Disclaimer: I've been forgetting. But really, I think everybody knows I
don't own Sailormoon, right?
Chapter 5
He was grown used to her soothing aura now, but the fact no longer mattered to him. He ceased to struggle, and gave in with a metaphorical sigh of relief and release of burden. If he had foreseen his companionship with and consequential dependence on the young woman, though, he probably never would have come to the moon.
It had happened gradually, this attachment. Sometimes, when he was feeling particularly lonely or sad, though he didn't comprehend the meaning or significance of these emotions, he sought her out of his own will, only knowing that she made it better. Under her wordless encouragement, he allowed himself this one weakness: to befriend her in his need. It was never, "Oh, there you are, I'm not feeling myself today, do you mind me spending time with you?" Rather, he would come to her, she nodding to him and figuratively drawing him in, as the unspoken understanding passed between them.
A friend.
He had never taken solace in anyone save his brother. And then Saffir did not offer the consolation this woman offered Demando now, being troubled and himself deprived. Besides, Demando didn't want to worry him.
Sometimes it took as little as locking eyes with her in passing. Other times, they would simply recline together in the library, reading and studying. Very little conversation passed between them, except to comment to each other once in a while, or else it was the princess speaking pleasantly, with the occasional nod or agreement or input from him. Otherwise, they communicated in a much more subtle method.
Once, she had tried to persuade him to accompany her and her ladies-in- waiting on an outing in the city, but he had graciously declined the invitation. Maybe he was more open to her now, but of others he remained apprehensive. She could feel him with her acquired sixth sense locking back up whenever another approached them together - when he had previously and up to that moment let down his guard.
Among those who noted this uncanny relationship, it was the princess's friends who were most concerned.
"Are you sure he's trustworthy, Seren-chan?" Mercury asked uneasily one day when they were alone together at their studies. Mercury often assisted the Princess with her tutoring. Her intellectual gift was a highly acclaimed virtue among both her own people and the people of the Moon Kingdom. In fact, the lovely sapphire-haired intellect spent much of her time in the Moon's laboratories, discovering new methods and improving old ones - things that allowed the Silver Millennium exist in the paradisiacal golden age that it did. "You mustn't forget he's from Nemesis, you know. Those people are terribly hostile. Although I hate to say it, there's no telling what he might do, even in the safety of your own home, if you're not careful."
Serenity waved away her concern. "He's not like that, Mercury. If you knew him . . . you'd see."
"Perhaps." But the wise Mercury continued, "Even so, don't you worry what others might think? The time you spend with him is gradually increasing. You know the people in the palace are infamous for talking. What if it gets back to Prince Endymion?"
The Moon Princess shook her head. "Endymion would know not to believe any rumors. Besides, they're completely unfounded." The Princess was resolute. What she didn't say was how fond she had become of the White Prince and how much she now enjoyed the time they were together.
The perceptive Mercurian, however, guessed this, and her eyebrows laced together prettily in concern.
From the three other young princesses, Serenity received a nonchalant comment here and there, but seemingly, Mercury's revelations had been shared with them, and they did not feel the need to reiterate.
Keeping a courteous distance, the Moon Queen also noticed the development between her offspring and her honored guest. She noticed now how when Demando attended the sovereign in her obligations, he seemed less distracted, more focused, and overall much healthier. Although he never mentioned the Princess directly, she absorbed how he listened and serenely took account of things mentioned in regards to her, when before he had only been passive, removed, and uninterested. In the same way, while there was no obvious personality change in her daughter, it was apparent to the queen how the child regarded the solitary man, taking him to her like a close brother or friend . . . or even, she dare thought, a chaste, innocent lover.
Still, the moon goddess said nothing and only viewed the situation with a maternal sort of detachment.
* * *
Midsummer came and went. Prince Endymion was delayed.
One gorgeous morning, after breakfast, Princess Serenity was out on the main lawn before the palace throwing the discus with Mars and a visiting Princess Neptune. Serenity had a unique talent for the activity and during the annual sports competition in the winter the princess came out the winner every time.
At the height of the great stair, a tall, slim, abnormally wan looking man appeared. Princess Neptune was the first to spot him. She peered up quizzically in his direction with aquatic eyes, for she was only on the Moon Kingdom for a short visit and had not yet witnessed the White Prince. For a second she thought he was of the moon, for he had a similar Mark on his forehead, although his was black and inverted. The man on the stair was silently observing the princesses' play.
