Author's Notes:

Ah. So here we are, finally at the last completed chapter of the story. I am almost done with Chapter 13 and I should have it finished, hopefully, by the end of this month or early April. My time has been entirely and greedily swallowed up by evil homework.

Thank you, again, so much for reading and for reviewing. In one of the reviews for Chapter 11, Critika (hi :) suggested that I tell you guys a little about how I came up with the plot for My Lady Queen.

By the time I was six, I was absolutely obsessed with the Arthurian Legend. Since that young age I've become an Arthuriana enthusiast, and since I can't really pursue it as a career (though I do believe at Harvard it is an actual major) I decided to begin a project – such as a fanfiction – into which I can creatively pour all my Arthurian luuuuuuuv.

At the time that I made this decision, I'd already read dozens of different Arthurian books, many different versions. I decided to mix it in with my other major love: Sailor Moon! I'd just turned 14, and was fairly new at writing fiction (especially since English is not my first language; I lived in Romania until the age of 10). So, needless to say, though I had the main idea of the story at the back of my mind, I never really sat down to completely develop it. I just knew that Serenity was to be Guinevere and Endymion her husband, King Arthur.

When I tell readers that the story is heavily influenced by the Arthurian tale, they often freak out because they –know- how most Arthurian versions end: with Guinevere's betrayal and Arthur's subsequent death. Now, the question that these readers must ask themselves is this: why would I write a fanfic with an entirely predictable plot? I feel I must remind people that I've added many non-Arthurian and non-Sailor Moon elements into the story, to make it more original and less predictable!

After I wrote the first few chapter of My Lady Queen, I took a very long break from it. High school was a busy period (as it is for everybody), and I'd pushed MLQ out of my priority list. But when I started going to college, 2 years ago, I picked it up again, this time in a much more organized fashion.

I find myself stuck a lot. While I have the main idea of the plot written out, planned, and slowly developing in my mind, I do come to certain standstills where I have no idea what to write. To motivate myself and to find inspiration, I'll usually throw some Loreena Mckennitt onto my music playlist, or take a hike on foot or horseback, and sit, undisturbed, to think about the story and play out the scenes in my head.

The other source of influence is, of course, school. I'm studying international law, am hoping to become a lawyer for an international organization like the United Nations. I put a lot of what I learn into the story, from school and life's experiences. L'amour n'est pas facile!

So yeah. THAT'S IT. A lengthy author's note, full of things that aren't really that important and that are simply keeping you from reading Chapter 12. So I'll leave you to it. ;) Thanks!

-IMPORTANT – -IMPORTANT – I drew a MAP of the Ten Kingdoms, which should hopefully clarify any geographical confusions. You can laugh, it's okay, but I'm pretty proud of it, considering I spent about two hours on it! So if you'd like to check it out before you read the chapter, please go to my profile page and click on "homepage". The link should lead your right to it.

Oh! And I do enjoy getting IMs and emails, etc, from you guys. So feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns/complaints! Enjoy!

My Lady Queen

Chapter Twelve – Beltane Author: Moon Sparkle Contact: Sparklecutey (AIM) Rated: Teen-Adult

The scent of spring floated copiously through the air, adding poignant value to every drawn breath, sending forth hope for a warm and fruitful summer. A pleasant breeze whistled through the trees, carrying the sweet fragrance of the apple blossoms and scattering the fragile lavender petals of wild lilacs. Color exploded all over Terra's lush surfaces, and as April conceded its indecisive drizzles to the hopeful spring rains of May, the worshipers of Isult and Selene began to prepare for the biggest celebration of the year: Beltane, also named the Festival of Selene, the celebration of fertility and the blossoming of life.

Endymion reined in his stallion and lifted his hand to halt his escort. He gazed down at the silent beach below him and frowned, for his sharp eyes found no Ilatherian guards, no priestesses, and no boats. The Great Lake was peaceful, yet the mist that enshrouded it was typically thick and threatening. Endymion cursed. This was the first time in eight months that he wished to visit Ilathier and, as the gods would have it, there was no possible way for him to cross the Great Lake. It was a cruel joke that Isult was no doubt playing, a mockery that Endymion knew he deserved.

On his left, sitting upon a great chestnut horse, Jadeite snickered as if on cue.

"Per'aps she's learned a few tricks on Ilathier, eh Endymion? Suppose she knows you're coming and is so angry with you that she will not even allow you … entrance?"

Endymion glanced at Jadeite icily, for the General had nicked at his pride, and he quickly formed a cold defense.

"Well, who is to say I am in the wrong? She may have done us such a great favor simply out of guilt. And," Endymion added coolly, "she is a prisoner, not High Priestess. Only Giluyenne has the authority to block me from crossing."

Jadeite glared in return and slowly shook his head. Looking over his shoulder to make sure that the rest of Endymion's men were out of earshot, he moved his horse closer to the King's.

