Hiiii! I know you had to wait long for this chapter but school began and had a lot of thing to do. But this is an extra long chapter for you!! I hope you will enjoy it!!
Chapter 36
"Serenity! You are gorgeous in this dress!" Molly said clapping her hand with excitement.
Serenity turned around before the mirror smiling. The light blue silky dress with tiny straps matched with her silver hair perfectly. The back of the dress was open in a V form; little almost invisible roses were on the skirt.
"Endymion won't be able to take his eyes off of you!" Molly giggled when she imagined what the Prince's first reaction would be.
"You think?" Serenity smiled her eyes shining with happiness and mischievous.
--
"I can't believe it! She just throw you out from you own room?" Jedite laughed whole-heartedly. Endymion only shrugged.
"She wants to surprise me with her new dress. I don't care where I put my clothes on, it only takes 10 minutes, I don't understand what takes the women so long." he drank the last sip of his drink and glanced at the clock. "I should go and meet her anyway. See you at the ball and don't be late. You know Terra..." he stood up and walked out the door.
--
There was a knock on the door.
"It must be him! Good luck!" Molly winked and went to open the door.
"Prince Endymion! The Princess is ready to go. If you will excuse me." Endymion looked after her frowning. Something was odd. The way she looked at him with a sly smile. Shrugging he stepped in the room. What he saw made his heart jump.
"Do you like it?" Serenity asked with shinning eyes turning around so he could see her from every side.
"Beautiful." Endymion closed the door and cleared his throat. His voice was husky even for his own ears.
"Light blue, only for you! I know it is your favorite color." Serenity smiled.
Endymion took two big steps and stood only inches from her. "Almost perfect." he whispered and placed a red rose in her hair. "And now it is perfect."
Serenity rolled her eyes and flushed a bit. Everybody knew the red rose was the Prince's symbol. "We should go don't you think?" she asked a bit embarrassed from his intensive gaze.
"I think we should close the door and spend the night here. Only you and me and our bed."
Serenity rolled her eyes again and her flush deepened. "Like I would ever miss this ball."
"At least promise me I can free you from your beautiful dress later." His eyes were full with promises.
"That is all you can think about, don't you?" Serenity played with her hair in her embarrassment but couldn't keep the smile from her lips.
Endymion chuckled. "I can't help it. Your beauty makes strange things with my body." Proving what he said, he pulled her body close to his, the evidence of his desire touching her stomach.
"You are honest at least." Serenity flushed again.
"Not that I could deny it even if I wanted to." Endymion said and took a step away from her. "Now come before I change my mind and decide not to let you leave this room till tomorrow."
Serenity smiled and accepted his arms he was offering her. Slowly they made their way toward the ballroom.
Once they stepped in the room, they saw many people standing around but there was no music to be heard. The guests were talking with each other while the Kind, the Queen, Terra and Sophie stood before a long table. The Generals stood a few feet from them talking quietly. When Endymion and Serenity were only a few steps from them, Terra turned toward her brother smiling.
"Endy! Finally."
Endymion smiled back at his sister and turned to Sophie. "You look really nice tonight. Allow me to introduce my wife, Princess Serenity."
Sophie's heart was beating fast. It was a compliment! The Prince complimented her! She chose to ignore the fact that it was part of the etiquette.
"It is nice to meet you." Serenity bowed smiling.
Sophie bowed as well when Terra turned toward Endymion again.
"Oh Endy! I totally forgot about the first dance! Because this is my ball, I have to open it with the first dance. I hope you are still the gentleman I remember and dance the first dance with your poor little sister."
Endymion looked at her awkwardly. Before he got married, he always gave his first dance to his sister or to his mother. Before he got married that is. Now his first dance should be with his wife... no matter what... However, his sister didn't have any man she could dance her first dance with and he didn't want to hurt her feelings either.
'It is all right Endy. Dance with her.' He heard Serenity's sweet and understanding voice through their link. He glanced at her apologizing then turned back to Terra.
"All right."
"Now that everything is cleared I will open the ball." King Damian murmured. Something obviously battered him.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, my dear guests. I am happy to see so many of you could come although this ball was somewhat sudden. As you already know it, with this ball we celebrate that my daughter came home finally. Terra, please open the ball with the first dance."
Terra took a step forward smiling happily. Endymion took her hand and leading her to the dance floor they began to dance. After a few minutes, Damian and Gaia joined them as well.
