Hi there everyone! Thanx to all the people who reviewed my story. In this chapter a little bit of why I rated this fic R begins to show. Poor Usagi, almost every thing that can go wrong goes wrong in this chapter, but it'll turn around somehow... Mamoru is really cold in this story. Or at least at the beginning... He could almost be a villain, almost. I love Mamoru being dark and mysterious. Don't you? There are also some secrets to be revealed later that will effect the lives in this story. I don't own SM, but a do own a two week old tabby named Cocoa. Hi Cocoa! To all my new readers I hope you enjoy this third chapter of A Knights Tale. Oh yes, Please review. : ) This is La Blue Evita signing off.
Bang! Bang! Bang! "Wake up Usagi! You're going to be late!" someone shouted from outside Usagi's door. Usagi bolted up in bed. "What?" she said groggily. She looked disoriented at the rays of light streaming through her window. Hadn't she only fallen asleep a minute ago? Yawning she scratched her head and looked at the small clock beside her table. Her eyes grew wide horror, clearing the fog that covered her brain. " It's 5:15!" she screeched.
She threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. "Oh god" she said, as she scrambled towards her wardrobe, nearly tripping over her sheets in the process. "Mamoru is going to kill me." She began to rip off her clothes from the night before. Her stomach was killing her. 'Oh please no!' Usagi thought, as she ripped off her breeches and peeked into her underwear. "Oh thank you," she said relieved. At least her courses hadn't started yet. She was cursed enough with out having to deal with "the curse".
Bong... Bong... Bong...! Beads of sweat began to spring up on her for-head when she heard the warning bell. "Stupid! stupid! stupid!" she mimicked. With trembling hands she pulled open the wardrobe doors, and pulled out her uniform. It had been quite a while since they'd had drills and Usagi hadn't been fitted for a new uniform yet. She was on her tip- toes feeling around the top shelf of her wardrobe for her mouth paste and tooth- brush. When finally she located them she grabbed them, and ran back to her bed in a panic. She threw her uniform down, and squirted the minty tasting goo in her mouth, moving it around her teeth with her tongue.
'Water, water I need water.' she thought. She turned to the water basin near her bed. "Nooo!" she gurgled, when she realized she hadn't change the dirty water in the basin. 'No time. No time.' she thought echoing her words. She turned back to her bed and shoved the toothbrush in her mouth. She then frantically pulled on her pants. She grabbed the matching shirt, and shook it roughly, thinking she could shake out the wrinkles. Needless to say it didn't work. She then pulled it over her head, and managed to get her arms through the sleeves, while at the same time getting two quick brushes in with her toothbrush. Yes she was truly talented. When Usagi tried to pull her shirt all the way down it wouldn't budge.
Bong! Bong! Bong! The late bell rang loudly, giving her the final warning. The sweat began to poor down her face. She checked the clock again. It was exactly 5:20. Usagi groaned in frustration as jerked the shirt over her chest. She was surprised to see that the stretchy fabric strained against her growing breasts. Any other girl would have been quite excited, Usagi however, was indifferent to the changes to her body. Unconcerned she began to brush her teeth quickly. When she was finished she spit in the basin. She hated the sticky feeling in her mouth. As if it had just appeared, Usagi spotted a glass of water on the mantle place, and ran for it.
She'd never been so happy to see water in all her life. She tossed the water in her mouth swished, and gurgled quickly. By accident she swallowed some of the water and began to choke. Before it all came spewing out of her mouth Usagi ran to the open window, and spat it out, coughing and gasping for air. "Hey!" she heard someone shout from below. "Sorry!" she yelled back, and ran to her wardrobe. She pushed the heavy clothes aside and reached her hand for her boots and body armor she'd thrown on the floor. She grabbed her boots and pulled them on her feet.
She then pulled the lightweight armor over her head, relieved that it still fitted. For vanity's sake, she ran to the mirror above her bedside table to fix her hair. She stared in horror at her swollen lip. Her bottom lip was noticeably a pinkish red. Small blue half moons identified where her teeth had bitten her flesh. "No time Usagi!" she said to herself. She tried undoing the braid in her hair. She screamed in frustration when her fingers tangled in her damp hair. Finally untangling her small hands Usagi quickly put her hair in the usual style.
