Title: Crescent Mirror
Author: aaeris17
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
The girls started drifting to sleep close to dawn with Ami returning to her own room, Lita falling into a dead sleep on the floor, Rei almost sleepwalking to her chambers and Mina curled into bed with me, arms around each other like we were when we were children.
I stirred in bed, knowing I had to open my eyes but not wanting to. Mina's warm body was still curled up in bed next to me and without opening my eyes I knew that Lita was on Mina's other side judging from the gentle snoring and I was almost certain that Rei was at the window seat and pretty soon Ami will peek her head through the open door and see if anyone was awake yet.
I stretched my arms and rubbed my eyes. It must be close to noon judging from how high the sun was through the dark heavy night curtains that Lita must have been kind enough to hang up last night realizing that I, well, we, needed our sleep. I pushed myself up in my bed and looked around the dimly lit room. The fire ashes burned bright, the room still magically warm. The door to my bedchamber was wide open and I wondered if I should wait for Ami to come wake us. I looked to my left and was not surprised to see Rei laying on her right side, face facing us. I silently slid out of the warm covers and snapped my fingers to warm my bunny slippers. My robe lay bundled at the foot of the bed and I untangled it from the sheets and four warm feet.
Slipping my arms through the sleeves I tiptoed into my sitting chambers only to almost trip over something heavy. Who put a bear rug in my room? I hate those things. I muttered some inappropriate words under my breath to almost laugh out loud as I looked down. There, sleeping against the doorframe was Endymion; sound asleep from the likes of it. Lounged on the chaise was Nephrite, in the arm chair next to the fire was Jadeite, and with his head on my writing desk was Zoiscite-- it seemed that Kunzite had passed out stretched horizontally across an overstuffed armchair I liked to read in.
Clearly they couldn't stand being left out of our girly night. I kneeled down, wrapping my robe securely around me and looked happily at Endy. Do I let him sleep? Gently awake him or push him over? I lightly brushed his bangs off his forehead and I was at least happy that all the boys were in loose hose and tunics with dressing gowns. At least they had the sense to dress in pajamas. I leaned close and brushed my lips slightly against his. His lips were cool and morning stubble teased my face. I sat back on my heels as a smile broke out across his face.
"I haven't even brushed my teeth," he teased with a sleep heavy voice, "When did you get up?"
I put my palm on his cheek, "Shush, just got up, everyone but Ami is sound asleep,"
Endy's eyes popped open at that, "You are truly awake before I am? The world must be ending,"
I smacked him and he grabbed my arm, causing me to fall into his arms.
"You're not funny,"
"You're not funny, " he mocked nuzzling my neck and wrapping his arms around me, "Did I ever tell you that you look absolutely adorable in your pink bunny slippers and this amazingly fuzzy robe?" He kissed my cheek again, "Am I forgiven yet?" He muttered huskily into my hair.
"If you find me fooooood," I teased turned my head swiftly. Endy had enough sense to move his face away to avoid a broken nose. He grinned wolfishly.
"You realize no one else is awake?" He said pressing his forehead against mine. I felt a blush rising up my neck into my face.
"Yes," I said softly with my eyes twinkling at him knowingly.
"Hem hem," Someone cleared his or her throat loudly and I looked up to see Kunzite sitting up in the armchair, "You're not exactly quiet, Endy,"
Endy laughed and picked up a fallen cushion and chucked it at him, "Couldn't you at least stay asleep until I got a kiss?"
"With your morning breath? Not likely," Nephrite muttered without moving, "Could I get some more sleep please?"
"You aren't going to get any prettier," Jadeite answered in the same sleep laden voice.
"Could you all just talk somewhere else?" Zoiscite whined, rubbing his neck, "I don't know why you let me sleep here,"
"Will everyone SHUT UP!" Mina cried for the bedroom and I flattened myself against the wall next to Endy as pillows began hurtling themselves off the bed and into the sitting room aimed at all the boys.
Knock, knock, "Good morning, sweetheart, are you—OH!" CRASH!
