My other Jason/Usagi fic that's Moon Kingdom themed is not finished (That one is getting long and is a soulmate AU) so this one is a Usagi/Serenity chooses Jason as her Queen Consort fic after surviving years after what could have been the Queen Beryl attack.
In this fic, Jason is Bruce's biological child, alongside, Dick and Damian. Cassandra was adopted, but no less cherished.
Thanks for reading!
-Lucicelo
Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom read through the files of possible suitors that her mother narrowed down from a large number of candidates. Her future as Queen of the Moon lured more than enough men to fight for the spot of Queen Consort. Second or third sons jumped at the chance to stand at her side. Lack of inherited titles and lands pushed them to strive for higher, even marrying up into power. Heirs were tossed out of the running during the first screening.
Every single round of screening was looked through with a level of high importance. The Queen Consort was a vital spot to fill. No random man, whether commoner or aristocratic, could marry into the Moon Kingdom without in depth screening. An aristocrat was preferable, but commoners were free to send a betrothal offer. Queen Serenity's late husband, the late Queen Consort Solar, was a commoner who became a reputable General in the Moon Kingdom army.
Princess Serenity remembered her father fondly. Remembering the ache of his beard scratching her cheeks when he lavished affection onto her. His large, calloused hands handled her gently. Serenity never felt unsafe in his presence. He spoiled her behind closed doors, caving to her pout and fluttering lashes.
His unprecedented death brought a looming cloud over Queen Serenity's head. Serenity noticed her mother's new solemn smiles and melancholic glances. Queen Consort Solar, the laughter and brightness of the castle, was the one, other than Serenity, who brought giggles out of the Queen.
In recent years, Serenity learned to look past the exterior sternness. She used to see her mother as one who shut off her emotions. Someone who didn't miss her late husband and became cold. It took Serenity's folly and maturity to see.
Queen Serenity handled her grief as best as she could.
As a true blood Lunarian, she couldn't show weakness in front of her people. The Queen was the foundation of their Kingdom. To show emotion would go against her, especially since she was a woman. She protected herself through moments of hidden grief while holding a strong front. Many of the Solar System aristocracy would want her to marry a suitable man for her to better control her emotions. Give her time to gather herself while her new husband overpowered her and became King.
Queen Serenity was not a naive woman.
She lived through wars, alongside her husband, working hard to bring this undisturbed peace in their Kingdom. All of the planets and Moons of the Solar System, except the Earth, an outsider to the alliance, lived in prosperity and unity.
Which was why many would assume Queen Serenity was being unfair. She married someone she loved, while Princess Serenity was to accept a betrothal. Princess Serenity was given a chance to look for her Queen Consort. She was given ample opportunities throughout the Solar System parties and correspondence.
The one she selected, who turned out to be a liar, broke her confidence in picking her husband. She wasn't mature enough to look past the pretty smiles and sugared words. Serenity learned her lesson the hard way and she wouldn't disappoint her mother through selecting the wrong man for Queen Consort.
Tossing the in-depth file onto the side, she picked up another and sighed out loud. "Okay… The third son of Venus minister is not the one for me. Sorry, Venus. I don't want to share my husband with someone else. I want to be selfish."
Reading the name and title, Serenity read every single word. Fighting back the initial urge to procrastinate and divulge in sweet fruity tea and biscuits.
It didn't take her long to give in and grab a biscuit. Eating it while she read every single detail about this new suitor.
Serenity's eyes ached.
Reminders of her studying sessions under Mercury's hand made her want to cry rivers of tears. Serenity was not one for studying. She hated the idea of sitting in place for hours on end. As she grew older, she got better at not running off from her Queen classes and listened.
Queen Serenity was not retiring anytime soon, but the life lessons came out during their breakfast mornings. Serenity felt a building anxiety in the pit of her stomach when these life lessons began. She didn't want to think about succession. In her mind, she was still young, young by Lunarian standards. Untainted by war and difficulties.
At least, she wouldn't inherit her birthright until her mother abdicated her throne. Unlike her mother, fresh faced and young, inherited her throne after the assassination of her Queen Mother and father. Serenity hoped she was married with a child by that point in time.
Tossing the folder aside, she slid another one into her line of sight. She thought her mother eliminated a huge number of suitors, but the pile was never ending.
This was worse than having to memorize the current monarchs and their heirs of the Solar System alliance and beyond. The outer galaxies offended easily and disliked being named incorrectly. Anyone would be displeased from being forgotten, but the outer Solar System was far more easily offended.