She looked in the mirror quickly before going to the other side of her bed to get her sword. She new she looked terribly untidy. Mamoru had told her many times before that she was an embarrassment to his knights. He would then go on on in that calm way of his, about Usagi representing him and his other knights, always with that mocking look in his eyes. It was almost the same thing every morning. She never had time for her appearance, nor did she really miss it. Usagi didn't know just how beautiful she was, even with her disheveled hair, and wrinkled clothes. No one, but her mother had ever told her she was pretty. She was like an uncut diamond waiting to be cut in a way that would make her sparkle. She'd laughed when her mother had told her this, wondering what nonsense she was speaking. Everyone recognized her beauty, but she and Mamoru himself.
As she'd expected no one was in the soldier's quarters, but herself. "Come on. Come on," she said as she raced down the stairs, taking them 3 and 4 at a time. She was going so fast that she was afraid to stop. 'Finally' Usagi thought, as she reached the last dozen or so steps. She attempted to jump the last steps, thinking she would make up for last night's clumsiness. "U-" was all she heard before slamming into Jedite. It was like hitting a brick wall. Usagi fell backwards, landing hard on the marble steps. She groaned when her elbow hit one of the steps hard. "I was just coming to retrieve you." Jedite said sticking out his hand to pull her up. "Yes. Thank you." Usagi said sarcastically.
She winced as he pulled her up by her hurt elbow. Usagi wobbled backwards, out of breath and exhausted. Jedite grabbed her for-arm. "Come on," he said lurching her forward. "I'm fine." Usagi said jerking her arm away. Jedite smiled down at her, his dirty blond hair cascaded over his broad shoulders. "Mamoru's quite mad at you my dear," he said. Usagi scowled he and Kunzite were always being "the jokers". She looked into his laughing green eyes, a raised her brows. "When Mamoru not mad at me?" she said. Kunzite only looked at her. "We've been waiting for you so we could start the meeting," he said. Usagi felt sick. "What happened to your lip?" Jedite asked smirking. "Oh shut up." Usagi said blushing. "Secret lover I see." Jedite said. "What?" Usagi said, not getting it.
Mamoru was always cool, calm, and collected, until something set him off, which was quite rare. When he wasn't in one of his moods, he was charming. When he was around women he became the flame and they were the yielding moths. All his men respected him, and would instantly give their life for his if need be. There was a recklessness and mystery to him that his men loved. Some were even infatuated with him. The majority of them however, feared him and his reckless nature. "She's late." Mamoru said calmly. "I sent Jedite to retrieve her." Malachite said.
He was furious with Usagi. She knew how Mamoru valued punctuality. He watched steadily as Mamoru checked his fingernails, and flicked dirt off his nails, it was a sure sign that he was really really agitated. Mamoru was his closest friend, so he knew how Mamoru worked. At least he thought he knew. He had witnessed Mamoru's violent temper sometime ago, and had been amazed at the extent of it. He was also aware of how his agitation always seemed to be directed towards Usagi.
He had warned her to be wary of his temper, and not to do things that agitated him. But did she ever listen? No. Usagi was too headstrong. Malachite always kept in mind that Mamoru was his leader first, and friend second. He knew that he himself was not above being reprimanded. Mamoru's voice broke through his thoughts. "How many times must this happen...Malachite?" Mamoru said. Malachite's eyes darkened. "With all do respect my lord. I'm not her keeper. Usagi makes her own decisions. I have nothing to do with them," he said. Mamoru nodded his head, and flicked off the dirt from underneath his nails. "She is not a child my lord." Kunzite who was unusually quiet said.
Mamoru gave no response. He only looked at Kunzite from the corner of his eyes. That was the thing about Mamoru that drove the women wild. No one ever really knew what he was thinking. There was always a sort of mystery, and darkness that surrounded him. It was all part of his sexiness. There was little to nothing he feared. That was the dangerous side in him. What could you do to a man who feared nothing, and basically cared for nothing? At that very moment, Jedite walked in to the room with Usagi in tow. "All accounted for." Jedite announced as he walked into the dark room. He took a seat, leaving Usagi standing in the doorway. Mamoru pushed back his chair and walked toward Usagi.