The oblivious Serenity aimed and threw her discus at an unprepared Neptune, who noticed the object flying toward her and moved deftly away only just in time. Her movements were like water: always flowing, always graceful, even in situations such as this. The near-death experience prompted a verbal lashing from the short-tempered Princess of Mars.
"Watch where you're throwing that thing, Serenity! You could take somebody's head off with the power you put behind it!"
The moonchild fluttered like a distressed mother bird and hovered around Neptune, apologizing. Neptune dismissed her concerns, and then remembering what had caused the accident, she returned her gaze to the pale, regal man. She mentally approved of him when he met her gaze full on and remained unflustered. Not many men could stand the scrutinizing and refined glance of the Princess of Neptune.
Princess Serenity and Princess Mars followed her gaze and noticed their observer for the fist time. To the surprise of the other women, Serenity's face immediately brightened, and she flew up the stairs to confront the man.
"Prince Demando! How are you this morning? We didn't see you there."
Her acceptance of his simple nod demonstrated to the princesses that it was a normal response. Then he offered, "I'm going on an errand for the Queen, and on my way I'm going to see if there's any news from my brother."
"I'll go with you," the princess determined cheerily. She turned and proceeded to walk with him down the stairs and off across the lawn in the direction of the orchards, flicking her hand at her friends in a thoughtful wave and a courteous smile.
Neptune gave Mars a questioning look, who just shrugged.
"That man . . . who is he?" Neptune insisted on a better explanation. "I've never seen him before."
"Him? He's the Prince of Nemesis. Leave it to Serenity-chan to make friends with a shady character."
"He's different - troubled," the insightful Neptune murmured almost to herself, her voice the depth of the ocean.. "I hope Her Grace knows what she is getting herself into."
* * *
Serenity and Demando strolled through the ripe summer orchards, the young woman walking with a spring in her step, pulling at branches and tugging off dark green leaves and playing with them in rosy fingers, while the prince walked somberly, hands scarcely swinging at his sides.
"Do you miss your brother?" she asked him lightly, in passing, still fidgeting with the orchard trees as she passed them.
"Sometimes," he admitted.
"I believe I would miss my mother if I ever went away . . . Demando? Why did you come to the Moon Kingdom?" She stopped her fidgeting and now looked directly at him.
She did not fail to notice his sigh when he responded earnestly, "In a last attempt to save Nemesis." He always answered straightforwardly.
"Why?" she asked, shocked, azure eyes widening. "What's wrong with it?"
"Everything."
She gazed thoughtfully down at her hands. "I see . . . might it have something to do with the troubles on Earth?"
"No. Our troubles are our own."
"Do you think it can be fixed?" She was afraid of what the answer might be, but she asked nonetheless.
"One can only do so much." She saw the complete weight of his burden evident on him for the first time since she'd met him. The pain that was so prevalent, yet so hidden in him flickered through his eyes. Through them, she saw how he reverted into himself, the lavender color darkening as his thoughts. "The people are hungry . . . the Nemesian soil doesn't yield enough food for everyone. Clean water is scarce. We've had to carve out appropriate dwellings from the unlivable terrain." He rambled this off sullenly as if he had gone over it again and again in his mind, searching relentlessly for solutions, but to no avail.
"But," Serenity ventured, "Can't you appeal for help from the other kingdoms?"
"We can, but think how we are regarded in the eyes of your own people. They look on us with such suspicion and distaste. It's so with everyone. And really, how can I blame them?" He laughed bitterly to himself, and it made her shudder. "We do hate . . . it's the only thing left we can do."
The golden woman stopped suddenly. Turning towards him, she clasped his hands in her own, holding them up between them like a peace offering. "No one should hate . . ." she stated sternly, passionately. Of the many things she was ignorant of, of all the complexities in life she didn't understand, it was one thing she knew for certain. Hatred was no answer. Hatred solved nothing.
His features softened substantially, his eyes, his mouth, his whole face took on the expression of pure, uninhibited wonder. He could not have hidden it if he wanted to. He didn't want to. He had ceased to care, he had given in, and the freedom he had around her was wonderful.
Then she dropped his hands and they resumed walking together. "I want to help," Serenity said, as if the matter was finalized.
Demando smiled faintly to himself at her optimistic determination. But he had long ago lost faith in the power of hope.