She memorized all the names and even part of the cultures for future conversation topics. Her sword fighting was decent, but not the level of her mother. Serenity still needed continual lessons to dream of coming close. Outer Solar System planets were more battle minded and she needed the best defense she could get.
Her mother spoke of opening the Solar System in the next decade for diplomatic meetings. But the Earth was the one planet in the Solar System not involved in the alliance. They would have to agree to collaborate with the Moon Kingdom before the rest of the planets followed suit.
Upon looking down at the betrothal offer, her heart palpitated.
Prince Endymion.
Serenity didn't understand why he would be in this lineup. Her mother was not careless enough to let a sole heir of a kingdom fall through the cracks. She was far too meticulous for such a mistake.
More than likely, her mother was testing her to see if her previous infatuation was gone.
Serenity appreciated this subtle way of asking rather than bringing it up to her face. The shame of having fallen for Endymion's pretty words was enough to swallow her whole. A princess, a future queen, let her heart dictate her actions.
Her mother was gracious enough to accept her folly as a youthful mistake. Stories of the Queen's own affections for other men, before Queen Serenity's late husband, came to light. Soothing much of Serenity's mortification into a pang of regret.
No one outside of Prince Endymion's guards, Serenity's guards and her mother, knew of their summer tryst.
"H-He's what?" Serenity released the sunflowers Endymion sent, causing them to fall onto the floor.
Venus immediately clasped her hands while Mercury laid a hand on her back. Both of them guided her down onto her chair, saving her from her trembling legs. Jupiter stood in the background, her jaw clenched tightly, hand itching to grasp her blade. Mars was the most furious, almost bursting into flames from her fury.
Jupiter loosened her mouth enough to spit out. "Prince Endymion is engaged to be married to Princess Beryl, my princess."
Serenity shook her head, denial and desperation came through her lips. "B-But…he said that he wasn't engaged! Princess Beryl's claim came from an infatuation!"
"Oh, princess." Venus rubbed her gloved hands. "We should have intercepted before you gathered feelings for him. I had a suspicion he was lying to you. What prince is not engaged or betrothed at his age?"
Rubbing Serenity's back, Mercury continued.
Taking her hands back, Serenity covered her face with her hands and gave into her sadness. Sobbing loudly, she hunched forward. Feeling the energies of her guards surrounding her, Serenity didn't feel embarrassed at her breakdown.
These women saw her at her worst and best times. They were the people, outside of her mother, who could see her in this broken state.
"B-But I'm not engaged either." Serenity cried.
Mars interjected. "For good reason, you're a future monarch. Your spouse has to be willing to stand aside and watch you lead but be your rock behind closed doors. No regular man will not accept not being in control. Your late father was an exception. He was a great general on par with Mars' warriors. He respected his monarch and was willing to stand aside."
Mercury sighed, agreeing with Mars. "She's correct your highness. Your Queen Consort has to be respectable but not powerful enough to usurp your place. The problem with Prince Endymion is his crown prince status. There are no brothers to take his place, but there are male cousins. His father wouldn't accept sending him to the moon."
Serenity lifted her head up; eyes and nose were red from her crying fit. "You really think he wouldn't leave his country for me? That he wouldn't see the big picture? For our happiness?"
Mars shook her head. "No. He is primed for becoming the main sovereign. A king. He would never settle in becoming Queen Consort."
Years passed since Serenity thought of Endymion, he was nothing more than acquaintance. Her silly little crush, due to his handsome face, withered into nothing . By the end of this saga, she loved the Earth more than Endymion. If she was honest, her attention was on Earth, not the man claiming to be the ruler of Earth.
After her heartbreak, Mercury dug deep and found multiple kingdoms on Earth. There was no singular kingdom that ruled over the planet. Prince Endymion's claim as the Earth's prince brought no validity. Had he continued on with the farce, he would have been discovered before the announcement of their so-called betrothal.
Add onto the fact that Prince Endymion was betrothed to Princess Beryl. A princess rumored to be an extremely jealous type. Stories of her disposal of rivals for her fiancé's hand were mind boggling. Serenity would have never wanted to be in the middle of their drama.
Prince Endymion was not free to send in such an application. His kingdom would have rescinded it had they found out about his actions. Although the ties would boost their kingdom's reputation, fights would ensue over their titles and which kingdom they would reside in.
As much as she loved Earth, she wouldn't abandon her home, her life, for a lesser title of King Consort.