He counted to ten as he neared her, trying to control himself. When he stood in front of her, he said calmly "Why are you late?". Usagi unconsciously took a step back. Mamoru stood over six feet tall. He was always intimidating to Usagi, basically anybody. She lifted her head defiantly. 'I over slept." she said. Mamoru's eyebrows seemed to rise in amusement. A small almost invisible smile played on his lips.
Then the smile disappeared, and he starred her directly in the eyes, startling Usagi. She felt heat pool in her stomach and travel like wild fire throughout her body. It then settled to her stomach, and then lower still. The sudden reaction to her body left her feeling dizzy. Mamoru emotionless eyes flicked with something that made her afraid. The room was dead quiet. A pin could be heard dropping in the silence. "Ten laps around the soldiers quarters." Mamoru said finally, bringing Usagi out of her stupor. Usagi became furious, and for a moment she lost her mind. 'No." she said, and instantly regretted her words.
Quick as a flash Mamoru grabbed her arm, and pulled her towards him, so that they were only inches apart. His fingers bit into her flesh. His voice was level as he spoke. He was so close Usagi could feel his breath ruffling the bangs on her forehead. "You will do those laps or I'll have you whipped, then sent home with your meager belongings tied to your back." he said. Behind his long bangs his dark blue eyes bore into hers. It sent shivers up her spine. Usagi couldn't think of a smart remark for the life of her. The rage in his voice was unmistakable.
Even with Malachite in the same room Usagi was utterly terrified. She was utterly embarrassed also. Out of pure pride she jerked her arm away roughly and walked out of the room. "Yes my...king." she said before leaving. Mamoru worked his fingers. There was something about that girl that made him want snap. He didn't know what it was. The one thing that always got him going was when the insolent little thing ignored his orders. She wasn't like the women he knew, and that bothered him. It made him mad that an insignificant woman could even get to the point of annoying him.
Jedite began to laugh "All this tension's making me hungry." he said. "Jedite." was all Mamoru said, and Jedite stopped laughing. Mamoru was definitely not in the joking mood. Nephrite who had been quiet the whole time spoke up. "We still can't start the meeting without her my lord," he said. He was always the voice of reason. Mamoru looked at him expressionless. "Meetings over." he said. "Malachite inform my mother that I shall be gone, and return at dawn." Mamoru said. Then he walked out of the room checking his nails one last time.
Usagi's eyes stung with unshed tears. 'Stupid Mamoru." she thought. 'I hate him!' Today was one of those days she would allow herself to wallow in self- pity. It was her only comfort. Her chest burned from running and her legs felt weak. There were a few scratches on her arms from when she'd run into the gardenia bushes. Her stomach growled loudly. She hadn't eaten since yesterday. She doubted that any remnants of yesterday's hearty dinner of roasted pork, cheese, bread, and cake still remained in her hollow stomach. She felt exhausted and completely drained.
The sun was at it's starting to produce it's blistering heat already. Her long hair clung damp and clammy to her sweaty neck. Her face was flushed and hot. She was sure the ladies of the court would be horrified to look at her now. Usagi became madder. 'Damn those ladies to!' she thought. She had gone back to the conference room only to find that they were all gone. She clamped her hand on the shooting pain in her side. 'It's all my fault.' she thought. 'I shouldn't be mad at him. I was the one who was late for the meeting.'
She could spot the palace gardens just up ahead. There in the sanctuary of the trees she could drown herself in self- pity. Just as soon as Usagi had turned to hating Mamoru she loved him again, and began thinking of his deep blue eyes starring into the depths of hers. Calm tropical lagoons meeting turbulent blue seas was how she liked to romanticize about it. Not only was Usagi a romantic she was a dreamer. She and Mamoru were the complete opposite of each other in every thing except fighting. Usagi had surpassed all the other knights in all forms of combat. Everyone except Mamoru, he was the best. They'd really had two major battles and Mamoru had been a genius on the field of battle.
She and the other knights had been more like back up than his guardians. During their training was the only time she and Mamoru almost got along. They could predict each other's move so easily. Those were the most painful and best times she had with him. Lost in her daydreams, Usagi didn't her the soft steps of the man creeping up behind her, until it happened. "Wah!" Usagi yelled, when two strong arms wrapped around her waist.
