Disclaimer: I own nothing

Hello everyone! It has been a while but I promise you I will never forget about this story! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

My Knight In Shining Armor

Breathing

Chapter 18

"Somethimes it's hard to find my way up into the clouds; tune it out, they can be so loud. You remind me of a time when things weren't so complicated all I need is to see your face. Feel my blood running, swear the sky's falling; how do I know if this shit's fabricated? Time goes by and I can't control my mind. Don't know what else to try but you tell me everytime: just keep breathing and breathing." - Breathin', Ariana Grande

It was early morning and Serenity sat silently in her window nook during the early morning. It was the first time in a long while that tears were not cascading down her face. She took the silence of the day to focus herself on her goal of getting Endymion to safety somehow. Her only priority was to see that Endymion would escape from the castle. She bit her lip softly as she looked out of the window, her mind racing to no end. "Why can't I think of anything…" Serenity thought, frustrated. She knew if anyone caught either of them attempting to escape, Endymion's execution would be certain.

"Serenity?" Luna spoke from the foot of the bed, stretching her body.

Serenity looked over to her cat as she was brought out of her thoughts.

"You are awake rather early. What are you thinking about?" Luna asked as she hopped onto the seat across from her.

Serenity thought, wondering if she wanted to keep all of her plans a secret. Her trust in most — if not all — at this point wavered. She watched Luna as she played with her hands.

"I…I am thinking of a plan…"

"A plan…. for what?" Luna questioned.

"I am going to help Endymion escape, and then I am going with him. Far, far away from this place."

Luna looked shocked by Serenity's sudden determination.

"Serenity… you cannot do that. You cannot leave. Escaping from the Moon Kingdom is highly unlikely; it has not been done before. If you get caught, your father will not hesitate to execute Endymion. Even if you succeed, what do you think will happen? You are the last heir; if you are not here to accept the throne, your father will either have to give the throne to Caliban or there will be war to see who can gain the throne," Luna explained desperately.

"Good, Caliban will inherit the throne, just as he always should have," Serenity responded simply.

"No, Serenity, it does not work like that. That would make Alexia his Queen consort. It would lead to nobles demanding his removal from the throne. It would lead to civil war."

Serenity gazed at Luna for a few moments before speaking.

"Then let the heavens fall…"

Luna stared at Serenity, unsure of what more to say. The princess, who was normally so cheerful, who tried to keep peace and everyone's spirits high, was cast downward. The love of her life had been taken from her, and she never felt more pain than she did in that moment.

"Serenity, y-"

There was a knock on the door, interrupting their conversation. A guard opened it.

"Your Grace, your father wants you to attend breakfast."

"Tell my father that I will not be in attendance this morning, for I do not feel well," Serenity responded.

The guard looked at her, distraught, not eager tell the king this. He nodded before closing the door.

"Serenity, you cannot avoid your family forever," Luna admonished.

"Not forever, but I can try."

King Aegean's Point of View:

In his office, the King worked on some papers before the guard who spoke to Serenity entered.

"Your highness, she declined. She does not feel well."

Aegean looked up at the guard, knowing his daughter was lying.

"Very well, you may go," he spoke and leaned back in thought.

The guard walked out as Queen Serenity entered.

"You realize you are only pushing her away more so," she spoke as she stood beside her husband.

"She will get past this. It is nothing more than a love affair. She will grow up and she will move on," he replied and resumed studying an official paper.

"No," Queen Serenity said, grabbing the paper from his hand and setting it down. "She loves this man. She will not move on as easily as you think she will."

"How can you be so sure she truly loves him?" He asked skeptically.

"You truly did not notice a difference in her? She was happier, she worked harder, she wanted to be more involved. She has been joyful during her time with him. If anything, he helped save our daughter."

The king laughed, shaking his head. "No, he did not. He threatened the monarchy."

"No, he did not," she repeated his words. "You are her father; do you truly not care to see what he has done for her? Forget the monarchy just for a moment, Aegean. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't see it. Tell me that their love for each other isn't real."

Aegean gazed at his wife, pausing to collect his thoughts. "She is young, she does not know how she truly feels and he took advantage of that."