Serenity sighed.
"Nope." She tossed the file into the fire, feeling satisfied to see the papers consumed almost immediately. "I'm not choosing him. Never again."
Turning back to the pile, she picked up another profile and skimmed it. "Jason Todd Wayne. Nineteen years old…six foot one…black hair and blue eyes…" She peeked at his photo, muttering with an amused hum. "Handsome." She continued on reading his profile. "Second son of the House of Wayne. Main source of notoriety, medicine, inventions…"
.
.
.
Good afternoon, Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom,
I thank you for giving your time in reading my correspondence.
I have taken it upon myself to send this missive alongside the betrothal offer to add on more of myself. The detailing of my application and betrothal agreement does not express all of myself.
.
.
.
By the end of the letter, Serenity's cheeks ached from smiling for the entirety of the letter. She felt the sincerity from his words and the understanding of his position should she accept. He would be her spouse, her King Consort, the father of her child, but he would hold no higher political standing than the Queen.
Voicing out loud, "Saturn?"
A petite young woman with short black hair and purple eyes appeared from the shadows. "Yes, your highness?"
Serenity turned to face her, smiling ear to ear. "I…think I have selected my King Consort. Please, investigate Jason Todd Wayne from Earth." She removed the picture from the betrothal offer and handed it to Saturn. "Let no one know you're around. Also, you may take other spies to assist you."
Saturn smiled gently, "As you wish, your highness."
When Saturn disappeared, Serenity pushed herself off her seat, grabbed the papers and left her room. She needed to speak to her mother and begin correspondence.
The House of Wayne descended down their grand staircase to collect inside of the dining room. Bruce sat down on his seat first before his children, Richard, Jason, Cassandra, and Damian, sat down in their seats. Richard's betrothed, Princess Koriand'r returned to Tamaran before the incoming wedding day, leaving her future husband despondent and depressed.
Jason and Damian ignored their brother's slumped posture and gloomy attitude to go on their business. Entertaining Richard's mood swings would interrupt their normal routines. Cassandra was the one who amused Richard's despondent state, not liking any of her brothers to feel upset.
Soon enough, even Cassandra grew tired of entertaining Richard's woeful presence. Alfred, their most valued butler, took over in yanking Richard into the kitchen to help him distribute the food during the afternoon meals.
Being left alone in his own office, Richard was left with his own thoughts. Bringing the lovesickness up to a certain degree that no one could stand him. Which was why Alfred took it upon himself to distract him before Richard did something ridiculous outside of his future wife's knowing.
Jason and Damian needed deep reassurance from Alfred that Richard had not cooked any of the food. Which was offensive to Alfred since he never let the Wayne family members step foot inside of the kitchen to make their own food. Maybe, to help with carrying a dish or two on a normal day, but never during Wayne manor's dinner parties.
This morning, however, Richard had not been pulled into the kitchen for distraction purposes. A letter from Princess Koriand'r seemed to raise his spirits enough to resume his usual heir duties. Much to the relief of the inhabitants of Wayne manor.
Richard ate his food with the biggest smile on his face. Jason shrugged his shoulders when he saw his brother's sudden shift of mood. The Tamaranian courier that left the day before was a sign that Richard would be goofily smiling again. Damian rolled his eyes but was relieved to not have to hear his brother's despondent cries of loneliness without his betrothed. Cassandra smiled alongside Richard and ate her food.
Bruce delayed eating on account of looking through the morning paper. His hand reached from behind the paper to pick up his coffee, take slurps, then place it back onto the saucer. This repeated multiple times.
Their usual morning breakfast was interrupted when Alfred appeared at the threshold of the dining room. "Duke Wayne. You have a visitor coming to present a response in the parlor.
Bruce set down his newspaper, confusion clear on his face. "A response? I was not expecting a response from anyone."
"Yes, Duke Wayne." Alfred said. "A courier from the Moon Kingdom is here."
All of the Wayne children's utensils clanked against their plates.
Bruce slammed down his newspaper onto his plate and rushed out of the room. Curious, the Wayne children followed suit. This was news to everyone in the household. They didn't know who was the one who sent correspondence to such a high-ranking kingdom.
The Moon Kingdom was safe guarded to an extreme when it came to correspond. Not just anyone could speak with the Lunarians. Special individuals and kingdoms on Earth were allowed to send messages through couriers or even special contraptions to send their letters.
Whoever managed to breach the Moon Kingdom would either get a scolding or a congratulatory pat in the back.