Usagi acted fast. She grabbed a fist full of the offender's hair from over her shoulder, and proceeded to pull them over her head. "Mylady! It's me! Stop! Stop!" Usagi was just about to punch this person in their stomach when she recognized the voice. "Andrew?" she said letting go of his hair. She turned around and looked angrily at the tall blond man. She recognized him to be one of the generals in Mamoru's army.
Andrew rubbed his fine blond hair. "Damn it!" he cursed, as pain throbbed through his skull. He'd really made a fool of himself. "I could have really hurt you." Usagi yelled. "And who gave you the right as to take such liberties like grabbing me general?!" she said so flustered she barely knew what she was saying. Andrew looked down at Usagi, who stood more than a full foot shorter than him. Rather than being afraid, he was amused. He was years older than her, but she was ranks higher. He couldn't tell her his real intentions were that he'd seen her walking alone and figured it was his only chance to confess his love to her, so naturally he lied.
" I thought you were going to fall my lady." he said, with his dark green eye's blinking rapidly. He gave her his most honest face. Being so naive, Usagi immediately excepted his apology. "No." she said shaking her head, and allowing her body to relax. "I'm just a little tiered." she said. 'May I pick you up?' Andrew said to himself. "Forgive me my lady." he said instead. Usagi smiled at him, making him want to sweep her away, and make love to her.
'Take control of yourself man!' he told himself. "All is forgiven." Usagi said kindly. She turned and kept walking. Andrew thought fast. "Wait my lady!" he said. "May I escort you to where ever it is that you are going?" Usagi sighed. "No thank you Andrew. I'm quite alright." she said. Andrew couldn't let her go not yet. "Well then where are you going?" he said warily.
Usagi stopped and turned around to look at him. For some reason he blushed. 'I could use some company.' she thought. "To the garden," she said leaving the invitation hanging in the air. She turned around and kept walking. Andrew took this as an invitation for him to come along. but just to be safe he asked " May I accompany you then I was headed to the gardens anway." "If you like." Usagi said over her shoulder. Usagi had never been courted before so she saw nothing at all amiss with the situation. Andrew on the other hand, thought she was playing hard to get like most women he'd bedded. Usagi, though would be different. He was going to make her his wife.
He assumed that when he eventually got around to telling her, she would obviously be thrilled. Usagi was the perfect woman for him, or so he thought. Long shapely legs, gorgeous blue eyes, she had it all. The lightweight armor she wore poorly disguised her delightfully plump breasts. He looked at her out of the corners of his eyes and smiled. 'My warrior bride, we'll have fun wrestling together.' he thought. The sun shone on Usagi's hair, and the effect was breath taking. Her small pink lips were parted, and her brows were furrowed, making her look deep in thought. Her cheeks were flushed rosy pink from running, and her flawless skin held a tint of bronze from the summer sun.
Andrew was burning with desire. He wanted her badly. He'd tried many other times to get near her, but those damn knights and that arrogant prince, who treated her like dirt, constantly surrounded her. Andrew believed he would be her knight in shining armor. The only problem was that he felt like an oaf around her. He had no problem with other women and would be greatly embarrassed if they knew their "Casanova" was turning into a love struck puppy.
"Well we're here." Usagi said pushing the heavy gold gates that led to the royal gardens apart. Andrew was surprised to see someone who looked so delicate be so strong. " The rose garden is my favorite." Usagi said looking up at him. Andrew tried to look surprised. "They are mine also!" he said acting is if he couldn't believe it. He watched, his desire growing as Usagi's face lit up. "Wonderful would you care to race then?" she said with a child's happiness. Andrew looked at her smiling face, and knew he could deny her nothing. Her body was a woman's, but she herself was so child like. She was completely charming.
"Yes!" he blurted. He prayed no one would be wandering the gardens today. "On your mark!" Usagi said bending down on one knee. "Get set! Go!" Before Andrew could even get up Usagi was gone. A thrill of desire raced through him. One of his fantasies was actually coming true! Well not exactly. In his fantasy he chased her for a different reason. All he could see was her long blond hair floating behind her. She was so fast. She'd also left an aroma of gardenias floating in the air. Did she know gardenias were his favorite flowers? Overflowing with lust and delusion he began to run faster. Her ran faster and faster still, trying to catch her.
