Hey all!

I hope you all had a beautiful Easter weekend! I have been writing (and actually working on another story!) But, I promised myself not to post it until I have at least Jailbait or The Queens done! I have put Political Games on hold for right now, fyi.

I think this is a longer chapter-and I *HOPE* you all enjoy it. Its moving the story along. :)

Reviews are welcome!

Serenity could only smile at the small bundle sleeping gently in the crib. Her heart pumped with absolute joy. She ran her fingers gently over his head, admiring the dark pieces of hair that laid perfectly flat. He was the splitting image of Endymion-though, she saw that he carried her nose. She sighed again as she watched him curl up, his tiny hands clenching and un-clenching. He looked so peaceful.

"Serenity, my love, you are to rest."

Serenity turned towards Endymion, "I know, but I just had to see him again. I just can't believe we created this."

She smiled as she turned back to the crib. Leaning her arms against it, she took in a soft whiff-his sweet scent she had already memorized. He even smelled perfect.

Two strong arms wrapped gently around her waist, "He is a miracle my love. His name day is coming up and we have yet to decide on a name for him."

Serenity stood, stretching, she turned in Endymion's arms, "Help me back to bed?"

Without any delay, Endymion picked Serenity up and carried her gently to bed. Laying her down, as if she was made of glass, he kissed her on the forehead.

She grinned as she tapped the spot beside her, "We do need to decide now I suppose. We have put the naming off for too long. " Tapping her chin, her sapphire eyes trailed back towards the crib. "Should we name him after our fathers?"

Endymion's nose wrinkled at the thought, "No. He should have his own name. Something strong-something worthy."

"I have been thinking of a few."

At Endymion's nod, Serenity continued, "I like the names Aetolus and Alastair." As she slid into the crook of his arm, she looked up, "What are your thoughts?"

Endymion scratched his chin, the small stubble of the day showing clearly now, "I was thinking Demetrios or Eade. Though I do like Aetolus."

Serenity seemed to smile, "I know we mentioned prior about naming him after you-are you opposed to that idea?"

His midnight blue eyes seemed relaxed as he looked down upon the silvery blonde head of his beloved Queen, "What about Aetolus Endymion?"

Serenity grinned, "I love it."

Ami dipped her toes into the cool pool of water, watching the small fish in the fountain swim away quickly. Today was warmer than normal for the south, and although Ami enjoyed the cooler weather, something about this sudden heat warmed her heart.

She placed her hand on her protruding belly. She would be seeing her child in four months' time. How did time go by so fast? She leaned back on her hands, watching the clouds roll by. Their milky white shapes offering just enough shade from the warm sun, but not enough to dampen the beautiful bright blue sky from her view. She closed her eyes to soak it all in.

"M'lady?"

Ami opened her sea blue eyes at the sound of the young servant to her left. Zoisite had asked for Ami to have a servant around her at all times-to make sure she would always have help if needed. She had escaped to the small garden to get away from the servants-not to found by another one. She sighed heavily.

"Yes?"

The servant bowed gently, her ash brown hair falling out of its loose braid. "The King wishes to speak to you in the dining hall."

Ami nodded. Using her hands for balance, she stood and grinned, thankful to still be able to do this on her own. Stepping out of the small fountain, she slid her feet into her slippers and made her way inside.

Zoisite looked up at the sound of the massive doors opening. His light green eyes followed her every step as she made her way to him-her small body seemed even smaller with the large bump protruding from her middle. He grinned when she seemed to wobble to the chair beside his. His eyes became troubled though the longer he stared and had to shake his head when she spoke.

"You wished to see me?"

"Yes. I wanted you to know before you heard about this from anyone else."

Her deep blue eyes appeared worried when she looked up towards him, "Speak freely Zoisite."

He leaned forward, the armor that was placed around his forearm clinking against the table. "I do not wish for you to worry but, there was a massive attack yesterday."

Her face turned pale as she processed the information, "Where?"

Scrubbing his face, Zoisite stared at the double doors she had passed through not even a few moments ago. "On the southern Islands."

At her confused stare he continued, "All of them."