* * *
When her daughter started displaying an interest in foreign relations and homeland policy, Serenity suspected that the influence came indirectly from none other than the White Prince himself. It had started right around the Princess Neptune's ambassadory visit. The girl was asking questions, paying attention. In fact, it was not something to condemn. Queen Serenity was quite pleased at her daughter's sudden curiosity and concern.
The princess chose to accompany her mother sometimes during her work, silently observing, taking in information - a plant absorbing sunlight. For although water and care will tend to a plant's nutrition, light is also needed for the sprout to fully grow. And Princess Serenity was blossoming into something magnificent indeed.
Now the two of them - the golden princess and her white-clad companion - often attended the queen.
One evening, when the mother and child were alone, the young one asked apprehensively, "Mother, how is it that the Silver Millennium has come to be so wary of the Nemesians?"
The splendid woman nonchalantly gathered papers from off her writing table. She had an inkling of what her daughter was thinking, but spoke casually. "Well, they're very hostile, my dear. We've only managed very shaky compromises with Nemesis up until now."
"But aren't they hostile because of the way we treat them?"
The elder woman shook her head carefully, shaking out silver tresses like rainfall. Her words were measured, "They were originally banished because of their belligerence. An empire cannot exist peacefully if the members do not cooperate."
"But even so," Serenity persisted, her lovely features clouded with worry, "it doesn't matter who started it. Shouldn't the Moon Kingdom be gracious and forgive?" Quietly, thoughtfully, "Prince Demando says that conditions on Nemesis are becoming unendurable." Then, her voice rising again, "Why can't we help them? We've come to the aid of Earth many times. And if we reached out to them, then I'm sure that the Nemesians would be willing to put aside their differences and embrace us."
The Queen gazed at her sadly. "I'm afraid it's not so easy, Serenity." She placed a gentle hand on the smaller, nearly identical woman's shoulder. "It would take a miracle for the people of Nemesis to abruptly forget a century's worth of resentfulness and be at peace with us. I try to help the people of the Black Moon Clan as best I can. But you must understand, I can only do so much for a potential enemy of the solar system. How can I give to a foe and neglect the needs of our friends? It wouldn't be right . . . do you understand?"
The Princess nodded slowly, eyes contemplative. "I understand, Mother. But I still think that if people stopped being ignorant and stubborn, things could be better." She narrowed her eyes defiantly.
Queen Serenity laughed, the smooth sound of a deep bell, and brought her child to her breast in a fierce maternal embrace. "So it is. But not everyone is as wise as you, dear."
* * *
"This is for you," Princess Serenity handed him an object.
Demando looked at it guardedly. "What is it?"
"See for yourself." She nudged the object toward him again.
Taking it from her hand he could see what it was: a silver ordained music box, small enough to fit inside one's palm. Serenity turned a key at the back and opened it for him in demonstration. The box began to play a haunting, melodic tune.
"Since Prince Endymion gave me a locket with the same melody, I don't really need it any more. So you can have it."
He looked from the pretty, square box, confused and speechless, then up at her questioningly.
"I just wanted you to have it, that's all," she explained. "It's a gift - from me to you."
"A gift?"
She nodded.
He didn't thank her, but Serenity had expected as much and was not offended.
Prince Demando thought about the meaning a gift. He knew what it was, but could not recall ever having been given one himself. The Prince of Earth had given Serenity a gift, and she in turn, had given one to Demando. He felt the unfamiliar longings to return the favor, and show up the young woman's fiancé.
They were sitting in the long rectangular sitting room where the two French doors opened up onto the balcony just after lunch. From these doors, a figure entered, leaving the doors ajar behind her. Her hair was rippling black ink and her eyes berry red, and she bore the Mark of the Moon Kingdom. As she swept across the room toward them, Demando saw how Serenity's face looked up, grew stunned, and then brightened, all within the course of a few seconds.
"Luna!" the Princess cried, and soared to meet the delicate woman halfway across the room, throwing herself into her arms like a lost child finding its mother. "How I've missed you!"
The beautiful woman laughed, stroking Serenity's unruly strands fondly. "You mean to say that you missed my nagging you and reminding you to act civilized? I thought there'd never come a day!"
"Where's Artemis?" the princess asked, looking around as if she expected the said man to appear from the walls at any minute.
"Oh, he's here," Luna twitched her head behind, indicating in which direction. The movements were oddly poised and catlike. Although the woman was scarcely a decade or so older than Serenity, she had acted as the girl's nurse for the majority of her young life.