Usagi was happy she'd invited Andrew along. She wondered if he thought her young for wanting to race. She hadn't really meant to ask him. She just felt so lonely and bored. Now she realized how stupid of her it was, because her legs were going to collapse from beneath her. She turned her head around to see if Andrew was catching up. What she saw frightened her for a moment. He was in arm length of her. He looked so determined. He wasn't smiling at all. Usagi saw the thousands of rose bushes and trees come into view as she turned the corner dodging a tree breathlessly.
She saw the root sticking out, and ordered herself to jump over it. Her feet however, like always never obeyed her head and she tripped. She closed her eyes waiting for the impact, but it never came. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into Andrews.
Mamoru rolled out of the wide four poster bed and stretched. "Must you leave me my lord." Beryl cooed. Mamoru snorted in disgust. He was stark naked. Beryl loved the way his large body felt over hers. His eyes drove her mad. She loved to watch the muscles ripple in his muscular lean body. She loved him so much. Sometimes after they made love, he would talk to her about things. She believed she knew him better than anyone did. She knew there were other women, but she didn't care. When she was his wife (and she would be even if it killed her) she would get rid of all of them.
Mamoru turned around to face the tall auburn brunette lying on the bed. She pulled the silk covers from her curvy body, and smiled at him devilishly. She then opened her legs slightly. Mamoru was unimpressed. He'd already had her so many times, and was quite frankly beginning to get tiered of her. He reached into the pocket of his pants and threw a sachet of gold coins between her legs. "Yes." he said, feeling no need to explain himself.
Beryl flung her body across the bed dramatically. She forced the tears to come. "Why do you treat me so cruelly my love, when all I want to do is be with you?" she wailed. She peaked up to see if he was falling for it. "Drat!" she murmured as she watched him continue to dress, as if he hadn't even heard her. She had one more card up her sleeve and she went for it. "I'm with child and you treat me this way! I'm-" Before she could utter the next words out of her mouth Mamoru was on top of her, and had placed his hand around her neck. He was looking deep into her wide brown eyes. "Your lying." he said. Beryl was frightened, until she felt his hardness against her inner thigh. She smiled deceivingly. Yes things were definitely going to go her way. "No I'm not," she said innocently. Mamoru tightened the grip around her neck. She gasped.
With his left hand he began to unbuckle his pants. He kept his eyes glued to hers. Those eyes that looked at her behind his bangs were intoxicating. "You're a liar," he said spreading her legs. Mamoru could feel Beryl's body temperature rise, and her breathing become heavier. "Yes!" she gasped when he entered her. "Yes you're lying?" he said with a sinister smirk on he face as he with drew himself out of her. Beryl's pupils began to dilate. "Yes, Yes, I'm lying!" she panted. Mamoru thrust so hard into her it almost hurt. Beryl turned her head from side to side trying to control the orgasm that ripped through her. She flung her arms around his neck, and arched her back trying to bring him deeper. She wished it could always be like this with him, just him and her, the rest of the world gone. She swore she would have him no matter what. Mamoru let go of her neck, and removed her arms from around his shoulders. He pinned them over her head, and proceeded to have his way with her, while she panted I love you in his ears a thousand times.
Usagi was lost. What had happened? Then she remembered. "You caught me!" she said laughing. Andrew couldn't believe his luck. Here she was in his arms! 'It would be so easy to lean down and kiss her.' he thought, and that's just what he did or at least tried to do.
Usagi watched Andrew's eyes close, and his head begin to lean down towards hers. She froze. What was he doing? Was he trying to...? Usagi panicked and began to wiggle out of his arms. Andrew's eyes popped open. "Let go of me you baka!" she yelled. Andrew let go of her. Usagi was so embarrassed she didn't know what to do.
'Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!' Andrew thought as he tried to regain his control. "I'm sorry," he said laughing. "Well you- you should be you just tried to kiss me! I could have you court marshaled!" she stuttered. Usagi's heart felt like it was about to burst. Why was he laughing? 'I almost had you to' Andrew said to himself. "I know. May I try again my lady?" he said stepping closer to her. He made the move; he might as well go for the gold now.
Usagi held her arms out to stop him from coming closer. "Don't... Come any closer!" she said. Andrew as to far gone in his Casanova mode to stop. He grabbed her arms and pulled her against his chest. He gave her the look that drove the women wild. "Marry me," he said quietly. This was exactly how he dreamed this moment would be. The sunlight falling through the trees making him look even more gorgeous. His ladylove looking into his eyes. Yes, it was perfect. he could hear the wedding bells now....