Her blue eyes widened, "But that's at least ten Islands!"

"Fourteen, actually."

She leaned back, her eyes too wide for his liking, "Ami, I do not want you to worry. I have already sent the message to The High King and the other Kings. I fear because of how my Kingdom is set up, the rebels will be attacking my Kingdom. I hate to admit this-especially to you. But, out of all of the kingdoms, I am the most vulnerable."

Ami leaned forward once again and gripped his hand, keeping eye contact, she spoke, "We are the most vulnerable because of the fact that our Kingdom is mostly situated on Islands. Is there any other news?"

He gave her hand a small squeeze and nodded, "A parchment arrived today from the Eastern Kingdom-they were attacked a few days ago. Jadeite was hurt, but will recover without any harm done."

Her small hand flew to her mouth, "Is Rei alright as well?"

H nodded as he took a sip from his wine. "She's the one who wrote the parchment. However,"

He placed his glass back on the table, "we will need to assemble all of our troops. I expect Troops from all Kingdoms here within the month."

Ami lowered her eyes, trying to process the information. Rubbing her hand over her extended belly, she took a deep breath, "We're going to war?"

Zoisite knew he could not lie to his wife. Ami had touched a place in his heart- a place that promised to honor and protect her until his last breath.

Green met blue, "We are."

Lita grinned at the pastries before her, happy to know that she had helped create every piece in front of her. Her mouth watered at the delectable feast. "This looks perfect." Looking around, she made sure that the kitchen staff had their backs towards her when she grabbed an apple pastry from the tray. Blowing gently on it, she shoved it in her mouth and moaned as it melted within her mouth.

"Lita!"

Lita jumped and moved away from the counter. Her emerald eyes widened as she turned towards the head cook. She bowed her head like a child caught-though chewed softly. She swallowed the last piece as she look up into Ramona's dark brown eyes, "Yes?"

Ramona clucked her tongue and wagged her finger at the young Queen, "Those are for the dinner tonight."

Lita's emerald eyes widened and softened all at the same time, "But Ramona, the baby wanted it. You wouldn't deny your future King or Queen of something this delicious…" She clasped her hands before her, "Would you?"

Ramona set her lips in a thin line. Her motherly instincts kicking in as she glanced at Lita and the small bump. She waved her spatula before her, "This one I will let slide. The rest you can eat at dinner."

Lita grinned and stepped forward. Placing a quick kiss on Ramona's cheek, "You're the best Ramona. I need to get ready for the small feast tonight-save me some of those." Lita tapped her small belly, "The baby wants more."

Ramona rolled her eyes but swatted Lita away, "Off with you! You're going to spoil this child even before he is born."

"I highly doubt I will be able to spoil him more so then you will."

With that Lita left the kitchen and headed towards her chambers.

Nephrite admired Lita as she sat down beside him in her knew gown. The fitted bodice accentuated her growing bust, while the rest of the gown flowed around her body like silk, "You look beautiful tonight Lita."

Lita looked up at Nephrite; the green of her gown matching almost perfectly with her eyes. "Thank you. I'm happy that you are doing this tonight."

Nephrite nodded as he watched his staff move around the ballroom. "I think everyone needed this. News from the Southern Kingdom has reached us. Endymion wants our troops on high alert and I'm sending troops to the south."

Lita's reach for her water stopped as she turned towards her husband. "The Southern Kingdom was attacked?"

Nephrite took a sip of his own wine as his eyes stayed on the couples dancing, "Fourteen of their Islands were attacked."

Lita gasped, "What do you think will happen?"

Nephrite finally turned towards her, his deep blue eyes fierce, "What do you think will happen, Wife? Do you think your father will prevail?"

Lita glared at his tone, "I pray he is crushed and everything he wants is ripped from his bare hands. I want him to rot Nephrite. Pray, we've discussed this before and I refuse to discuss it again." Lita stood, dropping her cloth on the table before her, "I do not have ties to my father and I never will. Our child will be raised by you and I. Now, I helped with the apple pastries and your child wants more. Excuse me."

