Title: The Prince of Thieves and a Moon Maiden
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Fifteen
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
Sorry it took so long but lately I haven't felt the need or want to write.
I'm glad I've got this chapter done though! Yay! This chapter is pretty long
and it's about 13 pages so enjoy!
And thanks to all that bothered me about this chapter and emailed me letting
me know they wanted to find out what happened. Without those emails I doubt
I would keep writing this story. Until next time!
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Feeling her heart pounding, Serenity stared at the door. The voices
had died down a little but she could still hear the murmurings of Amy's
sweet voice and then a much deeper, male voice. It was obvious by the tones
that they were having an argument.
'It can't be my betrothed! It just can't! Why would he be here? He's
from Jupiter, Mars or Saturn or something, isn't he? Why would he be on
earth? Did one of the girls send for him?' Serenity shook her head, 'No,
they wouldn't do that to me,' she twisted the white silk blanket around her
hand and continued to stare at the door. The voices got a little bit louder
but not loud enough for her to understand what was being said. Getting
curious, Serenity untwisted her hand from the blanket and stilled herself.
Did she really want to go out there? Did she really want to come face to
face with her destiny? Swallowing the dryness from her throat, she
quickly decided she wasn't ready to face her future husband.
'If he's here… then, that's means he knows all about me; he knows I
turned my back on my home and friends. He knows… well, obviously, he knows
I can use a sword and he doesn't seem too happy about that,' biting her
bottom lip, Serenity wondered, 'What will he do when he sees me? Will he
promise to lock me in my room as soon as our vows are said? Will he beat
me? Will he try to kill me?' Suddenly, it was all too easy to picture a
tall, muscular man with large eyebrows and big dark forbidding eyes
promising the worst thing imaginable. She could just imagine him looming
over her with a large sword in his hand, pushing down on her and slicing
her throat or worse, letting her bleed to death.
"Who else is? You're not and certainly not her mother!" Someone roared
from the other side of the door.
Serenity blinked then put a hand to her throat as if to protect
it. Swallowing and mentally shaking her head, she brought herself out of
her ridiculous vision. 'That would certainly never happen. I wouldn't let
it. I'm not the weak girl that I used to be, I can defend myself. Well, if
he raises one hand to me, well, I'll…I'll, well I'll certainly do
something!' The idea of killing someone, no matter how evil or blood
thirsty didn't quite sit well with her.
Frowning, Serenity looked at the door. It was awfully quiet. Too quiet.
The low murmurings and growls of anger were gone and replaced with silence.
Curious, she carefully peeled back the covers with her good arm, swung
her legs over the side of the bed and slid down, letting her bare feet touch
the cold floor. Her body felt sore from last nights horse ride as well as
from the muscles she had used in the fight with the bandits. Her arm felt
stiff but that was all. She softly walked to the door then hesitantly placed
her ear against it, listening for any signs of a conversation.
Silence.
Taking her ear away from the door for a second she looked around the room.
The warm sunlight was splayed over her bed, making it look warm and
inviting compared to the cool air she was standing in. Wrinkling her brow,
she turned her attention back to the door. Still, silence. What was going
on in there? Had everyone left?
Her eyes lit up, 'There you go! That's got to be why it's so quiet,
he left! That horrible man left.' She licked her lips in anticipation,
stepped back from the door and carefully twisted the handle.
The door creaked and gave a slight groan against the hinges as she
pulled the door open. She looked through the foot wide gap between the door
and the wall. Two of her best friends and two strangers stared back at
her, watching her. One of the two men was obviously her betrothed, but
which one? Looking from the long blond haired man and then to the man with
short dark hair, blue eyes, broad chest, long legs and…
'Wait a minute, I know him from somewhere!' Serenity looked the man up
and down again, wondering where she had seen him before. Suddenly the man
lifted an eyebrow at her in question. Her eyes widened. She knew him! She
knew him!
"Aaaaahhhhhh…" She screamed and quickly spun around, slammed the
door behind her then thumbed the lock to keep him from coming in. Her heart-
beat was flying a hundred miles a minute and she couldn't seem to get
her breathing under control. 'That man! He must know I was the boy from
the arena! He knows I didn't get on the Portal! I'm so dead! And… after
talking to Amy, he knows I'm the princess of the Moon!' Serenity covered
her face with her hands, and moaned, "This has got to be the worst
morning 'ever'! What in the world am I doing in the prince of Earth's
castle?"
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"Serena, open the door," Amy knocked on the door rather loudly, "Serena!"
Silence.
Amy sighed, "We have to discuss this some time, Serena," the blue
haired girl glanced at the prince, "And we're not all patient."
Ray snorted, "I'm perfectly fine sitting right here. My butt still
hurts from yesterday," Ray winced as she moved slightly in her seat.
Endymion sighed and rubbed his hand down his face. He really did not
want to deal with a child right now. It was now obvious that the girl
didn't have any courage; otherwise, she would have faced him by now. He
couldn't believe this was the same girl that had tackled that guy in the
arena. It looked like if he wanted her to speak to her, he might have to
draw a sword.
"Serena!" Amy sighed and leaned against the door, "What is the matter?"
"I'm not coming out!" Serenity finally answered.
"Why not?"
Silence.
"Serena, you're acting ridiculous. Please, for once be logical!"
Amy begged. She really didn't like being stuck between the prince's
impatience and the unmoving door. It made her feel uneasy. The prince
had a certain air about him that demanded you do everything in your power
to not waste his time. Frowning, Amy tried again, "Serena, please, I beg
you to come out."
Amy turned towards the prince and shrugged.
Endymion frowned and looked at Ray for help but the raven haired girl just
shook her head.
"Why not?"
Ray crossed her arms over her chest, "You can count on one thing Serena is
just as stubborn as my self. She won't be coming out of that room for any
of us, not until she's good and ready."
He frowned then growled, "She'll come out". He marched over to the door
and knocked fiercely on it, "Get out of that cave and show some guts! You
just going to hide in there?"
Silence.
"Alright, Miss Man, get out here or I'll-"
"He'll do no such thing. Please, Serena, we only want to talk," Amy
quickly cut the prince off, giving him a glare at the same time. The
prince glared back. No matter how much of a commanding presence the prince
had, Amy was not about to let him threaten her princess.
"Let me handle this," the prince pointed a finger at her, "and stay out
of it."
Amy frowned then glanced at Ray who shrugged her shoulders. Sighing,
Amy stepped back and indicated that he was in charge.
Endymion squared his shoulders, and knocked hard on the door.
"What?"
"We have to talk! We can't do it through a door so come out and act like
a proper lady," he glared at the door.
"As if!" Was her quick reply.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Endymion snapped.