"But think now, Seren-chan," the feline woman continued, "if Artemis and I have finished our diplomatic relations on Earth and have returned that can only mean -."
"That Prince Endymion has returned with you!" the Princess shouted, joy and excitement visibly encompassing all parts of her small being.
Demando watched amazed as she darted nimbly away through the doors and disappeared. Luna followed immediately, shaking her head and chuckling to herself.
Now left all alone and quite forgotten, Prince Demando stood and wandered over to the double doors. His eyes squinted, waiting to grow adjusted to the light as her peered out and down below the porch-balcony onto the grassy lawn of the courtyard. At a distance, he could see the blur of color that was the princess go flying into the arms of a tall, royally clad, dark-haired young man.
They embraced for an instant, then the shy princess seemed to recall that she should be "civilized," and let go of the man, blushing.
From his place on the balcony, Demando was penetrated with a warmth, but it was not the summer heat that assaulted him. He watched the reunited couple with interest, seeing their mouths move in wordless speech - he was too far away to hear what they were saying. He glanced down at the little music box he still gripped in his hand, then back toward the two again.
Within him, he felt an overwhelming sadness at the warmth. Although sorrow was well acquainted with him, he could not determine the origin of the emotion that now invaded his very being.
All of the sudden, he grasped that the warmth had once been his - not that he felt it, but that it came from within him and swelled outward. It had been generated there by the moon princess, not as powerful as the other heat, but it was a beginning. But this man, this other prince had arrived, had stolen the warmth from him.
And he violently wanted it back.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Take that, haha! I lied. I have gone along with the manga in some aspects. Has anybody noticed? Princess Mercury spoke of wanting to give a garland to a young man from Earth, and the Luna introduced here reminds Demando oddly of a cat. :3
I view this "love" (or whatever else it may be) being experienced by Demando as a two-way thing. That's how it can only be [a] between himself and Serenity or [b] between Endymion and Serenity. Not to say that he ceases to have feelings for her when she goes to Endymion, but that the warmth (ie, the love, friendship, fillintheblank between them) is only generated as a pair. ^-^;;; Whatever.
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. Please don't hesitate to give constructive criticism!
P.S. Can someone please tell me how I can keep italics when I upload from Microsoft Word onto ff.net?
Chapter 5
He was grown used to her soothing aura now, but the fact no longer mattered to him. He ceased to struggle, and gave in with a metaphorical sigh of relief and release of burden. If he had foreseen his companionship with and consequential dependence on the young woman, though, he probably never would have come to the moon.
It had happened gradually, this attachment. Sometimes, when he was feeling particularly lonely or sad, though he didn't comprehend the meaning or significance of these emotions, he sought her out of his own will, only knowing that she made it better. Under her wordless encouragement, he allowed himself this one weakness: to befriend her in his need. It was never, "Oh, there you are, I'm not feeling myself today, do you mind me spending time with you?" Rather, he would come to her, she nodding to him and figuratively drawing him in, as the unspoken understanding passed between them.
A friend.
He had never taken solace in anyone save his brother. And then Saffir did not offer the consolation this woman offered Demando now, being troubled and himself deprived. Besides, Demando didn't want to worry him.
Sometimes it took as little as locking eyes with her in passing. Other times, they would simply recline together in the library, reading and studying. Very little conversation passed between them, except to comment to each other once in a while, or else it was the princess speaking pleasantly, with the occasional nod or agreement or input from him. Otherwise, they communicated in a much more subtle method.
Once, she had tried to persuade him to accompany her and her ladies-in- waiting on an outing in the city, but he had graciously declined the invitation. Maybe he was more open to her now, but of others he remained apprehensive. She could feel him with her acquired sixth sense locking back up whenever another approached them together - when he had previously and up to that moment let down his guard.
Among those who noted this uncanny relationship, it was the princess's friends who were most concerned.
"Are you sure he's trustworthy, Seren-chan?" Mercury asked uneasily one day when they were alone together at their studies. Mercury often assisted the Princess with her tutoring. Her intellectual gift was a highly acclaimed virtue among both her own people and the people of the Moon Kingdom. In fact, the lovely sapphire-haired intellect spent much of her time in the Moon's laboratories, discovering new methods and improving old ones - things that allowed the Silver Millennium exist in the paradisiacal golden age that it did. "You mustn't forget he's from Nemesis, you know. Those people are terribly hostile. Although I hate to say it, there's no telling what he might do, even in the safety of your own home, if you're not careful."
