Disclaimer: I own nothing

Hello my lovely readers! I know it's been a while but I've been incredibly busy with school! I hope you all will forgive me for the delay! I hope you enjoy this new chapter!

Also, this chapter contains a scene of sexual nature, if you feel uncomfortable with that, you can skip it. I have put a warning before the scene so you're not blindsided. It is not fully detailed but I just want to make sure you know.

My Knight In Shining Armor

Chapter 13 - Marry You

"It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do; hey baby, I think I wanna marry you. Is it the look in your eyes or is it this dancing juice? Who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you." - Marry You, Bruno Mars

Serenity sat down at the table, picking at her food while everyone else talked energetically over the upcoming wedding. She had no desire to be a part of the conversation, or the wedding in general. She would be pushed out into the spotlight as her sister's Maid of Honor. Ironic as it was, Serenity hated the being the center of attention. It made her nervous, which would indefinitely cause her to mess something up.

The King couldn't be happier about this union. It would bring the planets together, as well as make their political relationships stronger.

But this only incited Serenity's agitation. Here she was, doing something her father would hate, whereas Larissa is doing everything her father wanted her to do.

Serenity gave up on food and put her fork down. She didn't dare ask to be excused. Her and her father still weren't on the best of terms, and Serenity didn't want to make it worse. She didn't know how to make it better, though. It seemed like no matter how hard Serenity tried, nothing was ever good enough for him.

Serenity's relationship with her sister wasn't the best at the moment, either. Ever since Larissa got engaged, it seemed as though she didn't have much time for her younger sister. Serenity knew that Larissa was busy with the wedding, but it seemed like she wasn't even trying to spend time with her. She knew their relationship was strained. And for some reason, she had a strong feeling that it was because of Endymion. Larissa didn't approve of the relationship at all, and definitely wasn't afraid to voice her opinion on it. Could a man truly be what tears them apart? Serenity wished with all her heart that it wouldn't.

The morning of the wedding finally arrived, and Serenity tried her absolute best to be happy for her sister. Upon waking up, the young princess sat in her bed for a while, not wanting to get up. Larissa had been driving Serenity's frustrations all month, and today would be all about her, just as it had always been. Forcing herself to stop feeling so jealous, Serenity took a deep breath and got out of bed. She went through her morning routine mindlessly before Luna woke up.

"Good morning, princess," her cat said, stretching.

"Good morning, Luna. Sleep well?" Serenity asked.

"Yes, but I know you didn't, what's wrong?" Luna asked.

Serenity sighed, feeling her sleepless night begin to take its toll on her. "I have a terrible feeling about today. Something is going to go wrong," she answered, uncertainty in her voice.

"Your parents won't let that happen. Today is going to be absolutely perfect," Luna said confidently.

Serenity knew her cat was right, and she knew she was crazy for worrying herself so much.

"I suppose you're right." She took one last look in the mirror and walked out of her bedroom, Luna following close behind.

The minute Serenity opened her door, she was met with servants scurrying about to prepare for the wedding. The princess immediately wanted to retreat back into her room, but she knew she had no choice but to get through today. She walked towards the dining room, where many of the nobles in the kingdom were feasting.

That was one of the things she hated. The palace was full because of this event, and it just made her nervous. Instead of being herself, Serenity had to plaster a fake smile on her face and act as a princess should. Nothing annoyed her more than the selfish, garrulous nobles of the kingdom. She decided to avoid being seen.

"What are you doing?" Luna asked.

Serenity kneeled down to pick Luna up so she wouldn't get lost in the sea of people that were running about.

"I'm not hungry, so I'm going to skip brunch. I should start getting ready, anyway. They'll need extra time with me to make me presentable," Serenity said, putting emphasis on the word 'presentable.'

"Serenity, you must eat. It's no-"

"Serenity!"

Serenity stopped and she knew she had been seen, by the person she wanted to avoid, no less.

"Diamond," she said, trying not to cringe as she turned around. the arrogant duke walked over to her, grabbed her hand that wasn't holding Luna, and put his lips to it.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I'm fine," Serenity replied. She knew she couldn't keep acting this way towards him forever, but she had no intention of stopping. Luna suddenly jumped out of her arms and went behind her. Serenity glared at her, seeing as she was the only thing between her and Diamond.