"What do you think it means? You think I'm coming out there where you
are? You'll chop my head off! I'm not stupid you know."
Taking a deep calming breath, Endymion tried to relax, "Okay…I promise
I won't hurt you or even come near you…" His fist clenched as he tried to
keep his voice in check. All he wanted to do right now was throttle that
girl. She had unnecessary put him and his men through several days of riding
out in the hot sun and wasted their time.
Amy and Ray watched the prince with amusement and curiosity. It didn't
look like the prince would last very long.
"I'm giving you one last chance…" the prince growled, "and then I'm
going to-"
"What? Break down the door? I'd like to see you try!"
Amy cleared her throat but didn't comment. Endymion glanced at her through
the corner of his eye, annoyed at her obvious amusement. 'We'll see
who's laughing when this is all over…'
15 minutes later the prince found himself sitting in an armchair
drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair. Ray still sat in the
other armchair, whistling a little tune while Amy and General Zoisite sat
on the couch and talked in soft tones.
"How long do you think she'll stay in there?" Zoisite asked the blue
haired girl who sat next to him.
Amy shrugged and whispered, "Serena has a record of staying in her room
for three days."
Zoisite's eyes opened wide, "Darien isn't going to last that long,"
he glanced at his friend and shook his head. The man was just too stubborn
to admit defeat.
"I wish Serena wouldn't do this. It's just going to make their relation-
ship even harder than it will be," Amy sighed.
"And you would know…?" Zoisite asked, somewhat curious about the
young beauty next to him.
Amy blushed and softly stuttered, "Uh… well, I mean, that is, of
course, well…" sighing, she gave in, "not really," she glanced at Zoisite,
"I've just seen a lot of unhappy couples."
He nodded and Amy sighed, relieved he hadn't asked her anymore
personal questions.
The clock ticked loudly across the room and Ray's whistling seemed to
be getting louder as well. The prince looked at the clock and sighed.
He couldn't stay here much longer; he had to train the new recruits.
He gritted his teeth, sighed then looked at the door. It looked like he
would have to talk with her later. 'Darn her for making this so difficult!'
Suddenly standing, Amy, Zoisite and Ray all looked up. Ray
stopped whistling and frowned, "What's the matter? Going to try again?"
"Can't. I have to be somewhere," Endymion tightened the sash around
his waist, "Tell the princess we'll have to have our discussion another
time," he nodded towards the door, "'if' she ever comes out."
Amy nodded and sighed; glad the prince had finally given up. It was
nice to talk to General Zoisite but she desperately wanted to talk to Serena.
It had been far too long since all the girls were together.
"Then I should go as well," General Zoisite nodded towards Amy,
"It was a pleasure," he gave a short bow then left with Prince Endymion.
Ray winced as she tried to get up, "Okay, that's it. I'm permanently glued
to this chair." She slumped back down in her seat and moaned at the injustice
of it all.
"Serena, they're gone," Amy called.
The door creaked open and Serena peered out. She examined the room
carefully then sighed in relief, "I thought he would never leave."
Amy smiled, "Is your arm feeling okay?"
Serena looked at her arm, "I guess. It doesn't hurt anymore but if feels
stiff."
"Just be careful. Don't put any stress on it during the next few days
and you'll be fine. The rest of you seem to be okay except for some
nasty scratches."
Ray nodded, "You looked quite a mess last night. It's amazing you
weren't crying like a baby."
Serenity stuck her tongue out at Ray who quickly returned it. Amy
smiled; glad things were starting to go back to normal.
Suddenly Serenity frowned, "How's Lita doing? Has the swelling gone down?"
Amy sighed, "I checked on her earlier. She was still asleep. The swelling
as gone down a little but I think it's going to take a day or so for it to
be normal again."
"For being a guardian, she sure doesn't heal very fast," Ray
commented, "I'd been up in a few hours."
"Earth's atmosphere is a little different, Ray," Amy corrected
her, "Whether it was you with the sprained ankle or Lita, you wouldn't
heal any faster. Earth doesn't have free healing power. You have to call
on it to use it while on the Moon or on Mars it's simply there, healing."
Serenity looked down at her arm, "I wondered about that. At home when I
broke my arm, it healed in twenty-four hours. This is taking days to even
close up."
"Hey, what's everyone doing up so early?" Mina opened her door,
still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Hey, Blondie, it's ten-o-clock in the morning. That's early to you?"
Ray rolled her eyes.
Mina ignored Ray as she yawned loudly, "Well, unlike you two I didn't get
to bed 'till really late."
Serenity just stared at Mina. It had been so long since she had seen her
near twin. Mina's blonde hair was tangled mess as it fell over her shoulder
and she still looked really tired which was so unlike Mina. Shoulders
slumping, Mina dragged herself to Ray's arm chair and plopped down on the
arm rest, yawning once again.
Ray lifted an eyebrow and looked up at Mina who now seemed to tower
over her on her right side.
Amy smiled, "Good morning, Mina. We found Serenity last night."
Suddenly Mina's eyes shot open wide, "What?"
"Actually, Lita and Ray found me," Serenity piped in, smiling brightly.
Mina stared at their princess who stood across the room; unshed tears filled
her eyes, "Serena?"
Serenity gave a bitter smile. 'She probably hates me after all
this.' However, that was the last thing on Mina's mind. The blonde twin
jumped off the arm chair and ran at her friend, crushing her into a tight
hug. Serenity gasped in surprise before quickly returning the hug. Mina
was sobbing and talking incoherently as she hugged Serenity around the
waist.
Serenity felt tears prick her eyes, 'Does she forgive me?' Serenity
rocked Mina back and forth, trying to comfort her friend as well as her self.
It felt so unreal to be with her friends again, almost like a dream. But
Mina felt real and Amy and Ray seemed real enough to her.
Finally Mina pulled back a little with heavy tears streaming down her
face, "I thought I was going to have to lead everyone alone! And that we
would never see you again!" Serenity let the tears fall and pulled Mina back
to her whispering words of comfort. It was obvious that Mina, all this time,
had been feeling insecure and somewhat lost. It was decided long ago that
Mina would be the leader of all her guardians, that one day she would have
to make all the decisions in regards to their princess and Mina was
obviously feeling that burden already.
After many tears and sobs, both girls calmed down and found
themselves sitting next to Amy on the couch. Amy wiped a few stray
tears from her eyes and smiled at the two girls. No words were said
of any of the girls, instead a quiet peaceful feeling fell upon the
room, leaving all the girls in their own thoughts and hopes.
Ray sniffed. She hated to admit it but that scene had touched her.
It was almost like Mina's energy had spread throughout all the room and
touched every single one of them. Ray wondered if that was possible and
then concluded that it was very possible. Mina was a very emotional person
and if she didn't watch it her energy could easily radiate off her.
