The Stone Hearted Princess-

"....said that they do not worship their Queen, as we feared. She is revered, but not idolized...not in the religious sense," Swallow finished applying dark blue kohl over my left eye, drawing it out just slightly to give me a more exotic look. She dabbled the brush in the pot of cobalt powder, and swabbed it across my closed eyelid, mixing a dash of mica for sparkle. The Earth was putting its most glorious face forward, in attempt to impress (and intimidate) the Moon. "Serenity is considered to be wise, and very powerful. She has a gemstone not unlike our Golden Crystal. You should be cautious of her."

"And? The others on the entourage?"

Swallow frowned, appraising her artwork on my face. "You're done. Dress?"

"Yes," I agreed, and stood, shedding my robe as she began to drape the silken material over my shoulders. Midnight blue, nearly black, with glimmers of starlight.

"Serenity has a daughter, a girl, four years younger than yourself. She has also been named Serenity." Swallow waited for any comment, and when I said none, continued. "The Crown Princess of the Moon looks much as her mother. It is said she is very friendly, but may be somewhat...light brained."

"She's stupid?"

Swallow paused. "Ah, no...friendly...kind may be the better word. The reports I've received are somewhat conflicting."

"Then I will watch her. Not having all the knowledge is dangerous. Anything else about the heir?"

Swallow fastened a pin to my shoulder, the shrugged. "Her powers are not so strong as her mother's. Though that may be age. As people mature, they get stronger. She is still young yet. Who knows?" Swallow turned away and brought a tray of jewelry, to which we began to pick through. "This one?"

I looked at the charm bracelet, and shook my head. "No. The silver. The one with the sapphires."

She nodded and turned to the drawers.

"The rest of the court?" I questioned as she rummaged. Over her shoulder, she began to tell me of the rest of the coming group.

"The princesses of the inner planets, the Moon Princess' so-called guardians. There's the princess Mercury. A water element, and I have been informed she has an affinity to ice. She is said to be highly intelligent."

"Dangerous?"

"Possibly. She keeps to herself. My sources say that it is more shyness. She will probably not make a decision for her companions unless need be. She will be wary, but not a direct threat."

"Next?"

Swallow produced the bracelet I had asked for, a light, scrolled bauble with delicate filigree in the shape of petals, tiny sapphires set into the heart of each flower. "Mars is said to be the opposite of Mercury. Which makes sense, for a fire element. She has been seen praying at fires, possibly scrying, and is said to have a strong psychic sense."

Scrying into fires? I was reminded of my own flame-gazing. Then again, I was scrying for the future of my world. I wondered what the princess of Mars sought. I felt my skin prickle under the coolness of the bracelet. Swallow handed me my earrings, and I began to put them on. "Continue."

"Unlike Mercury, she is not an introvert. If you confront her directly, she will most likely get upset and loud, possibly violent. Out of the group, she will be the shortest tempered and the most likely to react out of hand."

"All right. Jupiter?"

"Calmer than Mars, but more likely to attack physically. A wood element, slower to attack, but probably the strongest physically out of the group. She tends to follow, but is not afraid to lead if the situation demands."

Last but not least.... "And Venus?"

Swallow frowned, placing my crown on my head, a thin band of silver with the Earth's crossed circle etched in gold into the center. It settled evenly into my hair, which, I was glad to say, was down, barring a loop of braid around my head for effect.

"Venus is said to be much like the Moon Princess. Even looks like her, so I'm told. A metal element, who likes to talk and supposedly likes to fall in love."

"So, in other words, she's you."

Swallow gave me a dirty look. "Ha ha, very funny. I'm as much her as you are Mars."

I snorted. "Like I'd ever be a pyro. I'm an earth element, remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, goes well with your future role. I wonder who's more stubborn, her a fire element, or you an earth element."

"Me, of course," I replied haughtily, grinning. "Fires never stop moving. Have you tried pushing a mountain around lately?" I turned and looked in the mirror, turning this way and that. The dress draped just as it should, and I gleamed slightly in the light of my room. "Willow did a wonderful job. You did well finding her."

"Thanks," Swallow commented drily, sitting down on the sofa. "I know you like dark colors."