We all looked at the open door and saw Ami covered in food and Mother standing behind her, her mouth open in a small oh. She began laughing, first softly and then loudly.
"What happened!" Lita came rushing into the room dragging the sheets with her, "Oh, Ames, that sucks,"
Ami, who had been wearing a navy blue dressing gown looked down at her sodden clothes and nodded, "Yes, it is," and tried to appear mad but slowly starting giggling as she set down the tray and she and Mama waved their hands over her clothes to get rid of the stains so in a few minutes time her gown was clean again.
"Well, as everyone is awake now," Mother began slowly, the corners of her mouth twitching, "I suggest we reconvene in an hour's time downstairs for a proper brunch?"
"That sounds-YAWN-lovely," Mina answered as she covered her mouth. She gathered up the trailing ends of the sheet she had dragged and turned back to go into the bedroom. I burst out laughing as Lita followed her too, tripping over the blankets.
I looked up at Endy and then Mother and burst out laughing. My friends were hilarious. The boys crawled out of their sleeping positions and carefully made their way out of my room. Kunzite waited for Endymion who stayed sprawled in the doorway.
"And you, good sir, any plans of returning to sleep?" I teased as I stood up.
Endy looked up at me and squinted his eyes—Ami had been opening curtains left and right flooding the room with the midday sun.
"Will you promise to trip on me and wake me up again?" Endy laughed as I pretended to kick him, "I guess not," he braced himself against the wall and got up, stretching widely, "Oh, tis not a way I'm sleeping again," he muttered to himself rubbing his neck.
"I suggest finding thy own bed next time," I winked and watched him scowl as he walked with Kunzite to their own chambers.
Rei walked out of the bedroom and I gaped at her. Her hair was mused and her eyes looked blurry.
"What you are staring at with your mouth hung open like a horse?" Rei snapped.
"How did you manage to SLEEP through that?" I asked gesturing to the boys leaving the room and the general mess of pillows and blankets.
Rei tilted her head and gave me a half smile, "I didn't—" she simply answered.
Ami giggled at that, "Tis because there was no way she was letting Jadeite see her looking like that,"
Rei's eyes flashed at Ami and Ami's eyes got bigger, "Oh ho ho, she did not like that at all—tis no use wasting your temper on me Rei," she gave Rei a large smile.
Rei looked quickly at Mama and decided to turn on her heel and disappear on the spot—presumably to her chambers.
Ami sighed, "Well, Princess, your Majesty, I shall see you in an hour then," she curtsied and exited my seating room.
"So," Mama waved her wand and conjured up a mini breakfast, some tea, coffee, hot coco, and donuts of course, "Would you like to dress and bathe in my chambers? I fear that your bed is henceforth occupied,"
I giggled, "As you wish, could I interest you in breakfast first?" I motioned to her magic.
Mother laughed gaily, "Of course! The girls will sleep thru any conversation we have," she winked and settled herself down on the dainty white chair.
I wrapped my old robe more tightly around my waist and settled in to tuck away at a good breakfast without Ami berating me for my portions or Rei trying to get me to share.
Mother chuckled, "You know dearest, some of my favorite breakfasts have been where there was no one there, just me the toast and the dish of butter that the seamstress insists I avoid," she lifted up the rose shaped butter mold and cut herself a heavy portion, "Tis hard to live in the public eye, this I am sure you understand already. Sometimes we must wear a mask, a façade the kingdom needs to see in order to function on a day to day basis, and we wear the mask so often we begin to think that all we are is duty. Duty—ingrained in us from birth and the first thought to cross our mind before any decision can be made," Mother took a long sip of tea from a porcelain pink tipped cup.
I listened as dutifully as one can while trying to get fried egg, toast, and some sausage all piled together. I took a large bit as Mother's eyes twinkled over the teacup. I raised my eyebrow and painfully swallowed the barely chewed food, "Yes?" I asked trying so hard not to gag as the ball of food forced its way down to my growling stomach.
