exploration of him and filled by an extreme need to touch, to be touched, she pulled at his coal black hair, tugged at his tucked in shirt.
His lips left hers and she moaned their loss until they began an intensely heated path to her throat and clothed right breast. She should have pulled away, instead, she pulled him closer and pressed her breast fully against his face. One of his hand trailed down her hip and continued down over the curve of her backside to her thigh. A tug later it was lifted and wrapped around his waist. The other soon following. She was hiked up to meet eye to eye with him and he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips, both his hands on her bottom for support. "Bloody Fuck." he commanded huskily.
Her daze slightly lifting and she analyzed the situation. She did not love the man, that she was certain of, but she wanted him, needed him in some strange-magnetic way. There was no doubt how much she desired him. Technically, she could bed him and be in all her rights to do so. But she wondered if she could still keep it superficial in the aftermath?
Something twitched between her thighs and heat blasted through her like a roaring fire over dried up grass. Spreading so fast, not even cold ocean water could douse it. In the particular position she found herself in, she had no question as to what was commanding her attention and Endymion's hungry eyes spoke of similar thoughts.
Experimenting a bit, she rotated her hips in an upward motion and then back down, increasing the pace and decreasing the space between them. Slowly. His hands on her bottom, squeezing her in encouragement.
Lips crashing against waiting lips, she increased her hips pace to a pleasurable speed. Endymion groaned at her eagerness and strode towards the horses and denser vegetation, still holding her up to where their lips tangled. Out of sight, he broke his lips free, setting her down on her own two feet.
"Are you sure, Serenity? We can wait…. I can wait." He murmured, though his hands were already working the buttons of her shirt and she squealed in reply when his determined hands reached their destination and covered her now bare breasts.
"Oh…. Shut up for once and kiss me."
To be continued...
A/N: As always, a big thanks to my beta Max333, you are fabulous at going over each chapter and at reminding me to post when to much time has past! Thanks, you are THE BEST BETA EVER!
To my faithful readers and the newest ones too, I would like to inform you that the next chapter will mark the half-way point of this story. Yay! Depending on how this story does for the remaining chapters will decided whether I revamp the Sequel to this story or if I just take it down.
Remember - Reviews, Favorites and Follows are a writer's substance!
All disclosures and disclaimers apply! I do not own Sailor Moon, yada, yada, yada!