Queen Serenity stared at her husband in shock. "You're lying! You're avoiding my question. If she is too young to know how she feels then why force her into a marriage she has told you time and time again she does not want?"

"It doesn't matter. The monarchy is here and in order to stay here, she must make sacrifices. She knew since she was a child th-"

"Things change! She has found a man that she loves and you are taking that away from her."

The King grew frustrated, feeling as if his family was working against him in every way possible. "I don't understand why this is such a shock. Caliban… he did the same thing and was a coward, running away. It seems as though Larissa is the only one that knows she must abide by her duties. Since she was six, she was engaged to the prince of Venus. Otherwise, I would happily have her ascend the throne."

"How could you call your own son a coward? Caliban did what he had to do. You forced him away from us and now he cannot stand to even be in the same room as his own family!"

"That is his fault for doing the opposite of what I say and I'll be damned if I allow Serenity to go down the same path."

Serenity glared at her husband, her anger rising, though she chose her words carefully. "What exactly do you plan on doing to Endymion?"

The King looked up at his wife. "My advisors suggested death. I thought that would be too kind of a fate for him, yet cruel at the same time. Exile is my next thought for his punishment."

Queen Serenity stared at her husband, shocked by his rage. "She will resent you. You will lose your daughter forever."

"No, she will grow up and learn why I made the decision that I did. What could either of them have expected? They could never marry."

"They could if you changed the law," the Queen persuaded.

"The law will not change. It has been this way for hundreds of years. Serenity will marry Diamond by the time summer is over, for the good of the kingdom," the King said sternly, standing.

Queen Serenity pressed her lips into a thin line, exasperated by her husband.

"Now, we should go to breakfast," the king held his arm out.

Queen Serenity hesitated for a few moments before moving her arm through his, allowing him to lead the way to the dining room.

Serenity's Point of View:

Serenity decided she should at least show her face after staying in her room for the morning and most of the afternoon. She inhaled deeply as she walked outside into the gardens to get some fresh air, hoping that would lift her spirits and help her think. She sat on a bench overlooking a fountain as she watched the water move, then looked over the horizon to see the Earth. She watched it longingly, causing her heart to ache for Endymion all over again. She felt comfort from gazing upon the earth, finding it brought her some peace.

She heard footsteps and cringed, dreading the company. She broke her gaze away to see her brother.

"Serenity, can we talk?" Caliban asked, careful with his words and his movements, knowing Serenity's feelings. Serenity would blame him for all of the pain that is happening to her. He knew he was at fault and was worried of Serenity's reaction toward him from now on.

"Sure, why not…" she spoke, reluctant and resentful.

Caliban took a seat next to his youngest sister. The two sat in silence as Caliban searched for his words.

"I don't know what to say that has not already been said before… I am sorry. I can't help, but this, this is my fault. I know I can't assuage the pain I know you are feeling but just know, I am here for you," Caliban said.

Serenity peered at her brother for a few moments. "Are you? Are you really sorry? Or are you just trying to ease the guilt you feel? You are the reason I feel this way. You were allowed to be selfish. You left and got what you wanted. The moment that I am selfish and attempt to get what I want, what I want ended up being in a cell," Serenity spoke bluntly, not caring if she hurt anyone at this point.

Caliban raised his eyebrows, surprised by Serenity's unexpected honestly. "I am sorry, Serenity. If father allowed me to take the throne and to take this burden from you, I would."

"Well, that would mean giving up Alexia because father will not allow her to be Queen consort," she shot back.

"I can't do t-"

"Ah right, you could never give up Alexia. You love her. I completely understand that. There are things I am giving up, you know? Love, happiness, all to marry Diamond," Serenity retorted.

Caliban realized his sister had practically changed overnight.

"Every single part of me does not want to marry Diamond and I will fight that until I am dragged to the altar. Maybe even after." Serenity declared, looking back at the fountain.

"Serenity… I do not know if you should do that. Father very may well execute Endymion because of your resistance," Caliban treaded carefully.

Serenity clenched her jaw, annoyed, trying to keep her composure.

"Then I suppose wedding bells will be ringing then." She stood up and walked inside.