He pulled her closer to him as one arm snaked around her waist.

"You can't keep avoiding me like this," he whispered in a low tone.

"I'm not avoiding you," Serenity said, a defensive attitude to her voice. People were watching, no one wanted to miss anything from the next "Royal Couple."

"You can't keep lying to me, either. it's quite frustrating."

"I'm not lying. What is wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with you? You could tend to be less cold with me," Diamond said.

"I could. But it's not me you want to be with, so why pretend?"

"What? What do you mean?" Diamond asked, the level of his voice raising.

"Never mind, I have to start getting ready, I'll see you later," Serenity said as she pulled away from him.

Diamond pulled her back.

"No, you can't keep saying things like that and not explain them. What do you mean?"

"Diamond, let me go. I don't want to talk about it."

"I'm rather tired of this game you're playing with me, Serenity. I know you don't like me, but there really is nothing you can do about it. You will be mine whether you like it or not. So you might as well get used to me."

Serenity looked at him sadly because deep down, she knew he was right.

"I have to go," She pulled herself out of his grasp once more and walked away.

She trudged away to the bridal quarters, happy to be away from Diamond.

When she got there, everyone was bustling around doing different things, making sure the bridal party was perfect.

Serenity took a deep breath and put a smile on her face. It was Larissa's big day, and she knew how important it was. Therefore, she decided she would try to be the ideal sister and be there for her. She was the Maid of Honor - she had to make sure her sister's special day was perfect.

She looked at herself in a mirror. Compared to her sister, Serenity was average. She had always thought Larissa was the prettier one, mostly because everyone else seemed to like her more. Serenity has always been the one that was different. She saw things differently than everyone else, and that set her apart from the rest of the royal family.

"What's wrong, Serenity?" Luna asked her.

"Being a teenager isn't fun. Especially when everyone expects so much out of you. I'm only 17, I shouldn't be having these issues," Serenity complained.

"Well, you created them yourself," Luna said, directly.

"I created the Endymion one myself, but the other ones, like being Queen, I never asked for that! It was forced on me," Serenity retorted.

"It's your destiny to become Queen, you should just get used to it. Don't complain and just do what you were born to do," Luna said.

"Serenity, you're the only one left," Larissa said, coming up to her suddenly.

"What do you mean?" Serenity asked, looking at her sister, confused.

"Caliban decided to marry a peasant, making him illegitimate to take the throne. My marriage to Silas has been declared since I was five, therefore making me an heir to the Venusian throne. This means that you are the only one that can inherit the throne," Larissa said sternly.

"I know this..." Serenity was still confused as to where her sister was going with this.

"Do you think you're ready for it?" Larissa asked.

Serenity hesitiated. "At the moment, no. But in time, I will be," Serenity explained.

"Do you want the throne?"

"Yes, of course."

"It doesn't seem like it..."

"What?" Serenity turned her head towards her sister, surprised.

"You have been giving the impression that you don't want the throne at all. You're avoiding Diamond at all costs, you keep disobeying father, and probably the worst one, you're ignoring the laws by running around with a knight!" Larissa ranted.

Serenity had no idea how to respond. She understood where Larissa was coming from.

"Well, I - all of that is true, you're right. But I do want the throne. I just have to figure out a way to get to it. I know a lot of what I'm doing is wrong but I'm trying to make it better," Serenity said.

"You're trying? You're still with your knight," Larissa said, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to go with my feelings on that. Being Queen shouldn't take love away from me," Serenity said.

"How do you know what love is? You're only 17 years old!" Larissa practically shouted.

"How do you know about love? You're only 25! How does anyone know about love? Love is one of those mysteries in the universe. Love doesn't have an age limit!"

"Serenity, listen to me. You cannot continue seeing him. I won't tell father, because I promised you I wouldn't. But please, just do what I say on this one. You can't be with him, it won't end well. You saw what father did to Caliban. Do you really think it'll be easier for him to let you go? He'll do anything he can to keep you, especially since you're the only one left. Your knight will be in grave danger if you continue this," Larissa said.