Kunzite took a few steps toward Serenity. 'Endymion won't take it kindly if some stranger decides to dance with her.' He thought. Especially now that Serenity almost glowed with happiness and in this dress, she just looked like an angel. 'I better save the day.'
He was only a few feet from her when a man stepped to Serenity.
"Princess Serenity! You are really beautiful tonight! Would you favor me with the first dance?"
Serenity looked at him uneasily. She had never seen the brown-haired, green-eyes man before.
"I am sorry, Mr...?"
"Black. Lord Black. Please, you can't say no! It would be more than strange if the Princess didn't dance at the first dance."
Serenity thought about this for a while. Every member of the Earth Royal Family was dancing. If they wanted the people to accept her as their new Princess she should dance as well. She smiled at the man... Lord Black... and nodded.
--
"Endy?" Terra hissed when her brother tighten his arms around her waist.
Endymion's eyes never left his wife and that full of him Black. When he saw them dancing together his anger colored his eyes deep blue. He knew it was a bad idea to leave Serenity alone during the first dance.
--
"I can't believe the Prince left you alone!" Black whispered in her ears trying to move closer to her.
Serenity did her best to keep the distant between them. "His sister needed a partner for her first dance."
"He could have sent one of his Generals, you know. He is quiet rude if you ask me. You deserve so much better than him." He tried to pull her closer again.
"I can assure you my husband made the right decision. I am not angry with him." Serenity said. 'When will this damn dance end?'
"I am sure an Angel like you can never be angry with anyone. But still if you would be my wife..."
"But I am not. Now please stop speaking evil of my husband and keep the proper distance between us." Serenity turned her head away and focused at the dance.
--
Endymion couldn't wait for the dance to end. He wanted to leave his sister the moment the first song ended but he knew it would be improper toward his sister. As a good brother, he couldn't leave her, he had to lead her back to his parents and Sophie first.
"Your wife was dancing with Lord Black if you haven't noticed it!" King Damian said his voice full with displeasure.
"I know." Endymion answered looking for Serenity in the mass.
"Care to tell me why you didn't go look for her after the dance ended?" Damian asked angrily.
"I wanted to but I had to escort Terra back. That is what a big brother has to do, that is what you always told me, didn't you?" Endymion watched his father frowning. He didn't understand why his father was so angry.
Damian opened his month to say something but Terra interrupted him.
"Oh Sophie! I am so sorry! You weren't even dancing! Of course you don't know anyone here... Endy, could you please dance with her for me? So that the guests will know she is a good friend of us."
Endymion groaned dangerously. All he wanted to do was go and find Serenity, but he couldn't let his sister down. She was part of the family. Family above everything else - his father always said.
"Please you can dance with Serenity as much as you want after this!" Terra tried again when she saw the dilemma in her brother's eyes.
It was time for the orchestra to begin the next song and his sister's friend looked really lost and alone. Family above everything else. He repeated again and sighed in frustration. "All right. Lady Sophie may I have this dance?"
Sophie nodded, her eyes were shining with happiness and she smiled at Terra knowingly.
King Damian hissed but the gently hand on his arms made him took a deep breath and relax. Gaia shook her head sadly.
--
Endymion leaded Sophie toward the dance floor, his eyes searching for Serenity all the way.
"Before the dance I have to find my wife. Excuse me." he said but Sophie didn't let his arms go.
"I will help you!" she insists.
Endymion opened his month to protest but he went quiet when he noticed Serenity standing before a table with Black. His eyes glowed dangerously as he made his way toward them.
--
After the dance, Lord Black leaded Serenity to a table instead of the Royal Family.
"Lord Black, what are you doing?" Serenity hissed angrily but she didn't want to make a fuss. "Please escort me back to my husband and his family."
"Certainly Princess, but I have to drink something first."
Serenity rolled her eyes hearing the lame excuse. Would it be rude if she left him? She shook her head. She couldn't make a fuss if she wanted to be accepted by the Earth people.
"Would you like to drink something?"
"No, thank you." She answered shortly.
"I don't understand your husband, he should have proved his love and respect with dancing his first dance with you. People might think he doesn't love you at all."
"My relationship with my husband is none of your concern Sir. But so you know we are really happy together." Serenity couldn't take anymore of this. This man did everything he could to offend Endymion.
"Are you sure? If you were my wife-"
"But she isn't." Endymion said with furious eyes.