She walked through the palace, wishing she could go somewhere for peace and quiet. Finally, she retreated to her room. Luna wasn't there and she felt relieved, closing the door behind her.

Serenity went to sift through her art supplies, deciding that painting would help get her mind moving in order to think of a plan. As she dipped her brush in the paint and moved the brush onto the canvas, she found it to be somewhat calming as she didn't have to use much of her brain for painting.

She began to paint yet another picture of the Earth. However, this one was different from the ones she usually painted. This one was darker, the strokes on the canvas harsher.

She felt her cheeks warm as she gazed upon the painting. She felt safe as she visualized Earth because she tied it easily to Endymion. As she painted, it made her feel as though she was closer to him even if they were pushed apart. Her want for a plan to save him grew as she painted.

"What can you do…" She painted as the afternoon passed.

Eventually, there was a knock on her door. Her heart sank. "Come in."

Raye and Mina walked into her room and closed the door. They noticed the painting Serenity was working on before Mina spoke. "I have an idea…"

"For what?" The Princess glanced at her.

"For Endymion's escape. It might need some tweaking but…We think we got it," Raye said. Her voice sounded unsure.

Serenity paused and turns toward Raye with her full attention.

"Let's just say Endymion was…dead. His body would have to be disposed of, correct?" Raye said bluntly, as she always did.

"Y-Yes…" Serenity responded, not liking the sound of that.

"If he happened to…be alive when they thought he was dead, that would get him out of the castle but then his best bet would be to leave the moon." Mina continued.

Serenity thought to herself before speaking. "But… if they notice his body is gone, wouldn't that make my father suspicious?"

"Yes, it would. That is where Malachite comes in. He could be the one that oversees the 'disposing the body.' He co-"

"No," Serenity said, shaking her head.

"No, what?" Raye asked, confused.

"I don't want to get Malachite involved since he could get in trouble. That isn't fair to you and it is not fair to him."

"He was the one that helped create the plan. Endymion is his best friend. He wants him to escape almost as much as you do," Mina said, sitting on the bench at the end of Serenity's bed.

Serenity looked between her friends, conflicted and worried but slowly warming to the idea.

"So…Malachite tells my father that everything is taken care of…and that is the end of it. Endymion escapes and he lives out his life." Her heart sank as she realized that she was not a part of that plan, and she would spend the rest of her days without Endymion.

"What? The plan is perfect!" Raye said, annoyed as she was proud of what they thought of.

"No, it is," Serenity forced a smile.

"You want to go with him…" Mina realized.

"Well, yes, but there is no way for me to do so. But he'll be safe and that is all that matters."

Mina paused, wishing the same for her friend.

"Fake your own death as well. You learn Endymion is 'dead' and you're distraught and inconsolable so you take your own life," Mina suggested.

"No…this isn't some tragic 'love' story," Serenity responded as she thought of the book she was forced to read a few months ago, Pyramus and Thisbe. She always thought it was out of line for one to kill herself for the one they love. Wouldn't she want her lover to go on and live a happy life without her? While she still believed that, she understood the motivation more. Her heart ached when she was apart from Endymion and that she knew she couldn't live a happy life without him.

"In a few days, Diamond and I are to make a trip to Copernicus. During that, I can slip away and Diamond would obviously cover his tracks. He wouldn't want to upset my father by saying he lost me…"

"So, he would essentially be covering for you," Raye nodded as she finished her thought.

"Exactly."

"What happens when you don't come back? The throne will revert to Caliban but there will be conflict because of Alexia," Mina worried.

"Then let my father figure that out," Serenity shrugged.

Raye and Mina exchanged a look before the same guard from the morning knocked on the door.

Annoyed, Serenity called out, "Enter."

"You're grace, your father strongly requests your presence at dinner this evening," the guard mumbled cautiously, hoping she would say yes.

Serenity knew she could not avoid dinner, and nodded. "Alright."

The guard breathed a sigh of relief before exiting, closing the door behind him.

"When was the last time you ate?" Mina asked.

Serenity began to clean up her paint supplies. "Um, yesterday morning I think."

Mina gazed at her friend, knowing this was serious as she had never known Serenity to not eat in all of their years of friendship.