Nephrite watched Lita march away, her head held high. Sure enough, she marched directly to the pastries table and loaded a plate full. He grinned when Ramona seemed to scold her-then Lita spoke. Within an instant, Ramona's dark eyes traveled to him and instead of the motherly stare, she glared at him.

He shrugged and looked away, unable to see her anger. He knew he shouldn't have spoken like that again to Lita. She didn't deserve that from him. But, news still floated around of more letters arriving from her father-though Lita denied such things. Her chambermaids denied it as well.

He was beginning to think that those spreading the rumors were possibly working for Lita's father. He wondered how far that man's power actually went. He took another sip of his wine.

Rei stretched under the covers, the sun barely peeking out over the horizon. She couldn't believe it had been a month already since the rebels had attacked. She still felt on edge every time she stared at the castle walls. She should feel safe-secure. Instead, her father had wanted to ruin this for her as well. She turned her head when a finger trailed down her neck.

"Why are you awake so early Rei?"

She turned fully so she could stare into the sky blue eyes of her husband. Since that fateful day he was injured, Rei had found herself in his arms every night. She still blushed as she recalled him making love to her in the healing quarters. She had been worried someone would have walked in on them-or that troops would need it. But, she later discovered that the area they were in was designed specifically for the royal family.

She blushed again when his hand traveled to her thigh and pulled her leg up. "Jadeite! Its morning."

He lifted his blonde brow, "And? I am the King. They can wait." Rei shoved at his chest when his lips connected to her collarbone.

"A king should not make his people wait."

She heard a grunted sound and smiled.

"A Queen should not make her King wait- but you did. I plan on making up for lost time."

She knew Jadeite was anticipating her next move- as he grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. They seemed to have a battle of wills until he leaned down and again and trailed kisses along her neck.

"Jadeite…" Her tone, though wanting to scold, seemed to be more begging than anything else.

"You will tire of me if you continue this type of ravenous behavior."

His head lifted once again, a look of confusion on his face, "Rei- I will say this once and then all talking will cease." He grinned as she glared; defiance clearly on her face, "The more I touch you-the more I want you. Now, let me enjoy my wife."

She shoved one last time at his chest, small giggles escaping her lips before he silenced her.

Rei wondered around the stables, carelessly carrying a bucket of carrots and apples for Phoenix. Things had changed drastically within the last month and she found herself unable to understand exactly how she felt.

Jadeite had made love to her every night and dare she say, while the blush formed over her entire face, every morning since. She couldn't seem to get enough of him either-though she could not openly admit such a thing. Not yet anyway. She feared what that would mean for the rest of her life.

Her mind turned towards another awkward encounter that she had experienced. Jadeite had sent in his physician to her this morning. The physician had barely spoken to her as he pressed down on her stomach. The only words were the few questions he asked, which only required a yes or no answer from her. And then, as if it was a simple exchange, he left without a word. Her lips set in a thin line. The encounter still had her on edge.

She grinned as she saw Phoenix's onyx head poke out from his stable. "There's my baby boy! Did you miss you momma?" She happily brought the bucket to him, rubbing and patting his neck as he consumed the contents, "Shall we go for a ride?" Rei gave off an uncharacteristic giggle at him stomping a hoof to her suggestion. She had barely placed the bucket down when a stable boy ran up to her and bowed.

"I don't need any help. You're free to go about your day."

The young boy glanced up, then back down again, "I'm sorry m'lady, but by orders of the King, you are not allowed to ride."

Rei violet eyes widened, "Excuse me?"

She watched the young boy flinch and felt bad for him-he was only the messenger after all.

"The king gave the ordered that you cannot ride."

"Fetch me my saddle and reins."

The young boy looked up. His own blue eyes wide with uncertainty, "But m'lady, the king…"

"I am your Queen and you will not be punished for helping me. I wish to ride and will do so. Fetch my saddle and reins."

At her tone the young boy only nodded and moved down three stalls. Grabbing her requested items, he moved within Phoenix's stall and prepped her horse. Rei could only fume while she waited. 'Who was he to order her to not ride? That insufferable man. He wanted her trust and then orders her NOT to ride?'