"Ah, guys, I have a question," Serenity looked down at her lap. Mina
sat next to her with a frown.
"What is it?" Mina asked.
"Do you hate me?"
Everyone stared.
"I thought we already said we didn't," Ray stated, somewhat confused.
"I know," Serenity breathed, "but, guys, I left you and I didn't go
home when I had the chance. It wasn't my choice to be kidnapped but it was
to NOT get on that portal."
"Why didn't you?" Amy asked.
"I…I guess I didn't want to go home, you know, back to where everything was
so confusing and where I would be forced to marry some prince. I wanted to
be free for a little while first. I felt if I went back and married this
prince, I wouldn't get to go to tournaments anymore and hang out with you
guys," Serenity lifted her head and looked at all three girls, "I'm sorry.
I was being selfish. It didn't occur to me that you would all worry so much…
at least, not until I was kidnapped again."
Confused faces dawned on all the girls.
"Huh? Did I just miss something?" Ray leaned forward, careful of her bum,
"Did you say you got kidnapped twice?"
"Well," Serenity smiled softly, "soft of. I was not far from the Portal
in a small town. Some mountain men came down and sort of kidnapped me
and brought me to their camp, I guess, planning to make me a slave
or something."
Amy frowned, "Then how did you-"
"-get away?" Serenity finished with a smile, "Actually, they just let me go.
I challenged their leader in an arm wrestling match and I won! After that I
was on good terms with the leader and I asked him to teach me to fight with
a sword."
"You what? Are you crazy, Meatball head? He could have just killed
you!" Ray fumed at her princess's stupidity.
"Well, he didn't okay?" Serenity snapped. Ray leaned back looking
somewhat annoyed.
"Anyway," Serenity continued, "He taught me how to use a sword. You
should have seen all the bruises I got from that. I kind of got good at it
so I got him to enter me into a tournament."
"He entered you?"
"Well, sort of, he got me there. Then I had to sign up. Then that stupid
prince showed up and almost ruined it all. It was a good thing I was dressed
as a boy or he would have recognized me," Serenity smiled, quite proud
of herself.
"You were dressed as a boy?" Mina squealed, "But that's… you…" Mina
looked Serenity up and down, "that's impossible!"
Blushing, Serenity shrugged, "I just bound my chest with some material
and covered my hair with a hat."
Ray jumped up then suddenly let out a "oh, that hurt" as a painful
look crossed her face.
Serenity felt sorry for her. None of the girls were used to riding horses
at all. In fact, her butt was still kind of sore.
Getting over her pain, Ray glared, "You could have gotten killed! Why
in the world did you want to enter a tournament! That guy was more than
twice your size!"
Serenity frowned, "I thought I could do it. I have to admit, I didn't
know quite what I was getting myself into but once I got out there I knew what
I was doing!"
"Yeah, and then you started to run!" Mina frowned, "Serenity, you're
the princess of the Moon. You can't put your life in danger, not even a
little bit. What if something happened to you out there? What would the moon
do? They would be morning a princess and then there would be no heir to
the throne. The Kingdom itself would go under some other planets laws and
they might not be a good one."
Serenity looked at all their faces. None of them looked happy. She
sighed, "I'm sorry. I know it was awful but I felt I had to prove that I
was as good as any man… anyway, it turns out I'll never know. I got knocked
out before it even ended."
Mina rolled her eyes, "Did you just listen to us? Who cares about
the tournament or whether you can beat a guy or not? You could have died
out there!"
"I know, Mina!" Serenity snapped, "I heard, but did it ever occur to
you that I don't want to be a princess?!" Just as she let it out she knew
it wasn't true. She had seen things other princesses hadn't and she knew what
it was like out there. She cared for her people and wanted to help them…
she just wasn't sure how.
All the girls just stared at her. Ray turned her head away and sighed
while Mina and Amy sat in silence looking at their laps.
Biting her lip, she sighed, "I'm sorry guys, and I didn't mean it.
I… I'm just confused."
Mina nodded and gave a soft smile, "I know, believe me, Serena, we all
know it's hard. We have our own planets to be loyal to… I think you need to
find your own path. I know there's one thing; we can't find it for you no
matter how much we want to."
"Thanks Mina," Serenity gave an apologetic smiled.
"No problem."
She hated to admit it but things had changed in so many ways yet in
other ways, things were still the same. She had learned new things about
herself through her journey's but she still had yet to discover what else
she was capable of…like ruling a kingdom and putting all else above herself.
She had the desire to be more… she just wasn't sure how to go about it. She
just felt so scrambled that it made her want to cry out in frustration. If
felt like she was standing in front of a large locked door without a key.
If she only had the key…she knew she could do what her heart was telling
her… But what was the key and how does one get it?
Serenity frowned at her thoughts. It made no sense.
"Oh, Serena," Amy suddenly smiled, "I…ah, called your mother on
the telecommunications port this morning. I informed her that you're here.
She said she would be here this afternoon."
Serenity felt her throat tighten and her heart beat faster. She wanted
to say something but she felt too confined. Her mother! 'Finally, it seems
like it's been so long!' So instead, Serenity nodded and gave Amy a smile.
Amy smiled back then turned to Ray, "I'm going to go check on Lita
again and see if I can help her. If the General comes, tell him to come in."
"What general?" Mina looked from Amy to Ray.
"General Zoisite, he said that he could help," Amy stood up and left the
room, disappearing into Lita's.
"Who's General Zoisite?" Serenity questioned.
Mina smiled, "The one that likes Amy," She giggled at Serenity's confused look.
Ray smiled, "He was the other guy in here earlier if you paid any
attention before slamming the door."
"Ohhh…" Serenity nodded, "Does Amy like him?"
Mina just smiled but didn't reply.
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Hours later, Serenity stood in a light blue empire dress. Her
skirts rustled against her legs as she paced the floor. Some servants
had brought lunch a little over a half a hour ago but Serenity wasn't hungry
or at least she couldn't eat right now, her stomach was filled with too
many butterflies.
Ray stood against the wall on the other side of the room, Mina and Amy
took up the two armchairs while Lita laid on the couch with her ankle propped
up with some pillows.
The girls watched Serenity pace the room. The Queen would be here
any minute.
"Sere, you're going to make me dizzy," Ray commented.
Serenity stopped, looked at Ray with a nervous look before quickly pacing
again. She couldn't hold still if she wanted. Questions ran through her
head like 'what will she say', 'will she disown me', 'will she be mad',
'will she forgive me like the other have'? Questions, too many questions.
Seconds later, the door handle twisted making an echoing sound
in Serenity's ears. She was here! The doorknob twisted and the door swung
open and in stepped Queen Serenity. The majestic silver haired woman stood
for only a moment staring at her daughter. Her light blue eyes shimmered and
her lips quivered. Tears suddenly streaked down the older woman's face.
Serena stared right back at her mother, wondering if it would be right to
move, to embrace her mother but soon she didn't have to worry. The Queen
herself bolted forwards and wrapped her daughter in her arms as tears fell
from her eyes and onto her daughter's forehead.
"Mother!" Serenity gripped her mother around the waist, holding on for
dear life. The soft easy scent that only belonged to her mother drifted
around her, making her feel as if she was in heaven. Her mother's soft
silver hair brushed against her face as she kissed her forehead.
The guardians watched with tears in their eyes. It had seemed forever
since they had seen the Queen and it had been even longer since they'd
seen daughter and mother together again.
"My darling, darling, princess…" Queen Serenity murmured against
Serena's forehead, "Don't ever leave me like that again."
Serena nodded and pulled back to look into her mother's eyes, "I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry! I'll do whatever you say, I'm just so sorry…" Once again
Serena pulled her mother towards her in their hug.
Queen Serenity gently pulled her daughter so that they both sat on the
coffee table next to each other, still holding on to one another. The
queen looked around and smiled through her tears, "You're all here, my
sweet angels."
Mina choked on her own sob and tried to smile. The queen was dear to them
and it was wonderful to see her again.
All the guardians gave brilliant teary smiles to the Queen and nodded
their heads.
For the first time, they were all together again.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
After hugs, kisses and stories were shared of their adventures, the
guardians left to leave daughter and mother alone to talk.
The Queen sat on one of the armchairs while her daughter sat at her
feet, holding her hands between her own.
"Please…forgive me…" Serenity sniffed, "I'm sorry I ran away, I'm sorry
I didn't obey you."
Queen Serenity smiled slightly and looked around the room, "But you're
not sorry for the things you learned on your adventures, are you?"
Serena's eyes widened, "Mother… of course… I… "
The queen smiled, "I wouldn't want you to be sorry about that. I forgive you
for leaving me… I love you too much to be mad at you. Even when you were
little and would get into trouble I couldn't stay mad at you. But… In an
odd way I'm glad you went off on your own. You needed that space to grow and
to learn. I sense you are stronger spiritually and mentally because of it
and I'm proud of you."
"Mother… but I-"
"Shhh…" Queen Serenity lifted a hand and brushed some hair out of her
daughter's face, "You still have much to learn but," She smiled, "You
have plenty of time. You're not all grown up yet but I think you're on your
way there. I'm sorry too, Serenity, I'm sorry I didn't recognize how young
you truly were."
Serenity bit her lip and rested her head on her mothers lap, "Let's
not think about that. I love you."
Queen Serenity leaned down and kissed her daughters forehead, "And
as always, I love you."
Silence reined.
"Serenity," the queen lifted her daughter head from her lap, "I want you
to promise me you'll give the prince a chance."
Serena's eyes widened, "But mother, you don't understand-"
"I don't need to," she frowned, "Serenity I want you to promise you'll give
him a chance."
Serenity let out a breath of air, looked at her mother, smiled slightly
and nodded, "Alright, I promise."
The queen sighed and smiled, "Thank you."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
As night dawned, the king and queen of earth, the prince and all his
generals and all the guardians of the princess sat at the dinning room
table. Most of them sat in silence staring at the well lit candles that
adorned the table while other stared at their laps or looked out the window.
The door clicked open. Everyone looked up and let out a breath of relief
as Queen Serenity and her daughter stepped through the doors and came to
take their seats at the table.
"Please accept our apology… We lost track of time," Queen Serenity, with
the help of a servant, sat in her chair. Princess Serenity sat on the
opposite side of the table, next to the Prince of Earth.
"Of course," King Terran smiled at the Queen, "It's good to see you
again, Serenity."
After greetings were given, the food was brought in and dinner
started. Serenity, who sat next to the prince, felt self-conscious and not
quite sure how to react to him. Every once and a while she could feel his
eyes on her and every single time it made her feel small and vulnerable.
She wished he would stop it.
"Now that my son has informed me that the princess has been found… 'before'
I even knew she was kidnapped, I think it's high time we got this
wedding underway," King Terran said quite loudly over the table. He glanced
at his son who gave him a tight smile.
Serenity went pale and suddenly didn't feel so good. She looked down at
her half eaten food and had to fight down the feeling of nausea.
Queen Serenity nodded solemnly, "I think that is best as well… I can
feel something stirring, your majesty," her voice dropped down into a
whisper.
The king leaned forward with a crease on his forehead, "From where?
"I know not but I can feel it and…" She suddenly glanced at the prince
and her daughter, cleared her throat, backed up and gave the king a look
that clearly said 'later'.
Serenity frowned. She didn't hear much of the conversation but she
knew something was happening, something that had to do with her and her
kingdom.
"Seems as if something is up," Prince Endymion glanced at her, "You
wouldn't know what, would you?" He stared at his plate as he played with
his food.
"No," Serenity frowned, "Are you implying something?"
The prince smiled rudely, "What would make you say that?" He turned to her
and looked at her full in the face before letting his eyes travel down as
far as the table would allow and back up again to her eyes.
Serenity blushed bright red and quickly turned her head to stare at
her plate, "You are the rudest prince I've ever met!" She whispered
violently.
Endymion chuckled, "Am I? I doubt it."
"Sere, did you just hear that?" Mina suddenly squealed from across the
table, "There is a ball tomorrow night in our honor!"
Serenity quickly turned to the prince for an explanation.
The prince only shrugged and smiled.
The Earth Queen spoke up to explain, "It was all my idea of course,"
She beamed, "There will be all kinds of suitors for these lovely young
ladies and the best of the Kingdom will be there!"
Endymion chuckled under his breath but the princess heard it quite clearly.
"What's so funny?" She turned and gave him a subtle glare.
He smiled, "Hmmm…? Oh, well I was just thinking how you already got
your suitor and you're stuck with me," Then a scowl suddenly appeared on
his face, "And I'm stuck with you."
Serenity no longer cared if her mother saw; she openly glared at him
before turning sharply and asking the Queen more questions about the ball.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Meanwhile, two men sat outside the palace dinning room window, listening
to the girls giggle and talk about some kind of ball.
"What do you think it means? What do they plan to do with a ball?"
The second man rolled his eyes and whispered, "You idiot! A Ball is a party or
a dance where there's food and women!"
"Oh. Ohhh…" The man smiled, "The master would like to hear about this."
"Ya, he would… Hurry, let's go!"
"I thought we're gonna catch the princess.
"Shut-up, there's not a way for that now. Come on, we have to bring news."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
To be continued…
Author: Marie J.W.