"Serenity, everything will be alright," Mina comforted as she placed a hand on her shoulder and offered a warm smile.

Serenity forced a smile before nodding. "I truly hope so…"

Once alone, Serenity fixed her hair, her face emotionless as she kept her chin up, knowing she would have to mentally prepare herself for dinner. The time for tears had come to an end, and now she was determined.

Serenity exited her room, heading for the dining room. She ignored the stares and whispers, entering the dining room to see her family already seated. Silently, she took her own seat.

She watched the plate of food get placed in front of her, realizing she still did not have much of an appetite. Instead, she took the situation in, realizing that this was her life from now on. She looked at her mother and father, sitting side by side in light conversation.

Larissa was there, along with Diamond. She thought it to be ironic. Her sister. The one she thought she could trust with her life, sitting with Diamond, a man using her only for a crown.

The only innocent at the table was Caliban. Even he had his flaws as Serenity placed a vast majority of fault on him. She believed she would not be in this mess if Caliban had done what he was supposed to.

"Serenity, it's good to see you." Larissa smiled, hopeful.

Serenity stared at her sister, taken aback that her sister would have the audacity to speak to her after Larissa's confession. Instead of responding, Serenity took a sip of her drink.

Swallowing, Larissa tried again. "I heard you were sick this morning. I trust you're feeling better?"

Once more, Serenity eyed her sister with disdain. "As well as I'm able to be, dear sister."

Larissa flinched. But she knew she had to try. "If you're feeling up to it, we could go down to the village tomorrow. Look at some of the shops? I heard there would be a festival taking place in the village as well."

"No, thank you. I have plans with Mina and Raye. My friends." Serenity lied, glaring daggers at her sister. "They have been wonderful in supporting me right now."

Larissa blinked, a burst of pain exploding in her heart. Serenity knew those words would hurt, and Larissa felt her eyes water and tears hover behind her eyes. It seemed their relationship was no longer strained, but broken, and Larissa was the one responsible.

"Go with your sister, Serenity." The King called out from the head of the table. "You can see those two at any time."

"It would be rude of me to renege on our plans, father." Serenity responded pointedly.

"It's alright, Serenity, another time perhaps."

Well. It seems I have no choice and am being commanded to go by our gracious King," Serenity said, taking another drink from her glass.

The table glanced to Serenity, shocked by her bluntness and obvious sarcasm. They were not used to seeing the young princess behave negatively.

"Great, I…I am excited then," Larissa said, smiling faintly.

Everyone at the table could sense the tension between the two princesses'. It was hard to escape. Conversation was quiet before the King spoke.

"Serenity, we should discuss the details of your wedding," the King spoke casually and effortlessly, like there was nothing wrong.

"My…wedding?" Serenity responded, puzzled that he would bring it up at this time.

"Yes, with Diamond."

Serenity felt her heartbeat speed up. "There is no wedding."

Her father paused eating, annoyed. "Yes, there is. By the end of summer. I will force it upon you if I have to, Serenity."

Serenity glanced to her mother before looking back at her father, fighting back tears before standing, spinning on her heel and storming out, not bothering to be excused.

"Stop," the King commanded.

Serenity paused, not turning around, trying to hold back her emotions.

"Finish your food, you haven't eaten." Her father stated.

Serenity turned, returning to her seat. "Oh, so you care about my wellbeing?"

"Of course I do."

"Then don't make me marry Diamond."

Diamond watched her, simultaneously nervous and curious.

The King studied her for a few moments before speaking. "You knew. Your entire life you knew a marriage like this would take place. I don't give a damn if you have "fallen in love." As princess, it is your duty to oversee this kingdom's success and if marrying Diamond does that, that is what you will do."

Serenity clenched her jaw, exhausted both physically and mentally from arguing with her father. "I do not expect you to comprehend how I feel, because you never will. All I can do at this point is hope that you will see things my way."

Aegean shook his head, equally being tired of arguing and continued to eat. "Your and Diamond's engagement announcement will occur in a week, following a diplomatic tour to Copernicus."

Serenity absorbed his words, not fighting them as she knew how useless it was to change the stubborn king's mind.