Rei glared until the stable boy brought Phoenix from the stall and before her. "M'lady."

Rei pulled a few coins from her riding habit. "For your silence."

The boy smiled so wide, Rei couldn't help but smile back as she swung into the saddle.

With a quick nod, she allowed Phoenix to run as fast as he wanted to go.

Jadeite stood within the training grounds of the castle, watching his men try out new hand-to-hand combat techniques. He grinned as he watched,

"My king." Jadeite turned towards a squire and nodded, "Speak."

"My king-you asked to be informed if the Queen went to the stables."

Jadeite nodded, already feeling a headache coming on. "And?"

"And she is now out in the fields with her horse."

"Thank you. Bring me my horse."

The squire bowed once again and took off. Within a moment he returned, the King's horse by his side.

"Franklin," Jadeite's first in command turned towards him, standing only a few feet away, "Continue with the training. I must see to my house."

Franklin could only grin as he dipped his head, "Good luck."

Rei swept the hair from her face-forgetting a tie had been a bad idea, though, she admitted she enjoyed the freedom.

She grinned as Phoenix pranced around- his body finally healed from the long travels. "Are you enjoying yourself Phoenix?" The horses neigh was the only reply as Rei chuckled.

The sound of hooves hitting the ground shattered Rei's happy moment as she turned to see Jadeite riding up; His personal guard surrounding her as they came to a stop. Jadeite moved his horse quickly to stand beside hers-his normally bright blue eyes darkened as he took in her appearance. "I gave orders to my stablemen, which you defied."

Rei's nature compelled her not to back down, "Ridiculous orders. I am perfectly capable of riding my horse. I did so before I was married and I can continue to do so now."

In a swift move, Jadeite had grabbed the front of her riding habit and pulled her even closer, "You know perfectly well why it is not acceptable to ride a horse right now-especially out on your own."

Rei's violet eyes looked confused as her anger seemed to flare, "I do not know of what you speak. I am perfectly fine to—"

Jadeite let go of her habit and turned towards his guard, "We will return. Now."

Without a further word, a guard flanked her on the opposite of Jadeite and grabbed her reins. Phoenix stirred, angry at the stranger, though Rei soothed him with a touch.

Not a word was spoken until they reached the stables and Rei jumped off her horse before Jadeite could even help her. In her usually fashion, Rei stomped ahead, not wanting to be a part of whatever stupid charade Jadeite had decided to play today. Why was he acting so damn weird now?

She was pulled from her thoughts by a hand wrapping around her arm, "Are you that stupid?"

Rei turned at the insult, "How dare you? What did I do to cause this?!"

His blue eyes took her in-mostly her confusion. "Rei, did you not notice?"

Pulling her arm free, she spat at him, "Notice what?"

He ran his fingers through his hair, agitation clearly written on his face-though, he also appeared calmer. "Rei…when was the last time you bled?"

That stopped her. Rei seemed to think back, a look of uncertainty washed over her, "Surely within the last month."

Jadeite shook his head. "Rei, I have taken you to bed every day since the night I was injured."

He watched the small blush and shook his head. Even after everything, she still blushed. He chuckled.

"That was…" He watched her use her fingers to count and watched her face grow paler the more she counted.

"You think…" she looked up and took a step back, "you think..I'm.."

Jadeite nodded, "That is why I sent the physician to you this morning. It dawned on me after I left our chambers."

He watched her swallow as she looked everywhere but at him, "He barely spoke to me..what did he say?"

Jadeite seemed to sigh as he opened up their chamber doors, allowing her to enter first. Closing the doors behind him he met her gaze, "While he's not positive, he does believe you may be with child."

If anyone wants to know how I picked the name for Serenity and Endymion's check out google or wiki...=P

and...dun dun dun...it seems the only one left without a bun in the oven is *possibly* Mina... =O

The war is brewing and about to come to a head!

If I do a few more long chapters such as this-I may only need a few chapters left!

Opinions? Thoughts? Reviews? I enjoy reading them.

~LAla