Damian sent a glare at Jason and Richard, assuming they were the ones who sent foolish words to the Moon Queen. Dooming them all to some intergalactic fight between planets.
Bruce entered the parlor to see a Lunarian standing in front of the sofa. Her silver hair was cut into a pixie style, eyes dark gray. She wore silk, but indestructible robes underneath battle armor. Almost all Lunarians who left the Moon walked the Earth with protection on their bodies. Some of which was activated as a protection shield to bounce off attacks.
Bruce managed to tip his head in greeting. "Good morning, I am Duke Bruce Wayne. Ready to receive your message." Behind him, his children peered around him, trying to discreetly catch a glimpse at the Lunarian.
The Lunarian, named Constellation, bowed deeply before she unraveled the scroll in her hands. " I, Queen Serenity I, am pleased to accept the proposal put forth by High-Ranking Duke Bruce Wayne. Your second son, Jason Todd Wayne, is an acceptable choice for our heiress, Princess Serenity II.
Please, send a response alongside my courier, on an acceptable date for our children to meet.
Sincerely,
Queen Serenity I, Monarch of the Moon Kingdom and Solar System Alliance. "
Bruce was given the letter for him to read for himself.
Constellation stood back in her previous place, watching the reactions of the family with hidden amusement.
Richard clasped his hands together, his grin stretching from ear to ear. "I knew my brother would be the perfect fit for her highness!"
Jason, Damian, and Cassandra snapped their heads toward Richard. Two faces were horrified while the last face was confused. Richard couldn't have gotten the Wayne coat of arms to go through with this, but then again, he was the heir. He could grab the Wayne stamp whenever he wished.
" Dick !" Jason grasped Richard's coat lapel, dragging close enough for their noses to touch. "What the fuck did you do?!"
Richard appeared air headed and blissful when he admitted. "I sent in a betrothal offer to the Moon Kingdom! See? You're going to get married! Well, right after me, of course."
Without saying another word, Jason grasped the back of Richard's blazer and dragged him inside of the adjacent room. The sounds of screaming and pleas of mercy ensued.
Damian and Cassandra shrugged their shoulders and returned back inside of the dining room to resume eating.
"He should have known better." Damian stabbed his fork through a potato.
Cassandra let out a sigh and slurped more of her soup. "Good thing Richard's wedding is months away. Kori will be upset if her betrothed is bruised up."
"Pff. He should have blocked Todd's hits better."
Back inside of the sitting room, Bruce ignored his sons to write a swift answer to Queen Serenity. The courier stood a distance away from him, unresponsive at the rise of volume coming from the other room. Bruce was glad for this woman's discreteness over the roughhousing of his sons.
Weeks of correspondence and negotiations passed before Princess Serenity II and Master Jason Wayne met each other face to face.
Standing beside her mother, the regal and stunning Queen Serenity, Princess Serenity's heart raced as the footman announced the arrival of Grand Duke Bruce Wayne and his second son, Jason Wayne. Placing her gloved hands in front of her, she breathed through her nose and stood tall.
There was no need to feel anything but anticipation. She picked a suitable man for herself. A man who would cherish her and stand at her side without resentment. There was no need to be nervous.
The Moon Kingdom's spies observed her pick for weeks, citing accuracy in the application. Jason Wayne would be a suitable Queen Consort.
Serenity's guards, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, stood a fair distance away. Fearsome and powerful in their sailor uniforms and plated armor. Their mothers, Generals Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter respectfully, stood near the Queen and Princess.
The large marble doors opened to reveal two black haired and blue-eyed men. Duke Bruce Wayne was recognizable for his chiseled jaw and embedded dimples. Jason Wayne was youthful, handsome, with a bulkier body.
Serenity averted her eyes for a brief moment, not wanting her betrothed to notice her staring. She missed the amused smile on his face at her shyness.
Duke Bruce Wayne and Young Master Jason Wayne stopped in front of them before they bowed deeply.
Queen Serenity motioned with her hand. "Please, rise. Welcome to our home, Duke Wayne, Master Wayne."
Duke Wayne smiled. "Thank you for the transportation to receive us."
Jason nodded his head.
Queen Serenity smiled. "It is of no issue to us." Motioning to Serenity with a wave of her hand, she introduced her daughter. "She is my only daughter, Princess Serenity II. Master Jason's betrothed."
"She is as graceful and beautiful as you decribed in your correspondence." Bruce followed suit in introducing his son. "He is my second son, Master Jason Wayne."