Diamond smirked as everything was going according to his plan.

The rest of dinner was silent; the tension in the room was thick. The meal progressed slowly. As Larissa and the King made conversation, Serenity excused herself from the table.

She stood and walked out of the dining room and moving through the hallway with her arms wrapped around herself, feeling vulnerable once more.

"Serenity," a light voice called her from behind.

Serenity turned to see her mother approaching her.

"Let's talk, shall we?" Queen Serenity asked.

The pair walked into the gardens silently, the Queen making sure they were far enough from the servants and palace guards. The Queen wanted the alone time she was never able to share with her youngest daughter.

"I know you are hurting right now, my love. I wish that I could take away all of your pain, but there is only so much that I am able to do. But I promise you I will do everything in my power so that you are happy," her mother spoke, looking into her daughter's eyes with sincerity.

Serenity sighed. "Is…What is going to happen to him?"

The Queen hesitated, not wanting to stress her daughter more than she already was. "Exile. He will be sent away from the moon, likely to Pluto to be certain that all forms of contact with you are severed. He will be alive at the very least…"

Serenity's expression morphed into one of heartbreak. "But…how will I be happy?" She asked, her voice breaking.

The Queen looked at her daughter who seemed to have taken on an air of helplessness. She could sense Serenity's confusion and heartbreak. She pulled her daughter into her arms. "Neither of you have done anything wrong. You both fell in love and in no way is that a crime."

Her daughter cried, unable to hold herself together any longer, finding comfort in the embrace of her mother.

"Don't feel wrong, or guilty. If this was another situation and you were not the heir, this relationship would be fully encouraged. How could I, as a mother, not accept this? This man has made you happier than I have seen you in quite some time," she continued as she moved her fingers through Serenity's hair soothingly. "I promise you, I will do all I can."

"Thank you, mother…" Serenity whispered, feeling alright, even if just for a moment.

Serenity was in her room, finishing up her painting as the night went on. When it was late enough, she stepped out of her room after Luna fell asleep. Her mother's words had comforted her but once she was gone, the princess became vulnerable once more. After the dinner, she wanted to see only one person. She walked to the dungeons, her thoughts racing and nerves rattled, hoping Malachite was there. All was quiet in the Moon Palace, except the pitter patter of Serenity's slippers making their way underground.

She was incredibly silent as she approached the door, listening to make sure it was empty before poking her head out. Happily, she aw Malachite on watch. She approached him.

"Your Highness," he bowed.

"Malachite," she gave a polite smile as he has been nothing but kind to her since she met him.

"I take it that Mina has notified you of the plan she created."

"Yes, and it is…quite ingenious I must say. The sooner we can execute it, the better…" Serenity said, anxious.

"Princess, you cannot rush things. That is when things mess up. You must be patient," he explained, slightly worried.

"Patience…" She laughed. "You know, that is exactly what my father always tells me… to be patient. Except right now, I cannot do that. We do not have time. The longer Endymion is in there, the more time it gives my father to think of punishments, to figure out ways to keep us apart."

"I realize that, yes. I agree, but at the same time, rushing through a plan like this will lead to possible discovery. This is already a huge risk. This palace is the best guarded estate in the galaxy. It takes planning, patience to pull off something like this," he told her.

"I know…it will be done and it will be done with patience."

Malachite studied the princess for a moment. "Very well then." He gave Serenity the key.

"Thank you," she smiled, excited to see Endymion, but fearful of his condition. Serenity swallowed her fear as she entered the dungeon, going directly to where she remembered Endymion's cell was. Her heart beat heavily as she neared the cell. She remembered what his condition was like when she last saw him. Her thoughts conjured up the worst as she walked along the hallway. She approached the cell, seeing Endymion and fumbled with the key.

"Serenity…" He smiled faintly from his spot against the wall, feeling better at the sight of his beloved.

Serenity beamed, immediately going into his arms, feeling whole once more. Upon a quick glance, he seemed to be healing well. She couldn't help but pull back for a moment, examining him for any more injuries that may have been given.

Endymion noticed her observing glance. "I am alright, I promise you," he cupped her cheek with his hand, reassuring her.