"Jesus wept, Endymion! Forgive me for saying this, but you can be quite an ass!" Jadeite had leaned in and was whispering furiously. "The woman you exiled performed an impossible act of diplomacy and due to her efforts, this wretched war is nearly won! Christ, man, give your wife some credit."

Endymion did not reply. He swore inwardly, for he knew that the ever-frank Jadeite was right. Even if Serenity had been unfaithful, even if she had bedded Leoth, Endymion knew that he still owed her thanks for her subtlety and nationalistic loyalty. Yet he dreaded facing her. He had, perhaps for too long, abstained from thinking of her, had too often told himself that he would never have to confront the past again. He was a soldier and a man used to reducing his relations to women to one-night beddings, not a skillful husband!

He had tried, yes, he had tried. He had been lenient and open, had delighted in his wife, a woman who was as beautiful as she was sharp-witted and charming. Yet his open love for his Queen had failed him, for what husband in his right mind would be so candidly love-struck as he had been? It was a sign of weakness, and his enemies had been quick to take advantage of it the instant the opportunity arose.

"My lord!" Endymion swung his mount around as the shout reached his ears. His twelve-man escort had done the same, and the formation broke as the soldiers gave away to the source of commotion.

Panting heavily, the black panther bowed abruptly before raising salient green eyes to Endymion.

"What is it, Luna? What has happened? You should be at Caer Gristol in Uranus!"

"Yes, I should be there keeping an eye on Celgrin. But he left Uranus five days past, and I left immediately to inform you. We know not where he is headed, but he is going west. Artemis is following him."

Endymion frowned, swiftly drawing up the map of the Ten Kingdoms in his mind. Going west from Uranus would only lead Celgrin to Martia, territory no longer his own. But Martia's defenses were tight and nigh on impregnable, for Endymion had paid special attention in fortifying the borders of ex-Glauder kingdoms, knowing them susceptible to new dealings with their old ruler. It was an odd move, for Celgrin's direct offense was concentrated on the Neptunian border since Posædyn had been defeated, and moving into Martia was not a maneuver Endymion had expected so soon.

"How many men did he take with him?"

"Almost a quarter of his local army," Luna said, "– five thousand. I reached you as quickly as I could, although I stopped at the castle. Kunzite is already on his way north. He told me I would find you here."

"Thank you, Luna." Endymion offered the feline a nod of gratitude. "You've made good time and must be exhausted. Jadeite will return with you to the castle and will take the matter into his hands until I return."

Luna did not need explaining. Endymion knew that she was fully aware of his intentions and she affirmed this with a swift nod.

"And there is the means of your passage, Endymion." Jadeite's tone was light, almost provocative. "Well, I'll be damned! If 'tis not the High Priestess herself!"

"What?" Endymion turned his attention to the Great Lake below and his hands clutched his horse's reins tightly. An elven boat was indeed floating decisively towards the shore, two muscular elves rowing at each end. Between them, tall and proud and magnificent, stood Giluyenne, her unmistakable dark hair flowing behind her like a veil.

"Jed, take the men back to the castle. Leave two behind, to remain here until I return. I don't expect I shall be too long – a couple of hours at most."

Endymion did not wait to hear Jadeite's reply to these orders, for he knew that the General would feel obligated to speak against his decision to go alone. He dismounted smoothly and began his descent down the rugged hill towards the shore.

The May sun burned warmer and brighter than usual and Endymion squinted as he raised his eyes to the sky. He judged by the bowing flame that six o'clock was fast approaching, and knew that the Vespers bells would be rung soon, would echo down to this shore, but never reach Isult's island. He did not mind. A brief escape from the rigorous schedule of a Christian King was most welcome.

Endymion advanced onto the wet sand, his heavy boots leaving behind footprints swiftly engulfed by the evening tide. He stopped when the water reached his ankles and stood still for several minutes, watching Giluyenne's boat approach with an increasing sense of disquietude. For months he had pushed thoughts of this moment out of his mind, choosing to ignore them in favor of statecraft and battle-planning. But now he was to face the problem at last and, for once in his successful life, he was uncertain of his strategy.

"My lord King Endymion," Giluyenne greeted him from the boat with a proud inclination of her head. Endymion's lips curved into a small smile as he registered the always-present defiance in the High Priestess. He returned her greeting with a similar gesture.

"High Priestess Giluyenne, I approach your shores as a petitioner. I wish to pay Ilathier a short visit, for I have matters of various natures to attend to."

"My lord need not ask for permission. You are our King and may step foot on our isle whenever you must."

Endymion grinned at her reply, for he had sensed the stress on the word "must". He waited until the elves rowed the boat closer to him and nimbly climbed in. He positioned himself on one of the wooden benches and lifted his gaze to the cliff, watched as his remaining two men saluted down to him from atop their mounts. Then the boat began to move back into the Lake's foggy embrace and Endymion felt a chill crawl up his spine as Giluyenne parted her arms gracefully, orchid-colored eyes closed and lips pursed in concentration. The mists dispersed at once, revealing the sacred isle not far ahead. Endymion stared in awe, for the beauty of Ilathier never ceased to amaze him.

