Disclaimer: Back again!
She watched as he scooped the brown frothy substance out of the cardboard carton and into a bowl on the stone countertop with interest.
she stared at the contents in the bowl in front of her curiously. Due to the temperature it began melting. "This is so awesome!" She grinned. Endymion shook his head watching her antics. It was cute.
"I can't believe Lunarians don't have ice cream." He stated watching her eyes light as he pushed the bowl in front of her before scooping his own ice cream out of the carton. The cooks and other kitchen staff disappeared quickly seeing their Prince and the Princess enter the quarters, they knew when he came in that he was handling something himself. After all, he was adequate in the kitchen without them.
Serenity mashed her spoon into the cold treat until she scooped some into her spoon and stuck the substance in her mouth. It was definitely frothy and turned into liquid quickly. "I am definitely commissioning trade with Earth for ice cream when I'm queen." She responded beaming at him. "It's cold but delicious."
Endymion smiled warmly in return and began eating his dessert as well. It was hard to believe she was going to rule the Moon someday. With her actual mate, Endymion. Now that was a sobering thought if he ever had one.
"You have chocolate ice cream on your lip, Endymion." Her voice pulled him from his thoughts and he touched his lip. Sure enough the melted substance was on his mouth. Grabbing a napkin it from his mouth.
"Thanks Odango."
"Do you have to call me that?"
"It fits, you know."
Serenity glowered at him as he continued to eat undeterred by her glowering.
The doors to the kitchen open revealing Nephrite in his usual grey uniform with red outlinings, black knee length boots and a belt. He bows respectively to both Prince and Princess. "You have a guest in the main entrance."
Nephrite has long brown hair and brown eyes. He is the Knight of intelligence and comfort. He is the mate of Makoto, Sailor Jupiter. He is laid back, looking to the stars for guidance before acting.
Endymion set his spoon in his bowl and nodded at Nephrite before looking at Serenity. "Eat as much as you like you, Princess." He walked out of the room leaving Serenity and Nephrite. Serenity watched Endymion walk away. Her eyes taking in him entirely, lingering a bit longer than appropriate.
"You must be Serenity. Pleasure to meet you." Nephrite greeted her cooly.
Did he see?
Serenity smiled warmly, "Pleasure is all mine." She blotted the corners of her mouth with her napkin and pointed to the carton of chocolate ice cream, "Would you like some?"
"No thanks, Princess. I have to accompany Endymion."
"Oh," she looked down at her half full bowl.
"Don't worry, I won't tell him you were looking at his rear." Nephrite said winking as he left Serenity alone in the kitchen.
"Ack!" Serenity sweat dropped and fell out of her chair.
Endymion smoothed his hair back as he walked the corridor to the main hall. He didn't like disruptions to his day. Who requested an audience on Saturday anyway?
"Endymion." Kunzite acknowledged as he rushed from the above staircase to follow behind the Prince.
"You're joining me too? Did something evil burst from the gates of hell?"
"She's back. I'm coming in there too!" Jadeite appeared behind Kunzite. Nephrite and Zoicite joined them quickly.
Endymion rolled his eyes. As much as he needed to have his generals close by, they could be silly. If this was indeed the person they feared, he needed them close by.
They walked in the room, Endymion stood in the center of the room. His generals on either side of him. Kunzite to his right followed by Jadeite. Zoicite and Nephrite stood to Endymion's left. The main room was usually set up with Endymion's throne and a flag displaying the Terran seal. Today, no such formality was given. "Show them in. "Endymion ordered.
The doors open revealing a lone woman walking in. Her eyes blood red, hair is red and wavy. she wears a sleeveless purple dress with red stilettos.
"Good afternoon, Beryl." Endymion greets the woman.
Beryl was a woman that everyone in Endymion's court could do without seeing ever again. He once courted her, it went nowhere because of her ties to dark magic. As soon as Kunzite found out about the courtship, he demanded Endymion end things. He did so quickly. Further, Endymion knew she wasn't his soulmate. As much as he detested the idea and rebelled against it, he would not stoop so low.
"Endy, my love." Beryl cooed, feigning innocence.
"Oh here we go." Jadeite grinned and rolled his eyes, earning an elbow from Kunzite.
"Beryl, I asked you to never show up here again. I ended our courtship." He stated firmly, annoyed by her pet name.
"Endymion, we are meant to be." She pled, stepping closer with her arms outstretched.
Kunzite stepped forward cutting off her path and grunting.
Beryl hissed, clearly annoyed. "Out of my way."
"Keep your distance from the Prince."
"Don't tell me what to do." She roared, getting in Kunzite's face.
Unbeknownst to the men, the Senshi watched from the balcony to the right. Makoto shook her head as she watched. Minako sat on her knees, head peeking through the bannister rails, smirking and silently cheered Kunzite on. Rei and Ami were leaning against support beams. Serenity stood up leaning over the railing.