"I'd look stupid in pink, don't you think?"

She groaned, putting her face in her hands. "Bad rhyming. Very bad."

I laughed lightly, shrugging. "Didn't do it intentionally. What time is it?"

"Almost dusk."

Then it would begin soon. I should be going. "Did you see Kitsune?"

Swallow nodded, standing to begin to collect the scattered things around the room. Tossing my robe over her shoulder, she replied: "This morning. She's walking better, but can't stay up long. The healers say she's coming along well though."

And for almost being killed, I supposed she was. It worried me that she rarely left her rooms anymore. She was still the same old Kitsune, but...reserved somehow. It just wasn't the same. "All right. Escort me to the hall."

"Sure," she replied, somewhat surprised. I usually didn't request...or order, for that matter...her presence when I went around the palace. She watched me curiously from a step behind as I began down the corridors to the throne room, where we would receive the Moon court. She eventually couldn't help herself. "Is everything all right?"

We stood outside the doors. "Fine, Swallow. I'm worried about Kitsune, that's all. Good to see you're fine, really." She blinked rapidly, then smiled as she began to understand.

"Don't worry, we'll always be around. Even Kits, being holed up in her rooms. Give her some time, she'll come out eventually. Really. And you'll do fine with the Moon. None of my sources say that they can read minds like Gaia. Powerful they may be, but so are we and so are you. Don't forget that. You're to be Queen."

Goddess, I needed Swallow to cheer me up. What was I coming to? "Of course I will. Don't forget that, either. You'd better get out of here. It's going to begin soon."

She curtsied politely, then ghosted out of the hall swiftly, leaving me to enter alone, into what would surely be an interesting evening.

The Moon Queen and her assembly had arrived very early that morning, docking their starship on Thymos' landing pad. Their ships were different than ours, sleek still, but with less wingspan and a narrower frame, gunports tucked under the ships belly rather than out front, under the bridge. As part of my training, I had been instructed in the ways of piloting, and was fairly good at it. The bulky ships I would never need to pilot, but the smaller, fighting craft or the short-distance transports I was quite good with. I had observed them enter the palace, greeting them formally from behind Gaia, Endymion on my right, saying the stiff, formal words that were required.

There was tension, and it was as taut as a violin string, seeming to vibrate with the same high pitch. After landing, the Moon people were whisked away into their apartments, settling in and sending the servants jumping to care for them. It was nerve racking, and when I had realized it was time to get dressed, I had been grateful for the distraction, actually looking forward to putting on the evil that was formal wear.

Endymion and I stood behind Gaia, who was seated on her throne, the Golden Crystal about her neck. Gaia had gowned herself in the Earth's wealth, but had done so demurely, richly silked in white, with golden brocade that made her skin glow and her hair shine, picking up the prisms of the Crystal that she wore. Violet eyes sweeping the assembly, she delicately sat upon the throne.

Her crown, unlike my silver, was of pure gold, yellow gold, but gleaming so brightly it did almost seem white. Nestled in her hair, she looked elegant and refined, and I could not see how the Moon Queen could possibly be more beautiful.

I glanced at Endymion at my side, and felt a rush of blood to my face. I looked away. Situations such as this were worrying me more and more. I avoided him if I could, but this strangeness that settled on me when he was around was extremely annoying. Ever since that blasted swordfight. Maybe I should challenge him again and make sure I beat him. Maybe that would make it over. Regardless, he was wearing his royal dress suit, high collared, black and streamlined, silhouetteing his narrow frame. In respect to the Moon, and to show that this was a peace conference, he had left his sword behind, and I could faintly tell that he was uncomfortable about it.

The doors opened, and I heard the official blast of the trumpet fare as Queen

Serenity stood at the doorway, her long hair sweeping but fingerlengths from the floor, white and snowy, but not a single line of age marring her face. She held her chin highly, and to me, she did seem very regal, although of course I still thought our Gaia was by far superior. Her dress, too, was white, and very simple, a bow centered in the front, pinned with a crescent moon. The same shape glowed faintly on her forehead, in gold. I saw in her hand a staff, the handle pink, of all the silliest colors. I hate pink. But on the end of the stick was a crescent moon, made of bright gold, with a crystal set into its base. The Crystal of the Moon Kingdom, their version of the Golden Crystal. How impersonal, to carry such a thing on a scepter.