The mountainous horizon of Ilathier was still capped by snow on scattered peaks, yet the island as a whole was covered in thick carpets of impossible spring greens. Not far from the shore, Isult's marble temple rose majestically, and from behind its thick pillars and herb-gardens, ribbons of thin smoke were swirling toward the evening sky.

"The Beltane fires are beginning," Giluyenne explained, having followed the direction of Endymion's focus. She sat down gracefully on the bench opposite from him and Endymion felt her cool eyes fixating on him. He met her gaze evenly.

"How fares she?"

"She fares well."

Endymion had been prepared for Giluyenne's chilly attitude. After all, he had done her no great service in sending Serenity and Leoth into her custody. He was well aware of her and Leoth's history, had understood all along the main source of her obstinate iciness toward Serenity. He had also known that Giluyenne banned Leoth from the island upon becoming High Priestess, and that, unless forced by his authority, she would have never allowed her old lover onto Ilathier's shores. Yet Giluyenne's indignant jealousy for Serenity had confirmed Endymion's suspicions that she still loved Leoth, a man utterly in love with a different woman, the High Queen. Thus, above all, Endymion felt Giluyenne's pain, her anger, and her loathing for the reason of the lovers' exile.

"Your wife is innocent, Endymion."

Endymion stared at Giluyenne, hardly able to believe his ears. He laughed, though his laughter was mirthless, an expression of bewilderment. Giluyenne watched him carefully. When his countenance hardened and his eyes glazed over with icy anger, her features seemed to soften and her face was no longer a mask of apathy.

"I see that you are surprised. I was as well."

"Surprised? No, I am not surprised," Endymion said acidly. "I am irritated. Have you gone mad? What would possess you to believe that she is innocent, when there was such indisputable evidence of her betrayal?"

"The evidence for her supposed betrayal," Giluyenne retorted coldly, "was presented to you by the woman who betrayed Serenity herself."

Endymion looked away, feeling the unfamiliar heat of shame rise to his face. He was about to protest again, to explain to the Priestess that there had been much more proof of his wife's culpability than the footprints in the garden, but Giluyenne interrupted him.

"No, Endymion, listen," Giluyenne urged, seeking to meet his eyes again. "You know that Serenity is the Holder of Selene's Crystal, Isult's Fire. Yet her claim to its power is not unconditional; she must keep faith and must obey her sacred oaths, otherwise the bond between her and the Crystal is broken. Divinities do not grant such power, such burdens, to humans who are tainted. The Holder must be pure in both, faith and soul, else the gift be taken away." Giluyenne paused, allowing him to absorb her words completely, the full power of their meaning. "When Serenity married you, she did not only give her oath of fidelity to your God, but to Selene as well. And she has not broken that oath, for she has been using the Crystal's power since her arrival."

Endymion grimaced, a rush of conflicting emotions gathering in the pit of his stomach. He wanted nothing more than to believe Giluyenne, to believe that Serenity was and had always been indeed his, and only his. Yet if Giluyenne was speaking true, would Serenity be his again? Would she ever forgive his spite, his stupidity, and his stubbornness?

Silence reigned for several suffocating moments. The boat was smoothly nearing the shore, gliding along the deep blue waters with every measured stroke of the wooden oars. Above, a hungry osprey hovered purposefully. Endymion watched, distracted, as the raptor uttered a short cry and plunged expertly into the water to seize its prey. Triumphant, talons clutching a flapping fish, the osprey rose back up into the cloudless, evening sky before flying out of sight.

"Endymion?"

"Are you certain?" he asked at last, his voice so low that he decided to repeat the question. "Are you absolutely certain, Giluyenne?"

"Yes," she said simply and, to Endymion's disbelief, she smiled. He did not return her smile however, for he could not keep his temper from rising, not when this important piece of divine knowledge had been kept from him for so long.

"Then why – why - for God's sake, did you not tell me sooner?"

Giluyenne's smile vanished and her narrowed eyes took on the color of cold, hard amethyst.

"Because, my lord King Endymion, I would not have the whole world know that your wife, the High Queen, is the Holder of the Crystal. The kingdoms were on the brink of war again. It would have put her in the greatest danger possible." Giluyenne's tone was harsh, and Endymion suddenly felt like a child being rebuked by an impatient parent. "Do you know a single man who would not have attempted kidnapping her, as Vænalion had and as the Saturnians tried to do? They would have murdered her, taken the Crystal, abused its power, destroyed the world."