Chapter: Fifteen
Rated: PG
Email: mariejwchan@yahoo.com
Sorry it took so long but lately I haven't felt the need or want to write.
I'm glad I've got this chapter done though! Yay! This chapter is pretty long
and it's about 13 pages so enjoy!
And thanks to all that bothered me about this chapter and emailed me letting
me know they wanted to find out what happened. Without those emails I doubt
I would keep writing this story. Until next time!
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Feeling her heart pounding, Serenity stared at the door. The voices
had died down a little but she could still hear the murmurings of Amy's
sweet voice and then a much deeper, male voice. It was obvious by the tones
that they were having an argument.
'It can't be my betrothed! It just can't! Why would he be here? He's
from Jupiter, Mars or Saturn or something, isn't he? Why would he be on
earth? Did one of the girls send for him?' Serenity shook her head, 'No,
they wouldn't do that to me,' she twisted the white silk blanket around her
hand and continued to stare at the door. The voices got a little bit louder
but not loud enough for her to understand what was being said. Getting
curious, Serenity untwisted her hand from the blanket and stilled herself.
Did she really want to go out there? Did she really want to come face to
face with her destiny? Swallowing the dryness from her throat, she
quickly decided she wasn't ready to face her future husband.
'If he's here… then, that's means he knows all about me; he knows I
turned my back on my home and friends. He knows… well, obviously, he knows
I can use a sword and he doesn't seem too happy about that,' biting her
bottom lip, Serenity wondered, 'What will he do when he sees me? Will he
promise to lock me in my room as soon as our vows are said? Will he beat
me? Will he try to kill me?' Suddenly, it was all too easy to picture a
tall, muscular man with large eyebrows and big dark forbidding eyes
promising the worst thing imaginable. She could just imagine him looming
over her with a large sword in his hand, pushing down on her and slicing
her throat or worse, letting her bleed to death.
"Who else is? You're not and certainly not her mother!" Someone roared
from the other side of the door.
Serenity blinked then put a hand to her throat as if to protect
it. Swallowing and mentally shaking her head, she brought herself out of
her ridiculous vision. 'That would certainly never happen. I wouldn't let
it. I'm not the weak girl that I used to be, I can defend myself. Well, if
he raises one hand to me, well, I'll…I'll, well I'll certainly do
something!' The idea of killing someone, no matter how evil or blood
thirsty didn't quite sit well with her.
Frowning, Serenity looked at the door. It was awfully quiet. Too quiet.
The low murmurings and growls of anger were gone and replaced with silence.
Curious, she carefully peeled back the covers with her good arm, swung
her legs over the side of the bed and slid down, letting her bare feet touch
the cold floor. Her body felt sore from last nights horse ride as well as
from the muscles she had used in the fight with the bandits. Her arm felt
stiff but that was all. She softly walked to the door then hesitantly placed
her ear against it, listening for any signs of a conversation.
Silence.
Taking her ear away from the door for a second she looked around the room.
The warm sunlight was splayed over her bed, making it look warm and
inviting compared to the cool air she was standing in. Wrinkling her brow,
she turned her attention back to the door. Still, silence. What was going
on in there? Had everyone left?
Her eyes lit up, 'There you go! That's got to be why it's so quiet,
he left! That horrible man left.' She licked her lips in anticipation,
stepped back from the door and carefully twisted the handle.
The door creaked and gave a slight groan against the hinges as she
pulled the door open. She looked through the foot wide gap between the door
and the wall. Two of her best friends and two strangers stared back at
her, watching her. One of the two men was obviously her betrothed, but
which one? Looking from the long blond haired man and then to the man with
short dark hair, blue eyes, broad chest, long legs and…
'Wait a minute, I know him from somewhere!' Serenity looked the man up
and down again, wondering where she had seen him before. Suddenly the man
lifted an eyebrow at her in question. Her eyes widened. She knew him! She
knew him!
"Aaaaahhhhhh…" She screamed and quickly spun around, slammed the
door behind her then thumbed the lock to keep him from coming in. Her heart-
beat was flying a hundred miles a minute and she couldn't seem to get
her breathing under control. 'That man! He must know I was the boy from
the arena! He knows I didn't get on the Portal! I'm so dead! And… after
talking to Amy, he knows I'm the princess of the Moon!' Serenity covered
her face with her hands, and moaned, "This has got to be the worst
morning 'ever'! What in the world am I doing in the prince of Earth's
castle?"
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
"Serena, open the door," Amy knocked on the door rather loudly, "Serena!"
Silence.
Amy sighed, "We have to discuss this some time, Serena," the blue
haired girl glanced at the prince, "And we're not all patient."
Ray snorted, "I'm perfectly fine sitting right here. My butt still
hurts from yesterday," Ray winced as she moved slightly in her seat.
Endymion sighed and rubbed his hand down his face. He really did not
want to deal with a child right now. It was now obvious that the girl
didn't have any courage; otherwise, she would have faced him by now. He
couldn't believe this was the same girl that had tackled that guy in the
arena. It looked like if he wanted her to speak to her, he might have to
draw a sword.
"Serena!" Amy sighed and leaned against the door, "What is the matter?"
"I'm not coming out!" Serenity finally answered.
"Why not?"
Silence.
"Serena, you're acting ridiculous. Please, for once be logical!"
Amy begged. She really didn't like being stuck between the prince's
impatience and the unmoving door. It made her feel uneasy. The prince
had a certain air about him that demanded you do everything in your power
to not waste his time. Frowning, Amy tried again, "Serena, please, I beg
you to come out."
Amy turned towards the prince and shrugged.
Endymion frowned and looked at Ray for help but the raven haired girl just
shook her head.
"Why not?"
Ray crossed her arms over her chest, "You can count on one thing Serena is
just as stubborn as my self. She won't be coming out of that room for any
of us, not until she's good and ready."
He frowned then growled, "She'll come out". He marched over to the door
and knocked fiercely on it, "Get out of that cave and show some guts! You
just going to hide in there?"
Silence.
"Alright, Miss Man, get out here or I'll-"
"He'll do no such thing. Please, Serena, we only want to talk," Amy
quickly cut the prince off, giving him a glare at the same time. The
prince glared back. No matter how much of a commanding presence the prince
had, Amy was not about to let him threaten her princess.
"Let me handle this," the prince pointed a finger at her, "and stay out
of it."
Amy frowned then glanced at Ray who shrugged her shoulders. Sighing,
Amy stepped back and indicated that he was in charge.
Endymion squared his shoulders, and knocked hard on the door.
"What?"
"We have to talk! We can't do it through a door so come out and act like
a proper lady," he glared at the door.
"As if!" Was her quick reply.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Endymion snapped.
