XIV.

Second First Love

"Your highness, we will restore your dress and make another that looks just like it but for now, the Prince would like you to have this dress so you could have something to wear while you are here in the kingdom," the servant said as she bowed low. She laid out a pink glossy dress on the bed. It was amazing but it wasn't like the dresses in the Moon Kingdom.

"Thank you," Serenity said pleasantly. She couldn't help noticing that the servants in this Kingdom was underfed and looked like they were suffering. It wasn't her business but she couldn't help worrying about them even if they weren't her people. "I would leave my dress by the bed so I could clean up in the bathroom." The servant bowed before heading for the door. Once she was outside, Serenity sat down by the bed.

She sighed as she felt her damp hair and looked at her ruined dress. Even though Prince Endymion promised his servants would restore her dress, she doesn't know how long it will take. She can't go home to the Moon Kingdom with a ruined dress. She will get in trouble. Venus will probably take the blame for herself too. She doesn't want her to get in trouble because Serenity wanted to see Earth. She took off the ruin dress, let her hair down, and headed for the bathroom.

The servants took Serenity to a stable filled with the kingdom's finest horses. They were the best of the best, as one of the servants told her. They were in this stables because of both their amazing beauty and powerful strength. She thought that it was a bit unfair. What about those horses that also work as hard as these do? Shouldn't they be recognized too? And there was the fact that the horses seem to be more taken care of than the servants. Would she dare say that to the Prince?

But all thoughts flew our of her mind when she came to the stable of a handsome white horse. The horse's coat seem to be made out of silk instead of fur. Its hair seem to be glowing even in the dimlight. It is such an amazing, marvelous creature.

Endymion watched her graceful movements as she observed his white horse. What was going on with his heart? He couldn't help laying his eyes off her. How could she do this to him? "His name is Pegasus," he said, announcing his presence. Serenity whipped her head towards Endymion. She looks stunning in the pink dress he picked out. "He was named after the guardian of dreams, Helios."

"You are a handsome horse, aren't you, Pegasus? You should bear your name well since it has high relevance in our existance," Serenity said cheerfully, patting the horse's long nose. Endymion was stunned. This horse was as hard to capture as Helios. But he was eating right out of Serenity's palm.

"What are you?" Endymion asked without thinking about what he was saying.

Serenity blinked. "That is quite offensive, Prince Endymion."

"I'm sorry but I-I-I don't know what's going on with me. I just need to know why you have such a hold on every creature that you meet."

"I don't know what you mean."

"Answer me this: have I met you before?" he asked. He don't really know how to say what he was feeling.

Serenity looked at the young Prince's eyes. It does feel like she really did meet him before, but more than that, it feels like she had felt exactly the same thing for the exact same person. "I feel like I have but... I don't know." She looked away and was silent for a while. "Can I ask you something?"

"Of course, what is it?"

She walked to him until they were face to face. She looked directly in his eyes. It took Endymion every inch of his self-control not to touch her young smooth face. "Would you please take care of your servants? They reflect the image of your own Kingdom."

Endymion blinked. He wasn't exactly expecting that. "Consider it done, your highness."

Serenity smiled. "Thank you." She turned but Endymion took her wrist and turned her around once again. He can't help it any longer. He wrapped his arm around her waist, scooping her up a bit, and cupped her chin with his palm. He bent down and kissed her. When their lips touched, it was soft and gentle, like a whisper. Serenity felt like she was melting but her heart was beating faster than before.

They were lying under the shade of the tree near the pond where Serenity fell. In the distance, they could both hear Pegasus' neighing. Endymion wanted Serenity to see the glory of his kingdom so he took her around the castle and the grounds. Now, they ended up here, where they first met. Serenity sighed, tasting the sweet breeze in her tongue once again.

"Endymion?" she called out his name.

"Huh?"

"Do you think what we are doing is the right thing? Do you think our people, our Kingdom, our friends, and our parents would agree to our relationship?"

He looked at her. There was pain and uncertainty in her eyes. He wanted so badly to brush it away. He cupped his palm on her cheek. "I am sure my parents would love you, Serenity. And if the whole Solar System does turn against us, then I would give up everything just for you."

Serenity closed her eyes. For the first time in her life, she had truly felt peace in this place with the man she loves. "But I know this will be forbidden, Endymion. I know many will disagree. Can we handle that?"

"I promise you, nothing will keep me away from you."

She smiled. "And I promise you the same thing. Even if the gods were to curse us, I will still find myself back in your arms and I won't have it any other way. I love you, Endymion."

Endymion buried his lips on her hair. "I love you too, Serenity."