I glanced behind her, to see the rest of the entourage. The girl who was unmistakably her daughter walked a pace behind, her hair gold where her mother's was white. The crescent moon graced her brows as well, unglowing, but still there. She was dressed in white, long and flowing skirts, with an intricate pearl design covering the high waistline. She held in her hands an item, covered in a white silk scarf.

Behind her came her guardians, those four who served her as Kunzite, Zoicite, Nephlite and Jadeite did Endymion. Speaking of the quartet, they were off to the side in a line, watching warily, dressed in black formal suits, as Endymion. The princesses of the inner planets stood in a square behind the Moon's royalty, each in their planet's color, symbols adorning their foreheads. Venus and Jupiter directly behind, Mercury and Mars to the back. Venus, too, held a silk wrapped item in her arms, and I wondered what they might have brought.

"Your highness," Queen Serenity curtsied lowly, her five ducklings imitating her as she sank to the floor. "I am honored by your invitation."

Gaia inclined her head gracefully, hair falling before her. "We are equally honored by your presence, Serenity. Please accept our welcome."

Queen Serenity rose from the floor, the others copying her. I kept an eye on all of them. Each was looking to the front, but I watched their eyes dart around, taking in the throne room. I hoped it was more impressive than theirs.

Ours had a high dome, flying up into a solar. The stars could be seen outside. Marble floors of the palest sea green, and polished to shine in the light of the prisimic glows. They took it all in, and I watched them as they did so. Venus appeared to be most interested in Endymion's generals, glancing between them and the dais that Gaia sat. Jupiter was also watching them, but sending more glances around at the guards on the doors. So she was wary, and by the way she carried herself, ready to fight. Bless Swallow for her information.

Mars was looking everywhere, mostly at Gaia, not frowning, but face drawn. She didn't like this, and was suspicious. Good for her. Mercury was watching the dais only, and our gazes met for a moment. I stared back, and she averted her eyes, turing her gaze to Endymion. Hm. First appearances are always important, even though most people seem to like to ignore them. Claim you can't judge a person by their looks. Say you never judge people by appearance, and I'll laugh in your face.

Queen Gaia rose from her throne, and gestured at a page, who hurried forward, dropping to his knees, and extended to her a branch of olive. Such plants were common in this area, and they were very important to life and trade. Such a useful fruit, the olive, that can be made into so many things. A gift from a wise goddess. Gaia lifted it, and held it in her hands. Then she turned to Serenity, stretching it out, and Serenity accepted it. Yet Gaia did not release her grip, and held Serenity's hands in her own. "This is the beauty of the Earth," Gaia explained softly. "Very delicate, very fragile. Yet the olive is a living plant, and was given to us by our Goddess. It is life, and I give this gift to you, the Moon, for you are our sister world, and we wish for you to be blessed as our world is blessed."

Serenity drew back from Gaia, and Gaia released her. Serenity caressed the branch, touching the leaves and the olives that plumply hung there. The olive? A symbol of peace? Well, why not? I watched to see what Serenity would do to counter the offer. Now was the time of flattery, a war of kindness. I severely doubted that Serenity would be able to top the olive branch, a practical and kindly gesture. The Moon was slow to terraform, for plants seemed to have difficulty adapting there.

Princess Serenity and princess Venus then stepped forward, and the Queen of the Moon turned slightly aside for them. The princesses curtsied politely, then

Serenity spoke, addressing Gaia. "Your highness, my mother has brought gifts...for your heirs. So sorry, we didn't bring something for you because...."

Venus suddenly had a small coughing fit, and Princess Serenity shut up abruptly. Well, Swallow, you did it again! Information dead on. Serenity was kindly, apologizing for what she thought was a mistake on her and her mother's part, but stupid enough to babble in the middle of a very important moment. I stifled a smile.