Serenity nodded lightly, moving her arms around him once more as she held onto him tightly. "I have missed you…so much…" She whispered, moving her head onto his chest.

Endymion kissed the top of her head before responding. "I have missed you as well my love, all too much."

The two sat in silence, enjoying each other's presence, soaking up the moment that would, as always, be over far too quickly.

Serenity broke the silence, speaking softly. "I know you said not to worry about this but…have a plan…"

Endymion looked at her confused. "A plan…for what?"

"For an escape."

"Serenity…that is highly unlikely to be successful. The dungeons, the palace are heavily guarded, even more now."

Serenity frowned. " My plan will work. I've thought it all through with Malachite, well Mina and Raye helped but-"

"Malachite? He's a part of it?" Endymion remarked, not liking the sound of that.

"Well yes. I know what you're thinking. I did not want him to get involved either but he seemed to be very determined for it to work…"

Endymion watched her, trying to carefully choose his words. "I love you. I love what you are willing to go through for me but I can't."

"What? Why? I know you think it won't work but you haven't even heard the plan yet…"

"The plan doesn't matter. It would be cowardly for me to run without accepting the consequences."

Serenity looked at him dumbfounded. "He is not doing this right now…" She thought.

"Consequences? There shouldn't even be consequences to start with, you've done nothing wrong." She said, trying to hold back her mix of emotions.

"You and I both know that but I still technically broke a law. Even if whatever plan you are thinking of did work, your father will not stop. He will go after us," he responded, sensing Serenity's frustration.

"But that's not the point. The point is you will be safe and we'll still be together. Isn't that what we want?" Serenity gazed at him, her eyes big.

"Of course that is what we both want, but at some point, we have to be realistic-"

"That point is not now. The point is to get you out of here before my father decides to do something that can't be taken back…" Tears rimmed her eyes as she couldn't bear the thought of Endymion's death or exile.

Endymion looked at her, his heart softening. "What have I done to this woman…"

"I know this isn't ideal or what we want to do, but we don't have a choice…We can only take what we can get. There is a way. There is a way for us to be together and we must take it. I know this will work. I just…I need you to do it with me…please…" She begged.

Endymion gazed at her for a few moments before nodding lightly. "Okay...we will try."

Serenity smiled widely before wrapping her arms around him tightly, kissing him.

Endymion couldn't help but smile at her happiness, returning the kiss. They broke apart. "What is this plan?"

"Well, we fake your death."

Endymion furrowed his brows. "How would I-"

"The guards have given you…injuries. One of those injuries would be a fatal injury, unable to come back from. Then Malachite would be the one to dispose of your…body," Serenity explained, not liking it — it gave her chills. His death would be fake but it was also all too close to turn into something real.

"And then?"

"Diamond and I have an event in Copernicus in a week. It will be easier for me to slip from security and Diamond when we are traveling. From there, you will be close behind. And we will go to Earth, together." She smiled, knowing that it was what she wanted for far too long.

Endymion pondered the plan, seeing cracks.

"What? You don't like it still… I know it is risky bu-"

"Yes, it is very risky. But let me suggest an improvement. In the village, there are people who make potions and there is one woman in particular who I hear is quite good. Her name is Keziah and I am sure Malachite knows who I am talking about. I am not sure of my abilities to fake death. But there are sleeping potions to make one appear as dead. If that is obtained, it makes the plan less risky…"

"It will work, I promise you that."

"Won't Diamond know if you are missing?"

"Yes, he will. But that would look incredibly bad on his part, losing the heir to the Moon Kingdom on one of our first royal engagements," she grinned.

Endymion laughed, taking her in his arms. "I forget how amazing you are…"

She gazed into his eyes as she held onto him tightly, kissing him deeply.

Endymion returnsed the kiss, the passion between the two growing intensely and feverish as footsteps were heard.

Serenity stilled, quickly pulling away, whispering. "I... I should go now…"

Endymion nodded. "Be safe… please."

"I will." She kissed him once more before pulling away and standing. "I love you…"

"I love you…" He responded, watching her leave the cell.

Serenity sighed as she locked the prison door before walking down the hall silently, avoiding looks from the other prisoners before exiting. Malachite was at the entrance.