"But the whole world needn't have known! I would have—"

"If you did not care about the world's opinion, Endymion," Giluyenne said, "you would have sought an explanation from your wife from the very beginning. But you made it a public affair! Because her supposed betrayal was declared and confirmed openly, you were too focused on your public humiliation to even consider that she might be innocent. If you had even given her the benefit of the doubt, Endymion, I would have told you the truth, would have supported her claim that she is, indeed, innocent."

They had reached the shore. The boat came to an abrupt stop as it hit the wet sand, and Endymion, Giluyenne, and the oarsmen climbed out of the small vessel in silence. Endymion had yet to reply to Giluyenne's accusation, finding himself at war with his conscience, his judgment, and his heart. Had he truly been so blind, so utterly absorbed by his own pride and humiliation to consider that his wife and Leoth could be innocent?

Yes - the answer came accompanied by a wave of bitterness. Yes, in truth, he had been, for he had not even wondered if Leoth, his closest Companion, still drew breath.

Giluyenne's men were pulling the boat further up onto the sand, away from the drafting water. The smell of smoke filled the air and the tumbling sound of a drum could be heard in the distance. Endymion suddenly felt very hot, and he cursed the thickness of his leather tunic. He also realized that the forgotten cuts and bruises along his body, courtesy of Glauder sword, were now causing him more pain than he'd felt in days. He winced slightly as he followed Giluyenne across the small, rocky beach and up toward the looming temple of Isult.

"Giluyenne." Endymion fell in step with the High Priestess, and the woman turned her impassive face to him. "Leoth. Does he still –"

"Yes," Giluyenne did not wait for him to finish his question, and Endymion felt an overwhelming surge of relief as she answered him. With a bitter smile, he realized that during these past eight months, he had been secretly mourning Leoth's loss, but had denied himself this acknowledgment of concern. "Yes, he lives," Giluyenne continued, "and he has fully recovered from his wounds. But he came very close, Endymion - too close. It is your wife's doing that he still lives. She sat by his side and assisted him during his recovery." She paused momentarily, as if debating whether Leoth's survival had been a good thing. When she spoke again, her voice was soft. "Yet they've spent the last five or so months almost entirely apart… You see, the guilt they feel is doubled when they are together. So Serenity has told me."

They'd arrived at the temple, were now crossing the pillared courtyard. Giluyenne's men had disappeared, and Endymion found that they were alone.

"Endymion…" her tone was uncharacteristically hesitant. "There is another reason why I did not tell you sooner about their innocence." A faint blush tainted her lightly bronzed cheeks, and Endymion looked at her curiously, unaccustomed to this irresolute, shy woman that was the fearsome High Priestess of Ilathier. "I – I was jealous, you see, wanted them both to suffer. It was very selfish of me, I know, but I could not help it. It wasn't until they'd stopped seeking out each other's company and Leoth started spending all his time with Dielyn, that I realized what a fool I've been… all along."

Endymion nodded slowly and, allowing himself the rare luxury of admitting uncertainty, he glanced at Giluyenne with a grim smile.

"It seems," he said slowly, quietly, "that we both have much to answer for."

Serenity was not in her chamber; nor was she in the temple's magnificent Great Hall. Endymion searched for her everywhere, asking chagrinned servants and blushful priestesses of the young Queen's whereabouts, but no one seemed eager to help. His patience quickly thinning, Endymion at last ordered a chamber servant to lead him to the Queen. But the young woman did not know where Serenity was, merely suggested that she might be in the Healing Chamber with the Lady Ami.

Hopeful, Endymion crossed the Beltane-decorated courtyard to the small Healing Chamber, but Serenity was not there. His nerves rubbed raw and his frustration mounting, Endymion prepared to find Giluyenne instead, to ask the High Priestess herself where to find his own wife. However, as he turned to leave the Healing Chamber, Endymion suddenly found himself face to face with the dark-haired Lady Ami.

"My lord King," holding a handful of aromatic herbs, Ami had curtsied stiffly. Endymion found no warmth in her blue eyes, and although he'd never been on particularly friendly terms with Ami, he'd never before received such a cold attitude from the young Mercurian lady. "You can find her at the Offering Cliff," she'd said, and to Endymion's relief, proceeded to give him directions to the sacrosanct site.

Heeding Ami's directions, Endymion was now climbing a verdant hill, following a narrow path up to Ilathier's famed Standing Stones. His blooming surroundings seemed somewhat familiar, and Endymion realized that he'd been here before, during his very early youth.

The enigmatic white stones at the top of the hill came into view, and Endymion quickened his step, ignoring the worsening pain in his right ankle, sprained in battle. He kept his gaze focused on the stones, marveling at the mysterious allure they emanated on the sky's orange-blue background. A pleasant gust of wind carrying spring petals whirled about the tall white stones, entwining around them like a dancing ribbon.