"What do you think it means? You think I'm coming out there where you
are? You'll chop my head off! I'm not stupid you know."
Taking a deep calming breath, Endymion tried to relax, "Okay…I promise
I won't hurt you or even come near you…" His fist clenched as he tried to
keep his voice in check. All he wanted to do right now was throttle that
girl. She had unnecessary put him and his men through several days of riding
out in the hot sun and wasted their time.
Amy and Ray watched the prince with amusement and curiosity. It didn't
look like the prince would last very long.
"I'm giving you one last chance…" the prince growled, "and then I'm
going to-"
"What? Break down the door? I'd like to see you try!"
Amy cleared her throat but didn't comment. Endymion glanced at her through
the corner of his eye, annoyed at her obvious amusement. 'We'll see
who's laughing when this is all over…'
15 minutes later the prince found himself sitting in an armchair
drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair. Ray still sat in the
other armchair, whistling a little tune while Amy and General Zoisite sat
on the couch and talked in soft tones.
"How long do you think she'll stay in there?" Zoisite asked the blue
haired girl who sat next to him.
Amy shrugged and whispered, "Serena has a record of staying in her room
for three days."
Zoisite's eyes opened wide, "Darien isn't going to last that long,"
he glanced at his friend and shook his head. The man was just too stubborn
to admit defeat.
"I wish Serena wouldn't do this. It's just going to make their relation-
ship even harder than it will be," Amy sighed.
"And you would know…?" Zoisite asked, somewhat curious about the
young beauty next to him.
Amy blushed and softly stuttered, "Uh… well, I mean, that is, of
course, well…" sighing, she gave in, "not really," she glanced at Zoisite,
"I've just seen a lot of unhappy couples."
He nodded and Amy sighed, relieved he hadn't asked her anymore
personal questions.
The clock ticked loudly across the room and Ray's whistling seemed to
be getting louder as well. The prince looked at the clock and sighed.
He couldn't stay here much longer; he had to train the new recruits.
He gritted his teeth, sighed then looked at the door. It looked like he
would have to talk with her later. 'Darn her for making this so difficult!'
Suddenly standing, Amy, Zoisite and Ray all looked up. Ray
stopped whistling and frowned, "What's the matter? Going to try again?"
"Can't. I have to be somewhere," Endymion tightened the sash around
his waist, "Tell the princess we'll have to have our discussion another
time," he nodded towards the door, "'if' she ever comes out."
Amy nodded and sighed; glad the prince had finally given up. It was
nice to talk to General Zoisite but she desperately wanted to talk to Serena.
It had been far too long since all the girls were together.
"Then I should go as well," General Zoisite nodded towards Amy,
"It was a pleasure," he gave a short bow then left with Prince Endymion.
Ray winced as she tried to get up, "Okay, that's it. I'm permanently glued
to this chair." She slumped back down in her seat and moaned at the injustice
of it all.
"Serena, they're gone," Amy called.
The door creaked open and Serena peered out. She examined the room
carefully then sighed in relief, "I thought he would never leave."
Amy smiled, "Is your arm feeling okay?"
Serena looked at her arm, "I guess. It doesn't hurt anymore but if feels
stiff."
"Just be careful. Don't put any stress on it during the next few days
and you'll be fine. The rest of you seem to be okay except for some
nasty scratches."
Ray nodded, "You looked quite a mess last night. It's amazing you
weren't crying like a baby."
Serenity stuck her tongue out at Ray who quickly returned it. Amy
smiled; glad things were starting to go back to normal.
Suddenly Serenity frowned, "How's Lita doing? Has the swelling gone down?"
Amy sighed, "I checked on her earlier. She was still asleep. The swelling
as gone down a little but I think it's going to take a day or so for it to
be normal again."
"For being a guardian, she sure doesn't heal very fast," Ray
commented, "I'd been up in a few hours."
"Earth's atmosphere is a little different, Ray," Amy corrected
her, "Whether it was you with the sprained ankle or Lita, you wouldn't
heal any faster. Earth doesn't have free healing power. You have to call
on it to use it while on the Moon or on Mars it's simply there, healing."
Serenity looked down at her arm, "I wondered about that. At home when I
broke my arm, it healed in twenty-four hours. This is taking days to even
close up."
"Hey, what's everyone doing up so early?" Mina opened her door,
still rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
"Hey, Blondie, it's ten-o-clock in the morning. That's early to you?"
Ray rolled her eyes.
Mina ignored Ray as she yawned loudly, "Well, unlike you two I didn't get
to bed 'till really late."
Serenity just stared at Mina. It had been so long since she had seen her
near twin. Mina's blonde hair was tangled mess as it fell over her shoulder
and she still looked really tired which was so unlike Mina. Shoulders
slumping, Mina dragged herself to Ray's arm chair and plopped down on the
arm rest, yawning once again.
Ray lifted an eyebrow and looked up at Mina who now seemed to tower
over her on her right side.
Amy smiled, "Good morning, Mina. We found Serenity last night."
Suddenly Mina's eyes shot open wide, "What?"
"Actually, Lita and Ray found me," Serenity piped in, smiling brightly.
Mina stared at their princess who stood across the room; unshed tears filled
her eyes, "Serena?"
Serenity gave a bitter smile. 'She probably hates me after all
this.' However, that was the last thing on Mina's mind. The blonde twin
jumped off the arm chair and ran at her friend, crushing her into a tight
hug. Serenity gasped in surprise before quickly returning the hug. Mina
was sobbing and talking incoherently as she hugged Serenity around the
waist.
Serenity felt tears prick her eyes, 'Does she forgive me?' Serenity
rocked Mina back and forth, trying to comfort her friend as well as her self.
It felt so unreal to be with her friends again, almost like a dream. But
Mina felt real and Amy and Ray seemed real enough to her.
Finally Mina pulled back a little with heavy tears streaming down her
face, "I thought I was going to have to lead everyone alone! And that we
would never see you again!" Serenity let the tears fall and pulled Mina back
to her whispering words of comfort. It was obvious that Mina, all this time,
had been feeling insecure and somewhat lost. It was decided long ago that
Mina would be the leader of all her guardians, that one day she would have
to make all the decisions in regards to their princess and Mina was
obviously feeling that burden already.
After many tears and sobs, both girls calmed down and found
themselves sitting next to Amy on the couch. Amy wiped a few stray
tears from her eyes and smiled at the two girls. No words were said
of any of the girls, instead a quiet peaceful feeling fell upon the
room, leaving all the girls in their own thoughts and hopes.
Ray sniffed. She hated to admit it but that scene had touched her.
It was almost like Mina's energy had spread throughout all the room and
touched every single one of them. Ray wondered if that was possible and
then concluded that it was very possible. Mina was a very emotional person
and if she didn't watch it her energy could easily radiate off her.