"Are you mad?!" Usagi yelled, once more pulling herself from him. "I'm sorry," she said more quietly "but I can't." Was he joking? "I barely know you," she added. Andrew was unfazed. "Ha! We've been in the same army for years!" he said. "Yes, but I still don't really know you." Usagi said again. Andrew acted as if he hadn't heard her. "My father is a very wealthy man, and so am I." Usagi looked him over cautiously, If anything happened she could take him no problem she thought. Andrew thought however, that Usagi looked convinced, so he continued. "You could retire my dear, and never work again." Andrew said. "Creatures such as yourself an I belong together."
Usagi was shocked. Had he not just heard what she'd said? Andrew grabbed Usagi and drew her close to him. He then wrapped his arms around her tightly. He began to move them so that a tree was pressed against Usagi's back. "Come now my love," he said tilting her head to kiss her by gently pulling her hair. "Don't... Be...So difficult," he said saying each word slowly and deliberately, leaning closer with each syllable.
Whack! Before Andrew could even reach her small soft lips he was on the ground. Usagi stood over him. "You are mad." Usagi said looking down at him. "I don't want you to come near me again you baka!" she said. She turned and hurriedly began to walk away. Andrew looked up into the trees. A 5'2 foot 100 pounds or less girl had just floored him, mentally and physically. She was perfect for him. It would take a while, but he would win her over or die trying.
Queen Savet muffled her laughter behind her hand, as she watched the scene below her from the window high above the rose garden. She felt sorry for her poor nephew. She watched him rise up from the ground and brush himself off. She turned her head to see Usagi fleeing in the other direction, ever so often turning around to see if her dim-witted nephew was following her. She laughed again. It reminded her of the many times her Mamo-chan had unsuccessfully pursued her.
Unlike Usagi, she had actually been playing hard to get. Andrew was gone so she searched the massive garden to see where Usagi was. She spotted by the water fountain surrounded by the tall trees she'd had imported from China. Her heart broke. The poor girl held her face in her hands. Was she crying? 'The poor child is unawares that she even has a watcher.' Savet thought. Savet sighed heavily. She her son was the cause of Usagi's distress.
She prided herself on being so perceptive. She'd always known the deep infatuation Usagi held for her son. Savet frowned. Her son was a different matter all together. He was a beautiful playboy, whose recklessness scared her to death. Her stomach turned when she thought of all the women he'd been with. He was the cause of this frown line permanently etched in her for-head. Her head throbbed thought of one of his women in particular. How had he turned out so cold and vain? She remembered the little boy who would cling to her skirts, give her a thousand, and tell her he loved her.
Now he never said the word. He was brilliant. A genius even, and yet he couldn't see what was before his very eye's. He could flirt and sleep with all the whores he wanted, and never be satisfied. But the damn boy never took notice of Usagi. What did she have to do strip naked before he would notice her? She had secretly been rooting for Usagi since the beginning. She did pity those women who hearts were broken by her son, but what could she do?
She'd told him when told hi when he was 15, that before she died she wanted to see him married. He had scowled at the idea, and told her that he would never marry. Savet shook her head sadly. She had little time left. She knew that when her Mamo-chan died she would soon follow. She could not imagine living without him. She supposed she was weak for that, but she'd been strong all her life. She was tiered now. At age 35 she was completely drained. She could barely wake up some mornings.
She was afraid however, to leave he son with out warning him. There was a war or something coming. She didn't know how she knew, but she knew. She'd never told anyone, because no way to prove it. She only had dreams and feelings to back her up. But there were four persons that always stuck out in her mind: Usagi, Mamoru, Beryl, and Diamond. She had no idea what Mamoru's half-brother Diamond his fathers eldest son had to do with it all. She just knew he would be involved somehow.
Well that's it folks. Like it? I would appreciate some suggestions for the next chapter, because I hate writes block. Well you know the drill if you like review, if not who cares? Thank you to all the people who give me such nice reviews! I don't know if I should bring the scouts/senshi back. I think I will. Hmmm. Tuff decisions. I'm so sleepy, so good bye until next time. Cha! Cha! Cha!
