XXV

AN: So guess what, I want you all to review and worship me, as I've now updated 3 times in 1 month, and it's not even any month, but the shortest one of the year! Hahah!

Serenity lay that next morning in Endymion's arms, he was sleeping and she'd waved her hand in front of his face, but he didn't stir. He really was totally at ease with her. It was kind of scary that she could cause such an innocent reaction from him as deep slumber. She wondered if it was bad for his training but then brushed the idea off; he needed to sleep deeply every once in awhile.

"What are you thinking about?" Endymion mumbled and Serenity smiled.

The sun was streaming in from the pulled window curtain and was making the room pleasantly warm. "You." She responded without thinking.

"Ah, I like that answer." He rolled over and Serenity found herself underneath Endymion's entire body. "Morning Princess." He said the words then frowned. "We need to change that, for you are now truly my Queen. I had held off until I was positive, but now I am."

"Wouldn't you like to wait?" Serenity asked shyly.

"Why?" He asked lowering his head to kiss her shoulder.

"Until I become pregnant?" She questioned timidly, unsure why she was asking and what his answer would be.

"Poppy-cock." He grumbled. "If the people have to deal with an unpregnant queen for awhile, that's the least of my worries. They'll at least have a queen again. Besides, I'm sure with all that we've done; a baby isn't too far-fetched an idea any time soon. I'm only slightly surprised you aren't already."

He worked his kisses up her neck to her jaw to her chin and then settling on her lips. "Only slightly?" Serenity wanted to know.

"Yes. You being underfed for so long doesn't surprise me that your body hasn't had the needed nutrient to think about having a baby, it's full focus is on keeping you alive."

"Oh." Serenity whispered, she hadn't thought of it like that.

"Now don't you see, I'm trying to continue our relations and you're worried about political matters?"

Serenity smiled and nodded. Endymion rolled his eyes and kissed her deeply as one arm snaked under her bringing her hips up.

Later that day Serenity immensely happy wandered down the garden humming to herself and found herself running into Adam's chest. She looked up at the sandy haired man and hugged him. "I couldn't do it."

"You could hardly ever hurt an insect; I don't know how anybody thought you could kill not just a man or even your husband, but the man you love." Adam pulled her into a tighter hug and released her. "I had thought at first it'd be ok, but after watching the two of you together, I knew your father didn't have a chance in hell with his desires to be completed."

"You didn't think to warn me?" Serenity narrowed her eyes.

"No. You wouldn't have believed me if I tried. I had only hoped Endymion knew his own heart enough not to kill you on the spot. We were in luck." Adam laughed and patted Serenity on the head. "You will see my wisdom eventually."

"Maybe." Serenity agreed. "I am in love." She switched topics. "Can you believe it? Real, deep love."

"I'm happy for you Serenity, I really am. If you don't mind, however, I'd like to leave for a few weeks."

Serenity tilted her head to the side. "I'm fine with it, but why?"

"I have to go see a girl about a thing." Adam teased and Serenity understood, Madeline.

"Give her a kiss for me, would you?" She said and Adam gave her another hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Bye, see you in a few weeks."

"How did you know I was already packed?" Adam questioned.

"The same reason you knew me so well." Serenity winked. "Have fun, oh Sexy boy!"

Adam hugged her again and took off, ignoring her tease for a time when he could properly be offended, he was too happy now to muster up a reply she was expecting.

"What was that all about?" A voice said behind her and Serenity jumped, she hadn't realized anybody was around.

She looked to see Damon standing by the trees, leaning casually against one. "He's off to go see a beautiful girl." Serenity tried backing away once she realized it was Damon and they were alone.

"Why? When he's had one right here in front of him all along?" Damon and her hadn't had much time together and now that they were on palace grounds he'd changed in personality, he was creepier and said things more slyly and was more self-possessed and assured of himself. It was a bad thing.

"I really have to go check on something, but I'll see you around." Serenity turned without proper politeness to leave but he caught her wrist in a vice grip, moving quicker than she could. "I really wish you'd let me go, Damon." Serenity told him firmly.

He didn't release her and his grip only tightened. "I have counted eight weeks that we didn't have our half hour meetings, I would like those to be used in one day in addition to the half hour we'll have anyways."

"Is this the behavior you expect to show your future queen?" Serenity questioned, her eyes burning intently at the wrist still within his grasp. His grip tightened until it felt like it was crushing her bones. How dare he touch a female in this country!

"It is when she is remiss of her duties."

"I don't think that is allowed."

"I was owed those half-hours, and I'll get them in the form I wish." Damon growled, pulling her closer to him, he had also become very forceful in his wants.

Serenity gasped at the pain and glared at him. "I told you to release me." She'd see about his demands, if she had it her way, he would continue being brushed off.

"You wouldn't want it to get around that the princess lies, would you? I will keep your secret if you agree to my terms." Damon let go of her bruising wrist after Serenity nodded and she disappeared into the grove, this would not be the start for a half-hour this week. She didn't even think of telling Endymion, not used to laying her problems at another person's feet.

Sapphire came up to Damon's side. "A tricky little fox, isn't she?"

"Don't speak that way about the princess."

"She's only fit for true royalty, isn't she?"

"As she is." Damon agreed and turned to go in search of a release in the form of a redhead that wasn't fabled to be a witch.