Serenity waved away her concern. "He's not like that, Mercury. If you knew him . . . you'd see."
"Perhaps." But the wise Mercury continued, "Even so, don't you worry what others might think? The time you spend with him is gradually increasing. You know the people in the palace are infamous for talking. What if it gets back to Prince Endymion?"
The Moon Princess shook her head. "Endymion would know not to believe any rumors. Besides, they're completely unfounded." The Princess was resolute. What she didn't say was how fond she had become of the White Prince and how much she now enjoyed the time they were together.
The perceptive Mercurian, however, guessed this, and her eyebrows laced together prettily in concern.
From the three other young princesses, Serenity received a nonchalant comment here and there, but seemingly, Mercury's revelations had been shared with them, and they did not feel the need to reiterate.
Keeping a courteous distance, the Moon Queen also noticed the development between her offspring and her honored guest. She noticed now how when Demando attended the sovereign in her obligations, he seemed less distracted, more focused, and overall much healthier. Although he never mentioned the Princess directly, she absorbed how he listened and serenely took account of things mentioned in regards to her, when before he had only been passive, removed, and uninterested. In the same way, while there was no obvious personality change in her daughter, it was apparent to the queen how the child regarded the solitary man, taking him to her like a close brother or friend . . . or even, she dare thought, a chaste, innocent lover.
Still, the moon goddess said nothing and only viewed the situation with a maternal sort of detachment.
* * *
Midsummer came and went. Prince Endymion was delayed.
One gorgeous morning, after breakfast, Princess Serenity was out on the main lawn before the palace throwing the discus with Mars and a visiting Princess Neptune. Serenity had a unique talent for the activity and during the annual sports competition in the winter the princess came out the winner every time.
At the height of the great stair, a tall, slim, abnormally wan looking man appeared. Princess Neptune was the first to spot him. She peered up quizzically in his direction with aquatic eyes, for she was only on the Moon Kingdom for a short visit and had not yet witnessed the White Prince. For a second she thought he was of the moon, for he had a similar Mark on his forehead, although his was black and inverted. The man on the stair was silently observing the princesses' play.
The oblivious Serenity aimed and threw her discus at an unprepared Neptune, who noticed the object flying toward her and moved deftly away only just in time. Her movements were like water: always flowing, always graceful, even in situations such as this. The near-death experience prompted a verbal lashing from the short-tempered Princess of Mars.
"Watch where you're throwing that thing, Serenity! You could take somebody's head off with the power you put behind it!"
The moonchild fluttered like a distressed mother bird and hovered around Neptune, apologizing. Neptune dismissed her concerns, and then remembering what had caused the accident, she returned her gaze to the pale, regal man. She mentally approved of him when he met her gaze full on and remained unflustered. Not many men could stand the scrutinizing and refined glance of the Princess of Neptune.
Princess Serenity and Princess Mars followed her gaze and noticed their observer for the fist time. To the surprise of the other women, Serenity's face immediately brightened, and she flew up the stairs to confront the man.
"Prince Demando! How are you this morning? We didn't see you there."
Her acceptance of his simple nod demonstrated to the princesses that it was a normal response. Then he offered, "I'm going on an errand for the Queen, and on my way I'm going to see if there's any news from my brother."
"I'll go with you," the princess determined cheerily. She turned and proceeded to walk with him down the stairs and off across the lawn in the direction of the orchards, flicking her hand at her friends in a thoughtful wave and a courteous smile.
Neptune gave Mars a questioning look, who just shrugged.
"That man . . . who is he?" Neptune insisted on a better explanation. "I've never seen him before."
"Him? He's the Prince of Nemesis. Leave it to Serenity-chan to make friends with a shady character."
"He's different - troubled," the insightful Neptune murmured almost to herself, her voice the depth of the ocean.. "I hope Her Grace knows what she is getting herself into."
* * *
Serenity and Demando strolled through the ripe summer orchards, the young woman walking with a spring in her step, pulling at branches and tugging off dark green leaves and playing with them in rosy fingers, while the prince walked somberly, hands scarcely swinging at his sides.
"Do you miss your brother?" she asked him lightly, in passing, still fidgeting with the orchard trees as she passed them.
"Sometimes," he admitted.
"I believe I would miss my mother if I ever went away . . . Demando? Why did you come to the Moon Kingdom?" She stopped her fidgeting and now looked directly at him.