"That's right baby, don't let her intimidate you."
"Mina, be quieter." Rei groaned.
"Touch me and you will end up in the dungeon, witch." Kunzite threatened, keeping completely still and calm. He had other words he wanted to use but 'witch' would have to do. He really wanted to throw her in a dungeon.
"Leave, Beryl." Endymion warned her.
"Why? So you can continue bedding your Lunarian whore?" Beryl taunted, her ruby eyes glowing with bitterness. "That's right, Endymion. I have eyes everywhere. They've seen the pale skinned bitch."
Serenity's face turned red and she gripped the bannister harshly. Relax Serenity. It is just her opinion, not the entire planets' opinion. Her growing anger radiated from her.
"Relax, Serenity. She's taunting him." Ami smiled sweetly up at her Princess.
"She's running my people through the mud." Serenity whined quietly. "If she spoke crudely about Mercury would you stay quiet?"
Ami pursed her lips and turned away. "Mind your manners, Serenity. We're better than that." Thought so.
"That woman, you speak rudely of is royalty. Show respect, witch.l" Endymion let the insult roll off his shoulders. He knew the truth as did everyone else in the Palace. He watched as she began pacing and ranting. He stood his ground and watched. He shifted and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Does she scream for you?" Beryl managed through her anger.
Serenity bit her lip and closed her eyes, attempting to keep her calm demeanor. She knew she was losing it. She could feel it radiating from her. None of the girls seemed to feel it. She looked at them, sure enough they didn't notice. They were cringing at Beryl's words and shaking their heads in disgust.
On the other hand, Endymion felt it. The aura was smothering him and he didn't know where such an aura was coming from. He knew it wasn't from his generals. Which meant someone else was doing this. His storm filled eyes glanced upward and there she stood. Serenity and her Guard were watching. Why was he feeling her anger? Why wasn't Kunzite or anyone else feeling this?
"I'm talking to you, Endymion!" Beryl screeched again. Fed up with his preoccupation, she looked up, seeing where his eyes landed and she sneered. "Oh how rich." She pivoted, resting her hands on her hips. "Looking at your recent conquest for reassurance?"
"Ah shit!" Minako and Rei squealed simultaneously stepping backward. Makoto stood up and stepped forward as did Ami.
Serenity didn't move. She saw Endymion look up at her curiously and then became aware Beryl was looking at her. Well shit. She straightened up and glared right back at Beryl. She leaned dangerously close.
The Shitennou looked up as well, each groaning as they realized Beryl's object of insults was standing in the same room.
"Hello Beryl." Serenity responded finally.
"Well come down and join us." Beryl invited as she smiled.
"No thanks!" Ami responded quickly before Serenity could.
"We are just leaving." Minako waved and tried pulling Serenity away from the balcony but she wouldn't budge.
Endymion's throat dried out and he nodded furiously. This was the last nightmare he wanted to face today. "Beryl, leave now."
"Afraid I'll hurt her?" Beryl taunted him, cackling.
Minako stepped to Serenity's side and rested her hand on her shoulder. "Don't jump off this balcony."
"So she gets to mock me?" Serenity asked incredulously whipping her head around to stare at Minako before turning back and staring at the bannister. It wasn't too far for her.
"Endymion can handle it." Rei answered, not liking the sound of this at all. "Minako is right. The crystal isn't fully activated." Selene help them if they had to jump off the balcony after Serenity for picking a fight with this woman.
Endymion watched them above on the balcony, his hands began sweating. He could feel the frustration and anger radiating still. It wasn't lost on him. None of it was. He should be relieved it was turning out to be her of all people. Nobody else could feel the emotions from her. He guaranteed she experienced the glowing hands just as he did. He didn't know if he could tell her. She was set on falling in love. What he couldn't do was let her come off that balcony.
Serenity's eye returned to Endymion in an instant. Worry? It wasn't coming from her, it was coming from him. He was projecting his own emotions? Surely she couldn't be the only one feeling this from him? It was overwhelming her senses. Why isn't anyone else reacting to him? Am I the only feeling this from Endymion? The girls didn't move. No reaction. What was happening here?
"Remove her." He ordered and his Shitennou began moving toward Beryl.
"What?" She gasped and within an instant Kunzite and Nephrite was holding her arms and forcing her toward the front doors before she could do more damage. "No! Get off me." Endymion sighed and looked back to Serenity, hoping to catch her eye.
Serenity and the Senshi watched as Beryl was forcibly removed from the main entrance. Each breathing a little easier. Serenity felt Endymion's eye on her and cast him a smile before turning to her Senshi.
"That's enough fun for a day. I think I should return home." Serenity placed her hand against her stomach, turning to walk away from the balcony.