"Perhaps we need a solid break from all this duty, end of the world nonsense?" She put her teacup down and spread some jam on her toast.
I choked fully this time, "I'm sorry, Mama?" My throat was in so much pain that my eyes were watering and I desperately needed to get some water or hot coco or something.
Mother took her time pouring the hot chocolate and adding the seventeen marshmallows I always insisted on having.
"Forget the marshmallows!" I squealed and almost grabbed the cup from her hands.
Mother's fair eyebrows rose in laughter and she relinquished her hold on the cup.
"I was saying, dearest, that perhaps the time has finally come for the girls' engagements to be formally announced—I would prefer this to be a family affair, all the kingdoms, here in happiness and celebration. We are better together than we are apart—besides they are your sisters, as well as daughters of this kingdom, tis only right that you host their balls,"
My eyes almost popped out of my head, ME host their engagement balls? Oh my Goddess, Mina is going to flip out!
"When??" Was the only question I could coherently get out in my building excitement.
"As soon as possible," Mother laughed gaily setting down her teacup, " I think that holding the engagements of the Four Inner Princesses would be reason enough to bypass propriety and surprise all with our happiness at these joyous events," Mother could barely contain her excitement, "Just think of what we could do! Each kingdom properly celebrated in its own right and all under the great love of the Luster Kingdom—" Mother paused and her forehead creased slightly, "Plus to would do good to have all our people centrally located," She was talking to herself.
I nodded along, my mind whirling with excitement and suddenly my heart gave a little skip.
Engagement balls for the Inner Princesses—some of whom I might add were not even officially engaged yet but it was more of a matter of declaration rather than a surprise.
ME hosting this event for all my best friends.
Endy in his formal wear.
His best friends getting engaged—with my blessing…with our blessing.
Oh my goodness graciousness…Endy might be proposing.
Endymion, Knight of Luster
I let the hot steam massage my muscles. The winter weather was finally beginning to abate and I could almost feel Spring coming. It was hard to believe I had been HOME for almost two months. The Ides of March—what will they bring?
Kunzite cleared his throat, "May I enter?" He asked formally. I waved away my other two attendants and Kunzite grabbed a pitcher of hot coffee from a leaving attendant.
"Do you ever relax Kunz?" I asked closing my eyes and inhaling the coffee. I was hurting in the worst way. This is the last time I fall asleep in a doorway….without being in trouble and having to be there.
"No, Endy, some of us have to work," Kunz teased as he poured himself a tall mug of straight black coffee, drinking it straight.
"And what work have you accomplished so early in the morning?" I muttered reluctantly letting the coffee get the better of me.
"Only that Her Majesty has decided to throw a joint engagement party for all of the Inner Princesses hosted by none other than the Princess Serenity herself," Kunzite said in a voice that could have just as easily been reporting the nightly rounds of the guards.
"I'm sorry?" I said still floundering to grasp the meaning of his report.
"Your Princess is hosting an engagement ball for all her sisters while she herself is STILL available for any eligible young man to—" Kunzite stopped as I splashed myself out of my up to now pleasant bath.
"WHAT" I managed to sputter blinding myself with water and desperately searching for a towel or a robe.
Something soft was handed to me and I graciously wiped my face before turning to face Kunzite again.
"What do you MEAN she's still available?" I spit out wrapping the towel around my waist and stepping out of the tub. My earlier attendants rushed in and began rubbing my body and hair down with more towels.
Kunzite leaned forward calmly, resting his elbows on his knees, hands holding the half full mug of coffee, "Well Endy, I mean that she's not affianced, rather she is not spoken for by any man,"
My reply was muffled by a towel but Kunzite got the gist of the swear and chuckled.
"She is damn well spoken for and you better not forget that!" I warned pointing my finger at him as my attendants gave me a robe to wear while we broke our fasts.
Kunzite merely nodded and walked with me to my sitting room, "Of course, Endymion, you have made your feelings," he emphasized feelings, "quite clear to us, those who know you and the Princess quite—shall we say intimately?"
My face was turning red and I smacked Kunzite's head as I sat down.
He was nonplussed by the action.
" My point, Endymion, is that as far as the general kingdom of Luster is concerned you are simply a very attentive knight to our lady Princess," he said no more, merely grabbing some toast and more coffee.
I ate my eggs in a silent rage—stabbing them mercilessly and all I could think of was that smug look Diamond had on his face at Serenity's ball. I had too spoken for Serenity on many a occasion. Who always escorted her? Who did she run to first? Who always found her? I speared some sausage. Kunzite had been spending far too much time with Mina. He was getting awfully good at this bit of duplicity.
"I never thought I would have to make an official pledge of my affections," I muttered underneath my breath.
Kunzite's face worked hard to hide his smile but his gray eyes twinkled with merriment.
"I suggest finding the lady Mina, she's much better at this," he winked and excused himself.
I growled, "Tell her I need to see her—"and Kunzite raised his eyebrows, "when she awakens! In the meantime set up an appointment for me to approach their Majesties," I swallowed hard, 'And tell my lady mother I will wait on her and Father within the hour," I called out as Kunzite nodded, leaving me to finish eating and dress for the day.
Suddenly my appetite was gone and in its place was a level of anxiety I don't think I had felt since the time Sere and I thought it would be great to replace all the main entrée dishes with frogs at some state banquet in honor of Lord Ares and Father had gone pink with rage. I winced at the memory of that.
Surely my audience with Sere's parents would go fine? They must be expecting this. I half smiled. Perhaps this was my Aunt's way of saying get a move on already.
Selenity, Queen of Luster
"And his highness Endymion of Luster and Terra wishes to wait upon your majesties around noon if that would be admissible?" Artemis managed to keep his face emotionless as he ran through the day's appointments.
I couldn't hide my grin. Perhaps I was getting a little too old to play matchmaker but this was just too good!
Apollo looked up from his papers, "Endy wants to see us? Why doesn't he just come himself?"
Artemis kept his poker face, "Perhaps he has more official business concerning your Majesties?"
"I suppose, I wonder if Lawrence has heard anything about it," Apollo muttered more to himself than to any of us.
I exchanged a look with Luna and she dashed out of the room to stop any message from going to Lawrence before we heard anything.
"The lad is welcome to see us anytime—please inform Endymion that we are always pleased to see family," I stressed.
Artemis was beginning to turn faint shades of pink, "As you wish," he managed to choke out before excusing himself from our presence.
I swatted at Apollo who's blue eyes, Serenity's eyes, were wide in shock, "Sele! These are important! You gave them to me to read!" He protested thinking I was upset that he had been reading as we listened to Artemis and planned our day.
"If Endymion wants to SEE YOU, then let him," I raised my eyebrows significantly.
"Why me? He's always talked to you first whenever he was in trouble," Apollo smiled in memory, "Do you remember the time he put molasses in Sere's hair trying to convince her it would make her hair shiny and he came tearing into here screaming bloody murder with Luna on his tail? Sere was actually rather happy to cut her hair as short as his,"
I laughed, "And when it started to grow out again she begged Endy to put taffy in her hair—anything to make her look like a boy and not a girl,"
We both laughed and all of a sudden the doors burst open and Gaia came rushing in. She leaned forward into a tripod position, trying to catch her breath.
I dashed to her side and tried to help her up, "Dearest! What happened? Is everyone okay? Why?" I questioned her and saw the roses blooming in her cheeks and her eyes dancing with merriment, "No! Did he truly?" I squealed like a young girl and Gaia nodded, still not speaking from her exertion.
"YIEEEEEEEEEE!!" I screamed and grabbed Gaia jumping up and down. She held my hands and screamed with me.
Lawrence walked in and started laughing. He hugged us both as one entity and went over to a bewildered Apollo.
"Did I miss something?" Apollo asked quietly peering to see if anyone else would be walking in screaming and laughing.