Princess Serenity regained herself, taking a deep breath and beginning to repeat the words she had probably memorized. "My mother has brought gifts...for the heirs of the Earth Kingdom. For the Crown Prince and Princess," she removed the swath of silk that she held in her hands. In them was a delicately wrought brooch of silver, a diamond set into its center. The Earth's circle and cross surrounded it, and a pair of roses had been etched into its base.

Venus revealed her item, and she held a silver rose. My eyes widened as I saw it, for roses here were always pure white. I had never seen such a thing, and it seemed unnatural.

Princess Serenity continued. "This rose is for the heir of the Earth, he who would be King. They grow on the Moon only, in the soil that glows silver in the light of the sun. Please accept our gift to you, so that you may see the beauty of our world."

Venus held the rose out to Endymion, who stepped forward, looking slightly dazed. I blinked rapidly several times. He was watching Serenity intently. Good for him to be wary of her. He accepted the flower and bowed deeply. "I thank you, Lady Princess of the Moon."

Serenity blushed darkly, and looked down. Scared. Obviously. Endymion was very attractive, and two words from him...this was ridiculous. She was embarrassed, it didn't have to do with Endymion's looks. I broke my gaze and tried not to appear too concerned. "And you as the heiress," Serenity began to recover, turning her attention to me. "Please accept this relic as your own. Among ourpeople, we carry our strength within our hearts. At times, we use our power to protect those we love. It has been whispered on our world that you too have a holy relic, a Silver Crystal of your own. Please accept this as a way of keeping it with you."

She held the brooch out to me, and I took it in my hands. It was cool, warmed only slightly by her touch, and smooth. A Silver Crystal. Of the Moon. Like our Golden Crystal. I glanced sharply at Gaia's neck, then at the scepter that Queen Serenity carried. How very odd that we would both have such a powerful relic on our worlds.

"Thank you, Princess Serenity," I heard myself saying. "It is very kind of your people."

She smiled at me, a wide, beautiful grin, and I suddenly found myself smiling back. I controlled it, and toned it down. Her smiles were catching. Perfect.

The Queen her mother moved slightly forward, taking center stage once more.

"Keep your power strong, for you will need it when you rule your world. That brooch is more than a mere carrier. It is a way of touching your power. Call out the words in your heart, and you will control your power like never before."

Call out the words in my heart. Sure.... I smiled and nodded back, trying to please the onlookers. This was getting very spiritual. Maybe I should go study some philosophy!

I returned to my place at Gaia's left, holding the brooch in my hands, feeling a little awkward. Perhaps this was what Gaia wanted, a formal exchange of goodwill. Well, she had succeeded, and I had gotten a good look and assessment of the Moon court. I wanted them to leave. But now I had to suffer a ball in their honor. How delightful.

The proceedings would begin tomorrow in the afternoon, and I would attend them, along with Endymion and Gaia, of course. There were retainers from both factions, and they filled the ballroom with bright colors, feathers, glitter, silk, saffron and velvet. I danced and whirled and sipped wine, rejecting food from the servants that brought trays around. I eventually escaped from some pompous lord from the eastern provinces of Earth, who wanted to conspire about how he would treat and welcome the evil Moon people. Nephilte to the rescue!

"Nephlite!" I waved him over desperately, trying to give him a good please-save-me-I'm-dying-here look. Being the kindhearted man he is, (which I

will eternally love him for) he came over, not to abandon me. "You owe me a dance, remember?"

"Yes of course. You'll have to forgive us," he smiled at lord Full-of-Himself.

"She just adores to dance, and I was so busy last time..." he continued about how much I loved to dance, and I tried to be grateful instead of hit him in the head for being a jerk about the excessive rescue. "Come, darling, they're waltzing."

Once safely way, I elbowed him hard. "Don't be such a ham."

"You owe me."

"Ha."

"Smile, darling, we're dancing."

He spun me onto the floor and we ended up in the middle of a swirl of Moon Kingdom people. It was interesting, watching the groups avoid each other. Gaia was on a dais, observing with a tight smile. She wasn't happy at the lack of cross-dancing. Queen Serenity was beside her, and whispered something. Gaia nodded and continued to observe. It wasn't going well, I assumed. Both Queens seemed to want it to work, but the people weren't cooperating. The dance slowed, then stopped.