Serenity turned toward his voice gratefully but her smile vanished when she saw Sophie beside him.
"Prince Endymion! I hope you don't mind me dancing with your beautiful wife. I couldn't leave her standing all alone." Black said smiling.
"I won't mind you leaving my wife alone!" he answered with narrowed eyes.
"Of course. I will escort her back to your parents. You obviously can't do it as the next dance already began. Don't make your partner wait." Black grinned. "Oh it means the beautiful Princess doesn't have a partner for this dance... again. In this case, might I have this dance as well?"
Endymion felt his self-control slipping away when Kunzite stepped to them.
"I am really sorry Lord Black but the Princess promised me this dance."
Serenity looked at Kunzite gratefully.
"Is that so?" Black asked surprised and a bit angry.
"Yes." Kunzite didn't wait any longer, took Serenity's arm and leaded her to the dance floor.
Endymion watched as the Lord walk away and began to dance with Sophie as well.
"I am sorry, I messed up everything." Sophie whispered.
"It wasn't your fault." Endymion murmured still angry about what happened earlier.
"Then whose fault is it? Serenity's?" she asked carefully.
"No, of course not." Endymion answered stunned. "It was just a stupid situation." A really stupid situation. It was hard to be a good brother and a good husband at the same time. Almost impossible. But what could he do? Terra and Serenity were part of his family.
"Oh." Sophie answered a bit disappointed. She hoped the Prince was angry at Serenity. "You are a really good dancer. It is nice to be in strong arms. I feel well protected now." she said after a while.
Endymion narrowed his eyes. He had a bed feeling about this conversation so he decided not to answer.
"Terra was so surprised when she found out you got married."
"Yeah I am sure she did. When she last saw me before she went away... Well let's say it was unimaginable that I will get married any time soon." Endymion smiled. It was amusing how much his little wife changed him in such a short time.
Sophie misunderstood his smile. "I was surprised too. The strong, handsome and brave Prince got married?" Sophie glanced up at him with a mischievous smile.
Endymion's body went frigid. He knew what it meant when a girl looked at him that way or smiled like that. This friend of his sister was a beautiful girl with a perfect body. 'However her beauty is nothing in compare to Serenity' he thought. She was the kind of girl he took in his bed. That was of course before Serenity. The thought of cheating on Serenity was the last thing in his mind, Serenity was the only one in his mind... in his heart... He had to tell Sophie that she had no chance but how?
"But love is something you can't control. You fell in love even if you don't want to." Sophie watched his reaction carefully.
"That is right." He had to agree with that. "And you can't fight against it." he smiled lovingly when he remembered how much he fought against love and denied the fact that he is in love with Serenity. He was such a fool.
Sophie misunderstood his smile again. 'He responded to my secret message.' Happiness filled her heart and she smiled brilliantly.
The dance ended and Endymion muttered a thank you to Kunzite who made sure he finished the dance with Serenity beside them.
"I hope you don't mind if we switch partners?" Kunzite asked. Endymion nodded and placed his hand at Serenity's lower back immediately.
Sophie looked disappointed. Why did Kunzite have to interrupt them? She could have got a love confession or at least a promise from the Prince if they had more time. She watched Endymion and Serenity walking away then she turned to Kunzite.
"I would like to talk with Terra, please, if you don't mind?"
Kunzite nodded and escorted her back to Terra.
--
Serenity glanced at Endymion apologizing. "Can we go to the balcony instead of dancing, please?"
Endymion watched her worriedly. Her face was white, her eyes looked tired. Nodding he leaded her to the balcony never letting go of her back.
"Are you feeling all right?" he asked once they stepped out to the balcony, the fresh night air greeting them with a sudden cool breeze.
"Yes, thank you." she smiled. "I am sorry, I guess it was too warm there and too many people and-"
"Ssss... You don't need to apology. You are breathing for two now and it was really stuffy in there. I knew this ball was a stupid idea." He turned Serenity around so he could wrap his arms around her waist from behind, placing his hands on her stomach.
"What did Black say that made you so angry?" he asked suddenly and kissed the back of her neck lightly in attempt to calm down her nerves.
"Nothing!" She said quickly.
"That is strange... whose anger did I feel through our link then?" Endymion asked with a mocking surprise.
"Well okay he did said something... He was saying these things about you."
"Things? What things?" He asked raising his eyebrow.
"Like it was rude from you that you didn't dance the first dance with me. That it showed you didn't respect me."