"I always knew we would end up as family!" Lawrence roared robustly and pulled Apollo into a bear hug, "Endymion wishes to—"
"To perhaps not have his parents plead his case for him?" An uncomfortable voice interrupted.
Gaia and I stopped jumping and turned to see Endymion standing in the open doorway looking stiff and uncomfortable in a dark brown formal jacket with dark gold brocade.
Gaia took one look at him and burst out laughing, "Of course not dearest, no one has said anything—yet," she said significantly to Lawrence who gave Apollo a long look, "We will see you presently, adieu," she grabbed Lawrence who barely let go of Apollo and they walked out of the sitting room to wait in the main chamber.
I struggled to regain my composure and motioned for Endymion to join Apollo and me at our breakfast, now lunch, table.
"Your parents said little to us Endymion, we are all ears, tell us, what makes you look so unhappy?"
"You didn't put taffy in Serenity's hair again did you? She would be terribly upset about that now I suppose" Apollo added as an afterthought pouring Endy a glass of water.
Endy clutched the glass and drowned half of it, sputtering as Apollo mentioned taffy. His eyes watered and he struggled for composure.
"No! "He said a little too forcefully, "I mean no, Sire, of course not. I doubt she would have let me live if I did that now," he added. I nodded, holding back my smile seeing if Endymion would spit this out and if Apollo would catch on.
"Well then what brings you here looking so formal, my boy?" Apollo prompted setting his papers aside and now seriously looking at Endymion.
Endymion set his glass down, "Well Sir, you see, there is to be a ball,"
Apollo waved his hand, "Don't fret about the security detailing, I already have Artemis and Jadeite working on it. Kunzite will hand you and your father plans by late afternoon,"
I bit the inside of my mouth and Endymion looked dumbstruck. He shook his head.
"Very good, sir, but that isn't what I have to come to ask about—"
Apollo looked thoughtful and nodded, "Yes, yes, I see," he started.
Endy's eyes went round and he held his breath.
"I have all the paperwork ready to reinstate your formal title, King does sound awfully good does it not?" Apollo joked.
Endy fell back in his chair. I hadn't noticed he had been leaning forward. He shot me a look of help and I tried to make myself appear as innocent as I could. Endy knew that he had my blessing. He had my blessing before Serenity was born.
"Thank you, your Majesty, that is too gracious," the courtier in Endymion was struggling to remain polite, "but Sire, if you will let me finish—"
"Finish what, lad? What else about the ball worries you?" Apollo looked genuinely surprised.
"Sire, there is something I must ask of you and I know I am most unworthy and there will never be anyone good enough—"
"Really, son, you are in great need of a promotion, a more challenging position, your father said as much to me. You are a good man, son, a good man," Apollo nodded, "Well, if that's all?"
"Your Majesty!" Endymion stood up in his chair and realizing that Apollo was still sitting he fell to knees in Luster salute, "I am trying to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage!" Endymion cried out.
Apollo's water glass fell to the floor and bounced, not shattering, rolling to a stop by Endymion's now wet knees.
"Oh," was all Apollo weakly managed as he paled and I saw the inner machinery piecing all the parts of the morning together, "Oh—OH," he shot a look at me and I burst out laughing much to the chagrin of Endymion whose face was a bright red as he remained down in Luster salute, staring into the depths of his black leather boots.
"Oh, Apollo, I'm sorry! I couldn't propose FOR him!" I managed to say between all my gasping for breath.
"Oh Good Goddess, get off your knees son, you aren't proposing to me!" Apollo shook Endymion's shoulder.
Endymion looked with pure fear onto Apollo's face.
"Why are you looking at me like I'm some evil father? When have I ever discouraged your suite with Serenity? Good Goddess lad, I was beginning to think I would have to enter into negotiations with your father if you didn't strap up and ask already!" Apollo boomed into rich laughter, "My Lord, is that what you have been trying to spit out? You walked in here like you were walking to your own death!" Apollo's eyes were running with tears of laughter and joy, "You, wife," Apollo suddenly said his sky blue eyes twinkling, "go fetch your coconspirators—now I understand the sudden need for an engagement ball for our Inner Princesses,"
I kissed Apollo's forehead quickly and rushed to throw open the chamber doors and celebrate this destined union of our children.
Dearest daughter, I thought as Lawrence popped champagne bottles and Endy disappeared to choose a ring and hide until his embarrassment abated, I hope the stars themselves shine and bless your happiness.
Serenity, Princess of Luster
"Do you think he's going to propose?" I asked Ami again for the hundredth as she helped me towel dry my hair.
Ami looked up from my knees and sighed, "For goodness sakes, Sere, does the idea truly come as surprise?"
"Surprise that Endy is willing to commit himself to this bubblehead for eternity? He must have taken some really horrid blows under Beryl," Rei teased from the fire where she heated towels.
I scowled, "You are really not funny,"
Rei smirked, "Lita seems to think so,"
I tried to turn in my chair but Ami's hands on my hair prevented me from turning my neck, "Lita!" I moaned.
Lita raised her eyebrows, "You guys have been destined from the beginning, Sere, I really doubt that he had not planned this from the beginning,"
"Beginning, what beginning?" I asked confused. The girls collectively sighed.
"He only manages to save your life at every possible second," Rei ticked off on her fingers.
"He has been your best friend forever," Ami chimed in.
"And one only has to look at him to see that he never thought of you as anything less than the Queen of his Heart," Lita took my face in her hands, "And no I don't think your mother is making him propose,"
I squeaked, "What?! I didn't even think that was a possibility…thanks Lita," I muttered as a new fear entered my heart.
Rei sighed; exasperated and pushed her sweaty bangs aside, "Lita, you really have the world's biggest mouth next to the Princess here,
"Hey…"I tried to argue but found myself wondering if my mother had REALLY manipulated the situation to end like this. Bah, what am I talking about? He hasn't even proposed yet.
"Though," Mina poked her head out of my closet, "I do have it on very good authority that Endymion waited on both his parents and YOUR parents in the past few hours,"
"WHAT!" We all squawked and turned to Mina who's face turned red.
"Spill it! What else do you know?" Lita pounced on Mina and pulled her out of the closet.
"Truce! Truce!" Mina held her hands up and I saw the flash of a canary yellow diamond on her left hand. That diamond that not been there before and as it glittered in the early afternoon light my heart gave a jealous thump in my chest.
"What did Endy say?" Rei pressed.
"How was I supposed to know! I couldn't get close enough to the quarters!" Mina replied defiantly, "And besides, Artemis wouldn't let me eavesdrop—so it's GOT to be big,"
"It must have to do with his reinstatement as King of Earth—I have been hearing a great deal about the paperwork and effort that has gone into recreating the title and bestowing it on Endymion," Ami mused out loud.
The silence was deafening and we all just stared at Ami. She blushed deeply, "I'm sure it was more serious than that," she added hastily but I threw a towel at her. Damage done.
I turned back to the fire and the girls helped my dry my hair in silence. I steepled my fingers and leaned forward—what did Endy want with his parents AND my parents today? Was my mom really forcing him to propose or was she just setting up the perfect opportunity for it? Or…I sighed and closed my eyes as Rei brushed my hair out. I guess only Time would tell what he wanted.
Author's Notes:
Hey everyone!! SO SORRY for being so late!! I have recently fallen into the whole Twilight phenomenon and I am getting excited about everything concerning the movie and Stephenie Meyer's new book, The Host. For those of you who loved Sailor Moon, and Harry Potter, the Twilight Series CANNOT disappoint!
Next Chapter: The Ring and the Engagement!! Will everything turn out okay? Can Endy buy a ring without any of the girls finding out? What will he finally say? Will Sere agree or flip out? And…where ARE those evil creatures from the Wraith Kingdom and will they ever stop fighting long enough to form an attack? Find out next time!