"Well, darling," I drawled at Nephlite, sarcastically, "Why don't you do a little dancing?"

He looked confused. Obviously we were in the middle of the dance floor, and by the phrasing, I wasn't suggesting that I was the one he should be dancing with. I smiled, and he knew I was up to something. I clapped my hands loudly, looking around. I spotted the nearest princess. Lucky girl! "Princess Jupiter!" I beamed at her, and took her arm away from some poor man who was dwarfed by her height.

Who had set up that couple? Ugh. Anyway, back to vengeance.

"Princess Jupiter, Nephlite was just commenting on how very graceful you are when you dance!"

Jupiter's eyes suddenly flew wide from surprise to amazement, from me to Nephlite, then they clouded in disbelief. She almost began to shake her head. Nephlite looked like someone had just shot him, eyes wide and unbelieving. He couldn't even move.

"Jupiter, you simply must dance with him. It would make him so very happy. I'm not so good on my feet. Please, just one turn around the floor." I urged her into Nephlite's arms, and both were too shocked to do anything other than obey. My smile was genuine now, not because I had done a good deed, but because I was trying not to break into hysterical laughter over the predicament. It was just too funny.

I was lucky, because when both of them began to recover, looking angry, the orchestra began a sonata, romantic and moving. The audience I had created began to return to their partners, and I grabbed Jupiter's short date, and whispered to him, "It'll help the Queen. See how upset they both are? No one's mingling! Terrible, isn't it?"

Shortie nodded frantically in agreement, and cast a long look over at Jupiter. She had swirled up her skirt into her hand, and was proving me right. She could dance very well, and the two of them were spinning delicately around. I blinked. Maybe this wasn't so good after all. Nephlite looked awfully happy all of a sudden. I straightened myself out. How stupid of me. Suddenly I'm Swallow, trying to set up everyone with a love life. Nephlite? The king of astrology? And princess Jupiter? Don't make me laugh.

Tugging at my arm, Shortie asked me to dance. "Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I have to go...ah, outside!" I winked at him and tore off. Weird people.

Air is good. I breathed in deeply in the darkness of the night. There was no moon out, and I thought that just as well. The sea was black, and the stars provided the light on the flowing water. I leaned out on the balcony, peering down into the sea's crashing waves below. I heard the pane rattle behind me.

"Hello, Endymion."

"Escaping already?"

"Do you have any idea how stuffy people are?"

He arched an eyebrow.

"What? I am not stuffy!"

"You're getting defensive."

"If this is about Nephlite and the dancing with Jupiter-"

He snorted, turning around and leaning backwards against the rail. "The Queens are happy. Look."

I turned to see what he was looking at, and though the windows, I saw Gaia and Serenity smiling benignly down at the dancers. My jaw dropped as I saw Zoicite part through the sea of people, and approach the azure haired Mercury princess, bowing and offering a hand. She was sitting and watching by herself. "Zoicite is actually taking the initiative? Who threatened him and why?"

Endymion frowned. "You started off a whole thing, you know. Apparently, princess Mars rather liked your idea and asked Jadeite."

"And he accepted?" My disbelief was apparent.

Endymion burst out laughing, and tears of laughter began to form in his eyes as he literally howled. He wiped them away with the back of his hand. "She didn't exactly give him a much of a choice!"

"I imagine he didn't like that."

Endymion tried to stifle his laughter. "I was with Jadeite. I believe her words were something like," he went into an imitation, head high, voice pitched, "'You're dancing with me now. Come on.' And then dragged him away. I had to get out of there before I made an idiot of myself laughing. You should have seen him."

Blackmail material on Jadeite was always valuable. And seeing Endymion doing imitations was priceless. I chuckled, shaking my head. "So is Kunzite with Venus, then?"

Endymion was still trying to restrain himself, and searched the window. After a moment, "Yes. Over there. Near the symphony."

Sure enough, I saw the white haired head next to a red-ribboned one in a yellow dress. I shook my head. "Your Mother will be pleased. Can't say that it's the best thing, though."