She did not fail to notice his sigh when he responded earnestly, "In a last attempt to save Nemesis." He always answered straightforwardly.
"Why?" she asked, shocked, azure eyes widening. "What's wrong with it?"
"Everything."
She gazed thoughtfully down at her hands. "I see . . . might it have something to do with the troubles on Earth?"
"No. Our troubles are our own."
"Do you think it can be fixed?" She was afraid of what the answer might be, but she asked nonetheless.
"One can only do so much." She saw the complete weight of his burden evident on him for the first time since she'd met him. The pain that was so prevalent, yet so hidden in him flickered through his eyes. Through them, she saw how he reverted into himself, the lavender color darkening as his thoughts. "The people are hungry . . . the Nemesian soil doesn't yield enough food for everyone. Clean water is scarce. We've had to carve out appropriate dwellings from the unlivable terrain." He rambled this off sullenly as if he had gone over it again and again in his mind, searching relentlessly for solutions, but to no avail.
"But," Serenity ventured, "Can't you appeal for help from the other kingdoms?"
"We can, but think how we are regarded in the eyes of your own people. They look on us with such suspicion and distaste. It's so with everyone. And really, how can I blame them?" He laughed bitterly to himself, and it made her shudder. "We do hate . . . it's the only thing left we can do."
The golden woman stopped suddenly. Turning towards him, she clasped his hands in her own, holding them up between them like a peace offering. "No one should hate . . ." she stated sternly, passionately. Of the many things she was ignorant of, of all the complexities in life she didn't understand, it was one thing she knew for certain. Hatred was no answer. Hatred solved nothing.
His features softened substantially, his eyes, his mouth, his whole face took on the expression of pure, uninhibited wonder. He could not have hidden it if he wanted to. He didn't want to. He had ceased to care, he had given in, and the freedom he had around her was wonderful.
Then she dropped his hands and they resumed walking together. "I want to help," Serenity said, as if the matter was finalized.
Demando smiled faintly to himself at her optimistic determination. But he had long ago lost faith in the power of hope.
* * *
When her daughter started displaying an interest in foreign relations and homeland policy, Serenity suspected that the influence came indirectly from none other than the White Prince himself. It had started right around the Princess Neptune's ambassadory visit. The girl was asking questions, paying attention. In fact, it was not something to condemn. Queen Serenity was quite pleased at her daughter's sudden curiosity and concern.
The princess chose to accompany her mother sometimes during her work, silently observing, taking in information - a plant absorbing sunlight. For although water and care will tend to a plant's nutrition, light is also needed for the sprout to fully grow. And Princess Serenity was blossoming into something magnificent indeed.
Now the two of them - the golden princess and her white-clad companion - often attended the queen.
One evening, when the mother and child were alone, the young one asked apprehensively, "Mother, how is it that the Silver Millennium has come to be so wary of the Nemesians?"
The splendid woman nonchalantly gathered papers from off her writing table. She had an inkling of what her daughter was thinking, but spoke casually. "Well, they're very hostile, my dear. We've only managed very shaky compromises with Nemesis up until now."
"But aren't they hostile because of the way we treat them?"
The elder woman shook her head carefully, shaking out silver tresses like rainfall. Her words were measured, "They were originally banished because of their belligerence. An empire cannot exist peacefully if the members do not cooperate."
"But even so," Serenity persisted, her lovely features clouded with worry, "it doesn't matter who started it. Shouldn't the Moon Kingdom be gracious and forgive?" Quietly, thoughtfully, "Prince Demando says that conditions on Nemesis are becoming unendurable." Then, her voice rising again, "Why can't we help them? We've come to the aid of Earth many times. And if we reached out to them, then I'm sure that the Nemesians would be willing to put aside their differences and embrace us."
The Queen gazed at her sadly. "I'm afraid it's not so easy, Serenity." She placed a gentle hand on the smaller, nearly identical woman's shoulder. "It would take a miracle for the people of Nemesis to abruptly forget a century's worth of resentfulness and be at peace with us. I try to help the people of the Black Moon Clan as best I can. But you must understand, I can only do so much for a potential enemy of the solar system. How can I give to a foe and neglect the needs of our friends? It wouldn't be right . . . do you understand?"
The Princess nodded slowly, eyes contemplative. "I understand, Mother. But I still think that if people stopped being ignorant and stubborn, things could be better." She narrowed her eyes defiantly.