Endymion felt a chill of anticipation assail his body, not unlike the exhilarating rush of adrenaline he always felt before galloping into battle. Within moments he would see her, for she was to be found there, on the cliff not far beyond the Standing Stones. His heart was pounding against his breast like a battering ram against a besieged gate, threatening to shatter his composure into shards of unintelligible explanations. With considerable effort, he ignored the booming pulse in his ears, and found himself nearing the end of the path and the top of the hill.

The Standing Stones were very tall and very thick, arranged in a wide circular formation. Beyond them, in the direction of the cliff, the Great Lake's blue waters glittered under the setting sun. Endymion sensed the electric atmosphere at once, his sharp soldier's awareness amplifying the intimidating effect of the Stones, summoning suspicions that he was being watched. Faintly startled, he looked up at the sky, finding comfort in the sunset-charged blue and the surety of night's slow approach. No, there was no danger here; this was Ilathier, island of Isult - not enemy territory.

The rich grass silenced his footsteps as he moved forward, through the ring of Standing Stones, and toward the cliff. He drew air into his lungs to call her name, but immediately released it, the vision before him robbing him of breath.

She was sitting in the green grass at the edge of the cliff, her back to him as she silently observed the sunset beyond the western waters. The orange glow of twilight encompassed her white-clad form entirely, and her bright hair was loose, tumbling down her back in a waterfall of golden moonlight. Her arms and feet were bare, and Endymion wondered vaguely if she was cold, for the breeze that now fluttered her skirts was cool.

He stood there, unmoving, unable to understand why such longing had suddenly gripped his soul, why his eyes felt hot and the pain in his body had vanished completely. Then, without warning, she turned her beloved face to him, and to Endymion's own astonishment, he kneeled, bowed his head.

"My lady Queen," he said, his voice an alien sound to his own ears.

No, it could not possibly be him.

Serenity blinked several times, trying to reassure herself that the tall figure was naught but a hallucination - a mirage conjured up by her imagination to quench her thirst for hope. But the vision did not disappear, and Serenity suddenly felt very afraid.

He kneeled, head bowed, and uttered a greeting that Serenity could not quite register, for her ears were filled with the sound of her own heartbeat. She slowly came to her feet, her hair falling about her shoulders and tickling her bare arms. Her breath was coming fast and short as she took several small steps forward, shock clouding the cerulean blue of her eyes.

He rose to his full height of six feet three inches, and the captivating, stormy eyes watched her - watched her as she reached him and stepped into the protection of his waiting arms.

She held back tears as she rested her head on the familiar, muscled chest, as the powerful large hands pulled her tightly to him and held her with unspoken need. She closed her eyes and inhaled his scent deeply, a flood of sweet memories washing away her tension, rekindling the embers of forgotten desire in her belly. She lifted her face to his, waited expectantly for the wet kiss that he'd soon claim from her lips.

Then, surprising even herself, Serenity withdrew from his embrace with such abruptness that she almost fell back. She uttered a very unladylike curse and regained her composure before distancing herself from him with confident, backward steps.

"My lord King Endymion." She was satisfied with the firmness of her voice, with the cold anger that laced her tone. "How kind of you to stop by."

Her sarcasm took him slightly off guard, for Endymion's eyes narrowed as he stared at her. Serenity lifted her chin, very conscious of the effect her thin dress was having on his focus.

"I've come to thank you, Ren," he said determinedly. Serenity, aware of Medwyn's recent volte-face, understood what he meant. She nodded, prepared to utter a cold acceptance of gratitude, when Endymion spoke again. "And… and to apologize. I know the truth, Serenity. I know that you are innocent."

"Do you, indeed?" she asked flatly, doing her best to sound affronted and aloof, to seem as though his words had not sent her into a state of mute bemusement. She could not believe her ears, would not allow herself to dare hope. "And since you have completely ignored me these eight months past, how is it that my lord is so suddenly convinced I am innocent?"

He had taken a few steps in her direction, had reached out and taken her cold hand into his warm one. He brought it to his lips and kissed the inside of her palm ever so gently, sending shivers up her spine.

"Giluyenne told me of the bond between you and the Crystal," Endymion said, almost casually. Serenity grimaced. Giluyenne had told her, too, that the Crystal would have abandoned her body if she'd broken her sacred marriage oath. But Serenity had hoped that Endymion was reconsidering for different, more personal reasons. "I have been unjust, Ren," he confessed candidly. "I should have given you a chance to explain, then perhaps I would have seen the truth. I was too blinded by rumors and by the knowledge that Leoth does love you deeply, and that you, at one time, returned some of his affections." The sapphire eyes beseeched her ardently. "When Medwyn explained to us how he'd decided to change sides, I knew I had to come here, as much as I dreaded it. I had to thank you personally, Ren, for you saved us from assured destruction."

Her lips parted to speak, to protest that she could not take so much credit, but Endymion shook his head.