He frowned thoughtfully, and I stared at his profile against the stars. His black hair floated lightly around his head as he considered what to say. So smart, Endymion was. I was startled when he turned sharply to look at me.

"What?"

"What?"

"You were staring."

"No I wasn't."

"Yes you were. What?"

Uh...oh Goddess, what to say? I really didn't even know what I was thinking!

"Nothing important," I tried to bluff.

"You're always thinking about something important. What is it?"

Given a moment to compose myself, I managed, "When we're married, we'll have to deal with them. Us, not Gaia. Will we turn aside what she's done here? Or will we keep up the treaties we establish tomorrow?"

Endymion's face soured, then became reflective. "I don't know. They aren't quite like I thought. They seem kind. Maybe I was wrong about them."

I stared now. "Endymion, what are you babbling about? They're from the Moon. I don't want to war with them, but these gifts..." I tapped the brooch now pinned on my gown and the rose in his lapel, "are just gifts. They don't mean anything unless we want them to. Gaia gave them an olive branch. If they take it to the Moon and throw it away it means nothing. All this," I gestured at the inside, "means nothing. Not unless we say so. Gaia knows that. That's why she wants our support. If we don't continue her plans, we'll never be allied."

"I take it you still don't like them?"

I considered this. "No. I don't trust them. Gifts are gifts. They haven't hurt us, but we have no reason to trust those who call themselves gods. It's blasphemy. You know that."

"Yes," he agreed reluctantly.

"I agreed to support this to see them. Observe them. See who we would face in the future. They're immortal. They're not like us. We have to be careful."

He sighed, looking worried. "All right. Caution never hurt. I suppose we should get back inside. Mingle."

I sighed, brushing a lock of hair from my face, glancing out to sea. The stars suddenly began to shift on the water, and I looked up to see a meteor shower begin, the stars falling from the heavens to crash and vaporize in space. Streaking, they fell and fell. "How lovely," Endymion commented as he saw my gaze.

"Yes, it is, isn't it?" I suddenly felt my heart stop. What was going on? I looked down, afraid I was having a seizure or something horrible like that. Endymion had placed his hand on top of mine, and was smiling at me.

"Don't hide all night. Being anti-social will upset Mother."

"Y...yes...of course. Endymion. I will. Soon."

He nodded and left, shutting the door behind him. I turned back to the sea, stomach churning. What in the hell was that? That was not right, not good, and completely wrong. Very, very wrong! I didn't know what it was, but I didn't like it! It was a complete loss of control! Just like that sword match! Damn! What was wrong with me? Goddess, give me strength! I was either losing my mind or getting sick. That was the only explanation. I looked back up to the shower of stars. They seemed like tears of gold, crying for some unknown reason.

I crept back inside. I couldn't face everyone, not now. I wanted to be alone.

There was something terribly wrong, and I needed to get in control and to think. I slipped out the side doors, and no one noticed me, since I used a little touch of an illusionary spell to mask my exit.

Swallow would be in our rooms, so I couldn't go there. I would go to Kitsune's apartments, but since she couldn't move well and still was hiding, I couldn't go there either. That left the shrine. So, down the familiar paths I hurried, glad that the shrine maidens and Helios were asleep. It was with a great deal of relief that I saw the flames, burning brightly in the night. I ran inside, leaning up against a column, then sinking low onto my knees beside it, curling up and placing my head on my knees. Thank the Goddess. Alone at last.

This peculiar sensation wouldn't leave me, and the more I thought about it, the more it worried me. It had to be something serious. I was ill. I had to be. I felt perfectly in control of my mind, but not. I didn't feel sick, except that I vaguely wanted to be sick to my stomach, but I didn't think I really would do any throwing up. Was it me, or was it unusually hot in the temple? What, hot flashes? Great, I'm turning into a hypochondriac. This was so annoying! What could it be?

"Perhaps you should consider the affections of your heart, young lady."

I froze. No one could sneak up on me anymore. Not even Gaia or Endymion, though they had always been good at it. I pushed some hair away from my face and peered around. Readying myself, (for you never know who may be lurking) I stood, keeping my back to the pillar. "Who's there?"