Tears spilled from Serenity's eyes, her emotions finally visible. She could think of no other words to say besides, "I know."

Diamond and Beryl were locked in a passionate embrace, their lips locked and their hands exploring each other's bodies. The red-haired servant had her back pressed up against the bookshelf, with Diamond's body pressed up against hers. This was a regular occurrence between them, but this time, they weren't the only ones in the room.

Endymion stood in the doorway of the library, his lips slightly parted and his eyes wide. The sight of Serenity's suitor and her lady-in-waiting in such a heated position was shocking, to say the least,

"Does Serenity know about this?" the knight thought to himself.

At that moment, Diamond's eyes briefly flickered away from the object if his affections, and he immediately saw Endymion standing at the door. Lightly pushing Beryl away, the Duke said:

"What are you doing here?"

"I could be asking you the same question," Endymion snapped, anger evident in his voice.

Seeing the fire in both men's eyes, Beryl slipped out of the room. She knew she was most useful away from the situation.

"How could you do this to Serenity?" Endymion asked, rage boiling inside of him.

Diamond scoffed. "Oh please, spare me the guilt trip," he stated, rolling his eyes. "She does the exact same thing. That's right - don't think I don't know about your little fling. But beware, little boy, she is all mine, and there is nothing you can do about it.

"You don't deserve her," Endymion spat.

"And you do?" Diamond laughed.

"I treat her with the respect she deserves. I don't harm her or threaten her. I let her know every day how beautiful she is, and I have always placed her above myself. You have done nothing of the sort."

"How would you know? You know nothing about us."

"I know enough to know that you don't deserve her."

"You think that you - a lowly knight - would be better for her? Serenity is beautiful, no doubt, but that's all she is good for: to be looked at. She's the heir to the throne, you're a peasant. We both know that there is no hope for you," Diamond smirked.

Endymion's anger was only increasing every time Diamond opened his mouth. Hearing him talk about the girl he loved in such a way was extremely agitating.

"She shouldn't have to deal with someone like you. Sure, you're a Duke, great. But that title is all you'll ever be worth. You're a coward who hides behind that title. The title will never go away, but Serenity's feelings for you will not change. She doesn't and won't ever love you. You might have her politically, but you'll never have her heart."

Diamond's pompous annoyance turned to rage at Endymion's words.

"How dare you talk to me like that? I could have your head for this!" Diamond practically yelled.

"Correct, you could. But are you really? Then you'd have to explain why I said those words to you, giving up your affair. So you aren't going to say anything," Endymion retorted, a smirk playing at his lips.

Diamond was silent as he glared at the ebony-haired man.

With no other comebacks in mind, Diamond spun on his heel and began to walk away. "This isn't over. You will pay for what you have said, mark my words."

Two beautiful princesses stood behind grand doors, sharing teary exchanges of affection as the organ began to play. "Knock 'em dead," Serenity said, winking as she took the arm of the prince of Mars. He was the best man, having been Larissa's fiance's best friend since childhood. The door opened, and down the aisle walked Serenity and her partner. All eyes turned towards them, marveling at the beauty of the princess and the elegance of the prince.

Larissa had picked out the perfect dress for her maid of honor. It was colored a light periwinkle, extending all the way to the floor. The dress itself was made of the finest silk, fitted to hug Serenity's curves and flaunt her undeniable beauty. The sleeves were sheer and long, sewn in a swirling pattern. The light from above caused the dress to shimmer with radiance, and the diamond jewelry on her body reflected the shining light. Her hair was fashioned into a unique, elegant bun at the top of her head, with intricate braids surrounding it. Her lips formed a small smile and her vibrant blue eyes sparkled as she walked down the aisle.

Endymion almost collapsed when he laid eyes on her. Seeing her like that made his knees go weak and his heart soar with love and affection. He had always believed her to be beautiful, but seeing her dressed in something so eloquent and elegant only strengthened his feelings for her. Someday, he hoped, that would be him waiting at the end of the aisle.