"No, Ren. It was your good judgment and beauty that convinced him to reconsider; he confessed it himself." Endymion laughed suddenly. "You should have seen the look on his face when Jed told him you were the Queen!" A flicker of a smile touched her lips and, encouraged, Endymion continued. "He congratulated me on my choice for a wife, said that if I planned to depose you, he'd gladly take you for himself."

He'd touched on the subject that Serenity dreaded most, and she tensed again.

"What did you plan, Endymion?" she asked, annoyed by the tremor in her voice. Endymion was silent for a moment, began to lead her back toward the Standing Stones.

"In truth, Serenity, I was never certain. I tried to ignore the problem as much as I could - tried to pretend that it never happened. But your dutiful brother would not let me forget." Endymion's smile was diffident. "He confronted me about my failure to take action – repeatedly. And every time, I told him that when the war would be over, I would send you back to Luna, back to your parents. But I never believed I would actually do it, Ren. I could not."

All color drained from Serenity's face as she listened to Endymion speak, and she swallowed with a little difficulty, leaning against one of the tall Stones for support.

"Oh Selene… my parents. They must be so disappointed, so anxious." She was looking past him, to the west, as if she could see Luna's shores from the Offering Cliff. "They will never forgive me, Endymion. They have suffered such disgrace!"

"It is not quite so bad, Ren," Endymion said gently. "Kunzite somewhat mitigated the shock. You see, when he wrote to them, he insisted that this was just a major misunderstanding, that the Glauders were exaggerating truth."

"Oh, dear Kunz…" Serenity murmured, feeling lightheaded and once again, quite angry. She cast Endymion a fiery glance, suddenly wanting nothing more than to slap that handsome face. "You are so stubborn," she accused tartly. "You could have avoided all this, if only you'd listened!"

"Well, Ren," Endymion's own tone was hot with fury. "I had little inclination to do so, when I'd found you lying naked on the floor, with Leoth's footprints in your chambers! Not to mention that damned aphrodisiac! You could have been capable of anything under its influence. Both of you."

"But we did nothing!" Serenity hissed, eyes ablaze with indignation. "We did nothing. I'd undressed myself, waiting for you! Leoth had been suffering, especially after drinking that aphrodisiac. You know how he is! Yes, it is true that he came to my chambers, for that cursed drug distorted his thinking. But he immediately realized his mistake and left juts as quickly as he'd come!"

Serenity stepped past him and moved toward the path that led down the hill. She could smell the smoke rising from the island's meadows below, the first signs of Beltane's bonfires. She knew that Giluyenne's subjects were already pitching the celebration tents and that the thrill of the drums would soon begin to echo in the distance. Oh, Selene, if only they could allow themselves to forget the sorrow of the last year!

"I will not defend my rashness, Serenity." Endymion's soft tone was unexpected, and Serenity turned to look at him. His stance was, as always, that of a soldier's – straight, confident, and perhaps a little arrogant. But the expression on his proud face was withdrawn, and his breathtaking blue eyes stared back at her carefully. "Indeed, I am guilty of much more than that. But I will not apologize for believing that you'd taken Leoth as a lover, not when the evidence had been so concrete. You cannot fault me for that."

"It is unfair," Serenity said quietly, a knot forming in her throat. "It is unfair," she repeated, "that we women are expected to be so virtuous. We are quick to be accused of frivolity, while our men may do as they damn well please. They may bed whomever they wish, may have hundreds of mistresses, as if they'd not taken the same marriage vows!"

"Yes, Ren, it is quite unjust," Endymion agreed, his hand reaching out to pull her to him again. Serenity did not resist. "It is because women are the far more perfect sex, my sweet - stronger in soul and considerably more rational." He flashed her a charming smile. "Men are too akin to animals to be expected to act so virtuously!" As she smiled in response to his words, his arm wrapped around her slender waist. "But if you'd like another chance to prove otherwise, to prove to me that women are, indeed, so similar to men…"

Serenity gasped, though she knew well that his words had been meant in jest. She glared at him.

"Damn you, my loyalties are yours and yours alone!"

Endymion grinned, pushed her back against the cold rock of a Standing Stone. Serenity shuddered, sensing the erotic turn their dispute had taken, and sensing, too, the tenderness of his caress on her cheek.

"That is the most hostile declaration of love I've ever gotten," he murmured into her ear, and she closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of his breath on her skin. She whispered his name, her arms wrapping possessively around his neck as he trailed kisses down her neck, her throat, her breast. "Jesú, but I have missed you, Ren."

Serenity smiled at his whispered admittance, leaning hard against the tall Stone, breath coming faster as his fingers began to undo the laces of her simple gown. But the dress had already begun slipping off, revealing the milky skin of her shoulder. Endymion kissed it lightly before turning his attention to her lips.

"Nothing shall ever take you from me again, Serenity," he whispered against her mouth, and Serenity looked at him calmly for a moment, tears of relief and joy and love threatening to spill from her eyes. Endymion noticed, and leaning in, kissed the long-lashed eyelids, kissed away her worries and melancholy.