Serenity curtseyed while Jason bowed deeper, low enough for her to see the back of his head. She held her head high, looking at her betrothed with a simple smile. When he straightened himself up, he wasn't frowning, but smiling back at her.
Queen Serenity suggested. "My Moon and Stars, you may leave with Master Jason to walk in one of the nearby gardens. Duke Wayne and I have more to discuss." Jupiter and Mars stepped out of the line, ready to follow the pair around the castle. "You may return when the dinner bell has rung."
Serenity nodded. "Yes, mother."
Jason didn't hesitate in gesturing with his arm, bringing Serenity to walk up to him and grasp his arm. As they walked away, Jason muttered to Serenity. "Are your guards fast on their feet?"
Serenity peered up discreetly with a twinkle in her eye. "Yes. Jupiter and Mars are from warrior planets. They are not fooled easy."
Jason hummed. "Really?"
"Yes." Serenity and Jason left the main room and walked down the hall.
The slow walk changed into a slight sprint. Jason grasped her hand and tugged her toward another direction. Serenity couldn't help but laugh out loud. Jason peeked over his shoulder, giving her a wink.
Their little attempt at running away didn't last long, Jupiter and Mars caught up to them with exasperated expressions on their faces.
They entered one of the many secret gardens that littered the Moon Kingdom. Many of whom were littered with complimentary plant life from other planets and galaxies. Previous Queens accepted new plant life for research and to see a glimpse into the culture of the planets who visited the Moon Kingdom.
Jason led her to a seating area underneath a looming tree that sprouted luminescent flowers that glowed in the dark. He let go of her hand to sweep off the fallen petals before Serenity sat down. He even took off his blazer in case she needed it, but Serenity denied his gesture. She was accustomed to the extreme temperatures of the Moon to warrant walking without fur lined garments.
They began talking about whatever topic came to mind. Jason was especially interested in the history of the Moon Kingdom. Serenity's anxiety lessened the more she talked about her kingdom. Happy to talk about a topic she knew quite well.
Jason listened intently. Quipping every so often about certain people she mentioned, comparing them to people he knew in his life. His jokes made Serenity break in laughter, further soothing her doubts about having chosen this man.
Serenity was charmed by his sincerity.
Even more so when he admitted he didn't know about the submitted betrothal offer until the Moon Kingdom courier appeared at his manor home.
"Yeah…father wasn't the one to send in the request. That was my dear brother, Richard. He apparently found it in his heart to find me a wife who could make me as happy as he is."
Chuckling behind her hand, she asked. "Oh? Did your older brother think you wouldn't find your own wife?"
Jason grinned. "He's in the, everyone needs to find love , phase. He's to become a newlywed soon. Since his little surprise worked, he's looking into finding someone for our sister, Cassandra. He won't have much luck in that. Father is too attached to let Cassandra go just yet."
Serenity remembered the latest Earth socialite paper, which was a month late, speaking about Heir Richard Wayne's betrothal to the second princess of the Tamaranian kingdom. After long detailing over the dowry, the princess married into House Wayne, opening a trading textile route to the outer planets past the Solar System. The boon of their match brought a teleportation pod to be installed in Gotham, for easier access for all parties involved.
Through the Moon Kingdom accepting House Wayne's dowry, which consisted of native Earth plants, medicine, lands, and other valuable items, Serenity's match added another connection to the Earth. This time, Serenity didn't feel the previous ache in her heart over thinking of the planet.
In return, the Moon Kingdom shared their discoveries with the Wayne family. Ushering in a new age of advances that benefitted many in their country. Serenity was glad to hear that more people would enjoy comforts because of her mother's generosity in gifting machine blueprints for the Wayne's to manufacture and distribute.
At some point during their conversation, Serenity inquired. "Do you think you're unlovable, Master Jason?"
Jason shook his head. "I know I am lovable. Everyone is capable of love. The question is, would you be willing to love me?"
Serenity bit into her lower lip. "I might. I will. And I shall remain loyal to the rest of my days."
Jason held her hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.
A wedding and nine months later, the new heir of the Moon Kingdom, Princess Trinity Serenity was born with the darkest black hair and bright blue eyes. To the surprise of everyone, a second daughter arrived right after the eldest. Second Princess Harmony Melody, she had the same black hair, but inherited her grandmother, Queen Serenity's silver eyes.
The cycle of singular births was broken by this single birth.
Causing a wave of good luck and prosperity for the Moon Kingdom for generations to come.
The end.