Serenity went to her designated place at the altar, and everyone rose to await the bride's appearance. Seconds later, in came the king and his beautiful oldest daughter. Her gown was extravagant, colored snow white and glittering with a jeweled pattern. Tears filled the happy groom's eyes as he watched her walk towards him, a smile on his handsome face. Larissa could not keep the smile from her face as she finished her strides and hugged her father. Taking her groom's hand, she joined him on the altar.

"Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to celebrate..."

Serenity easily became bored with the minister's words, and began to search the crowd for her friends. She spotted Amy, Raye, and Lita sitting at the back, and Luna and Artemis sitting with them. Because her brother was the one marrying Larissa, Mina was a bridesmaid, standing on the stair just below Serenity. The princess of Venus was an emotional mess, sniffling and wiping her eyes as her brother and Larissa exchanged vows. Serenity could only smile as she continued to search the large audience.

Then she spotted him. Her stomach flipped and her body erupted in a flurry of goosebumps. He looked so handsome and rugged, sitting there with his tuxedo on and his hair combed. The glimmer in his eyes caused her to blush, and he winked at her from afar. Knowing that she would giggle if she continued to look at him, she turned back towards her sister as she placed a ring on her soon-to-be husband's finger.

The next thing Serenity knew, the groom was kissing the bride and everyone was filing into the ballroom to begin the official festivities. Music played from the front, where a small orchestra had assembled. A long buffet table had been set out, on which food was just beginning to be placed. Dozens of large, circular tables with water lilly centerpieces and elaborate glass containers with candles inside. The entire room was decorated with elegance, from ivory drapes on the walls to white flower petals on the floors. It was everything Larissa had dreamed of and more.

Taking her seat at the bridal party table, Serenity was silent as everyone else talked and laughed. The room was filled with noise, and Serenity searched for Endymion's face at the tables. She finally spotted him, sitting amidst a bunch of nobles, looking out of place and uncomfortable. He caught her eye and she smiled, flashing him a small thumbs-up. That small moment was enough to keep Serenity smiling for the duration of the meal, and she actually made an effort to be included in the conversations being held.

After the delicious food was devoured, multiple servants entered the ballroom to remove the tables from the floor. The polished floor shined in the light of the above chandeliers, and the music played by the orchestra increased in volume as Larissa and Enceladus had their first dance as husband and wife. The smile on both of their faces was breathtaking - it was nice seeing two people who loved each other so much.

The song ended, and it seemed like the dances with the Moon royals and the Venus royals were over in seconds. Before Serenity knew what was happening, Mina was pulling her onto the dance floor.

The two princesses danced to the upbeat music, laughing when Amy and Lita forced Raye to join them on the dance floor. The five best friends danced and laughed for what seemed like hours, until finally more slower music began to fill the room. Serenity watched, intrigued, as petite little Amy asked tall, strong Lita to dance with her, and the unlikely pair began to spin to the music. Mina went off to find her brother, and Raye disappeared, mumbling something about how she hated dancing.

Serenity stood there, alone on the dance floor, when someone tapped her shoulder. Turning, she immediately laid eyes on Endymion, who was bowing. "Your highness, may I have this dance?" he asked, a smile on his face. His eyes were hidden by a white mask, and Serenity knew why. If her father saw the two of them dancing together, they would have a lot of explaining to do.

"Of course you may," Serenity responded, curtsying delicately. He took her hand in his, placing his other hand on her waist as she placed hers on his shoulder. Quickly and easily, they joined the other nobles in the graceful waltz.

"Quite a ceremony we have here," Endymion commented, trying to start a conversation. Serenity laughed.

"Of course it is," she replied. "My father is overjoyed to finally have a child marry another of royal blood." The bitterness in her voice was easily detected by Endymion, who lifted her into the air while spinning. Her long dress swished around her ankles as she was placed back on her feet to continue the traditional dance.

"Hey, don't think about that right now," Endymion said softly. Her heart fluttered at the affection in his voice and eyes. "Serenity, there's something I-"

Their graceful collaboration of steps and turns ended abruptly, when a hand tapped Endymion on the shoulder. Serenity's heart fell when she spotted Diamond standing behind her knight.

"Excuse me, may I cut in?" Diamond asked, the tone in his voice almost dangerous. Endymion, not wanting to reveal who he was, nodded and bowed to the two royals before walking away, eyeing Serenity as he went.

Suppressing her heavy sigh, Serenity took the hand of her suitor and began to dance with him, disappointed at the loss of magic and happiness in their steps.

"Serenity, there is something we must discuss," Diamond said. He talked to her as if she were an annoying child, and that only spiked Serenity's agitation with him.

"And what's that?" the young princess responded.

"Your . . . knight," Diamond answered.

Serenity's eyebrows raised, urging him to continue.

"Is he really needed? After all, you have me now. I say we fire him, send him somewhere where he will be of use."

Serenity almost drew back, but stopped herself. "I . . . don't think that will be necessary. He is here for me when you aren't around, and that is his purpose that he serves quite well."

Diamond scoffed, tightening his grip on her. "Don't play dumb with me Serenity. Don't think I don't know about what is going on between the two of you. Fire him, or I will tell your father. We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

The blonde princess gasped. "You wouldn't dare," she hissed. He chuckled.

"Oh, you bet I would. So the next time he goes to lay his hands on you, I expect you to-"

Diamond was interrupted by Serenity's sudden burst of emotion as she tore herself from his grip and rushed out of the ballroom in a flurry of tears and frustration. She burst through the doors, running down the corridor and out into the courtyard, which was dark and empty. The sky was blank of stars, instead covered with dreary clouds. She fell to her knees, soiling the skirts of her dress in dirt and tears. She couldn't take the emotions any longer. The tower of anger, hurt, and sadness that had built itself into a blonde, beautiful princess was finally crumbling to the ground.

"Serenity!"

The call of her name did not reach the distraught princess's ears, and only until a strong, warm pair of arms wrapped around her did she realize that Endymion had followed her outside. He cradled her in his embrace, rocking her back and forth as she cried. She threw her arms around his neck, knowing she could finally freely release herself of her pain.

What seemed like hours later, her tears came to a halt and she looked into the eyes of her knight. "I'm sorry," she whispered, ashamed and embarrassed. He shook his head and hugged her close.

"Don't apologize. I'm sorry you are in so much pain," he said softly, kissing the top of her head. "Come with me. Let's get you out of the cold." Lifting her into his arms, he carried her out of the courtyard and towards the rest of the kingdom. Thankfully, the guards on duty were sound asleep, and so they were easily able to slip past. Serenity had her thin arms clasped around his neck as he continued to walk, her cradled in his arms.

The village was dark and empty, all villagers in their homes, preparing for bed. Endymion took them down a few streets and through a few alleys until finally, they arrived at their destination. The ebony-haired man set the princess down, retrieving his key from the satchel around his waist, and slipping it into the keyhole.

"Is this your home?" Serenity asked him, receiving a smile in response. The wooden door opened, revealing a pitch black interior. Taking Serenity's hand, Endymion pulled her inside, where he quickly lit the lanterns surrounding the quaint little home.

Serenity's eyes sparkled as she took in the beauty of the small building. There was only one room, but Endymion had done a great job in making it a home. The bed was in the back corner, next to a small bedside table that had multiple mugs on it. A wooden wardrobe, probably filled with armor and simple clothing, was near the bed. The kitchen was on the right side of the room, complete with a wood-burning stove and multiple cupboards filled with different foods and dishes. A small wooden table with two wooden chairs was in the center of the room, and a fireplace was in the back. The floors were wooden, cracked and in need of repair, and the paint on the walls was chipping. There was no doubt in Serenity's mind that the roof was leaky, too.

Despite the home's imperfections, the young princess deemed it to be perfect. How Endymion could make such a small area into such a beautiful masterpiece was well beyond Serenity's knowledge.

"It's not much, but...it's home," Endymion said, scratching the back of his head. Serenity couldn't wipe the smile from her face as she threw her arms around his waist. "It's beautiful," she said. A grin spread across the young man's face as he led her to the table, where she sat down in a chair. She stared across at the other empty chair as Endymion went to prepare something for the two of them to snack on.

"Endy?" she said, blinking.

"Yeah?"

"Why do you have two chairs?"

There was a crash, and Serenity jumped. Her gaze landed on Endymion, who was staring at a shattered plate at his feet. Silence pervaded the room, causing Serenity to squirm.

"E-Endy?" she squeaked.

"Sorry," Endymion mumbled, bending down to pick up the broken pieces. Serenity stood, walking over and helping him. "It's alright," she said softly.

Her fingers wrapped around a large piece of the glass plate, quickly drawing back when she felt the sharp edge slice her skin. Hoping Endymion hadn't seen it, she clenched her fist, wincing.

They finished picking up the pieces when a drop of blood dripped off of Serenity's clenched fist, landing on the floor. That was enough for Endymion, who immediately spotted it. He looked at her, his eyebrows creased together in concern.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, taking her wrist.

"No, I'm fine," Serenity replied, yanking her hand away and walking back to the table.

"Serenity."

He quickly caught up with her, catching her wrist again. She winced as he opened her fingers, revealing the cut that stretched down her index finger. "Good lord, Sere," he said softly. "Wait here."

He left the room, heading outside into the night. She waited impatiently, tapping her foot against the floor. He came back inside moments later, carrying a bucket of water with a rag draped over the side.

"Where did you get that?" Serenity asked as he knelt down in front of her. Taking her hand in his, he began to dab at the blood with the wet rag. She winced, biting her lip to keep from whining.

"There's a well down the street," he said. They sat in silence again as he tended to her wound. The suspicion was too much for Serenity, who had to speak:

"What was that all about?" she asked.

Endymion hesitated slightly. "Nothing," he responded flatly.

"Liar."

The blue eyed man sighed, pausing. "Kalel."

Serenity caught his eye for a brief moment. "Was she someone special to you?" she asked quietly.

Endymion nodded. "Yes, she was. But she...she left."

"I...I'm so sorry..." Serenity whispered, tears filling her eyes. It was clear to her that the memory of this girl brought pain to her beloved, and she hated knowing he was hurt.

"It's nothing for you to be sorry for. She had an affair, I kicked her out, and now I have you. I should thank her, really. If she hadn't done what she did, I wouldn't be here with you."

Serenity's heart warmed at his words. Hearing that he felt that way strengthened her feelings for him even more, and she suddenly had the temptation to kiss him.

There was a ripping sound, and Endymion began to wrap a torn piece of his cape around Serenity's hand. After tying it off, he said, "There's something missing..."

Confused, Serenity tilted her head to the side as he reached into his pocket. He retrieved a small black box, small enough to fit into his palm.

Before Serenity had time to think, the box was open and the glittering gold ring within was revealed.

She gasped, tears immediately forming in her eyes as she covered her mouth with her hands. "Endy..." she whispered.

"Don't," he chuckled, "don't say anything." Taking a deep breath, he continued:

"Serenity, I didn't know when I met you that I would fall in love with you. I didn't know that I would be your knight, and I didn't know what to expect when your father hired me. I still don't know what to say when I'm around you, and I don't know how to act because all I want to do is hold you and take you away from your hardships. I don't know what to do with myself when I'm away from you, because without you by my side I'm alone. I didn't know where my life was heading until I saw you in the village so long ago. But I DO know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I want to wake up and see your beautiful face every morning. I don't know how we will work this out, but I know we will. Serenity, it would be an honor to watch you walk down the aisle and know that in just minutes, I'll be kissing you as my bride, and not my secret. My beautiful princess, will you marry me?"

The hopeful look on Endymion's face mixed with the sincerity and beauty of his words caused Serenity to throw her arms around him in an eruption of tears and emotions.

"Yes, yes, of course I will, yes!" she exclaimed, tears rushing down her face. Endymion laughed and stood up, lifting her into the air and spinning her in a circle.