The gown slipped off easily. Serenity sighed as Endymion pulled her down onto the grassy carpet of the Standing Stones. Distantly, the drums began to pound invitingly, signaling the beginning of the Beltane festivities and signaling, too, the beginning of a new era –the age of the Silver Millennium.

"Fidelitas."

In the dancing light of the dying candle, Serenity read aloud the bold word recently tattooed along Endymion's spine.

The King was lying lazily on his belly, eyes closed contently as his wife's fingernails traced light patterns on his muscled back. He mumbled a quiet acknowledgment that she spoke, but did not move. After three hours of dancing and drinking in honor of Beltane's festivities, and after three more hours of passionate lovemaking, he was exhausted. Serenity did not blame him, for his physical efforts had been impressive. She no longer wondered how Endymion was always the victor in battle, for she'd discovered tonight the key to his success: his stamina!

After returning to the temple, reconciled and reunited, the royal couple had been surprisingly persuaded by Giluyenne to join in the Beltane revelries, to remain on Ilathier for the night. Endymion had been loath to do so, for his men were awaiting him on the mainland, he'd explained, and he had matters of importance to attend to. But Giluyenne, supported by Serenity, had insisted. She promised to send oarsmen and a priestess to the Terran shore, lest a courier with urgent news must be ferried across the Lake to the King. Not accustomed to putting off issues of state, Endymion had reluctantly agreed.

Delighted, Serenity led him down to the verdant fields on which the celebration was taking place. Dozens of tall bonfires had been built and set alight along the rich grassland. Hundreds of humans and elves had situated themselves near the fires, dressed lightly and simply, intoxicated by mead and other aromatic drinks. Under the moon's silvery spotlight, drums emitted sensual rhythms, inviting the revelers into rings of dancing and singing, of whooping and laughing. Urged by Serenity, Endymion had joined her in one of the circles, and, aided by the wine in his cup, he'd learned the dances quickly.

Tents had been pitched along the plain. As the night wore on, people began to disappear in pairs. Serenity and Endymion had been given the tent of honor, situated in the center of the field and surrounded by the roaring flames of guarded bonfires. And as drink flowed more freely and the tent's privacy beckoned, the King and Queen had at last retired. An explosion of cheering and whooping trailed them as they'd left the dancing circle, and blushing furiously, Serenity had felt as though this was her wedding night – not the stately ceremony held the year before.

A soft bed awaited them, covered in silken blankets lined with ermine. A tray holding a large flagon of mead and a variety of fragrant fruits had been placed on a small stand in the far corner of the tent. The air was laden with the smell and smoke of sweet incense, and Serenity had inhaled it deeply, giggling quietly as Endymion pulled her roughly onto his lap. And as she'd looked into his dancing eyes and leaned forward to kiss the smile playing on his lips, she'd realized that this night had been the happiest of her young life.

And now, three hours and one flagon of mead later, Serenity watched her husband doze in and out of light slumber. He was completely exposed, and she - not for the first time - caught herself admiring his statuesque figure with a blush. Bronzed and hard, his body was that of a traveling soldier's, for it was also marked by scars, healing wounds, and a more recent addition – a tattoo of the Latin word "fidelitas" inked down the middle of his back.

Serenity frowned.

"Endymion? Come, love, do not sleep yet. We've yet another five minutes until the candle burns out."

Endymion shifted and Serenity leaned over him with a mischievous grin, allowing the soft tendrils of her hair to tickle his back.

"You are too wanton to be a wife," the King murmured sleepily, but Serenity caught the amusement in his deep voice.

"Well, luckily for you, my lord husband, I am both a wanton and a wife," Serenity replied, and with the impish smile still playing on her lips, she ventured to pull the soft pillow from under his head. But before her hand even touched the feathery cushion, Endymion caught it and pulled her hard against him as he rolled onto his back

"You play with fire, my love," he warned softly. "You forget that I am a warrior King, and you my lovely captive. Shall we discuss terms?"

His hand had trailed to her lower back and Serenity shuddered with sudden pleasure, but she would not allow his inviting touch to stop her from asking,

"Endymion, the ink imprinted on your back…"

"It is Latin for 'loyalty', as you know." Endymion's voice was suddenly curt, but he did not release her. "One of my vanguard captains did it for me in Saturnia, after we'd defeated Posædyn. An action of impulse, naught else."

"'tis a word full of meaning."

"That it is, love."

A comfortable silence followed. Serenity looked away from his noble face, sent her gaze down his torso, pausing at a thin incision that marked his abdomen.

"I shall have to thank Posædyn himself for that wound, Ren," Endymion explained, having followed her gaze. "Do not fret, though. It shall heal soon."

"Yes," Serenity whispered, running the palm of her hand over the cut slowly. Endymion watched her warily, and, before long, perceptive amazement lightened his beautiful eyes. Serenity smiled, satisfied to see that his wound had disappeared under the healing touch of her hand.