"Ah, guys, I have a question," Serenity looked down at her lap. Mina
sat next to her with a frown.
"What is it?" Mina asked.
"Do you hate me?"
Everyone stared.
"I thought we already said we didn't," Ray stated, somewhat confused.
"I know," Serenity breathed, "but, guys, I left you and I didn't go
home when I had the chance. It wasn't my choice to be kidnapped but it was
to NOT get on that portal."
"Why didn't you?" Amy asked.
"I…I guess I didn't want to go home, you know, back to where everything was
so confusing and where I would be forced to marry some prince. I wanted to
be free for a little while first. I felt if I went back and married this
prince, I wouldn't get to go to tournaments anymore and hang out with you
guys," Serenity lifted her head and looked at all three girls, "I'm sorry.
I was being selfish. It didn't occur to me that you would all worry so much…
at least, not until I was kidnapped again."
Confused faces dawned on all the girls.
"Huh? Did I just miss something?" Ray leaned forward, careful of her bum,
"Did you say you got kidnapped twice?"
"Well," Serenity smiled softly, "soft of. I was not far from the Portal
in a small town. Some mountain men came down and sort of kidnapped me
and brought me to their camp, I guess, planning to make me a slave
or something."
Amy frowned, "Then how did you-"
"-get away?" Serenity finished with a smile, "Actually, they just let me go.
I challenged their leader in an arm wrestling match and I won! After that I
was on good terms with the leader and I asked him to teach me to fight with
a sword."
"You what? Are you crazy, Meatball head? He could have just killed
you!" Ray fumed at her princess's stupidity.
"Well, he didn't okay?" Serenity snapped. Ray leaned back looking
somewhat annoyed.
"Anyway," Serenity continued, "He taught me how to use a sword. You
should have seen all the bruises I got from that. I kind of got good at it
so I got him to enter me into a tournament."
"He entered you?"
"Well, sort of, he got me there. Then I had to sign up. Then that stupid
prince showed up and almost ruined it all. It was a good thing I was dressed
as a boy or he would have recognized me," Serenity smiled, quite proud
of herself.
"You were dressed as a boy?" Mina squealed, "But that's… you…" Mina
looked Serenity up and down, "that's impossible!"
Blushing, Serenity shrugged, "I just bound my chest with some material
and covered my hair with a hat."
Ray jumped up then suddenly let out a "oh, that hurt" as a painful
look crossed her face.
Serenity felt sorry for her. None of the girls were used to riding horses
at all. In fact, her butt was still kind of sore.
Getting over her pain, Ray glared, "You could have gotten killed! Why
in the world did you want to enter a tournament! That guy was more than
twice your size!"
Serenity frowned, "I thought I could do it. I have to admit, I didn't
know quite what I was getting myself into but once I got out there I knew what
I was doing!"
"Yeah, and then you started to run!" Mina frowned, "Serenity, you're
the princess of the Moon. You can't put your life in danger, not even a
little bit. What if something happened to you out there? What would the moon
do? They would be morning a princess and then there would be no heir to
the throne. The Kingdom itself would go under some other planets laws and
they might not be a good one."
Serenity looked at all their faces. None of them looked happy. She
sighed, "I'm sorry. I know it was awful but I felt I had to prove that I
was as good as any man… anyway, it turns out I'll never know. I got knocked
out before it even ended."
Mina rolled her eyes, "Did you just listen to us? Who cares about
the tournament or whether you can beat a guy or not? You could have died
out there!"
"I know, Mina!" Serenity snapped, "I heard, but did it ever occur to
you that I don't want to be a princess?!" Just as she let it out she knew
it wasn't true. She had seen things other princesses hadn't and she knew what
it was like out there. She cared for her people and wanted to help them…
she just wasn't sure how.
All the girls just stared at her. Ray turned her head away and sighed
while Mina and Amy sat in silence looking at their laps.
Biting her lip, she sighed, "I'm sorry guys, and I didn't mean it.
I… I'm just confused."
Mina nodded and gave a soft smile, "I know, believe me, Serena, we all
know it's hard. We have our own planets to be loyal to… I think you need to
find your own path. I know there's one thing; we can't find it for you no
matter how much we want to."
"Thanks Mina," Serenity gave an apologetic smiled.
"No problem."
She hated to admit it but things had changed in so many ways yet in
other ways, things were still the same. She had learned new things about
herself through her journey's but she still had yet to discover what else
she was capable of…like ruling a kingdom and putting all else above herself.
She had the desire to be more… she just wasn't sure how to go about it. She
just felt so scrambled that it made her want to cry out in frustration. If
felt like she was standing in front of a large locked door without a key.
If she only had the key…she knew she could do what her heart was telling
her… But what was the key and how does one get it?
Serenity frowned at her thoughts. It made no sense.
"Oh, Serena," Amy suddenly smiled, "I…ah, called your mother on
the telecommunications port this morning. I informed her that you're here.
She said she would be here this afternoon."
Serenity felt her throat tighten and her heart beat faster. She wanted
to say something but she felt too confined. Her mother! 'Finally, it seems
like it's been so long!' So instead, Serenity nodded and gave Amy a smile.
Amy smiled back then turned to Ray, "I'm going to go check on Lita
again and see if I can help her. If the General comes, tell him to come in."
"What general?" Mina looked from Amy to Ray.
"General Zoisite, he said that he could help," Amy stood up and left the
room, disappearing into Lita's.
"Who's General Zoisite?" Serenity questioned.
Mina smiled, "The one that likes Amy," She giggled at Serenity's confused look.
Ray smiled, "He was the other guy in here earlier if you paid any
attention before slamming the door."
"Ohhh…" Serenity nodded, "Does Amy like him?"
Mina just smiled but didn't reply.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Hours later, Serenity stood in a light blue empire dress. Her
skirts rustled against her legs as she paced the floor. Some servants
had brought lunch a little over a half a hour ago but Serenity wasn't hungry
or at least she couldn't eat right now, her stomach was filled with too
many butterflies.
Ray stood against the wall on the other side of the room, Mina and Amy
took up the two armchairs while Lita laid on the couch with her ankle propped
up with some pillows.
The girls watched Serenity pace the room. The Queen would be here
any minute.
"Sere, you're going to make me dizzy," Ray commented.
Serenity stopped, looked at Ray with a nervous look before quickly pacing
again. She couldn't hold still if she wanted. Questions ran through her
head like 'what will she say', 'will she disown me', 'will she be mad',
'will she forgive me like the other have'? Questions, too many questions.
Seconds later, the door handle twisted making an echoing sound
in Serenity's ears. She was here! The doorknob twisted and the door swung
open and in stepped Queen Serenity. The majestic silver haired woman stood
for only a moment staring at her daughter. Her light blue eyes shimmered and
her lips quivered. Tears suddenly streaked down the older woman's face.