Malachite stared at her, wondering how the visit went, but knowing better than to ask.

"Thank you," she said, handing him the key.

Malachite nodded.

"He didn't like it, he didn't want to run," Serenity stated, a part of her afraid Endymion would change his mind.

"Of course he didn't, too much pride," Malachite laughed before shaking his head.

"Do you think he'll…change his mind?" Serenity asked.

"No… he won't. He would do anything for you. And anything to be with you. This will go on."

"He told me about this woman, Keziah, who can make sleeping potions so one could appear as if they were dead." Serenity told him.

Malachite blinked, dumbfounded. "Why didn't I think of that… Don't worry about that. I can take care of that."

"No, I want to go, I want to see her."

Malachite looked at her, confused. "But…why?"

"Because she is giving him a potion. What if we can't trust her?" Serenity asked.

Malachite saw the change in Serenity. She used to trust people, always giving them the benefit of the doubt. But now, the princess was far more careful. And he couldn't blame her for that. "It would be difficult to get you out of the castle at this time, Princess. I need you to trust that I can make this work."

Serenity sighed, dejected. "Alright just…please make sure we can trust her."

"Of course."

Serenity smiled and retreated to her room. As she entered, Serenity yawned, feeling exhausted, wanting to sleep. But she saw Beryl sitting on the bench at the edge of her bed. Luna rested in the window nook, looking between the two women.

"Beryl…what's happening?" Serenity asked, confused.

"I must go, Serenity. I am starting to show and I have not…thought of any other plan," She explained, fear and worry painted on her face.

Although shocked, Serenity tried not to let her tired state impact her words. "Beryl… how will you take care of yourself?"

"I…I am not sure. I had family on Earth, but it seems they have spurned me for getting pregnant while unmarried," she whispered, her eyes glistening with tears.

Serenity absorbed her words before sitting next to her on the bench. "Don't leave, not just yet. Diamond, he has to help you. This is his responsibility as well."

"He is the one that told me to leave. He gave me money for transport but…Serenity, I am the last thing on his mind. It isn't just me that must be careful, it is you. He is an incredibly selfish man who will do anything to get what he wants. If I don't leave, I don't…I don't know what he might do to me." She put her face in her hands, tears falling freely down her cheeks.

Serenity pulled the woman into a hug, unsure of what to do as much had happened in such a short amount of time. "I think… you shouldn't leave the moon, just the palace. So, you are not far."

"I can't." Beryl rubbed her face. Beryl refused to show how she truly felt to anyone. She wanted to be the strong one, the one that didn't let things impact her. However, this was breaking her tough exterior. "I must go and you must be careful. Thank you, Serenity. I know I was not kind to you at the beginning and you could have had revenge on me, but you didn't. You are so kind…you are the friend I never had," Beryl confessed, smiling faintly.

Serenity watched her before standing, hugging Beryl tightly. "Of course, be careful. It is dangerous for a woman by herself. Promise me you will send word if you need anything at all."

"I will," Beryl returned the hug, still shocked by Serenity's kindness. She pulled away. "Good bye."And with that, Beryl left.

Serenity watched her door close. Slowly, she became fearful of Diamond, wondering what he would do if he caught her trying to leave. She decided not to worry and readied herself for bed.

"Serenity," Luna called as she hopped onto the bathroom counter.

Serenity jumped. "My goodness, you scared me…"

"I know you have the trip with Diamond coming up in a week and you must be careful. Everything he put Beryl through…there is no telling what he could think of doing to you."

Serenity paused braiding her hair as she gazed into Luna's eyes full of worry.

"There will be guards with us the entire time. I will be alright," She reassured before going to her bed, getting in and making herself comfortable.

Luna observed the Princess before nodding and joining her. "I am proud of you, Serenity. You have been strong during this trying time, and you will make a great queen." Luna responded.

Serenity forced a smile. "Thank you, Luna…" She rolled over, looking out the window at the Earth before closing her eyes. "If only you knew…"

Thank you so much for reading this chapter! Thank you for taking this journey with me and I hope you all have enjoyed it. I promise I will have the next chapter up soon!

xx Morgan xx