There was popping in the fire, and silence otherwise. "Show yourself to me! I command it, by order of the Princess of Earth!" I was such a good actress, really, and people were so very used to me giving orders. I didn't think I sounded afraid at all. That would have been inappropriate for me, to be scared. Or at least to sound scared. "Show yourself!"

There was a soft chuckle. I determined my spy was female, though the sound was low and deep. I continued to let my eyes dart around, seeking the source. There was none. I narrowed my eyes as I decided my opponent was a sorceress. Well, at least I knew what to expect. I had some magic of my own. Drawing a hand before me, I swirled on an illusionary cloak, sending me into a blur of nothingness.

"You cannot kill what you cannot see!"

"You sound so afraid."

I do not! "What makes you think I'm afraid of someone who hides in the dark?"

"Are you not hiding in the dark right now?"

Why that dirty-! "You twist my words! Declare yourself, or I'll summon the guard!"

There was a roar of laughter. "If you had any intention of calling your guards, you would have done so already, and you know that very well."

The fire. It had grown in furious flames when she had laughed. I couldn't douse it, but somehow that was the link she was using to communicate with me. Of course, she couldn't know that I wouldn't put it out. I kept myself from smiling, and let my voice tremble a little. "I would! You're using the fire! I'll put it out!" With a false appearance of fear, I let the illusion around me drop. I had no power over water, but she may not know that. And if I could put on a show.... I gathered my hands over my head, taking a breath. I let a little globe of light form, colored blue. Happily, I watched the flames soar upward.

"You need not put out the flames, child, I have no desire to harm you."

I let the illusionary globe of water hang for a moment, then brought my hands down, watching the fire. It was true. If she wanted...or could...harm me, she would have done so already. "Then what do you want?"

"Only to help you."

I snorted. "Don't be an ass."

The flames flickered, and I swear I heard some amusement. If she wanted to get anywhere with me, she'd have to use the direct approach. I hated beating around the bush.

"Did you ever consider that the illness you fear is love?"

I think I was staring for several long minutes, because when I came to my eyes hurt from dryness, and I had to blink rapidly. Love? What? That was...stupid. It had to be. Nightmares of cheap romance novels suddenly filtered into my mind. Yeah, like I could ever be like that.

"That's full of shit."

"You have a very interesting vocabulary, you know."

What? We switch from my non-existent love-life to my vocabulary? Well, I was using some of the languages' more colorful terms, but those were the ones that came to mind. I just glared back at the fire, feeling a little odd. I was talking to the big fire. Tell me this was normal.

"What do you want?"

"To help you."

"I don't need help. Especially from people I can't see and who use sorcery to communicate." I turned to leave. This was garbage.

"You're upset because I'm right."

I stopped. "About what?"

"Love. Tell me. Who is the fortunate man who has gotten such a strong woman to love him?"

Strong woman, huh? Flattery will get you nowhere. I half turned and glared again. "I'm not in love with anyone. Never will be."

"Oh, what a shame. Why is that?"

I couldn't tell if it was sarcasm or genuine interest. What would I tell her? That I was betrothed to the future king of the planet? I'd already blabbed about me being the Earth Princess, in my idiotic attempt to get her to reveal herself. I didn't have any romantic choices. Any love for me was destined to be a failure. I would be a good Queen, and I wanted to be a good Queen, even if I still felt trapped into the position. If I loved any other than Endymion, it could destroy everything, same as if he ever loved anyone other than me. It would tear the Earth apart. I never had any choices, any decisions. It was Endymion and I, and I didn't love him, so how could I be in love? It made no sense. I wouldn't allow myself to love anyone else.

Anyone...else.

Oh sweet Lady.

The swordfight.

His hand.

Oh Goddess, no. It couldn't be.

No.

I think I stepped back, and then I must have run away again, because I was safely away and outside, under the stars, where there was fresh sea air and wind to breathe. I shivered as a cool wind breezed by, and I folded my arms. I couldn't be in love with Endymion! It was impossible! I never felt like that about him! No sickeningly sweet part of me wanted to sigh and stare at him, or to daydream about our future together. All right, all right, I did think about names for children, but what female in her right mind doesn't like to think of names? There are even books of names! And you read them all the time in other books! I had a right to do that! But Endymion! This couldn't be!