"Never in my life did I think I'd hear someone say yes to me, and here I am," he said, drawing back to slide the ring on her finger. Unable to control themselves any longer, the lips of the two lovers crashed together in a passionate kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair. Their lips didn't part as he lifted her up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Their minds were in a frenzy of lust and hormones as he carried her to the bed, placing her gently on the mattress and crawling on top of her. She giggled, getting accustomed to this new type of relation. Seeing Endymion so controlling and lustful was like entering an entirely new world.

Suddenly feeling bold, she slipped the sleeves of her dress over her shoulders, revealing her pale skin. This action caused Endymion to pause in his fervent kisses.

"Sere, I-"

Serenity pressed a finger to his lips. "Don't. I'm ready."

** A SCENE OF SEXUAL NATURE FROM NOW UNTIL THE END **

After a moment of hesitation, Endymion allowed himself to be pulled into the beauty that was now his fiancée once more. He kissed her shoulders, her collarbone, her neck, her lips, while she moaned in bliss at the warmth of his lips against her skin. Goosebumps formed on her arms and legs, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

Endymion's large, soft hands ran down her sides, caressing her hips as she arched her back, allowing him to unzip her dress. With the gown now loosened, they worked together to pull it off of her body, leaving her in only her white undergarments. The chill of the room hit her skin and she gasped, covering her stomach with her arms. The cold air reminded her of her sudden exposure, and she began to feel insecure. Would he be disappointed by her body?

Her partner, seeing her insecurities, gently pulled her arms to her sides, placing gentle kisses up her stomach. "You are so beautiful," he purred, kissing her once more. Butterflies flurried around Serenity's stomach, sending a wave of confidence to her mind. She reached up, removing the suit jacket from Endymion's shoulders while he unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his toned chest to her hungry eyes. She ran her cool fingers across his abs, tracing them and grazing her fingernails against his skin. He growled, grinding his hips against hers. She was quick to respond, now finally picking up the rhythm of their movements. She could feel the bulge growing in his pants, and along with it came her increasing nerves.

It took her a moment to realize that Endymion was looking at her.

"What?" Serenity whispered, her voice to shaky for her to go any louder.

"You're having doubts," he replied.

She shook her head. "No I'm not."

"Liar."

The princess sighed, covering her face with her hands. Endymion rolled off of her, now laying on his side next to her. "I just…" she said, sighing, "...will it hurt?"

Endymion's eyes softened and he caressed her face with his hand, running his fingertips along her cheek. "I'm not going to lie...yes, it will. But after the first time, it won't be as painful," he said softly. Serenity nodded, biting her lip in uncertainty.

"I can do this," she said confidently.

"Are you sure? I'm more than fine with waiting," Endymion cautiously stated.

Serenity rolled over, now on top of him as she reached down to undo his belt and remove his pants. "Positive," she said. The smirk on Endymion's face appeared once more as he flipped them over, assisting in the removal of his trousers. His boxers came down with them, and Serenity couldn't help but gasp at the sight before her. She had never seen one before, and it was just a shock to be confronted with it.

She gulped, trying her best to conceal her nervousness as Endymion removed her bra. She helped him remove it from her shoulders and gasped when his hands kneaded her breasts, sending a wave of pleasure over her. The sensations moving through her body were unlike any she had ever experienced, and she loved every moment of it.

She froze when Endymion's fingers hooked around her underwear, sliding them down her legs until they were completely removed. She shivered, the feeling of so much exposure still so foreign. She felt his tip press against her entrance and she whimpered, silently praying for the pain to be minimal. "Serenity…" Endymion whispered, caressing her face once more. She looked into his eyes, seeing the depths of apology and sadness in his eyes. She knew immediately that he was sorry for the pain she was about to feel.

But at that same moment, the ring on her left finger seemed to remind Serenity that it was still there, and it was proof of the love he held for her and she held for him. Keeping that in mind, Serenity smiled at her beloved. "I love you," she said. He smiled and kissed her softly.

The pleasure overpowered the pain.

This might just be my favorite chapter in my opinion. I want to thank my amazing beta reader, Miss Moon Rose, for helping me with this! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Hopefully, I'll be done with the next one and will update soon! Please, leave me your thoughts on this, I love to hear from you!

xx Morgan xx