"Yes," she repeated softly, "that it shall, love."

He rolled on top of her and kissed her then, with such passion that Serenity found herself struggling for air. And as she wrapped her arms around his neck to receive him again, the last candle's flame went out, drowned in a pool of wax.

The next day, Serenity fought gallantly to keep her eyes open and stifle her yawns. She and Endymion had slept a mere total of three hours, for he had awakened at dawn. He must return to the castle, he'd explained, for he had postponed his responsibilities long enough. Serenity nodded, having no will or energy to argue, and crawled out of their Beltane bed in a daze.

They were now sitting in the Great Hall of the temple, and servants quietly delivered their breakfast from the kitchens. But Serenity looked at her full plate doubtfully, for she lacked the appetite for it. She was much too nervous to eat. Today she would accompany Endymion back to Crystal Terra, back to the harshness and inequalities of her society.

On her left, Endymion poured himself a cup of water and drank deeply. His thirst satisfied, he lifted his gaze to regard Giluyenne composedly.

"Giluyenne, I must ask you to send your men into Saturnia and Neptunia as soon as possible." Endymion's tone was smooth, yet authoritative. "We must destroy the bridges that Ruxur's elves have built during this war. There are over a dozen of them in Saturnia alone, and we have neither the resources nor the right men to guard so many. As you know, there can only be two bridges at every border."

Giluyenne nodded curtly, having treaded over to the table and situated her gaze firmly upon the King.

"I shall dispatch Captain Lewel and twenty of his men today," she said. "But it shall take some time, Endymion. A week at least."

The King nodded, and Serenity looked at him curiously, for his eyes were suddenly alight with excitement.

"Thank you, Giluyenne," he said. Then, "I have one more favor to ask of you, however." Giluyenne regarded Endymion coolly as he spoke. "I wish to build a fleet – a fleet suitable for the Red River."

Serenity nearly choked on the bread she had been nibbling on. Such a thing was unheard of!

"No." Giluyenne's response was definite. "I cannot, Endymion. Our oldest laws strictly forbid building ships – much less a fleet – for any sovereign."

Endymion had been expecting her answer, for he did not look even remotely nonplussed. His eyes were dancing.

"Let us examine the ways in which the world has changed since those founding laws were written, Giluyenne. We need a fleet to guard the River, to guard it against Ruxur's elves and their bridges. It could—"

Endymion's explicatory argument was interrupted, for the doors of the Great Hall burst open.

"Leoth!" Serenity exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise. But Leoth did not look her at her as he marched forward. A short young man, his boots and trousers covered in sandy mud, followed closely behind him. Serenity, prepared to rebuke them for their rude entrance, stood up abruptly. But the reprimand died on her lips, for Leoth's features were ashen, and his companion's face expressed a readiness to vomit.

Endymion was already on his feet.

"What has happened?" he demanded as Leoth and the young man kneeled before him.

"M-my lord, I come from Crystal Terra with dire news," the boy mumbled incoherently as he rose. But one look at Endymion's impatient expression made him speak louder. "Celgrin has attacked Luna, my lord."

"No, Endymion," Leoth cut in, his gray eyes lifting to meet Endymion's tempestuous gaze. "He did not merely attack them." He glanced at Serenity guardedly, but she immediately read remorse in his countenance. "He slaughtered them. All of them. Luna, my lord, lies in ruins."

Serenity suddenly felt very dizzy. She gripped the edge of the table for support, the little food she had eaten already gathering at the bottom of her throat. The nausea hit her powerfully, and she dug her nails into the wooden surface of the table, swallowing hard. She felt numb.

"No…" she heard herself whisper.

Endymion had reached for her cold hand and clutched it tightly.

"We shall leave at once," Endymion stated flatly. "Leoth, you will come with me. Jadeite too. Kunzite is already on his way north; he'll have caught Celgrin's trail by now. We must dispatch messengers to Zoicite and Nephlite without delay, though it will take days until the news reaches them in Neptunia."

Her husband's voice was distant to Serenity.

Slaughtered, Leoth had said. All of them.

She must cling to hope. No, she could not abandon it now, not after the bliss that she had experienced but hours before, not after her world had at last become whole again.

"But Endymion," Giluyenne interposed calmly, "if you take Leoth and Jadeite, who shall remain as Regent in Crystal Terra?"

Eyes glazed with shock, Serenity looked up at Endymion. He squeezed her hand gently before settling his deliberate gaze back upon his subjects.

"The Queen," he replied directly, almost challengingly. "Serenity shall remain as Regent."

End Part 12.

A/N:

As said above, Chapter 13 is almost done and is due out sometime at the end of this month/beginning of April. A preview of Chapter 13 can be found on my profile page, along with the link for my map! Thanks so much for reading and for your patience, and please review! Au revoir, mes cheris!