I kept rejecting the possibility for several minutes, until the more rational part of my head began to kick in, thinking about the benefits of this. If I did love him, then maybe our future marriage wouldn't be so unhappy after all. Of course, I didn't know if he felt the same way...he did put his hand on mine. But that didn't mean anything. Did it? No, it couldn't. Damn! I hate indecision! I wasn't thinking clearly at all. And in some vast corner of my brain, the thought chimed in that if I was thinking clearly, I probably wasn't in love. Love made people do crazy things, right? And if I wasn't being entirely coherent, then...proof? Was that proof? That I was confused?

"Who are you and what right do you have to meddle with my head!" I demanded, storming back into the shrine. The fire was still flickering, but lowly, embers glowing a dull red.

"Did you come to a decision?"

"Yes! Who are you?"

There was a curl of smoke that eddied up into the fire, and I saw a nebulous figure coalesce, but never solidify. "I came to warn you, as well."

"Tell me!"

The voice became sad, slightly, and almost mournful. "I am weak now. I could be so much stronger. But I'll help you as much as I can."

"Why? Why will you help me?"

"Because I see in you a person who I can help. I can help you become stronger."

"I don't need to get any stronger. Stop playing chess with me!"

"But with me, you could do whatever you want. Even have your beloved."

She knew far more than she was telling me, and she was toying with me to top it off. That seriously got me pissed. I didn't like it when people manipulate me. Who would? "He seems very interested in the girl he's dancing with right now."

"And who would that be? His Mother?"

There was a chuckle from the shadows in the flames. "See for yourself."

I watched the flaming birth of a shining black ball, that was not black at all, but was. The refractions were black, but hinted in shades of clarity, the smoke within the prism not allowing me to see. Until it floated away from my misty sorceress, and I automatically held out my hands for it. It hovered easily in my palms, and I saw Endymion's face within the murky depths. It cleared, and I saw the image pull out, widening the view. In stark contrast to his black dress uniform, a white, fluffy dress lay, a young girl within it, smiling and laughing, golden hair pulled back doubly on her head, in those irritating dumplings.

It was the Moon Princess.

Interested in her? The silly, air headed....no. I wouldn't be cruel. She was very...nice. I ground my teeth, then jerked my hands away from the crystal. "I don't spy on people! And so what? He's supposed to be dancing! Gaia is probably proud that the ball is going smoothly!"

"You deny what you see. Look again."

I shut my eyes and stubbornly looked away. I wouldn't do it! I wouldn't! Besides, I wasn't thinking rationally, if I was in love. Oh Goddess, I was in love! No... but jealousy would get me nowhere! This had to stop! If I was jealous, of course I'd see him happy with her! I wasn't jealous. Neither he nor I knew her. People don't just fall in love at first sight! That takes time! Like me! Oh sweet Lady...like me.

"You're being petulant. Stop being so stubborn," the voice cajoled.

"If I am it's for good reason!" I wanted to stamp my foot, but didn't, since it would look childish. I screamed shortly, a strangled cry. I would not give in to this big...floating...cloud of smoke! I stared at her, and could make out the image of eyes. Oddly, between them was a faintly glowing jewel. I wondered what that was.

Her High and Mightiness of the Smoke sighed, and I watched streams of fumes fan out around her. "I've upset you. Here," the dark crystalline gem levitated closer to me. "Take this. When you are ready, look into it. It will show you what you desire to see."

"I don't want it."

"Take it anyway."

"Why should I?"

The flames flared wildly, and I forced myself not to leap back. I was getting her mad. But that meant she wasn't as in control as she seemed. When she calmed, her voice was as smooth as polished glass. "A gift from me. To you. You don't need to use it. For being here when I arrived. That's all. Please. Take it."

It pushed its way though the air again, coming to my face. I looked at her. She wouldn't leave me alone until I took it. "Fine. But tell me your name."

I thought she was smiling, but I wasn't sure.

"Certainly, my dear. My name is Metallia."