Queen Serenity laughed, the smooth sound of a deep bell, and brought her child to her breast in a fierce maternal embrace. "So it is. But not everyone is as wise as you, dear."
* * *
"This is for you," Princess Serenity handed him an object.
Demando looked at it guardedly. "What is it?"
"See for yourself." She nudged the object toward him again.
Taking it from her hand he could see what it was: a silver ordained music box, small enough to fit inside one's palm. Serenity turned a key at the back and opened it for him in demonstration. The box began to play a haunting, melodic tune.
"Since Prince Endymion gave me a locket with the same melody, I don't really need it any more. So you can have it."
He looked from the pretty, square box, confused and speechless, then up at her questioningly.
"I just wanted you to have it, that's all," she explained. "It's a gift - from me to you."
"A gift?"
She nodded.
He didn't thank her, but Serenity had expected as much and was not offended.
Prince Demando thought about the meaning a gift. He knew what it was, but could not recall ever having been given one himself. The Prince of Earth had given Serenity a gift, and she in turn, had given one to Demando. He felt the unfamiliar longings to return the favor, and show up the young woman's fiancé.
They were sitting in the long rectangular sitting room where the two French doors opened up onto the balcony just after lunch. From these doors, a figure entered, leaving the doors ajar behind her. Her hair was rippling black ink and her eyes berry red, and she bore the Mark of the Moon Kingdom. As she swept across the room toward them, Demando saw how Serenity's face looked up, grew stunned, and then brightened, all within the course of a few seconds.
"Luna!" the Princess cried, and soared to meet the delicate woman halfway across the room, throwing herself into her arms like a lost child finding its mother. "How I've missed you!"
The beautiful woman laughed, stroking Serenity's unruly strands fondly. "You mean to say that you missed my nagging you and reminding you to act civilized? I thought there'd never come a day!"
"Where's Artemis?" the princess asked, looking around as if she expected the said man to appear from the walls at any minute.
"Oh, he's here," Luna twitched her head behind, indicating in which direction. The movements were oddly poised and catlike. Although the woman was scarcely a decade or so older than Serenity, she had acted as the girl's nurse for the majority of her young life.
"But think now, Seren-chan," the feline woman continued, "if Artemis and I have finished our diplomatic relations on Earth and have returned that can only mean -."
"That Prince Endymion has returned with you!" the Princess shouted, joy and excitement visibly encompassing all parts of her small being.
Demando watched amazed as she darted nimbly away through the doors and disappeared. Luna followed immediately, shaking her head and chuckling to herself.
Now left all alone and quite forgotten, Prince Demando stood and wandered over to the double doors. His eyes squinted, waiting to grow adjusted to the light as her peered out and down below the porch-balcony onto the grassy lawn of the courtyard. At a distance, he could see the blur of color that was the princess go flying into the arms of a tall, royally clad, dark-haired young man.
They embraced for an instant, then the shy princess seemed to recall that she should be "civilized," and let go of the man, blushing.
From his place on the balcony, Demando was penetrated with a warmth, but it was not the summer heat that assaulted him. He watched the reunited couple with interest, seeing their mouths move in wordless speech - he was too far away to hear what they were saying. He glanced down at the little music box he still gripped in his hand, then back toward the two again.
Within him, he felt an overwhelming sadness at the warmth. Although sorrow was well acquainted with him, he could not determine the origin of the emotion that now invaded his very being.
All of the sudden, he grasped that the warmth had once been his - not that he felt it, but that it came from within him and swelled outward. It had been generated there by the moon princess, not as powerful as the other heat, but it was a beginning. But this man, this other prince had arrived, had stolen the warmth from him.
And he violently wanted it back.
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Take that, haha! I lied. I have gone along with the manga in some aspects. Has anybody noticed? Princess Mercury spoke of wanting to give a garland to a young man from Earth, and the Luna introduced here reminds Demando oddly of a cat. :3
I view this "love" (or whatever else it may be) being experienced by Demando as a two-way thing. That's how it can only be [a] between himself and Serenity or [b] between Endymion and Serenity. Not to say that he ceases to have feelings for her when she goes to Endymion, but that the warmth (ie, the love, friendship, fillintheblank between them) is only generated as a pair. ^-^;;; Whatever.
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed. Please don't hesitate to give constructive criticism!
P.S. Can someone please tell me how I can keep italics when I upload from Microsoft Word onto ff.net?