"Don't worry, I know it isn't true." She added quickly when Endymion's eyes narrowed with anger.
"I think it is time for Lord Black to leave the ball..." Endymion began but Serenity placed her small hand on his and shook her head.
Endymion sighed and calmed his nerves. There was time for this later. When the cool breeze touched their face and Serenity shivered in his arms lightly, he hugged her more tightly.
"Let's go back. I don't want you to catch a cold."
"Just a few more minutes please." Serenity said and leaned back against his warm body. Endymion caressed her stomach with his thumb. He had never felt more pleased and happy in his whole life before than at that moment knowing the love of his life was safe in his arms along with his unborn son.
--
"How was it? How was it?" Terra asked excitedly.
"Oh, Terra! I think you were right! You should have seen the way he smiled at me! And when we talked about love and how sudden and unexpected it could be he agreed and smiled so... so lovingly! And his eyes were sooo gently!" Sophie's face glowed with happiness.
"I knew it! You changed him! Endy always laughed about love and said that love doesn't exist. And now he agreed with you!" Terra clapped excitedly.
"You really think I have a chance?"
"Of course you do! A few more dance and he won't be able to think about anyone else! I told you this whole marriage is nothing serious! Now where is he? We have to find him and make sure you dance with him again!"
--
"Now we really have to go back. Your arms are way too cold for my liking, and my parents are surely missing us. Plus I haven't had a chance to dance with my beautiful wife yet." Endymion smiled and placed a kiss on her temple.
Serenity nodded and taking his arms, they walked in the room. When the orchestra began to play the next song, Endymion leaded her to the dance floor.
"Not that I mind, but you don't have to stand so close to your partner when you are waltzing." Serenity whispered smiling.
"Like I care." Endymion whispered back and pulled her closer.
"It is not... It is improper." Serenity murmured the muscular scent already filling her nose and the strong arms making her forget what she wanted to say.
"It is? What I am planning to do in our bedroom this night, now that is improper dear." he whispered huskily and placed an invisible kiss on her neck bellow her ear.
Serenity giggled. "I hope Lord Black see us now. He would know how wrong it was what he said."
"What did he say?" Endymion asked frowning.
"That we don't love each other. That I am not happy in this marriage."
"Well let's see what he things about this." Endymion grinned. This was perfect. The song just ended, Endymion pulled her close to him and kissed her deeply and passionately.
Serenity's eyes went wide. What was he doing? Everybody was watching them! She knew she should do something, anything, but God, she could only think about his lips kissing her senseless.
Gaia watched her husband from the corner of her eyes. Damian looked stunned then narrowed his eyes and finally he smiled pleased.
On the other side of the room, Terra and Sophie watched the young couple gaping.
"But... but..." Sophie stuttered. Did she misunderstand everything? It couldn't be! But then why was the Prince kissing his wife like there was no tomorrow?!
After what seemed like hours, Endymion pulled away from her lips.
"I was beginning to think you don't need air at all." Jedite grinned from behind them. Serenity flushed while Endymion shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips and leaded her toward his parents.
"Endymion! I have to talk with you later." King Damian said once they stood before them.
Endymion winced. His father acted strange tonight; however this little "talk" will be about the kiss that was a bit too passionate, he was sure.
"Serenity! Have you tried the chocolate cake yet? It is so delicious! I liked sweet things when I was..." Gaia said lowering her voice not finishing her sentence when Endymion looked at her warningly.
Serenity's stomach grumbled at the mention of food making Serenity downcasting her eyes in embarrassment.
"Come I will walk you to the dessert-table." Endymion chuckled.
Serenity walked around the table full with dessert excitedly like a small child on charismas eve. Endymion smiled lovingly at her when Terra stepped to him with worried eyes.
"Endy! Thank God! You have to help us! A man asked Sophie for a dance and now he doesn't let her go! You have to help her!"
Endymion watched his sister suspecting.
"I will let Nephrite know about this and he will help you." He answered finally.
"Nephrite?" Terra asked with disbelieve in her eyes. "No! YOU have to help her!"
"I HAVE to? That is enough Terra! I know what you want with this little game and you better forget it! Serenity is my wife and I love her I won't leave her for Sophie or for anyone! You and your friend better get use to this!" he said. His sister's matchmaking was more than annoying now.