Serena stared right back at her mother, wondering if it would be right to
move, to embrace her mother but soon she didn't have to worry. The Queen
herself bolted forwards and wrapped her daughter in her arms as tears fell
from her eyes and onto her daughter's forehead.
"Mother!" Serenity gripped her mother around the waist, holding on for
dear life. The soft easy scent that only belonged to her mother drifted
around her, making her feel as if she was in heaven. Her mother's soft
silver hair brushed against her face as she kissed her forehead.
The guardians watched with tears in their eyes. It had seemed forever
since they had seen the Queen and it had been even longer since they'd
seen daughter and mother together again.
"My darling, darling, princess…" Queen Serenity murmured against
Serena's forehead, "Don't ever leave me like that again."
Serena nodded and pulled back to look into her mother's eyes, "I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry! I'll do whatever you say, I'm just so sorry…" Once again
Serena pulled her mother towards her in their hug.
Queen Serenity gently pulled her daughter so that they both sat on the
coffee table next to each other, still holding on to one another. The
queen looked around and smiled through her tears, "You're all here, my
sweet angels."
Mina choked on her own sob and tried to smile. The queen was dear to them
and it was wonderful to see her again.
All the guardians gave brilliant teary smiles to the Queen and nodded
their heads.
For the first time, they were all together again.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
After hugs, kisses and stories were shared of their adventures, the
guardians left to leave daughter and mother alone to talk.
The Queen sat on one of the armchairs while her daughter sat at her
feet, holding her hands between her own.
"Please…forgive me…" Serenity sniffed, "I'm sorry I ran away, I'm sorry
I didn't obey you."
Queen Serenity smiled slightly and looked around the room, "But you're
not sorry for the things you learned on your adventures, are you?"
Serena's eyes widened, "Mother… of course… I… "
The queen smiled, "I wouldn't want you to be sorry about that. I forgive you
for leaving me… I love you too much to be mad at you. Even when you were
little and would get into trouble I couldn't stay mad at you. But… In an
odd way I'm glad you went off on your own. You needed that space to grow and
to learn. I sense you are stronger spiritually and mentally because of it
and I'm proud of you."
"Mother… but I-"
"Shhh…" Queen Serenity lifted a hand and brushed some hair out of her
daughter's face, "You still have much to learn but," She smiled, "You
have plenty of time. You're not all grown up yet but I think you're on your
way there. I'm sorry too, Serenity, I'm sorry I didn't recognize how young
you truly were."
Serenity bit her lip and rested her head on her mothers lap, "Let's
not think about that. I love you."
Queen Serenity leaned down and kissed her daughters forehead, "And
as always, I love you."
Silence reined.
"Serenity," the queen lifted her daughter head from her lap, "I want you
to promise me you'll give the prince a chance."
Serena's eyes widened, "But mother, you don't understand-"
"I don't need to," she frowned, "Serenity I want you to promise you'll give
him a chance."
Serenity let out a breath of air, looked at her mother, smiled slightly
and nodded, "Alright, I promise."
The queen sighed and smiled, "Thank you."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
As night dawned, the king and queen of earth, the prince and all his
generals and all the guardians of the princess sat at the dinning room
table. Most of them sat in silence staring at the well lit candles that
adorned the table while other stared at their laps or looked out the window.
The door clicked open. Everyone looked up and let out a breath of relief
as Queen Serenity and her daughter stepped through the doors and came to
take their seats at the table.
"Please accept our apology… We lost track of time," Queen Serenity, with
the help of a servant, sat in her chair. Princess Serenity sat on the
opposite side of the table, next to the Prince of Earth.
"Of course," King Terran smiled at the Queen, "It's good to see you
again, Serenity."
After greetings were given, the food was brought in and dinner
started. Serenity, who sat next to the prince, felt self-conscious and not
quite sure how to react to him. Every once and a while she could feel his
eyes on her and every single time it made her feel small and vulnerable.
She wished he would stop it.
"Now that my son has informed me that the princess has been found… 'before'
I even knew she was kidnapped, I think it's high time we got this
wedding underway," King Terran said quite loudly over the table. He glanced
at his son who gave him a tight smile.
Serenity went pale and suddenly didn't feel so good. She looked down at
her half eaten food and had to fight down the feeling of nausea.
Queen Serenity nodded solemnly, "I think that is best as well… I can
feel something stirring, your majesty," her voice dropped down into a
whisper.
The king leaned forward with a crease on his forehead, "From where?
"I know not but I can feel it and…" She suddenly glanced at the prince
and her daughter, cleared her throat, backed up and gave the king a look
that clearly said 'later'.
Serenity frowned. She didn't hear much of the conversation but she
knew something was happening, something that had to do with her and her
kingdom.
"Seems as if something is up," Prince Endymion glanced at her, "You
wouldn't know what, would you?" He stared at his plate as he played with
his food.
"No," Serenity frowned, "Are you implying something?"
The prince smiled rudely, "What would make you say that?" He turned to her
and looked at her full in the face before letting his eyes travel down as
far as the table would allow and back up again to her eyes.
Serenity blushed bright red and quickly turned her head to stare at
her plate, "You are the rudest prince I've ever met!" She whispered
violently.
Endymion chuckled, "Am I? I doubt it."
"Sere, did you just hear that?" Mina suddenly squealed from across the
table, "There is a ball tomorrow night in our honor!"
Serenity quickly turned to the prince for an explanation.
The prince only shrugged and smiled.
The Earth Queen spoke up to explain, "It was all my idea of course,"
She beamed, "There will be all kinds of suitors for these lovely young
ladies and the best of the Kingdom will be there!"
Endymion chuckled under his breath but the princess heard it quite clearly.
"What's so funny?" She turned and gave him a subtle glare.
He smiled, "Hmmm…? Oh, well I was just thinking how you already got
your suitor and you're stuck with me," Then a scowl suddenly appeared on
his face, "And I'm stuck with you."
Serenity no longer cared if her mother saw; she openly glared at him
before turning sharply and asking the Queen more questions about the ball.
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
Meanwhile, two men sat outside the palace dinning room window, listening
to the girls giggle and talk about some kind of ball.
"What do you think it means? What do they plan to do with a ball?"
The second man rolled his eyes and whispered, "You idiot! A Ball is a party or
a dance where there's food and women!"
"Oh. Ohhh…" The man smiled, "The master would like to hear about this."
"Ya, he would… Hurry, let's go!"
"I thought we're gonna catch the princess.
"Shut-up, there's not a way for that now. Come on, we have to bring news."
= * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * = * =
To be continued…