"You misunderstood this! She really needs your help! You are THE Prince he won't dare to say no to you if you ask him to leave her alone, please."
Endymion turned toward the dance floor angrily. True to be told Sophie really looked like someone who needed help.
"All right I will help. But you better remember what I said. I don't want her or anyone else beside Serenity." He turned around and made his way toward Sophie.
Terra watched his brother walking away and smiled. His brother was smart but she was smarter.
"Terra?" Serenity stood behind her. "Where is Endy?"
"Sophie needs his help and he was more than happy to go and save her." Terra answered smiling proudly.
"Oh."
"Look we didn't have time to talk before but you don't have to be a genius to know that I am not happy about this marriage, not at all. You aren't the right girl for my brother, not like Sophie. Very soon he will realize it too. He will listen to me, I am his FAMILY after all. He will leave you very soon."
Serenity's face didn't show any emotion. Terra won't be able to read her emotions and know how uncertain she really was, she would make sure of it. She trusted Endymion and his love for her. His every smile and every glance proved her how much he cared for her, what made her uncertain was Terra. She was his sister after all... his family...
The man, some kind of Lord or baron, Endymion didn't remember his name and didn't care about it either, left after he interrupted the dance and asked him to leave kindly.
"Thank you so much! He just didn't take no for an answer. But the brave Prince saved me again." Sophie smiled.
Endymion glanced at her and without a word leaded her toward Terra.
"Sophie! Thank God. He was so scaring! I thought he would never leave you alone!" Terra hugged her friend.
Endymion stood beside them with firm eyes and emotionless face. He glanced at Serenity and narrowed his eyes. She was looking anywhere but at him and he could feel her confused feelings through their link.
"Yes it was terrible! But your brother was my Prince in shining armor and saved me." Sophie glanced shyly at the Prince.
Endymion narrowed his eyes with anger. "I couldn't leave you alone in a situation like this, but that doesn't mean I am your-"
"It was just a phrase, Endy. Come on Sophie, you haven't tried our wine yet!" Terra said quickly and taking Sophie's arm, she walked away.
"What are you doing, Terra?" Her friend asked puzzled.
"It isn't wise to flirt with him when he is angry. Let him think. He will realize that he misses you in his arms and your eyes and your smile..." Terra sighed; her eyes were full with dreams about true and everlasting love. She will make sure her brother find love and happiness with her best friend.
"You think he will think about me?" Sophie asked glancing toward the Prince. Her heart jumped with sadness when she saw the way Endymion smiled at Serenity. It was such a loving and caring smile... She shook her head, it was only her imagination! It had to be!
"Don't be afraid my dear friend! I am his little sister he would never choose her over me!" Terra smiled with sparkling eyes.
Ohhhhhh soooo chapter 36 is here and I promise in the next chapter, we will meet an old enemy (: As always please let me know what you think!
chibiangel413: Terra has a lot of plans (: We will see more in the next chapters.
xxxTigerLilyxxx: Awww I liked that part with the ladder too (: Sophie won't leave for a few more chapters… so sorry but I need her and Terra (:
jupiter2005, Edward-Twilighted, supersaiyanx: Thank you! Here you go (:
sorachan101: You know part of what you said is right! You just have to wait and see what it was!!
empty-spaces: (: I am happy you liked it! And I hope you liked this chapter as well!
kyil: Oh I am happy you like Sophie! I tried to make her not a negative character! Well maybe not a positive either… You know a girl who is in love with someone and is blind to see that the one she loves, loves someone else.
RoyalLovers1418: Someone doesn't like Terra I see (:
silvermoon8573: That is what I wanted (: Making Sophie a less negative character than Terra. At the beginning (: About their age let's say Endy and the Generals are around 25, Sere, Terra and Sophie around 20.
LovelyPrincessUsako: Thank you so much! Well sometimes I have writer's block but usually when I am updating a chapter there are 2-3 more chapters waiting to be updated so you never really notice when I had a writer's block (: Anyway thank you for reading and reviewing (:
sarahr85: Mmmm you are right I should change that intro… but I am not good with summaries…
lovelyl: No she doesn't know it!
raye85: No I am sorry the Senshi can't be here for the ball. That is one reason they had to leave, so I could have Sere 'alone' on this ball. (:
HarryPotter'sgirl17: I am so glad Sophie turned out the way I wanted her to be!
whitesari: Now I hope you don't think Sophie is a negative character, not a positive either but… Not mean just in love (: